Australia immediately conjures images of the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, big-wave surfing, miles of Outback and a rather strange, and endearing, assortment of animals. While the country’s main cities offer charm, glamour, unique festivals, a well-preserved historical heritage, fabulous beaches and fun events, it’s also a land of immense contrast and captivating nature. The nation offers something for just about everyone – from water lovers, desert wanderers and canyon climbers, to arts and culture buffs, historians, and foodies. The country’s vast size makes it almost impossible to take it all in during a single visit, but you can pick and choose a perfect holiday according to your personal preferences.
Set along Australia's southeastern coast, Sydney is one of Australia's largest cities and serves as the capital of New South Wales. No matter what you fancy – shopping, the arts, the outdoors – you’re likely to be bewildered by the scope of choice available here. First up, there are the must-sees – iconic Sydney Opera House; Harbour Bridge, where visitors can climb while hearing about Sydney history; and the Sydney Tower which provides spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Explore the photogenic waterside hubs of Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, and the Rocks district; or delve into the larger-than-life music and food scenes of the metropolis after dark. For more laid-back diversions, head down to the beach or hop on a ferry for an extensive tour of Sydney Harbour and the gorgeous Parramatta River.
Lying deep within the Flinders Ranges, Blinman is a popular South Australian destination found near the geographical centre of the country. A scenic Outback town consisting of less than 30 permanent residents, Blinman offers some great sights, wonderful opportunities for 4x4 driving tours (it used to host the Land Rover Jamboree) and excellent annual events. Don’t miss the Heritage Blinman Mine, where you can learn more about the region’s historic copper industry, before heading out to view the stunning geological sights of Brachina Gorge and Parachilna Gorge. Each October, the town hosts Cook Out Back, an outdoor cooking festival that attracts more than 500 visitors. Finally, Blinman Scenic Flights offers unforgettable airplane tours of the spectacular Flinders Ranges, as well as near-lying Cooper Creek and Lake Eyre.
Kangaroo Island (“Ki” to the locals) is Australia’s third largest island and a well-known haven for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a retreat. The island lies around 112 km southwest of Adelaide and is almost two thirds protected by reserves and national parks. There are also many cafés and restaurants that serve fresh local fare. The island’s main focus is on eco-tourism and you’ll find flawless beaches along the coastline such as Vivonne Bay, which was crowned Australia’s best beach in 2003. Island Beach is another remote oasis, where kangaroos, seals, dolphins and various birds are found in abundance, while the west coast of Flinders Chase National Park is home to the iconic granite boulders known as Remarkable Rocks.
Situated near the border between the Northern Territory and the Kimberley region in Western Australia, Keep River National Park is a relatively small park known for its diverse landscapes. The park offers visitors a view of some dramatically different geological wonders, including numerous striking sandstone formations and steep escarpments. The unquestionable highlight is the towering striped sandstone structures best viewed on the popular 7-kilometre Jarnem Walk. Visitors can look forward to an array of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, birdwatching, wildlife spotting and viewing ancient Aboriginal rock art with over 2000 amazing drawings. Don’t miss the beautiful Cockatoo Lagoon, a bird sanctuary teeming with life.
Once a sleepy sugar-milling town, Cairns in North Queensland is now a vibrant cosmopolitan city and a premier destination for sailing, diving and snorkelling. Its tropical waters are home to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, and lush rainforests cover the surrounding areas. Make the most of this coastal paradise by cycling along the 14 kilometres of sandy beachfront, or rafting through rapids to view the ruins of Mission Beach. Other popular activities include visiting Cooktown for a taste of history or taking a scenic drive through the farmlands, stopping at village markets along the way. In the town centre, visit the Tiapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for a musical and dance interpretation of Aboriginal history, or relax at Cairns Esplanade for a perfect seaside dining experience coupled with a romantic sunset.
Located in Far North Queensland, just a 10- minute drive from Port Douglas, the picturesque town of Mossman serves as the perfect gateway to the stunning rainforest the area is known for. Resting amidst sugarcane fields at the base of wooded mountains, this country town is also a great place to learn about Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal culture; these people have lived in the rainforest for over 4000 years. Discover the spectacular scenery of Mossman Gorge and the nearby Daintree National Park with its tropical vegetation and breathtaking emerald pools. After a day of exploring, enjoy a drink at one of the historic pubs which line the town's main street. Don’t miss the opportunity to tour the world-famous sugar cane mill during picking season (June to October).
