Australia has so much to see and do in with some spectacular scenery and natural beauties just waiting to be explored. Before you head overseas again, make sure you tick these stunning destinations off your travel bucket list.
The Kimberley
One of the most remote, wildest and most beautiful regions in the world, the Kimberleys are located in the north-west corner of Australia offering rugged gorges, warm turquoise waters, soft white sand beaches and stunning outback landscapes.
Ride a camel at sunset along Cable Beach in Broome. Take a helicopter flight over the spectacular Bungle Bungles. Enjoy a 4WD adventure along the Gibb River Road, where you’ll see mighty rivers, freshwater crocodiles, towering gorges and ancient Aboriginal rock art. Experience outback luxury at the breathtaking El Questro Wilderness Park and Homestead. Marvel at the beauty and power of Mitchell Falls. Admire the superb scenery and plentiful wildlife on a cruise of Lake Argyle or swim in the pristine waters of Australia’s largest manmade freshwater lake.
Kakadu National Park
A timeless place covering almost 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park is the largest national park in Australia and located three hours outside of Darwin. A protected natural and cultural wonder and an Australian icon, Kakadu is a landscape of spectacular contrasts.
See waterfalls cascade powerfully off the edge of towering escarpments. Witness millions of migratory birds visiting vast and scenic wetlands. Take a boat trip through billabongs, cruising amongst lotus flowers, reeds and blue lilies while crocodiles menacingly pass by. Visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to learn about the story and culture of Kakadu’s traditional land owners, the Bininj people. Hike through beautiful gorges and amongst lush rainforest, admiring ancient rock art before cooling off in a natural plunge pool or waterhole.
Norfolk Island
At just 8km by 5km, tiny Norfolk Island is only three hours flying time from Sydney. With its charming combination of history, culture, pristine environs, mouth-wateringly fresh cuisine bursting with flavor and friendly, down-to-earth locals, Norfolk Island is the perfect holiday destination.
Under much debate as to whether it is actually part of Australia, it is the only self-governing external territory of Australia that is a part of the Commonwealth of Australia though Medicare does not extend to its shores. Steeped in history, explore convict ruins in Kingston; get 360 degree views from the top of Mount Pitt; take a scenic coastal cruise around the island or stroll through the unspoiled National Park with dramatic seascapes and towering forests.
Great Barrier Reef
The largest coral reef system in the world, the 2,300 km Great Barrier Reef is home to diverse marine life and comprises of over 3,000 individual reef systems.
Discover its breathtaking beauty from above in a seaplane or by skydiving into one of the world’s most picturesque drop zones. Stay dry and see it from a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible. Without a doubt, the best way to experience it however, is up close and personal in the water. Snorkelling or diving in the reef instantly transports you to a magical underwater wonderland, where you drift over and amongst vivid coral gardens, colourful fish and intriguing reef creatures. Swim alongside turtles, underneath manta rays, above giant clams and with schools of fish. You can even spend a night in underwater accommodation.
Freycinet National Park
A paradise of dramatic, pink granite peaks, powdery white sand beaches and cool turquoise waters; Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast is a breathtakingly beautiful piece of Australia begging to be explored.
A haven for some of Australia’s most famous and rare fauna and flora, wander through ancient forests scattered with rare bush orchids and wildflowers. Watch for wildlife on land, and out to sea where you can spot dolphins playing and humpback whales during migration. Admire the stunning beauty of Wineglass Bay on Freycinet Peninsula, considered one of the top ten beaches in the world. Discover its magnificence from above on the rocky lookouts or afar, when kayaking or boating through its ice-blue waters.
Lord Howe Island
A crescent-shaped volcanic remnant located between Australia and New Zealand, picturesque Lord Howe Island is an isolated nature-lovers paradise. With pristine beaches, coral reefs and marine environment, 75 percent of the island’s natural vegetation remains intact.
A short two hour flight from Sydney, you’ll discover a varied landscape of hills, valleys, mountains, sea-cliffs and lowlands with an abundance of flora and fauna. Enjoy bird-watching or legendary fishing, try snorkeling or diving in some of the most spectacular reefs in the world or walk, hike, sail and kayak around the tiny island. With a maximum of 400 tourists permitted on the island at a time, you can be assured of peace, solitude and a real escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
