Australia
About Australia
Australia is a place where you can:
– Embark on exciting journeys across beautiful landscapes
– Discover vibrant cities
– Learn about the world’s oldest continuous culture
– Savour some of the best food & wine
– Explore the legendary Outback
– Enjoy a laidback lifestyle
– Get close to unique and wonderful wildlife
– Enjoy great weather year round
Australia has a relatively low crime rate; patrolled beaches; well maintained roads and high standard of health care. It is easy to explore, friendly and welcoming.
It’s attractions include: Sydney Opera House, Uluru & Great Barrier Reef, unique wildlife in national parks, sanctuaries and aquariums etc.
Enjoy an Aussie bbq or fish and chips. Our food & wine is widely available in stunning locations, and ranked among the best in the world.
Australia is known for it’s natural beauty including stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.
Make sure you check out our state and territory travel guides below.
Best time to travel
Here are some examples of factors you will need to consider if travelling in Australia during the summer months of December through to February.
– The Australian Christmas holidays can be a busy period. Ensure that you pre-book accommodation, experiences, and cars or campervans.
– It will be extremely hot in the Red Centre (e.g. Alice Springs and Uluru).
– This is the wet season in the tropical north. It is very hot and humid, but also green and lush.
– Be aware that this is stinger season in the tropical north (northern Queensland, Broome and Darwin) and ocean swimming is not recommended, unless in a protected area (or if wearing a stinger suit).
– This is a perfect time to visit the southern parts of Australia.
Here are some examples of factors you will need to consider if travelling in Australia during the winter months of June through to August.
– Australia’s winter is mild in comparison to that of the northern hemisphere.
– Temperatures will be comfortable in the Red Centre (though chilly at night).
– This is an off-peak holiday period, so expect fewer crowds.
– This is the dry season in the northern region – still very warm, with low rainfall and humidity.
– This is the most popular time to visit the north of Australia, so ensure everything is pre-booked.
– Spring and autumn are fantastic times to travel in Australia with pleasant weather and fewer crowds (outside of school holiday periods).
Helpful hints
First time travellers
Have you travelled around Australia before? If you haven’t, you may wish to prioritise iconic destinations such as the Sydney Opera House, the Twelve Apostles, Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef.
How much time do you have?
If you have a limited amount of time, you will need to carefully plan your itinerary to ensure you have a good experience. This may mean sticking to one or two destinations instead of trying to see everything in a short space of time. Many travellers return to Australia many times as it cannot be experienced in its entirety during a single visit.
How would you like to get around Australia?’
Do you want to drive? Are you interested in rail journeys or coach tours?
Self-driving is a popular and easy way to experience Australia. There are driving itineraries to suit most travellers’ needs and wants, and they can be a great way to combine destinations.
If you prefer to have things organised, a coach tour could be the best choice. And of course, there are Australia’s iconic train journeys, which are also a great way of combining destinations.
Visa required: All International visitors to Australia need a visa, with the exception of Australian and New Zealand passport holders and permanent residents.
Why us?
Southside World Travel and our partners are experienced and knowledgeable Aussie Specialists who will ensure your time delivers all you are looking for and more. With the largest range of tours available, let us craft a tailor made itinerary for you. With enormous on-ground experience and significant local presence, you can expect the very best travel experience.
Contact us and let Southside World Travel create the best travel experience for you.
Travel Guides
Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory boasts culture, wine and nature.
Begin in the nation’s capital, Canberra, to visit Australia’s Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial and the National Gallery of Australia, with its dedicated Aboriginal art galleries. Then follow the Poacher’s Way to sample local wineries, picnic in the great outdoors, and explore stunning national parks.
Food & Wine
Small enough to have an intimate cellar door experience, yet large enough to offer all the variety of a premium growing region – that’s Canberra’s wine district. Home to more than 30 boutique wineries, this unique region is only 35 minutes’ drive from the city. You can sample award-winning wines while watching kangaroos lounge in the vineyards.
Canberra’s dining precincts continue to win acclaim. You can choose between affordable bistro-style eateries and stylish restaurants, bars and cafés. Or you can shop for fresh produce at the bustling markets and picnic by the picturesque Lake Burley Griffin.
Recommended duration: 1-2 days
Arts & culture
Unearth the treasures of Australia at one of Canberra’s many national attractions and galleries. Learn about the history of Australia, from its ancient Indigenous past, through its colourful colonial history, through to the modern multicultural country that it is today.
Canberra also houses treasures of Australian art, which can be found in world-class galleries in the national capital.
Recommended duration: 1-2 days
Family fun
Roar with ancient lizards at the National Dinosaur Museum or learn about the mysteries of science at Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre.
If you’re feeling active, you can test your sporting skills at the Australian Institute of Sport or hand feed a giraffe off your balcony at Jamala Wildlife Lodge.
Activities
– Australian War Memorial
A visit to the Australian War Memorial is vital for anyone who wants to understand Australian history. This incredible building combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive.
Go bushwalking in Canberra’s national parks and spot native Australian animals in their natural habitats. You can also ski and snowboard at Thredbo, which is just 2.5 hours’ drive from Canberra.
– National Gallery of Australia
Any traveller interested in art will find a visit to Australia’s pre-eminent public gallery a must-do. Some of Australia’s most famous artworks are housed here, including an enormous collection of incredible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Also, the gallery often hosts blockbuster exhibitions of some of the world’s greatest artists.
– National Museum of Australia
The National Museum of Australia is a social history museum, and aims to tell the ‘Australian story’. Well worth a visit to learn more about Australian culture.
Best time to travel:
Summer (December – February)
During summer in Canberra, average temperatures range from 12 – 27°C with little humidity and balmy nights. January is the hottest month, when temperatures rise to 13.0 – 28°C and visitors can make the most of Canberra’s vast outdoor spaces.
Autumn (March – May)
In autumn temperatures drop to an average of 6 – 20°C with mild days and cool nights. The city’s parks and gardens put on a beautiful display of colour.
Winter (June – August)
Winter in Canberra is cold with average temperatures between 1 – 12°C, dropping below 0°C at night. Snow falls in the nearby Australian Alps, making Canberra a great stopover on your journey to the slopes.
Spring (September – November)
During spring expect fresh mornings and brisk nights with average temperatures between 6 – 19°C. November is the wettest month (64.5 mm), however the city receives relatively low rainfall compared to the rest of the country.
New South Wales
Explore New South Wales’ famous beaches and iconic sights.
Bondi Beach is just a bus ride away from Sydney’s vibrant city scene. Keep exploring in the beautiful Blue Mountains or the wine-rich Hunter Valley. You’ll find coastal Byron Bay to the north, and dolphin-filled Jervis Bay to the south. Inland, a picturesque world of national parks awaits.
Blue Mountains
The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is one of Australia’s most spectacular natural attractions. Visit Scenic World for stunning panoramic views of the region, or head to Jenolan Caves for an underground adventure. You can learn about Aboriginal history and culture on guided walks, at artwork exhibitions and during traditional performances.
You can browse gift shops for antiques, souvenirs, books, confectionary, fine art and more. Hikers of all ages will love the many bushwalks in the Blue Mountains, making it the perfect holiday destination for families, nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Recommended duration: 1-3 days
Hunter Valley
Australia’s most visited wine region, the Hunter Valley is home to more than 150 world-class wineries, vineyards and cellar doors as well as numerous superb restaurants. Enjoy the perfect escape, whether you’re being pampered in one of the valley’s day spas or teeing off at a championship golf course.
Recommended duration: 1-3 days
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is renowned for its upmarket ‘alternative’ style and majestic natural beauty. With rainforests, volcanic mountains and long stretches of golden sand, it’s the perfect place to relax. You can kayak with friendly dolphins, relax on a beach, or enjoy the sunrise from Australia’s easternmost point, Cape Byron.
Few other seaside towns offer such a diversity of fabulous dining options. A treasure all-year round, Byron Bay is especially popular between May and September, when visitors can use its unique vantage points to watch whales cruise through the ocean on their annual migrations.
Recommended duration: 3-5 days
Sydney
One of the world’s most dynamic cities, Sydney contains an abundance of natural sites – from national parks and botanic gardens, to pristine waterways and native bushland. These offer endless ways to enjoy outdoor leisure pursuits. The city also has championship golf courses, scenic coastal walks, surfing and cycling tours, and whale-watching cruises.
You’ll be captivated by Sydney’s wide-ranging cultural life, its dynamic food scene and its contemporary and colonial architecture. Time your trip right and you can join one of the city’s famous celebrations: New Year’s Eve, Mardi Gras, the Sydney Festival or the Sydney International Art Series.
Recommended duration: 3-5 days
– Sydney Opera House
One of the world’s most distinctive buildings, the Sydney Opera House is an architectural triumph that attracts millions of visitors year-round. With a World Heritage listing and a reputation for attracting high-profile performers, the Sydney Opera House is a thriving hub of art, culture and history. Take a guided tour, enjoy a performance or sip a cocktail by the harbour.
– Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour is a big blue playground that bustles with ferries, yachts, cruise liners and kayaks. Laze on a chartered boat, unwind on a cruise or enjoy a ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly. Visit Sydney Harbour islands or the Sydney Harbour National Park, where you can enjoy scenic harbourside walks.
Best time to travel
November to February is the best time to visit Sydney and the rest of New South Wales. Days are often sunny, very warm and although there is scope for some rainfall, it’s far less than during the winter months (July, for example).
Travel to the New South Wales outback can get extremely hot during the summer months.
Northern Territory
Discover Aboriginal culture in the Northern Territory.
The Northern Territory boasts Aboriginal culture and unspoiled wilderness, both ancient and unique. From tropical Darwin, travel to World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge or Arnhem Land. Further south, you’ll discover the Red Centre including Uluru, lively Alice Springs and more.
Uluru
Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock) is Australia’s best known natural icon and the world’s largest monolith. It sits within the World Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Food-lovers will enjoy the bush tucker tours and the desert dining experiences – from BBQs to fine dining at Tali Wiru. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from walking tours, self guided cycle trails, scenic flights and motorbike tours.
For the culturally inclined, there’s a fascinating cultural centre and numerous workshops that introduce visitors to dot painting and other traditional crafts. Ayers Rock Resort offers free guided experiences for guests staying at one of its resort hotels or apartments.
Recommended duration: 2-3 days
Alice Springs
Framed by the MacDonnell Ranges to the east and west, and boundless red soil to the north and south, Alice Springs is a modern city enriched by a living Aboriginal tradition. Visitors can meet the animals that live in nearby wildlife parks, wander around Australia’s only arid-zone botanic garden or watch from a hot air balloon as kangaroos bound across the spinifex plains at dawn.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can survey the MacDonnell Range from a helicopter or take a quad bike safari through a working cattle station.
Recommended duration: 2-3 days
Kakadu
Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage-listed natural and cultural wonder about three hours southeast of Darwin. Discover Australia’s ancient Indigenous culture by viewing 50,000-year-old rock art or visiting the learning centres at Bowali or Warradjan. Hike to the top of rugged escarpments, swim in nature’s own infinity pool at Gunlom, or cruise the wetlands past waterlilies, waterfalls, crocodiles and migratory birds.
You can also take a scenic flight over Kakadu, drive the Nature’s Way route from Darwin, or visit Katherine and Arnhem Land as part of a longer top end adventure.
Recommended duration: 2-3 days
Darwin
Darwin is the Northern Territory’s vibrant capital city and a buzzing tropical destination. Filled with green spaces, fascinating markets, and restaurants and bars, it’s a wonderful place to relax before heading out into the top end’s national parks.
During your stay in the city, take a trip to the Tiwi Islands, see crocodiles up close at Crocosaurus Cove, or learn about Darwin’s history at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can visit the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets for tasty laksa or souvlaki before setting off on a sunset harbour cruise.
Recommended duration: 2-3 days
Darwin highlights:
Crocosaurus Cove
Located on Mitchell Street in the heart of Darwin, Crocosaurus Cove is home to native reptiles, fish and crocodiles. Explore the fascinating exhibits or join an expert guide for daily programmed activities. If you’re feeling really brave, get up close to some massive crocodiles in the Cage of Death.
Darwin Waterfront Precinct
A stone’s throw from the city centre, the Waterfront Precinct is home to manicured parklands, a safe swimming beach and a wave lagoon. With shops, bars and restaurants, it’s a great place to unwind. Historic Stokes Hill Wharf is located nearby, providing a convenient departure point for harbour cruises.
Darwin Markets
Held every Thursday and Sunday evening from May to October, the Mindil Beach Sunset Market is food heaven. Grab a freshly prepared laksa, curry or smoothie before finding a spot on the sand. You can also browse for souvenirs, including jewellery and art, and listen to live music.
Best time to travel
The dry season between May to October is the best time to travel. You’ll also find most events such as the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets and Darwin Festival happen during this time. Most visitors come during dry season. However, if humidity and tropical afternoon down pours are ok, then don’t let the Wet deter you.
Queensland
Queensland is famously known as the place where life is “beautiful one day, perfect the next”
It is a destination that boasts spectacular scenery and unparalleled nature experiences. Enjoy bustling cultural precincts and award-winning dining experiences in the buzzing riverside capital city of Brisbane, before soaking up the relaxed beach lifestyle of the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast, both offering iconic surf breaks and beaches as well as national parks. Continue north and experience the 74 jewel-like islands that make up the Whitsundays, as well as Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region, to where the rainforest meets the reef.
The Great Barrier Reef
A must see destination, the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is the only living structure on earth that can be seen from outer space.
It comprises more than 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands that stretch along 2,300 kilometres (1,400 miles) of Queensland’s coastline.
Key access points include Port Douglas, Cairns and the Whitsundays. The reef offers a range of world-class experiences, including scuba-diving, snorkelling, sailing and expedition cruising. You’ll enjoy stunning coral reefs and colourful marine life.
Recommended duration: 1-3 days
Wildlife & nature encounters
If you’re after wildlife and nature encounters, Queensland has some awesome locals for you to meet. Dive with manta rays and turtles at Lady Elliot Island, wave at humpback whales in Hervey Bay, watch the sunrise with the wallabies at Cape Hillsborough, or hand-feed wild dolphins on Moreton Island. Relax by exploring nearby World Heritage–listed areas including the Daintree National Park and the Gondwana Rainforests.
Recommended duration: 1-4 days
Islands & beaches
Queensland is famous for its long stretches of golden sand and rolling surf. Surfers from around the world head to the renowned breaks at the Gold Coast and Noosa. Other must-see beaches include Rainbow Beach on the Sunshine Coast with its coloured dunes, and Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, which is often voted the most beautiful beach in Australia.
There are more than 900 islands in Queensland, some of which you can stay on. Accommodation ranges from family-friendly bungalows to luxury escapes.
Recommended duration: 3-7 days
Brisbane
Brisbane boasts an extensive events calendar that includes music, sports, cultural activities, and food and wine events. Visitors can soak up the subtropical climate in their own way. Mix with the locals at weekend markets, explore parklands and laneways, or enjoy the South Bank Cultural Precinct, which is dedicated to the arts.
Experience nature on your doorstep with a wilderness adventure through Brisbane’s subtropical landscape. Take a ferry to Moreton Bay and enjoy sand-boarding, quad bike tours and dolphin-feeding. Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to cuddle a koala and feed the resident kangaroos.
If nature is your passion, head to the hinterland or Moreton Bay Marine Park to unwind. Both are less than an hour from the city.
Recommended duration: 2-3 days
Best time to travel
The high season (May to August) is the best time, but the most expensive. For example when it is cold and wet in Sydney and Melbourne, Queensland is nice and warm!
The best months to visit the Great Barrier Reef are during September & October. Avoid far north Queenland during the summer months. This is the time of the big WET (very hot and humid).
South Australia
Visit South Australia for scenery, Shiraz and sea lions.
Wine and dine in Adelaide, the gateway to South Australia, before travelling to see native wildlife on Kangaroo Island or swim with sea lions on the Eyre Peninsula. Visit wineries in the Barossa and Clare Valley or even McLaren Vale, and travel to the underground outback opal mining town of Coober Pedy.
Kangaroo Island
Just a short flight from Adelaide, or a 90 minute drive and 35 minute ferry ride, Kangaroo Island is easily accessible by day tour from Adelaide. If wildlife and nature are what you’re looking for, Kangaroo Island is regarded as one of the best places in Australia to see it.
Nowhere else on the continent features such a concentration of pristine beaches and abundant flora and fauna. You might visit Kangaroo Island for the wildlife but you’ll fall in love with the wine. It’s one of South Australia’s newest wine regions, where the wines have strong fruit flavours and intense colours.
Recommended duration: 2-3 days
The Barossa
Australia’s most famous wine region features more than 80 cellar doors, less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide. To visit the Barossa is to taste the good life. Premium wines, including Barossa Valley Shiraz and Eden Valley Riesling, regional produce and acclaimed restaurants provide a gastronomic experience second to none.
Barossan cuisine can be found around every corner and a local favourite is Hentley Farm Winery for a unique wine and food experience or head along to the Barossa Farmers Market every Saturday morning for very best from local producers.
Recommended duration: 1-3 days
Flinders Rangers and Outback
The Flinders Ranges is one of the oldest mountain ranges on earth. Stunningly beautiful, the ranges feature national parks, towering rock walls and spectacular gorges. Visitors can marvel at significant fossil sites or take in the abundant wildlife and Aboriginal culture and rock art.
Set in the heart of the ranges, picturesque Wilpena Pound can be explored on foot, by 4WD tour or scenic flight. You can also visit historic outback pubs offering Australian bush foods, or sheep and cattle stations with historic homesteads and luxury safari tents.
Recommended duration: 3-4 days
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the perfect starting point for your exploration of nearby wine regions, Kangaroo Island and the great Australian outback. A great destination in its own right, Adelaide offers wildlife, beaches, Aboriginal culture and superb dining. Adelaide’s culinary culture begins in the city centre with the National Wine Centre, the Adelaide Central Market, and numerous bars and cafés.
If you enjoy art and history, you can head to North Terrace, which is home to both the Art Gallery of South Australia and the South Australian Museum, with its large Aboriginal Cultures Gallery. Just a short drive from the city centre and you can cuddle a koala at Cleland or Gorge Wildlife Parks.
The Adelaide Central Market buzzes with life and colour all year round. You’ll find a huge range of fresh food here and shoppers can take a break in some of Adelaide’s famously trendy cafés. Take a tour to sample local produce and discover the history of this special place.
North Terrace is Adelaide’s cultural boulevard. The street itself is a collection of landscaped terraces, impressive statues, leafy courtyards and cafés. You can visit the South Australian Museum and the Migration Museum. Relax afterwards at Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens or the National Wine Centre.
Glenelg is Adelaide’s most popular seafront suburb and offers numerous waterside attractions. The Temptation catamaran regularly takes people out to swim with dolphins. Glenelg is easily reached by the tram that terminates at Jetty Road where visitors will find a colourful collection of bars, restaurants, cafés and shops.
Recommended duration: 2-3 days
Best time to travel
Summer (Dec – Feb) is the best time to explore South Australia’s beaches as the weather is hot, dry and sunny. The best season for foodies and wine lovers is early autumn (Mar – Apr) when vintage celebrations take over wine country.
Winter (Jun – Aug) is an excellent time to see wildlife and whales off the coast, while spring is a popular season for hiking and bushwalking as it’s not too hot and native wildflowers are in bloom.
Tasmania
Explore Tasmania’s wilderness and wineries.
Tasmania’s capital Hobart offers sophisticated dining and a thriving arts scene. Explore historic Port Arthur, visit wildlife on Bruny Island, and marvel at the beauty of Freycinet’s Wineglass Bay. From Cradle Mountain to Strahan, there’s no end to the breathtaking surprises in Tasmania’s World Heritage–listed wilderness.
Freycinet Peninsula
Freycinet National Park is a paradise of pink granite peaks, secluded bays, luxurious eco-lodges and abundant birdlife. Situated on Tasmania’s beautiful east coast, it’s the perfect location for outdoor activities, you can try fishing, sailing, bushwalking, sea kayaking and rock climbing. Or you can simply soak up the spectacular scenery.
Freycinet is also home to picturesque Wineglass Bay, which is accessible on foot or via a Wineglass Bay cruise. Visit the nearby coastal towns for fresh seafood and encounters with wildlife. You’ll soon discover why this region attracts visitors from around the world.
Recommended duration: 3 days
Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and one of Tasmania’s most visited places. Surrounded by smooth glacial lakes, ancient rainforests and alpine vegetation, it is a cradle of natural wonders. To fully appreciate Cradle Mountain, consider one of the many short walks found in the area.
For seasoned hikers, Cradle Mountain is also the starting point for Tasmania’s 65 km/40 mile Overland Track. You can select from a range of tours including horseback trail rides, canyoning and helicopter flights.
Recommended duration: 3 days
Strahan
Strahan is a village on the shores of Macquarie Harbour, the awe-inspiring gateway to Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Take an unforgettable cruise through temperate rainforests along the Gordon River.
Take a walk to Hogarth Falls where you might spot a platypus on your way to the waterfall, or try sandboarding at nearby Henty Dunes.
Recommended duration: 2 days
Hobart
Tasmania’s capital city offers heritage, scenery and culture in a setting of exceptional beauty. Spoil yourself with paddock-to-plate dining experiences using fresh, high-quality Tasmanian produce. Visitors can enjoy nearby Port Arthur (a World Heritage–listed town), treat their taste buds at Bruny Island or sip award-winning single malt whisky in the highlands.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take an eco-cruise and watch seals and dolphins play in their natural habitat.
Recommended duration: 2 days
Activities:
Salamanca Market
Set among the historic sandstone buildings of Hobart’s picturesque waterfront, Salamanca Market is held every Saturday. It’s a special place where you can meet people who create, make or grow what they sell. You’ll find original, hand-made Tasmanian pieces, as well as fresh fruit and organic vegetables.
Mona
Australia’s largest privately owned museum, the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) showcases the collection of its owner, David Walsh. The collection includes more than 2,000 artworks, antiquities and ethnographic pieces. These range from Ancient Egyptian artefacts to some of the world’s most infamous and thought-provoking contemporary art.
Mount Wellington
Drive or hike to the summit of Mount Wellington for jaw dropping views in every direction. Easily accessible from the city, Mount Wellington also offers a number of short walks and picnic areas. Keep an eye out because, if you’re lucky, you may see local wildlife.
Best time to travel
The best time of year to visit Tasmania is in their summer, from Dec – Feb, when it is warm and dry. Maximum temperatures average between 20 Celcius to 24 Celcius along the coast, and the valleys west of Hobart (the warmest locations), regularly rise above 25 Celcius.
March to May brings in the autumn coolness and harvest time. Average highs are just above 20 Celcius in the valleys and 15 Celcius along the coast, with lows recorded around 11 Celcius to 7.6 Celcius. This is the best season for getting out to the farms and vineyards, as produce is at its peak and wines beckon for the tasting.
September to November is springtime and with it comes a spectacular burst of colour. It is a season of frequent change, and snowfall is still common in the mountains through October. This is also the windiest time of year. Average temperatures range on the high side from 15.4 Celcius inland and 19 Celcius coastal, to lows of 7 Celcius to 10 Celcius, respectively.
The winter months of June, July and August are the wettest and coldest, and there is considerable snowfall in the higher elevations. Temperatures are typically warmer than mainland Australia, and most of coastal Tasmania rarely drops below freezing.
Victoria
Victoria is the place for culture and road-trips.
Revel in Melbourne’s renowned culture, with laneways, galleries and more. Beyond, you’ll discover the Great Ocean Road, the Yarra Valley’s celebrated wineries and the stunning Macedon Ranges. Meet fairy penguins on Phillip Island, take a houseboat down the Murray River or hike the ancient landscapes of the Grampians National Park.
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most scenic coastal touring routes, spanning 243 kilometres of Victoria’s southwest coastline. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean as it winds along clifftops, across spectacular headlands, and through a magical sequence of beaches, river estuaries and untouched rainforests.
Highlights include the Twelve Apostles – an ancient rock formation rising out of the sea – and Loch Ard Gorge. The Great Ocean Walk is a 104 kilometre long coastal hike that finishes at the Twelve Apostles and offers an unforgettable nature experience.
Recommended duration: 1-3 days
Phillip Island
Wildlife abounds on Phillip Island, which is less than two hours drive from Melbourne. Get up close to gorgeous fairy penguins and come face to face with snoozing koalas. Unwind at boutique accommodation in Cowes and Rhyll, where you’ll wake up to the sound of waves breaking onshore.
Pick up fresh seafood in San Remo, or cross the bridge to the village of Newhaven to catch your own. Once a year, Phillip Island swarms with motorcycle fanatics, who gather to cheer on their heroes at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Recommended duration: 1-3 days
Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is the birthplace of Victorian winemaking and a region passionate about its food and wine. It contains numerous villages surrounded by rolling hills and lush pastures against a backdrop of blue mountains. For an exciting bird’s-eye view, take to the skies in a hot-air balloon before descending to enjoy a vineyard breakfast of sparkling wine and freshly picked produce.
At Healesville Sanctuary wildlife park, you can see native Australian birds and animals including the elusive platypus. For a cultural experience, visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art or one of many other artists’ studios dotted around the region.
Recommended duration: 1-2 days
Melbourne
Melbourne is famous for its creative laneways with their covert boutiques, hole-in-the-wall cafés and astonishing bars. Take a break from the mainstream and head down alleys decorated with stencil work, light-boxes and quirky sculptures.
It is a city that hides its best venues, rewarding those who dare to explore. This exploration becomes part of the city’s allure as you venture through laneways, down into basements and up on to the city’s rooftops. Discover Melbourne’s street art and its irresistible restaurant and coffee culture.
There’s something for everyone – from buzzing inner suburbs like Fitzroy that exude bohemian style, to beachside destinations such as St Kilda, which is renowned for its bars, night clubs and kite-surfing culture.
Southbank
Enjoy Melbourne’s multicultural cuisine at stylish city restaurants while enjoying awe-inspiring views of the Yarra River. Afterwards, you can stroll along the riverbanks or take a harbour cruise. Visit the Crown Entertainment Complex for even more shopping and indulgence.
Fitzroy
Fitzroy is the upbeat centre of Melbourne’s alternative culture. Brunswick Street is the main strip and offers antique stores, specialist bookshops and vintage clothing boutiques. In Gertrude Street you’ll find bars, restaurants, galleries and classic Australian pubs.
Best time to travel
Most of Victoria enjoys warm summers, glorious springs, mild autumns and crisp winters.
Melbourne heats up in the summer (Dec – Feb), cools down in autumn (Mar – May), is coldest in winter (Jun – Aug), and warms up again in Spring (Sep – Nov).
Western Australia
Enjoy Western Australia’s sunny days and superb scenery.
Unwind on Perth’s beaches before heading south for Margaret River’s wineries and Albany’s scenic coastline, and west to Kalgoorlie’s goldfields. In the north, marvel at Karijini National Park, swim with dolphins at Ningaloo or Monkey Mia, and explore the epic outback region of The Kimberley.
Margaret River
In the Margaret River wine region, you can hop from award-winning wineries and restaurants to stunning beaches in mere minutes. There’s also tall-timber forests and wildflowers nearby, as well as world-class surf breaks and ancient caves.
The Margaret River region offers spectacular walking trails, as well as opportunities to enjoy rock climbing, abseiling, caving, mountain biking, canoeing and horse riding.
Recommended duration: 2-5 days
Ningaloo Reef
The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is among the most biologically diverse marine environments on the planet. Visitors can walk straight off the beach and snorkel through superb coral gardens full of colourful fish.
Take a tour from Coral Bay or Exmouth and experience swimming with enormous whale sharks. Keep an eye out for manta rays, rare turtles, migrating humpback whales, pods of dolphins and vibrant tropical fish.
Recommended duration: 3-4 days
Kimberley Region
The spectacular Kimberley region offers rugged mountain ranges and a coastline of majestic scenery. Visitors can marvel at Horizontal Falls, Lake Argyle, King George Waterfalls and the unique formations of the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park.
Adventurous tourists can cruise in the archipelago, search for outback animals or dive for pearls. For a more relaxing escape, view the Staircase to the Moon – a natural phenomenon caused by the moon reflecting on exposed mudflats at extremely low tide – or visit Cable Beach in Broome for a sunset camel ride.
Recommended duration: 3-10 days
Perth
Perth is the only capital city in Australia where you can enjoy the beach, relax in natural bushland, view dolphins, sample world-class food and wine, and watch an Indian Ocean sunset all within 30 minutes of the city. Situated beside the Swan River, Perth is a living postcard. The best views of the city are available from Kings Park, one of the world’s biggest inner-city parks.
Other city icons include the Swan Bells, one of the largest musical instruments on earth, and the Perth Mint, home to the world’s greatest collection of gold bars.
Recommended duration: 2-4 days
Perth highlights:
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island offers 63 stunning beaches, 20 beautiful bays and numerous coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy some of Australia’s best swimming, snorkelling and surfing. Out of the water, you can take a bicycle
Fremantle
The vibrant city of Fremantle offers thriving markets, the Western Australian Maritime Museum and the World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison. Sip a coffee on the ‘cappuccino strip’ or sample fresh local seafood at Fishing Boat Harbour. For breakfast, you can head out to one of Fremantle’s many trendy
Kings Park
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is the green heart of Perth, covering more than 400 hectares adjacent to the Swan River. Offering remarkable expanses of walking trails, tranquil parkland and spectacular wildflowers, the park is one of the most popular visitor destinations in Western Australia.
Best time to travel
The best time to visit the South of Western Australia is between November to March (summer) when it doesn’t rain as much and the temperatures are high. Above the Tropic of Capricorn visit between May and October (during the dry season) when the temperatures are milder.
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