Every state and territory in Australia shines in its own unique way, from natural wonders, picturesque regional vistas and storytelling towns and cities to stunning historical landmarks and emotive encounters, Australia is full of best experiences, no matter your location. We look at some of the greatest around the country.
Ningaloo Reef
Western Australia
It is hard to surpass rugged Australian luxury when it comes to some of the best experiences in the country and Ningaloo Reef on the North West Cape of Western Australia is the epitome of rustic richness. Looking for a holiday like nothing you’ve experienced before? An immersive experience into the captivating environment that surrounds you, with a footprint admired by nature, is the must have Sal Salis experience. Situated in the dunes of the ruggedly spectacular Cape Range National Park lies this incredible and exclusive beach safari camp ready to recharge your soul. Overlooking the vibrant Ningaloo Reef, home to colourful corals and a thriving marine life, this unique place has to be one of Australia’s best kept secrets.
Palm Cove
Queensland
Temperate weather year-round, pristine white-sand beaches fringed by towering palm trees, an inviting turquoise ocean with nearby vibrant coral reefs, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest a stone’s throw away, amazing alfresco dining and a lush landscape steeped in history.
Palm Cove is perfectly nestled between Cairns and Port Douglas, 30 minutes either way by car, meaning you have a myriad of touring opportunities available, including hotel pick-ups, and every attraction of the region easily accessible. Located right on the beachfront, overlooking the stunning Coral Sea (also shared by the South Pacific), is Villa Beach Palm Cove – a perfect accommodation solution to suit all visitors, be it families, couples, friends or golfing groups.
Regional Rail
New South Wales
Regional Australia extends from stunning coastlines to the rugged outback and offers a wealth of natural wonders, picturesque and ever-changing countryside, endless quaint towns and landscapes steeped in history in between, plus that always welcoming country hospitality. It brings an inviting escape from the big cities and rush of everyday life, ready to enhance our horizons and deepen our perspective of the backbone of this great nation. Regional Australia rail holidays are the perfect way to experience these must-see locations as you relax on board and watch the spectacular scenery pass by. Experience your changing surroundings as you tour the towns, gardens, rivers, museums and attractions of incredible country New South Wales.
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Cradle Mountain
Tasmania
Pristine wilderness, glacial lakes, icy streams cascading down rugged mountains, captivating scenery teeming with wildlife and some of the freshest air you can take in. Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most visited natural wonders, nestled at the northern end of the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and home to the iconic Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. Explore the myriad of nature walks and hikes throughout the park, all at varying lengths and fitness levels, while you breathe in possibly some of the cleanest air in Australia. A stroll along the Enchanted Walk is a perfect start as you become completely mesmerised by your surroundings and for the serious hikers, the Overland Track, Australia’s premier alpine walk at 65 kilometres and six days of trekking. If you are travelling here during the colder months, prepare for a magical winter wonderland with ample warm clothes packed!
Uluru
Northern Territory
The Red Centre is an extraordinary landscape of vast desert plains, rugged mountain ranges, rocky gorges and some of Australia's most sacred Indigenous sites, including the home of majestic and captivating Uluru. A bucket list experience of witnessing the striking colour changes of Uluṟu at sunset while enjoying nibbles and sparkling wine is just incredible. Stay the night at the iconic Sails in the Desert and enjoy another must-have experience of watching the first rays of the sun set Uluru and the magical Red Centre alight. There are a number of fantastic ways to explore this ancient monolith including: outback cycling around the base, coach touring, a sunset camel experience, a guided base walk, gliding along on a Segway or an aerial exploration from the sky.
Great Ocean Road
Victoria
Stunning coastal towns, natural wellness, incredible landscapes and some of the best food you’ll eat. It’s an iconic part of South East Australia and features on many people’s bucket list. The spectacular Australian National Heritage-listed Great Ocean Road stretches 243 kilometres, from Allansford to Torquay, and is home to the incredible Twelve Apostles - the prize of one of Australia’s most scenic drives – with the collection of limestone stacks emerging from the ocean carved out over millions of years. Loch Ard Gorge is another natural attraction not to be missed. This gorge is just incredible and worth the walk down the stairs to the intimate beach at the bottom, and, if you are game, even go for a swim in the very, very refreshing Southern Ocean. London Arch and The Grotto are more must stops along the way as is the postcard perfect town of Port Campbell and Port Fairy. You can also experience this beautiful part of Australia on the Great Southern rail journey between Adelaide and Brisbane for a wonderful train and touring holiday through the South Eastern corner. If you are ready to relax and really take a break from any sort of schedule, make sure you tick this region off.
Canberra
Australian Capital Territory
The capital city of Australia is bursting with best experiences, be it historical, cultural, environmental foodie or adventure and all play a part in telling an Australian story. Firstly, it’s the meeting place of the Parliament of Australia with the symbolic architectural Parliament House sitting proudly atop Capital Hill. It is also home to the very moving Australian War Memorial which tells the story of sacrifice, serving the nation, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. On the shores of the renowned Lake Burley Griffin is the National Gallery of Australia, housing a vast Australian and International art collection and a collection of over 7,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works – being the largest in the world. If you are visiting Canberra during spring, then Floriade is a must. This iconic annual celebration of spring features extensive displays of over one million bulbs and annuals and is a wonderland of colour and fitting showcase of this enlightening city.
Kangaroo Island
South Australia
When you mention ‘best experiences’ and South Australia in the same sentence, a resounding location often pops up, that being the stunning Kangaroo Island. And for very good reason. An intriguing ferry ride or short flight from the South Australian mainland begins the journey to this island sanctuary with over a third of the island consisting of protected nature reserves and the remainder, a perfect blend of unspoilt and rugged coastline, gourmet local artisan produce, abundant roaming wildlife, spectacular raw scenery at every turn and that unmistakable country air and hospitality. It’s also Australia’s most remote and undiscovered wine region, with around 18 wineries dotted about the island all producing high quality wines quickly becoming some of the world’s best. Get your skates on and discover, or even rediscover, this wilderness dream. Read more here about the Kangaroo Island experience.
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Image credit: Tourism NT - Emilie Ristevski, Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Tasmania, VisitCanberra, South Australian Tourism Commission
