Australia. It’s brilliant. It’s beautiful. And absolutely huge. From the uber cool Melbourne and stunningly scenic Sydney to the mesmerising landscapes of Brisbane , this gigantic island continent is fizzing with more incredible sights and experiences than you can shake a didgeridoo at.
Photo by Rijan Hamidovic on Pexels.com
TAKE A FOODIE ROAD TRIP AROUND TASMANIA
Start with a breakfast of fresh doughnuts and bagels at the Farm Gate Market in Hobart then spend a few days feasting through Tasmania. Eat apples at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, a ciderhouse turned museum in the Huon Valley; just-shucked Tassie oysters at Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed in Port Arthur; Belgian-style chocolates at the House of Anvers near Latrobe; and the triple cream brie or chilli camembert from Wicked Cheese in historic Richmond. Tasmania is famous for its cool-climate wines, and the Tamar Valley, running north from Launceston, is Tasmania’s premier wine region.
Cruise the Kimberly
One of the best ways to see the Kimberley river– one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth – is by cruise ship, and there are lots of options. You’ll get up close to the rocky shores, secluded beaches, ochre coloured gorges, lush waterfalls, and complex river systems as you enjoy gourmet meals and luxury sleeping quarters.
ENJOY A GOURMET FEAST BY THE BEACH IN MARGARET RIVER
The annual Western Australia Gourmet Escape (held each November) is one of Australia’s largest food and wine festivals, celebrating the delights of Western Australia with delicious food and wine, pop-up events, cooking classes and celebrity chefs. You’ll find wineries, restaurants and beautiful beaches to explore. From Perth, hire a car to drive three hours south to Margaret River or fly to Busselton, a town 50 kilometres (31 miles) north of Margaret River.
EXPLORE TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND
From Cairns up to Cape Tribulation, there’s a lot to explore in the space of just a few hours’ drive. Head out for a full-day excursion to snorkel or dive the incredible Great Barrier Reef, departing either from Cairns or the relaxed resort town of Port Douglas. Take a walk through the lush Daintree Rainforest – Cape Tribulation is the only place in the world where two World Heritage-listed sites meet, and it also happens to be the best place in Australia to spot the elusive cassowary.
DRINK IN MELBOURNE’S LANEWAYS
There are dozens of charming small bars hidden in the many colourful laneways of Melbourne’s inner city, offering a great way to enjoy local food, drinks and people. Don’t miss a Smoky Rob Roy cocktail on the leather banquettes, Or discover your own small bar, and start making friends with the locals.
HOT AIR BALLOON ABOVE AUSTRALIA’S CAPITAL
Canberra is renowned among international balloonists as one of the best places to balloon, with calm conditions, green scenery and the view of Lake Burley Griffin mixed with interesting architecture, monuments and sculptures, as well as multiple take-off and landing areas.
Get retro at Luna Park
This charming Melbourne amusement park has been in continuous operation for over a century and has all the classics, including a hall of mirrors, a rickety roller coaster and a ghost train.
Walk the coast from Coogee to Bondi
Winding through stunning coastal scenery for almost 4 miles, the walk from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach is a classic Sydney experience and a perfect introduction to the city’s seaside surrounds.
Go on a night out in Kings Cross
Kings Cross is Sydney’s red light district, and more than a bit seedy, but it’s home to some of the best bars in the city. It can get a bit rough, so keep your wits about you.
Climb Australia’s highest mountain
Mount Kosciuszko demands more of a stroll than a climb, but it’s not often you can summit a country’s highest peak without breaking a sweat, so make the most of it!
- Go to Kangaroo Island
Just a few miles off the South Australian mainland, Kangaroo Island is home to plenty of – you guessed it! – kangaroos, along with koalas, sea lions and many species of birds.
Photo by Ethan Brooke on Pexels.com
Belasluxurytravel 