Experience the best of Australia on the red sands of Uluru,
in the aquamarine waters of the Great Barrier Reef,
and along Sydney’s expansive coastline
A cup of Flat White, a slice of Avo on Toast, a plate of Creamy Folded Eggs, a piece of Ricotta Hotcake and a friendly greeting of G’day Mate, a typical breakfast reveals the cozy lifestyle and natural and healthy attributes of the largest country in the southern hemisphere.
Australia has no shortage of amazing destinations and experiences, with eight states and territories covering the entire continent. Explore sparkling beaches, embark on wilderness walks, enjoy gourmet food and wine, get up close and personal with friendly wildlife, soak up local aboriginal culture and immerse yourself in nature’s healing experiences for mind, body and soul. Endless mysteries and charms await your discovery.
Explore Sydney like a local
Sydney, a sunny city that many travelers say is a place that will always be remembered.
There are more than 100 picturesque beaches in Sydney – from calm, sheltered bays and secret coves to busy surf beaches and world-famous tourist destinations. The coastal walk between Bondi and Coogee is one of Sydney’s most iconic attractions. The cliff walk, which takes in coastal views, is 6 kilometers long and passes through breathtaking beaches such as Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly, as well as a host of beachfront restaurants, cafes, ocean baths, and exhilarating surf breaks. And, for a few weeks each year, the two-kilometer stretch of coastline between Bondi and Tamarama is home to a unique sculpture exhibition, with 100 stunning art sculptures dotted along the trail.
Bondi Icebergs Ocean Pool, one of the world’s most fantastic pools, is undoubtedly the signature experience here, with a 50-meter-long infinity seawater pool that naturally connects with the sea, with the infinite azure blue as far as the eye can see. When you’re tired of swimming, head to the Icebergs Dining Room for a seaside lunch. Bondi Beach also boasts excellent surfing conditions, so if you’re interested, try a surfing lesson.
The Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the green waterfront and the Aboriginal heritage all come together in the Sydney Harbour area. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge early in the morning to witness the city’s awakening, and you won’t be disappointed with the view. Step inside the Sydney Opera House, dine in one of the world’s finest restaurants, catch a show or go behind the scenes and visit the backstage area to learn about the rich history and interesting celebrity anecdotes. If it’s a weekend, head to The Rocks, where local artisans set up stalls and you’ll always find a great souvenir to take home. If you’re interested in Aboriginal Australia, we recommend taking a walking tour to see Aboriginal sites, hear ancient stories and measure the local landscape with your legs.
A two-hour drive west of Sydney will bring you to the Blue Mountains. The sandstone ridges are high, steep and winding, with deep valleys, and the mountains are home to a large number of eucalyptus trees, whose naturally evaporating oil droplets, refracted by the sunlight in the air, give the mountains their blue color, hence their name. Quaint villages, towering rock formations and ancient forests are waiting to be explored.
With over 140 kilometers of trails in the Blue Mountains, there’s a bushwalking experience for all ages. Climb down to the valley floor and up the sheer cliffs for waterfalls, verdant valleys and rugged cliffs, and soak up nature, or experience the rainforest canopy walkway and glass-bottomed gondola. Suspended in mid-air 270 meters above the ancient Jamison Valley below, the top-down view is a novel way to see the Blue Mountains.
There’s more to the Blue Mountains than natural wonders. Visit the quiet small town villages of Katumba, Leura and Blackheath, seek out beautiful street art with friendly locals, visit antique stores, museums, cultural centers, and patronize cozy cafes and cute candy stores.
As night falls, head into the dark cave on a Glow Worm Tours nighttime adventure and gaze at thousands of glow worms. Stay at the Hydro Majestic, one of Australia’s most iconic and historic hotels with picturesque views of the Megalong Valley.
Enjoy the sunrise over Uluru
From ancient deserts to the Aboriginal culture that permeates local life, from camel rides and sunrise balloon adventures to cooling off in freshwater swimming holes, Alice Springs is nestled in the heart of Australia’s Red Clay Outback.
Alice Springs is a three-hour flight from Sydney. The town of Alice Springs is flat and small, making it a perfect walking mecca. Check out the old Telegraph Station built in 1872, wander around the town’s nearby Olive Pink Botanic Garden or visit the Araluen Arts Center, a renowned gallery of Aboriginal art, and then head to the Kangaroo Sanctuary to see the adorable kangaroos.
Five hours drive south-west of Alice Springs lies Uluru – known as the “heart” of Australia, a sacred place for the Anangu people and a place of energy. At 348 meters high and 9.5 kilometers in circumference, Uluru is the world’s largest monolithic sandstone, rising from the ground in an awe-inspiring reddish hue. Just 30 kilometers away, Kata Tjuta is made up of 36 giant domed sandstone monoliths spread over 20 kilometers.
The road from Alice Springs to Uluru passes through the West MacDonnell Ranges, where you can jump into a freshwater pool for a splashy break. Upon arrival in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, spend your first night in the stylish Ayers Rock Resort, which offers a wide range of accommodation – from campsites and serviced apartments, to desert sailing lodges and luxury hotels. After dark, Uluru’s night sky reveals the wonders of the Milky Way. Dine under the stars at the Sounds of Silence or the Tali Wiru Dinner accompanied by didgeridoo music.
At dawn, ride a camel to watch the rising sun light up Uluru. Breakfast is served with authentic billy tea and freshly baked beer-flavored bread while viewing the rock. Then embark on a base walk around the rock for a close-up view of Uluru. You’ll pass calm waterholes, ancient petroglyphs and a cultural center at Mutitjulu Gorge, and hear your guide tell you ancient stories about the rock and the Anangu people. At sunset, sit on the warm red earth and watch the color of the rock change from fiery red to soft pink to rich purple.
If there’s time to spare, travel from Uluru to Watarrka National Park to see Kings Canyon and visit the monolithic cratered valley and natural swimming pools.
Tasmania’s wilderness walk and romantic lavender
This small state in Australia’s far south is home to some of nature’s most stunning scenery, especially its unpredictable and ancient wilderness. Nearly 60 percent of Tasmania is protected as national parks and reserves, 20 percent of which are World Heritage-listed. 19 national parks criss-cross the state, with a variety of trails, ranging from mountains to coast, gentle strolls to epic adventures, to suit all levels of walker.
Just a 1.5-hour drive from Tasmania’s capital, Hobart, the Tasman Peninsula is a picturesque destination. The Three Capes Track here is one of Tasmania’s top hiking trails. 48 kilometers in length, it takes four days to complete, and attracts a large number of visitors due to its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Tasmanian coastline. For those who prefer a shorter hike, try some of the shorter sections at the beginning and end of the trail. For example, the Cape Hauy track in Foscoe Bay is a popular choice for beginner to intermediate hikers, and is built along the edge of huge sea cliffs with spectacular views.
Embark on the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise from Port Arthur and cruise north along the coast to Eaglehawk Neck. Along the way, you’ll encounter seagulls, spinner dolphins, migrating humpback whales and Australian and New Zealand fur seals. You’ll see the highest sea cliffs in the southern hemisphere at 300 meters high, as well as many fascinating sea caves, giant stone arches and waterfalls cascading down the cliff face.
Tasmania has the largest lavender fields in the southern hemisphere and the beauty of the landscape attracts visitors from all over the world. Tasmania is home to three major lavender gardens: Port Arthur Lavender, a five-minute drive from Port Arthur; Lavender House, half an hour from Launceston; and Bridestowe Lavender Estate, the largest lavender estate in the southern hemisphere. The best time to visit is in summer from December to February, when patches of blooming lavender greet you. Don’t forget to try the delicious lavender ice cream or fudge served at the cafe, and head to the gift store for some fragrant souvenirs, lavender soaps, scented soy candles, lavender teas, and more.
Weaving through the forested trails of Port Arthur, McHenry Distillery at the end of the trail produces a range of fine gins and whiskeys. You can sample some free Blackthorn Plum Gin or barrel-aged gin. The Federal Chocolate Factory in the town of Tarana produces a variety of unique flavors such as apple cinnamon chocolate or brandy almond chocolate.
Alternative ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, is a must-see destination in its own right. Head to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, just 15 minutes from Cairns, and immerse yourself in Australia’s Aboriginal culture and original music, dance and storytelling. Walk along the Cairns Esplanade and enjoy dinner at The Raw Prawn seafood restaurant, Tamarind at the Reef Hotel Casino or Salt House overlooking the ocean.
Stretching 2,300 kilometers along Australia’s eastern coastline, the Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 3,000 coral reefs, 900 islands and more than 1,500 species of fish. There are many ways to explore the reef other than diving and snorkeling.
Take a 40-minute helicopter ride from Cairns to the off-the-beaten-path Vlasoff Cay. Overlook the beautiful coral reef from the plane, then land on the island, put on your snorkel and flippers and explore by snorkeling along the beach. Then sit on the beach and enjoy a meal.
The Emerald Isle, a 45-minute ferry ride away from Cairns, offers a mini-submarine experience. Getting into the submarine, which holds just three people, instantly enters the wonderful underwater world, making it a great option for reluctant divers.
Diving helmets and underwater scooters (Scubadoo) are all unique to the Great Barrier Reef region. Take a 45-minute catamaran ride from Cairns to Green Island. Putt on a diving helmet instead of a traditional snorkeling gear and go on a Seawalker. The diving helmet is connected to an air hose that extends out of the water. This experience is friendly to those who wear eyeglasses. Scubadoo is a small motorized scooter with an open viewing dome that acts like a diving helmet and is supported by an aquatic pontoon platform. These scooters are easy to maneuver and guides can accompany you throughout the tour.
Every year from June to August, a group of adorable whales migrate north to breed, give birth and swim in the warm waters of the Queensland coast. They’re curious and often hang around near humans, and you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with minke whales at Ribbon Reef, on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef.
Eco-travelers have their own way of experiencing the Great Barrier Reef, such as choosing eco-friendly accommodation. The Great Barrier Reef region is home to several of Australia’s top eco-lodges, which strive to reduce their own impact on the natural environment. Lady Elliot Island, at the southernmost tip of the Great Barrier Reef, is known for its manta ray colonies and sustainability programs, and is the first resort in the region to ban plastic water bottles, and is working towards a goal of being powered by 100% renewable energy. The luxurious Elysian Retreat, which takes up residence on Long Island in the Whitsundays in 2019, is the first resort within the region to go solar. In addition, when diving and snorkeling, take care to protect the coral by not touching it and try to choose a sunscreen with natural ingredients to avoid damage to the coral.
Drive two and a half hours north from Cairns to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Wilderness Area. Older than the Amazon, the Daintree Rainforest is a living museum of flora and fauna, dating back at least 135 million years. The scenery here is also spectacular: dense rainforests are interspersed with white sandy beaches and coral reefs. Take a horseback ride along the beach with rainforest views, or walk through the skywalk to Canopy Tower at the Daintree Discovery Center. Immerse yourself in Kuku Yalanji traditions on Walkabout Cultural Adventures or Adventure North Australia, where you can learn to throw spears, catch mud crabs, sample bush food and explore forests and gorges with Aboriginal people.
Spa vacations and healing retreats
With its clean air, cozy spas, luxurious healing resorts and wide-open spaces, Australia is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.
Wade into the healing waters of Victoria’s spa country (home to 141 mineral springs) at Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa. The historic spa, which has been around since 1895, is today a thoroughly modern affair, offering mineral baths and spa treatments. The mineral bathing pools extract mineral-rich hot spring water directly from the source and the experiences are divided into three types: Bathhouse Mineral Bathing, Sanctuary Mineral Bathing, and Private Mineral Bathing. Among them, the Sanctuary Mineral Bathing area features an aroma steam room, spa couches, salt and magnesium pools, a walk-in cool down pool, a creekside pool and a mineral Hammam. The Private Mineral Bathing offers the ultimate therapy with a customized blend of pure Celtic sea salt, Himalayan salt and Epsom mineral salts.
Just three hours south of Western Australia’s famous Margaret River is the town of Yallingup, home to the stunning Injidup Spa Retreat. The retreat features ten adult-only villas, offering the perfect getaway to recharge and reconnect. As well as a gourmet breakfast hamper on arrival, each villa has a private plunge pool and views overlooking the ocean. During your stay, participate in private yoga classes, indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments and enjoy the serenity on the expansive outdoor balcony. One of the more unique spa treatments is the Li’Tya Marta Kodo Rock Massage, for which ancient primordial stones from northwestern Australia are integrated into the treatment. The rhythmic body massage is inspired by traditional Aboriginal techniques, which tones and re-aligns your energy flow, using pressure points and spiralling movements.
Stay for two days or stretch it out to seven at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland (courtesy transfers are available from Gold Coast Airport). Try the ancient art of qi gong (a form of tai chi) while watching the sun rise over the distant Pacific Ocean. Explore the 16 walking trails or join a dance session before refuelling with an organic lunch. Afternoons are designated as dreamtime: nap, swim or read a book. Stay in a room in a reconstructed Queenslander (an elevated timber house that is a common sight throughout the state) or swan around an open-plan villa with a private plunge pool. As uplifting as it is deeply calming, the award-winning Spirit of Sound experience is choreographed to a bespoke selection of music featuring live drums and percussion. Exclusive to Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland, it uses a fusion of massage techniques, including Kahuna bodywork and heated Basalt stones. The 80-minute sensory experience is for both the masculine and feminine within the human body and acts like a ‘wake up’ for the cells while simultaneously soothing the nervous system, leaving you with a deep sense of calm.
At Harmony Harvest Health Retreat, a 30-minute drive south of Hobart in Tasmania, it’s possible to check in for just a day’s worth of rejuvenation. The one-day Relax Retreat program includes healthy meals delivered to your two-storey eco cottage (where a spa bath sits in a striking glass-walled sun room), along with deep tissue massages and a detox mud treatment for two. Stay five nights and treatments include reflexology, an organic facial, chakra healing massage, spiritual consultation and more. An eight-day weight loss program is also available.
Gaia Retreat & Spa, in the lush Byron Bay hinterland of northern New South Wales, comes with a celebrity connection (Grease star, Olivia Newton-John, is a co-founder). The day spa, with 14 treatment rooms and more than 35 healers and therapists, is central to the pampering Gaia experience. After starting the day with yoga, choose from activities that include clay sculpture or Let’s Get Physical fitness and boxing. Meals draw on Gaia’s own organic garden and, at dinner, guests can even enjoy a glass of organic wine.
Daintree Ecolodge and Spa is nestled in the world’s oldest rainforest in Tropical North Queensland. The resort invites the elders of the local tribe, the Kuku Yalanji, to create a menu of treatments, and the spa treatments are created using all natural ingredients to create a healing experience in harmony with nature. The signature treatment, called Walbul-Walbul (meaning “butterfly”), combines the contrasting sensations of essential oils and desert salts with indigenous products unique to Australia and massage techniques unique to the world, for the ultimate revitalizing relaxation experience under the rustling rainforest canopy.
*Sources: Tourism Australia