Category: Australia

There is no shortage of adventure in the Land of Oz, and the Northern Territory is the perfect place to be during the winter months. In case you didn’t’ know, winter is the driest season up North, making it the perfect time to visit what this amazing, scarcely populated wonderland has to offer.

And boy, does it have it all. It is the perfect place to take your entire family on a prolonged vacation, or even a weekend picnic, although one short trip is not enough to live out its wonders. Let me show you how to create lifetime memories in the vast regions of Australia’s Northern Territory.

Exploring Arnhem Land

Imbued with timeless Aboriginal culture and spanning over 97,000 square kilometres, Arnhem Land borders the famous Kakadu National Park in the northern region of NT. The untouched natural areas will allow you to spend the entire day trekking and exploring the magnificent wildlife regions, and even settle down in breathtaking wilderness lodges in the area. Although scarce, you can find accommodation if you book in advance, and then head out to popular fishing spots at Port Essington where you will be able to enjoy stunning sunsets and dine on freshly caught seafood.

Aboriginal Rock Art at Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is home to untouched aboriginal art, where you will not only be able to learn about the vast cultural heritage of these native ancestors, but also explore the park’s breathtaking scenery portrayed by wetlands and high waterfalls.

Take a guided tour around the most notable aboriginal areas, learn about the natives’ art and cultural heritage, and don’t forget to visit the famous Gunwarddehwardde lookout, which provides impressive views of both Kakadu’s escarpment and Nourlangie Rock.

The Crocosaurus Cove

Get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most dangerous and magnificent reptiles at Crcosaurus Cove, in the heart of Darwin. When visiting the Top End and Darwin, there is no missing the thrill and adventure of swimming with crocodiles, taking pictures with baby reptiles and taking a tour of the reptile house among numerous other croc shows and displays. A true family treat.

For those feeling especially brave, you will have the opportunity to test your courage in the Cage of Death, Australia’s only crocodile dive, available for your kids as well, so make sure you bring your camera in order to create some hilarious family videos!

The Islands of Smiles

The Tiwi Islands offer a unique opportunity to venture off the coast of Australia to experience true Aboriginal artisanship at work and witness the rituals of the islands’ totem pole burial ceremonies. There is no better place to learn about the language and history of the island’s indigenous people, and the only way to get there is by taking a tour with Sealink Northern Territory or the Tiwi Design.

The two islands, Bathurst and Melville that make the Tiwi Islands, also known as Islands of Smiles, present the best opportunity to not only inspire a sense of appreciation for the Aboriginal art in your kids, but to also ravel in the majestic and almost fairy-tale like scenery of the region.

Ride the Uluru Camel Tour

Located near the south border of the Northern Territory lies the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a small sanctuary and a truly spiritual place made easily accessible by carparks and roads that lead to the summit. The best experience comes on camelback though, as you can take a guided tour around the park riding friendly camels and learning about these magnificent creatures and the history of the national park itself along the way.

The Northern Territory is vast and although you could organize alternative forms of transportation, getting a free car or campervan is by far the cheapest way to navigate the region with ease. Be sure to hit up the region during the winter months to experience it in all of its glory and create lifelong memories imbued with the true spirit of Australia.

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Featured

Arnhem Land

Kakadu National Park

Crocosaurus Cove

Tiwi Islands

Camels

Taking a road trip to Western Australia is a grand feat on its own, and it’s best to take tackle it one region at a time, as you wouldn’t want to quit your job to spend a year or two constantly on the road. Yes, WA is too vast to be challenged all at once, but luckily there are more than plenty of adventures waiting for you in the southwest region. In fact, the region is so vast and intricate, it’s best to get a free campervan in order to navigate the destinations quickly and with ease. Here are the most breathtaking places to explore in south-western Australia this spring.

Fitzgerald River National Park

The oncoming spring makes the perfect setting to get away from the hectic nature of the big cities and imbue your mind, body and soul with the wonders of nature. And your first stop is the Fitzgerald River National Park.

This national park is one of the most significant natural reserves in Australia, a home to nearly 20% of Western Australia’s flora species, many of which thrive only within its boundaries. It is one the largest and most botanically significant national parks in Australia.

Proceed down to Albany

Albany is a small coastal town located to the west of Fitzgerald River Park and is the cultural, natural and gourmet centre of the region. While springtime is best spent exploring the great outdoors, you shouldn’t skip a trip to this vibrant city, where you will be able to take a breather, visit its landmarks and enjoy its art scene, taking a tour at the Albany Entertainment Centre and a stroll down its charming Boatshed Markets.

Be sure to stay at the Albany Camping and Fishing grounds to maintain your connection with the great outdoors, right at the city’s doorstep. Before continuing you road trip adventure, you can dine out at some of the most charming restaurants in the city.

Go up to Lake Magenta

Located no more than three hours to the north lies a little piece of heaven called Lake Magenta Nature Reserve. The nature reserve is a wildlife sanctuary worth visiting on your tour down South Australia, and you can take the Chester Pass Rd from Albany to the outskirts of the reserve where you can camp at Lake Magenta and explore its unique beauty on foot.

Follow the path to Frank Hann

After you’ve revelled in its beauty for a while, it’s time to get back on the road towards Frank Hann National Park. You can take the Newdegate Ravensthorpe Rd through the magnificent Lake King Nature Reserve and then continue down the road bearing the King’s name towards the national park.

Once there, you can lower your anchor and spend a few days exploring its natural wonders, although keep in mind that the entire region is untouched Aussie nature, and if you want to spend more than a day there, you will need to bring the necessary amenities with you. Be sure to bring plenty of water, solar chargers and fuel so as not end up stranded.

Make Cape le Grand your Final Stop

You want to end your road trip with a bang, and what better way to finish an adventure down under than by exploring a heavenly beach devoid of human life forms and filled with breathtaking nature and marine life.

Bear in mind, although you will be able to find a secluded piece of heaven just for you, Cape le Grand is a popular destination, and you will also have the opportunity to enjoy beach sports, organized camping and surfing, and hiking up to Frenchman Peak. Once there, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the park and islands in the Recherche Archipelago.

Taking a campervan road trip in the southwest of Australia will give you a chance to properly explore all of its natural wonders and cherish the experience for years to come. You should see this roadmap as an inspiration, as I’m sure you’ll discover plenty of other hidden treasures along the way.

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Featured

Fitzgerald River

Albany

Recherche Archipelago

Frenchman Peak

Cape le Grand

One day a few years back, I was visiting a friend up in Canberra. He told me he was going to take me out on a whole-day adventure. I assumed we were going to explore the town, eat out, you know, the regular stuff. Next thing I knew, we were miles away from the city, headed God knows where. Long story short, it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.

The outback bewildered me and the small towns made me fall in love with their charm. I decided I was going to discover all the beautiful gems that my own state had hidden from me all of those years – so I rented a free car and devoted the whole month exploring the Victoria’s hidden gems. Here’s what I discovered.

Kilcunda

Just a 25 to 30 minute drive from Cowes on Philip Island lies a beautiful town of Kilcunda. Actually, “town” is a strong word, better a road with a beautiful beach, several houses, shops and motels, and a sunset view to die for. This is a perfect place for a daily picnic and stroll down the beach, even spending the night, like me, at the delightful Kilcunda Cottage before you head out to another destination in the morning.

Bemm River

This one is a bit ways away but trust me, it’ll be worth it. I arrived early in the morning because I’ve read online about the wonders that surrounded the Bemm river – but nothing could have prepared me for the natural beauties that were waiting for me there. The resort had beautiful accommodation and I stayed for a whole week at one of bungalows at the Cosy Nook Flats. The place even had a caravan park, so I had a place to leave my ride.

I spent the week exploring my surroundings, always losing my way and stumbling upon little secluded oasis where I could just stay for hours on end, inhaling the ocean, listening to the nature. The river itself is mostly surrounded by meadows perfect if you have a dog to play with all day.

Snobs Creek Falls

The rushing waters of Snob Creek Falls are definitely going to mesmerize you as much as they are bound to frighten you. When you step onto the viewing platform, you are left at the the mercy of the water, which can be quite cathartic to a degree. This was a brief, but an unforgettable visit.

Kooyoora State Park

I went briefly to the Kooyoora State Park to try and see its numerous sites and natural wonders, such as the Melville Caves at Brenanah. You should definitely drive through the park at sunset, just before the full moon, when the animals start coming out and the path starts to get lit up by the surrounding nature.

Marlo

Just a 50 minute car ride from the Bemm River lies the beautiful town of Marlo. I actually had no idea what I was about to stumble upon, it could have been just a house and a dog for all I knew, but I decided I had to find that out for myself. Now, Marlo is something truly different. It does have a lot to offer despite its size, and once you see the beauties that lie ahead when approaching the town, you’ll know it will take several days to explore it properly, so you better book yourself a budget accommodation in time.

These are the places I visited on my autumn adventure, with plenty more to be discovered soon. And I can’t wait! With all of the amazing sightseeing opportunities and accommodations that Victoria has to offer, why not grab yourself a free rental car as well and start your autumn adventure of a lifetime?

 

Image credits:

Featured

Kilcunda

Bemm River

Snobs Creek Falls

Kooyoora

Marlo

 

The spectacular drive between Darwin and Broome, also known as the Savannah Way, imposes itself as one of the best outback road trip adventures in Down Under. From crocs sunbathing in gorges and palm trees sprouting from red cliffs, to canoeing down the Ord River and endless bird-watching opportunities, this route will offer a plentitude of memorable moments.

Darwin to Katherine
The journey starts with a half-day drive along the Stuart Highway from Darwin to the outback gem of Katherine. You’ll get a chance to feast your eyes on the rugged landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls and lush green gorges of Nitmiluk National Park. You should definitely take a boat or canoe tour through Katherine Gorge or fly above the stunning series of gorges in a helicopter.

If you are interested in Aboriginal culture, travelling south to Manyallaluk and spending some time with the locals is a must, stopping by to marvel at limestone Cutta Cutta Caves. When it comes to accommodation, you can stay overnight in the township of Katherine or even camp at the very gorge if you are a more adventurous type.

Katherine to Timber Creek

Driving down the Victoria Highway, you should turn off for the spectacular Flora River Nature Park, where you can canoe past tufa dams and lush vegetation, in addition to walking down savannah woodland and floodplain. Further down the same highway you should check out the immense Gregory National Park for stunning views during the Escarpment Lookout Walk or some fine examples of rock art offered by Joe Creek Walk.

Cruising down the Victoria River at sunset will allow you to spot countless boab trees and saltwater crocodiles. If you want to see hundreds of these amazing reptiles up close, pay a visit to the Coolibah Crocodile Farm. In the southern part of this amazing park, you can drive the rugged Bullita Stock Route (about 90 km) or walk to the Limestone Gorge. You can sleep at Timber Creek or camp at the Bullita Homestead.

Timber Creek to Kununurra

Continuing your journey to Kununurra, after many kilometers of boab trees, you’ll find the Bullo River Station, spreading on roughly half million acres, where you can muster cattle, fish or simply rest for a while. Keep River National Park will welcome you just before crossing the Western Australia border. Here you can see the Rainbow Serpent on rock at Nganalam and Aboriginal rock art at the Keep River Gorge.

On the other side of the border, you’ll hit Kununurra, where you should cruise the Ord River and huge artificial Lake Argyle, or fly over the vast Argle Diamond Mine, beehive-like mounds of the Bungle Bungles or splendid Mitchell Falls. Discover fabulous scenic walking tracks in the Mirima National Park and enjoy a bird-watching feast at Lily Creek Lagoon.

Kununurra to Halls Creek

Heading towards Halls Creek, you can detour either through Wyndham, the northernmost town in Western Australia, or the El Questro Station. Further down south in Bungle you’ll arrive at the Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage site, as well as the Bungle Range with its towering striped rocks.

Following the Domes Walk will lead you to Cathedral Gorge, in the park’s southern part, while you hike your way to Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms Gorge in the north. Halls Creek, an old gold prospecting town, is also an interesting stop, as here you can swim in springs and gorges, and also pay a visit to Wolfe Creek Crater, left by a meteorite, nearly 50 m deep and 1 km wide.

Halls Creek to Broome

On the last leg of your journey, Fitzroy Crossing is a good starting point for cruising Geikie Gorge, accompanied by Bunuba Aboriginal guides, or burrowing through the mystic underground passage of Tunnel Creek. Going to Derby, you’ll inevitably pass the Boab Prison Tree, reportedly used as a prisoner lock-up in the past. On the Derby’s town wharf, you can see tides as high as 10 metres or fly over the famous horizontal waterfalls in Talbot Bay.

Crossing the Fitzroy River will get you into Broome, where you can visit Chinatown to explore its exotic pearling heritage or take a relaxing sunset camelback ride down Cable Beach. Lighthouse-tipped Cape Leveque awaits you further north, but make sure you stop at the Beagle Bay Aboriginal community to see the Sacred Heart Church with its mother-of-pearl altar. Finally, Roebuck Bay is where you’ll find the world famous Broome Bird Observatory for the ultimate bird-watching experience.

Exploring the Savannah Way offers you a unique chance to see many natural beauties that the outback has to offer. With this in mind, how about getting a free transfer car and setting off on a truly fascinating spring road trip?

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Katherine Gorge

Gregory National Park

Kununurra

Bullo River Station

Bungle Bungles

Purnululu

Wolfe Creek Crater

Fitzroy Crossing

Tunnel Creek

Boab Prison Tree

The city of bridges, most awe-inspiring skyline and a melting pot of tourist activities. Ask any Sydney-sider and he will proudly say he lives in the most beautiful city in the entire world. Splashed by the great Pacific Ocean on the right and fenced with a massive Blue Mountains range on the left, this place truly has it all, and is as such on everyone’s bucket list.

While this is something you could read in any other tourist guide, we’re here to take you on a walkabout and show you some of the more and less mainstream places us locals really hand out at on a regular day off.

Head Straight to the Beach

You didn’t travel all that way not to walk barefoot on one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the world – but careful now, Bondi beach is not just about lying in the sun, working on your tan. Oh no, if you want a true Down Under experience, you have to dip your toes into the fresh ocean water. And not just to swim, but fight the big waves that come crashing into the shore. Still, if you’re looking for a secluded corner to gather your thoughts, there’s no better place than Milk Beach, right above the Hermit Point.

Climb the Tower Eye

Maybe walking through the overcrowded streets can make you feel like this is just another jam-packed American-like city; that’s why every local will send you straight to the Observation Deck at the Sydney Tower Eye, as it gives you a bird’s eye view of the place. Standing exactly 268 meters above the ground will make you feel like you have Sydney right there, at the palm of your hand. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, be sure to book a table at a 360 Bar and Dining, restaurant known for its spectacular view of… well, everything.

Keep Your Feet Firm on the Ground

If heights are not your cup of tea, Sydney boasts a number of exciting walking tours along the harbor. You can start from Potts Point, stop at the Royal Botanic Gardens, a heaven for city wildlife. Then move on to The Rocks, this city’s oldest neighbourhoods, and continue on to Tumbalong Park. Yet, you will need to refresh yourself in a modern Blackbird cafe, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious Australian dishes (and the best Oreo cheesecake ever!).

Take a Ferry Boat Ride

After this little break, walk to Darling Harbour and hop on a ferry ride which enables you to see the harbour from a completely different perspective. From Sydney Theatre Company, Opera House and Harbour Bridge, straight to the famous Taronga Zoo. This harbour-side flora and fauna attraction represents a home to 340 animal species and endless photo opportunities.

Go Out in Style

Admiring the Opera House architecture from the quay or a cruise ship is one thing, but getting the tickets to a live show would be an out-of-this-world experience. There’s always something interesting on the repertoire, no matter the genre you prefer.

However, as we understand you cannot forget about the price tag, instead of the Opera House, we could direct you towards the Museum of Sydney on Bridge Street – a modern building preserving some of the most ancient archaeological findings of the continent.

Stay Out in the Fresh Air

Although Sydney’s wining and dining scene should not be missed out on, every local will recommend taking an afternoon off to visit Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Escape the sound of a busy restaurant and hectic traffic, pack up a picnic basket, a couple of tuna fish sandwiches and a bottle of wine; place your plaid blanket on the grass and enjoy, jet again, an outstanding view of the harbor. You know what else Sydney-siders do when they come here? Play a little count the weddings game, because that’s how many happy couples you’ll see passing by.

Be Young and Wild and Free

Certainly, Sydney is one of the most sophisticated places in the world, but it doesn’t mean you can’t loosen up a bit, go out and have the night of your life. What locals do is start with drinks in Darlinghurst and head to one of the night clubs in George Street. From the 80 Proof on the south, to Star Bar at the corner of Wilmot Street, you can dance the night away with the music of your choice – there’s a little bit of something for everyone.

So… What’s it going to be first?     

Peter Minkoff is a travel writer at VoiceBoks and MediaPA magazine from NZ. Beside writing he worked as a travel journalist for many publications around UK & AU. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.