Who doesn’t love the wonders of Australia? I for one adore it inside out. The attractions, the cities, the people, and ultimately, the wildlife are absolutely breathtaking. Everyone here loves snorkelling, swimming, diving, fishing, biking, and more. That’s why I think this place is divine. I’ve been traveling to Australia for 5 years now. Every year I try to uncover destinations and attractions that go beyond the conventional. Here are some of my favourites.
Western Australia – The Kimberley
Credit: Jon Connell on Flickr
It’s time to start dreaming! The Kimberley is one of Australia’s most iconic travel destinations; the original Australian Aborigines first came to this territory nearly 40,000 years ago. I love the historic allure of the place; the culture, the people, and the overall vibe of the surroundings. I always get a feeling of isolated romanticism when I come here. It’s such a rugged, untamed destination that I personally find luxurious, but in a different sense of the word.
The Kimberley is vast. It spans on 420,000 sq. km, however only 40,000 people live here. If you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind far away from the hustle and bustle of Australia’s big cities, this is it. Whenever I tell my friends I’m going to the Kimberley, they always ask me why do I like it so much if there’s no really much you can do here; I always give the the same answer: “I love going back to the roots, and explore the sheer-side mountain regions; regions that very few have had the chance to explore”. Among some of the Kimberley’s most memorable sights, I have to bring up the waterfalls; the gorges, and the beautiful rivers.
“The first time I was in Melbourne I was surprised to find out that there are so many parks and green lands…”
Queensland – Great Barrier Reef
Credit: Kyle Taylor on Flickr
The Great Barrier Reef is destination like no other in this world. I’ve never been to space, but I’ve heard it’s one of the largest and most vast living structures on Earth. The ecosystems present underneath the waters are breathtaking. I enjoy snorkelling a lot, so I often explore the under waters whenever I feel that I need to relax and unwind. Over 3,000 coral reefs and 600+ continental islands are in the area.
The park spans on 2,300 km, about the distance between Vancouver and Mexico just for you to have a broader perspective. Whenever I think of luxury travel destinations in Australia, I always prefer the wildlife instead of the luxurious resorts. There’s something about rugged terrains and unexplored territories that entices me, and makes me want to see more. This year, I plan on renting a glass bottom boat so that I can have a closer look at the tropic fish, turtles, corals, and overall sea life of this place. I’m sure it will be an experience I will remember for a lifetime.
Blue Mountains National Park
Another World Heritage Site in Australia that I’m deeply fond of is Blue Mountains National Park. It is located about 80 km away from Sydney, and it got the name because of the blue haze that comes from the eucalyptus trees in the area. Over 660,000 acres encompass the beautiful park. The first time I came, I just wanted to trek and explore the premises all day long. I’ve seen incredible waterfalls, dramatic gorges, plenty of tricky trekking and hiking trails, and of course, the main attractions of the park: the Three Sisters; a towering sandstone formation of rocks that simply took my breath away.
Melbourne, My Love!
Australia has its fair share of outstanding cities and metropolises. I prefer Melbourne because it packs amazing theatres, restaurants, beautiful resorts, galleries, and restaurants; I also love the vibe the city gives me. It’s energetic and sophisticated, especially close to the Yarra River area. The first time I was in Melbourne I was surprised to find out that there are so many parks and green lands spread across the city. The Royal Botanical Gardens and the National Gallery are two of my favorite spots.
Whenever I feel the need for some extra luxury, I head to the Royal Arcade, or explore the Melbourne Central Shopping Centre. Every now and then, I go for a jet hire to see the outskirts of the city and have a broader picture of Australia beauties.
I’m a Brisbane local through and through. I was born here, grew up here, and though I’ve traveled the world, I think I’ll always call Brisbane “home”. Brisbane has just about everything that you could want; the convenience and variety of a big city, friendly locals and easy access to great beaches, rainforest and country scenery. There are so many things to do in Brisbane, but if you’ve only got limited time (i.e. a weekend stopover), here are some of the best things I’d recommend. Rather than a set itinerary, I’ve listed lots of things that you can pick and choose from to create your own adventure to suit your taste, budget and weather!
“Starting in 1876, the “Intercolonial Exhibition of 1876″ was created to promote and encourage agricultural and industrial development in Queensland”
To anyone that grew up in Brisbane, the word “Ekka” conjures up memories of dagwood dogs, fairy floss, nausea-inducing rides, animals, showbags and fireworks. For me it brings back memories of shovelling cow poo and watching the precision driving team (though not at the same time). You see, my family is full of dairy farmers, and every year they would bring their best show cows to Brisbane to enter them in the dairy judging at the Ekka.
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Planning a Road Trip for the Gold Coast to Melbourne Drive
The south east corner of Australia holds many the best natural wonders, sprawling cities and rolling coastline that this magnificent country has to offer. Planning a road trip for the Gold Coast to Melbourne drive will take you through some of the highlights, spanning a journey that covers 1,700km and taking approximately four or five days, depending on how long you wish to stop off for along the way.
-updated August 2019-
Melbourne to Gold Coast Map
Want to know “How far the Gold Coast from Melbourne by plane”? Start off by finding a flight to Gold Coast, and then follow the scenic routes to take in the best of Australia. The pretty journey isn’t just for looking at though – along the way you’ll go through dozens of national parks which all deserve to be explored, as well as some of the best cities where you can enjoy culture, nightlife and Australia’s famous food.
Gold Coast
Start from the town of Gold Coast, where the aptly named Surfers Paradise epitomises what the city is all about. Stroll along the beach and watch the surfing buffs hit the waves, or get involved and learn how to surf from one of the many schools here: you may just find you’ll need it on your journey down Australia’s coast!
Bundjalung National Park
Credit: Stephan Ridgway on Flickr
A two and a half hour drive from Gold Coast, you’ll pass through quaint surfing towns like Byron Bay and Ocean Shores to get to Bundjalung National Park where you can go canoeing down the park’s rivers and creeks or even explore the coral reef just off the coast. And if you really want to be at one with nature, you can camp overnight here.
Approximately three hours from Bundjalung, Coffs Harbour is a favourite holiday destination for many Australians. A quaint tourist settlement, highlights here include the Big Banana, one of the first of Australia’s Big Things. There’s also a range of accommodation here if you need a well-deserved break.
Crowdy Bay National Park
Credit: Robyn Jay on Flickr
Perhaps one of the lesser-known of Australia’s National Parks, Crowdy Bay is a pretty swathe of coastline, perfect for stopping off and enjoying a day by the seaside, and it’s around 3 hours from Coffs Harbour. One of the more serene stop-offs on this journey, it’s a nice place to stop and stretch your legs.
“Canberra is Australia’s capital, and while it’s not as vast as Melbourne or Sydney, it has its own unique attractions that are well worth a stop-off on your journey.”
Newcastle
Credit: Rina on Flickr
Two and a half hours down the coast, you’ll enter Newcastle, one of Australia’s largest cities. A diverse settlement, you’ll find a backdrop of mountains and beaches with wineries and trendy restaurants nestled in between. Make sure you visit one of the famous Newcastle Baths – outdoor swimming pools which attract sunbathers and swimmers alike.
Sydney
Just over two hours away lays the gem in the crown of Australia: Sydney. The largest of Australia’s cities, it offers up some of the most recognisable landmarks including the Sydney Opera House and the harbour. Spend a few days here sampling the cuisine, surfing at Bondi Beach, and getting to know what Australia is really about.
Canberra
Canberra is Australia’s capital, and while it’s not as vast as Melbourne or Sydney, it has its own unique attractions that are well worth a stop-off on your journey. A planned city in the middle of the bush, it offers up manmade lakes and national monuments surrounded by Australia’s untamed outback. Take a trip up the Black Mountain Tower for amazing views over the cityscape.
Wagga Wagga
Credit: Framton Goodman on Flickr
Australia’s largest inland city, Wagga Wagga has close Aboriginal ties, which is how it got it’s unique name. Enjoy attractions like the Wagga Zoo and the RAAF Wagga Heritage Museum to understand how life in this town has developed.
Melbourne
Credit: Tourism Victoria on Flickr
Your final stretch of the journey will be the longest; you’ll travel through untamed outback and small villages along the route, which will take just over four hours. Once in Melbourne enjoy the cultural arts at Southbank, or catch a game at one of the city’s many sporting arenas including the world famous MCG. If you’re feeling inspired to continue your journey, why not take a road trip on the Great Ocean Road?
Before my trip to the Snowy Mountains, I never had any experience with snow, besides the occasional encounter with over-frozen fridges. Thus, I was looking forward to having a busy day with any activities available for visitors to the winter destination.
Finding school holiday activities for Brisbane kids can be a challenge, especially if the weather is not cooperating. But, don’t stress! We’ve gathered together some of the best things to do around Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. You’ll find some classics in there (like the museum) but we’ve been on the hunt for some more interesting ideas, too. Many of these activities would make great birthday party ideas. Maps are included for some listings to help you find the closest venue, and Queensland school holiday dates are at the bottom. As always, if you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments below!
School Holiday Activities for Brisbane Kids Updated 2017
Updated 2017
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