The Insiders' Guide - Unspoiled beaches, national parks, unique wildlife, rainforests and the extraordinary Outback await - World Nomads
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AUSTRALIA The Insiders’ Guide Unspoiled beaches, national parks, unique wildlife, rainforests and the extraordinary Outback await.
Welcome!
From Broome in the far north to the Flinders Ranges in the south,
join us as we explore the most breathtaking destinations across
Australia. While many of us travel to escape obligations,
journeying around Australia comes with
responsibilities. In exchange for traveling
Darwin
in a responsible way, you’ll get to
experience the very best of this huge
country, and leave it in great shape
& Overview
Cairns
Contents
for the next generation, too. Broome
We’ve deliberately left out NORTHERN
TERRITORY
info on major cities to
QUEENSLAND
encourage you to
head away from WEATERN
Alice
Springs
the urban centers AUSTRALIA
Eastern Australia
to explore the Brisbane
SOUTH
wonders of AUSTRALIA
Australia. NEW SOUTH WALES
Perth
AUSTRALIAN Sydney
CAPITAL
Adelaide TERRITORY Canberra
VICTORIA
Melbourne
Central Australia
Outback &
Contents
Hobart
TASMANIA
Overview Victoria 33
Don’t Miss 3 Tasmania 37
Where to Stay 5 Queensland 42
Western Australia
Transport 7 A Nomad’s Story 47
Festivals 11
Indigenous Culture 14 Outback & Central Australia 51
Cover image: Slot Canyon at Karijini National Park - Getty Images - Posnov
Sustainable Travel Tips 16 South Australia 52
Australian Wildlife 18 Northern Territory 57
Safety 20
Visas 23 Western Australia 61
Insurance Tips
Weather 24
Essential Insurance Tips 68
Eastern Australia 26 Our Contributors 70
NSW 27 See Our Other Guides 70
Australian Capital Territory 31 Need an Insurance Quote? 71
2
DON’T MISS
10 Unique Experiences See rock paintings
while kayaking through
in Australia Nitmiluk National Park,
Getty Images/Whitworth Images
Northern Territory
(jump to page 60)
Getty Images/janetteasche
& Overview
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Eastern Australia
Challenge yourself on the four-day
Three Capes Track, Tasmania
Getty Images/by wildestanimal
(jump to page 39)
Central Australia
Outback &
Go diving with sea lions or
sharks, South Australia
Getty Images/John Crux Photography
(jump to page 54)
Western Australia
Go hiking in Grampians
National Park, Victoria
(jump to page 35)
Getty Images/John White Photos
Insurance Tips
Take a drive through
the spectacular
Flinders Ranges,
South Australia
(jump to page 55)
3
DON’T MISS
Spot big crocodiles
and tiny tree frogs
in the Daintree
National Park,
Queensland
(jump to page 42)
Getty Images/John Crux Photography
iStock/South_agency
See natural and artificial
pink lakes, Western
Australia
(jump to page 63)
& Overview
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Eastern Australia
Getty Images/Max Shen
Central Australia
Getty Images/miroslav_1
Outback &
Explore the incredible
Walls of China,
Outback NSW
Getty Images/Boy Anupong
(jump to page 30)
Getty Images/Michael Fuller
Western Australia
See the incredible sandstone
formations of Kings Canyon,
Northern Territory
(jump to page 60)
Insurance Tips
Stand inside the
red-rock amphitheater
of Cathedral Gorge,
(jump to page 67)
4
Where
to Stay
Australia has a wide variety
of places to stay to suit all
budgets, from high-end
luxury and beach houses, to
campgrounds and hostels.
& Overview
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With festivals and events on
year-round, it’s important to find
out what’s going on, and book
accommodation well in advance for
big events like New Year’s Eve in
Eastern Australia
Milly McGrath
Sydney.
New South Wales mid-North Coast
Hostels
Hostels can vary greatly in standard a few weeks, think about house
and size, so look at reviews and sharing which can be the most
ratings on online booking sites, and affordable option for travelers and
social media. At a minimum, they easier than trying to find a house
Central Australia
will offer free WiFi, a kitchen, shared with locals who don’t want to search
Outback &
bathrooms, and several dorm rooms, for a new flatmate every few months.
and should be cheaper than hotels. Try flatmates.com.au or Domain.
com.au to search for rooms, as
Flats and house sharing well as Gumtree, the Australian
If you’re looking to stay longer than equivalent of Craigslist.
Western Australia
Rent can be quoted weekly or
monthly (it varies between cities),
and the bond (deposit) is usually
Hostels can
four weeks or one month’s rent. If
vary greatly
you have an informal or short-term
in standard
agreement, try to negotiate on price.
and size,
Breaking formal leases can cost so look at
you up to six weeks in rent (again, reviews
Insurance Tips
it varies by state), so make sure you and ratings
know what you are agreeing to. on online
Getty Images/Westend61
booking sites,
Hotels and B&Bs and social
Streets of Newtown, Sydney
Hotels and bed and breakfasts in media.
5
Australia can be booked through the
standard international booking sites;
booking.com, hotels.com, Expedia,
and TripAdvisor. Prices will climb
when big events or festivals are on,
so set a price alert if you’re working
to a budget. Prices should be
inclusive of goods and services tax
(GST) and not have any other costs
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on top unless you want parking,
breakfast, or other services not
Getty Images/Spaces
included in the price.
Outside of major cities, Australia
Manly beach and the city beyond, Sydney
has many affordable roadside motels
and accommodation in pubs. It’s
Eastern Australia
worth booking or calling ahead, as book out early when events are
towns can be long distances apart, on, in particular, music festivals. It’s
and you don’t want to be stuck often illegal to camp on beaches or
without somewhere to stay. in national parks without a permit,
so always check online or with the
AirBnbs locals before you set up camp. The
Airbnb and other accommodation National Parks and Wildlife Service
Central Australia
sharing sites are legal in Australia, website has details of campgrounds
Outback &
although different states have in national parks around the
different rules governing short-term country, which are often in beautiful
rentals, and those rules continue locations.
to evolve. In major cities, you
might be able to find better-priced
Western Australia
accommodation in the suburbs, so Budgeting for Your Trip
do a little research to make sure Generally, the east coast is the most affordable to travel, the west
there’s suitable public transport to coast is the most expensive, and the Outback falls somewhere in
between. Sydney has become the most expensive city in Australia,
get to the things you want to see.
followed by Melbourne, Darwin, Brisbane, and then Perth. Western
Australia is generally more expensive than the other states. Expect
Camping costs to increase the further from major towns and cities you travel.
In the far north and extreme south, fuel will cost a little more.
With so many national parks and
To cut costs, research ways to work as you travel, drink glorious
wide-open spaces across Australia,
Insurance Tips
goon (cheap wine in a cardboard box), eat two-minute noodles, and
you’ll find numerous camping ask around hostels to see if backpackers are willing to share their
contacts for car-sharing, or give you free camping gear that they
grounds outside of major cities and
don’t want to take home.
regional centers. Most campsites will
Never underestimate the hospitality of Australian people, many of
have a website and can be booked whom offer couchsurfing and friendly advice.
in advance. Popular campsites might
6
Transport
Australia is made up of six
states (including the island of
Tasmania) and two territories,
with 85% of the population
living within 31mi (50km) of the
coast. To see all 2,969,907mi2
(7,692,024km2) that make up
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Australia’s massive continent,
you’ll need a significant amount
of time. Don’t set unrealistic
goals to see the whole country
in three months – it’s just not
Getty Images/SolStock
Eastern Australia
going to happen.
Melbourne CBD
Going from Perth in the west to
Sydney in the east is a long journey, you a lot of your hard-earned money.
and there’s a whole lot of nothing During the high season, especially
While the
in between. The huge red Outback around Christmas and New Year
summer
desert cuts a gigantic swath through holidays, you’ll want to plan ahead. months
Central Australia
its middle, where Uluru is in the Accommodation books out months in
Outback &
provide the
middle of nowhere. With so much advance, especially in Sydney. While best weather,
ground to cover, there are many the summer months provide the best it also means
ways to get around. Some methods weather, it also means peak tourist peak tourist
of transport are fast and expensive, season; spring and fall may be your season; spring
others are much slower but will save best bet to avoid heavy crowds. and fall may
be your best
Western Australia
Public transport cards bet to avoid
around Australia heavy crowds.
Opal Cards can be used on all
Sydney trains, buses and ferries,
Trainlink services, all buses in the
Blue Mountains, Central Coast,
Hunter and Illawarra regions, Sydney
Insurance Tips
Light Rail and selected private ferries.
In Victoria, a myki card can be
Getty Images/Jodie Griggs
used for trains, trams and buses in
Melbourne and regional Victorian
Flying over Brisbane
centers.
7
& Overview
Contents
Getty Images/Jill Harrison
Camper trailer, Western Australia
Eastern Australia
Use a Go Card on all Translink If you fly, be sure to check the
buses, trains, ferries and tram carrier’s luggage weight limits, as
Moving from
services around Brisbane, Ipswich, many restrict carry-on bags to 7kg (15
city to city
the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. pounds) in economy class, charging and state
Use a prepaid Greencard to access extra fees if your bags weigh more. to state by
transport in Hobart, MyWay will give Weight restrictions drop further when domestic flight
you access to all buses in Canberra, you’re catching regional flights. is the most
Central Australia
a Metrocard will get you around the time-efficient
Outback &
city of Adelaide via train, tram or bus, Bus or coach way to see
and a SmartRider card will get you Traveling by bus is the cheapest Australia.
onto the public transport in Perth. way to get around, particularly if
In Darwin, purchase a Tap and Ride you’re backpacking. Sit back, relax
card to make catching buses easier – and admire the vast open road as
Western Australia
this can also be used in Alice Springs. someone else does the driving
for you. However, be warned, bus
Domestic flights journeys are long, so make sure
Moving from city to city and state you have something to keep you
to state by domestic flight is the entertained and travel in comfortable
most time-efficient way to see clothes.
Australia. Unfortunately, it’s also the Greyhound Australia is the
most expensive. Qantas and Virgin country’s largest coach operator,
Insurance Tips
Australia are the biggest carriers, and the only long-distance national
while Jetstar, Tigerair and Regional coach operator running services in
Express (Rex) will get you there, too – all mainland states and territories.
usually for less money and a bit less Choose a specific one-way or
reliability. round-trip ticket or purchase one of
8
Greyhound’s Whimit passes. Choose
the time period that works, ranging
from 7 to 21, 45, 60, 90, 120 or even
365 days, and just go. It gives you
unlimited consecutive travel on
luxury buses, tricked out with air-
conditioning, restrooms, WiFi and
USB ports. It has coaches running all
over the country, as long as you have
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the time, they’ve got the coach to get
you there.
Many other tour companies offer
comfortable coaches and guided
tours in different parts of the country,
Getty Images/FiledIMAGE
often with local Indigenous guides
Eastern Australia
who will spark your imagination by
The Ghan Railway, near Alice Springs
weaving Dreamtime stories into the
experience.
by, rolling along tracks constructed
Train travel in the 1870s that trace the railroad The Indian
Train travel will be slightly more routes that opened up the country to Pacific is
expensive than taking the bus, but European settlers. To experience that another
Central Australia
dining cars, lounges and sleeping history, ride The Ghan, the legendary luxury train
Outback &
berths on some routes make it a four-day, three-night journey from that rumbles
more civilized way to go. Darwin to Adelaide (or vice versa), coast to coast,
NSW Trainlink has connections complete with luxurious sleeping between Perth
throughout the state and into cabin, fantastic food, and tour stops and Sydney
neighbouring Victoria, Queensland along the way.
Western Australia
and ACT. In Victoria, V/Line operates The Indian Pacific is another luxury
regional train services throughout the train that rumbles coast to coast,
state. between Perth and Sydney, from the
QueenslandRail covers a wide Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean, on a
network of tracks that can take you four-day, three-night adventure. The
from the Gold Coast to Kuranda, or route opened in 1970, connecting the
Rockhampton to Winton. east and west coasts on a single train
Trains operate throughout for the first time.
Insurance Tips
Western Australia, linking travelers
to the Northern Territory and South Driving
Australia. Get used to driving on the left-hand
Plus, certain trains are filled with side of the road so you can explore
romance and hark back to days gone Australia by car or campervan (what
9
Useful Apps
for a Road
Trip Around
Australia
There are plenty
of mobile phone
apps to help guide
you along the way,
to campgrounds,
caravan sites,
national parks and
& Overview
Contents
must-see sights,
too. Try WikiCamps
Australia for
places to camp;
HemaExplorer to
download offline
maps so you’re
never lost, even
Unsplash/Simon Rae
Eastern Australia
if your phone
signal is gone;
Manly Beach
and Star Walk
2, the fantastic
stargazing app
Aussies call motorhome RVs), the of any emergencies. that shows you
every constellation
best way to explore everywhere from Check out online carshare options
in Australia’s
big cities to places so remote you’ll such as Car Next Door or Drive My Southern sky.
wonder if there’s anybody out there. Car to see if you can save money and
Central Australia
For easy exploring, simply rent get around cheaper. These peer-to-
Outback &
a car at the airport and go, finding peer services are best for those who
accommodation along the way or are getting around major cities, but
booking it in advance. Always choose won’t be of much help for those of
a full-to-full fuel policy, be flexible you who are doing longer road trips.
with your pick-up location, keep the Mobile reception in Australia can
Western Australia
number of drivers to a minimum, and be spotty, especially in the country
beware of extra surcharges. Read and Outback. Carry a paper map,
your car hire paperwork thoroughly let someone know where you’re
to be sure you aren’t caught out on heading, and when to expect your
any sneaky details. return, and always fill up the petrol
If you’re planning on an extended tank whenever you pass a petrol
trip, you may find it cheaper to buy station in remote areas – sometimes
a car or campervan. Check hostel/ it could be hundreds of miles before
Insurance Tips
campground notice boards for the next one. Always keep an eye
vehicles for sale, and once you’re out for wildlife on or beside the road,
done with it, sell it the same way you especially kangaroos which are most
bought it. You’ll need to have car active at dawn and dusk, and can
insurance to drive legally, and in case cause a major accident if hit.
10Festivals Calendar
Australians love a party, so it should come as no surprise that
the festival scene is as eclectic as the landscape that’s the
backdrop for many of the country’s best events.
Music festivals
New Years Eve’s annual Falls Festival has expanded
from the Victorian town of Lorne to beachside towns in
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three other states: Marion Bay (TAS), Byron Bay (NSW),
and Fremantle (WA). The three-day festivals have a
Glastonbury vibe, with camping, great headliners, and a
convivial atmosphere.
Unsplash/Simon Rae
Tamworth Country Music Festival has been celebrating
the sound and spirit of the bush each January since 1972.
Eastern Australia
Vivid Sydney
In addition to big international and local names, the NSW
town gives itself over entirely to the festival, with multiple
buskers and extra events.
WOMADelaide is a contemporary music festival of
global sounds and conscious living for all ages, held in
Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens each March.
In April and May, Groovin the Moo music festival is
Central Australia
held over three weekends in the picturesque regional
Outback &
centers of the Hunter Valley (NSW), Townsville (QLD), and
Bendigo (VIC).
Getty Images/Lisa Maree Williams
Also in April, Byron Bay Bluesfest is a relaxed, family-
friendly festival and arts celebration. The hippie haven is
also home to Splendour in the Grass, with a Coachella-
Buskers at Tamworth Country Music Festival
Western Australia
like line-up of musical talent, held each July.
Deni Ute Muster, NSW
Deni = the town of Deniliquin; ute = utility (like an
SUV); muster = 20,000 people descending on a small
community to celebrate Outback culture.
Two decades ago, when the region struggled through
a crippling drought, locals came up with the idea of a
Insurance Tips
Getty Images/Brook Mitchell/Stringer
festival to generate an alternative source of income to
farming, and the uniquely Australian Ute Muster was born.
A full program includes chainsaw carving, wood chopping,
Australian wildlife shows, and, of course, car exhibitions
Deni Ute Muster
and racing. The free camping is a bonus after the
11eight-hour drive from Sydney, but don’t expect to sleep.
Outback Camel Races, NT
Camels have been raced in the Outback since the 19th
century, when, what is now the largest herd of camels in
the world, was transported from Asia to be used for labor.
Check out the Uluru Camel Cup each May, while the
Queensland season begins in July, with weekly carnivals
in Bedourie, Boulia, and Winton. As well as the races,
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there’s plenty of food, drink, music and more. Camping is
free on site for ticket holders.
Getty Images/masterskyBeard
Beer Can Regatta, NT
Darwin’s Beer Can Regatta started in 1974 when 22,000
people turned out at Mindil Beach to watch boats, made
Eastern Australia
Camel in the Outback
of beer cans, race and often fall apart. Today, it’s even
more popular and has expanded to include a thong-
throwing competition (flip-flops), live music, and plenty of
drinking – it’s hot up there.
Henley-on-Todd Regatta, NT
The annual Henley-on-Todd Regatta has been held in the
Central Australia
Todd River’s dry creek bed since 1964. What was once
Outback &
GettyImages/Lisa Maree Williams
considered a joke to outsiders, who didn’t understand
that the Todd is usually a waterless riverway, has turned
into the only dry boat race in the world. Competitors race
Henley-on-Todd Regatta
their vehicles on foot, like the cars in The Flintstones.
Dark Mofo, TAS
Western Australia
In Tasmania, the winter solstice is celebrated at Hobart’s
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) with the 10-day
Dark Mofo festival. Ticketed art events and free talks are
held around the city, and festival highlights include the
Winter Feast, a three-night nod to pagan tradition, and the
Nude Solstice Swim in the Derwent River. Brrr.
Insurance Tips
Elvis Festival, NSW
Every January, the NSW country town of Parkes gets all
shook up by the music of The King at the five-day Parkes
Elvis Festival. The festival celebrates the music and legend
Ali Atkinson
Dark MOFO
of Elvis Presley with car shows, rock ‘n’ roll dancing, and
12couples renewing their vows as Elvis and Priscilla. Aussies Love Racing Things
Every week, in Port Douglas and
Broken Heel Festival, NSW Tambourine in Queensland, cane toads
are raced at local pubs. In Berry Springs,
Disco divas head to this desert festival, in the NSW in the Northern Territory, people bet on
Outback town of Broken Hill, to celebrate the cult film crocodiles racing to the edge of a ring, while
at Brisbane’s famous Story Bridge Hotel,
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert which was partly filmed
cockroaches are raced. Or, if you prefer
here. For one weekend each September, the festival something bigger, the Melbourne Cup horse
offers comedy, cabaret and live music. Get in early for race, aka ‘the race that stops the nation’, is
held on the first Tuesday of November each
tickets on the Stiletto train from Sydney, or look for buses
& Overview
year and is a public holiday in Victoria.
Contents
from Adelaide and other major cities.
Wide Open Space, NT
Head to Ross River Resort in the East MacDonnell
Ranges, 52mi (85km) east of Alice Springs, each May to
experience Wide Open Space, one of Australia’s most
Eastern Australia
unique events. Since 2009, this three-day festival has
Getty Images/Christopher Chan
celebrated the unique desert culture of central Australia
through music, art and culture, and features a selection of
artists and performers who wouldn’t normally travel to the
Sculpture Symposium in Broken Hill
Australian Outback.
Central Australia
Year-round Festivals at a Glance
Outback &
ACT NSW NT QLD SA TAS VIC WA
Tamworth &
JAN Elvis festivals
FEB
Western Australia
Illuminations, WOMADelaide
MAR Canberra
Byron Bay Groovin the Moo, Groovin the Moo,
APR Bluesfest Townsville Bendigo
&
Groovin the Moo, Uluru Camel Cup
MAY Hunter Valley & Wide Open Space
JUN
Splendour in the Darwin Camel racing
JUL Grass, Byron Bay Beer Can Regatta season begins
Henley on Todd
AUG Regatta
Insurance Tips
Deni Ute Muster
SEP & Broken Heel
OCT
Dark Mofo,
NOV Hobart
Design Canberra Falls NYE Festival, Falls NYE Festival, Falls NYE Festival, Falls NYE Festival,
DEC Festival Byron Bay Marion Bay Lorne Fremantle
13Indigenous
Culture
The essence of Australia’s
Indigenous cultural treasures
lies in the complex relationship
between Indigenous people,
their connection to Country
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(the Aboriginal wording for land
and living things), and kindred
species embraced in totems and
spiritual beliefs.
Getty Images/SheraleeS
Totems can be a natural object,
Eastern Australia
plant or animal and are inherited by
Aboriginal rock art at Carnarvon Gorge, Queensland
members of a clan group as their
spiritual emblem. Totems define roles
and responsibilities within the clan, Acknowledging Aboriginal people
and their relationships with each as the Traditional Custodians of
In 2017, the
other and creation. Often called Australia demonstrates a positive
Traditional
“the Dreaming”, these complex understanding, and opens doors to
Owners of
Central Australia
spiritual belief systems are the laws an even more valuable Aboriginal
Outback &
Uluru (also
Indigenous people live by and the cultural experience. In regional known as
basis for their ability to thrive in a Australia, especially where cultural Ayers Rock)
diverse and often harsh environment. practices are strong, visitors should decided
ask for permission to visit certain to stop all
History places and take photographs. climbing on
the huge
Western Australia
Aboriginal Australia has suffered In 2017, the Traditional Owners of
greatly from the impacts of Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) sandstone
colonization, and understanding decided to stop all climbing on the formation,
some of this history is important for huge sandstone formation, with a ban with a ban
any traveler who wants to understand coming into effect in October 2019. coming
real Aboriginal Australia. Visitors Visitors are welcome to appreciate into effect
should learn about the massacres, Uluru as a cultural site, and come in October
the policy of assimilation, the ready to listen and learn about 2019.
Insurance Tips
internment on missions, the removal ancient wisdom, and connections
of Indigenous children from their that go deep into this ancient land.
families, and the work conditions that Removal of rocks and artefacts
occurred on pastoral leases and in from this sacred region is taboo
domestic service. and considered a great insult to
14Traditional Custodians and a breach about Aboriginal culture.
of cultural lore. In Tasmania, book a tour You can
with Wukalina Walk, by Palawa learn how to
Authentic Indigenous tours Enterprises, to walk with a Palawa identify plants
Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours Aboriginal guide while exploring the used for bush
in Far North Queensland, offer spectacular Bay of Fires. tucker (food)
authentic insights into traditional and medicine,
fishing grounds on a walk through Indigenous culture in cities and the daily
the mangroves. You can also learn Take a guided walk through Sydney’s local traditions
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how to identify plants used for bush Botanic Gardens with Aboriginal of the local
tucker (food) and medicine, and Bush Food Experience, and at people.
the daily local traditions of the local Sydney’s Barangaroo, Aboriginal
people. Cultural Tours show how Indigenous
In Broome, Western Australia, history, culture and connections
Bart Pigram runs Narlijia Cultural survive despite urban development.
Eastern Australia
Tours, and helps travelers learn On Queensland’s Gold Coast,
about fascinating stories of life experience the interactive
around Roebuck Bay from his unique Dreamworld Corroboree. In Cairns,
perspective. millions of visitors have seen
In South Australia, Quenten Agius performances and dance at Tjapukai
of Aboriginal Cultural Tours will walk Cultural Park.
you across the beautiful country of
Central Australia
the Yorke Peninsula and Outback
Outback &
South Australia, sharing Dreaming Taste Indigenous Food
Native foods are gaining attention for their
stories that bring the landscape to high nutritional value and unique flavors,
life, and demonstrate his people’s with celebrity chefs capitalizing on their
occupation of Country for thousands exotic and nutritional profiles. Indigenous
chefs such as Mark Olive, Clayton Donovan,
of years. Rayleen Brown and Josh Whiteland ensure
Noma’s Rene Redzepi food
Western Australia
Lirrwi Tourism in northeast Arnhem Aboriginal expertise stays front and center foraging in South Australia
of the native foods phenomenon. Kungkas
Land, Northern Territory offers
Can Cook in Alice Springs, Koomal Dreaming in the Margaret
adventures in culture, including a River region of Western Australia, and Charcoal Lane Restaurant in
day tour to the Bawaka Homeland Melbourne are all worth a visit.
with a Traditional Owner, or a yidaki Unique fruits, vegetables and spices, that have been harvested
and traded for thousands of years, are now becoming available to
(didjeridu) masterclass as part of a wider markets. While these are seasonal and generally in limited
small group tour. supply, items such as lemon myrtle, saltbush, quandongs and bush
In Victoria, look for Brambuk limes are in high demand.
Insurance Tips
Known as emu apples or native cranberries, muntries are a low-
Aboriginal Cultural Centre located
growing shrub found on the south coast of Australia. When ripe,
in the Grampians National Park the berries are green with a red tinge and have the flavor of spicy
(Gariwerd). You can book an apples. These tasty little berries are high in antioxidants, (four
times that of blueberries), and can be eaten fresh or used in many
Aboriginal rock art tour and try native sweet and savory dishes.
foods at the café, all while learning
15Sustainable
Travel Tips
Beyond the obvious universal
commandments of travel (not
littering, avoiding plastic bag
use, respecting local culture)
here are some tips for a low-
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impact journey Down Under.
Respect quarantine laws
Think that apple in your backpack
is no big deal? Think again. As an
Getty Images/seanscott
island nation, Australia has some
Eastern Australia
of the strictest quarantine laws in
Kangaroo on the beach, Esperance, WA
the world, designed to protect the
country’s biodiversity, and fines and
confiscation of materials are strictly installed vehicle wash-down bays
enforced. and boot cleaning stations to stop
Beyond
Carefully read your arrivals card invasive species from entering
airports and
and declare anything you’re unsure national parks.
state borders,
Central Australia
about (such as plant materials and
Outback &
many national
food). Beyond airports and state Respecting culture parks require
borders, many national parks require and traditions hikers to wash
hikers to wash their boots to avoid From the seafaring saltwater their boots to
cross-contamination between people of the north to the inland avoid cross-
ecosystems. Many states have communities of the Central Desert, contamination
between
Western Australia
hundreds of Indigenous tribes and
language groups make up modern- ecosystems.
day Australia.
As always, travel with an open
mind, a curious nature, and generous
spirit, and you’ll be in a good place
to learn about Australia’s rich
Indigenous culture.
Insurance Tips
Whenever you encounter
Indigenous communities, always
seek permission before taking photos
Katie McIntosh
of people, rock art, and sacred
Mataranka Thermal Pools, Queensland
sites. Support Indigenous talent by
16& Overview
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GettyImages/John Crux Photography
Eastern Australia
Bald Head Walking trail, Albany, Western Australia
buying art directly from artists or and not picked up. Avoid wildlife
from galleries that pay artists a fair venues that encourage interaction.
Foraging for
price for their work. Find Indigenous- When driving in rural areas, be
food might be
owned tour operators to learn from wary of native wildlife which often all the rage
Indigenous guides. wanders onto roads. Kangaroos are in culinary
Central Australia
Sidestep that cheap, mass- most active at dawn and dusk, so
Outback &
circles, but
produced souvenir boomerang, stay extra vigilant if you are on the picking
probably made in a factory overseas, road at those times. Australian
and buy the real deal from an Foraging for food might be all the native plants
Indigenous artisan instead. rage in culinary circles, but picking without a
Australian native plants without a license is
Respecting native wildlife and illegal in most
Western Australia
license is illegal in most states. Even
the environment something as innocent as picking states.
Leaving a place in the same (if not wildflowers can interrupt nature’s
better) state than you found it is regeneration cycle.
recommended no matter where you Fishing without a permit is illegal
are traveling. in many states, so, before throwing
Australia’s native animals are a in a line, check the local laws and
big drawcard for visitors, and they always follow size and bag limits for
Insurance Tips
deserve to be treated like the animal your catch.
royalty they are. Even though koalas Never remove seashells or coral as
and wombats look cuddly, they are a souvenir; make a bigger impact and
easily stressed by human interaction, pick up some litter instead. Australia
should only be admired in the wild will thank you for it.
17Australian Wildlife (That Won’t Kill You)
While Australia is well-known for its many dangerous
creatures, it is also home to some of the world’s most
adorable, beautiful, and captivating animals.
Wildlife of the Australian Outback
Thorny devil lizards move across the sand in search for
ants, greater bilbies construct extensive underground
& Overview
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tunnel systems, and large perentie goannas prey on
just about anything they can catch. Perenties have been
known to even take down large wombats, kangaroos, and
dingoes.
If you camp out in the Outback, you’ll hear the howls of
Megan Jerrard
dingoes echoing across the landscape. You’ll also come
Eastern Australia
Red kangaroos
across the world’s largest herd of feral camels, which
were introduced to Australia in the 19th century from India
and Afghanistan for transport and work in the Outback.
They were replaced by motorised vehicles in the early
20th century and released into the wild.
Wildlife of Tropical North Queensland
Central Australia
Australia’s dry Outback interior gives way to the world’s
Outback &
oldest rainforest in Tropical North Queensland. A visit to
the Daintree Rainforest is like stepping back into the age
Megan Jerrard
of dinosaurs.
Eclectus parrot
You half expect to come across a towering T-Rex
but instead, you must settle for the prehistoric-looking
Western Australia
cassowary. These flightless birds can be more than 6ft
(1.8m) tall, and the southern cassowaries of Australia
can inflict serious injuries with their dagger-like claws if
provoked or while protecting their young. Unlike most
birds, it is the male cassowaries that incubate and care for
the young, while the females live solitary lives. While their
kick may be dangerous, cassowaries would much rather
browse the forest floor for various fruits. Give them a bit
Insurance Tips
of space while you admire these giants, with their colorful
heads, adorned with extraordinary casques.
Kangaroos take to the trees in tropical North
Pixabay/MartinStr
Queensland where, if you’re lucky, you might catch a
Koala
glimpse of a threatened Lumholtz’s or Bennett’s
18tree-kangaroo. You almost wonder if they are trying to
climb to get a better glimpse of the shimmering blue
Ulysses butterfly or the vibrantly colored Eclectus parrot
that grace the canopy.
Wildlife in the Northern Territory
The wetlands of Kakadu National Park are home to
hundreds of bird species including brolgas, black-necked
storks, and vibrant Gouldian finches. You may also
& Overview
Getty Images/Richard Sharrocks
Contents
come across a frill-necked lizard trying to steal some
of the attention when it displays its threatening mane.
As darkness falls, giant flying foxes take to the skies to Cassowary
provide a moving concert of sound.
You might feel quite small in the Top End, due to the
sheer expanse of the landscape and also when standing
Eastern Australia
next to the towering natural skyscrapers created by
cathedral termites. These termite mounds can reach 26ft
(8m) in height and can remain active for up to 100 years.
Wildlife of Tasmania
Australia’s island state provides the opportunity to see
Getty Images/kuritafsheen
many species which have become endangered or extinct
Central Australia
on the mainland. It’s known as the ‘land of the devil’
Outback &
Frill necked lizard
after its most notable inhabitant, the Tasmanian devil, a
marsupial carnivore with an intimidating personality. This
once common, and loveable, species has seen a rapid
decline in its population due to a detrimental facial tumor
disease that has spread across Tasmania.
Western Australia
While searching for the devil, you will probably come
across the adorable small kangaroo-like pademelon, as
well as marsupials the potoroo, bandicoot, and bettong.
The island is also home to both of the world’s only
egg-laying mammals – the duck-billed platypus and the
spiky echidna. The platypus, a creature which looks like it
was pieced together from a box of leftover animal parts,
is generally shy, and often nocturnal on the mainland, but
Insurance Tips
can be spotted more often in Tasmania.
It’s too late to spot one of Tasmania’s most iconic
animals, the thylacine (or Tasmanian tiger). The last known
Megan Jerrard
surviving thylacine died in the Hobart Zoo on September
Tasmanian Devil
7, 1936. It was declared extinct in 1982.
19Safety
Long stretches of roads through
the Outback, dense bush and
the freedom to drive, hike and
camp (seemingly) wherever
you want to might seem like a
great idea, but it has caused
problems for many unprepared
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travelers in the past.
Getty Images/John Crux Photography
Road trip preparation
One of the best ways to experience
Australia is on a road trip, but don’t
Lucky Bay in Cape le Grand National Park, Western Australia
underestimate Australia’s size, the
Eastern Australia
distances between destinations,
and the rough terrain. The best way equipment, off-road recovery gear,
to ensure road trip success is to be and stay up to date with information
prepared. about weather and hazards on the
It’s easy to drive around Victoria, road.
but while the state is compact, Huge distances between towns
the distances can be deceptive, means accessing fuel and fresh
Central Australia
particularly in the High Country water can be difficult in the Outback.
Outback &
where you’ll need to drive slowly Avoid being stranded by the side
along windy roads. of the road by carrying ample water
There are huge areas of Australia and fuel to get you through your
that have no internet and phone trip. Crossing the Nullarbor Plain
coverage, so your smartphone will in a banged up, old hatchback you
Western Australia
often be rendered useless. Go old bought off a guy in a pub isn’t wise,
school and carry paper maps as a and could find you becoming the
backup. Always tell someone about subject of a cautionary tale on the
your travel plans, so they can alert evening news. Instead, hire an all-
the authorities if you don’t turn up terrain vehicle well-suited to travel on While driving
when you’re meant to. If you’re going unsealed roads. around
off-road, into the desert or camping While driving around Western Western
in remote bushland, consider hiring Australia, be prepared for vast Australia,
Insurance Tips
a satellite phone to stay in touch. distances between fuel stops, be prepared
Renting a 4WD vehicle is the safest communities, and towns with for vast
way to experience any road trip that accommodation. Perth to Broome distances
goes into the desert, but ensure you is almost 1,500mi (2,414km), while between fuel
have the latest maps, emergency Perth to Esperance clocks in at 470mi stops.
20Australian sun. Red, roasted Brits and The
Europeans on Australian beaches emergency
are a common sight, but this can be number in
prevented. Always slip, slop, slap; slip Australia is
on a shirt, slop on water-resistant,
broad spectrum sunscreen (at least
000
(or 112)
30+) and slap on a hat. It’s essential which puts
to cover up and protect your skin you in
from the UV rays during the hottest touch with
& Overview
Contents
ambulance,
Katie McIntosh
parts of the day (between 10am -
Jumping Crocodile Cruise, Northern Territory police and
3pm). Seek shade where possible
fire.
and always stay hydrated.
(756km). Make a strategic plan and Sunburn is painful, and can take
plot out the location of roadhouses days or weeks to go away depending
if you’re venturing into remote on the severity. Melanoma (skin
Eastern Australia
locations. Most roadhouses offer fuel cancer) is a major issue in Australia
24/7, as well as accommodation and with an estimated 14,000 cases
bathroom facilities. diagnosed each year.
Total fire bans Where not to swim
During bushfire season, Australia’s On a blistering hot day, the rivers,
dry heat turns the country into a beaches and billabongs of Australia
Central Australia
tinderbox. Knowing when a Total are unbelievably tempting – but
Outback &
Fire Ban is declared is essential. think before jumping in. From
Displayed on local government crocodiles to strong currents and
websites, news bulletins, and submerged rocks, hidden dangers
highway signage, a Total Fire Ban lurk in Australia’s waterways. Always
means exactly that – don’t light swim between the yellow and red
Western Australia
a fire. Even throwing a cigarette flags at patrolled beaches as these
butt out of a car window can have are the designated safe spots, and On a
catastrophic results including never swim when you’ve been on blistering
endangering lives, wildlife, and the booze. Read the signs – many hot day,
homes. If you build a campfire (only rivers and lakes look serene but the rivers,
where and when allowed), always hide strong currents. Don’t put a beaches and
extinguish it properly with water, and foot into any body of water in Far billabongs of
bury the embers with soil or sand. North Queensland or the Northern Australia are
Insurance Tips
Territory without first asking a local, a unbelievably
Sun safety ranger or reading signs – Australia’s tempting
While an Australian summer will 200,000-plus population of saltwater – but think
do wonders for your tan, don’t crocodiles live here but can be before
underestimate the harshness of the avoided by swimming where it’s safe. jumping in.
21Sharks
Despite all the media hype, sharks
aren’t a big problem in Australia.
You’re statistically more likely to end
up in a car accident going to the
beach than being bitten by a shark,
however there are things you can do
to be shark smart while enjoying the
Getty Images/wildestanimal
ocean:
& Overview
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• Avoiding the ocean around dawn
Great White Shark
and dusk is a myth – incidents can
happen any time of day
• Don’t swim after rain, when run- pain of a bluebottle sting, seek first
off reduces water visibility, or if the aid immediately. Don’t rub the sting
You’re
water is murky area. Try to pick off the tentacles with
Eastern Australia
statistically
• Avoid areas where there is fish tweezers and immerse the sting area
more likely to
feeding going on e.g. visible bait in hot water (as hot as you can stand)
end up in a
balls, which attracts smaller marine or pack with ice.
car accident
animals, with larger ones like sharks Irukandjis and box jellyfish are
going to the
following too. Birds dive bombing mainly found up in the waters of
beach than
are a clue northern Australia and as far south
being bitten
• Always swim or surf in a group as the Whitsundays, with numbers
Central Australia
by a shark.
• Only swim at a patrolled beach, and peaking during November to
Outback &
obey all directives from authorities May, however they are found all
if a shark has been sighted, and year around. Irukandjis are more
calmly leave the water transparent and smaller than
• If a beach is closed, it’s closed. bluebottles, which makes them hard
Don’t disobey the signage or to see in the water, and their sting
Western Australia
warnings by authorities. causes localised pain, disorientation,
respiratory distress, and more. Box
Bluebottles and other stingers jellyfish are bigger than Irukandjis, and
Bluebottles are a common sight their sting is reportedly more painful,
on Australia’s beaches during the and causes noticeable wounds.
summer, with armadas of these If you are stung by Irukandji or a
iridescent blue, long-tentacled box jellyfish, immediate first aid is
creatures washing up on the beach. vital. Call 000 and rinse the area
Insurance Tips
Copping a sting is painful, and many with vinegar. Carefully remove the
people accidentally step on them tentacles with tweezers. Reassure the
while walking near the shore, or get patient and keep them calm. Perform
stung while swimming in the ocean. CPR if necessary until medical help
If you happen to experience the arrives.
22Visas
If you are not from Australia or
New Zealand, you will require a
visa and valid passport to enter
the country.
Tourism and business visas
For tourism or business purposes,
& Overview
Contents
you can apply for three different
types of visas: Electronic Travel
Authority (subclass 601), eVisitor
(subclass 651), Visitor visa (subclass
600).
Before arriving in Australia, all
Eastern Australia
travelers must fill out an Incoming
Passenger Card, which includes
Getty Images/bamse009
declarations about health and
character. It’s important to obey all
Hikers on Fraser Island
Australian laws attached to the visa
while traveling.
If you overstay your visa, you will Subclass 417. Check online to see
Central Australia
face penalties. If you wish to stay which visa subclass your nationality
Outback &
Living and
longer than your original visa will qualifies you for. Many nationalities working in
allow, you need to apply for a further can apply online through the Australia is a
visa. If, however, you have a ‘No Australian Department of Immigration dream come
further stay’ condition on your visa, and Border Protection website. true for many,
you must leave Australia no later than However, not all can apply online and and you
can make it
Western Australia
the date on which your visa ends, must instead file a paper application.
and re-apply once you’ve left the Check the Department of Immigration reality with
country. website to see if you can apply for a working
your visa online. holiday visa.
Working holiday visas Some nationalities must lodge their
Living and working in Australia is a visa applications at the Australian
dream for many travelers, and you Immigration office within their own
can make it reality with a working country or a nearby country. Not
Insurance Tips
holiday visa. If you’re under the age every applicant will be accepted
of 31 you may qualify to live and work for a Working Holiday Visa. Some
in Australia for up to two years. countries have a limited number
Australia has two different Working of visas available per year. But you
Holiday Visas: Subclass 462 and won’t know if you don’t try!
23Weather
Don’t ruin your chances of
reaching incredible national
parks in Australia’s far north
during the wet season or
missing out on hiking in
Tasmania during winter; plan
ahead for all your activities by
& Overview
Contents
choosing the best season for
your destinations.
The Top End
The Northern Territory, Far North
Getty Images/Boy_Anupong
Queensland, and northern reaches
Eastern Australia
of Western Australia all experience
the wet season from November to
Dawn in the bushland of the Northern Territory
April, with high humidity, scorching
temperatures, and heavy rainfall.
Travelers should expect some roads From December to February, Perth
to be closed because of flooding, doesn’t receive much rainfall, so your The dry
and be aware that tropical cyclones chance of catching an incredible season,
Central Australia
could form off the coast of Australia, Western Australian sunset over the
Outback &
from May
causing widespread damage across ocean are high. to October,
the region. The wet season is a great sees low
time for photography with lightning Queensland rainfall, and
flashing across darkened skies and The climate on Queensland’s low humidity.
raging waterfalls. southern coast ranges from Waterholes
and rivers in
Western Australia
The dry season, from May to comfortable cool temperatures in
October, sees low rainfall, and low winter to hot and dry summers. Warm this area dry
humidity. Waterholes and rivers in temperatures both in and out of the up, making
this area dry up, making access to sea can be enjoyed throughout the access to
the remote spots of the Northern year, keeping keen surfers, hikers the remote
Territory much easier. and swimmers happy, year-round. spots of the
Northern
Western Australia New South Wales Territory
Insurance Tips
Perth enjoys hot, dry summers and The seasons in New South Wales
much easier.
mild winters. Be prepared for heavy are usually pretty predictable, with
rain and potential thunderstorms occasionally freezing temperatures
during winter (June to August), when in winter, scorching hot summers,
the temperatures inevitably drop. moderate weather in fall, and
24(arguably) the most enjoyable climate
in spring. Of course, don’t expect
to have the beaches and hiking
trails to yourself during the months
of December and January, when
tourists flock to Australia for the warm
weather. But, if you find some hidden
gems along the NSW coast, you’ll be
able to enjoy warm temperatures and
& Overview
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no crowds.
Victoria
During winter (June, July and August),
it’s the perfect time to head to the ski
Getty Images/Adnan Vejzovic
fields of the Victorian High Country.
Eastern Australia
Melbourne’s weather is famously
temperamental, with wild winds,
Paragliding at Stanwell Tops, New South Wale s
heavy rain, and freezing temperatures
surprising locals year-round. Don’t
be surprised if insane heat waves Tasmania
bring the city to a halt in summer – The weather in Tasmania can often
Of course,
remember, you’re in Australia. When change dramatically without much don’t expect
Central Australia
the weather is warmer in December, notice. Just in case, always pack
Outback &
to have the
January and February, head to the wet weather gear and warm clothes. beaches and
coast for a surf or enjoy a beautiful Tasmania will also, quite literally, blow hiking trails
coastal walk along the Mornington you away with strong gusty winds to yourself
Peninsula. – known as the Roaring Forties – during the
and the west coast is famous for its months of
South Australia December
Western Australia
torrential rain.
South Australia experiences mild Summer runs from December to and January.
winters and a warm, dry summer. February, and is typically the best
Rainfall is sparse from December time to go hiking. From March to May,
to February, and temperatures the leaves turn red and yellow. If you
will occasionally soar above 104ºF want to see humpback whales on
(40ºC). Try visiting in fall (March their migratory path, visit during May,
to May) for pleasant weather and June and July, or later in the year
Insurance Tips
very little rainfall. Snow is rare in between September and November.
South Australia, but occasionally the Temperatures drop in winter (June
Adelaide Hills will receive a dusting to August), and snowfall turns the
between the months of June and wild landscapes into a snow-covered
August. wonderland.
25Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
& Overview
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Eastern Australia
EASTERN
Central Australia
Outback &
AUSTRALIA iStock/LukeWaitPhotography
HH
Western Australia
F
rom the country’s longest and deepest cave systems
in Tasmania, the tropical landscape of the Daintree
Rainforest in Queensland and the laid-back country
and beach towns of New South Wales, Australia’s east has
Insurance Tips
so much to explore on land and water; you just need to know
where to go. You’ll probably arrive in Sydney, Melbourne or
Brisbane, but then head out of the city to have an Australian-
sized adventure.
26NEW SOUTH WALES
New South
Wales
Home to some of Australia’s best
beaches, hundreds of national
parks, six World Heritage Areas,
and fascinating Outback towns,
New South Wales is best explored
& Overview
Contents
by car. Rent a car in Sydney and
Getty Images/lovleah
set off to explore the state with
Blue Mountains National Park
your own set of wheels.
Explore the Illawarra region a challenge, hike down the Golden
Drive south of Sydney to explore Stairs and climb Mount Solitary
Eastern Australia
If you want
Royal National Park with its miles for 360-degree views down the
a cave
of bushwalking tracks and beautiful Megalong Valley.
experience
beaches. The world’s second-oldest On the western edge of the Blue
without the
national park is great for hiking, Mountains, you’ll find the country
crowds, head
mountain biking, surfing, and whale town of Lithgow. Nearby, Hassan’s 40 minutes
watching. A little further south the Walls Lookout is the highest in the north of
dramatic Grand Pacific Drive takes Blue Mountains, offering panoramic Lithgow to
Central Australia
in the quiet surf towns of Thirroul, views of the national park. An hour the Glow
Outback &
Austinmer, Stanwell Park and south, Jenolan Caves is a 24mi Worm
Coledale. You can go skydiving over (40km) network of ancient limestone Tunnels in
Wollongong, visit Dharawal National caves containing Silurian marine Newnes
Park for hiking and wild swimming, fossils and massive calcite formation. Plateau.
hang gliding in Stanwell Tops, and But, if you want a cave experience
Western Australia
head to Budderoo National Park for a without the crowds, head 40 minutes
birdwatching rainforest walk. north of Lithgow to the Glow Worm
Tunnels in Newnes Plateau.
Blue Mountains National Park
Each year, millions of people head Kangaroo Valley and Jervis Bay
west from Sydney to the Blue In the Shoalhaven region of NSW,
Mountains to see the famous Three about two hours from Sydney and
Sisters in the World Heritage-listed Canberra, Kangaroo Valley is a lush
Insurance Tips
Greater Blue Mountains Area. Escape paradise of rainforests and green
the crowds in Blackheath to enjoy pastures, perfect for camping and
great food and the breathtaking bushwalking. There’s a great village
views of the Grose Valley from pub, and you can canoe or kayak
Evans Lookout. Or, if you’re up for along the Kangaroo River with
27NEW SOUTH WALES
Getty Images/chameleonseye
& Overview
Contents
Carlotta Arch, Jenolan Caves
Kangaroo Valley Safaris. Check the weather, the Snowtunes Music
out the many festivals and markets Festival kicks off the coldest season
Eastern Australia
throughout the year, including the of the year with music, bright lights,
lively Folk Festival every October. and lots of booze.
Shop for arts and crafts, listen to folk The Snowys are also a hiking,
bands from around Australia, and horse riding, cycling and fishing
enjoy poetry readings. hotspot in the summer months. While
Get those legs moving and lace up you’re in Kosciuszko National Park,
your hiking boots for a walk along the hike to the top of mainland Australia’s
Central Australia
Griffins Fire Trail in Morton National highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko.
Outback &
Park or Cooks Nose in Barren The 8-mi return (13km) hike isn’t too
Grounds Nature Reserve. demanding on the knees and offers
One hour further south is Jervis spectacular views of the mountains
Bay National Park, brilliant for scuba and surrounding countryside.
diving with weedy seadragons and
The old mining town
Western Australia
cuttlefish, dolphin spotting, and
walking along the impossibly white of Newcastle
sand at Hyams Beach. Back on the coast, two hours north
of Sydney, the city of Newcastle is
While you’re
The Snowy Mountains the gateway to the Hunter Valley,
in Kosciuszko
Some of Australia’s best ski fields and is famous for its beautiful surf
National
await in the Snowy Mountains in the beaches. Here, nightlife is happening, Park, hike
state’s south. Thredbo and Perisher beaches are quieter, and parking is to the top
Insurance Tips
are popular ski resorts, and each much easier to find. Take a stroll up of mainland
year during winter, locals cross to Nobbys Lighthouse, established Australia’s
their fingers in hope for a good in 1858, to enjoy coastal views and highest
snow season. On the first weekend to learn about the history of the land peak, Mount
of winter each year, regardless of dating back to the Dreamtime. Take Kosciuszko.
28NEW SOUTH WALES
beachside camping, fishing, whale
watching and swimming in Arakoon
An hour
National Park before heading north.
north of
Dive at Fish Rock with its cave swim- Newcastle,
through, and swim among the large Port
schools of fish and many types of Stephens is a
subtropical and tropical marine life. quiet coastal
Getty Images/John White Photos
town with
Coffs Harbour excellent
& Overview
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Byron Bay Lighthouse
Coffs Harbour, 240mi (540 km) north whale
of Sydney, is dominated by farmland watching.
and banana plantations, and the
a detour inland to the Hunter Valley only place in NSW where the Great
to relax with a glass of wine at one of Dividing Range meets the Pacific
Australia’s oldest wineries. Ocean.
Eastern Australia
Surrounded by national parks and
Go sandboarding marine reserves, check out nearby
in Port Stephens Bellingen River and Dorrigo national
An hour north of Newcastle, Port parks, and take in the view from the
Stephens is a quiet coastal town mountains to the sea from the Forest
with excellent whale watching, May Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout.
through November, watersports, and If you’re looking for a challenge,
Central Australia
fishing. For an adrenaline rush, go the Yuraygir Coastal Walk, covering
Outback &
sandboarding at Worimi Regional 40mi (65km) of coastline, takes
Park (also known as Stockton Sand four days to complete, and is home
Dunes) or join a quad biking tour, with to many rare wetland creatures,
a company owned and operated by likes the eastern ground parrot and
Indigenous communities. eastern grass owl.
Western Australia
Go diving offshore from Coffs
Barrington Tops Harbour to Solitary Islands Marine
and South West Rocks Park, where the warm tropical waters
Venture inland to Barrington Tops of the Great Barrier Reef meet the
National Park, where, during winter, cooler waters from the south. Here, a
snow falls on the campsites and great mix of tropical and subtropical
bushwalking trails. If you’ve got a marine life merge, with colorful corals,
4WD, get the paint dirty on some of sponges and anemones, schools of
Insurance Tips
the muddy tracks – but don’t attempt fish, sharks, turtles, giant cuttlefish,
them without off-road equipment. rays, and eels can be seen.
Drive east towards the coast again
to explore the history of Trial Bay Byron Bay
Gaol in South West Rocks, and enjoy Chill out in the surf town of Byron Bay
29You can also read
