8 epic getaways in Australia you’ll never forget

Australia

07 May 2025

These experiences are often the type you dream of but never make happen. From iconic railways to remote outback places and wild treks, it’s time to plan big.

1. Board The Indian Pacific

Travelling with: Quentin Long

To understand this country, its culture, both ancient and modern, is to understand this landscape. And in just five days onboard the Indian Pacific, you gain an intimate understanding. The eastbound itinerary from Perth to Sydney that launched this year abounds with a host of enticing new Off Train Experiences. Commencing alongside this itinerary is an all-new cabin class, Gold Premium, suffused with sleek design touches that reflect the landscapes the train journeys through. Onboard, there’s ample time to enjoy excellent food, wine and superb service, but the Indian Pacific is so much more than that. It’s a journey across the landscapes that have shaped the people in it, from the Traditional Custodians to industrial and agricultural pioneers. It’s one of the few truly great transcontinental journeys in the world.

the Gold Premium cabin onboard the Indian Pacific — The suite spot is Gold Premium.

2. Aussie station stays

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

Agritourism is on the rise across Australia as farms and cattle stations diversify their income streams by offering travellers a taste of life on the land. There’s nothing like the sense of perspective that comes from staying on an outback station the size of a small European country. And places such as Callubri Station in NSW , Quobba Station in WA and Bullo River Station in the NT offer very comfortable digs indeed to do just that in. When it comes to experiencing the raw beauty of regional and rural Australia, farm stays such as Budgalong Spicers Creek – which offers off-grid safari-style accommodation on a 2800-hectare sheep and cattle farm near Mudgee, NSW – can’t be beaten.

a luxe safari style lodge at Budgalong Spicers Creek — Bed down at Budgalong Spicers Creek. (Image: Stephanie Hunter)

3. Fly Australia with Captain’s Choice

Travelling with: Lara Picone

If you don’t have months to devote to trundling around the country, schedule in the highlights on a 16-day private jet tour with Captain’s Choice . With wheels down in places such as Exmouth, Coober Pedy, Uluṟu and Kangaroo Island, you and 34 other guests will travel in absolute comfort and stay in luxury accommodation along the way.

a private jet tour with Captain’s Choice — Do the lap by wing on a private jet tour with Captain’s Choice.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

4. The Larapinta Trail, NT

Travelling with: Lara Picone

An expedition along the extraordinary Larapinta Trail in Central Australia is somewhat of a pilgrimage for those of us stalking quietude and nature absorption. But to truly connect with Country, take to the trail with a First Nations guide. A new partnership between Indigenous-owned 100% Finke River Culture & Adventure and Intrepid Travel will lead travellers on a trek enabling a richly layered understanding of the landscape and cultural heritage.

the Larapinta tour with Benjamin Kenny, Intrepid Travel Australia — See the Larapinta through a First Nations lens. (Image: Intrepid Travel Australia)

5. Arnhem Land, NT

Travelling with: Lara Picone

A journey of truly epic scale and life-affirming immersion, the 13-day Outback Spirit Arnhem Land Wilderness Adventure is one for your archive of remarkable life experiences. The journey begins in Cairns and concludes in Darwin, but what happens in between is an erudition in the world’s oldest living culture. You’ll spend nights in luxury safari camps and days exploring the Cobourg Peninsula, Mt Borradaile and the sacred Arafura Swamp.

the Murwangi Arafura Swamp Boat, Arnhem Land — Cruise along the Arafura Swamp. (Image: Saskia Wilson)

6. The tip of Australia, Qld

Travelling with: Lara Picone

Scooting through the pointy end of northernmost Queensland and Cape York delivers big frontier energy. If this edge-of-world-type adventure appeals to your wandering heart, you can go about it a few ways. Our recommendation for the more refined adventurer is BFC Air Safaris’ nine-night excursion , which covers 4800 kilometres of the region by plane. For those with a body-on-the-line kind of attitude, join Cape York Motorcycle Adventures for a loud and dusty exhilarating escapade on two wheels. Those with cultural curiosity should opt for a 4WD and camping adventure with Jarramali Rock Art Tours .

a 4WD and camping adventure with Jarramali Rock Art Tours — Opt for a 4WD and camping adventure with Jarramali Rock Art Tours. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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7. Aussie safari parks

Travelling with: Lara Picone

Find magnificent beasts and safari encounters on home soil at Australia’s conservation-forward zoos. In South Australia, Monarto Safari Park sprawls over 1500 hectares, making it the largest open-range safari experience outside Africa. With Monarto Safari Resort opening its doors, animal lovers can now stay in tantalising proximity to the Wild Africa precinct. Sydney beloved Taronga Zoo also provides quarters close to zoo residents at its luxe Wildlife Retreat. While in Victoria, pair a visit at Werribee Open Range Zoo with a stay at the grand Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park.

Oryx at Monarto Safari Resort — Oryx at Monarto Safari Resort. (Image: Angus Northeast)

8. Cruise the Murray River

Travelling with: Lara Picone

For those who err on the side of gentle adventure, slipping through one of Australia’s most iconic waterways on a luxury houseboat is highly compatible with relaxation. Embark in South Australia’s Paringa and be shown the ropes of navigating your floating home before motoring (rather slowly) into the Murray River sunset. With boats that sleep from two to 12 guests, this journey can be a romantic voyage or a water-top celebration as you watch rich-red ridges and bush-hemmed river bends pass by.

cruising the Murray River — Relax on the Murray. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

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A must-visit list of Victoria’s most iconic spots

Megan Arkinstall

31 Oct 2025

From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

Mount William peak in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park — Mount William is the highest peak in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. (Image: Matt Donovan)

From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

Murray River

A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca — The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon . After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

You Yangs, Geelong

kangaroos in You Yangs — Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley — Yarra Valley’s soaring Redwood Forest. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

the Wilsons Promontory — Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

the Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges — Enigmatic Hanging Rock. (Image: Visit Victoria/ Rob Blackburn)

This six-million-year-old volcanic rock  was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

exploring Sovereign Hill — Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill , a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

The Great Stupa, Bendigo

Great Stupa, Bendigo — The Great Stupa in Bendigo. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above — Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.