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.

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)

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)

See all articles

australian ice cream for summer

The battle of Australia’s 18 best summer ice creams

These cult-favourite ice creams prove Australian summers are built on nostalgia, loyalty and strong opinions.

People swimming in Cardwell Spa Pools.

The best natural swimming spots around Australia

Float away the long, summer days in some of the best natural swimming spots around the country.

Australian Open in Melbourne, Victoria

What’s on around Australia in January 2026

Kick off 2026 the right way.

hero of gift guide

A Christmas gift guide for the travellers in your life

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping this year with our curated selection of memorable gifts.

Where to eat, sleep and visit on Grand Pacific Drive, and beyond

By Kassia Byrnes

30 Jul 2025

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Shellharbour Marina — Spend time in Shellharbour Marina.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Cicada Luxury Camping — Unwind at Cicada Luxury Camping. (Image: DNSW)

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.