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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The best trails and natural moments around Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

Gemma Kaczerepa

29 Jan 2026

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges boast some of Victoria’s most stunning natural scenery, making them a prime destination for outdoor experiences.

There’s something very special about the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. A mix of rugged bush, mist-laden rainforest, gardens bursting with vivid blooms and a network of rivers and waterfalls, the landscapes here are layered and diverse. Late summer is a particularly good time to visit, when the days are long and the region’s outdoor offerings are ripe for sun-soaked adventures.

The best part? Despite being only an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne, the area feels a world away from the hustle. You’ll be greeted by a slower pace with fewer travellers and more room to move – allowing you to truly switch off and take it all in.

From rail trails to rainforest walks, this is where you’ll find nature at its most rewarding.

1. Warburton

Biking around Warburton is one best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. — Hit the trails at Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Perched at the top of the Yarra River, surrounded by pristine national park, the town of Warburton is a haven for nature lovers. It’s known for its towering redwoods, found in the Californian Redwood Forest just 15 minutes out of town. You’ll be in utter awe of these giant trees, some of which reach heights of up to 55 metres.

The Warburton Rail Trail is another way to experience the town’s natural beauty. This flat, 40-kilometre route goes all the way to Lilydale and is ideal for a stroll or cycle past native bushland, wineries, farmland and parts of the Yarra.

If you want to up the pace a little, head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, which encompasses 160 kilometres of purpose-built tracks amid wild bush terrain. For something a little more laid-back, the Rainforest Gallery is a standout spot for a wander. The gallery features statuesque Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech trees, moss-covered logs and tree ferns, and a 40-metre elevated walkway that brings you right into the centre of the forest canopy.

2. Yarra Glen

Yarra Glen is a beloved food and drink destination, but it offers far more than excellent produce and top-notch wines.

A highlight is Alowyn Gardens, which stretches over seven acres. Inside, you’ll find nine different gardens with vivid floral and seasonal displays, plus a nursery featuring exotic plant species. The Wisteria Arbour is a crowd favourite, a curved walkway connecting the different gardens with a display of cascading lilac blooms.

Intersecting with the Warburton Rail Trail, the first stage of the Yarra Valley Trail runs from the gateway town of Lilydale to Yering Station. A more manageable track of just 7.5 kilometres, it takes you through rolling farmland and pockets of native bush, with ample opportunities for wildlife-spotting.

If you’re travelling with kids, McKenzie Reserve is a non-negotiable stop. The reserve encompasses a skate park, plenty of open grass to stretch little legs, and a nature-inspired adventure playground to suit every age and every energy level.

3. Healesville

One of the best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is seeing a Koala upclose. — Get up close and connect with koalas. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Healesville is the region’s best place to meet local wildlife. It’s home to Healesville Sanctuary, where you can get up close to kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, reptiles and more. Beyond giving you front-row access to these gorgeous creatures, you’ll appreciate the scenic charm of the tracks and trails that meander through the wildlife park.

To see even more birdlife, head over to Badger Weir for a picnic. Situated among soaring Mountain Ash trees and tranquil waterways, the area supports several bird species, including crimson rosellas, Australian king parrots and the elusive lyrebird. Barbecue facilities are available, and several tracks leading to Badger Weir are pram-friendly.

Fernshaw Picnic Area, located in the Yarra Ranges National Park, is another idyllic setting for picnicking and short walks, also encircled by Mountain Ash trees. Compared to Badger Weir, though, Fernshaw provides a slightly more secluded experience, making it ideal for quieter outings.

4. Olinda

Cloudehill Gardens is a beautifully curated, year-round garden destination featuring nine terraced gardens filled with seasonal blooms and lush plant varieties. — Wander through terraces of ever-changing blooms. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Sitting more than 600 metres above sea level, the Dandenong Ranges have an enchanted feel and are shrouded in lush rainforest filled with tree ferns, mossy trunks and lingering mist.

The town of Olinda is one of the finest places to experience this unique environment in all its verdant glory. At the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, rhododendrons reign and drape the gardens in a riot of colour every spring.

The nearby Cloudehill Gardens are well worth visiting any time of year. In each of the garden’s nine terraces, you’ll find an array of plant varieties that bloom and transform across the seasons, including weeping Japanese maples that have been growing here for nearly a century.

Besides being a haven for arbory enthusiasts, the nearby RJ Hamer Arboretum is a spectacular spot to enjoy panoramic views. Here, more than 150 tree species grow and overlook the neighbouring Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range.

5. Emerald

A lady eating with the view of Emerald Lake Park. — Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Emerald Lake Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Set just behind the Dandenong Ranges, the foothills town of Emerald has a slightly more open feel, featuring rolling hills and open bushland. The town sits on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with a patchwork of forested reserves and accessible bush trails on the Emerald side.

You can also take to the water at nearby Aura Vale Lake, which is popular for sailing, canoeing, fishing for eel and perch, and picnicking on the grassy banks.

The stand-out, though, is Emerald Lake Park, a sprawling green with multiple recreation zones. Across 52 hectares, there are walking tracks, playgrounds, paddleboats, a model railway, fishing sites and a family-friendly wading pool that comes to life every summer. The park also lies adjacent to the iconic Puffing Billy, making it a perfect stop if you’re travelling on the historic steam train.

Start planning your next adventure at visityarravalley.com.au