8 unique outback getaways to have at least once in Australia

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Beyond the red dirt roads and tiny towns, the outback is full of extraordinary beauty, from hot pools to waterfalls and ancient rock formations. Venture out there to see this wondrous place for yourself.

1. Wellness Way, Qld

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

Forget embarking on an outback pub crawl. Instead, enjoy pool-hopping around the outback on the Wellness Way. The new trail connects 24 towns that sit above the Great Artesian Basin across Queensland’s rugged interior. From Mitchell and Cunnamulla to Longreach and Mount Isa, each of the towns is home to pools, springs and bathhouses filled with mineral-rich waters said to contain healing powers that promote skin health, soothe muscles and instil tranquillity.

steam rising from Talaroo Hot Springs
Hot granite rocks naturally heat Talaroo Hot Springs. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Phil Warring)

2. Ikara-Flinders Ranges, SA

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

an aerial view of Ikara Flinders Ranges
See Ikara from land and sky. (Image: Getty Images/Zetter)

It’s no wonder Ikara-Flinders Ranges was nominated for a tentative listing as a World Heritage site with UNESCO. The rugged ranges, some 500 kilometres north of Adelaide, were formed more than 600 million years ago and are home to wonders such as the colossal amphitheatre Wilpena Pound. Hike its ancient ridges on the three-day Arkaba Walk, see it from above on a scenic flight from Rawnsley Park Station, or stay at Arkaroola International Dark Sky Sanctuary for a cosmos show like no other. Alternatively, take a seven-day Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges tour with APT , as Australia’s largest salt lake, Kati-Thanda Lake Eyre, experiences a spectacular and rare flooding phenomenon.

emus in Ikara-Flinders Ranges
Emus wander in the grassland of Ikara-Flinders Ranges. (Image: Adam Edwards)

3. Board The Ghan, SA & NT

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

Every Australian dreams of travelling on The Ghan at least once. This legendary train journey, named for the pioneering cameleers who blazed a path into the Red Centre, captures imaginations as it makes tracks across the country between Adelaide and Darwin. Book a Gold Premium cabin for a 21st-century translation of the train’s original Art Deco stylings and a colour palette drawn from Albert Namatjira’s famous landscapes. Or level up in Platinum. Then sit back and watch the living painting unfold through your window.

the JBRE Accommodation Platinum Service Cabin dining service, The Ghan
An ultra-modern cabin equipped with Platinum dining and lounge. (Image: Heather Dinas Photography)

4. The Kimberley, WA

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

The far reaches of Western Australia could be the country’s most wild. Where the striking red of pindan cliffs meets white sands and turquoise waters. A cradle for ancient rock art, thunderous waterfalls and dramatic gorges. Travelling slowly through the Kimberley is ideal. Consider Intrepid Travel’s Wild Kimberley Overland , which unfolds over 11 days. For those shorter on time, its Broome to the Bungle Bungles tour can have you seeing it all in just five days. You’ll explore the state’s largest cave system, visit old gold rush towns, see Cathedral and Windjana gorges, and the bizarre and beautiful 20-million-year-old forms of the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park.

the Dampier Peninsula, Kimberley
Discover the wild wonders of the Kimberley, such as the Dampier Peninsula. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Uluṟu, NT

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

Enigmatic Uluṟu changes colours throughout the day, starting at sunrise when the monolith is bathed in a flaming red glow. Take it in on a Sunrise Journey tour , operated by Ayers Rock Resort, when artworks created by three local Anangu women come to life through laser projection and music. Mid-morning, join a free ranger-guided Mala walk around the base of the ochre-hued rock to learn the Ancestral Anangu Mala story. Then watch Uluru blush pink and purple at sunset and dine on bush tucker under the stars as the Field of Light installation begins to twinkle.

the majestic landscape of Uluru
Witness the changing colours of Uluru. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers)

6. Mungo National Park, NSW

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

The lunar-like landscape of Mungo National Park in outback NSW was formed by ancient dry lake basins and shifting sands. It’s a mind-boggling land rich in Indigenous history and home to the world’s oldest human cremations and megafauna remains, where emus and giant red kangaroos roam. Australian Wildlife Journeys leads a six-day small group tour to Mungo and beyond that gives travellers the chance to appreciate its enormous significance to human history and ecology.

moon rises over Mungo National Park
The moon rising over Mungo National Park. (Image: Destination NSW/Dee Kramer)

7. Australia by camelback, WA & SA

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

Trekking across a vast and empty desert may be unthinkable to some. To others, it’s the ultimate adventure or even a journey of self-discovery. Channel Robyn Davidson, who trekked for 2700 kilometres across WA’s deserts in the 1970s, with a little help from Outback Camel Company , which operates week-long desert treks and expeditions across the Simpson Desert. Alternatively, Camel Treks Australia ventures through the Ikara-Flinders Ranges and deep into the Tirari Desert.

a woman petting a camel, Camel Treks Australia
Camel Treks Australia ventures through the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australia Tourism Commission)

8. Kakadu National Park, NT

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

Sprawling across 20,000 square kilometres, World Heritage-listed Kakadu is a kaleidoscope of savannah woodlands, rugged stone escarpments, tropical waterholes, cascading waterfalls and wetlands that swell in the wet season. It’s a habitat to one-third of the country’s bird species and some 10,000 crocs, with Yellow Water Billabong a haven for wildlife spotting. And its Traditional Owners, the Bininj/Mungguy people, have lived here for 65,000 years, with some 5000 rock art sites – including famous Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) – dotted throughout the national park. To see a place of such staggering biodiversity and history is a must for all Australians.

an aerial view of Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu National Park, NT
See the majestic Jim Jim Falls from above. (Image: Tourism NT/Hello Emily)
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Your guide to feeling rested and reconnected after your holiday

    Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
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    The wild, otherworldly beauty of The Grampians offers a perfect place to unwind, slow down and relax.

    Not all holidays yield the same result; some are bustling, with endless things to do, events to book and places to see. All great things, but they leave you feeling more tired than before. Then, there are destinations that help you slow down, making real connections and participating in self-care.

    Destinations like The Grampians : surrounded by untouched nature, allowing a chance to reconnect with yourself and loved ones at a slower pace.

    Discover six science-backed ways to enjoy a holiday and feel restored at the end of it.

    1. Practice mindfulness

    Hamilton Gallery, the grampians
    Be present at Hamilton Gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Mindfulness – the practice of tuning into the present moment – has been found to help in reducing stress, anxiety and depression. One way to practice this art is by immersing yourself in art.

    Hamilton Gallery has been in operation for over 60 years, and is not only home to many significant art pieces but also runs workshops and events for all ages to expand their awareness and understanding of art. The gallery is also the custodian of the largest collection of Gunditjmara artefacts held on country.

    If you prefer to practice mindfulness through movement, visit Halls Gap Zoo to feed the meerkats – who wouldn’t feel better after focusing on these little guys? Or visit The Grampians Horse Riding Centre for an unforgettable morning ride through 10 kilometres of bushland. Enjoy the soothing movement of the horse and experience the bush anew.

    2. Indulge in self-care

    two people swimming in the Venus Baths, the grampains
    Take an immersive bath in nature on the Venus Baths loop walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    While the term self-care might conjure up images of indulgent bubble baths or a soothing massage, there’s more to it than pampering. Self-care is any action that protects your physical, emotional and mental well-being.

    Like taking an immersive ‘bath’ in nature. Do just that on the Venus Baths loop walk – ideal for less experienced hikers or those walking with kids – stopping at freshwater-filled rockpools to cool down along the way.

    Serious hikers (we’re talking some rock hopping and traversing slippery tracks) can tackle the Wurgarri, or Mount Sturgeon walk, which rewards the effort with panoramic views from the summit.

    For those whose idea of self-care leans more towards arts and culture, a visit to WAMA is a must. Australia’s first national centre for environmental art is home to exhibitions that explore the natural world through film, installation, painting, performance and more.

    3. Embrace nature

    Boroka Lookout, the grampians
    Soak in incredible views over Halls Gap at Boroka Lookout. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Spending time in nature is the ultimate way to soothe your body and mind. It’s been proven to help with all manner of things, from reducing stress to boosting cognitive function. And there’s no better place to enjoy it than among the raw sandstone, wildflowers and native creatures of The Grampians.

    Rocklands Reservoir, spanning 6700 hectares, is an ideal spot. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the view over Grampians National Park. Cast a line, hire a canoe or follow nature trails along the water’s perimeter. How’s the serenity?

    To appreciate nature’s imposing power, head to Splitters Falls. Here, find unrivalled tranquillity. Spring is the best time to visit, when bouquets of native spring flowers greet visitors.

    Those with limited mobility will appreciate Boroka Lookout, a viewing platform surrounded by breathtaking views over Halls Gap and the eastern Grampians. Come early to witness a sunrise you’ll never forget.

    4. Prioritise Rest

    outdoor bathtub at Nook On The Hill
    Recharge at Nook on the Hill. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Above all else, a holiday should be an opportunity to recharge, and there’s no better way to do it than to get a good night’s sleep. We don’t need to tell you how essential sleep is, for everything from mental health to strengthening the immune system.

    Try Wanderlust Glamping , where guests fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature after an evening relaxing around the fire pit and wake to your very own green oasis.

    For pure luxury in the foothills of the Grampians National Park, look no further than Nook on the Hill – a handcrafted tiny house surrounded by rewilded, lush native Australian bush. It might be small, but Nook on the Hill has everything needed to unwind in style, including an outdoor bath for balmy nights.

    For a modern farm stay, book at Mount William Station in the foothills of The Grampians. The station combines old-world charm with modern amenities and easy access to everything this region has to offer.

    5. Engage Your Senses

    Salingers Cafe, destinations that help you slow down
    Indulge in a meal at Salingers. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Few human senses are as fun to indulge in as taste. A meal at Salingers in Great Western is the ultimate treat, and not only for the taste buds. The food is excellent, but Salingers’ really unique attraction is the bustling beehive that lives within the walls of the historic building.

    For an expertly smoked burger, ribs, or beef brisket, head to Flame Brothers in Halls Gap. Tuck into delicious food while you enjoy the view.

    If you prefer your senses heightened by the pump of adrenaline, Grampians Soaring Club offers an eagle-eye view of the Grampians National Park and Pyrenees Ranges from a glider. Take in the sights with a cross-country flight, ridge soar, or altitude wave flight.

    6. Connect and reconnect

    The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria
    Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

    Making shared memories is a wonderful way to reconnect with old friends or make new ones. These unexpected finds make it easy to discover something new in The Grampians.

    Amateur geologists will delight at the Kanawinka geotrail, which covers 60 sites over Australia’s most extensive volcanic province. Visit the Penshurst Volcano Discovery Centre to learn more about volcanic activity in The Grampians, or head to nearby Mount Napier State Park for a trip into the Byaduk lava caves.

    Pop in to the Ros McArthur Art Studio to peruse the gardens full of native and exotic plants and flowers that serve as the subjects of Ros’s still life paintings.

    For a shopping experience like no other, head to the Dimboola Imaginarium . Far more than a shop, the Dimboola Imaginarium is an immersive experience where you’ll find all manner of quirky bits and pieces. Expect the unexpected.

    Put these science-backed holiday benefits to the test during a trip to The Grampians. Plan your peaceful getaway at visitgrampians.com.au.