Townsville sights don’t get much more iconic than the Great Barrier Reef, and there’s no shortage of ways to experience it. Just a 20 minute ferry ride from town, Magnetic Island offers bush trails, 23 palm-fringed beaches, and wild koalas. Maggie Island, as it’s known by the locals, hosts the largest colony of koalas in Northern Australia. Spot these adorable creatures in their natural habitat on the magnificent Forts Walk, a two hour hike around the island. Over 70% of the island is national park, and it’s a haven for wildlife lovers with eco tours, friendly rock wallabies, and sailing trips that chase sunsets and secret coves.  

Just off the coast, Australia’s first underwater museum, The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) is not your average gallery; blending art, science and reef conservation in one jaw-dropping dive. Sculptures rise from the sea floor as living coral grows around them, turning art into habitat.

Located a five hours drive north of Adelaide, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park & Outback has long attracted travellers for its dramatic scenery, rich Aboriginal cultural heritage and native wildlife. Voted one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 destinations to visit in 2026, explore this area on foot and by 4WD safari, keeping an eye out for emus, kangaroos and the endangered yellow footed rock wallaby.

Arkaba Walk in the Flinders Ranges offers one of the best outback experiences. Walk through the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound and the private wildlife conservancy of Arkaba with an experienced local guide, encountering birdlife, wildlife, and reconnecting with nature. 

At Rawnsley Park Station, a historic working sheep station, stay in an Oasis Eco-Villa (opening Nov 26), offering sustainable luxury, or for something truly unique, book a heli-camping experience where you will fly above Wilpena Pound before sleeping out under a million stars.

Located in the heart of the Red Centre, an easy drive or day tour from Alice Springs, the West MacDonnell Ranges offer a day trip like no other with gorges, chasms and swimming holes to explore. 

These ancient mountain ranges deliver breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, hidden beaches and cooling swim opportunities. In fact, Ellery Creek Big Hole, pictured below, was recently voted amongst the Top 10 of all Australia’s beaches! The West Macs make an easy day out with relaxed stops at places like Simpsons Gap (look out for the tiny, and very cute, Rock Wallabies), Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge. Take a picnic or break for lunch at the café at Standley Chasm.

For spectacular views of the West MacDonnell Ranges, visit Glen Helen Gorge to witness beautiful sandstone walls and views of Mount Sonder, one of the highest points in Central Australia. Or for those of you who enjoy a hike, take on a section of the famous 223km Larapinta Trail which snakes along the ridgeline from Alice Springs.

Sea cliffs, towering crags and a ’Breathing Rock’ – Bruny Island is one of Tasmania’s most beautiful natural environments, located a short 20 minute ferry from Tasmania’s mainland. Rich in wildlife, dramatic landscapes and culinary journeys, a trip to Bruny Island is a feast for the senses for all types of traveller.

Sample gourmet produce across the island, namely freshly shucked oysters at Get Shucked accompanied by a glass of sparkling Tassie wine. You can’t miss tasting some of Tasmania’s finest at Bruny Island House of Whisky. For picturesque landscapes, head to The Neck, a section of land that connects north and south Bruny Island, offering panoramic views across the beach and the ocean. You might even spot a fairy penguin!

In Eastern Victoria discover Gippsland, a feast for the senses and full of natural wonders, stretching from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to the New South Wales border. Including Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland is a beautiful region encompassing lakes, beaches, cool rainforests and mountains.

A four hour drive east of Melbourne takes you right into the heart of Gippsland to Lakes Entrance. Located at the edge of Ninety Mile Beach, where the Gippsland Lakes, Australia’s largest network of inland waterways, break through to the Southern Ocean, Lakes Entrance is the perfect stop on a road trip between Melbourne and Sydney. A unique, scenic spot, Lakes Entrance offers up the chance to soak up the coastal vibe, enjoy the watersports on offer, spot wildlife from pelicans to dolphins and dine on ocean-fresh seafood at al fresco restaurants and chic cafés. If you want to live like a local, try your hand at fishing, from lake fishing to ocean fishing and even surf fishing!

The Kimberley, a 2.5 hour flight from Perth, is a vast and ancient region in Western Australia, home to some of the world’s most otherworldly landscapes, including the iconic Horizontal Falls. Located in Talbot Bay, Horizontal Falls is a unique natural phenomenon that you need to see to believe.

Formed by some of the largest tidal movements on Earth, massive volumes of water squeeze through two narrow cliff passages of the McLarty Range, creating the unique sideways waterfall effect. Experience a scenic seaplane journey to the falls or see it from the water's edge by boat experience. When nature expert Sir David Attenborough states that this is ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world’ – you can be sure that it is!

Sydney offers something for every kind of traveller, and whilst many will visit the iconic sights, there’s plenty of up-and-coming neighbourhoods and lesser-known beaches to explore. Paddington is a stylish suburb in Sydney, known for boutique shops and upmarket restaurants on Oxford Street and the charming cafés and shops of Five Ways, whilst Surry Hills is home to vintage boutiques and late-night cocktails bars. 

Sydney is renowned for its world-class beaches and coastline. Coogee Beach is best known as the final stop on the coastal Bondi to Coogee Walk, a relaxed town on an expansive glistening beach lined with shops, bars and restaurants. After your coastal walk, cool down with a swim in Wylies Baths rock pool before sipping on a cocktail at Coogee Pavilion whilst overlooking the ocean. If you’re looking for a quiet cove away from the crowds, head to Shelly Beach in Manly which feels a world away from the large stretch of sand that is Manly Beach. You can even snorkel in the waters moments away from the beach!

For more inspiration, take a look at our Australia Holidays pages.