… AND THEIR LESSER KNOWN HOTSPOTS WE LOVE
We’re highlighting three iconic, unmissable experiences of travelling Australia. They’re the world-known experiences for a good reason, they’re perfect examples of how amazing Australia is. Plus, we’re highlighting our favourite lesser known sights at each of these destinations.
Snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, QLD.
It’s not enough to just visit Far North Queensland and swim at the incredible beaches, you need to take the time to travel out to the reef and see for yourself how amazing it is. Whilst sadly coral bleaching is affecting a lot of the reef don’t let this keep you from visiting at all. There is still a huge amount of pristine ecosystems to experience. You will leave with a new sense of responsibility for the area and it can change how you see you world.
One of the best access areas to the reef if Cairns. The city is easily accessible from all over Australia and offers a huge ranges of options to explore the reef which is only a 1 hour boat ride from the coast. All tours include hire of snorkelling equipment and usually meals for the trip. If you’re not a confident swimmer you don’t have to miss out. You can join a tour to the Green Island Pontoon
For those looking to stay within the reef, you can’t go past Lizard Island Resort. North of Cairns, this resort is one of very few resort that is on an island within the Great Barrier Reef, which means all beaches lead to pristine reef and snorkelling opportunities at your leisure.
Perfect for the family, explore our Cairns Family Holiday
Hotspots we love:
A fantastic way to experience the Great Barrier Reef is to take a helicopter ride over the reef and land on a cay within the Michaelmas and Upolu Cays National Park with a gourmet picnic, snorkelling gear and be left to explore for a few hours. Not only will the flight show you the beautiful reef from above but you’ll also have the chance to snorkel off the beach at your leisure.
Road trip the Great Ocean Road, VIC.
One of Victoria’s most scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road is a magnificent three-day self-drive touring route from surf capital Torquay to the iconic 12 Apostles, ending at historic fishing village Port Fairy.
The Road is best experienced over at least 3 days allowing you to stop at the best sights and meet locals at the towns along the way.
Starting from Melbourne, it’s an easy drive taking you along cliff tops and surf beaches and through lush rainforest. Along the way, spot koalas, kangaroos and even whales, zip-line your way through a treetop canopy, climb to the peak of a volcanic crater, and relax over regional dining atop a cliff or by the beach.
Most importantly, take the time to stop at the lookouts and watch out for wildlife. It’ll be worth it. Source: Visit Victoria
Check out our Great Ocean Road and Grampains National Park Self-Drive
Hotspots we love:
Jump into the therapeutic waters of the Deep Blue Hot Springs in Warrnambool. Let your mind wander and relax while your body absorbs the health restoring mineral’s salts & heat of the natural earth drawn waters as you slowly make your journey throughout a myriad of geothermal rock pools and sensory caves.
Watch the sunrise and sunset over Uluru, NT.
Uluru is world-famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets. As the sunlight plays with the landscape, the rock formations change colour before your eyes.
Taking the time to pause and contemplate the sunrise or sunset is always memorable but an Uluru sunrise or sunset is on a whole new level. The vastness of the half-lit desert landscape, the grasses gently swaying in the breeze and the enthralling, ever-changing rock texture offers a spectacle second to none.
The national park has five viewing areas dedicated to experiencing and photographing this beautiful scene. These dedicated sunrise and sunset viewing areas are located so that the sun’s rays hit the rock formations directly at that time of the day, making them appear to change colour. If you’d like to see the sun rising or setting next to the formations instead, visit a sunset viewing area at dawn or a sunrise area at the end of the day.
Source: Parks Australia
For the ultimate Uluru experience, try Longitude 131˚
Hotspots we love:
Kata Tjuta or “The Olgas” is a lesser-known rock formation 25km from Uluru. Just like Uluru the land is sacred and a guided walk through Walpa Gorge or Valley of the Winds will leave you with a feeling of awe and inspiration.