For most people, the Australian East Coast trip ends at Cairns as it’s the last town to fly back from.
But, if you continue just another couple of hours north you hit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest – the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest in the world.
The whole north trip from Cairns feels like you’re escaping the well trodden tourist path as you need to cross flooded roads, say goodbye to electricity from anything other than generators and leave yourself open to nature. You have jellyfish stopping you swimming in some places, the constant sound of birdsong and insects of the jungle, and frogs getting just about everywhere. A real getting-back-to-nature experience and prepare to get very very wet!
I know there are white sand beaches all all along the Australian East Coast, and, in a country that already prides itself on its beaches, the competition is fierce. Even so, the Whitsunday Islands takes the prize for the most paradisiacal beach setting in the whole country.
The Lonely Planet describes them as “like emeralds scattered on aquamarine velvet” – that goes part of the way to describing the beauty – you also need to throw in the sheer brightness of the whiter-than-white sand, the warm crystal clear waters and the range of corals all around.
Taking a day trip so you can get in amongst the islands and sun yourself on the perfect beaches is a great experience, and one not to be missed on your East Coast adventure.
Top tip – do a multi-day trip to enjoy them outside of the standard day trip would be truly magical. We didn’t and I regret it.
White sand beaches, practically no traffic, 90% natural bushland and a chilled out vibe. Very little not to like about Great Keppel Island and, whilst its not quite in the usual top lists for Queensland, its nevertheless a beautiful place to spend a couple of days.
Gorgeous beach, fantastic reputation as a hippy / chill out area and some epic surfing. Only problem is that the tourist wave has hit it hard and the commercialised backwash has taken something away from what it used to be.
Its a staple visit on the way up the East Coast and worth the half day / full day visit, especially if keen for lash / partying. But its a distant highlight compared to the stunning experiences of 4WDing around Fraser Island and the Sunshine Coast to the north.
Sure, you can learn to surf in plenty of places around Australia and Wollongong isn’t particularly special for it. But there’s something nice and easy about the long shallow waters that stretch out far enough for you to give the waves a good go without getting crucified by the big ones. Great fun for all levels and Pines Surfing Academy is the one you want.
Hardly controversial, but I’d suggest skipping Australia’s capital unless you have a spare afternoon looking to fill time or have generally given up on life. While the open spaces are nice, the museums are high standard and wandering through the National Parliament is interesting, it is just so far down the list of things to do in this wonderful country
You can do skydiving just about anywhere and it will be thrilling – the nervousness beforehand, the adrenaline burst whilst falling, the bizarre feeling of seeing all land below you – but it helps when you choose a place that has great views anyway and interesting things to see.
Sky diving over the Blue Mountains is a winner because you’ve got the mountain range and national park right below you, with Sydney and the Pacific in the distance. A great thing to do while traveling through.
Went with iFLY Downunder and they were great.
If you’re in this part of rural Australia and have a spare morning / afternoon, Dubbo Zoo (Taronga Western Plains Zoo) is worth a visit with its extensive grounds and set up to allow you to drive around. Zoos are never great, but obviously better if the animals have such extensive room to roam.
The Victorian High Country is a part of Australia that few have even heard of. Yet its gorgeous historic gateway towns, clear mountain air, wineries and stunning mountain scenery make it a magical destination.
The highlight for us was climbing along the Razorback to the summit of Mount Feathertop, the second tallest mountain in the state of Victoria at 1,922m / 6,306ft and with immense views across the surrounding mountains.
The hike itself starts at the carpark for the Diamantina Hut and is a there-and-back hike in total 22km / 13.5miles almost dead straight along the ridge. Overall, its a moderate difficulty hike – there are some flattish bits but with a steep bit around a third of the way in and a very steep final ascent to the top. Total elevation gain of 870m / 2850ft and the whole thing will take you up to 7 hours in total.
Main tip – whilst the elevation helps to reduce the temperature quite a bit in the summer, the route is very exposed so sun screen is a must along with enough water.
Extra tip – the whole Victorian High Country area really is a magical spot. Be sure to give yourself at least a day or two to explore around the towns of Beachworth and Bright, and with all the beautiful scenery in-between.
The Blue Mountains are one of the (many) natural highlights of Australia, with their scenic lookouts over rugged sandstone cliffs, blue-tinged eucalyptus forests and sweeping canyons for some excellent bush-walks. So it is no wonder they have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The added benefit is that they are very accessible on a day trip from central Sydney, which takes 2 hours to Katoomba and includes some wonderful scenery on the way. Combined with the mega wows of Sydney Harbour, this becomes one of the top travelling highlights of Australia.
Three top tips:
#1 If possible, limit your time in Katoomba – when getting the train, the stop you want is Katoomba which is also where many of the famous sites and activities are, and where the majority of the fellow tourist traffic is. For sure give yourself the time for Echo Point to see the Blue Mountains’ most famous site – the Three Sisters Rock Formations. And if the crowds aren’t fierce, aim for the Skyway Gondola and Scenic Railway, especially the 2.5km / 1.5miles forest boardwalk at the foot of the railway. But see if you can head out of Katoomba to get away from the crowds.
#2 Head to Blackheath and the Grand Canyon Walk – Blackheath is 2 stops up from Katoomba and you find the fellow tourist numbers dropping substantially. From Blackheath, take a taxi to Evans Lookout and from there its a spectacular 5km / 3miles of the Grand Canyon Walk. Will take around 3 hours and very much worth it.
#3 Stay overnight – whilst you can easily check out the Blue Mountains on a day trip from Sydney, the best way to experience them is the evening and early morning before the masses of tourists arrive. Wandering around looking over the distant views of the Three Sisters in the early evening and waking up early to have some of the trails largely to yourself – magical.
