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Keen to visit the Galapagos Islands?

Journey to another world on Lord Howe Island, and choose this place instead...

(Blinky Beach, Lord Howe Island, New South Wales © James Vodicka)

A visit to Lord Howe Island in springtime is like a journey into another world. Like the Galapagos, it has incredible island wildlife and nature. With aqua shallows neighbouring lush, mountainous terrain, the island offers an Aussie experience like no other.

Walk to panoramic lookouts and play a round of golf on the picturesque Lord Howe Island Golf Course. Snorkel through a clear lagoon straight from the beach (or take a glass-bottom boat tour), and feed wild fish by hand at Neds Beach. Keen hikers can climb Mount Gower, which rises 852 metres above the sea. Rated one of the world’s 10 best hikes, the walk takes around eight hours and provides incredible views of this World Heritage-listed island….

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Hungry for a European food adventure?

(Seppeltsfield Winery, Barossa Valley, South Australia © Tourism Australia)

Eat and drink along the Epicurean Way. Europe's classic cuisines and established wine regions made it a popular culinary holiday, but Australia's delicious mixture of old and innovative makes it an exciting proposition.

South Australia is famous for its food and wine regions, and you can visit four of them on the four-day Epicurean Way road trip. Weave your way through McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley, pausing to savour exciting wines and locally sourced meals. Be sure to stop by some of the state’s most renowned wineries including d'Arenberg, Seppeltsfield and The Lane Vineyard. 

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Ever wanted to sail the Greek Islands?

(Whitsundays, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland)

Experience luxury by sailing through the Whitsunday Islands. If you're dreaming of island-hopping in Greece, it's time to turn to Australia's most famous collection of islands. Swirling white sand, aqua blue waters and some of the best sunsets in Australia – it’s easy to feel romantic as you sail through the Whitsunday Islands. By day, you’ll sail through bays and lagoons, stopping to snorkel and swim. By night, you’ll marvel at a sky alight with stars.

There are several cruise companies to choose from, including Sailing Whitsundays and Prosail, who will provide you with everything you need. Alternatively, you can captain your own boat after a thorough briefing. A “bareboating” holiday is a great way to set your own schedule, but be sure you arrange your food and equipment before you leave.

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Have you dreamed of driving Northern Ireland’s coastline?

(Franklin River, Tasmania © Franklin River Rafting)

Journey down Tasmania’s Wild Western coastline. Like Ireland, Tasmania is home to some rare and beautiful nature. Drenched in natural beauty and carved by glaciers, Tasmania’s spectacular western region is rugged, remote and ready to be explored.

Head out of Hobart as you embark on your Western Wilds journey, taking in the landscapes of Mount Field National Park, Russell Falls and Lake Dobson.

Don’t miss the unique wilderness of the national parks on offer, including the craggy peaks of Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park and the dense greenery of Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

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Longing for Scotland?

(Lark Distillery, Hobart, Tasmania © Nick Osborne)

Enjoy a tour of Australia’s southernmost whisky distilleries. Whisky-lovers flock to Scotland for its spirits, but Australia has some top-notch distilleries of its own. With crisp air and crystal-clear waters, Tasmania is ideal for whisky production, so it’s no wonder that you’ll find some of Australia’s best distillers calling Tassie home.

Located in the rugged wilderness of the Tasman Peninsula, the cosy McHenry Distillery produces a range of smooth, uniquely Australian spirits. Don’t miss the Sloe Gin, crafted using berries foraged from the hedgerows around northern Tasmania.

Meanwhile, in the heart of Hobart is Lark Distillery, which has grown to be one of the top malt whisky distillers in the country, creating premium spirits with time-honoured methods. You can visit both cellar doors for a taste of their pure Tasmanian whisky and gin, including more than 150 malt whiskies at Lark.

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Seeking an African safari?

(Yellow Water, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory © Gary Topic)

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kakadu National Park. Africa's safaris are all about seeing incredible animals, and luckily, Australia has wildlife that's one-of-a-kind. Home to some of the Northern Territory’s most breathtaking nature, it’s no wonder countless native animals flock to Kakadu National Park.

At least 60 different bird species including whistling ducks, magpie geese, eagles, jabirus and brolgas fly over the wetlands, tidal flats and floodplains. Hop on a sunrise or sunset tour with Yellow Water Cruises to watch the sky speckled with birdlife. You might also catch some of Kakadu’s other residents, like crocodiles and buffaloes, grazing in the billabongs.

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