Everyone likes a list, especially a bucket list. So we have put this one together to help you tick off some of the best places to head to in Australia. This list is in no particular order, so pick and choose which one you head to first and let us know which was your favourite.
The Blue Mountains
Here is a fun fact it is not the actual mountains that are blue. It is the trees that give the Blue Mountains their blue tinge.
When I was a child going to the Blue Mountains was like traveling to the outback. Honestly if we had spotted Burke and Wills I would not have been surprised, but these days the highway makes it an easy destination to head to and a fabulous place to stay. There ar heaps of things to do for the more risk adverse thrill seeker. You can scale towering mountains, then delve into the subterranean and gaze in wonder at the spectacular Jenolan Caves. You want to test your courage in a gliding cable car and then again on the world’s steepest passenger railway through the lush rainforest of Jamison Valley.
Once your adrenalin supply is tapped out, you should hit up one of the many bathhouses or spa retreats for a massage or relaxing swim. Truely something for everyone.
Port Arthur
This is a must see location in. Tasmania, and one you are not going to want to miss. It would be like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Make sure you give yourself a full day to see everything. This is much more than a location for history buff’s. There are also breathtaking sea cliffs, but none of that is going to matter once you find out there’s a gin, vodka and whiskey distillery in the area as well, so pick your designated driver now. Perhaps leave that bit until the end of your trip. If you can fit it in take the ghost tour around the World Heritage Listed site and discover the dark history behind it.
If you’re feeling energetic, tackle the stairs down from Maingon Bay to Remarkable Cave, or take the bush walk to Cape Raoul and marvel at the stunning seaside rock formations. Remember to take home a bottle from the distilleries as well for a true taste of Tassie.
The Barossa Valley
People travel to France every year to eat the food and drink the wine. Let me tell you what most of them find out. The food in Australia is better and fresher and the wine is just as good. There you go I have saved you tens of thousands of dollars. If you are looking for places to go to eat drink and be merry then Tasmania and South Australia should be at the top of your list. Yes, there are lots of other beautiful places to visit in South Australia; the Limestone Coast, the Eyre Peninsula, the Adelaide Hills. SA has beauty abounding in its rivers, beaches and natural wonders, but you don’t go there for all that. If you’re a full-time foodie, or just an enthusiastic amateur who’s looking to gorge on delicious culinary delights and sample award winning wines and the Barossa is one of the best places in Australia to do just that.
The Great Ocean Road
So you’re pumped. You’re heading on the trip everyone bangs on about, but, there’s only one destination on this road trip that you’re really doing the whole thing to see. It’s not the lighthouse from Round the Twist. But you might as well stop and have a look at it, and drop in at those surf beaches everyone raves about, see a few koalas at some famous national park. Then there is those charming little coastal towns. You could take or leave the rainforest walks, the waterfalls and the gorgeous coastal lookouts.
But let’s face it what you really what to do is have a gander at that bunch of Apostles standing in the water. Go to the lookout take a deep breath in and marvel at what a big beautiful land this really is.
Port Stephens
If you’re looking for the perfect coastal camping destination, you’ve found it right here. It would be handy if you could also tow a boat behind your caravan.
You can swim, surf and snorkel at any of the 26 golden beaches, then go sand boarding or 4WD’ing over the Stockton sand dunes. If you’re lucky the wreak of the Signa might be visible. After that, take a cruise or go sailing around the bays.
The Tarkine
One word: Wilderness. Second word: Big. How big Really Big. Make sure you check out the historic pioneer towns in Tassie’s west and soak up the required amount of historical history, there won’t be a test afterwards but you will feel better for doing it. But it’s important you do them first because the Tarkine will blow your mind. Actually after that you might want to revel in the solitude and beauty of a sunset at Strahan’s Ocean Beach — when a beach is 33 km long, it’s not hard to find your own space.
Then – only then, may you venture into the wild. The Tarkine comprises 477,000 hectares of untouched wilderness and unique habitats you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Walk it or drive it; you’ll never forget it. Some people find it so life changing they move to Tasmania.
The Gold Coast
Resorts, rainforests and rides. What more could you ever want from a caravanning holiday? You can park your van at some of the most luxurious holiday parks in the country and get that resort experience for a fraction of the price.
Release your inner child or take one along as cover so you can say you went for the kids. Hitting the theme parks is a blast at any age. Then take a leisurely stroll amongst the tall trees in the lush Tamborine Rainforest? If that sounds too strenuous, then conserve your precious energy by lazing on the beach. You’re going to need it to keep up with the nightlife.
The Kimberley
Health Warning: Remember to check for crocs before you go swimming!
The Broome & Kimberley area is larger than 75% of the world’s countries, but you will be more likely to see a kangaroo than a cocktail bar. What you will find however, is the stunning spiritual home of the oldest living culture on Earth.
The Kimberly is full of rugged mountains and massive stretches of isolated wilderness, punctuated by lush desert oases (Some of which you can even swim in without being eaten. It’s probably worth not using Coconut sun tanning oil. There is no point in tempting fate and applying a marinate just in case). No trip to The Kimberley is complete without stopping by Broome and checking out the famous Cable Beach and perhaps watching the sun go down with someone you love.
The Grampians
Is your idea of a relaxing holiday scaling a mountain or two? Well good on you. You’ll have more than a few to choose from in this rugged, rocky Victorian National Park. If your to-do list for day one is something like: go abseiling, swim under a waterfall, walk up to the nearest lookout, get up close with the local wildlife, stroll amongst the wildflowers, devour the gourmet local produce and squeeze in some premium wine tasting. You have come to the right place. It makes me tired just writing some of those words.
Halls Gap has some fantastic camping accommodation and is the perfect town to base your adventures from. Make sure you take time off from all your adventure tourist and super hero in training activities to see the Indigenous history displays at the Brambuk cultural centre and take the time to wonder at the ancient rock art dotted all over the area.
Jervis Bay
If water sports are at the top of your list when it comes to picking holiday destinations, and surf, sand and sun are essential. Then Jervis Bay might be number one on your list. Whether you’re into kite boarding, paddling, surfing, diving, skiing or simply floating, the endless stretches of white sand and turquoise water in Jervis Bay have got you covered.
If you occasionally you like to dry off so your skin doesn’t get all pruney. Then you might also want to check out the remarkable Booderee National Park. The gardens there are the only Indigenous owned botanic gardens in Australia. You can experience guided tours from rangers who call this area home.
The Daintree
For city slicker and latte sippers the untamed tropical wilderness of the Daintree feels alien; it simply could not be further removed from the everyday. You are surrounded by some of the most beautiful and fragile ecosystems in the world. Take the time and discover their significance through a wide range of culturally enriching tours. If the forest gets too hot and steamy for you, cool off at the nearest beach and go snorkelling in the famous Great Barrier Reef.
Wilson’s Promontory
Want to be alone and experience the secluded beaches and open rainforest trails of the southernmost point of mainland Australia? Head to the Prom. If you want to go to the Southern most point in the whole country you’re in the wrong state.
The Prom as the locals call it has been a holiday destination for Victorians for decades, and now the rest of the country has discovered it. You can enjoy any number of beautiful hikes, day walks and bike trails. On your lazy days you might just want to take your boogie board to the famous Squeaky Beach, then head back to camp and relax with some popcorn at the open air cinema. This is a top family location.
Kakadu
This is what the rest of the world thinks Australia is. Maybe you’ve always wanted to see Australia the way it looks on telly or in tourism ads: red dirt, cascading waterfalls, authentic indigenous culture, towering termite mounds and gigantic saltwater crocodiles (just a word of warning on the croc front. Don’t pat them they are very bitey).
Kakadu & Arnhem Land have some of the best bush camping spots in the country. You can park your van amidst the untouched National Park by night and go adventuring in the outback by day. It’s not hard to see why this area is such a popular worldwide tourist destination. You’ll Never, Never Know. If You Never, Never Go. I might have watched too much TV in the 80’s.
Cradle Mountain
Wow, just wow. If you like a walk as part of your holiday you have found your spot. If only you could take your caravan on the Overland Track.
The Cradle Mountain—Lake St Clair National Park boasts an incredibly rich and diverse ecosystem. There are grassland and rainforest habitats hosting such unique Australian wildlife as the Tasmanian devil, platypus and echidna.
If you’re a mainlander, this World Heritage Area is a must-see destination. When you’re standing atop the Cradle Mountain summit, overlooking the exquisite surrounds of Dove Lake you will understand why. If you think the pictures of this area look great it is nothing like being there.
Margaret River
Drinking wine from 10am without judgement… Can I live here?
Go on admit it, you just want to come here for the food and wine. Apparently there is other stuff to do. You know like the famous surf beaches, hiking and riding tracks, caves, whales, wildflowers. Who knew?
Honestly, you’re not even sure you’ll be able to hit up the galleries or the shops. Good Lord! Art and shopping as well. With the seemingly unlimited supply of wineries, breweries and gourmet restaurants to visit, your holiday calendar is looking pretty full! Probably worth a reminder at this point. Don’t drink and drive. That’s why caravans were invented.
Photo credit: Tim Guard
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