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Our 10 Best Homegrown Adventures

Itching to get out there and travel again?
We've collected our most popular itineraries for the greatest destinations around Australia and New Zealand to help you decide which homegrown adventure to take first...

1

 The Kimberley, WA

 

An ancient landscape covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometres, the Kimberley is one of the world's last wilderness frontiers. With unique natural formations and unmissable sunsets, this remote region is fast becoming one of Australia's most popular destinations.

Best time to visit: May to October is the dry season. With pleasant warm temperatures and not much rain, all roads and businesses should be open at this time.

 

TOP 3 THINGS TO DO

Enjoy Broome's many delights

This laid-back town is a unique combination of the outback and the beach. It's most loved for its magenta sunsets, frangipani trees, tropical weather & beautiful, white beaches.

Take a road trip on 'the Gibb'

Take the epic 4WD-only road trip on Gibb River Road to view breathtaking gorges, visit friendly outback stations, swim in freshwater swimming holes, and meet local communities.

Experience the Kimberley coastline

Take a cruise along the raw, wild coastline to see ancient Aboriginal rock art, picnic on white sandy beaches and see prolific wildlife, including birds, whales, dolphins and saltwater crocodiles. 

 

POPULAR ITINERARIES

APT 28-day Kimberley & Top End + Grand Kimberley Coast tourImages courtesy of APT.

Take an epic combined cruise and tour from Kununurra to Darwin, exploring the coastline, 4WDing along Gibb River Rd, and much more.

Suggested itinerary: APT 28-day Top End & Grand Kimberley Coast tour

True North 13 Night Kimberley Ultimate CruiseImages courtesy of True North Cruises.

Take a small ship cruise along the coastline from Wyndham to Broome, visiting Mitchell River, Prince Regent River, Horizontal Falls and more.

Suggested itinerary: True North 13-night Kimberley Ultimate cruise

2

 New Zealand

 

Across New Zealand, you can find everything from untamed wilderness to rich culture. Find inspiration in towering mountains and mist-cloaked fjords, serenity in golden beaches, and new friends in small towns with big doses of laid-back charm. When the world starts to move again, find your dream destination here.

Best time to visit: All year round! Summer has the best weather, while autumn is cooler but has fewer crowds. Winter is perfect for snow sports enthusiasts and spring is great to see picturesque landscapes of blossoming trees.

 

TOP 3 THINGS TO DO

Bask in the scale of Milford Sound

Hop on a cruise to see Milford Sound's dramatic fiords, spectacular waterfalls and snow-capped peaks.

Make furry-footed friends

Take a guided tour of the beautiful Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, walk among the lush pastures of The Shire and finish the day with a Hobbit ale at the Green Dragon Inn.

Explore Rotorua's geothermal wonders

Discover fascinating, colourful landscapes filled with explosive geysers, bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles and impressive volcanic craters.

 

POPULAR ITINERARIES

Princess 13-day New Zealand scenic cruiseImages courtesy of Princess Cruise Lines.

Cruise roundtrip from Sydney, with stops in Bay of Islands, Wellington, Dunedin and more, and scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park.

Suggested itinerary: Princess 13-day New Zealand scenic cruise

Coral Expeditions 12-night East Coast NZ cruiseImages courtesy of Coral Expeditions.

Take a small ship cruise from Auckland to Milford Sound, visiting Napier, Kaikoura, Fiordland National Park and more along the way.

Suggested itinerary: Coral Expeditions 12-night East Coast NZ cruise

3

 Great Barrier Reef, QLD

 

The World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on the planet and a must-see for all Australians! Home to diverse marine life, ancient rainforests and luxurious tropical islands, this region is all about the unforgettable nature that surrounds you.

Best time to visit: The weather is gorgeous year-round, but the dry season May to October has less rainfall which means clearer waters and better diving conditions.

Great Barrier Reef

 

TOP 3 THINGS TO DO

Watch the tides shift at Whitehaven Beach

This pristine, award-winning beach stretches over seven kilometres and boasts brilliant white silica sand that is among the purest in the world. Don't miss the view of the swirling sands from Tongue Point lookout!

Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest

Trek, zip-line or cruise through the ancient ferns, emerald green vines and lush canopy, and discover plants and animals found nowhere else on the planet. 

Experience the Reef your way

SCUBA dive or snorkel along the shimmering coral reefs, sail around idyllic tropical islands, peer at the abundant marine life from a glass-bottomed boat, or soar over this magnificent natural wonder on a scenic flight.

 

POPULAR ITINERARIES

P&O 7-night Barrier Reef Discovery cruiseImages courtesy of P&O.

Cruise along the Queensland coast roundtrip from Brisbane, stopping at Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas and Willis Island.

Suggested itinerary: P&O 7-night Barrier Reef Discovery cruise

Coral Expeditions 7-night Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef cruiseImages courtesy of Coral Expeditions.

Take a small ship cruise roundtrip from Cairns to the outer edges of the Great Barrier Reef, stopping in Daintree, Lizard Island, and more.

Suggested itinerary: Coral Expeditions 7-night Outerknown Adventures

4

 The Red Centre, NT

 

The Red Centre is an extraordinary landscape of desert plains, weathered mountain ranges, rocky gorges and some of Aboriginal Australia's most sacred sites. Floating in an outback waterhole, dining under a starry sky while being serenaded by didgeridoo, and watching Uluru change colours at dawn and dusk are just some of the Red Centre's only-in-Australia experiences.

Best time to visit: May to September is best for temperatures that are not too hot, drier weather and fewer crowds.

 

TOP 3 THINGS TO DO

Watch the sun rise or set over Uluru

Seeing the world's most famous rock change colours at dawn or dusk is a magical way to start or finish your day.

Hike Kings Canyon

Explore the domed 'Lost City' and luscious ‘Garden of Eden’ along the six-kilometre Rim Walk of this spectacular canyon.

Learn about Aboriginal culture

Discover the rich culture of the Traditional Owners, the Anangu. Having lived in the region for tens of thousands of years, they have a strong connection with this land.

 

POPULAR ITINERARIES

Inspiring Journeys 5-day Colour of Red tourImages courtesy of Inspiring Journeys.

Take a tour from Uluru to Alice Springs, with stops in outback stations and the MacDonnell Ranges, and a stay in Kings Canyon.

Suggested itinerary: Inspiring Journeys 5-day Colour of Red tour

Journey Beyond 8-day Red Centre Rendezvous packageImages courtesy of Journey Beyond.

Take the legendary train journey on The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide, with a 3-day stop to explore Alice Springs and Uluru.

Suggested itinerary: Journey Beyond 8-day Red Centre Rendezvous package

5

 Great Ocean Road, VIC

 

Winding alongside the wild and windswept Southern Ocean, this is one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. Home to craggy cliffs, empty beaches and bountiful wildlife, there's an effortless affinity with nature along this iconic road. And with epic surf and unforgettable hikes, you'll find plenty of adventure around every corner.

Best time to visit: There is no bad time to visit! Summer has the best weather if you can handle the crowds. For quieter roads, go in spring when nature is in full action or winter when you can see whales migrate!

Great Ocean Road

 

TOP 3 THINGS TO DO

Take in the scenery at the Twelve Apostles

These craggy limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean are a must-see.

Sample the local produce

The Great Ocean Road will tempt your tastebuds with sumptuous local produce, great dining and excellent wineries dotted along the way.

Visit the beachside villages

Explore the charming old fishing village of Port Fairy or get among the buzzing arts community in Lorne. 

 

POPULAR ITINERARIES

Princess 7-day Southern Australian Explorer cruiseImages courtesy of Princess Cruise Lines.

Take a cruise roundtrip from Melbourne, visiting Port Lincoln, Kangaroo Island and Adelaide along the way.

Suggested itinerary: Princess 7-day Southern Australia Explorer cruise

AAT Kings 7-day Great Ocean Road guided holidayImages courtesy of AAT Kings.

Take a tour from Melbourne to Adelaide, with stops in Mt Gambier, The Barossa & more, and a two-night stay at Kangaroo Island.

Suggested itinerary: AAT Kings 7-day Great Ocean Road guided holiday

Mount Roland, Tasmania

6

 Tasmania

 

Home to just 500,000 people, the island of Tasmania is as intimate as it is beautiful. Its gorgeous capital city, Hobart, is home to one of the world's most intriguing art galleries, while northern Launceston is one of the few cities on earth to be wrapped around a gorge. Drive anywhere in the island and you can go from beach-lined coasts to World Heritage-listed mountain areas in just a few hours. 

Best time to visit: Summer has the warmest temperatures but there is something extra special about the natural beauty seen across Tasmania in the autumn and winter months.

 

TOP 3 THINGS TO DO

Visit the underground art world of MONA

Hobart's amazing, subterranean Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a heady combination of art and architecture. A sandstone labyrinth cut into cliffs in the city's northern suburbs, this world-class gallery has a collection of art designed to provoke.

Explore Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park is home to dramatic pink granite peaks, secluded bays, white sandy beaches and abundant birdlife. Strolling along the sands of postcard-perfect Wineglass Bay is a must.

Get lost in fields of lavender

At Bridestowe Lavender Estate, wander through 260 acres of purples fields, landscaped gardens and native forest and indulge in all things lavender: ice cream, fudge, brownies, and even cheese! 

 

POPULAR ITINERARIES

APT 16-day Tasman Coastal cruiseImages courtesy of APT Tours.

Take a combined cruise and tour from Launceston to Hobart, exploring the islands and bays of the south-east coastline.

Suggested itinerary: APT 16-day Tasman Coastal cruise

Coral Expeditions 6-night Yachtman's CruiseImages courtesy of Coral Expeditions.

Chase the Sydney to Hobart yacht race on an epic yacht journey, then finish your trip by exploring the rugged Tasmanian coastline.

Suggested itinerary: Coral Expeditions 6-night Yachtman's Cruise

7

 The Coral Coast, WA

 

Stretching along 1,100km of breathtaking coastline, Western Australia's Coral Coast is home to stunning bays, fascinating wildlife and rugged landscapes. Discover thousands of years of history and visit uninterrupted stretches of white sandy beaches, magnificent ancient gorges, stunning carpets of colourful wildflowers and untouched coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Best time to visit: The best time to go is between March and October, when the weather is warm but not too hot and the seasonal experiences are in full swing.

Francois Peron National Park, WA Coast

 

TOP 3 THINGS TO DO

Walk among the Pinnacles

Visit Nambung National Park to see these amazing 30,000-year-old natural limestone pillars. Their unusual shapes were formed after the sea receded and coastal winds left them exposed to the elements.

Swim with the Ningaloo big three

Join a mega-fauna tour from Exmouth or Coral Bay to experience the ultimate wildlife encounters. Swim with whale sharks (the largest fish in the world), giant manta rays, and even humpback whales! Visit in July if you want a chance to see all three.

Surround yourself with colour

Marvel at the vibrant oranges, greens and blues of Francois Peron National Park, the bright pink Hutt Lagoon, and the brilliant yellow outback wildflowers.

 

POPULAR ITINERARIES

True North 10-night West Coast Explorer cruiseImages courtesy of True North.

Take a small ship cruise from Perth to Dampier, exploring the Abrolhos Islands, Ningaloo Reef, and more along the way.

Suggested itinerary: True North 10-night West Coast Explorer cruise

Princess 8-night Coral Coast cruiseImages courtesy of Princess Cruise Lines.

Take a cruise from Perth roundtrip, exploring the coastline and visiting Geraldton, Broome and Exmouth along the way.

Suggested itinerary: Princess 8-night Coral Coast cruise

8

 The Top End, NT

 

The Top End of the Northern Territory is known for its rich wetlands, wild rainforests and cascading waterfalls, which are all on show at Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. Cruise waterways teeming with wildlife, and immerse yourself in the culture of the traditional Aboriginal owners of the lands you’re exploring. A myriad of deep gorges, plunging waterfalls and tranquil rock-pools add to the drama of the Top End experience.

Best time to visit: The dry season, from April to September, brings warm, sunny days and cool nights as well as a packed calendar of festivals and events.

 

TOP 3 THINGS TO DO

See ancient Aboriginal rock art at Kakadu

Kakadu National Park's Aboriginal art represents one of the oldest historical records of the world’s continuous culture, with over 5000 sites across the park. The paintings tell the story of Creation Ancestors.

Swim under waterfalls at Litchfield

Pack a picnic and spend the day swimming under waterfalls at Litchfield National Park. Glide under the impressive double cascades of Wangi and Florence Falls that drop into sublime natural swimming holes, or soak in the tiered rock pools at Buley Rockhole.

Cruise Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge at dawn

Wake early for one of the NT’s most special experiences — cruising peacefully up Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park as dawn breaks. Drift past Aboriginal rock art with the changing colours of the dawn light, mist rising from the water and wildlife stirring on the bank. Don't forget your camera!

 

POPULAR ITINERARIES

APT 8-day Arnhem Land Explorer cruiseImages courtesy of APT.

Take a cruise from Darwin to Kununurra, visiting the remote Arnhem Land coastline, the Tiwi Islands and more along the way.

Suggested itinerary: APT 8-day Arnhem Land Explorer cruise

AAT Kings 6-day Top End Highlights guided holidayImages courtesy of AAT Kings.

Take a tour roundtrip from Darwin, with stops at Litchfield National Park, Katherine Gorge, Kakadu National Park and more along the way.

Suggested itinerary: AAT Kings 6-day Top End Highlights guided holiday

9

 The Nullarbor Plain, WA

 

For a true taste of the Western Australian outback head east to the Nullarbor Plain. This massive stretch of land is home to the Eyre Highway and the transcontinental railway line used by the Indian Pacific train. This great treeless plain boasts the amazing sea cliffs of the Great Australian Bight, and plentiful wildlife including kangaroos, emus, dingoes and wedge-tailed eagles.

Best time to visit: Winter is a great time to visit as the temperatures are much more mild and it is the peak time for whale watching.

Nullarbor Plain. Photo by Chris Fithall on flikr.

 

TOP 3 THINGS TO DO

Whale watch from the Bight

From June to October, you can watch the incredible Southern Right Whales up close and personal as they swim in from the Atlantic Ocean.

Photo by Chris Fithall on flikr

Stand at the edge of the world

The Bunda Cliffs run 200km between the Head of the Bight and the border of Western Australia. The very most southern point of the Nullarbor Plain, these cliffs are a magnificent sight that will make anyone feel like they are at the edge of the world.

Play golf on the world's longest course

Nullarbor Links is an 18-hole par 72 golf course spanning 1,365 km with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the Eyre Highway. The course provides a unique and quintessential Australian experience in the golden outback.

 

POPULAR ITINERARIES

Journey Beyond 19-night South West Wanderer package

Journey Beyond 19-night South West Wanderer packageImages courtesy of Journey Beyond.

Take an epic combined cruise and rail journey, cruising Australia's Southern Ocean from Sydney to Perth, 
then boarding the Indian Pacific to explore your way across the Nullarbor back to Sydney.

Suggested itinerary: Journey Beyond 19-night South West Wanderer package

Thursday Island, Far North Queensland

10

Cape York Peninsula, QLD

 

This large remote peninsula in Far North Queensland is about as close to the very tip of Australia as you can get and definitely one of the most challenging places to explore. However, the rewards here are just as immense! From the crystal clear waters of Fruit Bat Falls to the ancient wonders of the Daintree Rainforest, if it’s raw untouched beauty you’re after then Cape York more than delivers. 

Best time to visit: The dry season, from May to October, is the best time to visit as this is when the weather is more comfortable and the roads and businesses are all open.

 

TOP 3 THINGS TO DO

Get to know the Torres Strait

Experience the vibrant art, culture and natural beauty of the Torres Strait Islands, and see incredible sweeping views of Australia's northernmost tip.

Take the track less travelled

The Cape York peninsula boasts many wild and beautiful 4WD tracks, including one of Queensland’s most scenic short road trips The Bloomfield Track, and the famously challenging Overland Telegraph Track. 

Explore the remote Lizard Island

Snorkel through Lizard Island's pristine reefs, chill out on its pure white sand beaches, then hike to the historic peak Cook's Look.

 

POPULAR ITINERARIES

APT 11-day Cooktown & Cape York tourImages courtesy of APT.

Take a tour roundtrip from Cairns, with stays in Port Douglas, Cooktown, Torres Strait islands and more along the way.

Suggested itinerary: APT 11-day Cooktown & Cape York tour

Coral Expeditions 10-night Cooktown & Cape York cruiseImages courtesy of Coral Expeditions.

Take a small ship cruise from Cairns to Horn Island, exploring the many reefs and islands of the Coral Sea & Torres Strait along the way.

Suggested itinerary: Coral Expeditions 10-night Cape York cruise

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