Destination Down Under: 10 Quintessential Australia Experiences  

Dine under the stars in Uluru, ride a Cable Beach camel or come face-to-face with Darwin crocodiles: find your own slice of paradise in the Land Down Under. 

When you take off across the rich red horizon, a tapestry of unique, unmissable experiences starts to unfold. A South Australia road trip might find you in the Barossa Valley, sipping and sampling the fruits of a century-old vineyard. A stroll through the art-drenched streets of Melbourne could usher you into a chef-hatted bistro. And if you must leave, a lush palm-lined Australian island is never far ashore. Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, Australia’s endless treasures never cease to captivate. 

Ready to embark on your Great Australian Escape? Discover our exclusive offers here. 

Indulge in fine dining in Melbourne, VIC  

If you’re a foodie, you simply can’t miss what is arguably Australia’s culinary capital: from marketplace street food to trendy pop-ups and the upper echelons of fine dining, Melbourne’s culinary scene is world leading. Our picks?  Treat yourself at Attica in Ripponlea, renowned for innovative dishes using native Australian ingredients. Chef-hatted and frequently heralded one of the best restaurants in the world, it serves adventurous foodies with charred crocodile, emu liver parfait, and ‘First Nations finger foods’. Or visit Tipo 00, a laid-back Italian eatery that sets itself apart from the rest, offering unpretentious yet fine-dining-worthy dishes in an intimate setting.  

Experience Indigenous legends at Uluru, NT 

There’s no spot in Australia quite as sacred and humbling as this one at the Red Centre, where sunburnt earth meets pink salt lakes and mesmerizing orange sunsets. Simply unmissable is the Field of Light installation, which illuminates the dusk with 50,000 spindles of light spanning seven football fields. Indulge in a sunset dinner, savouring bush tucker as the lights come alive. Or, explore ancient indigenous culture at Wintjiri Wiru After Dark. Witness the Mala story through this captivating visual spectacle with drones, projectors and lasers, accompanied by the traditional Inma soundtrack and local Pitjantjatjara language narration, forging a profound connection to Country. 

Seek endless thrills at the Gold Coasts’ theme parks, QLD 

Buckle up for jaw-dropping rides that will take you to the sky at Warner Bros. Movie World, Australia’s own magical playground for kids big and small. Whether you’re a fearless daredevil craving heights on a soaring ride or a movie buff hoping to peek behind the curtain at the WB Studio Showcase, there’s something here for every thrill level. Or pop on your swimmers and head to Wet’n’Wild, the ultimate aquatic paradise where adventure meets water. Brace yourself on the Kamikaze, a daring slide that sends you plummeting at breathtaking speeds, or challenge the twists and turns of the Tornado, a high-speed funnel waterslide.

Ride a camel across Cable Beach in Broome, WA  

Broome’s stunning fusion of red earth and azure sea brings the country’s unique typography together on a breathtaking stretch of coast. With the largest population of camels in the world, Australia is bursting with opportunities to get up and close with this gracious animal on scenic expeditions. Saunter along Cable Beach while the sun sets or rises, breathing in the majesty of Broome’s beachfront and grab a photo op as the camels’ silhouettes reflect in the water below.  

Encounter saltwater crocodiles in Darwin, NT  

The Northern Territory, with its tropical weather and vast coastal wetlands, is the perfect habitat for over 100,000 resident saltwater crocs. Ready to get up close and personal? Brave the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove, where a clear underwater tank brings you face-to-face with saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat. Or keep your head above water and opt for a Jumping Crocs Tour package at the H on Smith Hotel. Witness these prehistoric creatures lunge from the water on a thrilling boat cruise while enjoying a stylish stay in the Darwin CBD. 

Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge, NSW 

Embark on an epic ascent to the pinnacle of Sydney Harbour Bridge, where just 1,621 steps are between you and undoubtedly the best views of the world-famous harbour. See the city’s awe-inspiring skyline and catch a tantalising glimpse of the iconic sails of Sydney Opera House as you reach the peak. Guided by seasoned climbers, uncover the bridge’s rich history and engineering marvels. Choose to climb at the dawn of a new day or as twilight paints the sky and savour the ultimate bird’s-eye view of Sydney in all its glory.  

Go vineyard-hopping in Australia’s oldest wine region, the Barossa Valley, SA 

Drive just one hour from Adelaide to the internationally renowned Barossa Valley — South Australia’s verdant wine region. Approachable, countryside charm is the scene here, where over 80 cellar doors and 150 wineries are set. Visit Penfolds Barossa Valley Cellar Door to sample its premium Grange, hailed as a local wine fridge darling, in the winery’s original 1911 heritage HQ. Or, journey to the oldest vineyard in the region, ‘Freedom 1843’, at The Langmeil Winery, which holds some of the last and oldest surviving shiraz vines in the world.  

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef in the Whitsundays, QLD  

The Great Barrier Reef, stretching across an impressive 2,300 kilometres, stands as the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world and a proud UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. It’s undeniably one Australia’s most spectacular natural wonders and continues to be a bucket-list attraction for both international and regional visitors, with its kaleidoscopic colours and spectacular marine life – from manta rays to turtles and clownfish. The best part? Whether you’re a PADI-certified diver or occasional snorkeller, this underwater wonderland is accessible to all. Hop across the endless cluster of palm-lined beaches in the Whitsundays or keep an eye on waters from above with a stay at the reef-side Whitsunday Apartments Hamilton Island.  

Catch an AFL game at Melbourne’s MCG, VIC 

Every weekend in the AFL season the streets of East Melbourne come alive with footie fans, all flocking onwards to roar in the stands of the MCG. Regardless of where you stand, football fanatic or casual spectator, your ultimate Australian experience would be amiss without dressing in the colours of your home team, parking up with a hot pie and cheering along with friends. Stay in the thick of it at The Motley in Richmond and kick off your night with a pub feed on Bridge Rd before jaunting to the ‘G’, just a 15-minute walk away. 

See flourishing native wildlife at Kangaroo Island, SA 

A sanctuary for humans and hoppers alike, Kangaroo Island is more than just another jaw-dropping stretch of coast. Stunningly quiet, with a large portion of the island dedicated to nature reserves, this wildly beautiful paradise invites colonies of native wildlife to live in harmony with some of the country’s most sought-after landscapes. Cuddle koalas, feed kangaroos, wave at slithering reptiles and say hello to little penguins at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. Or admire a colony of sea lions from afar at Seal Bay, one of South Australia’s top-rated attractions. 

Ready to embark on your Great Australian Escape? Discover our exclusive offers here. 

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