Incredible Australian adventures for every type of traveler

After more than two years of waiting, travelers can now finally experience Australia as it reopens to the world.

Stretching over nearly 40,000 kilometers across six states and two territories, Australia’s coastline is unlike any other. Its vast, ageless land, alive with energy along ancient fault lines, is a dream come to life.

True connection with Australia through exploration, learning, romance, and rejuvenation takes time—but it’s a journey worth every moment. If you seek awe-inspiring adventures that last a lifetime, this is the place for you.

To help you plan the ultimate adventure, we’ve curated a list of the country’s most unforgettable experiences.

Unforgettable journeys

The Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

Australia’s 'Red Centre' trail, which spans 223 kilometers across rugged terrain, is a challenge for the bold. The route passes through the Yeperenye (caterpillar) Dreaming country of the Western Arrernte people, traversing the Chewings and Heavitree ranges, and weaving through the Tjoritja/Western MacDonnell Ranges National Park.

Six days of pure desert serenity might not include modern conveniences, but Great Walks of Australia’s Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort provides a luxurious network of eco-friendly campsites, designed by architects, with hot showers, cozy lounges, and private sleeping spaces along the trail.

Along the trail, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in Indigenous culture and taste bush foods prepared by a local Indigenous chef. Key highlights include the breathtaking beauty of Serpentine and Ormiston Gorges, as well as the striking scale of Standley Chasm, viewed from the summit of Mount Sonder.

The Kimberley, Western Australia

The vast, intricate landscapes of the world’s last great wilderness await your exploration in Western Australia’s Kimberley region.

El Questro Wilderness Park is a dreamlike landscape of rugged gorges, sweeping plains, winding rivers, natural rock pools, and thermal springs. Nestled in 700,000 acres of land at the base of the Cockburn Ranges, El Questro Homestead is a secluded, green oasis perched on a clifftop, offering a luxurious retreat for just 20 guests overlooking the Chamberlain River.

Although 100 kilometers from the nearest town, the resort offers easy access to the wilderness by helicopter. Experience sunset cocktail flights for a unique aerial view, go fishing for wild barramundi, or enjoy a refreshing dip at Zebedee Springs, El Questro Gorge, Amalia Gorge, Champagne Springs, and Emma Gorge.

Flinders Ranges, South Australia

Exclusivity reaches new heights when 260 square kilometers are shared by only 10 guests, in a location that perfectly captures the essence of Australia, just a few hours’ drive north of Adelaide, in the Flinders Ranges.

Once a working sheep station, Arkaba is now a private conservancy and the ideal spot to experience the Flinders Ranges’ renowned Arkaba Walk. This adventure blends purposeful tourism with stunning natural beauty, set against a backdrop of red gums and mallee scrub on one of the country’s most beautiful outback properties.

This upscale journey takes you through 500 million years of geological history, two centuries of European settlement, and tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal heritage. It’s a rare opportunity to get involved in a conservation program, guided by expert locals who bring the land to life through immersive walking tours and open-top safari drives.

The Arkaba Homestead is a five-bedroom slice of Australia’s pioneering past, lovingly restored and cleverly upcycled to offer an experience that feels more like staying with friends in the country than at a traditional luxury hotel.

Prime Location
The Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

The Whitsunday Islands offer world-class sailing, with perfect winds, clear waters, and scenery that rivals the Caribbean.

The luxurious Qualia resort sits perched above a pristine bay on Hamilton Island, one of the 74 islands in the group. Surrounded by the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef— the only living organism visible from space—it offers spectacular views over the Coral Sea.

Walls of glass offer a barrier from the world, but it’s the unparalleled tranquility that lets the vibrant emeralds and sapphires of the Whitsunday Islands work their magic.

It’s not just the private plunge pool with a stunning view of palm trees and forested islands, but the focus on excellence in every detail: gourmet meals by chef John Kennedy, rejuvenating spa treatments, and cocktails at sunset in the Long Pavilion.

With untouched beaches and some of Australia’s oldest archaeological sites, there’s no need to rush—take your time and soak it all in.

Daintree Rainforest, Queensland

In tropical North Queensland, the passage of time is reflected in a uniquely lush, vibrant landscape.

The Silky Oaks Lodge is nestled within the world’s oldest living rainforest, the 180-million-year-old Daintree National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that spans over 1,200 square kilometers. The lodge overlooks the mineral-rich waters of the Mossman River, known for their healing properties.

This is a laid-back, eco-conscious retreat, immersed in the profound, living history of the planet.

Guests can embark on a sunset sailing and snorkeling adventure on the reef aboard a luxury catamaran, or enjoy a peaceful Dreamtime Walk to Mossman Gorge, just a short drive away. Morning yoga, along with access to the lodge’s kayaks, mountain bikes, and snorkeling gear, are included in the experience.

Mount Mulligan, Queensland

Queensland is nearly three times the size of France, home to five of Australia’s 13 World Heritage sites. Everything is bigger here: from crocodiles and cattle stations to the sky itself, and even the iconic “big pineapple”, towering as high as a five-story building.

Mt. Mulligan Lodge, just 100 kilometers from Cairns, offers the ultimate outback retreat, nestled at the base of Mt Mulligan. This sandstone monolith stretches over 18 kilometers, making it 10 times the size of Uluru, and provides a truly authentic Australian experience in a luxurious yet untamed setting.

Guests can arrive by helicopter to take in a bird’s-eye view of this ever-changing, dramatic landscape. After thrilling activities, such as 4WD safari expeditions to one of the country’s most historic goldmines and guided nature walks, locally caught and foraged seasonal dishes await as a well-earned reward.

Modern Comforts
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Reef, the world’s third-longest fringing reef, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Australia’s best-kept natural treasures.

At Sal Salis, African safari-style luxury meets the Australian outback, offering 15 wilderness tents (including a honeymoon tent) nestled in the dunes where the outback converges with the reef.

The real highlight is the reef, just a few meters from shore. Beyond it, the world’s largest (and harmless) fish, the whale shark, swims gracefully, covered in a constellation of spots running along its 10-meter length. Not to be outdone, giant humpback whales, dugongs, and manta rays are also waiting for a warm welcome.

Sal Salis’s expert safari guides help guests fully immerse in the experience, while the chef pairs the best of Australian cuisine with premium Western Australian wines. Relax in a hammock and watch whales glide across the blue horizon, or turn your gaze to the dunes and spot red kangaroos, echidnas, and emus roaming around Cape Range National Park.

Gastronomic Retreat

Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania

Embark on a culinary journey along Tasmania’s east coast, from Hobart to St Helens, where the road itself becomes a pantry: hand-picked strawberries from Sorrell’s Fruit Farm, homemade scallop pies in Bicheno, and organic Leavenbank bread from St Helens.

Saffire Freycinet Lodge is located a 2.5-hour drive north of Hobart on the Freycinet Peninsula. It features 20 luxury villas, set a comfortable distance from the striking main lodge, which resembles a giant manta-ray-shaped spaceship.

Just in front lies Great Oyster Bay, a pristine white-sand beach dotted with red lichen-covered rocks, offering stunning views across turquoise waters to the cluster of pink granite peaks known as The Hazards, on the other side of Coles Bay.

The tide brings a feast for the senses, with a bounty of scallops, mussels, oysters, crabs, and seaweed.

Embark on a guided walk to uncover the rich history of the Palawa people, dispelling decades of misconception that the last indigenous Tasmanians perished in the 1800s. Along the way, sample local bush tucker.

Suit up in a full-body bee suit (with safety and guidance) to harvest honey from the Saffire hives, or step into waders to visit an oyster farm and enjoy the raw beauty of freshly shucked oysters straight from the sea. This is how life on Earth was meant to be experienced.

Uluru, Northern Territory

Uluru stands as a towering enigma, a 348-meter-high monolith that dwarfs The Eiffel Tower, rising dramatically from the red earth at the heart of Australia.

The Tali Wiru (“beautiful dune” in Anangu) desert dining experience at Ayers Rock Resort is the ideal way to complement a visit to Uluru, starting with champagne and canapés for up to 20 guests.

Afterward, dine under a chandelier of stars, seated at a white linen table atop an ochre-red dune with stunning views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta—ancient, sacred sandstone formations that are over 600 million years old.

Remote Australian locations offer unparalleled dark skies, but here, the Milky Way adds to the celestial spectacle. This otherworldly experience deserves more than one course.

The resort's Longitude 131° offers an indulgent five-star glamping experience, complete with sweeping views that will take your breath away.

Discovery Voyage
The True North, Western Australia

Voyagers aboard The True North can explore some of Australia's most remote and untouched corners, aboard an adventure cruise ship small enough to navigate hidden coves and secluded bays. With an all-Australian crew of 22 and six expedition tenders, this intimate cruise accommodates up to just 36 guests for an adventure like no other.

The Kimberley Wilderness Cruise offers a stunning showcase of waterfalls and islands, inviting guests to enjoy the freedom of exploring one of Australia's most remote regions at their own pace.

Adventure boats are available for daily excursions, offering activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, hiking, and exploration of the area's natural and cultural wonders. The ship's helicopter also opens up a world of possibilities, from scenic flights and heli-picnics to overnight camping experiences.

Cultural Identity
Mount Borradaile, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory

Nowhere else in the world can match the cultural legacy of Aboriginal Australia. The depth of inspiration drawn from Australia’s Indigenous cultures is present throughout the land. Discover Aboriginal Experiences connects travelers with over 40 operators, offering the rare privilege of walking on country with the nation's First People.

As the world's oldest living culture, the Aboriginal philosophy teaches that caring for the land ensures it will care for you in return. This culture is made up of diverse communities, with over 120 languages still spoken today.

Covering an area twice the size of Switzerland, Arnhem Land is a remote, enigmatic region in the Northern Territory. For 60,000 years, the Yolngu people have called it home, maintaining their rich traditions and culture.

Access to Arnhem Land is best achieved through trusted tour operators, who work in partnership with the Yolngu people to help protect some of the planet’s most ancient and precious cultural sites.

In a secluded area just an hour from Darwin, the sacred Borradaile treasures serve as a powerful reminder of the Ulba Bunidj people who lived in 48,000 BC. Their artwork, preserved in sandstone ranges, marks burial caves and speaks to a rich cultural heritage.

Mount Borradaile is cared for by Max Davidson, who offers guided tours from his eco-lodge, Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris.