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From glamping in national parks to amazing pink lakes: Where to unwind and recharge in Australia
With its colourful treasure trove of rivers, forests, beaches and wildlife, this continent offers plenty of opportunities to relax and reconnect with nature
Take a moment to marvel at Australia's finest natural beauty with an overnight stay on Tasmania’s Maria Island (right) or a scenic flight over the pink Lake Hillier in Western Australia. PHOTOS: TOURISM AUSTRALIA
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As city slickers, Singaporeans often go abroad to experience what they don’t get much of at home — a deep and meaningful dive into glorious Nature. And there’s no better place on earth to experience that than in Australia, with its natural wonders and outdoor lifestyle.
You’ll get to experience a rare stargazing session at an International Dark Sky Reserve, spot friendly sea giants at an even rarer World Whale Heritage Site, and soak in the sun at some of the best beaches in the world, populated by loveable wildlife kangaroos. After reconnecting with nature, look forward to finding yourself refreshed, recharged and revitalised.
Admire the wondrous landscapes of the Murray River, South Australia
The Murray River is not only the longest river in Australia — flowing more than 2500km from the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales to the Lakes and Coorong in South Australia — it’s also one of the world’s oldest rivers, estimated to be around 130 million years old.
As such, the area is rich in history, culture and heritage. There are museums to visit, a vibrant arts scene to enjoy and the Ngaut Ngaut site — a place sacred to the Aboriginal people of the area — to tour. But the greatest attraction here is definitely the beautiful physical environment, and people enjoy it in a myriad of different ways — hiking, kayaking, fishing, swimming, walking and cycling.
Get to know this region better through a three-day guided river safari tour. You’ll enjoy the unique and diverse landscapes of this area through guided walks, canoeing trips and outback drives, and you’ll also have plenty of opportunity to observe the local wildlife, like kangaroos, wombats, pelicans and spoonbills.
While you’re there, make time for a visit to Australia’s very first International Dark Sky Reserve at Murray River. Covering more than 3,200 sq km, this park boasts some of the darkest skies on the planet, making it perfect for stargazing. Book a guided tour, or set up camp with your own telescope and binoculars for an unforgettable nighttime experience.
Marvel at creatures great and small on Phillip Island, Victoria
Only two hours away from the cosmopolitan hub of Melbourne, Phillip Island immerses visitors in a world of wildlife wonders. This is no doubt due to their famous penguins, and travellers can head home with bragging rights at having come up close with the iconic Penguin Parade, which happens every evening all year round.
Everyone waits with bated breath to watch the 30cm-tall Little Penguins come ashore, after a day of feeding in the ocean. The timings vary depending on the season, with the animals coming in later during summer. The tiny creatures hover in groups within the shallow waves for a time, before deeming it safe to emerge — running across the sand toward the safety of their burrows, hoping not to attract the attention of predators.
The other animal that draws visitors to Phillip Island are the humpback and southern right whales that swim into Phillip Island’s coastal waters during the winter months (June to August). This is celebrated with the Island Whale Festival in July which includes whale-spotting cruises, craft activities, pop-up art shows and film screenings around the island. During the summer (December to February), Phillip Island is the perfect spot for surfing and various other exciting water activities.
Fly over a pink paradise in Esperance, Western Australia
Beach lovers who stumble upon this part of Western Australia (WA) might think they have discovered paradise — and rightly so. With dazzlingly white sand, clear-as-glass aquamarine waters and a dramatic rocky coastline, Esperance is only a 90-minute flight from Perth, making it an ideal spot to add to your WA travel itinerary.
Ranking as one of the state’s brightest jewels, this town garnered international attention when Lucky Bay, one of its beaches, clinched the number one spot on the list of the world’s best beaches in 2023.
Besides sunbathing at Lucky Bay, locals recommend an exploration of the bushwalking trails and hiking tracks through Cape Le Grand National Park, for great views of rocky granite outcrops and the Recherche Archipelago. Middle Island, the largest island in the archipelago, is home to the bubblegum pink Lake Hillier, which owes its colour to a red algae that produces beta-carotene in sunlight.
It isn’t the only pink lake either – the region is famous for as many as three to four dozen of them, called the Pink and Rainbow Lakes. The best way to marvel at these rosy-hued pools? From the air on a scenic helicopter flight.
Savour the surreal beauty of Maria Island, Tasmania
One of Tasmania’s most pristine pockets of natural beauty is Maria Island, located just off the island state’s east coast. The whole island is a National Park and you will notice the peaceful tranquillity the moment you step off the ferry from Triabunna because there is no traffic. The island is car-free, so walking and cycling are the only ways to get around.
One of the best ways to see the place is on the four-day Maria Island Walk, which will take you to untouched white powder beaches, crystalline waters, tall stands of aromatic blue gum trees, lichen-covered boulders, and soaring dolerite columns. Marvel at 300-million-year-old fossils embedded in limestone cliffs, the vibrant sandstone swirls of the Painted Cliffs and thriving populations of rare and endangered species like Swift Parrots, Cape Barron Geese and of course, Tasmanian Devils.
You will also get the chance to visit Darlington, one of Australia’s 11 Unesco-listed convict sites, which will give you a fascinating insight into the history of Maria Island. In the evenings, you will bed down in a comfortable wilderness camp with bush showers and gourmet meals.
Enjoy unique outdoor activities in the Southern Highlands, New South Wales
If you fancy a change of pace from the hustle of Sydney, just a two-hour drive away lies the lovely country escape of the Southern Highlands. Savour the quaint charms of its heritage towns, browse through its famous antique shops, lunch at its cosy restaurants, pick fruit at its orchards and taste wines at its vineyards.
Animal lovers will love the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, which runs between Bullio and Bungonia through the Southern Highlands, linking the southern Blue Mountains with Morton National Park. The corridor is used by many animals, so you will be able to spot platypus, emus, kangaroos, and echidnas, as well as threatened species like koalas, Regent Honeyeaters and Glossy Black Cockatoos during a long refreshing walk around the area.
If you visit in spring, make sure you don’t miss one of Australia’s oldest flower festivals, the Tulip Time Festival. Head to Corbett Gardens in Bowral, which is transformed every September into a spectacular floral extravaganza with no fewer than 80,000 tulips in full bloom.
Dive into the natural wonders of Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
A trip to the Northern Territory would not be complete without a visit to Kakadu National Park, which is a three-hour drive away from Darwin. This Unesco World Heritage site is extraordinary because of its natural features and its cultural history. Australia’s biggest national park, Kakadu boasts ancient landscapes with thundering waterfalls, rocky gorges, lush rainforests, and emerald-hued crystal-clear plunge pools.
The exotic wildlife is also a draw — a cruise along the Yellow Water billabong is a good chance to observe the native birds, while a trip down the East Alligator River will give you the perfect opportunity to spot some of the region’s biggest saltwater crocodiles.
Kakadu is also the place to look at some of the oldest Aboriginal rock art in the world. Visit its famous outdoor rock art galleries at Ubirr and the Nanguluwurr Rock Art Walk, and take in the rich histories of the native Bininj/Mungguy people as they share about their ancient culture and explain the significance of rock art.
Stretch your legs at Majura Pines, Australian Capital Territory
A 20-minute drive from Canberra’s central business district, Majura Pines, a recreational venue, has long been famous for its mountain biking, horse riding and orienteering.
With some of the oldest and most famous mountain bike trails in Canberra, the area is popular with cyclists. It provides for every skill level and preference — from beginner to intermediate to advanced; whether cross-country or downhill.
The former pine plantation also boasts another reason to visit — a brand new Treetops Adventure park, which opened this March. Kids and adults alike will have hours of fun navigating through its 90 aerial obstacles and 16 different ziplines suspended between 2m and 20m above ground.
When it’s time to wind down, head to Mount Majura Vineyard for a glass of their famous Tempranillo wine, known for its dark cherry and blackberry flavours, and pair it with a cheese tasting platter. Spend a night tucked away in the vineyard in a comfortable tent for a glamping experience or a tiny home with an ensuite with shower, kitchenette and internal heating. On your way out, stock up on a few bottles of their Rieslings and Shiraz.
Watch the whales play in Hervey Bay, Queensland
If you prefer to do your whale-watching in warmer temperatures, look no farther than this city on the Fraser Coast. In fact, Hervey Bay is one of only five World Whale Heritage Sites in the world – a recognition earned by its commitment to conservation and protection.
A three-and-a-half-hour drive north of Brisbane, this coastal city enjoys a unique distinction of being a regular stop on the whales’ migration route, known as the humpback highway, as they travel to and from Antarctica for breeding and feeding. The majestic mammals use the calm, protected waters here to teach their calves several impressive whale moves — like flip slaps, blowhole spurts and jump-out-of-water aerial displays.
Apart from the gentle giants, visitors flock here for the unspoilt coastline and quiet charm of the area, which can be enjoyed through sunbathing on the beaches, sailing, diving, fishing off Urangan Pier or stand-up-paddle boarding in the bay. Or take your adventures inland and discover the national parks of Queensland.
Ready for more? Start planning your Australian itinerary now at australia.com.
