Every good adventure starts with G’day!
Follow Tourism Australia’s new mascot Ruby the Roo on her incredible journey around Australia, with the help of Louie the ‘magic’ unicorn, in the new video.
It’s a roundabout route that takes her all over Australia but, with the help of a ride in cool box and several flat whites, Ruby makes it to Uluru! Here are the places she visits on the way…
Sitting in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island is covered in tropical rainforest, that gives way to soft sandy beaches, washed by the warm waters of the Coral Sea. It’s a 45 minute boat ride from Cairns, complimentary for those staying at Green Island Resort, an 5 star eco-retreat, from where you can go snorkelling or diving on the reef, borrow a kayak or enjoy a glass bottom boat ride.
One of the world’s most instantly recognisable cities, with plenty to see and do. Will you climb the Harbour Bridge or go backstage at the Opera House? Chill out in the Royal Botanic Gardens or head out into the Blue Mountains, to explore the soaring sandstone ridges and native bushland?
Clinging onto the top of a Jeep listening to King Stingray’s new take on Men at Work’s ‘Down Under’, Ruby and Louie cross the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge on a coastal drive from Sydney to Melbourne. Here they embrace the city’s coffee culture, a few too many flat whites getting Ruby gushing about the iconic destinations and experiences Australia has to offer including…
One of the world’s greatest rail journeys, connecting Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the Northern Territory, stopping at Alice Springs in the Red Centre en route. Originally known as the ‘Afghan Express’ after the original camel trains that crossed the desert, The Ghan now offers first class dining and service as you soak in the mesmerising views of the Australian Outback.
Halfway between Perth and Freemantle, Cottesloe Beach boasts a mile of pristine white sand, overlooked by the iconic Indiana Teahouse, soon to be turned into a beachside restaurant and boutique hotel and spa. Visit Cottesloe Beach in March to catch the wonderful Sculpture by the Sea outdoor art exhibition.
There are more than 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors in the Barossa Valley, with the region particularly known for its rich reds and fortified wines. There is a range of accommodation in the area, or you can join a day tour to Barossa from Adelaide, including a two course lunch and wine tasting.
Once a penal settlement, but now uninhabited by humans, Maria Island is a haven for wildlife, with thriving populations of Tasmanian devils, wombats, wallabies and forester kangaroos, as well as all 12 of Tasmania’s endemic bird species, including dusky robins and strong-billed honeyeaters. Follow the hiking trails to the cliffs on the eastern side of the island and you might just spot migrating humpback whales. Head to the western side to discover the weathered contours of the fabulous Painted Cliffs.
A laidback seaside town, Coles Bay is the gateway to Freycinet National Park, home to the pink granite peaks of the Hazards and simply spectacular Wineglass Bay. You can visit both on a six day self drive tour of Tasmania.
Words alone cannot describe the feeling of first setting eyes on Uluru. Sacred to the Anangu, the traditional custodians of the land, it never fails to enchant those who visit; as Ruby and Louie discovered. The ‘Great Pebble’ stands 348 metres tall, the walk around its base nearly 10 km, but well worth it. Likewise, setting your alarm to see the sunrise at Uluru and the shifting colours of the desert in the morning light.
Where the Red Centre gives way to the tropical north, is a land of dramatic gorges carved through ancient sandstone, with towering cliffs and crashing waterfalls. It’s an outdoor enthusiasts delight, with endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and wild swimming. The park can also be enjoyed without breaking a sweat however, on an early morning hot air balloon ride or cruise along Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.
In Canberra you can immerse yourself in Australia’s past, present and future. The national museums and galleries provide a journey through the country’s history. At Parliament House you can watch today’s decision-makers in full debate during Question Time, then at Questacon Science & Technology Centre you can travel to outer space! If your brain hurts just thinking about it, the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Arboretum provide a tranquil escape.
We hope you enjoyed the Tourism Australia video! To follow in the footsteps of Ruby the Roo and Louie the unicorn, check out the holiday ideas, self drives, tours and experiences on our website, or give our friendly team of Aussie Specialists a call to say G’day and start planning your adventure!
