Nestled in the heart of Fiji’s enchanting Mamanuca Islands, Castaway Island is a luxurious private island paradise that offers an unforgettable tropical escape. This secluded oasis is fringed by pristine white sandy beaches and surrounded by the mesmerizing turquoise waters of the South Pacific.
The resort offers 65 elegantly appointed bures (traditional Fijian bungalows) that blend seamlessly with the lush tropical landscape, providing guests with a serene and intimate retreat. From thrilling water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, and windsurfing to more leisurely pursuits such as kayaking and beachcombing, Castaway Island caters to everyone.
The resort’s exceptional dining options showcase the best of Fijian and international cuisine, while the tranquil spa offers a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation. With its unparalleled natural beauty, warm Fijian hospitality, and commitment to sustainable tourism, Castaway Island an extraordinary experience.
Located on the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is a coastal haven that captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
Whilst at just 225 square kilometres it is the country’s smallest National Park, its turquoise waters, rocky headlands and lush native forests provide a habitat for a wonderful variety of wildlife, including fur seals, bottlenose and dusky dolphins, little blue penguins, and weka, a flightless bird.
If you enjoy a challenge, following the 51 km Abel Tasman Coast Track is an incredible way to see the park. You can walk the full distance or hire a kayak to paddle a section of the route.
Or you can simply bask on one of the park’s pristine beaches, surrounded by nature’s unparalleled beauty. Abel Tasman National Park is a perfect stop on a New Zealand self drive holiday.
At Roebuck Bay in North West Australia, the iconic rusty-red hues of The Outback meet the almost impossible turquoise blues of the Pacific Ocean, creating a wonderful contrast in colour, and swirling patterns that change as the tide ebbs and flows.
Stretching between Broome and Cape Villaret, Roebuck Bay is one of the best destinations in Australia to see migratory shorebirds, who feed on the mudflats between September and May before flying thousands of miles to the Northern Hemisphere, to return just a few months later (and who would blame them?).
Between March and October, Roebuck Bay Lookout and Broome’s Town Beach are excellent vantage points to view the ‘Staircase to the Moon’ a natural phenomena that occurs when the reflection of the full moon in the tidal flats creates an illusion of steps leading up into the night sky.
Our Untamed Kimberley escorted tour concludes with two nights in Broome, if you would like to visit Roebuck Bay for yourself.
Golden cliffs on one side, azure seas on the other, Port Willunga Beach stretches for around a kilometre north of the town it’s named after, on the western side of the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.
The town itself was once home to a thriving port and fishing industry, but now mainly caters for day-trippers from Adelaide, 45 kilometres to the north, as well as those hopping over to Kangaroo Island, with the Cape Jarvis ferry terminal 55 kilometres to the south.
A reminder of the region’s nautical history is still visible every low tide, when the wreck of the Star of Greece, which ran aground in 1888, emerges from the water.
Nature lovers can also explore the nearby Onkaparinga River National Park, where hiking trails lead to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Fleurieu Peninsula and Southern Ocean.
On the eastern coast of Australia, Byron Bay is a coastal gem that effortlessly blends bohemian charm with natural beauty. Known for its laid-back vibe and pristine beaches, it’s a haven for surfers, sun-seekers, and nature enthusiasts. The town’s vibrant arts scene, coupled with an array of quaint boutiques, cafes, and a bustling farmers’ market, offers a unique blend of culture and relaxation on your Australian holiday.
The Cape Byron Lighthouse is perched majestically on Australia’s most easterly point and offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The sunrise walk is a must.
Byron Bay is more than a destination; it’s a way of life that invites you to slow down, soak up the sun, and embrace the laid-back Aussie spirit that flows through this enchanting coastal town.
Located within New Zealand’s enchanting Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove is a geographical wonder. Centuries of relentless wind and strong tides have created a natural archway into the rock formations.
Paired with the pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters, this spot is a must-visit destination on any North Island itinerary. It has also appeared in films, such as The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and music videos including ‘Can’t hold us’ by Macklemore.
Access Cathedral Cove by taking an hour’s walk from the North end of the beautiful Hahei Beach along a cliff top trail.
A slice of coastal paradise in New South Wales, Huskisson Beach offers soft sands and crystal clear waters, home to a variety of marine life.
Around 2.5 hours south of Sydney, this charming beach is popular with both locals and tourists, for swimming, snorkelling and beachcombing. Its calm and inviting waters make it an ideal spot for families to relax and play.
Visitors to Huskisson Beach might also be treated to the sight of Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins, that live in Jervis Bay, frolicking in the waves.
Imagine stepping into a surreal world where the Australian Outback meets pure magic. As the sun sets over the mythical landscapes of Uluru, thousands of mesmerising light stems illuminate the desert floor like a celestial dance party.
Picture yourself wandering through this vibrant sea of colours, surrounded by the silence of the desert at night. It is like being inside a dream, as the lights stretch out in front of you. The “Field of Light” is guaranteed to be an experience you will never forget.
Whilst you are visiting Uluru, why not pair the Field of Light experience with the impressive night-time drone show that is Wintjiri Wiru? This amazing mid-air light show is accompanied by a narration explaining the origins of the earth through the traditional stories of the native tribes of this area.
Spanning over 19,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park, in Australia’s Northern Territory, protects a diverse range of ecosystems, from lush rainforests to vast wetlands and towering sandstone escarpments.
The park is also rich in cultural heritage, the region being the home of the Bininj and Mungguy people for over 65,000 years. Visitors can learn about their traditions at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and get a sense for their spiritual connection to the land at ancient rock art sites throughout the park.
Offering views across Anbangbang Billabong to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and the Arnhem Land escarpment, Nawurlandja Lookout (above) is a particularly worthwhile stop on a Northern Territory self drive tour.
Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, is a captivating city that seamlessly blends natural beauty with historical charm. Nestled along the picturesque Derwent River, the city’s harbour is a bustling hub of activity. From the iconic Salamanca Place, with its vibrant markets and historic sandstone warehouses, to the waterfront’s lively restaurants and cafes, there is always something happening and plenty to explore.
Overlooking the city is the majestic Mount Wellington, one of Tasmania’s Wonders, offering panoramic views over Hobart and its surroundings. Adventure seekers can hike their way up to the summit, or bike their way down via numerous trails, for a breathtaking experience.
Hobart also boasts an array of cultural attractions. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a must-visit, featuring eclectic contemporary art and captivating exhibitions. The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens provide a serene escape, while Battery Point showcases charming colonial architecture.
Standley Chasm is located in the West MacDonnell Ranges of Australia’s Northern Territory. It is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its sheer size, beauty and geological significance. Carved over millions of years by the forces of erosion, Standley Chasm showcases towering red rock walls that soar up to 80 meters high, creating a narrow gorge illuminated by sunlight in the middle of the day.
Standley Chasm is a scenic 50 kilometre drive from the nearest major town of Alice Springs, in Australia’s Red Centre. Once there, visitors can follow a marked trail through the rugged terrain to reach the chasm. The best time to visit is midday when the sun’s rays pierce through the narrow opening, casting striking patterns of light and shadow on the chasm walls.
Standley Chasm holds cultural significance for the local Aboriginal people, who consider it a sacred site. Escorted tours are available to provide insights into the rich cultural heritage and stories associated with this remarkable place.
The Great Ocean Road stretches along the southern coast of Victoria for 243 km, offering stunning views from the top of rugged, towering cliffs of tranquil bays and beaches below.
The most famous, and photographed, natural attraction along the route are the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean, that are particularly beautiful at sunset.
Whilst the seaside towns of Torquay and Allansford are the ‘official’ start and finish of the Great Ocean Road, many travellers begin their road trip in Melbourne and end in Adelaide, giving themselves four or five days to complete the 1,000 km journey.
As well as stunning seascapes, visitors can explore the region’s wildlife-rich National Parks and rainforests, and learn about the cultural heritage of the Gunditjmara people who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
Built in to the rocky headland, overlooking Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach, is the Icebergs Club. Established in 1929 as a safe winter swimming location to aid the fitness of local life savers in the off-season, races are still held every Sunday throughout the year, whatever the weather.
The Icebergs Club is open to the public, although you do need to be signed in by a member. As well as the main swimming pool there is a children’s pool, sauna and pool deck, with views across the famous beach, plus a bar, bistro and lounge to relax after your swim.
More than 12,000 species of wildflower bloom across Western Australia between the months of June and October, 60% of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world!
The blooming season begins in northern Pilbara in June, gradually moving south along the Coral Coast, through Cape Range and Kalbarri National Parks, before reaching Perth’s urban parklands around September, with over 3,000 species bursting into colour in Kings Park alone. The wildflower season continues over the hills of the Swan Valley and reaches the Margaret River region around October each year, beautifully complimenting the greens of the local vineyards.
It’s possible to view many of Western Australia’s wildflowers on our Northbound to Ningaloo or Western Wanderer self drive holidays. Alternatively one of Australia Experts can create a wildflower road trip, especially for you!
Deep within Fiordland National Park lies Milford Sound, arguably New Zealand’s most stunning natural attraction. Here, deep blue glacial-cut waters give rise to steep-sided cliffs with tumbling white waterfalls cascading down from above.
In the past it was only possible to reach Milford Sound by boat via the Tasman Sea, but today the end of the fiord can be reached by road from Queenstown via Te Anau. The journey alone is one of the most scenic in the whole of New Zealand, but nothing prepares you for that first glimpse of Milford Sound itself.
A Milford Sound day cruise will take you the full length of the fiord spotting seals, dolphins and penguins as you go. However, if time permits, board an overnight Milford Sound cruise to enjoy the sunset over the mountains, then the calm of dawn in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
The clear waters of the Katherine River flows majestically through the Nitmiluk Gorge, between the spectacular cliffs of Nitmiluk National Park. Just 20 miles north of the outback town of Katherine, the Nitmiluk National Park is home to 13 impressive gorges, carved out over millions of years from the red sandstone.
Take a cruise through the gorge at either sunrise or sunset to witness the glowing colours change around you. From the comfort of your boat, you can sit back and listen to the stories of the Jawoyn People, the traditional owners of this stunning land, as they explain the importance of the river in their culture and history.
Almost hidden amongst the lush greenery of Queensland’s tropics, the twelve luxury treehouses of Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, provide the perfect place to relax away from the world.
Bordering the Wooroonooran National Park, the retreat offers the opportunity to explore the rainforest floor, with a number of walking trails throughout the property, and then relax in the canopy, where you can spot a variety of colourful birdlife at eye-level.
Beginning just south of Cairns and then rising up to a height of around 700 metres above sea level, the Atherton Tablelands is a region of diverse rainforest, fertile wetlands and rocky outcrops. This part of Northern Queensland is home to vast array of wildlife, including the incredibly elusive platypus. Another unique resident is the tree-kangaroo that keeps to the dense forest areas.
For bird lovers the Atherton Tablelands are the place to come to view honeyeaters, crimson Rosellas, bowerbirds and king parrots.
Just look at the colour of that water!
If you head up Australia’s Coral Coast, which stretches 1,100 km from Cervantes to Ningaloo, you’ll find beach after beach of soft sand and turquoise seas, and most of the time not another soul in sight. The water is warm and sunshine almost guaranteed (well for an average 320 days a year anyway).
Also not to miss on the Coral Coast are the mysterious Pinnacles of Nambung National Park, inquisitive dolphins at Monkey Mia and graceful whale sharks that visit Ningaloo Reef each year.
Browse our road trips from Perth for itinerary suggestions. Cervantes is around 2 hours from the Western Australia capital.
Just a short ferry ride from the city of Perth, lies the idyllic island of Rottnest. Boasting more than 60 beautiful sandy beaches and 20 sheltered bays, Rottnest Island is perfect for swimming, surfing, snorkelling or just relaxing in the sun.
For the energetic, it is possible to rent a kayak, a Segway or a bicycle to explore the island further. Follow the trails to visit the historic Bickley gun emplacements or take in the panoramic views from Jubilee Lookout.
Of course Rottnest Island’s most famous residents are the furry Quokka. These friendly marsupials are found everywhere on the island and are often quite happy to pose for photographs with tourists! Quokkas are primarily nocturnal, so why not stay overnight on Rottnest to see them for longer?
One of the world’s most scenic driving routes lies less than four hours from the thriving metropolis of Melbourne, Australia. Easily recognised by its signature feature, the sea stacks of the Twelve Apostles, the Great Ocean Road is 150 miles of rugged beauty along the south west coast of Victoria.
The Great Ocean Road hugs the cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean, offering spectacular views over sandy beaches, remote stacks, beautifully carved caves and rock arches. Don’t forget to look out of the other window though, for green countryside and glimpses of local wildlife.
You can explore the Great Ocean Road on a day trip from Melbourne, or include it in a self drive from from Melbourne to Adelaide (or vice versa). It’s 600 miles between the two cities, so allow at least four or five days to explore Coorong National Park, Mount Gambier, Grampians National Park and the coastal towns and villages en route.
As the tide retreats from a sandy beach on the South Island of New Zealand, these smoothly rounded boulders become exposed. Some of the boulders sit proudly on their own, whilst others appear grouped together or as if arranged in a line. Whilst they may appear much like a modern art installation, the Moeraki Boulders are in fact natural rock formations now left behind by the receding sea cliffs.
Weighing several tonnes and reaching up to two metres across, it is thought that these large spherical stones were created around 60 million years ago, as water containing cement-like minerals was washed in to the surrounding sediment. Over a few million years, this cement was hardened within the softer mud and sand. Now that this softer sedimentary rock has been washed away by the erosion of the sea, it has left the hard rock boulders exposed to the elements.
At the very end of The Palm Jumeirah, in Dubai, stands one of Dubai’s most recognisable hotels. If the road and monorail that approach the Atlantis Hotel from the mainland form the trunk of the palm, then the hotel sits prominently at the top of the tree, overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
More than just a luxury hotel for residents, Atlantis is also home to vast aquarium, an equally large-scale waterpark that can entertain children and adults alike for days, as well as an interactive marine mammal display. Whilst this entertainment is open to the public (at an additional cost) the hotel resort also offers guests their own private swimming pool, private beach and a choice of world class dining options.
Longitude 131 has taken glamping to another level, in one of the most spectacular settings on Earth. Each of the 16 luxury, tented pavilions, set among the rusty-red dunes of Australia’s Central Desert, offers a direct view of Uluru (Ayers Rock), with the unique outline of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) also visible from the premium Dune Pavilion.
Your stay is all-inclusive, with a swimming pool, bar and sundeck to enjoy between a guided sunrise expedition to Kata Tjuta and Walpa Gorge, and an Uluru base walk and sunset drinks. To complete your experience, you can choose to sleep under the stars, in a luxury ‘swag’ on your private balcony.
If you are looking to experience Outback Australia in style, Longitude 131 is your answer.
Established in 2005, the Baby Kangaroo Rescue Centre in Alice Springs cares for orphaned kangaroos until they can be reintroduced into the wild, or if this isn’t possible, into the adjoining 188 acre Kangaroo Sanctuary. The red kangaroo is a true Australian icon. When standing, males can be over 6 ft tall, however it’s the females that can run the fastest, reaching speeds of 30 mph.
As kangaroos sleep during the day, tours of the Kangaroo Sanctuary take place in the early evening, a delightful experience as the sun starts to set over the Outback. Why not incorporate a visit in your Northern Territory road trip?
The Cook Islands are a tropical paradise in the South Pacific. The archipelago comprises 15 different atolls and islands, the largest of which is Rarotonga, home to the capital Avura. With just one main road, 20 miles long, circumnavigating the whole island, next time you are stuck in traffic, try not to think that if you where in Rarotonga, you can get almost everywhere in 20 minutes!
Alternatively, you can hike across Rarotonga! You will need to traverse the highest peak on the island, which at 653 metres above sea level provides panoramic views across the ocean. To walk from one coast to the other takes around 3 hours, but just image the feeling as you reach the beach and dive into the clear waters of the South Pacific.
Milford Sound’s spectacular sheer sided cliffs were carved out by glaciers during the last ice age, technically making it a ‘fjord’ rather than a ‘sound’ which is a river valley flooded by the sea.
Milford Sound is located in Fiordlands National Park, on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Most people visit from either Queenstown on a day tour, or Te Anau, a small lake-side town on the edge of the National Park, as part of a New Zealand self drive itinerary.
A tropical oasis with crystal clear waters, Bitter Springs offer a welcome dip after an outback trek. Don’t just jump in however, as during and shortly after the wet season, crocodiles have been spotted! Fortunately the National Parks & Wildlife Service do check the waters and advise when it is safe to swim.
Fed by natural spring water, the pools often reflect a turquoise hue, creating an intriguing photo opportunity, even if you can’t enjoy a soak. Bitter Springs are located in the tropical woodlands of Elsey National Park, accessible from the Stuart Highway, the main route between Darwin and Uluru in the Northern Territory.
Nature’s window is one of Western Australia’s most iconic natural features. The natural sandstone arch has been carved in to the rock by the wind over millions of years. Today it forms a perfect photo frame of the Murchison River in the canyon below.
For visitors to Nature’s Window, access to this natural monument is surprisingly easy. It is located only 500 metres from the nearest car park, although it will require a little scrambling over the rocks if you want a close up photo! Also nearby is the new Kalbarri Skywalk, where twin walkways are cantilevered 25 metres out above the river gorge below.
Kalbarri National Park is a great stopping point on a road trip northbound to Ningaloo, famous for its reef and whale sharks!
The pink colour of Lake MacDonnell are most vibrant on sunny days when the high salt concentration of the waters give the impression of it being salmon pink.
Situated about 15 kilometres south of Penong, in South Australia, one side of the causeway is Pink Lake whilst the other side is Green Lake. The pink colour is caused by salt loving algae and bacteria that secrete red pigments in to the water.
There are more than ten different pink and multi-coloured lakes to be found in Australia, including Hutt Lagoon and Lake Hillier in Western Australia, Mildura in Victoria and Lake Bumbunga also in South Australia.
As well splashing around in the warm, turquoise waters that fill the rock pools at Gantheaume Point in North West Australia, nearby you can find 130 million year old dinosaur footprints!
The point itself is a red, rocky outcrop, around a 10 minute drive from central Broome, although if you catch the early morning bus (or grab a cab if you enjoy a lie in!), you can walk the 5 km back to the town centre along the picture-perfect Cable Beach.
Our Undiscovered Australia itinerary includes three nights in Broome, between a self drive of the South West Corner and an escorted tour of the spectacular Kimberly region.
Protected by a National Park that shares the same name, the West MacDonnell Ranges extend west of Alice Springs for around 160 kilometres. Between rocky escarpments, shaped over millions of years by an arid outback climate, are a number of gorges and permanent water holes, a lifeline for local wildlife and a refreshing dip for those hiking or camping in the park.
Also know as Tjoritja, the area’s traditional name, the West MacDonnell Ranges can be visited on a day tour from Alice Springs en route to Palm Valley, or built into a Northern Territory self drive.
This dreamy panorama was taken from the Hill Inlet lookout on Whitsunday Island, the largest in an archipelago of the same name. Visit a different day and the swirling patterns will have changed, the white silica sands shifted by the tides.
The viewpoint is 1.3 km return walk from Tongue Point on the northern side of the inlet, a mooring point on most Whitsundays cruises from Airlie Beach on the Queensland mainland.
Known as the New Zealand Christmas tree, pōhutukawa burst into flower in December and January. Native to the coastal forests of the North Island, it’s not unusual for individual trees to live for several hundred years, their strong, twisted roots providing anchorage against the winds of the Southern Ocean.
Doubtless Bay is around a four hour drive north of Auckland, and can be combined with Bay of Islands and Cape Regina on a New Zealand self drive.
The Kawarau River carries the turquoise blue waters of Lake Wakatipu eastwards until it joins the Clutha River, which flows south towards the Clyde Dam.
State Highway 6 follows the river for around 50 km, at times clinging to the narrow gorge it has carved through the mineral-rich schist base rock, providing a dramatic arrival into Queenstown.
Along the way, if you stop at the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, built in 1880 for miners to access the Central Otago goldfields, you’ll likely see bungee jumpers hurtling head first toward the water.
Just another day on a New Zealand road trip!
Freycinet National Park, which celebrated its centenary in 2016, protects a simply stunning section of the island state’s East Coast.
The park mainly consists of a rugged peninsula, dominated by five rose-tinted granite mountains known as the Hazards Range. Climb to the top and you will be rewarded with this view of the picture-perfect Wineglass Bay, where dense forest meets soft sands and alluring waters.
There are great walking trails throughout Freycinet National Park and it is easy to find your own space. Put simply, it’s a ‘must’ on any Tasmania holiday.
There can’t be many more mesmerising places to wake up than this campsite by Osprey Bay in Cape Range National Park, where you can gaze out across the turquoise blues of the Indian Ocean over breakfast.
The National Park itself is an arid environment of bush and scrub – where you know you’re in Australia. The waters of the Ningaloo Coast that meet its shores however, are a haven of multi coloured marine life, with over 500 species of fish found in the fringing reefs and deeper off-shore waters. Don your snorkel and you can meet many of them yourself, with much of the coral within swimming distance from the beach.
You can visit Cape Range National Park on our Northbound to Ningaloo self drive from Perth. Australia campervan hire is also available from Perth and from Broome.
Purposely scuttled by the Queensland Government between 1963 and 1984 to provide small boat owners a safe place to anchor, the 15 wrecks off the west coast of Moreton Island are slowly being reclaimed by nature, with maturing corals now attracting over 100 species of fish.
From the beach, the wrecks offer the photographer a wonderfully atmospheric subject, particularly at low tide and sunset. For those who’d like to meet the colourful marine life face to face, daily snorkelling trips operate from Tangalooma Island Resort, an old whaling station visited by wild dolphins most evening.
Just a 75 minute catamaran cruise from Brisbane, an overnight stay on Moreton Island is a wonderful addition to any Queensland holiday.
The Cape Palliser Lighthouse has proudly stood on the very southernmost tip of New Zealand’s North Island since its construction in 1897. There are 253 steps to climb from the coastal road to its base, but the reward is a stunning panoramic view along the cliffs and out across the South Pacific Ocean.
While in the area you can also meet the North Island’s largest fur seal colony, that spend their days lounging around the rocky bays. Keep at least 20 metres away and they will probably just ignore you. Visit from November to January and there’s good chance you’ll see some seal pups.
Make sure to also take a walk through the Putangirua Pinnacles, a wonderfully weird collection of gravel and scree hoodoos, some reaching 50 metres in height. Lord of the Rings fans might recognise them from The Return of the King.
Cape Palliser is around a two hour drive from Wellington or one hour drive from Martinborough, and can be incorporated in any tailor made New Zealand holiday.
Fortunately this ‘roo and his friends are more than happy to share their patch of paradise in Australia’s South West Corner with visitors. Though once you gaze upon the white sands of Lucky Bay, and swim or snorkel in its calm waters, that turn from a brilliant turquoise to an almost royal blue, you may well consider ‘paradise’ an understatement.
Spectacular beaches aside, Australia’s South West Corner is also renowned for its amazingly diverse flora, with over 7,200 plants species found in the forests and bushlands around Esperance alone, 80% of which are endemic to the region. Visit between September and October and the coastline bursts into a mosaic of delicate colours, as wildflowers bloom.
Our South West Corner self drive from Perth, includes two nights in a hotel in Esperance, from where you can take a day trip to Lucky Bay, approximately a 50 minute drive. Alternatively, if you are touring Australia by motorhome, there is a basic campsite at Lucky Bay, with limited facilities but wonderful ocean views.
Matapouri Bay can be found on the East Coast of the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island. Its quiet beach is perfect for a stroll any time of day, or a dip in the Pacific in warmer weather.
Equally worthwhile is the 40 minute walk along a scenic coastal pathway from Matapouri Bay to Whale Bay, where you’ll find an equally gorgeous beach surrounded by groves of Puriri trees.
Just a short detour from Highway 1, Matapouri Bay makes a great stop on a self drive to the Bay of Islands from Auckland or a North Island New Zealand motorhome adventure.
For around three weeks each year, Sydney is transformed into a technicoloured wonderland, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge illuminated by thousands of LED lights and 3D projections, and futuristic art exhibitions and music acts held at Circular Quay, the Royal Botanic Gardens and other public spaces.
The time lapse above was taken during the Harbour Lights display, which uses GPS technology to change the colour of lights fitted to boats as they move through the harbour.
Having taken a break in 2020, Vivid Sydney is back for 2021, running from 6-28 August. The lights switch on at 18:00 each night.
The Māori’s of New Zealand’s North Island first settled at Te Puia, next to modern day Rotorua, around 700 years ago. Sitting in the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, they used water and heat from the area’s hot springs and natural vents for cooking and heating.
Fast forward to the 21st Century and Te Puai now welcomes visitors to explore the bubbling mud pools and geysers across the 70 hectare site, as well as learn about Māori culture and traditional craftwork. Pohutu geyser, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, erupts each hour with almost clockwork regularity, spraying water and steam 30 metres into the air.
Approximately a three hour drive from Auckland, Rotorua and Te Puia make an excellent first stop on a New Zealand self drive.
An easily accessible section of the Mount Cook National Park, the glacier-carved Hooker Valley rewards visitors with stunning views of the surrounding Southern Alps, which form the backbone of New Zealand’s South Island.
This couple are enjoying the Hooker Valley Track, a relatively flat, 5 km route that starts at the White Horse Hill Campground and follows the Hooker River to a stunning glacier lake, at the terminus of the Hooker Glacier, which often has small icebergs drifting across its blue-grey water.
The campsite is around 2 km from Aoraki Mount Cook village, 56 km from Twizel or 96 km from Tekapo, and the track a popular excursion for those on our motorhome holiday to New Zealand’s National Parks or self drive in search of Middle Earth.
Dubai isn’t just beaches, glitz and glamour. Located within the Arabian Desert, it is also home to some dramatically spectacular arid landscapes and unique ecosystems.
Established in 2004, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve protects an area 225 square km in size (more than 5% of the emirate) and gives a real insight into the Dubai that existed before the skyscrapers rose from the sands. More than 50 species of plant, 120 birds and 43 mammals and reptiles can be found in the reserve, including striped hyenas, desert fox, Arabian oryx and falcons.
A journey into the desert is a must on any holiday to Dubai. You can enjoy a hot air balloon ride as the sun rises, head out into the vastness on a camel (with a guide of course!) or hurtle over the dunes in a 4×4.
Depending on how long you have, check out our one day Dubai desert safari, including a 4×4 ride and a meal at Bedouin camp, or our overnight desert safari where you will also experience a falconry demonstration and spend the evening under the stars in a traditional Arabian dwelling.
Maori legend has it the Moeraki Boulders of Koekohe Beach are the calabashes and fishing baskets of the voyaging chiefs who first landed on New Zealand’s South Island, after their canoe was wrecked on rocks at Shag Point, further along the coast.
Up to two metres in height and weighing several tonnes each, the boulders are an essential photo stop at the least if you are exploring New Zealand on a self drive. Koekohe Beach is just off Highway 1, around 75 km north of Dunedin and 40 km south of Oamaru.
The term ‘off the beaten track’ could well have been concocted to describe the journey along North West Australia’s Gibb River Road.
Running 660 km between Derby and Kununurra (formerly Wyndham), the 4×4 only route follows the banks of the River Gibb as it cuts through the breathtaking outback scenery of The Kimberly, a region three times the size of England, but with a population of just 50,000 people.
As well guaranteed tranquillity, a highlight of the Gibb Rover Road are the numerous waterfalls and swimming holes, including those in El Questro Wilderness Park, the stunning Manning Gorge and red-rocked Bell Gorge. Walking boots are a must, as some of the most beautiful spots are only accessible on foot.
Our 10 day Kimberley Crossing camping tour starts in Darwin, explores Nitmiluk National Park (keeping an eye out for saltwater crocodiles at Katherine Gorge!) and then joins the Gibb River Road en route to Broom. If you are yearning for a little adventure, this is it.
Just over an hour’s drive from central Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula is renowned for its long sandy beaches and beautiful coastal scenery.
Much of the peninsula, as well as a coral reef off its southeast shoreline, is protected by State or National Parks, to preserve important ecosystems, including wetlands and mangroves, and historical sites, such as the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, built in 1859.
There are a number of walking and cycling trails to enjoy, including a rewarding climb to the Authurs Seat lookout, 314 metres above sea level (though you can also drive or take a gondola!).
If you have time, the Mornington Peninsula makes a worthy detour on any road trip from Melbourne.
In the ‘Dry Tropics’ of North Queensland, Magnetic Island enjoys 320 days of sunshine per year. Plenty of time to relax on one of its 23 stunning beaches, trek its 15 kms of well kept walking trails or snorkel at a number of coral reefs within swimming distance from the shore.
And that’s not to mention, visiting the koala sanctuary (or going koala spotting in the wild), scuba diving on the wreck of the SS Yongala, caught in a cyclone in 1911, and then watching the sunset over the Coral Sea from the beautiful West Point.
A 20 minute scenic ferry ride from Townsville, we’d recommend at least a couple of days at one Magnetic Island’s beach resort, such as Peppers Blue on Blue, is needed to squeeze everything in!
With warm, clear waters and soft white sands, set to a backdrop of forested peaks, the Yasawa Islands are the essence of tropical paradise. Located to the northwest of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island, the archipelago consists of 20 islands, each as stunning as the next.
You can explore the Yasawa Islands on a 3 or 4 day cruise from Fiji, stopping at deserted beaches, to snorkel over colourful coral reefs and to enjoy traditional Fijian food and hospitality.
With the tallest standing nearly 45 metres high, the Twelve Apostles are a collection of eight (yes eight, the others have collapsed!) limestone stacks, formed from the erosion of the Victorian coastline by the Southern Ocean and prevailing winds.
Around a four hour drive from Melbourne, the Twelve Apostles are almost a compulsory stop on any Great Ocean Road self drive. There is a visitors centre, where you can learn about the geology and cultural history of the area, and several viewpoints to soak in the stunning seascape. Arrive at sunrise or sunset to see the cliffs and rock formations transform in colour.
Western Australia is blessed with stunning beaches, but the turquoise waters, white sands and pure tranquillity of Little Beach must place it in the top ten.
Located in the Two People’s Bay Nature Reserve, around a 35 minute drive from Albany, Little Beach is a worthy stop on any Australian self drive. Or for those looking to explore Australia’s South West in a motorhome, our 14 day South West Adventure is a great choice. There is a small car park and footpath to the beach, and that’s about it, so take suncream, food and water.
It is possible to climb on the two giant boulders, but they are bigger than you might think!
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