wilderness travel australia

Australia Tours

Epic adventures in the land down under.

Experience the wild coast of the Kimberley, one of the world’s last wilderness frontiers, with its desolate mountains and Aboriginal rock paintings, watch for crocodiles, sea turtles, whales, wallabies, and sharks, take a scenic helicopter flight over the spectacular emerald-hued Mitchell Falls.

All Trips to Australia

Small Group Adventure

Wild Tasmania

From $7,795

Hiking Australia’s Northern Territory

From $11,795

Cruise Collection

Circumnavigation of Tasmania

From $13,170

Coastal Wilds of Tasmania

From $7,560

Explore the Wonders of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu

Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Australia

From $10,695

The Kimberley Expedition Cruise

From $11,120

Circumnavigation of Australia

From $54,000

Undiscovered Philippines and Indonesia

Australia, Indonesia

From $9,995

Experience Australia

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Our Pacific Specialists know every detail about our Australia Tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Australia Walks & Cycle Tours

Blessed with wide-open spaces and dramatic wilderness, vibrant modern cities, dynamic arts traditions and a rich multicultural society, Australia is an extraordinary destination. It may be a long way to come for most of the world’s inhabitants, but once you’re here, it’s easy to get around, make friends and to fall in love with the glorious wilderness and natural landscapes.

From sunburnt outback and forest-clad mountains to tropical rainforest, meandering rivers, deserted beaches and cosmopolitan cities, there’s such a staggering variety of walking & cycling opportunities on offer in Australia that your biggest challenge will be narrowing down an itinerary.

Hike, bike or kayak among the raw, majestic beauty of the Australian environment; walk the stunning Larapinta Trail or the Overland Track; surf and snorkel spectacular beaches and dive technicolour coral reefs. Explore unique flora, fauna and landscapes; indulge in local wines and produce; and connect with Australia’s ancient indigenous cultural traditions.

Australia is a world-class walking destination with two trails consistently making the top 10 lists of outdoor editors across the globe. The Northern Territory's Larapinta Trail and Tasmania's Overland Track are two great starting points for those looking for walking ideas in Australia.

If you're looking for a high quality walk or cycling trip in Australia, World Expeditions can get you deep into the heart of this remarkable continent.

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Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort

Activities:.

Introductory to Moderate

Flinders Island Walking Adventure - In Comfort

Larapinta Highlights

The Overland Track

Kakadu Explorer

Remote Northern Flinders Camel Trek

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Raft, Canoe & Kayak

Multi-activity

Australia highlights.

Explore the wonders of the "Red Centre"

Flinders Island

Dive among the fishes on the Great Barrier Reef

Experience Tasmania

Road trip along the Great Ocean Road

Relax and unwind on a pristine sandy beach

Discover the tropical Top End

Our all inclusive approach

Our active Australian trips offer exceptional value for money incorporating as many inclusions as possible in every tour such as meals, transport, entrance fees and permits.

Authentic Australian active experiences

Our range of walking, cycling and water based trips covers some of Australia's most dramatic and inspiring landscapes. From hikes in the rugged Red Centre and lush forest escapes to cycling in Tasmania and rafting the Franklin River, our Australian adventures allow you to discover the pristine wilderness under your own steam.

World firsts

We proudly pioneered guided experiences on the world famous Overland Track, the Larapinta Trail and the Franklin River, making our knowledge and experience in these regions second to none.

World class walks

Choose from the Larapinta Trail, Tasmania's Overland Track as well as a host of the Great Walks of Australia - all on one site

Leaders in responsible travel

Responsible travel practice is at the heart of every program that we offer in Australia. When you book one of our adventures you're supporting true sustainability in the protection of local communities, natural environments and wildlife.

Eco-campsites

We have built four semi-permanent campsites along the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia, in conjunction with the traditional landowners and Northern Territory Parks, allowing us to minimise our environmental footprint while benefiting the local communities.

Ecotourism certification

Many of the itineraries offered by Tasmanian Expeditions and Australian Walking Holidays have achieved Ecotourism Certification at the ECO IV level. The ECO Certification Program is a world first and has been developed to address the need to identify genuine nature and ecotourism operators.

Indigenous tourism

We are continually pioneering experiences with Aboriginal communities to empower them to develop cultural tourism as a means of income. Indigenous tourism educates travellers by giving them unique insights into the Aboriginal culture, which in turn fosters understanding and tolerance.

In cities and large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.

Stay in quality cabins outside of cities that are well maintained with good facilities. These properties may be basic, however we ensure they offer you a truly authentic experience.

Semi-permanent wilderness camps

Exclusive to our travellers, the camps feature hot showers, twin share tents with raised beds, sit down toilets, a communcal tent with lounges and a campfire for warmth. Designed to minimise impact on the environment, the camps boast a sleek architectural design and magnificent views of the landscape and night sky.

Enjoy quality camping with twin share tents or a swag under the stars. Some camps are inside National Parks featuring good toilet facilities, often on raised timber platforms with rainwater tanks and composting toilets.

Spend your nights at sea in well-equipped, twin share cabins. Depending on the vessel, ablutions are either shared or ensuite.

The style of private hut accommodation varies by destination, offering twin or multi-share rooms with shared ablutions.

Holly Van de Beek

Holly-Mae grew up in Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsular and has been with World Expeditions for several years. She loves being out in the bush, being totally self sufficient and able to live out of what's in her pack that she carries on her back every day. Although she has been guiding for a few years, she is constantly surprised and in awe of the beauty and power of nature.

Oscar Bedford

Oscar grew up in northwest Tasmania in a remote area on a 60 acre bush block and spent his childhood years exploring the bush. Oscar has travelled to many places around the world including Cambodia, Thailand, Norway, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Despite his travels, Oscar thinks nothing beats being back on the remote and unique Franklin River and feels privileged to work on it.

A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.

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Where to Go

Relax on pristine white-sand beaches along Australia’s 25,000km+ coastline.

Head to The Rocks for convict history, Australia’s oldest pubs and dazzling views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Soak up culture, coffee and street art in Melbourne’s vibrant laneways.

Experience the raw, majestic beauty of the Australian environment: Uluru, Kakadu, the Kimberley, the Great Ocean Road, Blue Mountains, Fraser Island, Atherton Tablelands, the Daintree, the Tasmanian Wilderness and countless other regions.

Get close to spectacular corals, marine life and white sand beaches on Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands.

Head out of town for a road trip or bushwalk among unique Australian flora, fauna and landscapes.

Indulge in local wines and produce in the Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley, Barossa Valley, Margaret River, Tamar Valley and Huon Valley.

Tour Tasmania’s stunning wilderness, eye-opening art and world-class wine, whisky and slow-food trails.

The large continent of Australia experiences a diverse range of climates. While the vast majority of the expansive interior is consistently arid or semi-arid, the coastal regions—where most of the population is found—experience a variety of climate conditions ranging from tropical, subtropical, temperate to alpine.

Precipitation is low and unreliable over the bulk of the interior, with many inland regions facing prolonged droughts. The northern regions of the country are subject to the northerly monsoons, bringing heavy rains to coastal Queensland in the summer months.

Although temperatures vary greatly throughout the country, the hottest months are December-February (summer) and the coldest are June-August (winter). Many parts of the Northern Territory and northern Queensland experience little monthly variance in temperature, with mild or warm conditions year-round. In contrast, the other states and territories experience marked seasons, especially in regions of higher elevation in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Tasmania.

Some high parts of the southern states experience snowfall and alpine conditions, but Australia is the only continent with no glaciers.

• In Hobart, average daily temperatures vary from a minimum of 12.6°C (55°F) to a maximum of 22.2°C (72°F) in January; to a minimum of 4.9°C (41°F) to a maximum of 12.3°C (54°F) in July.

• In Melbourne, average daily temperatures vary from a minimum of 15.6°C (60°F) to a maximum of 26.3°C (79°F) in January; to a minimum of 7.1°C (45°F) to a maximum of 14.2°C (58°F) in July.

• In Sydney, average daily temperatures vary from a minimum of 19.6°C (67°F) to a maximum of 26.5°C (80°F) in January; to a minimum of 8.7°C (48°F) to a maximum of 17.4°C (63°F) in July.

• In Adelaide, average daily temperatures vary from a minimum of 17.1°C (62.8°F) to a maximum of 29.2°C (84.6°F) in January; to a minimum of 7.5°C (45.5°F) to a maximum of 15.3°C (59.5°F) in July.

• In Perth, average daily temperatures vary from a minimum of 17.8°C (64°F) to a maximum of 30.8°C (87°F) in January; to a minimum of 7.7°C (46°F) to a maximum of 18.3°C (65°F) in July.

• In Brisbane, average daily temperatures vary from a minimum of 21.4°C (70.5°F) to a maximum of 30.3°C (86.5°F) in January; to a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 21.9°C (71.4°F) in July.

• In Alice Springs, average daily temperatures vary from a minimum of 21.8°C (71°F) to a maximum of 36.9°C (98°F) in January; to a minimum of 3.9°C (39°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F) in July.

• In Darwin, average daily temperatures vary from a minimum of 25°C (77°F) to a maximum of 31.8°C (89°F) in January; to a minimum of 19.4°C (67°F) to a maximum of 30.8°C (87°F) in July.

Time in Australia

Most of Australia uses three standard time zones, Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) which is UTC/GMT+10, Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) which is UTC/GMT + 9 1/2 and Australian Western Time (ASWT) which is UTC/GMT +8

Australian Dollar

Most major currencies are easily changed in major cities and towns.

Credit card facilities and ATM’s are available in most cities, however it is not recommended to rely on these solely.

International Dialing Code

Electricity in Australia is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The pin type is I (3 flat prong).

Most visitors to Australia require a visa obtained prior to arrival.

Passport holders from the following countries can apply for the Australian Tourist Visa online prior to their arrival which allows you a stay in Australia for up to 3 months:

United States

United Kingdom

Other nationalities can check their eligibility for an e-visa here:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601#Eligibility

New Zealand passport holders do not need to obtain a visa prior to arrival they will be granted a visa on arrival.

*All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.

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The 12 best hikes to tackle in Australia

Nov 5, 2023 • 16 min read

Hike through ancient rainforest in Lamington National Park, Queensland © zstockphotos / Getty Images

Bushwalking (Australian for "hiking") is supremely popular in Australia , with thousands of kilometers of trails lacing its national parks and wilderness areas from the coast to the outback. Great for spotting native wildlife, many trails also traverse culturally and historically significant landscapes, with relics and interpretative trail markers offering fascinating insights into Australia’s unique ecology and 65,000 years of human history.   

The best time to lace your boots in Australia varies between regions, with outback hikes best suited to the cooler winter months (April–October), while hiking in Tasmania and the Australian Alps is a more popular summertime activity (November–March). The further north you go, the steamier the climate becomes, with hiking in northern Australia recommended during the May–October dry season.

From scenic day walks to multi-week epics, these are some of the best hikes to tackle in Australia.

1. Overland Track (Tasmania)

Best multi-day wilderness hike 65km (40 miles), 5-7 days, moderate

A five- to seven-day odyssey through the incredible World Heritage–listed mountainscapes of  Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park , Tasmania’s alpine  Overland Track is Australia’s most famous multi-day wilderness tramp.

The well-marked track threads between mountains rather than grinding over them, making the Overland an achievable independent adventure for experienced multi-day hikers with a decent level of fitness. A limited number of dormitory beds at seven hiking huts en route are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with independent hikers required to carry a tent, cooking equipment and food for the entire journey. For more comfort, Tasmanian Walking Company offers guided walks, including all meals and lodging at the only private accommodations on the trail, discretely tucked off the main path.

Most hikers tackle the Overland Track during the warmer months from October–May, when daylight hours are longer, and you can work up enough heat for a dip in one of the frigid alpine tarns. A permit is required to hike during this period, and you can only walk the track in one direction: north to south. But with the permit system allowing just 35 independent hikers to depart on any given day (hint: book early), the trail never feels crowded. You can savor the solitude and icy beauty during a hike from either direction in winter, though freezing temperatures and snow make this an endeavor for expert hikers only.

The trail is extremely varied, negotiating high alpine moors, rocky scree, gorges and tall rainforest, with worthy side-trips including the summit of Mt Ossa (Tasmania’s highest peak at 1617m/5305ft) and some spectacular waterfalls. Wombats and pademelons tend to be the most commonly sighted wildlife; slow down to spot an incredible array of colorful fungi growing along the paths. 

2. Kosciuszko Walk (NSW)

Best day hike for active families 13km (8 miles), 4-5 hours, easy to moderate

With reasonable fitness, good weather and at least four hours to spare, just about anyone can summit Australia’s highest peak. Named after a Polish national hero by explorer Paweł Strzelecki, Mt Kosciuszko (2228m/7310ft) is the smallest of the world’s seven summits, and it’s relatively straightforward to climb, with raised walkways meandering up to a superb panorama of the New South Wales Snowy Mountains .

There are two routes to the top. The more family-friendly Kosciusko Walk begins in the alpine village of Thredbo with a scenic Kosciuszko Express Chairlift ride, followed by an uncomplicated 13km (8-mile) hike to the summit and back. Aim to finish the walk in time to catch the last chairlift at 4.30pm or it’s a steep, 4km/2.5-mile walk down to the village. More challenging is the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk, a 16.6km (10.3-mile) return hike from the tiny ski town of Charlotte Pass (allow 7-9 hours), which joins the Kosciuszko Walk at Rawson Pass for the final leg to the summit.

No matter which route you take, the alpine scenery is stunning. Aboriginal groups, including the local Ngarigo people, have had a spiritual connection to this wild landscape for more than 21,000 years. As you survey the wildflowers and glacial lakes en route to the roof of Australia, you'll easily see why this land has long-inspired ceremony and awe.

Best hiked between late November and February to enjoy the wildflowers, both routes to the summit are snowbound from June to October.

3. Larapinta Trail (Northern Territory)

Best multi-day outback hike 230km (143 miles), 14 days, moderate/difficult

The  Northern Territory ’s most famous long-distance walk, the Larapinta Trail extends along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. The track is split into 12 stages of varying difficulty, stretching from Telegraph Station in  Alice Springs to the craggy 1380m (4528ft) summit of Mt Sonder on the western fringe of the ranges.

Each section takes one to two days to navigate, and the trail passes many of the natural attractions in this awe-inspiring desert landscape, where you’re likely to encounter day trippers from Alice Springs. Among the most scenic (and popular) legs are section four (Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole; 17.7km/11 miles) and section five (Birthday Waterhole to Hugh Gorge; 16km/10 miles). With some steep climbs and rocky surfaces, these hikes are also among the most challenging, but worth it for the the views from Brinkley Bluff (section four) and between Linear Valley and Hugh Gorge (section five), as well as the opportunities to cool off in remote waterholes.

Most sections have vehicle access, so you can join or leave the trail at many of the trailheads. Water tanks at each trailhead allow you to fill up with all the water you’ll need for each leg (including for cooking). Independent hikers will need to carry everything else. There's no public transport out to this area, but transfers can be arranged through the Alice Wanderer.

4. Three Capes Track (Tasmania)

Best tent-free multi-day hike 48km (29 miles), 4 days, moderate

Rivaling the Overland Track for popularity, the Three Capes Track traverses  Tasman National Park 's lofty clifftops, culminating high on Cape Pillar on the aptly named Blade rock formation in the island state’s southeastern corner. While it’s possible to hike some sections of the trail as day hikes, the full one-way, three-night experience can only be booked as a package, including a boat from the  Port Arthur Historic Site to the trailhead and a bus from the end of the trail back to Port Arthur, where you can catch a bus to Hobart if you didn’t drive.

The hiking fee also includes dormitory accommodation at three surprisingly comfortable, eco-sensitive hiking huts with cooking facilities. To ensure everyone gets one of their 48 beds each night, only 48 hiking permits are available per day, eliminating the need to carry a tent. A private operator, Tasmanian Walking Company, also offers a fully catered guided walk, overnighting at only their own separate lodges near the trail.  

Opened in 2015, the undulating, meticulously maintained trail traverses ecosystems ranging from fragrant eucalypt woodland to coastal heathland blooming with rare flowers, an ancient moss-covered rainforest and windswept cliffs plunging hundreds of meters into the Southern Ocean below. Wildlife is plentiful (look out for echidnas), and the coastal views are as wild and raw as they come.   

5. Great Ocean Walk (Victoria)

Best coastal hike 104km (64 miles), 7-8 days, easy to moderate

You’ve probably heard of the  Great Ocean Road , the 664km scenic drive that traces a spectacular stretch of  Victoria ’s coastline southwest of Melbourne . But did you know that a walking trail also hugs the most beautiful section of the coast between Apollo Bay and the  Twelve Apostles ? Slow down and soak up the scenery on the relatively easy-to-navigate trail, which takes you through ever-changing landscapes – along spectacular clifftops, past deserted beaches and into the dense eucalypt forests of the Great Otway National Park.

Carry a tent and cooking equipment and stay at dedicated campsites catering for registered walkers, or veer off the trail to stay at a range of accommodations (or eat at restaurants) located in coastal villages along the way. Designed to be walked from east to west, the trail can easily be broken up into shorter walks. However you decide to tackle it, it’s best to pre-arrange pick-up if the local V/Line public bus service doesn’t align with your walking schedule, as other local transport options down here are scarce.

6. Border Track (Queensland)

Best rainforest day hike 21.4km (13.3 miles), 7 hours, moderate

The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area protects the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world, and you can enjoy one of its best bits on the Border Track in the lush hinterland region on the western fringe of Queensland’s  Gold Coast .

Linking the Green Mountains and Binna Burra sections of  Lamington National Park , the well-marked trail takes you through the ancient volcanic landscape of the Tweed Volcano, with dramatic cliffs, thundering waterfalls and relics of Gondwana flora and fauna among its many highlights. On clear days, the short, steep side-track that leads to two lookouts  – Beereenbano and Merino – is a detour you won’t regret. Listen for the mimicking call of the Albert’s lyrebird, and don’t forget to look up to spot snoozing koalas.

The trail – which also forms the first leg of the three-day Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk linking Lamington National Park with  Springbrook National Park – can be hiked in either direction, with lodges at each trailhead ( O’Reilly’s in the Green Mountains section and  Binna Burra Lodge in the Binna Burra section) both offering transport options and a range of accommodation options including camping.

The cooler months (ideally April–October) generally proffer the most comfortable weather for this hike, but be mindful that the trail can get muddy after rain.

7. Heysen Trail (South Australia)

Best long-distance hike 1200km (746 miles), 50-60 days, moderate

Stretching between Cape Jervis on the  Fleurieu Peninsula and Parachilna Gorge in the  Flinders Ranges , South Australia ’s Heysen Trail is Australia’s longest walking trail after eastern Australia’s epic, multi-use 5330km/3312-mile Bicentennial National Trail.

Heading north from the coast, the Heysen Trail passes through some of the state’s most scenic landscapes, including national parks and key tourist destinations, such as Wilpena Pound, an enormous natural amphitheater in  Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and the verdant vineyards of the  Barossa Valley wine region northeast of  Adelaide .

Spread along the trail are numerous campsites and huts, with some requiring advance bookings. The trail also passes through and near towns where you can stock up on supplies, splurge on a warm bed for the night at a range of accommodations, or access shorter walks.

The trail’s less challenging southern section, from Cape Jervis to Spalding, just north of the  Clare Valley wine region, is ideal for families. Hikers looking for more challenging terrain and solitude may prefer the more rugged and isolated northern section from Spalding to Parachilna Gorge. Due to fire restrictions, some sections are closed during the height of summer from December–April.

8. Thorsborne Trail (Queensland)

Best multi-day island hike 32km (19 miles), 3-5 days, difficult

Australia’s largest island national park, the 399-sq-km Hinchinbrook Island is one of Australia’s most pristine wilderness areas, its granite mountains rising dramatically from the sea just off the northern  Queensland coast between  Townsville and  Cairns . The mainland side of Hinchinbrook Island – known as Munamudanamy to the Bandjin and Girramay people, the island’s Traditional Custodians – is dense with lush tropical vegetation, while long sandy beaches and tangles of mangrove curve around the eastern shore. Tracing the latter is the Thorsborne Trail. An unhardened track that’s rough and difficult to traverse in parts, this is not a hike for the faint-hearted. But walkers who persevere will be rewarded with an incredible tropical wilderness experience taking in creek crossings, thick rainforest, and lush waterfalls galore. The trail lies in croc country, so remember to be  crocwise .

Commercial ferries transport hikers to both ends of the trail, with most hikers opting to walk from north to south to keep the sun on their backs. To help maintain the wilderness setting, permits are issued for a maximum of 40 people (in groups of no larger than six people) on the trail at any one time.  For this reason, Thorsborne Trail camping permits can be difficult to secure during the peak walking season from April–September.

9. Bibbulmun Track (Western Australia)

Best hike for people who love the journey 963km (598 miles), 6-8 weeks, moderate

Stretching from Kalamunda, west of  Perth , to  Albany on the south coast of Western Australia , the Bibbulmun Track is one of Australia’s greatest long-distance hikes, often described as Australia’s answer to the eastern United States’ Appalachian Trail. Winding through the heart of the state’s South West region, the ‘Bibb’ isn’t especially difficult, just long and at times remote, with nine sections connected by nine pleasant towns offering access points for shorter walks and an opportunity to restock food supplies.

Thru-hikers may find the bush landscape repetitive at times, particularly in bushfire-affected areas, but there are plenty of highlights to keep things interesting, from towering jarrah and marri forests to wild coastlines that come into close range between Northcliffe and Walpole (section seven). Another part of the Bibb’s charm lies in the regular interactions with fellow hikers on the trail and at campsites. With a whopping 49 simple sleeping shelters dotted along the trail (available on a first-come, first-served basis), you’ll rarely need to pitch your tent.

The best time to hit the trail is from September to November, when the wildflowers are blooming, and the weather is generally fine. Long hikes between December are not recommended due to the high bushfire risk.

10. Coast Track (NSW)

Best easily accessible overnight hike 26km (16 miles), 2 days, moderate

The popular Coast Track traces the dramatic coastline of the  Royal National Park between  Bundeena and Otford, just south of Sydney, both of which are accessible by public transport. Usually tackled in two days with an overnight at the basic North Era campground (pre-book via the NSW National Parks website, and bring your own cooking equipment), the moderately challenging trail (expect lots of steps) is typically hiked from north to south which offers the best perspectives from the soaring sandstone cliffs along the coast and keeps the sun out of your eyes.

In the cooler months from May to November, you’re likely to spot migrating whales from clifftop lookout points, while summer hikers can reward themselves with a dip at one of the numerous beaches and rockpools the trail skirts – about 2.5 hours’ walk from Bundeena, Wattamolla Beach has a glorious lagoon. There’s a kiosk at Garie Beach (before North Era Campground) typically open on weekends, but there are no official water sources along the route, so carry plenty and pack some purification tablets if you need to top up with creek water. With minimal shade on this coastal bushwalk, adequate sun protection is also vital.

11. Australian Alps Walking Track (Victoria, NSW & the ACT)

Best alpine traverse 655km (5-8 weeks), difficult

Winding through the high country of Victoria, New South Wales and the  Australian Capital Territory , the Australian Alps Walking Track traverses some of Australia’s finest alpine national parks showcasing sweeping high-altitude scenery and sites rich in history, with more than 30 mountain summits (including Mt Kosciuszko) and dozens of historic huts along the way.

An extension of the Victorian Alpine Walking Track, developed in the 1970s, the rugged and remote thru-hike combining 4WD tracks, fire trails, logging roads, old grazing paths, brumby trails (made by wild horses, which you’ll see plenty of) is designed for experienced, self-reliant bushwalkers with good navigation skills, as the trail can be difficult to follow. The route passes some ski resorts but no towns, so you’ll need to arrange food drops in advance. Expect to hike for days, even weeks, without seeing another human being.

Set out after the spring snow thaws to enjoy the wildflower season on your journey. Many people choose to walk shorter sections of the trail found in the likes of Baw Baw National Park and Alpine National Park in Victoria, Kosciuszko National Park in New South Wales and  Namadgi National Park , near  Canberra .   

12. Great North Walk (NSW)

Best urban hike 250km (160 miles), 12-18 days, moderate

Created as part of Australia’s bicentennial celebrations in 1988, the Great North Walk connects Sydney and Newcastle , linking many of the wonderful national parks, conservation areas and other green spaces surrounding both of these coastal New South Wales cities.

The inland trail (which includes a boat trip across the Hawkesbury River) can be walked in either direction at any time of the year (though it can be very hot in summer), with overnight stays at campsites or more luxurious accommodations along the way. The entire length of the trail can alternatively be hiked as a 30-day walk.

Despite the trail skirting suburbia for most of its length and including some walking along busy roads, it’s easy to feel like you’re far from civilization on many sections, with stretches including the Benowie Walking Track in Berowra Valley National Park taking you through a spectacular natural and cultural landscape. Spot Aboriginal rock engravings on the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park section, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the entire route, including powerful owls, swamp wallabies, laughing kookaburras and other critters.

Tips for hiking in Australia

Before you hit Australia’s trails, make sure you're walking in a region – and on tracks – within your realm of experience and preparation. Check with local authorities (including national park websites) for weather and track updates, and be aware that weather and seasonal changes can considerably alter the walking experience. Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

To help preserve the ecology and beauty of Australia that has been carefully managed for millennia by its Traditional Custodians, follow this advice:

• Carry out all your garbage. Never bury it: digging encourages erosion, and buried rubbish will likely be dug up by animals, who may be injured or poisoned by it.
• Where a toilet isn’t available, bury your waste (including biodegradable toilet paper, but not sanitary products). Dig a small hole 15cm (6in) deep and at least 100m (320ft) from any watercourse, and cover the waste with soil and a rock. In snow, dig right down to the soil.
• Don't use detergents or toothpaste in or near watercourses. Spit toothpaste 50m away from a river.
• For personal washing, use biodegradable soap and a water container away from watercourses. Disperse the wastewater widely to allow the soil to filter it naturally.
• Wash cooking utensils 50m from watercourses using a scourer, sand or snow instead of detergent.
• Read up on local fire regulations. With campfires banned on most Australian walking trails for at least part of the year, carry a lightweight, portable stove on multi-day hikes.
• Do not feed wildlife, as this can lead to unbalanced populations, animals becoming dependent on humans or the spread of diseases.
• Do not remove anything from the trail as a souvenir, including rocks and seed pods.
• Pay track fees and obtain permits, especially as these are often on an honesty system, to help maintain essential services and maintenance works.
• Pack enough food and water recommended for the hike, as well as the right gear (including first aid), and know how to use it. Wearing long, lightweight clothing is ideal for protecting yourself from Australia’s harsh sun and myriad creepy crawlies.
• Stick to existing tracks and avoid shortcuts. Walking around a muddy bog only makes it bigger – plow straight through.
• Make noise when you walk to deter snakes. If you see a snake, which is common on Australian bushwalks, try and stay still to assess what it is doing before moving away slowly.

This article was first published December 2022 and updated November 2023

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Wildlife Safaris

Safari tours in australia.

Without a doubt, Australia is one of the most exciting and unique wildlife safari  destinations in the world. The continent boasts extremely diverse and breathtaking landscapes; from alpine ranges, wet and dry eucalypt forests, vast temperate grasslands to arid deserts. With these differing habitats comes the opportunity to see a rich volume of species, across the birdwatching, marsupial, land mammal, reptile, invertebrate and amphibian categories.

Australia's unpopulated vast spaces provide a distinct type of safari experience; one that you can truly immerse yourself in when exploring ecosystems safely by foot or vehicle. The key to any quality Australian safari tour and wildlife adventure is an expert guide that seamlessly connects you with the surroundings, evoking all of the senses. Whilst Australia is not home to the volume of mega fauna and predatory mammals in some other regions, the interrelationship between the topography, flora and fauna is just as fascinating, as are the stories of how this ancient land and the species that have called it home have evolved.

These multi-day Australian safari tours and packages  provide the perfect opportunity to explore the different type of habitats and animals, whilst always delivering the element of surprise that makes wildlife safaris such a desired travel experience. Given the diversity of Australian ecosystems, we recommend linking these tours and regions together to create the ultimate wildlife safari holiday or vacation.

We invite you to marvel at the best Australia wildlife locations with tours that feature charming accommodations, outstanding local food and wine, warm hospitality and outstanding guiding.

4 Day Nature, Wildlife & Conservation Safari

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Far North Queensland is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise with this small group tour concentrating on the endemic wildlife found within Australia's most biodiverse region. Our passionate and knowledgeable guides are eager to share the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, with our focus to observe, interpret and provide abudant opportunities to...

Wildlife Interests: Fish & Marine Invertebrates

Christmas Island Ultimate Wildlife

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Christmas Island’s geographic isolation and minimal human disturbance has produced an incredible level of biodiversity and endemism, leading to the label of the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’. Meet the island's most famous residents, the Red Crabs, one of 90 species inhabiting the island. Discover Jurassic style rainforests, jagged cliffs,...

Wildlife Interests: Birds, Reptiles & Amphibians

Daintree Exclusive

From $1,650 AUD

This full day tour focuses on the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, the largest section of tropical rainforest in Australia and oldest continually surviving rainforest in the world. Guests will be mesmerised by the combination of waterfalls, mountain ranges, idyllic streams, deep gorges and dense rainforest, that makes this...

East Gippsland Wildlife Journey

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4 days/3 nights - East Gippsland

Venturing across East Gippsland’s magnificent lush rainforests, coastal heathlands, giant eucalypt groves, white sandy beaches and pristine rivers and estuaries, this four day immersive adventure offers you encounters with an incredible array of species. It is especially attractive to enthusiasts looking to spot some of the more shy forest dwellers...

Wildlife Interests: Marine Mammals

Eyre Peninsula Wildlife & Ocean Encounters

From $2,300 AUD

3 days/3 nights

This three-day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including the opportunity to swim with wild Sea-Lions and Bottlenose Dolphins, see Emus, wild Koalas and Kangaroos and the Rosenbergs Goanna! Be mesmerised by the agility, curiosity and playful interaction from Australian Sea-Lions; the ‘puppy dogs...

Eyre Peninsula Winter Whale Watching and Wildlife Encounter

From $3,780 AUD

4 days/4 nights

Fowler's Bay in South Australia is where you will encounter numerous opportunities to watch these magnificent creatures in their natural state; the Southern Right Whale and Humpback Whale. Not to be outshone is the hospitality of the local country towns, majestic coastline all the way down to Port Lincoln, native...

Great White Shark Cage Dive Packages

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Experience the amazing Eyre Peninsula, with a choice of these two day adventures, encompassing the exhilarating Great White Shark Cage Dive! Experience premium 4WD touring, aquatic activities and culinary offerings across Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay or surrounds. Tour stunning Port Lincoln, nestled on the shores of beautiful Boston Bay where...

Kangaroo Island Immersion

From $3,365 AUD

This four day tour allows you to truly immerse yourself on Kangaroo Island. Discover more of the island, including it's history, ecology, landscape, lifestyle, local produce, friendly people and incredible wildlife offerings. Regions visited include the Cygnet Valley, Emu Bay, American River, Pelican Lagoon, Pennington Bay, Flinders Chase National Park,...

Wildlife Interests: Land Mammals & Marsupials

Kangaroo Island In Style

From $1,519 AUD

2 days/1 night

Discover what makes Kangaroo Island such a celebrated region, as you experience the Island's history, ecology, landscape, contemporary lifestyle, regional produce and incredible wildlife offerings. Regions visited include the Cygnet Valley, Stokes Bay, Flinders Chase National Park, central plateau and extraordinary south coast landscapes at Seal Bay, where guests will...

Maria Island Winter Escape

From $1,850 AUD

3 days/2 nights

The ‘Maria Island Winter Escape’ is a three day lodge based experience which explores the beautiful and historic northern end of the island featuring abundant marsupials. The adventure starts and finishes in Hobart and begins with a hotel pickup. You will enjoy a number of seasonal wildlife events including spotting...

Murray River Safari

From $3,300 AUD

Experience the diverse wildlife offerings where Australia's river oasis meets the outback. This multi-activity wildlife safari along Australia's greatest river includes guided walks, canoeing, an outback drive and open back cruising, combined with luxurious houseboat accommodation and superb dining including local wines. Spot Koalas, Kangaroos, Australian Pelicans, Royal Spoonbills, Black...

Port Lincoln Wildlife Encounters

From $1,470 AUD

This incredible two day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including Lincoln National Park, Coffin Bay National Park, Big Swamp, Mikkira Station and Mount Dutton Bay Conservation Park. On shore, there is an abundance of seabirds, shorebirds, songbirds, parrots (including the beautiful Port Lincoln...

Wildlife Interests: Reptiles & Amphibians

Private Mungo Outback Journey

From $2,670 AUD

4 days/ 3 nights

Be captivated by the expansive red sand plains and dunes, riverine ecosystems of the famous Murray and Darling Rivers and the arid land ecosystems around Lake Mungo. Spot Kangaroos, Emus, Pink Cockatoos, several parrot species including Mulga, Red-rumped, Mallee Ringnecks and Blue-bonnets, raptor birds including the Wedge-tailed Eagle and several...

The Maria Island Walk

From $2,950 AUD

This four day guided walk across magnificent Maria Island, combines intimate wildlife encounters, fascinating history, pristine white sand beaches, and locally sourced gourmet food. Small groups of maximum 10 guests and 2 guides, will explore the World Heritage Listed island with gentle walks by day and enjoy elegant private accommodation...

Three Day Kakadu & Arnhem Land

From $3,280 AUD

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This epic tailored adventure across the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land winds across stunning floodplains and escarpments in search of the formidable Saltwater Crocodile, many of the region’s 280 bird species, adorable marsupials and mammals and incredible flora. The pristine beauty of Fogg Dam, Mary River...

Top End Luxury Lodges

From $7,200 AUD

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Combining the Mary River Catchment and Nitmiluk National Parks, this tour cover the spectacular landscapes with the premium lodgings in the area; Bamurru Plains and Cicada Lodge. Bamurru Plains is a birdwatchers paradise, with 236 recorded species including Magpie Geese, Plumed Whistling- Duck, Egrets, Ibis and Brolgas, but also teems...

Ultimate Luxury Safari Adventure

From $8,175 AUD

6 days/5 nights - Kakadu & Arnhem Land

Covering black soil floodplains, paper bark swamps, savannah woodlands, monsoonal rainforests, river mangroves and dramatic escarpments, this is the ultimate Top End private adventure for wildlife enthusiasts! Highlights include a visit to Fogg Dam, the iconic Yellow Water Cruise and airboat rides across the Mary River Catchment. The richness and...

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Choose a 7 day respite from the pressures and pace of a demanding life

all inclusive pp / twin share

Single Supplement part available – $520. Special Discounts apply to this tour. Early Bird price reverts to the Regular Price 6 months prior to each tour departure date.

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Be revitalised by a 7 day journey through dramatic scenery and world heritage wilderness, as it nurtures moments of mindfulness in all who visit..

An unsurpassed offering of scenery and habitats ranging from snow gum forests at 1564m, to sub-tropical wilderness reaching out to beaches of the Pacific Ocean.

Visit National Parks of the Border Ranges, Mt French, Girraween, Bald Rock, New England and Oxley Wild Rivers, Waterfall Way plus impressive Coastal Rivers, Capes and Headlands – best experienced feet first with short guided walks.

The tour and pricing can be customised to a 4 or 5 day exclusive private group (2 or 3 guests) journey on request. Itinerary and price by arrangement. Enquire today!

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Tour Highlights

Call it an escape, a retreat or simply “chilling out”, this is your chance to allow the distracting simplicity and curious complexity of nature to offer its “healing” during a short personally deserved holiday.

• Visit grand landscapes of extruding granite monoliths, boulders and slabs
• Gaze into dramatic gorges and waterfalls carved into the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park and high country
• Stand on the vertical rim of an extinct volcano surrounded by curtains of air plants and mystic moss gardens, home to Antarctic Beech trees 3000 years old
• Enjoy a chance meeting with local residents including the Superb Lyrebird, Peregrine Falcon and Wedge-tailed Eagle. The endangered and shy Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby, or the Spotted Tail Quoll
• Savour an early dawn rising for a memorable Pacific sunrise. Climb the Headlands and Capes of a striking coastline
• Find your own renewed energy in the intensely beautiful big rivers and “rainbow country” preferred by alternative life-stylers, drawing energy from the natural environment

Your journey of world heritage experiences starts with a quick escape from the city into the scenic rim and ranges defining the border between Queensland and New South Wales

• Departing from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, you’ll travel through a rich tapestry of hinterland and lifestyle seeker farming lots towards the village of Boonah with the ever presence of the Scenic Rim drawing near
• Learn a little of Brisbane, chosen as a penal settlement, local exploration by a tyrant commandant, early pioneering endeavours and conflict with the Indigenous population
• From Mt French National Park assimilate the volcanic creation of a world heritage range and subsequent millions of years of weathering to form the current but changing landscape
• Journey through lush forests between mountain peaks bearing springs and the headwaters of Australia’s longest and historic inland river system - the Darling River
• A series of 4WD creek crossings through the remote Condamine Gorge lead to the Darling River basin.
• Enjoy a short loop trail walk in mixed habitats to view the Queen Mary Falls plummeting over its volcanic barrier.
• Experience a close encounter with some of our colourful fringe rainforest birds – parrots, rosellas, satin bower birds and wrens.
• Settle in to your hide-away accommodation for sunset refreshments and a tour briefing

Accommodation

Quality remote self contained cottages, private rooms / shared facilities

Cafe style M/Tea, tailgate bush picnic lunch

Verandah restaurant dinner at overnight cottages

Driving:  141 kms in 4 relaxed stages over the full day

Walking:  2 short walks each approx 45 min on formed National Park trails, the second including a 1 km steady climb

Today you’ll enter the granite belt for an inspirational walk to the summit of a grand monolith and then immerse yourself in the legends and folklore of the historic town of Tenterfield

• You’ll travel along remote back roads toward the largest granite monolith in the southern hemisphere, diverting to an historic stone fruit growing and wine producing region for a unique tea break in a local farm shed
• Contemplate the life on the run of “Thunderbolt”, one of our legendary bushrangers, visiting one of his hideouts and learn of his gentlemanly ways, hero following and questionable demise
• Enjoy a 2 hour return trail walk to the summit of the Bald Rock monolith offering amazing 360 degree views of the granite belt which stretches for 400 kms across two States
• Enter the historic township of Tenterfield, where the impassioned speech of an English immigrant turned politician, Henry Parkes, led to the “birthplace of the nation”
• There is much to explore in this township set around bush legends and folklore, our First Nations peoples, Australia’s fondest bush poet Andrew Barton “Banjo” Paterson, scoundrel from the Boer War, Breaker Morant, the Tenterfield Saddler and his grandson, broadway star Peter Allen.

Country motel with spacious en-suite rooms - 2 nights

Cafe style M/Tea at farm shed, Cafe lunch and A/Tea

Evening motel restaurant dinner

Driving: 123 kms in 3 relaxed stages throughout the day

Walking: Relaxed roaming at features plus 2.5 kms / 2 hour return ascent and descent of granite monolith on formed National Park trail

An active day offering a number of walking options on undulating and climbing national park trails.

• Walks will range from 2 to 4 hours each, to features creatively described as Castle Rock, Turtle Rock and The Sphinx or follow the granite slabs lining Bald Rock Creek to The Junction
• Discover an evolutionary landscape of massive granite outcrops, large angular tors and precariously balanced boulders. Explore in, around and under this fascinating world
• The story unfolds of the interdependent connection between rock, soil, flora, fauna and humans
• Enjoy the showcase of spring wildflowers and foraging honey eating birdlife leading to Girraween being defined as the “place of flowers”
• Girraween National Park is also the merging point of ranging wildlife and birds from all points of the compass and habitats

Country motel with spacious en-suite rooms

Motel restaurant breakfast and dinner

Walking sustenance

Picnic tailgate lunch. Cafe A/Tea

Driving:  50 kms local access

Walking: Optional 2 walks on formed National Park trails each of 2 to 3 hrs, the first over undulating terrain and a short moderate climb, the other flat and easy

Travel to the highest points of the New England Tablelands and the heritage, educational hub of Armidale surrounded by pastoral dynasties and bordering pristine world heritage National Parks

• Pass through the acclaimed Celtic hub of Australia, complete with its own “standing stones”, small towns lined with the autumn displays of willows and elms
• Contemplate the conflict and terror between European settlers and Aboriginal peoples where cultural differences led to tragic local massacres
• Enter historic Armidale with its cold climate gardens and parks and institutions of higher regional education.
• Take an afternoon walk to the rim of a dramatic gorge and falls in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park where we’ll search for the endangered and shy Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby and follow the haunting cries and powerful flight of Peregrine Falcons nesting seasonally on the precipice of the 120m ravine.
• Visit some of Australia’s wealthiest Merino wool growing regions where dynasties hosted royalty and pioneering settler families were so moved to build a chapel and extraordinary memorials to their fallen family heroes
• Pause in the tiny town of Uralla and reflect on a childhood of connective experiences which has led to the establishment of your tour host, Nature Bound Australia

Quality en-suite rooms at our tour base

Cafe style M/Tea and lunch

Dinner at motel restaurant

Driving:  219 kms in 4 stages

Walking: Relaxed roaming at various feature stops and a 45 min 2 kms walk easy grade on formed National Park trail in the afternoon

An early start for an immersive day in world heritage environments appealing to all your senses, mindfulness and wonder

• Discover tortuous gorges carving their way into the Great Divide escarpment and plummeting waterfalls
• Search for our largest bird of prey, the Wedge-tailed Eagle, soaring up to 2000 metres on the thermals or detect the shuffle in the bush of an Echidna, one of our unique living fossils
• Enjoy a 2 hr walk along undulating trails to view two of Australia’s most dramatic ravines and gorges
• Find yourself on the wilderness edge of the world heritage New England National Park, a reserve of high geological significance, diversity of habitats, plants and animal species
• Impenetrable ridges of volcanic origin dating back 500 million years protect dense sub-tropical rainforest through to high country snow gums and a windswept plateau of stunted heath. 1000 plant species are protected here
• Be on the alert for a chance meeting with a Superb Lyrebird or a Spotted-tailed Quoll
• Enjoy the high-point panorama stretching over 75 kms of trackless wilderness to the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean
• Deep in the cool temperate rainforest you will discover remnant examples of the ancient Antarctic Beech Trees, thousands of years old, having direct link to the super-continent of Gondwanaland, 125 million years ago
• Follow the “Waterfall Way” to the twin drops of Ebor Falls before a winding back roads descent from the Great Divide onto the vividly picturesque farming and rain forested plateau of Dorrigo, then finally our retreat for the night, the alternative life-styler’s town of Bellingen

Country motel ensuite rooms

Motel restaurant breakfast

Tailgate M/Tea, A/Tea and lunch

Dinner at village restaurant

Driving:  170 kms in 6 stages

Walking:  2.5 kms return / 1.5 hr walk on undulating formed National Park trail

Optional 2.5 kms / 3 hr National Park rainforest trail with a few challenging scrambles over boulders - ok for moderately fit

Optional 3.00 kms / 2 hrs National Park fire trail walk with slight grade variations

From the eclectic village of Bellingen you’ll arrive at the Pacific coastline and follow scenic back country roads and then a faster highway run to the sea and riverside holiday town of Ballina

• Arrival on the Sawtell headland to view the South Pacific Ocean for the first time presents an extraordinary change in emotion from the world heritage seclusion 24 hours earlier - time to celebrate the beauty and contrast of Australia
• enjoy the scenic country way from Coffs Harbour to Grafton (home of the Jacaranda Festival) and lunch at the tiny historic port of Ulmarra on the mighty Clarence River
• Wander along the foreshores of Ballina enjoying some late afternoon free time before our tour ending celebration dinner
• Early to bed for our traditional pre-dawn rise to witness sunrise over the Pacific, beneath one of the oldest lighthouses (1866) on this spectacular coastline.

Quality riverside motel with ensuite units

Tailgate or random cafe M/Tea, A/Tea

Riverside Hotel counter lunch

Village restaurant dinner

Driving:  268 kms in 5 stages

Walking:  Roaming at various travel breaks, features and serendipity moments

Today your tour concludes with wonderful moments of inspiration on iconic headlands and in the peaceful retreat of a regional art gallery celebrating the life of one of Australia’s most adored artists

• After the mindfulness moments of a spectacular sunrise you’ll return for a Ballina breakfast
• Conclude the tour with some iconic headlands including a short stroll onto Lennox Head and chance sighting of hundreds of hang-gliding enthusiasts who gather, taking a leap into the thermals
• On to Cape Byron the eastern most landfall of the Australian mainland, at legendary Byron Bay. The “Byron”, as it is affectionately known, is the retreat for alternative life-stylers and hide-away celebrities
• Time for a relaxed stroll along the iconic beaches and over the headlands on constructed pathways to the Cape Lighthouse
• Here you will overlook extraordinary beaches and precipitous slopes down to rolling azure waves, a chance viewing of sea turtles or rays, dolphins at play and (in season) migrating whales.The nearest landfall north is Siberia, south the Antarctic ice mass and east, Chile
• Finally, enjoy a drive through the lush “rainbow country” of artisans for a sedate visit to a regional art gallery with compelling images both inside and out. Where friends of highly acclaimed artist, the late Margaret Olley, have left her indelible mark on Australia with a complete presentation, in comprehensive detail, of her home and creative retreat

Tour concluded. End of tour accommodation or early evening home flight pre-arranged with tour guests - not included in tour

Early restaurant breakfast

Walking sustenance M/Tea

Beach village cafe lunch

Coffee Shop A/Tea

Driving:  100 kms in 4 stages

Walking:  Roam at various feature stops plus two Headland walks the first 1.5 kms return easy, the second an optional 4 kms return on beach and formed paths with 4 short climbs for moderately fit

Best Value Inclusions

• All accommodation
• All meals with breakfast, lunch and min 2 course dinner with choices
• Morning and afternoon teas.
• Glass of wine with dinner if you wish
• Spontaneous travel treats and refreshments.
• Tour transport and naturalist guides
• All National Park entry fees
• All feature entries
• Tenterfield historic precinct entry
• Informative travel reference kit
• Use of on-board reference materials and facilities
• Personalised pre-tour planning advice to maximise your enjoyment of the experience
• What we don't include:
• Expenditure of a personal nature
• Pre and post tour travel and accommodation arrangements
• Travel and comprehensive contingency insurance

Pricing & Departure Dates

All inclusive prices. loyalty and group discounts apply - enquire, 2025 departures, what our guests say.

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Home » Oceania » Australia » 17 Best Adventures in Australia: Indoors, Outdoors, and Outback (2024)

17 Best Adventures in Australia: Indoors, Outdoors, and Outback (2024)

Australia… Even the name beckons to adventure. That enormous rock floating at the bottom of the globe. What images does the call of adventure in Australia elicit?

Perhaps the red and raw sunburnt earth, devoid of life yet full of magic? Or maybe the pearly, pristine sands softly squeaking between the toes of bronzed beach-bums? Could it be that glorious feeling of Nirvana experienced between last-drinks and kick-ons with the lads as a jocular Turk serves you that 3 A.M. kebab?

The best of Australia has all that and more to offer. We get hung up on Australia’s natural beauty – lost in the fantasy of its wilderness – however, everywhere in Australia, adventure is only around the corner. It’s inescapable.

So, whether it’s your first sample of our national treasure ‘Vegemite’, or your first encounter with our scaly locals, you better get ready. Bring your boots, broad-brimmed hat, and enough sunscreen for your soft, uninitiated skin, because we’re going Down Under!

These are the 17 best adventures to be had in Australia! From the fantastically stupid to the stupidly fantastic, I hope you’ve been practising your slang, cause things are about to get a little weird.

17 Australian Adventures to Make You Go “Bloody Oath, Mate”

Have a crackin’ adventure in australia… but stay safe, australia calls and so does adventure.

Weird, wonderful, and wild is the name of the game while backpacking Australia ! There are a lot of adventurous things to do in Australia, but if it doesn’t feel like a uniquely down-under experience, then it ain’t on the list! There’s things you can only do in Australia. From bushwalking to Mad Maxing to scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, there’s much to explore.

Just a warning: you might wanna grab an English-Aussie-English dictionary or the nearest hot Aussie for this wild ride. By the end of this list, you’ll be perfectly fluent in the tongue of the down under – in more ways than one, if your dictionary was in human form.

1. Vanlife and the Great Australian Dream

Long before solar-power panels and proverbial van-sions, there was a simple sub-breed of Australian. They’d endlessly roam the Australian coastlines living in beat-up Kombi vans and subsisting on government handouts. And thus, a great Australian tradition was born— travelling by way of vanlife .

These days, it’s a dream shared by many, from the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed backpacker clan right through to the wizened grey nomads living out their twilight years in nomadic bliss. Some of the best of Australia can be experienced from the back of a van:

• Banging to sunset on the West Coast.
• Banging to sunrise on the East Coast.

Vans are  plentiful in Oz, however, good deals can be more scarce. Generally, if you’re in a rush, you’re either gonna find a barely-running backpacker-mobile or an over-valued and unconverted tradie van.

Instead, for the short impromptu road trip, van rental is the way to go! Rego, papers, and all the annoying stuff is already done for you. She’ll already be kitted out for the outback adventures; just buckle up and Bob’s your uncle!

There are heaps of rental services in Australia, but I recommend  Wicked Campers every time. Many grand Aussie adventures and sordid afterparties have occurred in Wicked’s campervans over their two decades of history.

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2. Crossing the Continent: A Rite of Passage

Van or not, driving right across the big mama-bo-jama is the absolute classic Australian adventure! And what an adventure—have you seen how big it is? Start on one side, aim for the other, and anything that happens in between is the adventure!

There is no shortage of spectacular drives in Australia . Linking any number of them to make your own transcontinental trip across that hunk of landmass is a damn sure-fire adventure! You just gotta choose your route.

You can follow the Great Ocean Road through Victoria, leading to Port Campbell National Park and the iconic Twelve Apostles, before embarking on the quintessential crossing of the Nullarbor Plain for the full coastal gravitas. Or , you could cut up to the Oodnadatta Track in northern South Australia – one of the top things to do in South Australia – for the rural greatest hits. Follow this up with a further diversion to Alice Springs , Uluru , and Australia’s crimson centre.

It doesn’t matter how you do it, just as long as you do it! You can’t say you’ve travelled Australia until you’ve driven six days in a straight line through the Outback with only the roadkill for company.

3. Gone Walkabout – Best Adventures in Australia’s Hiking Trails

If you really wanna get wacky, ditch the car! That’s when you really start to lose your mind. The roadkill even starts to talk back after a while! There are some great trails for beginner hikers although some of these treks are not for the faint of heart.

From the first men to the swagmen, going bush and just… losing yourself… is a time-honoured Aussie adventure. As my cuz said following his 57-day trek along southwestern Australia’s Bibbulmun Track :

“When you’re out there bushwalking, you bushwalk. You wake up and bushwalk, and while you bushwalk, you talk about bushwalking. At night, before sleeping, you reflect on the day’s bushwalking and plan tomorrow’s bushwalk.

…And then you dream about bushwalking.”

As long as you’ve got the right backpacking gear for the job, then there are limitless opportunities for bushwalking in Australia. Little walks, big walks, juicy walks, and the real sluggers that’ll send you loopy:

4. Get Outdoors – Exploring Australia’s National Parks

I just got done writing the roundup of Australia’s best national parks . That just means that now I’m loaded up on all kinds of random trivia on Oz’s nature!

Like… did you know that the Greater Blue Mountains Area —incorporating seven national parks and one conservation area—is roughly one-third the size of Belgium?

Or that Fraser Island is the World’s biggest sand island?

Or that one of the oldest ever examples of a ritual burial was discovered on the barren shores of New South Wales’s Lake Mungo ? (He was holding his dick; apparently that counts as ritualistic. I just call that bedtime.)

Anyway, enough deliciously nerdy trivia that’s guaranteed to catch you some spunky sheila’s (or cuddly bloke’s) eye down at the pub! One magical image and you’re already sold on the irreverent majesty of Australia’s outdoor playgrounds. Whether you’re hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, or just driving up to the best sights, national parks in Australia are always a worthwhile stop.

Here are my top picks by state:

• New South Wales – Blue Mountains National Park
• Queensland – Daintree Rainforest
• Victoria – The Grampians (bonus points for calling them ‘Gramps’)
• South Australia – Simpson Desert
• Northern Territory – Kakadu National Park
• Western Australia – Nambung National Park
• Tasmania – Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

5. Mad Max, Eat Your Heart Out – The Best Australian 4×4 Trips

Some of the most beautiful places in Australia are spots that you won’t be able to access without a little more torque in your fork. There’s also no shortage of unsealed roads out back that you’ll simply just not be forked with unless you’re packing off-road capabilities!

Heading out bushbashing in a 4WD is another classic thing Australians do for fun. Now, while they usually do so very high or very drunk (or very both), they’re trained professionals in the art of insanity. Instead, you’ll be revving up sober with plenty of water, prep, and sexy, sexy backpacker insurance .

And once you’re out there, what do you find? It’s a theme park, man.

From deep-cut cavernous gorges to the rolling red dunes of the desert expanses. The national parks, the spaces between, and the entirety of Western Australia—welcome to the Thunderdome.

The Gibb River Road is an essential 4×4 adventure in Australia’s unreal Kimberly Region exploring some of the best assets of outback adventures in Australia. It’s popular and thus busy.

Instead, the Canning Stock Route is a meaty challenge for anyone looking for something really remote to sink their teeth into. The Victorian High Country is another winner and a significantly shorter drive presenting something very different to the sights of the Outback.

6. Really Going Down Under – Scuba Diving in Australia’s Waters

Man, we’re six entries in and we still haven’t talked about the beaches, the draw of any island paradise…

That’s because Bondi Beach isn’t an adventure! You sit there, get a sandy bum, and perv on other sandy bums. No, the real adventure is what lies beneath.

Ever heard of the Great Barrier Reef —the world’s longest stretch of coral reef, a World Heritage site and one of the World’s best places to dive ? At roughly 2,300 kilometres long, it traces nearly the entire length of Queensland’s eastern coast: it’s a whole other world of colourful marine life, tropical fish and oceanic peace down there.

There are spectacular scuba diving territories to explore right down the Queensland coastline. Anyone visiting Cairns , Townsville , or Port Douglas is going to be inundated with a multitude of killer scuba sites to play in. It’s not just about Queensland’s tropical azure blues either!

Ningaloo Reef over in Western Australia is a golden opportunity to dive with an incredible variety of marine life, including whale sharks. Or better yet, get off mainland Australia to Christmas Island or Lord Howe Island for something really untouched.

Although already a magnificent diving destination, realistically, Australia is also one of the best places for a liveaboard trip in the world. Massive regions of gorgeous dive territories and endless lengths of coastline to trail just means that living on-site at the dive site is the perfect adventure vacation in Australia.

Eat, sleep, dive, repeat is the name of the game! Don’t miss out: get yourself booked on a liveaboard trip and go see just how unfathomably gorgeous the Great Barrier Reef really is!

7. Grommet to Grouse – Livin’ the Surfie Life

Ok, I lied: there are definitely awesome adventures in Australia to be had on those heavenly strips of sand. A beloved recreational activity in Australia for locals and foreigners alike, surfing is one of the top things to do in Australia for all skill levels! The real adventure, however, is livin’ the life.

Much like those barmy bushwalkers and their penchant for pedestrianism, surfies live, breathe, and sleep-carve the waves! Wake up (probably in a van), surf, big breakfast, snooze, surf, a joint, another snooze, an arvo surf… The only difference is that surfies get a root wayyy more often than their bushwalking brethren.

There are worse ways to spend your gap year in Australia.

A surfing holiday around Australia’s gnarliest breaks is one of the best Australian trips you can take. The hedonistic east coast experience — Cairns , the Gold Coast , Surfers Paradise , or the tried-and-true backpacker haven Byron Bay —is perfect for anyone looking to mix their surf-lifestyle with the booze-and-babes of coastal life. Surfer towns are some of the epicest places to visit in Australia.

However, for the true carvers hunting the sickest swell, head over to the Margaret River area on the west coast. The waves just get bigger and the tides wilder (provided you don’t mind sharing the water with a few great whites). Keenest surfers should check out Bell’s Beach in Victoria, the location of the annual Rip Curl Pro event. 

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

8. Party Like a Feral!

Outdoors, shmoutbloors—not all Australian adventures have to take place under the sweltering sun! Ozzies have rightfully earned something of an international reputation for sticking just about anything in their mouths. (Not like that; get your mind outta the gutter, mate!)

There will always be clubs, pubs, and trashbags littering the streets of Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast as you wade your way through the most epic backpacker hostels in Australia . But the real parties don’t happen in neon-swathed city-dens. They take place outside—in Australian outdoors shmoutbloors!

Yes, I’m talking ’bout doofs, kay? Those wonderful bass-induced hippy throwdowns of psy, dub, glitch, and bud.

Rainbow Serpent is probably the biggest festival in this style, but it’s hella mainstream and trash-vibes. Head to Queensland for the real stellar opportunities for a solid dugga beneath the Milky Way. From multi-stage madness down to grimy one-stage fun and even Oz’s regional burns, things are gonna get weird!

Even without doofs, follow the alternative trail in Australia for a bit and you’ll quickly stumble upon some ragers. The ferals know how to get loose, and amongst them, Ozzies are some of the loosest cannons, with booze flowin’ and bud blazin’.

There are plenty of more traditional music festivals in Australia too which are well worth checking out (the Byron Bay Bluesfest jumps to mind). It’s truly an experience for solo travellers in Australia . However… You haven’t partied in Oz until you’ve doofed.

9. Shouting Out the Best Adventures in Australia for the Indoors Lovers

What are you doing outside getting fresh air and being a sunkissed, vivacious soul! Don’t you know that we have air-con in Australia?

The concrete jungle still offers the adventure-seeking traveller some cool places in Australia to explore. They may not be heart-pounding, or jaw-dropping, or even titty-titillating, but these little smatterings of Aussie culture offer an adventure in of themselves:

• Melbourne’s Laneways – Melbourne is Sydney if Sydney was cool and nothing projects that more than it’s laneways. Winding alleyways of street art, velvety jazz lounges, and chic hole-in-the-walls are a defining feature of Melbourne. Yeah, sure, it’s a bit wanky, but that’s the point of travelling to Melbourne .
• Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) – Hobart is Melbourne if Melbourne didn’t try so hard to be a cool Sydney. While it’s already a hive of more low-key cultural goodness, the MONA amplifies this through insane exhibitions that put the other capitals’ galleries to shame. It’s been described as a “subversive adult Disneyland” , and that fits it to a tee.
• Breweries, Wineries, and Booze – Australians drink a lot . All over the country, you’re going to find fantastic breweries—garage, craft, and big-time—as well as some world-renowned wine regions. As an Australian that doesn’t drink (shh, don’t tell anyone—they’ll deport me) , I ain’t no expert. That said, I do know that every time my parents go to Mudgee or the Hunter Valley , they come back with about 40 bottles of wine.
• Aboriginal Ceremonies – Often, Aboriginal performances of traditional ceremonies (dances or smoking ceremonies) will pop up at events. They are definitely always worth hunting out for an insight into the first Australians’ culture. I saw a performance by Bangarra Dance Theatre once and that was absolutely phenomenal .

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

10. Shouting Out the Best Outdoor Adventures in Australia

Annnd now we’re going the opposite direction! Get out of the stuffy air-conned galleries you nerd! There’s hectic shit to do:

• Skydiving – I’m not sure that there’s really a wrong place to skydive in Australia. Still, I betcha didn’t know you could skydive over Uluru ! You’re capped at a maximum of 12,000 feet, but what’s a few thousand feet when you’re skydiving above the scarlet sands of Central Australia? Another popular spot is Rainbow Beach.
• Bungee Jumping – Stay in Cairns for this. Cairns is more-or-less the Queenstown of Australia with all the delicious adventure travel offerings.
• Abseiling – I mean, anywhere there’s steep cliffs you can do this! The Blue Mountains National Park is perfect for it though. Combine your abseiling adventure with canyoning and rock climbing for something truly memorable.
• White Water Rafting – Both the Tully River and the Barron River are very respectable choices. They’re year-round hotspots for rafting with a wide selection of rapids available. It’s also close to Cairns; so, yeah, pretty much just go to Cairns. Cairns is one of the best places for adventure travel in Australia.

Getting Pumped on Visiting Cairns?

Good! You should be.

As far as adventure tourism in Australia goes, you won’t get it much better than Cairns. Check out some of the dope offerings for mad shenanigans that the city provides!

11. Meet the Traditional Custodians of the Land

Perhaps you’ve heard of the Aboriginals? These guys were the OG Aussie adventurists carving trails across the monolithic landscape long before the Poms showed up and started lopping trees, building fences, and just being all-round buttholes.

You may meet some Aboriginal people in your travels around Australia. Sadly, there aren’t as many as there used to be. Through a dark, twisted, and typically colonial past , much of the history and traditions of the Aboriginal peoples have been lost. Still, despite dwindling populations, their culture lives on.

So for a grand Australian adventure tour, just pay attention! All around the continent you’ll find traces of the deeply-rooted mysticism that define the mythology of Australia’s Dreaming and creation stories. Carvings, paintings, tools, communities, and sacred places dedicated to the celestial spirits that birthed this ancient land.

Hell, if you happen to take an actual tour and learn a thing or two from one of the ancestral guardians of Oz, that’s even better! You can even take it one step further and go volunteer in Australia on a rural Aboriginal community. You wouldn’t be the first traveller I’ve met to do so.

Whatever you do though, just be cool about it. You’re looking at the oldest living civilisation on the planet .

12. The Aurora Australis

This one is an entry from my own personal bucket list for Australia. Travelling to Tasmania should ABSOLUTELY be on your list! Tassie is bombastic: it’s a mind-warping Australia adventure all by itself!

But then, all the way down at the bottom of that verdant little isle, there’s an even more grandiose journey waiting.

Tassie is one of the most beautiful places in Australia . Don’t miss the opportunity and go see Aurora Australis.

There are numerous spots in Tasmania to see the southern lights from, however, for the proper adventure, you’ve gotta get to the bottom.

Down at the southern strip of Southwest National Park, there are beaches, natural rock pools and steep cliffs perfect for viewing the show.

It’ll take some effort to reach, but the drive down from Hobart combined with the trek to the spectral cinema is one of the most unmissable road trips in Tasmania . You’re at the southernmost point of one the southernmost habitable places on Earth. And even then, it’s really only semi-habitable.

But that’s the adventure, right?

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13. Riding the Horizontal Falls

This one is a special something. In a country of marvels sculpted by the Gods—devasting sandstone behemoths dominating the skyline, dramatic coastlines fringed by limestone guardians, and the granite-like pecs of Hugh Jackman—the Horizontal Falls were still dubbed by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest wonders of the natural world” .

Endearingly nicknamed ‘The Horries’ (because Australians have a natural aversion to excess syllables), the surge of tumultuous water is caused by breaks in the surrounding McLarty Ranges forming seaward gorges. Located in Western Australia’s majestic Kimberly region , you could call these currents ‘rapids’, but it wouldn’t quite do the fearsome beasts justice.

If you’re looking for crazy things to do in Australia, this might be your bugle’s call.

The seawater builds up to five-metre high walls of crashing whitewater horizontally-pitched waterfalls bursting through the gorges. When the tides change, the direction reverses and whirlpools form.

Surfs up? Strewth.

You’ve got a few options for visiting Horizontal Falls. A cruise around or a plane above is the safe and boring method. However, this is an article about the maddest and baddest adventures in Australia: of course I’m going to tell you to ride the wave.

14. Australia’s Most Beautiful Train Ride – Catching the Ghan

The Ghan — derived from the original nickname ‘The Afghan Express’— is one of the most famous train rides in the world. There’s been a lot of talk of vans, 4WDs, and walkabouts, but another option for crossing the centre is by way of Ghan to see the best of Australia from the comfort of a cabin.

Taking its name from the Afghani cameleers that helped colonise Australia’s unforgiving centre , this once-unreliable-now-luxury locomotive runs the transcontinental journey from Adelaide to Darwin (south-to-north or vice versa) right across the big heaping middle!

You get a choice of Gold Class, Platinum, and the esteemed Chairman’s Carriage complete with a personal hospitality assistant… That should give you an idea of just how fancy we’re talking! It might just be one of the best train journeys you’ve ever taken.

No, an Indian sleeper carriage this certainly is not. It’s riding in the absolute lap of luxury right through one of the sparsest and most inhospitable regions on the planet. Maybe it’s not quite as cool as a camel crossing, but it’s a spectacular journey in Australia and an unforgettable experience all the same.

It only takes 2 minutes!  Book your transport on 12Go now  and guarantee your seat easily.

15. Pub Nights and Piss-Ups

Ah, the ol’ local. Nowhere is quite as focal to the Australian experience as the pub. Everyone has a local. You can love it or hate it — probably both — but everyone has a local.

And in rural buttfuck-nowhere Oz, the local pub is king.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities for bevvies wi’ da boiz (and girls but alliteration) during your Aussie adventures. But the real adventure is to do it somewhere way out back. Somewhere everyone in town knows your name.

Miners, farmers, coppers, candlestick makers all down at the pub. Wasted. With you — the only foreigner in town. Now that’s a truly Australian adventure!

For a few places to visit in Australia with old-school pubs and houses of heathenry, check out:

• Prairie Hotel, South Australia – A 140-year-old outback powerhouse famed for its ‘feral mixed grill’ featuring a wide assortment of kangaroo, emu, and camel meat (amongst other delights).
• The Pub with No Beer, New South Wales – While the name may seem like a counter-intuitive marketing technique, it worked! Inspiring a classic Australian country tune of the same name, The Pub with No Beer is now a famous watering hole to get a good feed and, yes, duh, a cold one.
• The Birdsville Hotel, Queensland – If you’re taking a road trip through rural Queensland , on the outskirts of the Simpson Desert is a 130-year-old establishment that drips with everything an old-school Aussie pub should.

16. Parabolic Bliss: Climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge

Y’know, maybe this is a bit overplayed. Compared to a few places on this list, scaling the Sydney Harbour Bridge seems kinda smallscale. But then, the other day I caught the train running across it; as I spied the bridge in the tailing rear-view, I sighed. I legitimately sighed looking at a bridge.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is kind of special. Looking at it and sighing like a twit is one thing: climbing it is even better. And deffo one of the top things to do in Sydney , Australia.

BridgeClimb is the only company taking visitors to Sydney up to dazzling heights, and they’ve been doing it for yonks now. Taking you up, down, and even back again (if you like), it’s safe, family-friendly, and a total blast! The only downside is that everyone has to wear the same ugly jumpsuit killing your photo-ops.

And the view from the top? A total yum-fest. Views over the marina, the ultra-famous Sydney opera house, the botanical gardens… Fiest your eyes and forget about the fearsome drop.

17. Find a Funkin’ Platypus

Alright, ladies. This is it. The Holy Grail of Australia’s adventures: find the goddamn elusive beast!

Platypuses (yes, I did have to Google that pluralisation) are basically unicorns in a country where our wildlife doesn’t look so much like majestic creatures as they do majestic creatures wearing Halloween costumes.

Super rare and hard to find? Check.

Super weird looking? Check-check. (A water-based mammal with webbed feet, a duck’s bill, and venomous spines — why not, God?)

HOWEVER, you gotta do this legit. None of the zoos , animal tourism, and yukky shit. Just when you’re out there venturing through Australia’s bushland, find one in the wild. For real.

Perhaps it’s more apt to say that a platypus finds you?

And hey, even if your hunt falls short, bushwhacking the more remote corners of Aussie national parks is still one of the top things to do in Australia.

Now that you’re totally ready to go do some hectic shit, I’m going to have to mother you for a sec. Sorry, but I just love your face so damn much!

The most beautiful places in Australia can also be the deadliest. Australian wilderness is not to be trifled with. It’s to be enjoyed, soaked up, and gazed lovingly at, however, always do so with your sensibility cap on. Always keep the usual travel safety tips in mind, and then some more.

There’s a lot of desolate space, not much water, a sun that’ll fry you like an egg, plus 66 venomous species of animals. And of the animals that aren’t venomous, most of them can still smoke ya.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Step 1: Know What to Pack for an Australian Outdoor Adventure

Standard packing list for Australia travels aside, there are a few things you should never be heading to outback adventures in Australia without:

• Water – And plenty of it. You know that whole adage of laying out your packing for any trip and then halving it? Yeah, do the opposite: however much water you think you’ll need, double it.
• Plan for breakdowns – Tools, motor oil, EXTRA FUEL , a good-quality spare tire (or two), and probably a cuddly teddy bear in case you end up spending a long, lonely night or two out there. I strongly recommend doing some research on packing for an Outback road trip .
• Sun protection – You ever wondered why the stereotypical Aussie has sandy-blonde multi-toned hair? It’s because the sun’s so goddamn strong it turns it blonde… I used to be a brunette! Always pack big floppy hat, a big-ass bottle of sunscreen, and a little battery-powered handheld fan if you’re feeling cheeky. Whatever you do though, remember to slip, slop, slap!

As for actually getting out there into our magnificent nature camping, hiking, and being an all-round badass? Just remember to pack your camping gear and whatever else you usually take on the adventure! For more inspiration, you can check out some of our excellent gear roundups on the topic.

• Choose the Right Hiking Backpack
• Best Hiking Boots – Men and Women
• Top Travel Tents for Backpackers
• Best Sleeping Bags Mega-Review

Step 2: Know How to Stay Safe in Australia

Apart from occasionally getting rolled by some two-bit eshay in a derro train station, Australia is pretty damn safe! At least, in the urban-crime area it is.

We do have all those venemous animals though. And crocs. And rugged mountains. And cataclysmic fire seasons…

But truthfully, even that ain’t so bad (‘cept for the fires). The actual stats for snake and spider bites are very low, and usually whenever a tourist carks it, it’s because they were doing something stupid. So don’t be stupid: key yourself in on how to keep safe in Australia’s Outback !

But as a few bonus tips (because I really do like to mother you)…

• Always wade into a body of water— don’t dive. There are plenty of places you shouldn’t be swimming at all, particularly in northern areas. The Kakadu National Park is pretty till you get chomped up by a Croc.
• For the rest of our infamous fauna, just keep a healthy distance . Whale sharks are not dangerous but that’s not the case for all sea critters. And just in case, read up on encountering snakes .
• And bang your boots upside before putting them on! That’s a snake and spider thing, too.
• Beach safety is also mega-important. Don’t be risky, don’t be over-confident, and don’t swim alone, drunk, or just generally if you’re just not very good at it.
• Fires are a weird one. If you are lighting a campfire, make damn sure well you know what you’re doing. We take our bushfires very seriously.
• Sandstone cliffs can and do suddenly give way underfoot. Be wary near ledges.
• And, of course, always tell someone where you’re going . Your mum, the barmaid at your local, or even the cops. The popo will often supply you with a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) for any long treks or adventures in Australia’s wilderness.

Step 3: Get Insured!

You should always consider travel insurance. Whether it’s an adventure in Australia, Argentina, or Antarctica, covering yo’ ass with a top-notch travel insurance provider is a STRONG recommendation.

A yowie might snatch ya, a dropbear might drop ya, or a bogan might… well… be a bogan in your vicinity. One way or another, it always pays to be insured!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Coooeeeee! Hear that? She’s calling.

So pick up the damn phone, you drongo! Adventure in Australia has never looked so scrumptious. The birds are singing, people are always happy to see a new face roll into town, and all in all, this natural beauty’s a pretty special place to be.

It took me a long time of travelling to appreciate that. That nowhere else in the world do the gum trees grow quite so big and beautiful and the animals so strange and sublime.

There’s a reason that it seems everyone in the world dreams of travelling to Australia . The warm weather and wonderfully high wages certainly help. But really, it’s because it’s a dream.

It’s a dream that down at the bottom of the planet, there’s a big, beautiful bubble. A bubble where the conflicts don’t go. A bubble where people still smile and greet each other in the street (and will even chuck ya a ciggie despite how crushingly expensive they are).

So whether it’s an exploration of the Australian outdoors, a sample of it’s quirky indoors, or a complete loss of self in the Outback, soak up the Aussie adventures. She’s a true beaut’: there’s nowhere else in the world with quite so much serenity .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ziggy Samuels

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Top 10 Wildlife Tours in Australia

By Author cristina garcia

Posted on Published: July 26, 2022  - Last updated: March 24, 2023

As a kid, Australia always seemed like the most exotic and faraway place I could imagine, full of bizarre and wonderful creatures. Mammals that lay eggs! The biggest sharks and crocodiles on the planet! Huge flightless birds who could disembowl you with one kick! Bats as big as foxes! The world’s largest coral reef teeming with brilliant fish! Fantastic reptiles at every turn! And of course kangaroos hopping everywhere! To see everything I wanted to see my best bet was to join a safari in Australia.

Then I met Hal and he told me about all his wildlife adventures and all the Australian animals he met during his road trip in Australia . He drove through the Australian outback, to the Great Ocean road, and down to Kangaroo Island and Tasmania, visiting the incredible Cradle Mountain National Park.

It all turned out to be true. Australia truly is a wildlife watcher’s paradise. But if you don’t believe his tall tales and want to find out for yourself, dive into our list of the top wildlife tours in Australia that we’ve handpicked, and make your down under dreams come true.

A safari in Australia? Yes! How about a conservation safari in Australia ? Sign me up!

*This post is sponsored by Australian Wildlife Journeys*

Table of Contents

A quick intro to native Australian wildlife

– north queensland wildlife and conservation safari in australia –, – tasmania wildlife and wilderness tour –, – orca whales of  western australia –, – tasmanian devils and wombats. walking tour of maria island, tasmania –, –  swimming with australian sea lions and dolphins, eyre peninsula –, – east gippsland wildlife journey with echidna –, – bird tour at kangaroo island –, – swim with whale sharks and humpback whales at ningaloo reef –, –  red crab migration and birdwatching at christmas island –, – murray river safari on a houseboat, south australia –.

When you think of Australian unique wildlife you probably picture the most famous mammals of Australia, the marsupials especially the kangaroos. You probably also remember that marsupials raise their young in a pouch. Well done! Indeed virtually every native land mammal on the Australian continent is a marsupial, excepting some rodents and bats. (We’ll save the debate about whether dingoes should be considered native for another day!)  

The radiation of marsupial life here is truly astonishing, filling every ecological niche imaginable, from wombats, to koalas, to the Tasmanian devil (an endangered species), and 80 percent of them are found nowhere else on Earth. Stranger still are the egg-laying mammals, the monotremes, represented by two of the world’s most fascinating creatures, the echidnas, and the duck-billed platypus. Mammal lovers, prepare to have your vision of the world turned on its head.

Birders are in for an even bigger kick in the life-list with more than 800 species, nearly half of which are endemic. From penguins to parrots, and cassowaries to kookaburras, some of the planets most beautiful and entertaining birds call Australia home. If you want to see parrots, check out our post about Australian parrots for a list of tours that will take you to see these wonderful birds.

Add to that, more reptile species than any other nation (including the world’s largest: the saltwater crocodile) and you can see why any stroll from tropical rainforest to the driest desert is likely to turn up surprising wildlife sightings. 

For those who prefer to peer under the waves, you’ve come to the right place. Australia’s waters host more than 5,000 species of fish, including more half the world’s sharks and ray species. Want to swim with whale sharks, dolphins, Australian sea lions or humpbacks? From the Great Barrier Reef to the Ningaloo Marine Park, Australia has got you covered.

Ready for the Australian wildlife adventure of a lifetime? Here are a few wildlife tours in Australia that you’ll never forget. Have a trip of a lifetime!

Venturing into North Queensland is like stepping back in time. It is home to the Daintree rainforest, the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. At an estimated 180 million years old, it is thought to be the site where songbirds first evolved. It’s also right next door to the world’s largest coral reef system, the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. It is the perfect place for a safari in Australia and visit one of the tropical rainforests down under.

FNQ Nature Tours specializes in immersive Queensland wildlife tours, conservation tours, and wildlife photography tours of this incredible destination.  

During their 4-day Wildlife and Conservation Safari , guests not only have the opportunity to experience the magic of Daintree and its remote places, but can actively help to conserve it. Through special partnerships nurtured by FNQ Nature Tours over the years, guests will participate in citizen science data collection.  

Guests get to be citizen scientists for a morning as they join researchers of the Australian Quoll Conservancy on a behind-the-scenes tour to locations restricted to the general public while they search for evidence of spotted-tailed quolls .

Then head deep into the forest on a Daintree River safari for some iconic Australian wildlife. Spot saltwater crocodiles (the largest living reptile) in their natural environment, as you navigate down river. To minimize your impact on the ecosystem the boat runs on solar! No engine noise and no stinky fumes that would otherwise upset the wildlife you came here to see.  

Round out the journey with a night safari in Australia and a visit to the Curtain Fig, one of the largest trees in North Queensland. Still want more? How about an option to visit the Great Barrier Reef to swim in pristine coral reefs to put the icing on top of this well-thought-out tour!  

Some of the local wildlife you may spot on their natural habitat in this tour include cassowary , platypus , water dragon , red-legged pademelon , sugar glider , ringtail possum , agile wallaby , green tree snake , Boyd’s forest dragon , lace monitor , Australian scrub python , Orange-thighed tree frog , dainty tree frog , azure kingfisher , wompoo fruit-dove , blue-winged kookaburra , white-lipped tree frog , chestnut-breasted mannikin , red-backed fairy wren , and others.

Fun fact: Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers!

Premier Travel Tasmania offers several different trips to Tasmania, from wildlife tours to historic Tasmania, to Tasmanian luxury getaways. And always in small groups.

The 5-day Wildlife of Tasmania tour starts with a bang. Your first outing is a ‘behind the scenes’ night tour of Bonorong Sanctuary and their work rescuing and rehabilitating endemic Tasmania wildlife. Some of the characters you might meet during this immersive experience include  Tasmanian devils and eastern quolls . 

Another favorite of this trip to this South Australia location is an evening spent with another Tasmanian native animal, the little penguins ! You’ll visit a colony of the world’s smallest penguin, the little penguin (also called fairy penguins) on private land on a guided walk. 

Along the way you’ll see St. Columba Falls, the highest waterfalls in Tasmania, and take a boat cruise along the Freycinet National Park coastline. Explore pristine beaches only accessibly by boat, like Cooks and Bryan, and enjoy a full day hike that will take you bring you face to face with the Tasmanian wilderness. 

Tasmanian birds typically seen on this adventure are Short-tailed   shearwater ,  green rosella , Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle , pink robin ,  yellow wattlebird , and many others.

The journey includes a day trip to Maria Island where wombats , Tasmanian pademelons , forester kangaroos , and Cape Barren geese are the protagonists. Interested in a multi-day hiking tour of Maria Island? Check out the walking tour below!

Premier Travel Tasmania contributes to the Tasmanian devil’s plight. This includes a donation to the ‘Save the Devil program’ for every party that joins the tour.

Just a five-hour drive southeast of Perth, in south Western Australia, Bremer Canyon brings you the best best chance for orca whale sightings. Naturaliste Charters have an 8h orca whale expedition  to see these incredible predators. They have been lucky enough (even if it can be gruesome) to witness successful whale hunts. 

Bremer Canyon is a 1.5h catamaran journey from Bremer Bay, and every January to April, over 100 killer whales return to this underwater canyon, and it is almost guaranteed to see them every day. Orcas in this area are very friendly and like to investigate boats by swimming around the bow. Marine biologists on board will interpret orca whale behavior and interactions with other marine species. The goal of the tour is for visitors to leave more knowledgeable about these apex predators than before the tour.

One way that tourists can give back is by becoming scientists for a day for Project Orca. Imagery that travelers take, be it dorsal fin shots or eye patches, can be used by researchers that create catalogs to monitor populations and to understand wildlife movements. 

An exciting addition to these tours is acoustic monitoring where you’ll be able to listen to different pods. This information is used by scientists to identify different pods and their movements. 

Other wildlife that can be spotted during the outings: sperm whales , oceanic sunfish ,  long-finned pilot whales , giant squid ,  pigmy whales, and the rarer beaked whales or blue whales . If it’s your lucky day, you might even come up close and personal with pods of striped , bottlenose dolphins . Can also spot different species of sharks including great white sharks , whaler shark  and blue shark . You’ll soon see that whale watching in Australia is incredible.

Pelagic bird enthusiasts will have the pleasure to see Indian Yellow-nosed albatross , petrel , flesh-footed shearwater and wandering albatross taking advantage of any scraps that the killer whales left behind from their hunting expedition.

There are a few reasons why you should visit Maria Island in the winter. Firstly, there are fewer visitors this time of year so you and your party may be the only humans around. Perfect for a Maria Island walk with expert guides.

Secondly, winter months (June, July, and August) are when wildlife viewing gets really exciting on Maria Island as native wildlife is busy. Tasmanian devils emerge from their dens, wombats are accompanied by their joeys, the gorgeous Cape Barren geese are busy building their nests, and Tasmanian native hens are having disputes over their territories. It is truly a paradise for wildlife travelers. 

Over the past 20 years, The Maria Island Walk tour company, have been guiding people through this small island off Tasmania sharing the history, wildlife, and culture of this place with travelers from around the world and earning numerous awards. Their commitment to wildlife and sustainability shows in every detail of their trips.

For example, they avoid single-use items like plastic water bottles, they treat their used water on site, and their organic waste is all locally composted. They also pick up any litter they find during their trips encouraging guests to join them. They’ve donated more than $10,000 to the Tasmanian Land Conservancy to plant trees for the endangered swift parrot (there are fewer than 300 individuals remaining in the wild).

During your 3-day  Maria Island Winter Escape , you’ll experience different northern Maria Island walks. Since this is one of their small group tours (maximum 8 guests) you’ll be able to choose which nature trail you’d like to take that day. 

For example, on one day you’ll be able to choose between gentle walks or a strenuous hike. The first follows Reservoir Circuit or Oast House Circuit for great opportunities for marsupial encounters. The latter will take you on an 11-mile hike to the towering peaks of Mt Maria or Bishop and Clerk to enjoy the views. This is the beauty of this safari package, you get to choose each day!

The last full day is reserved for a grassland visit to watch kangaroos,   Bennett’s   wallabies , Cape Barren geese , and the gorgeous flame robin .

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to hear stories from your guides and other travelers while enjoying candle-lit dinners, Tasmanian produce, and fine wines. 

A great addition to your Adelaide-based adventures, the 3-day Eyre Peninsula and Ocean encounters  with Australian Coastal Safaris tour offers the best of land-based and water-based adventures.

On one hand, you have the incredible experience of swimming with playful Australian sea lions at a spot just off Jones Island. Australian sea lions are very inquisitive, and they love to study swimmers. After this, you’ll be taken to deeper waters to search for dolphins and you’ll get to get in the water with them. Remember that dolphins are wild animals and very powerful predators and we should always stop the urge to reach out to touch them.

And the other hand you have 2 days to explore iconic national parks like Lincoln National Park and Coffin Bay National Park.

A visit to the Big Swamp Wetland brings sightings of many duck species, like grey teal ducks , pink-eared ducks , chestnut teal ducks , musk ducks , and black swans .

During your visit to Coffin Bay National Park, you’ll be busy trying to spot some of the 150 species of birds, 11 species of terrestrial mammals, 20 species of lizards, 12 species of marine mammals, and six species of snakes.

The 70,000 acres of Lincoln National Park offer rugged cliffs, secluded coves, white sandy beaches, sheltered bays, and scenic offshore islands. On the southern side of the park, you’ll find the massive, wind-sculpted sand dunes. This national park is one of the many natural wonders in Australia.

Spot osprey , white-bellied sea-eagles , swamp harriers , and whistling kites along the rugged cliffs, and along the more sheltered coves you’ll find Australian pipits , striated pardalotes , dusky woodswallows , western yellow robins , and blue breasted wrens .

Other wildlife spotted in this tour are numerous skinks , Rosenberg’s goanna , dragon lizards , swamp harrier , Australasian shoveler , eastern curlew ,  long-nosed fur seals , and  bottlenose dolphins .

If you ever wanted to learn how oyster farming works, this is your chance as this 3-day tour includes an outing with a local oyster farmer where you’ll get to learn all bout oyster farming and do some oyster tasting.

Stroll around Mikkira Station, home of the only wild koala colony near Port Lincoln. Mikkira Station is a private property where the manna gum trees are stunted. The leaves of these trees are the koala’s favorite so you’ll get to have close encounters with them as they’ll often be feeding at head height or just above your head. Western grey kangaroos and emus are also the wildlife highlight together with wood sandpiper , Australasian shoveler , eastern curlew , diamond firetail , and scarlet robin .

Add an extra day to your tour and visit the Neptune Islands where you can observe great white sharks from a cage. During the day outing, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot white-bellied sea eagles, Australian sea lions, long-nosed fur seals, and occasionally pilot, blue, or southern right whales during the winter season.

Janine is a bit of a celebrity in the wildlife tourism world. She founded Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours 30 years ago with her partner Roger and they’ve been studying Australian wildlife and leading wildlife tours together ever since. Their commitment to responsible wildlife tourism was recognized by the tourism community when they won gold at the WTM Responsible Tourism Awards. They also went the extra mile by founding the  Koala Clancy Foundation  and, with the help of some generous landowners, they started restoring land for the wild koala population by planting native trees. (73,000 trees planted since 2016!)

Now you can join them on their East Gippsland Wildlife Journey  and learn about the magnificent wildlife and diverse landscapes of the region. 

This 4-day trip east of Melbourne takes you through the RAMSAR wetlands of the Lake District. It’s in this area of lush eucalypt forests where you’ll be rewarded with iconic Australian wildlife like koalas , kangaroos , echidnas , Australian   parrots , and honeyeaters . During this outing, you’ll help record wildlife species sightings for scientific purposes. 

The rest of the trip is spent in Giant Alpine Ash forests and woodlands, the perfect habitat for spotting gliders , visiting a complex dune system, and learning about how Aboriginal people have lived in this ancient landscape for thousands of years at Krowathunkoolong Keeping Place, an Aboriginal Learning Center. 

Along the way, the group will also help recover discarded fishing nets from the beaches. 

A biodiversity-rich area, some species that you might encounter are  platypus , dingos , dunnarts , quolls , diamond pythons , flying foxes , galahs , king parrots ,  wallabies , wombats , bandicoots , rosellas , and lace monitor . 

One of the magnificent birds you’ll spot on this trip is the Superb Lyrebird , known for its incredible mimicry skills and for sounding just like R2D2! 

Kangaroo Island is the third largest Australian island and is just southwest of Adelaide. Over a third of the island is protected and its diverse geology, weather, and landscape make it a haven for a wide range of wildlife. In fact, you could spot more than 260 species of birds! This is why Kangaroo Island is the perfect place to book a private birding tour with Exceptional Kangaroo Island. 

A bird tour in Kangaroo Island is slow and immersive. While many visitors rush to get to Flinders Chase National Park and its exceptional rock formations (like the famous Remarkable Rocks and the stalactite covered Admirals Arch), your group will also stop and observe other wildlife you spot during the drive.

Since this is a private tour, this can always be fine-tuned to your interests. There are good chances to see Kangaroo Island kangaroos , tammar wallabies , and short-beaked echidnas during the drives to different birding locations.

At Remarkable Rocks it’s time to pull your binoculars out and scan for Australian kestrels , southern emu-wrens , tawny-crowned honeyeaters , white-bellied whipbirds . 

At Admiral’s Arch you can visit with  Australian ravens , Pacific gulls  ,  sooty oystercatchers , crested terns , and a long-nosed fur-seal colony.

One of the stars of this tour is the glossy black-cockatoo . Not to mention  galahs , little corellas , and grey currawongs . You’ll take a boat ride to a conservation area to observe protected bird colonies of  white-bellied sea-eagles , royal spoonbills , and Australian pelicans .

During your journey you’ll have the opportunity to take a private tour among Australian Sea lions at Seal Bay, taking your time to watch sea lion behavior and learn about their biology from your guides. You might also encounter caspian and crested terns , hooded plovers , sooty oystercatchers ,  eastern ospreys, and pied cormorants .

This private tour will give you the opportunity to learn more about the natural history of the island from your knowledgeable guide and also enjoy delicious meals in gorgeous surroundings, like a picnic on a clifftop or a seafood barbecue. If you are used to the luxury safaris offered in Southern Africa you won’t be disappointed!

If you find yourself in Western Australia, a visit to Ningaloo reef is in order. Ningaloo Marine Park protects 1.5 million acres along the coast of Exmouth peninsula, including the Ningaloo reef. The reef is just a few meters from the shore and easily accessible. Visitors to this marine park can swim with  whale sharks , turtles , manta rays , and even humpback whales in their natural habitat. 

Every year around 30-40,000 humpback whales migrate to the area from Antarctica from June to late October. It is then when they bring their calves to the feeding grounds. An opportunity to not only witness this wonderful wildlife spectacle but to be in the water with them is life-changing. This is one of the reasons why whale watching in Australia is one of the best in the world.

A full-day trip with Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks will take you on a swim with humpback whales outing of a lifetime. The boat has a special license to approach the whales within a distance of 250 ft. This is where the boat stops and snorkelers are allowed in the water. An expert crew will guide you through the experience and will advise you on the proper behavior around these incredible animals. 

While these tours are not a multi-day event, you can do a few of these and swim with whale sharks, swim with humpbacks, and spot manta rays and sea turtles during the same trip while you are based in the area. 

Timing is everything though. Whale sharks are in the area from March to August, humpback whale trips run from mid-July to late October, and manta rays are found cruising along the reef between April and November. Book your trip during the best time to see your favorite marine species.

Other marine life seen during these outings is  spinner dolphin , dugong , Australian humpback dolphin , parrotfish , butterfly fish , damselfish , potato cod , coral trout , black-tip reef shark , and others.

If you are a diver take a look at their diving trips. On one of their recent outings,  they spotted a rare Czeblukov’s sea snake ! 

Christmas Island’s red crab migration is one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles on Earth. During October-November, with the arrival of the first rains, millions of red crabs leave their homes in the forest and make their way through the forest and to the ocean to breed. 

Here’s a tip: the crab migration only lasts a few days (a couple of days on their way to the ocean, and a couple of days on their way back to the forest) so try adding a birdwatching tour and snorkeling trip during red crab migration to round out your wildlife experience!

With over 60% of the island covered by Christmas Island National Park, the island is famous not only for its red crabs but for its fantastic bird-watching opportunities and snorkeling. 

Indian Ocean Experiences offer a  birdwatching tour on Christmas Island that combine two or more of these unique experiences. 

Christmas Island is home to one of the world’s most famous rookeries, where 80,000 sea birds nest every year. This is your only opportunity to see Christmas Island frigate birds and the endemic  Abbott’s booby . They spend most of their lives hunting at sea and Christmas Island is the only place where they nest. The colony supports about 3,000 birds. 

Other birds that you’ll spot during your tour are Christmas Island hawk owl , Christmas Island emerald dove , brown booby , common noddy , red-footed booby , golden bosun , nankeen kestrel , sacred kingfisher , red-tailed tropicbird , Christmas Island white-eye , Christmas Island thrush , Christmas Island imperial pigeon , and  Christmas Island goshawk. 

Snorkel in the newly proclaimed Christmas Island Marine Park habitat protection zone where whale sharks , turtles , manta rays , spinner dolphins , coral reef species, oceanic fish, and a vast array of seabirds call this magical place home. Find your next favorite deserted beach!

Fun fact! Did you know that there are bioluminescent fungi on Christmas Island?

Join this multi-activity 3-day river safari on Australia’s longest river. The Murray River winds its way across the dry outback transforming the arid landscape into an oasis of lakes, floodplains, billabongs, islands, ancient red gum forests, wetlands, and riverine forests. And it’s full of incredible wildlife. Incredible that this oasis is so close to Adelaide.

Living on a river doesn’t mean roughing it, as during your Murray River Safari  you’ll be staying on a luxury houseboat where you can enjoy nature from your comfortable room during your downtime. Alternatively, enjoy the river from the hot tub on the top deck. Watch the dark night sky, marvel at the river sunset, enjoy luxury meals with your fellow travelers, and share stories while sipping on local wines. 

Your houseboat is perfect for a wildlife cruise . As a small capacity boat housing no more than ten people, you’ll enjoy 2 bathrooms with hot showers, a spacious lounge and a modern kitchen. The river safari with Murray River Trails follows the Leave no Trace approach as no waste is dumped in the river and no infrastructure has been built in the river. And since you are on a houseboat with a luxury lodge feel, your sunset tour is included.

After boarding the luxury pontoon cruiser your guides will teach you about the river system and the history of the area. After lunch, a cliff walk with an expert guide will take you higher up to marvel at the views of the river and its forests, and will be a great opportunity to spot some rainbow bee-eaters as they nest in the sand dunes and cliffs.  

Dinner doesn’t mean the day is over, as you’ll get to experience a guided night walk to spot tawny frogmouths  and brush-tailed possums  and listen to the different frog species that live in the floodplain. This is one of the many authentic experiences you’ll have during your Australian safari.

Your second day on safari involves a nature drive along the ephemeral lakes to enjoy some birdwatching. Some bird species you might spot are white-winged fairy-wrens , black swans , sharp-tailed sandpipers , white-winged trillers , Australian pelican , red-capped robin ,  bluebonnets , emus ,  pied stilts , red-necked avocets , and raptors. Also, you’ll have opportunities to spot red kangaroos , koalas , and short-beaked echidnas . 

Your last day will take you on a guided canoe trip on the Riverland Ramsar river system where you’ll explore the backwater and small creeks while listening to the sounds of this natural system. Spot western grey kangaroos , lace monitors , and yellow rosellas . 

As a farewell to the river, lunch is served on the top deck of the houseboat during the last leisure cruise. 

In 2020, Murray River Trails founded the Murray River Trails Fund , a sub-fund of the Australian Communities Foundation . The Fund provides grants to registered charities that work on projects to improve the health of the river floodplain; improve biodiversity; and  inspire people to care for the river system. You can donate here . 

As you’ve seen there are plenty of opportunities to watch wildlife in Australia. Joining an Australian wildlife tour is the way to go as they know where the animals are, their behavior, and ecology, and will also show you the many different ways you can help native animals during your travels. 

Have you chosen one Australian wildlife tour yet for your future trip? What’s you next safari adventure?

Cristina Garcia

Zoologist and wildlife photographer. She has worked in the field with jackals, wolves, cheetahs, & leopards. She serves on the Board of Directors of SEE Turtles , a non-profit sea turtle conservation organization.

Read her posts at Travel For Wildlife and see more of her work at Truly Wild , & Our Wild Yard .

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Wildlife & Wilderness

The South Pacific is filled with unique wildlife and wilderness; whether you’re visiting a wildlife sanctuary or voyaging into the outback to see animals in their natural habitat, there’s plenty fo explore. Down Under Endeavours can take you to a world of epic landscapes and animal encounters spanning across the South Pacific. From traveling to Rottnest Island to see smiling quokkas to swimming with wild dolphins in New Zealand, we’re sure to find you and your fellow travelers something to enjoy!

Wildlife & Wilderness Adventures

• Kayak among fur seals in the quiet mist of New Zealand’s fiords
• Dive in the vibrant depths of the Great Barrier Reef
• Snorkel through the impossible blue of Fiji’s sea caves
• Feed the sharks and rays in the stunning lagoon in Bora Bora
• Cuddle a koala or hand-feed Tasmanian Devils at a wildlife sanctuary
• Experience a champagne breakfast with kangaroos in the Outback
• Swim with the dolphins in Kaikoura, New Zealand
• Travel to Rottnest Island for a quokka selfie

Down Under Endeavours handcrafts luxury vacations designed around your interests, timeframe, and budget. To get a taste of what’s possible, check out these sample itineraries. Have a look, see what catches your eye, then chat to the Down Under team to handcraft your adventure of a lifetime.

Sample Vacations

Romantic Luxury Private Vacation: Fly, Sail, and Savor New Zealand

Discover New Zealand’s pristine wilderness with the utmost luxury and exclusivity. Enjoy private boat charters and helicopter excursions to explore some of New Zealand’s most dazzling scenery, from active volcanoes to icy blue glaciers to golden beaches.

Ultimate Outback Luxury: Remote Adventure Package

Venture to remote outback wilderness where few tourists go, without sacrificing creature comforts. Cruise through pristine wetlands on an airboat, heli to the top of Kimberley waterfalls, blaze new trails in El Questro, and more!

New Zealand Signature Vacation Package

Stay at some of our favorite luxury lodges and enjoy signature experiences you can only get in New Zealand.

Ultimate Golf, Wine, and Wildlife + Great Barrier Reef

In Tasmania, golf Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm before wine tasting and wildlife viewing. Fly to King Island for golf at Cape Wickham, followed by legendary Kingston Heath and Royal Melbourne Golf Clubs. Finish with 3 days in Port Douglas for a reef and indigenous walkabout.

Australia and Cook Islands Getaway

Australia and the Cook Islands are a perfect pair for a traveler looking for adventure and relaxation. Discover wilderness, wine, and wildlife in Tasmania and get a local’s view of Sydney. Then relax with 5 nights in the gorgeous Cook Islands!

Australian Luxury Vacation: Reef to Reef Adventure

Discover Australia’s most magnificent natural attractions in 5-star luxury. Begin your journey on a private island where you can explore the Great Barrier Reef with no one else in sight. Jet over to Ningaloo Reef to swim with the whale sharks, then indulge in an epic food and wine adventure in Margaret River.

Escorted Australia Vacation Packages: Outback Culture Tour

Travel by private aircraft to some of the remote regions of outback Australia. See the Mary River Wetlands teeming with wildlife, meet the locals on the remote Tiwi Islands, explore a half-million-acre cattle ranch, fly over breathtaking Kimberley waterfalls, and much more.

Active Nature Retreat: New Zealand and Fiji Explorer Package

This active nature retreat brings you to some of the most picturesque, remote regions of New Zealand and Fiji, where the natural beauty that surrounds you will rejuvenate body and soul. In New Zealand, explore the Hollyford Track by foot, jetboat, and helicopter; cycle along tranquil Lake Wakatipu; and hike the dramatic Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Finish with a week in beautiful Fiji, where you can relax or explore endless island adventures at your own pace.

Custom-Built Australia and New Zealand Fishing Vacation

Plan your custom fishing vacation in Australia and New Zealand! Discover one-of-a-kind fishing adventures, from catching barramundi in the outback to fly fishing for trout in New Zealand’s remote glacial streams.

Australia New Zealand Anniversary Trip: Luxury and Adventure

Experience luxury and adventure in some of Australia and New Zealand’s most unique, unspoiled landscapes. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, kayak with fur seals, explore the Australian rainforest, and heli over the stunning Milford Sound.

Natural Wonders & Romance: Luxury Australian Honeymoon

This luxury honeymoon showcases the best of Australia’s natural beauty.

• Unique luxury lodges designed for only a handful of guests
• Explore the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and rugged outback
• International flights, all meals, 3 scenic helicopter transfers, daily activities, & more included in this VIP itinerary
• Designed to make your honeymoon unforgettable

South Pacific Vacations: Australia and Fiji Luxury Resorts

South Pacific Vacations: Australia and Fiji Luxury Resorts We designed this South Pacific Vacations: Australia and Fiji Luxury Resorts package for a couple from Atlanta who were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. They wanted a fabulous luxury getaway with exclusive 5-star resorts, with a good mix of adventure and relaxation. This trip was the perfect way Read More…

Australia Island Family Vacation: Reef, Wildlife, and Sydney

Hit the highlights of Australia in style. A local lunch cruise in Sydney, an exclusive retreat on the Great Barrier Reef, and an expertly guided wildlife tour on Kangaroo Island will make your Australia Island Family Vacation one to remember!

Tasmania, Australia Vacation: Ultimate Wildlife Experience

Calling all trailblazers and nature lovers! Discover remote Tasmanian wilderness and see iconic Australian wildlife in the wild. Add a touch of luxury with spectacular, all-inclusive lodges and the finest food and wine Tasmania has to offer.

Sydney and Melbourne + the Yarra Valley and Rainforest

Discover the best of Australia in the vibrant cities of Melbourne and Sydney! World-class golf, wine, wildlife encounters, and a Blue Mountains nature tour are all included in this fabulous Australia highlights vacation. End your stay in the beautiful Daintree Rainforest

Ultra-Luxury Australia Vacation

Explore Victoria in style with in-the-know local guides. Discover hidden gems in the city, explore wineries and beaches in the Mornington Peninsula, and venture into the bushland to see kangaroos in the wild. Then head to Tasmania for more wildlife adventures and beautiful scenery.

Australia Luxury Travel Package: Great Ocean Road, Wine, and Wildlife

Drive along the Great Ocean Road, take a wilderness safari through the Outback, and indulge in gourmet food and wine in the Barossa Valley.

Australia Travel Package: Authentic Aboriginal Vacation

Experience authentic Aboriginal culture in Australia’s Northern Territory. Step back in time in Arnhem Land, view ancient rock art, and discover the sacred magic of Ayers Rock.

South Island New Zealand Vacation: Wildlife, Adventure and Luxury Lodges

See the scenic highlights of New Zealand’s South Island, with outdoor adventures and unique luxury lodges.

Indulgent Escape: New Zealand Luxury Vacation

Enjoy a true feast for the senses! Stay in New Zealand’s most luxurious boutique accommodations, from alpine lodges to deluxe treehouses, and delight in outdoor adventures that will leave you speechless.

South Australia Vacation: Beaches, Wine, and Wildlife

See Australia off the beaten path with this South Australia Vacation package. Drive the Great Ocean Road, explore the Outback, and sample the delicious wines of Barossa Valley.

Call an Australian luxury travel designer at The Tailor on: +61 (0)8 8354 4405

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Our Top 8 Wilderness Lodges

Apart from its impressive size, Australia also offers a huge diversity of landscapes, climates and wildlife – everything from the temperate forests of Tasmania to the immensity of the Gibson Desert; not to mention 19,000kms of coastline, much of it protected by marine parks and conservation areas.

Australia, the world’s oldest and driest continent, also contains one of the planet’s most important populations of native mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and endemic plants.

Twenty years ago exploring these remote parts of Australia meant lengthy (and often hot) road travel, basic accommodation and some pretty unexciting cuisine. The visitor experience today is vastly different. Guests can choose from architect-designed Australian luxury lodges, African-style safari camps and high-end cruise ships. While the first European explorers to reach Australia regarded the wilderness as something to be conquered, the modern day traveller understands that these precious places offer a rare opportunity to leave the 21st Century behind and commune with nature in its rawest and most pristine form.

The wild places of Australia also offer plenty of scope for all sorts of outdoor adventure – whether swimming with whale sharks on WA’s Ningaloo Reef, crocodile spotting in Kakadu National Park or heli-fishing in far north Queensland .

These are some of our favourite wilderness experiences – and ones which we are confident will change the way you view Australia’s remote, untouched and beautiful places.

1. Longitude 131°

Longitude 131°, consistently voted one of the world’s best luxury wilderness camps, is located on the edge of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, offering stunning views of Australia’s most famous icon: Uluru (Ayers Rock) .

The property consists of 15 luxurious air-conditioned pavilions inspired by the tents used by the early European explorers. Tents come with well-appointed bathrooms, king size beds, private decks and uncompromising views of Uluru.

Guests enjoy freshly prepared gourmet meals at the Dune House, which also contains a library, bar viewing platform and reception desk. Longitude 131° offers a wide choice of tours showcasing the spectacular geography and biodiversity of the Central deserts, as well as the ancient culture of the Anangu people who have lived and cared for this landscape for thousands of years.

2. The True North

The True North is a custom-built adventure-cruise ship specially designed to explore the remote Kimberley region in northwest Australia.

The ship, a type of floating luxury Outback lodge , offers a choice of six-, seven- and 13-night cruises, each designed to provide guests with the maximum amount of flexibility – scenic walks, helicopter flights, cultural excursions, fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving are all available.

The vessel is purpose-built for accessing shallow river systems, fully licensed for fishing activities and has six dedicated expedition boats. All cabins feature stylish décor, en-suite facilities, in-house entertainment and satellite telephones. The vessel has a guest limit of 36, while the crew of 20 ensures an unprecedented attention to detail and excellence in service. All meals on The True North feature modern Australian cuisine.

3. El Questro Homestead

Located in the heart of the beautiful, forbidding and remote Kimberley region in Western Australia, El Questro is an exclusive retreat open to just 18 guests and providing access to several natural wonders, including the Bungle Bungles.

The homestead, once the centre of large pastoral operation, sits atop a stunning escarpment overlooking the Chamberlain river and is now the ideal base for exploring the surrounding wilderness park, which covers almost one million acres.

Its landscape offers outstanding diversity – from rugged sandstone ranges and broad tidal flats to rainforest pockets, gorges and permanent waterfalls. The park boasts four major river systems and an abundance of animals, fish and bird life congregating near rivers and waterholes. Guest activities include barramundi fishing, horse trekking and scenic flights to the Bungle Bungles.

4. Sal Salis

Sal Salis  Ningaloo Reef is an exclusive safari camp hidden in the white sand dunes of Western Australia’s Cape Range National Park, a short drive south of the coastal city of Exmouth.

The camp consists of fifteen spacious innovative and charming wilderness tents, a beautiful Honeymoon Tent, and a main lodge where guests enjoy freshly-prepared meals and a sundowner or two.

Covering 5,000 square kilometres, the reef is home to 500 species of tropical fish and 220 species of coral. Its most famous seasonal visitors are the whale sharks (docile, mysterious fish growing up to 18m long) that visit the reef between April and June, rare turtle species and migrating humpback whales. Sal Salis now offer charters that allow guests to get into the water and swim with the Whale Sharks and the Humpback Whales!

Sal Salis’ accommodation and hosting style is a careful blend of barefoot luxury, warm hospitality and appreciation for the Australian environment.

5. Crystalbrook Station

Just 40 minutes by air from Cairns, Crystalbrook Station is a mecca for keen anglers and nature lovers alike. The stunning luxury Outback lodge is located on the banks of Crystalbrook Lake and the property offers a bountiful supply of birds, freshwater crocodiles and fish.

Guests can spend their days on the lake or riverside, exploring the bush wilderness or just enjoying the serenity and stillness of the Outback in the lodge’s private manicured grounds. 
The Lodge caters for a maximum of 10 guests in five courtyard suites. Facilities include a dining room, viewing deck, wet edge pool and a Theatre Room.

Guests can choose from a wide range of outdoor activities and expeditions, such as heli-fishing and off-road driving, homestead tours and day trips to the limestone caves at Chillagoe.

Unfortunately Crystalbrook Station is no longer in operation.

6. Arkaba Homestead

Arkaba, in South Australia’s majestic Flinders Ranges , is the perfect jumping off point for all kinds of Outback adventures, such as bushwalking, 4WD tours and wildlife watching.

The original 1850s homestead has been transformed into an elegant rural retreat , complete with a swimming pool, library and bar. The property has its own guides and in-house chef.

The station is no longer a working farm but the centre of a visionary conservation program which is slowly rehabilitating the land, eradicating feral animals and bringing back native species.

The property’s signature experience is the fully guided Arkaba Walk. Designed for small groups of walkers, this gentle three-day ramble offers plenty of native wildlife, big skies, fantastic views and just enough creature comforts to soothe the soul – walkers stay in purpose built campsites, sleep in luxury ‘swags’ (canvas covered sleeping bags), enjoy hot showers and eat chef-prepared meals.

7. Berkeley River Lodge

Perched on the edge of the Timor Sea in Australia’s remote Kimberley region,  the Berkeley River Lodge is a quintessential wilderness experience – indeed the property is only accessible by air or by sea.

The property consists of 20 luxury villas perfectly positioned along a 65-metre-high dune and commanding 180-degree panoramas, from Joseph Bonaparte Gulf to the mouth of the Berkeley River and rugged red gorges beyond.

The Main Lodge houses a 20m lap pool, library and the in-house restaurant which serves fine regional fare and excellent Australian wines.

The tariff includes a wide choice of activities including scenic river and coastal cruises, bush and beach 4WD tours, guided walks, fishing tours, wilderness picnics, star gazing and sea turtle viewing. Helicopter flights and heli fishing expeditions are available for an extra charge.

8. Angorichina Station

For an authentic taste of Outback South Australia look no further than Angorichina Station, a 64,000-hectare sheep farm in the Flinders Ranges.

The Fargher family, which has lived here for four generations, has transformed their historic stone homestead into a luxurious Outback getaway, complete with tastefully decorated guest rooms delicious home-cooked meals. The property can accommodate a maximum of only eight people.

Guests can experience the day-to-day life on a traditional Australian sheep station or book one of many guided tours on offer – these include 4WD adventures, scenic flights, bushwalking expeditions and wildlife spotting. Kangaroos, euros, wallabies, emus and eagles can all be seen on the property.

The owners suggest that guests spend at least three nights at the station to get the most out their visit to this ancient and beguiling landscape – but a couple more nights would be ideal.

For more great wilderness stays explore these exquisite Australian luxury resorts available for booking.

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Outback Adventure: Luxurious Exploration of Australia’s Wilderness

Posted: March 11, 2024 | Last updated: March 11, 2024

The Australian Outback, with its vast, rugged landscapes and unique wildlife, is a place of adventure, mystery, and natural beauty. Exploring this iconic region doesn’t mean compromising on comfort and luxury. In fact, the Outback offers an array of upscale experiences that blend adventure with sophistication.

From luxurious eco-lodges to private guided tours, exploring the Australian Outback in style is an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of adventure with the indulgence of luxury. This guide will take you through 15 key points to consider when planning a stylish and luxurious journey through the heart of Australia, ensuring your adventure is as comfortable as it is memorable.

Choose Luxury Accommodations

Stay in high-end lodges or glamping sites that offer both comfort and a deep connection with the surrounding landscapes.

Travel With Private Guides

Opt for private guided tours to gain insights into the Outback’s history, culture, and ecology from local experts.

Experience Scenic Flights

Take a scenic flight over iconic landmarks like Uluru or the Kimberley to appreciate the vastness and beauty of the Outback from above.

Indulge in Gourmet Bush Dining

Enjoy fine dining experiences in the bush, featuring fresh local produce and traditional Australian cuisine with a modern twist.

Explore Aboriginal Culture

Engage with the rich and ancient Aboriginal culture through guided walks, art, and storytelling.

Pack Appropriately for the Climate

Prepare for extreme weather conditions, packing lightweight, breathable clothing for the day and warmer layers for cooler nights.

Take a Camel Safari

Experience the desert in a unique way with a luxury camel safari, especially around Uluru and Alice Springs.

Visit During the Best Season

Travel during the cooler months (April to October) for the most pleasant weather conditions.

Choose Eco-Friendly Options

Support eco-friendly tours and accommodations that focus on sustainability and conservation.

Relax at High-End Spas

Unwind after a day of exploration at one of the many luxury spas offering treatments that incorporate native ingredients and traditional techniques.

Embark On 4WD Adventures

Explore remote areas of the Outback with 4WD tours that offer a mix of adventure and comfort.

Attend Exclusive Events

Look for unique events like the Field of Light installation at Uluru or exclusive Outback concerts.

Ensure Adequate Hydration

Always carry plenty of water to stay hydrated in the arid Outback environment.

Capture the Scenery Through Photography

The Outback’s landscapes offer incredible photography opportunities, from wildlife shots to vast desert panoramas.

Respect the Environment and Local Communities

Travel responsibly, respecting Indigenous lands, local communities, and the natural environment.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Explore the iconic Uluru and the domes of Kata Tjuta with luxury accommodations and guided tours.

The Kimberley

Experience this remote region with luxury cruises, scenic flights, and high-end lodges.

Flinders Ranges

Discover ancient landscapes with luxury eco-villas and guided 4WD tours.

Kakadu National Park

Combine luxury with adventure in Australia’s largest national park known for its biodiversity and Aboriginal rock art.

Alice Springs

The gateway to the Red Centre, offering upscale resorts and access to stunning desert landscapes.

Ningaloo Reef

Experience the marine wonderland in style with luxury eco-resorts and private reef tours.

The Daintree Rainforest

Stay in luxury rainforest lodges and explore the ancient Daintree region.

Cable Beach, Broome

Enjoy this stunning beach with luxury accommodations and camel rides at sunset.

Lizard Island

Experience secluded luxury on this private island on the Great Barrier Reef.

Margaret River

Combine gourmet food and wine experiences with luxury stays in this renowned wine region.

Exploring the Australian Outback in style offers an extraordinary adventure that combines the raw beauty of Australia’s landscapes with the finest in luxury and comfort. This unique approach to Outback exploration allows for an immersive experience in one of the world’s most iconic regions without sacrificing the comforts and exclusives that define luxury travel.

Whether you’re marveling at the star-filled Outback sky from the comfort of a luxury lodge or savoring gourmet bush cuisine, your stylish Australian Outback adventure is sure to be an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

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The post Outback Adventure: Luxurious Exploration of Australia’s Wilderness republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / PeopleImages.com – Yuri A.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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This 7-night Safari in Botswana Is All About Wildlife, Water, and Sustainability — Here's What It Was Like to Visit

The Okavango Delta creates a safari landscape like no other.

Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

Less than an hour after landing at a remote airstrip, we're having sundowners en route to the lodge. A troop of dozens — perhaps a hundred — baboons returns to the trees around us to roost for the night. A nosy kudu slowly circles our makeshift camp. Chatty squirrels chitter away in the branches above our heads. We sip our gin and tonics and watch as the Okavango Delta settles into dusk. So it goes on safari in Botswana.

We hop back into the jeep and make for Vumbura Plains, our home for the next few nights, passing elephants under trees and lechwe antelope spread across the flooded plains. But interestingly, it's not the wildlife that captivates me on the ride. It's the water.

The Okavango Delta is a sprawling inland delta, and each winter, floodwaters from the Okavango River inundate some three million acres of grassland and desert. It creates a vast waterscape that not only draws human visitors like me but plenty of animal ones, too. So as we're driving to the lodge, my heart stops as the road disappears into the waters — and I hold my breath as we plunge right in. "You might want to pick up that bag," our Wilderness guide Dave Luck says to me as the water gurgles beneath the floor of the jeep, seeping in through the crevices.

The floodwaters aren't very deep, though, and the local guides know where the roads twist and turn, even if I can't see anything through the murk. It's a surreal feeling to be navigating these waters in a jeep rather than on a boat.

We arrive at Vumbura Plains , and there's plenty more water to be found here. The camp was newly rebuilt in 2022 and now has a series of 14 open-air suites connected by elevated wooden walkways. I sit in my sunken living room adorned with water-lily motifs, and even though it's after dark, I can hear wildlife wading through the water all around me.

The water remains a source of intrigue for me during our stay at Vumbura Plains, perhaps even more so as we take to the skies in a helicopter. From our aerial vantage point, I can see just how expansive the floodwaters are — and how filled they are with wildlife. Water-loving hippos and crocodiles are spread across the saturated plains, while elephants march single-file through the reeds, creating meandering pathways visible from the air. 

Our next adventure takes us away from the floods, in the Linyanti Concession, where the eight-room DumaTau camp becomes our next home. There is water here, too, as the lodge sits on a riverfront that's very popular with elephants. In fact, one waltzes right past my tented suite as I'm reclining for an afternoon nap.

On one of our game drives across the dry terrain, we see dozens of vultures perched on every tree within eyesight. And that means one thing: dinner is served. (Not ours, of course, but lions'.)

As we make our way through the tall, rustling grass, we spot a few lounging lionesses and their playful cubs. Then the smell hits us: it's a slightly putrid buffalo, one that the lions have been feasting on for some time. One lioness is polishing off its exposed ribs, her strong teeth tearing into the flesh and peeling it straight off the bone. Dave hands me a small tin filled with a fragrant salve. "For the smell," he notes, rubbing some under his nose. The trick works wonders, and we continue our observations of the feast.

You might think such a sight (and odor) might deter us from our own dinner back at DumaTau, but the cuisine at this camp is too delectable to pass up. The food system, as the printed menu tells me, is responsible for some 30 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. So Wilderness designs "mindful menus" here, incorporating locally sourced, sustainable ingredients into its dishes to reduce its "foodprint." What's more, food waste is minimized by the kitchen's upcycling team, which turns scraps into preserves, pickles, and stocks. Nothing goes to waste in nature, and so it shall be at Wilderness camps, too.

Our final leg of the safari takes us back to the Okavango Delta, this time to the camp Jao. And here, I'm awestruck at the architecture. Jao feels like a movie set. It's a series of striking, modern tree houses that blend natural elements with high design and sustainable engineering. (The thatch, for instance, is actually made from recycled plastic.)

The room that really takes my breath away is the double-height library and wine room, at the center of which is a giraffe skeleton. Jao is equal parts futuristic and classic safari, and it's certainly a feast for the eyes.

We return to watery adventures in the delta, but not in jeeps. One afternoon, we take a more traditional form of transportation: a hand-carved mokoro canoe. Skilled gondoliers use long poles to propel us through the floodwaters, pausing at points to teach us about the flora of the region. We make necklaces out of water lilies and wear them proudly as we glide through the reeds.

On our last night in Botswana, the staff prepares us a beautiful sundowner send-off — a massive spread arranged on my suite's terrace surrounding a fire pit. As we watch the light fade over the water, we once more sip on our gin and tonics, the sights and sounds of our trip shining brightly in our memories.

A seven-night, three-camp Bucket List Botswana safari with Wilderness starts at $12,120 per person; book your trip at wildernessdestinations.com . 

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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