The Draw of the Land Down Under
I have been a Premier Australia Specialist since 2001 and have personally visited 20 separate occasions. And believe it or not, there are still places I have not seen. And yes, I have some favorites but cannot name just one.
I have organized well over 1,000 trips in the past 24 years for travelers. You can say it is my passion, and I love Australia for many reasons:
- Its history (some rock art dates back over 60,000 years!)
- The very friendly locals (almost every traveler comes home with a new Australian friend)
- Its sheer size and wide open spaces (picture a country roughly the size of the US with less than half the population of Southern California)
- Its unique wildlife not found anywhere else
What’s not to love!?!
The beauty—and challenge—of Australia is its vastness. To help you envision your perfect itinerary, here’s a breakdown of what each state and territory offers.
Exploring Australia State by State
New South Wales – Beyond the Sydney Icons
New South Wales, home to the iconic city of Sydney with its Opera House, bridge, huge harbor and one of the first convict colonies in Australia in the Historic Rocks area. My tip is to not stay in the city all the time. Get out to the Southern Highlands for a few nights where you’ll find charming villages, cool-climate wineries, and a peaceful escape from the urban energy.
Victoria – Melbourne’s Cosmopolitan Charm
Victoria, home to Melbourne’s very cosmopolitan, art-centric, and sports fanatic city. Easy day trips are to Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Philip Island. There is quite a coffee connection here with loads of local roasters. Take a tour including some of the local street art, and explore the amazing local food scene! Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities, and once you experience it, you’ll understand why.
Tasmania – Untouched Wilderness and History
The island of Tasmania is a great place to get away from it all with the wildlife, clean air and dozens of magnificent waterfalls. For the active travelers, there are many guided hikes to participate in. This is the home to the oldest convict colony in Australia and the largest hops producer in the world—yes, the craft beer scene here is exceptional! The Cascades Female Factory was very moving; the female convicts were kept here, and it offers a powerful glimpse into Australia’s complex colonial history.
Queensland – Reef, Rainforest, and Wildlife
Queensland, the home to the Great Barrier Reef and oldest rainforest in the world, Daintree National Forest. Their new up and coming city of Brisbane is giving Melbourne a run for its money with the food scene and art museums. The Australia Zoo (home of the Irwin Family) is close by, and its new hospital is state of the art for treating injured wildlife—you might even see some patients during your visit.
Northern Territory – Ancient Landscapes and Aboriginal Culture
The Northern Territory with its dramatic Uluru and Kakadu National Parks is home to some of the oldest Aboriginal rock art in the country, and Darwin serves as your jumping off point to sail along the dramatic Kimberley Coast. Kakadu is one of my favorite places with its dynamic geographical make up—from wetlands teeming with crocodiles to ancient escarpments that glow at sunset.
South Australia – Wine Country and Island Adventures
South Australia is home to some amazing wine regions like Barossa, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley. It’s also home to Kangaroo Island, nicknamed the Galapagos of Australia (my other favorite place) where you can see sea lions, koalas, and kangaroos all in their natural habitat—sometimes all in one day! Visit the Adelaide Market, one of the oldest continuously operating markets in Australia, perfect for sampling local produce and meeting passionate food artisans.
Western Australia – Remote Beauty and Marine Encounters
And the largest area, Western Australia is known for the Margaret River wine region, Ningaloo Reef (where you can swim with whale sharks) and Rottnest Island (home to the adorable Quokka—the world’s happiest animal and selfie-lover!). Close by is Fremantle Prison on the UNESCO World Heritage list. And Kings Park is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, offering stunning views over Perth and the Swan River.
Insider Tips for Planning Your Australian Adventure
Best Time to Visit Australia
As you can see, there is much to enjoy and experience. For me, the perfect times to visit are the shoulder season which is late March through May and September through November. Spring and Fall offer milder temperatures (the summer can get quite hot, busy and more expensive), fewer tourists and more cost effective travel across accommodations, tours and flights.
What to Pack and Cultural Experiences
In the larger cities, pack for more of a central city experience—Australians are stylish and appreciate smart-casual dining attire. If you are spending time in smaller towns, the Outback, etc. the vibe is quite casual with an emphasis on sun protection and comfortable walking shoes.
One thing I always suggest is having a private experience with an Aboriginal guide. They will share their story of the land where you are and their history. It is very informative and often becomes the most meaningful part of travelers’ journeys—connecting them to the deep cultural roots of the world’s oldest living civilization.
Australia Is for Every Type of Traveler
Australia is for everyone! I’ve planned trips for multi-generational families, adventure seekers, foodies, sports enthusiasts (including tickets to The Australian Open, Melbourne Grand Prix, Aussie Rules Football and Rugby), birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts and so much more. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary, planning a once-in-a-lifetime family reunion, or simply ready for your next great adventure, Australia delivers experiences that exceed expectations.
Ready to Discover Your Own Australian Adventure?
I cannot wait to go back—and I’d love to help you experience Australia for the first time or return to discover something new. With over 1,000 Australian itineraries crafted and 20 personal visits under my belt, I bring insider knowledge that transforms a good trip into an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re dreaming of swimming the Great Barrier Reef, sipping wine in the Barossa Valley, encountering wild kangaroos on Kangaroo Island, or learning ancient stories from Aboriginal guides, I’ll design a personalized itinerary that matches your travel style and brings your Australian dreams to life.
Contact me today to start planning your Australian adventure—I promise you’ll come home with stories to tell and friends you’ll never forget.
