Australia is renowned for its stunning beaches. It is after all surrounded by water with around 50,000km of coastline when you include all of its coastal islands. Tourists and residents alike flock to Australia’s more than 10,000 beaches, many of which are ranked as the world’s best.
Australia is more than just a pretty beach though. It is home to beautiful mountain ranges, scenic rivers, lush rainforests, and peaceful deserts. If you find yourself tired of sunbathing, have caught enough waves, or simply want a break from the sand between your toes, check out some of these incredible Australian destinations which offer a relaxing alternative to the beach.
The Ghan
Explore Australia’s Outback as you experience one of the world’s greatest train journeys. Running between Adelaide and Darwin, this voyage takes between 3 and 4 days depending on which way you travel and takes you nearly 3,000km through the heart of Australia.
The Ghan is an adventure without having to suffer any adventurous hardships. Instead you are treated to the luxurious comforts of this remarkable train which offers private cabins, most with en suites, along with fine dining.
Enjoy towns like Alice Springs and Coober Pedy along with exciting excursions like camel rides and river cruises along the Katherine River. You also have optional add-ons like flights over Uluru or Kakadu.
Also on offer is The Indian Pacific train route which runs between Sydney and Perth as well as The Overland train running between Melbourne and Adelaide. Any route you choose is sure to leave lasting memories.
Murray River Cruise
Take a relaxing cruise on Australia’s longest river. You can experience this majestic river via day cruises or spend an entire week exploring all the Murray has to offer. Cruise the river at your leisure by renting a houseboat or go with a licensed cruise operator.
Sit back and relax on the PS Murray Princess, the largest inland paddlewheeler in the southern hemisphere for the ultimate in comfort. Enjoy lounges, a sun deck, buffet breakfasts & lunches, and a Captain’s Dinner & Dance.
Take in river gorges and sandstone cliffs along with encounters with iconic Aussie wildlife. You’ll also enjoy beautiful gardens and orchards, visit museums, enjoy riverside barbecues, and learn about Aboriginal history via archeological sites.
Thredbo & Perisher
There’s no need to go all the way to Switzerland, Canada, or Colorado for your next winter skiing holiday. Stay right here in Australia and head to either Thredbo or Perisher this winter.
Perisher is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, with four resort areas offering over 3,000 acres of skiable white powder. You’ll find it easy to explore all resort areas as they interlink.
Thredbo offers the longest ski runs in Australia along with a variety of great accommodation. It also offers access to the Mount Kosciuszko Express Chairlift which takes you to the closest access point of Australia’s highest peak.
After enjoying a nice day in the snow, head back to the warmth of your cabin and relax by the fire. If you are not a lover of the cold and snow, Thredbo makes for a great summer destination as well with an abundance of hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and a popular annual Blues Festival.
If partaking in adventure sports, it is advised you protect yourself with quality travel insurance which covers many different sports and adventure activities along with offering optional winter sports cover.
Interior of Northern Tasmania
Tasmania makes for an incredible destination especially during the warmer summer months. Although it has stunning beaches, its interior is equally impressive. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of Australia’s major cities, Northern Tasmania offers numerous unique and historic towns. Visit lavender and tulip farms, fresh fruit orchards, and an abundance of antique & specialty shops.
Tasmania’s wealth of nature and wildlife provides endless hiking opportunities. Explore numerous rivers, take in the views atop peaks like Cradle Mountain & Mt. Roland, or head deep into the Tarkine wilderness.
Visit the murals of Sheffield, the topiary creations of Railton, and the history of Launceston. Northern Tasmania is the perfect place to unwind and travel at a slower pace, taking you back to a much more peaceful and simpler way of life.
Canberra
Lonely Planet recently named Canberra the 3rd best city in the world to visit in 2018. This makes our nation’s capital the highest ranked Australian city ever in the publication’s annual list.
Long considered mundane, our nation’s capital has undergone a major transformation. This modern stylish city offers numerous attractions without the heavy traffic of our more popular cities. Visit the touching Australian War Memorial, a variety of educational and inspirational museums, and the beautiful Lake Burley Griffin.
Known as the Bush Capital, the city is surrounded by beautiful nature and home to a wide variety of wildlife including kangaroos, echidnas, and rich birdlife. Come during spring to witness the dazzling floral displays of Floriade.
Canberra 05/be lacking a beach but still offers more than enough excitement in a laid back atmosphere.
Daintree Rainforest
Relax in the Daintree Rainforest, Australia’s largest and the world’s oldest. Stay in an eco-retreat where you can lounge the day away in a hammock as large vibrant blue Ulysses butterflies flutter above you.
The Daintree area offers endless opportunities to reconnect with nature and although it 05/be a large tract of pure wilderness, it is rather accessible. Home to rare and colourful exotic wildlife, you’d think you were in the Amazon.
Within a few hours’ drive to the south you have the beautiful Mossman Gorge as well as the Atherton Tablelands where you can enjoy houseboating, sailing, and fishing in Lake Tinaroo. Also while in the area, you can take the Kuranda Scenic Railway or Skyrail Cableway to visit Kuranda Village. Here you can experience Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, and Koala Gardens.