3. Tantalizing Tasmania

Once considered the last outpost for England’s most destitute convicts, this island at the end of the world is now celebrated for its stunning scenery, delectably fresh produce, cool-climate wines and heart-warming whiskeys.

On this isolated island, the rugged and stunning scenery is showcased in the many national parks, reserves and the Freycinet Peninsula. With over 40% of the island’s inhabitants living in the capital, Hobart, the rest of the island is sparsely populated enhancing the truly remote feel.

In the capital, colonial distilleries and historic buildings dot the cityscape, Mount Wellington looms and hotels are set overlooking the docks of the port.

As you stroll the pristine beaches keep an eye out for dolphins and other wildlife; or from the prow of a water vessel look back toward the craggy coastline where some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs dominate the horizon. Equally impressive are the deep-sea caves.

Word to the wise: in Great Oyster Bay you’ll find the freshest, most succulent oysters you’ll ever experience.

4. Diverse Landscapes

“Thrilling” landscapes may be the more apt descriptor.

Once you’ve soaked up the charms of Australia’s urban centres it’s time to set your sights on the country’s rural exploits, though it’s hard to know where to start here, because let’s face it – we are talking about a whole continent!

We’re a modest, plain-speaking lot, so to us, it’s The Coast, The Bush and The Outback, but within that lies a host of understated marvels.

Take the ‘sapphire-misted mountains’ of the one million hectares Blue Mountains/Wollemi National Park, that form the living, western fringe of Sydney (special kudos to anyone who can pick the poetic reference).

Or the incredible orange and black, giant bee-hive domes of the Bungle Bungles that spread over 450 square kilometres (174 sq mi) in the Kimberley region and were known only to local aboriginals and stockmen until 1983. Well, I did say it’s a big country!

Add in the world’s largest living ‘thing,’ the 2,300 km stretch of vibrant corals known as the Great Barrier Reef; the endless swathes of red earth and desert in The Centre; and tropical rainforests like the Daintree – known as the oldest tropical rainforest on earth, turning a sprightly 180,000,000 years old any day now. Let’s face it – there’s a fair bit to see.

5. South Australia’s Self-Contained Beauty

As I’ve said before, South Australia is a one-stop-shop for nearly all of the quintessential elements Australia is known for (though don’t let that keep you from the rest of the big, wide country!).

Your first stop should be Clare Valley and Barossa Valley, Australia’s most famous wine regions, where you’ll encounter fertile hills and valleys cloaked in endless rows of tidy vines. Some of our most interesting and promising wines are found here. Fancy a cool-climate Riesling?

The outback strikes a slightly different tone placing you in vast, empty stretches of land. It’s a harsh, extreme terrain that manages to capture your attention with its timelessness and grandeur (don’t even think you can imagine that night sky!).

My favourite place to bunk down here is in the cosy homestead at Arkaba, a 60,000 acre former sheep station turned nature conservancy, where home-style meals and warm hospitality rule by night, and the days are spent exploring the landscapes and wildlife with their fabulous team of Naturalists.

Just a hop away and you’re on Kangaroo Island, which brings you face-to-face with our most iconic animal, though it bears reminding that there are many many more curious species.

Known as ‘the Galapagos of Australia’ it’s one of the best places to see koalas, echidnas, or marine animals like the fur sea colony that lives just off Cape du Couedic.

Want to get a little closer to the action? Then edge along the island by boat taking the opportunity to snorkel alongside dolphins.

6. North Queensland & The Great Barrier Reef

In Tropical North Queensland there’s a magical connection where the two World Heritage Sites of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest come head to toe in an environmental wonderland. It’s a playground of discovery, with great opportunities to explore.

The Great Barrier Reef is quite simply a masterpiece. It’s the longest coral reef system in the world and whether you snorkel, dive or simply sail over it you can’t help but be utterly impressed.

After you’ve had enough of the water activities, move inland toward the rainforest where you can “jungle-surf” amongst the tree-tops on zip-lines.

7. Melbourne’s Many Cultural Charms

Welcome to Australia’s fabulous capital of art, food, sport, culture – and attitude!

There’s much to be done in this cosmopolitan city but first let’s get to the coffee: this city has a coffee culture that is passionate and thriving. Wandering the city’s neighbourhoods you’ll have ample opportunity to indulge in the liquid gold.

The proliferation of cafes is in part due to Melbourne’s desire to be a destination for startups and entrepreneurs; and how better to foster that than with spaces that encourage people to connect. It’s also just a part of the DNA of the city: innovative coffee beverages (you’re welcome for the flat white!) and communal tables are a source of pride.

When you’re not chatting with a local roaster, you’ll want to get out and get moving as you explore the hip seaside suburbs of St Kilda, admire the city’s colourful street art, or pedal along the Yarra River.

Come evening, the night culture rivals the coffee culture (and likely has overlapping demographics) and there’s no shortage of places to go—it’s simply a question of where to go!

8. World-Renowned Wildlife

While you’ve likely heard a lot about the ubiquitous kangaroo (yes, it’s our unofficial national animal), it’s not as likely that you’ve seen one idly grazing, in person. The opportunity is not to be missed!

Other endemic animals to Australia include the Koala, mostly found in coastal areas; or the echidna, a spiny anteater that is considered the rarest animal in the world (also, interestingly, one of the egg-laying mammals); the platypus, that perplexing combination of duck, beaver and otter; as well as wombats, wallabies and dingoes (and who can resist saying those names out loud)—all of which are best observed in their natural, wild habitats.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Australia without seeing at least one of these fascinating, endemic creatures!