When people think of Thailand, they often think of relaxing on a pristine beach with a refreshing cold drink in their hand.
04.12.2023 - 07:51 / lonelyplanet.com / Red Centre
Being tasked with choosing the best places to visit in Australia is no easy assignment.
There is no shortage of spectacular places that could make the potential shortlist, from culturally diverse cities with rich Aboriginal history dating back tens of thousands of years, to the Great Barrier Reef and the raw outback landscapes in between.
Unless you’ve got months – or even years – to spare, the country’s immense scale and the sheer diversity of experiences on offer means it’s impossible to do it all in one trip. That’s why we’ve rounded up just eight of Australia’s best places to go to help you make your own shortlist – and maybe even give you reasons to visit more than once.
Australia’s most iconic outback experience
Nothing will take your breath away like a trip to the red heart of Australia in the Northern Territory. Here you can watch the sunset over Uluru – arguably the world’s most famous monolith, and spiritually significant site to the Anangu people – or be inspired by the sheer size of the 36 red domes at nearby Kata Tjuta, within the same national park. The desert’s natural beauty is only further enhanced by immersive art installations, like the new Wintjiri Wiru experience at Uluru (which tells part of an Anangu sacred story using more than 1100 drones), Bruce Munro’s Field of Light and the Light-Towers at King’s Canyon.
While there are plenty of adventure activities, like scenic flights and camel riding, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the world’s oldest continuously living culture. Walking tours and art lessons led by First Nations guides can be found near Uluru and Watarrka National Park.
Planning tip: Accommodation in the Red Centre, including campsites, is limited during the peak visitor season of June to September. Book ahead for tours and to secure accommodation.
Best for exploring back roads
Bohemian Byron Bay – which has become a favorite destination for celebrities and backpackers alike – is probably the best known destination in northern New South Wales. But it’s just a small part of the Northern Rivers region. Head inland towards the hinterlands and you’ll find quaint villages and laid-back towns equally worth exploring. You can swim in Killen Falls, wander through the charming community of Newrybar, or sample the goods at the surrounding macadamia plantations and from farmgate stalls.
One experience not to miss is the Tweed section of Northern Rivers Rail Trail, which opened in 2023. The 24km (15-mile) abandoned railway corridor connects the region’s historic villages, best explored by bike.
Planning tip: Visit Mullumbimby Farmers Market on a Friday morning. Held at the showgrounds, you’ll be supporting micro-farmers and rubbing shoulders with locals.
Australia’s best city
When people think of Thailand, they often think of relaxing on a pristine beach with a refreshing cold drink in their hand.
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