1. Satellite Island Just a short boat ride from Bruny Island towards Tasmania’s mainland, you’ll find the unspoiled wilderness of Satellite Island. Experience the island’s natural beauty through walking trails, birdwatching, or kayaking. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swim in the crisp waters and shuck oysters directly from the rocks. The island’s accommodations blend seamlessly into the lush environment, offering a genuine nature escape.
2. Pumpkin Island Located in the stunning Southern Great Barrier Reef, Pumpkin Island offers a private haven of lush greenery and diverse marine life. This coastal retreat features eco-friendly accommodations and a variety of activities. Spend your days kayaking alongside sea turtles, snorkeling among coral reefs, or fishing from the shore. Evenings can be enjoyed relaxing on your private bungalow’s balcony or having picnics on the soft white sands.
3. Makepeace Island Just minutes by boat from Queensland’s fashionable Noosa, Makepeace Island offers a luxurious sanctuary. Wooden boardwalks connect elegant and spacious accommodations to numerous amenities, including a magnificent pool, a 15-seater spa, a tennis court, and a range of kayaks and paddleboards. One of the highlights is the culinary expertise of Executive Chef Zeb Gilbert, who collaborates with guests to create the perfect menu for their stay.
4. Haggerstone Island Haggerstone Island serves as a dreamy base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. This exclusive island experience is customized to your preferences, whether it’s jet skiing, snorkeling with vibrant sea life, or kiteboarding along the coast. You can also charter a helicopter to explore the region by air, with opportunities to swim in secluded waterfalls or enjoy picturesque riverside picnics. In the evenings, relax with cocktails on your private balcony and feast on freshly caught seafood.

1 Staircase to the Moon, Broome

When: March – October
In Broome, a special phenomenon occurs during each full moon. As the moon rises, its light reflects off the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay, creating an optical illusion of a “staircase” leading up to the moon. This enchanting sight can be observed from the Mangrove Hotel’s open-air bar, where the lights are dimmed and locals play the didgeridoo, or you can lay out a rug at the nearby Town Beach night markets.

2 The Turning of the Fagus, Tasmania

When: Late April – May
While Australia is known for its sunny summers, autumn in Tasmania brings a unique beauty. The “turning of the fagus” refers to the transformation of a tree from lush green to vibrant reds and golds. The best places to witness this colorful display are Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and Mt Field National Park.

3 Bioluminescent Plankton, Jervis Bay

When: September – February
Jervis Bay, a three-hour drive from Sydney, is famous for its pristine white sand and lush vegetation, but it also hides a spectacular wonder. Due to chemical reactions within plankton, the water sometimes displays swirls of glowing blue along the shore at night. This mesmerizing natural phenomenon is more common during the warmer months.

4 Lavender Fields, Tasmania

When: December – February
Tasmania hosts the largest lavender fields in the Southern Hemisphere, with rows of stunning purple blooms near Hobart and Launceston. Visit Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Tasmania’s most famous lavender farm, or Port Arthur Lavender Farm to enjoy the picturesque plants and a variety of lavender-based products, including soaps, stationery, ice cream, and honey.

1. Organic Farming

Embrace country life at the organic Jambaroo Valley Farm, south of  Sydney. At this working permaculture farm, guests are invited to pick produce from the kitchen garden, collect eggs from the free-range chickens and feed the cows, sheep and pigs. At night, hang around the fireplace or soak in the hot tub.

2. Reef Magic

It’s time to travel more conscientiously and for the Great Barrier Reef, that means heading to Reef Magic Pontoon, off Cairns. Spend your day swimming, snorkelling and diving in the knowledge the pontoon runs on sustainable power, with 18 solar panels and three wind turbines. There’s also a science lab.

3. Aboriginal Art

Create a masterpiece while learning  about Aboriginal culture and art  during a Ngala Tours Art on Country workshop at the National Arboretum Canberra. 

4. Tassie Penguins

Watch little penguins return to their sandy burrows from Bruny Island Neck.   The best time is from September to  February. 

5. Dog Sledding

If you’re a family of snow lovers    but can’t cope with first-to-last lifts every day, head to Mount Buller to try dog sledding this winter. The Victorian resort is easy to get to, and kids, young and old, will love meeting the Australian Sled Dog Tours team of Siberian huskies. Tours are from 30 minutes to three hours; bookings are a must.