4 tours in Australia that will leave you in complete awe

Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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Now is the time to get out and explore Australia – and who better to show you around than one of the country’s most experienced touring companies.

Part of award-winning APT Travel Group, Travelmarvel has been guiding Australians through their own backyard for almost four decades, with a program of premium land journeys that venture to some of the country’s most memorable destinations. Here, four tours that will leave you in awe of this truly special country of ours.

1. WA’s southwest: a land of contrasts

From historic goldfield towns to premium wine country to a vast red desert fringed by turquoise coast, WA’s southwest corner is like no other place in Australia. The 15-day Wonders of the South West tour is an epic journey that starts in cosmopolitan Perth and journeys to the bizarre formation of Wave Rock, the iconic outback town of Kalgoorlie, the breathtaking coast of Esperance and an oenophile’s heaven, Margaret River.
 
Unique experiences, such as a wildlife cruise on World Heritage-listed Shark Bay and a visit to the monastic town of New Norcia, round up this memorable tour.

 

Departs: August to October 2020 and March to November 2021

Shark Bay WA
Explore by land and sea the World Heritage-listed Shark Bay, WA.

2. A restorative escapade in Victoria

Escaping to the country never looked so good than on this seven-day Great Lakes and High Country tour. Explore the vast waterways of Lakes Entrance, spot koalas at Raymond Island, visit the historic mining town of Omeo, get outdoors in the picturesque town of Bright, and visit the historic gold-fields and emerging foodie town of Beechworth.
 
The region’s abundant fresh produce and clever providores are celebrated, too, with craft beer tastings, wine dinners and a visit to renowned Milawa Cheese Factory.

 

Departs: September 2020 to March 2021

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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3. The bucket-list-worthy Red Centre

A journey to Australia’s heart is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the new Red Centre Escape is the ultimate introduction to this special place.
 
Road tripping along the famous Red Centre Way, this seven-day itinerary includes a stay at the outback pioneering town of Alice Springs, a sunrise tour around Uluru, a viewing of Bruce Munro’s breathtaking Field of Light desert installation, the opportunity for an Indigenous-led cultural tour through remote Southern Aranda land, and a walk around the ochre walls of Kings Canyon.

 

Departs: September to November 2020 and March to May 2021

Uluru
Uluru, a dual natural and cultural World Heritage site in the heart of Australia.

4. Underrated Tasmania in all its glory

Our southernmost state is known for its staggering landscapes and the 10-day Grand Tasman tour showcases the best of that, taking in the pristine beaches and rugged granite peaks of Freycinet National Park, World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain, scenic Gordon River and cascading Russell Falls.
 
Beyond its natural beauty, the tour also celebrates Tasmania’s excellent produce, its unique wildlife and fascinating history: sample local craft beer and lavender ice-cream, enjoy a Tasmanian devil experience, and tour Port Arthur, one of the country’s most notorious convict gaols.

 

Departs: September to November 2020 and January to April 2021.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate in Tasmania
See pretty swathes of purple countryside at Bridestowe Lavender Estate in Tasmania.
Visit travelmarvel.com.au/Australia or call 1300 301 923 or see your travel agent for more information.

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An insider’s guide to Noosa’s best-kept winter secrets

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
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    As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

    As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

    Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

    Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

    Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach
    Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

    Where to eat in Noosa

    Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

    There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

    There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis, Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa, organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano, traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina.

    diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter
    Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

    Where to stay in Noosa

    Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

    There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

    For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore. Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

    a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa
    Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

    Things to do on land

    There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

    A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

    Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

    woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter
    Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

    Things to do in the water

    Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

    You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

    Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater, a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

    For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

    women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter
    Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

    Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

    4 tours around Australia that will leave you in complete awe