Australia had always been a dream destination for me and in October, I finally made that dream a reality. I spent two incredible weeks exploring Western Australia and New South Wales, soaking up stunning landscapes, local culture, and unforgettable adventures. If you're planning a trip down under, here’s a personal look at my itinerary, packed with highlights and must-do experiences for every traveller.
Sydney BridgeClimb
Perth
Kangaroos
Kangaroo Road Sign
Pinnacles
Sand Boarding
Lobster
4WD Sand Dune
Oysters
Sydney Dinner Cruise
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Anzac Memorial
Sydney
Kayaking in Kangaroo Valley
I kicked off my Australian journey with four nights in Perth, a vibrant city known for its coastal charm, open green spaces, and buzzing arts scene.
Our adventure began with a thrilling 4WD sandboarding experience in Lancelin, a coastal town north of Perth. Our guide drove us through the towering dunes, and I got my first taste of adrenaline as we raced down the soft, powdery slopes on sandboards. It was fun and surprisingly easy to pick up!
From Lancelin, we journeyed to the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. These ancient limestone formations jut out dramatically from golden sands, creating an otherworldly, almost lunar landscape. It’s an absolute must-see when visiting Western Australia.
For lunch, we headed to the famous Lobster Shack in Cervantes where I indulged in freshly caught lobster sweet, tender, and bursting with flavour. Dining by the sea with local seafood is an experience not to be missed.
Back in Perth, I enjoyed a peaceful swan river cruise to Fremantle. Watching the sun set behind the Perth skyline was a magical moment. That evening, we experienced an Aboriginal cultural performance a beautiful showcase of storytelling, dance, and heritage that left me with a deeper appreciation of Australia's First Nations people.
From Perth, I flew east to Sydney, where city sophistication meets natural beauty.
My time in Sydney began with an Aboriginal-guided walking tour of The Rocks, the city’s historic district. The guide shared captivating stories that gave me a new perspective on Sydney’s colonial past and its ongoing cultural significance.
As we approached Circular Quay, the sight of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge was truly breathtaking. These landmarks are even more stunning up close, especially bathed in the golden light of late afternoon.
That evening, I boarded the Captain Cook Starlight Dinner Cruise, an evening gliding across Sydney Harbour. I savoured fresh salmon and a decadent chocolate cake for dessert while watching the skyline sparkle to life. Watching the sunset over the Opera House from the water was a pinch-me moment.
The next morning, I faced one of my biggest challenges yet: the BridgeClimb experience on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Though nervous at first seeing traffic below while ascending in our safety harnesses the views at the top were beyond worth it. I felt exhilarated looking out over the Opera House, Luna Park, the city skyline, and the Pacific horizon.
Later, I explored Sydney on two wheels, cycling past Darling Harbour, through the Royal Botanic Gardens, and back around to the Opera House. I ended the day off the day with a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, learning about its visionary architecture and fascinating construction history.
My base in Sydney was the Pan Pacific Hotel, a superbly located property just minutes from Darling Harbour and a quick train ride to the Opera House. I also dined at the hotel’s Abode Restaurant, where high-end Australian cuisine was served with style.
From Sydney, I ventured into regional New South Wales, uncovering wild beauty and intimate encounters with Australia’s natural world.
First stop: Kangaroo Valley, where I took part in a tranquil kayaking tour along the river. The peaceful surroundings and lush greenery were a welcome contrast to city life. And yes, true to its name, I spotted kangaroos hopping through the nearby fields!
Jervis Bay & Safari-Style Glamping
From there, we headed to Jervis Bay, home to some of the whitest sand beaches in the world. I dined at Paperbark Camp, a stunning eco-lodge featuring safari-style tents nestled among the trees. I stayed just nearby at Bay and Bush, where each self-contained cabin offered home comforts and morning visits from curious kangaroos outside my window.
Snorkelling & Oysters by the Coast
Despite the chill, I couldn’t pass up a snorkelling tour in Jervis Bay’s crystal-clear waters spotting coral reefs and marine life up close was unforgettable. On the road again, I made a quick foodie stop at Jim Wild’s Oyster Shack, where I sampled fresh local oysters plucked straight from the estuary.
Luxury Stay & Stargazing in Shoalhaven
My final stop was Shoalhaven, where I stayed at the elegant Bangalay Luxury Villas a peaceful, beautifully appointed retreat. That night, I joined a stargazing experience where our guide pointed out constellations, planets, and even Saturn’s rings through a telescope. It was a magical way to end an unforgettable journey.
From the buzzing city life of Sydney to the raw natural beauty of Western Australia, this trip delivered a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Whether you're drawn to iconic landmarks, Indigenous culture, wildlife encounters, or luxury escapes, Australia offers something for every kind of traveller.
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At TripsBeyond there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
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At TripsBeyond there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
0800 270 0009
Make An Enquiry
Request A Callback
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