Australia’s landscapes are home to some of the world’s most stunning waterfalls, cascading through lush rainforests, rugged gorges and remote wilderness. Whether you’re seeking an epic hike, a refreshing swim or a jaw-dropping lookout, these five waterfalls are among the greatest in the country.

When the sun goes down, the night comes alive As Australia’s stargazing boom lights up a new era of travel, Discovery Resorts is inviting guests to turn their eyes skyward, from

Just over an hour south of Adelaide, nestled along South Australia’s stunning Fleurieu Peninsula, lies the charming coastal town of Port Elliot – a place where life slows down and every corner invites you to stay a little longer. Historic yet refreshingly modern, Port Elliot blends its 19th-century heritage with laid-back beachside living, creating the perfect setting for a relaxing escape. And at the heart of it all, perched above the shoreline overlooking Horseshoe Bay, is YHA Port Elliot, which I discovered, along with my wife and daughter, is a destination in itself.
YHA Port Elliot, affectionately known as the Port Elliot Beach House, occupies a beautifully restored historic building with sweeping views over one of South Australia’s most iconic beaches. It offers not just a place to sleep, but a space to connect – with fellow travellers, with nature, and with the vibrant local community. With a variety of room options, from private suites (including king beds and bunks for families) to shared dorms, and standout features like an expansive communal kitchen, barbecue nook, sunlit dining areas, and even a wood-fired pizza oven, Port Elliot Beach House is designed for comfort, connection and sustainability. The property also boasts eco-credentials as one of YHA’s six eco-certified sites, with initiatives like rainwater harvesting, composting and a communal herb and veggie patch. Kids love the open lawn, firepit, and even the chicken run, while adults appreciate the blend of practical amenities and thoughtful design.

Situated on the banks of the Tenterfield River, among the mountain ranges of northern New South Wales, Jackals Hide is a picturesque location for outdoor enthusiasts to get away. Known as ‘Australia’s premier bowhunting only property’, Jackals Hide is a 5000-acre working sheep station offering unguided bowhunting and fishing experiences. The property consists of a mixture of steep timbered country which joins partly cleared river flats along the creek. The banks of the creek are typical of the area; lined with large granite boulders which continue into the water, with fallen timber throughout.

Situated on the Queensland and New South Wales border, Glenlyon Dam is a popular recreational hub frequented by outdoor enthusiasts from both sides of the border. It is a moderate-sized facility managed by SunWater that serves as a water source for nearby farmland.
However, it is well known for its use in recreational water sports and fishing, frequently popping up for those seeking Murray cod fishing in proximity to Brisbane. The dam is less than four hours’ drive from Brisbane, has a range of comfortable accommodation options and boasts excellent fishing all year round.

Australia is blessed with some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, and our national parks are perfect examples of this natural beauty. These protected areas showcase the diverse ecosystems, unique wildlife and breathtaking scenery, making Australia a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re a keen hiker, wildlife photographer or simply someone who loves connecting with nature, these parks will leave you in awe.

Australia is a vast country filled with iconic landmarks and bustling cities, but some of its most charming destinations are hidden in plain sight. Away from the well-trodden tourist paths lie a collection of small towns that offer unique experiences, rich history and breathtaking scenery without the crowds. If you’re looking to explore a different side of Australia, these five best-kept secret towns are perfect for your next adventure.

Australia is a camper’s paradise, with its diverse landscapes offering incredible opportunities for nature lovers to immerse themselves in the wild. Whether you prefer rugged mountain ranges, pristine beaches, lush rainforests or the iconic Outback, a perfect camping spot is waiting for you. Here’s our guide to the finest camping locations in Australia for nature enthusiasts, showcasing breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters and remarkable outdoor escapades.

While Australia’s East Coast is famous for popular destinations like the Great Barrier Reef and Byron Bay, there’s a wealth of lesser-known spots that offer equally stunning beauty without the crowds. These hidden gems provide an intimate experience with nature, from secluded beaches to quiet national parks. For travellers seeking something off the beaten path, here are the Top 5 hidden gems on Australia’s East Coast that you won’t want to miss.

Australia’s history is intricately tied to its colonial roots, gold rushes and maritime exploration. While the bustling cities often steal the spotlight, the small, influential historic towns across the country played vital roles in shaping the nation’s identity. Whether through convict heritage, pioneering spirit or economic booms, these towns hold significant stories of Australia’s past. Let’s explore the 5 historic towns in Australia you need to visit that left an indelible mark on Australia’s history and culture, along with some must-visit attractions in each location.

Australia is a land of vast landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty, offering countless opportunities for photographers to capture its unique essence. While iconic landmarks like Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef are well-known, the country’s most remote and untouched locations offer some of the most spectacular and rewarding photography experiences. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and capture Australia’s raw, untamed beauty, these five remote destinations should be at the top of your list.

Australia’s vast and diverse landscapes are a paradise for 4×4 enthusiasts. From rugged Outback trails to breathtaking coastal drives, this country offers some of the best 4×4 experiences in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or a beginner looking for your next adventure, these top five 4×4 tracks in Australia promise exhilarating challenges, stunning scenery and unforgettable memories.

Tasmania crouches in the path of the Roaring Forties between the 41st and 43rd degrees of latitude. The waves and wind that lash the west coast travel unhindered by contact with land all the way from Cape Horn. It is one of the most mountainous islands in the world and its varied geography gives rise to unique physical characteristics.

Once upon a time… some 65 million years ago, a magical land in the south-west of Western Australia stood tall as extreme climate change drastically altered the world around it. Holding its ground to emerge victorious from a battle that raged for thousands of years, this ancient empire formed a collaborative relationship with the fledgling human species. Nowadays, adventurers with a green heart can enter this mystical land to float on the shoulders of giants and explore the enchanted world hidden beneath their colossal green canopy.

The Stuart Highway is an amazingly long drive whether coming from Adelaide or from the east coast, via the Barkly Highway. Beyond Threeways at Renner Springs, the country undergoes subtle changes where the spinifex desert is replaced by monsoon woodlands. The local hot springs rise from the same source as those 450km to the north where the true tropics commence at Mataranka, the capital of the Never-Never.

The region was made famous by Jeannie Gunn in her classic books, We of the Never-Never and The Little Black Princess. Nothing ever-ever happens here, which was the reason Jeannie named the area as such, but nothing could be further from the truth. This is the birthplace of one of the largest Australian perennial streams and the Territory’s mighty Roper River. The river is born from low spots in the Great Artesian Basin. Just east from the tiny Mataranka village dozens of hot springs gush and bubble forth from the earth.

The Snowy Mountains region in southern NSW is a unique part of Australia. At its heart is Kosciuszko National Park – over 6900 square kilometres of mountain country set aside in perpetuity for the conservation and preservation of its natural, scientific, scenic, cultural and recreational values. Within its boundaries lie a plethora of destinations for those with an outdoor bent and an inclination to explore.

Esperance, on the south coast of Western Australia, had been visited by the Dutch in the 17th Century and the French in the late 18th Century before Matthew Flinders sailed through in 1802.

One of the best places to base yourself in the past 30 years when exploring the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and surrounds has always been Wilpena Pound Resort. Family friendly, most visitors stay in the powered and unpowered sites and utilise the various amenities, while those with a need for a motel-like experience can stay at the resort’s serviced rooms, some with kitchenettes, adjacent to Captain Starlight’s restaurant and the small swimming pool.

Ex-drover and bush poet Bruce Simpson looked at the shallow waters of the Georgina River just out of Camooweal. He pushed a battered Akubra hat back on his head and squatted in the way drovers had in years past.

A crisp June morning in Tasmania. Frost sparkled on the car windshield under clear blue skies. We packed the vehicle ahead of two solid day trips around our green state, searching for signs of Tasmania’s rich mining heritage.

Christmas has come early! Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish have thrown another 12, $10,000 fish into the water in the Darwin Region – the first time more fish have been released once a season has started.
Dubbed ‘All I want for Christmas is a Million Dollar Fish’, the campaign encourages more people to set sail and hit the water for the chance to catch a prize-tagged fish, with hopefully several fishos bagging an early Christmas present.

From lush rainforest to iconic coastline, the Otways region in Southern Victoria rewards visitors with a perfect getaway destination.
Winding through the Otways, the Great Ocean Road is best known for views of spectacular cliffs and rock formations, while just inland there await sedate but majestic mountain ash trees towering over dense ferns and waterfalls

Just 30 kilometres from Melbourne stands an imposing mansion and grounds that are a legacy of Victoria’s early sheep farming boom days. A time when the British migrant squattocracy was more top hat than farm boots and leisure days were made of up of horses for polo and racing, hunting, balls and music.

As part of the Emergency Bushfire and Recovery Appeal, I was invited to accompany the Foundation for Australia’s Most Endangered Species (FAME) on a visit to Kangaroo Island in January 2020. Our first stop was the Western River Refuge where we spoke with representatives from the Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife Association, which has been working closely with FAME for a number of years to save the critically endangered Kangaroo Island dunnart from extinction.

From late December 2019 through to mid-January 2020, South Australia’s Kangaroo Island experienced the most severe bushfires in its recorded history.
The first wave of fires was almost under control when lightning strikes on the 30th December brought a second wave. The deteriorating conditions that followed saw a total of over 200,000 hectares – almost half of the island – affected by fire.

The Port Lincoln, South Australia home of the late Ron Forster OAM boasts the Southern Hemisphere’s largest private aquarium.

Great Australian Outdoors writer Dick Eussen provides a glimpse into a sultry paradise