Australian holidays are all about long journeys and adventurous travel. You could just lounge on the beach or have a city break in Sydney during your holiday to Australia, but you would be missing out. Australia is one of the best countries to explore on a longer journey, with vast tracts of unspoilt wilderness and an amazing variation in the scenery that you’ll encounter. Not only are there plenty of sights to see on a journey through Australia, there are numerous ways to travel.

Whether you prefer a train, a car, a horse, scuba flippers or just your own two feet, you are sure to find an Australian holiday journey that suits you. Here are five amazing ways to explore the country –

Photo credit - Mugley

Ride-in Victoria

Victoria is a popular Australian holiday destination, especially for nature lovers; the dramatic and diverse landscape includes alpine mountains, arid plains and wet, temperate Gippsland. This was horse riding country back when the settlers first arrived, and this remains the best way to explore this beautiful part of Australia. There are plenty of horse riding holidays available, ranging from centre based and beginners holidays to arduous cross country trips for the more experienced rider.

Photo credit - Michael Roper

Drive-along the West Coast

A driving holiday on Australia’s West Coast allows you to explore a wonderful and comparatively untouristed part of the country. Unlike the more populous East Coast, you can drive for miles and miles without seeing a soul, but there’s plenty to keep you occupied; on the classic route from Perth to Exmouth, highlights include feeding wild dolphins in the sea at Monkey Mia, scuba diving at Ningaloo Reef (smaller but just as exciting as the Great Barrier Reef) and exploring the stunning scenery of Kalbarri National Park.

Photo credit - t3rmin4t0r

Walk-through Tasmania

Known as “the Natural State”, over a third of Tasmania is covered by national parks, giving you an idea of just how much amazing countryside there is to explore here as part of a holiday to Australia. It is a land best seen on foot; highlights for the eager trekker include Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay, the Western Arthur Mountain Range and Freycinet National Park.

Photo credit - Bloody Nick

Catch the train-from Adelaide to Darwin

The famous Ghan train (a shortening of Afghan Express, named after the Afghan camel trains that trekked the route before the railway was built) crosses the entire length of Australia, north to south, in just 48 hours (though of course, you can make stops along the way!) Started in 1878 and not fully finished until 1929, a ride on the Ghan is an unforgettable journey for your holiday to Australia, taking in some of the best scenery the country has to offer alongside highlights like Adelaide, Darwin and Alice Springs. For train lovers on an Australian holiday, this is the journey to take.

Photo credit - brewbooks

Dive-to the Great Barrier Reef

A journey to the Great Barrier Reef may be one best measured in metres rather than miles, but it is a journey as epic as any of the other Australia holidays on this list. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is a scuba divers paradise.

If you go diving while on holiday in Australia, you will enter another world, a hive of biodiversity, beautiful coral reefs, and a huge variety of wildlife, including dolphins, turtles and over 1,500 species of fish. It certainly won’t be the longest trip that you’ll take while on holiday in Australia, but it will certainly be one of the most spectacular.

About the Author. Kieron Sellens. Kieron Sellens is the marketing manager of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AiTO). With AITO’s selection of superb Australian holidays you can tailor-make the dream trip down under.

Unearthing Asia is a travel magazine focusing on Lifestyle, Culture and Attractions all over Asia. Don’t miss out on the best Cheapest All Inclusive Holidays ideas and inspirations in the region of Asia, such as this list of Bangkok’s fine dining highlights.

After his initial submission for Photo Friday, we’re glad to see Kevin contributing once again, this time to share about his retreat at Western Australia. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we do, and remember to contact us should you be interested in contributing!

Margaret River is a little town about 4 hours south of Perth. This quaint settlement is home to numerous vineyards and farm stays, making it ideal for those who wish to get away from the urban sprawl. The region is also well known among trekking groups as winding paths bring visitors right up to nature’s door step. Margaret River is also within proximity to sandy beaches of the Indian ocean, as well as popular surfing spots.

During our visit we stayed over at the Gilgara retreat. The retreat provides visitors with the option of luxurious modern out-houses complete with cooking facilities. Those on a budget can opt for twin rooms within the cottage-like main house for a conventional bed and breakfast experience. The Gilgara compound opens itself to visiting kangaroos and a variety of avian wildlife unique only to Australia.

This post is part of Photo Friday, a Blog Carnival held by Delicious Baby. Check them out for photo-sharing goodness, or take part in the carnival yourself.

While (almost) everyone knows that Canberra is Australia’s political capital, the amount of tourist attractions and diversity of entertainment options available in Sydney’s Circular Quay (pronounced like “key”) makes it a capital region of a different kind. Home to two of the city’s icons – the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House – this is one of my favorite places to just walk along the shoreline and soak up the sunshine and atmosphere. Here are a few of the best experiences.

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Photo credit - recoverling.

Walking the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Walking along the lower span the bridge from one side of the cove to the other is enjoyable enough. But did you know you can actually walk along the top girders of the bridge? It is the only bridge in the world with such an offering, and its one of the safest things you can do in the city. The company running the tour, called Bridgeclimb, offers two different climbs each lasting about three and a half hours. It is such a wonderful way to spend the afternoon and the views from atop the main arch – despite being terribly windy – is surreal. The skyscrapers of the Sydney CBD seem smaller and it is practically impossible to see any pedestrians on the shore below.

This books out weeks in advance so be sure to put in your reservation well before you travel to Sydney. Sunrise and sunset tours are slightly more expensive, and for good reason – but keep in mind you can’t take your camera up with you.

The Rocks. Photo credit - kevgibbo.

Eating and Drinking at The Rocks

The Rocks is where the first settlers to land in Sydney arrived, making it the oldest part of the city. The recent refurbishments to the area have given it a bit of a sterilized feeling, but fortunately there are some tasty restaurants left to quench any hunger pains you might have. From places like Pancake on the Rocks to Löwenbräu Keller, you’ll find quite a diversity of cuisines similar to the rest of Sydney. Wolfies Grill has one of the best views barring the towering viewpoint from the Altitude Bar, which sits atop the Shangri-la Hotel on the 36th floor.

The Royal Botanic Gardens. Photo credit - chromolux.

Sitting in Mrs. MacQuarie’s Chair

This isn’t so much a chair as a stone bench that was carved out of the rock back in 1810 for then-governor Lachlan Macquarie’s wife, Elizabeth. It sits at the end of a small peninsula that is part of the Royal Botanic Gardens, one of Syndey’s main parks. With the city skyline dominating just beyond, the gardens are full of beautiful ponds and lakes as well as the perfectly manicured flora. The end near Mrs. MacQuarie’s chair is particularly quiet and a great place to sit and reflect quietly, although I suggest sitting over near the shoreline itself, unless you want to be in the photo albums of the many tourists that come to photograph the chair.

The view from the ferry to Manly. Photo credit - george.

When you’re Finished

After you’re done in Circular Quay, the icing on the proverbial cake is to take one of the frequent ferries out to Manly. This 30-minute (each direction) ferry service offers some of the same great views of the tourist boats but is far less expensive. Sydney is its most beautiful from the sea, so regardless be sure to get out on the waters and get some perspective.

Australia is known for plenty of things – iconic architecture, unique wildlife among them – but few know about the record-breaking events that take place at the end of every January in a small New South Wales town. And the record they are trying to break puts a smile on my face every time I hear about it: the world’s largest country line dance competition.

Tamworth, Australia.

This unusual feat takes place during the Country Music Festival in Tamworth, Australia. Tamworth is considered one of the world’s country music capitals – you wouldn’t overlook such a fact after seeing the massive golden guitar that announces your arrival into Tamworth. The city has hosted this event since the 1960s – it started out as just a country music concert – and in 2002 the country line dance was at its largest, including 6,744 participants. During the festival, the population nearly doubles in size – from a normal 56 thousand to over 100 thousand – as visitors come from all over the world to take part in the excitement.

Fun rodeo action. Photo credit - Brit!

Much of the excitement takes place along the main street of Tamworth. It’s packed from one end to the other with endless miscellany. If country line dancing is not your thing, fear not. You can explore a number of other “must-see” experiences, such as: tents lining the street filled with live snakes, which are poked and prodded to the cheers of the audience; a fully-fledged rodeo program, complete with several competitions and awards ceremony; kitschy arts and crafts venues, with many handmade items; and live music at any one of the bustling pubs.

Tamworth is also known as the city of lights, not because it has a glittering tower but because it was the first city in the southern hemisphere to use electric street signs. Besides the festival, Tamworth has a few noteworthy tourist attractions. Oxley’s Lookout is a scenic viewpoint perfect to spend the evening watching a sunset. The regional botanic gardens are worth a look, and don’t miss taking a quick day trip to see the old mill town of Nundle .

A scenic view from Oxley's Lookout. Photo credit - Gerald Looije.

I find the festival and Tamworth itself such a refreshing experience of rural Australian culture. The locals are extremely friendly and the whole town has this exceptional buzz that even if you hate country music, you can’t help but enjoy yourself. The pubs are crazy: they stay full from lunchtime until late into the night and they often host quizzes and competitions throughout the day where you can win free drinks and other prizes. Just be sure to pace yourself – alcohol can dehydrate you quite quickly in the heat of the Australian sun.

Tamworth is approximately a 260 mile drive north of Sydney but you can also fly into directly into Tamworth on Qantas or take a Countrylink train. Hotels book up quickly during the festival so be sure to book well ahead of time – in some cases bookings are full a year in advance. Many regulars camp out at a massive caravan site arranged on the edge of town just for the event itself; as January is the peak of summer warmth, this might be a good alternative option if you want to really get a genuine feel for this event.

Melbourne was the ideal vision of what I thought Australia would be like. The airport is located out in the bush, a reddish-hued desert with hardly anything else in sight. Leaving via bus, my first glimpse of the city was the silver skyscrapers far in the distance shimmering in the waves of heat.

Thankfully, though, Melbourne not only looks good from afar but it delivers on its title as Australia’s cultural capital. Here are just of my few favorite stops when I’m in the city.

Bourke Street. Photo credit - mugley.

Shopping in Melbourne

I just love the cute pedestrian streets and Victorian arcades found in the Commercial Business District (CBD – or downtown city center) of Melbourne. Bourke Street Mall is lined with the major retailers, including a surprising amount of fun and funky of clothes at mass discounter Target. The Collins Street arcade is so charming and worth a stroll through even if it is just to window browse. Brunswick Street over in Fitzroy is the place to be for alternative, vintage, and edgy goods.

The pier at St Kilda. Photo credit - strandedmike.

Beach-side revelries

If you can tear yourself away from the pleasures of central Melbourne, you’ll discover another piece of heaven in Saint Kilda, the city’s beach town, only a 20 minute tram ride away. As if the stunning coastal view wasn’t enough, the neighborhood is a bustling area full of cafes, pubs and clubs. Fitzroy Street is the epicenter of the action – on this one street you’ll find high end dining, cheap takeaways, and a host of other bars and coffee shops.

The Royal Park in Melbourne. Photo credit - woowoowoo.

Melbourne’s Parks and Outdoor Space

Melbourne is blessed with excellent weather year-round – sometimes too good, in fact. If you’ve had enough sun or heat but still want to take advantage of the outdoors, then go explore one of the many great parks in the city. The Royal Park and Princes Park make up the largest area, and this is where you can find the zoo. But nestled around the CBD are a number of smaller and just as enjoyable green spaces – my favorites include the Royal Botanic Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens.

A wide variety of cuisines. Photo credit - avixyz.

Gastronomical Affair

I’m not alone in saying that Melbourne is one of the most gastronomic-friendly destinations in the world. Thanks to a long history of migrants settling in the city, cuisines from all over the world are well-represented, including Italian, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Middle Eastern. You’ll struggle to find restaurants serving “Australian food” so opt for what the locals enjoy, such as going out for dim sum on a Sunday or visiting one of the famous Indonesian restaurants.

The majestic Twelve Apostles. Photo credit - ccdoh1.

Exploring Further Beyond Melbourne

Just wandering the streets of Melbourne reveals all sorts of new and interesting sights. Let your feet lead you and see what you find – indeed many of the city’s best restaurants and bars are hidden away down alleys and dead end streets.

If you have extra time, I would recommend a day trip to the Great Ocean Road if you can, where you can see such great coastal sights as the Twelve Apostles. Further afield is the Grampians National Park, which offers great hiking and camping.

Visiting Australia? You may want to check out our list of 7 Australian Sidetrips you can enjoy, or 5 Ways to Travel Australia. We also have travel tales on the Ayres Rock and relaxing through the Riverland.

You’ve surely noticed by now the pictures of that huge rock smack in the middle of Australia. In Aboriginal, it’s called Uluru (said to have no true direct translation), but in English it is recognized by the name Ayers Rock. To reach it requires either a flight to the nearby town of Alice Springs (existing mostly to service the tourism related to this natural phenomenon) or a grueling bus journey from the ‘closer’ regions of Australia – although in a country this size, nothing’s really that close.

Ayers Rock, during sunrise. Photo credit - ernieski.

Most tourists take a quick glance at the brochures for trips to Ayers Rock and simply comment, ‘Oh, it’s just a rock’. While it’s easy to dismiss it as such –yes, technically it is a rock, the world’s largest monolith – this simple rock has a spiritual quality to it, and not just because of the stunning views.

Uluru features heavily in the religious subtext of the Australian Aboriginal culture. Many of the tales about the world’s creation, called Tjukurpa or Dreamtime, make mention of the rock in one fashion or another.

In one tale, for example, the structure of Uluru rose out of the ground as the earth wept while watching a particularly nasty battle. Needless to say, the Aboriginals find the rock to be quite central to their core beliefs; one can only imagine the first settlers to roam these desolate plains to wander upon such an unbelievable sight.

It is likely your stay will be based in Alice Springs, where visitors are spoilt with choice for accommodation, from motels and hotels to charming bed & breakfasts or budget backpackers. Believe it or not, ‘the Alice’ is a hub of social life, with loads of Aboriginal art exhibitions and some bizarre events such as the Beanie Festival and the Camel Cup.

Birds eye view of Ayers Rock. Photo credit - Corey Leopold.

The real attraction, though, is the rock. Most tourist aim for a sunrise (with a blistering 4AM departure call) or sunset viewing, as the heat during midday can melt the hardiest of traveller.

Uluru really comes to life when the sun is near the edge of the horizon; the outer skin of the rock glows as if it is on fire and might just levitate up and away into outer space. That orange glow graces the covers of many Australia tour books, but seeing it just isn’t the same as it is in person.

There is still a lot of controversy surrounding the practice of climbing Ayes Rock. While it is technically possible to do so – a chain rope was installed in the 60s to make the grueling climb a bit easier – being on the rock is against the religious beliefs of the Aboriginals. It is a personal choice, although I wouldn’t suggest it. Walking around the mass gives one plenty of perspective and the view really is better from the ground.

A little consideration for you, to the religious beliefs of the Aboriginals it is forbidden to photograph some sections of the rock. It is asked that you respect their wishes; besides, some of the best and most stunning shots can be had without any problem.

Uluru isn’t just any rock – it’s the center of the universe for some, a magical expression of nature for others. It might be hard to get to, but it is certainly worth it – a must see on any Australian itinerary. Pair this trip out with some other suggestions from our Sidetrips Suggestions, or add a Riverland relaxation and Aquatic exploration in Rockingham.

From the magical Three Sisters to the beautiful Victoria Harbor, the land of the Kangaroo offers a wide variety of attractions for travelers of all age and interest. Other than the spectacular West Coast and its natural scenic beauty, there are plenty of choices – but with so much territory to explore, how do you narrow down your itinerary? Here are some side trip suggestions for your trip down under!

Boxing Kangaroos. Photo credit - aardvaark.

Up Close and Personal with a Roo

The Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park in Calga, New South Wales is a prime destination for those interested in native Australian animals, plants, and culture. About a short 50 minutes drive north from Sydney harbour bridge,the park offers you an interesting journey back into a time where you can see animals (some endangered) roam about freely – kangaroos, emus, pademelons, reptiles, koalas.

You can choose from guided tours geared toward your interests, such as seeing kangaroos and koalas, discovering Aboriginal culture, boomerang throwing, animal feeding or learning how to survive in the bush. Or you can simply choose to go it alone to discover your own personal favorite.

Dreamworld, the Australian version of Disney World. Photo credit - tinrey.

Theme Park Adventure at Dreamworld

Kind of like the Australian equivalent of Disney World, Dreamworld (in Queensland) is Australia’s most popular amusement park and offers thrills for all ages. Whether you live for wild rollercoasters or your kids are dying for a Wiggles fix, Dreamworld can keep you all occupied for several days. Apart from the wide variety of rides, the 30 hectares Dreamworld also includes the Tiger Island, White Water World, riverboat cruises and an IMAX theatre.

Village life at Kuranda. Photo credit - steel-wool.

Village Life

Immerse yourself in a rainforest village. In northern Queensland is the mountain retreat of Kuranda, a picturesque mountain retreat just 25km northwest of Cairns in Far North Queensland. Surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest, visitors can observe wildlife, learn about indigenous culture and art from Aboriginal residents, or go on a forest walk.

Kuranda has come a long way from its initial origins as a centre for those choosing an alternative lifestyle in the late 60’s. Historic Buildings from the villages past now house a variety of upmarket restaurants, cafes and bars. It is still laid back, but with a style and sophistication that sets it apart from other Cairns Highlands Venues and Attractions.

Sydney Opera House. Photo credit - blentley.

Tour the Sydney Opera House.

Even if you’re not an opera buff, a visit to this quintessential Australian landmark is a must-do during one of your lazy afternoon. Tour guides will give you an insider’s peek at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the rich history of this remarkable architecture, as well as the moving story behind its creation, mainly the saga between client and architect, which to some degree signifies a battle of foreign and local talent.

Australia's Surfer's Paradise. Photo credit - dannyben.

Surf it up!

For those heeding the call of the waves, the Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast is simply heaven on earth (pun intended). It’s one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia where you’ll find the perfect fusion of city and beach lifestyles set amidst a spectacular skyline and a brilliant stretch of coast. Ride the perfect waves, tan your body on the sandy beaches, or take a surfing lesson from some of the world’s best teachers.

Marine life at the Great Barrier Reef. Photo credit - Leonard Low.

Dive the Great Barrier Reef

There are skilled companies all over Queensland ready to take you on the dive of your life. As the largest coral reef system in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the top scuba destinations anywhere in the world. Dive enthusiasts simply must reserve the time to explore this undersea phenomenon. Base yourself at one of the many beautiful islands scattered around the 300,000 square kilometres of coral cays and reef systems.

Australian Vineyard. Photo credit - Steve Lacy.

Sip some vino.

Australian wine? The very thought would have raised eyebrows in the not-too-distant past, but Australian wines are well respected today. The Australian wine industry is the fourth-largest exporter in the world, exporting over 400 million litres a year to a large international market. For the wine aficionados, there are plenty of vineyards to explore and wines to taste. Some of the best include the Saltram Wine Estate in South Australia, Stringybark Winery in Western Australia, and Yering Farm Wines in Victoria.

They say Perth is the most isolated city in the world, a fact that gives the impression of a lonely city in the middle of nowhere, far from civilization and any other vestiges of humanity. But in truth Perth’s surroundings leave visitors spoiled for choice for ideas for a driving holiday.

Whichever direction you travel there are fresh and different destinations to explore and quaint holiday resorts set amidst beautiful scenery.

The Rockingham beach is popular with kids. Photo credit - AAAlain.

On a recent visit to Perth I decided to take a day out and head south to the vibrant and growing coastal centre of Rockingham. The 50 kilometers run down the Kwinana Highway took me about 45 minutes, and although I was expecting just another seaside resort the general feeling of the town and the outstanding scenery gave me a pleasant surprise.

The standout feature and the basis for much of the recreational activity are the beaches. The main beach is Rockingham beach, a white expanse that borders the smooth waters of the Cockburn Sound. Not as crowded as I thought it would be on a summers day, its a great beach for swimming and has a very family atmosphere. There is a wide, concrete cycle-way running up its length that will please exercise junkies, and on the grassy foreshore there are a number of picnic and barbeque areas.

The beach runs down to Point Peron, and below the point is Shoalwater Bay Beach, which is popular because we are allowed to walk our furry four-legged friends on it. Below that beach we come to Warnbro Sound, where apparently there is a nudist beach at Port Kennedy, at the south of the town.

Point Peron. Photo credit - Candice Lee.

The slogan that Rockingham has used to promote their tourism is “Your Aquatic Playground”, so much of the recreational activity is water based. The diving and the snorkeling is apparently spectacular although I didn’t do any of it myself, and it is easy to hire the necessary gear and to hire other equipment like jet-skis and tinnies. Tinnies are the transport of choice for fishermen who frequent the bays, coves and beaches of the shoreline trying their luck for the many species here. Jew-fish grow especially large, and are a popular prey.

Point Peron is a popular fishing spot as well, as it has lots of rocky feature and borders a large sandy bay. Its also a great place for a walk, as most of it is a nature reserve and there are a number of footpaths that criss cross the point. Another haunt for fishermen is the jetty at Palm Beach, which has a very tasty deli right next door.

Fairy penguings in Penguing Island. Photo credit - rosswebsdale (top) and Spiros2004 (bottom).

There are a few islands lying off the coastline that are popular amongst tourists seeking a days adventure. Penguin Island lies 700 meters off shore and is home to a colony of fairy penguins from March through to December. You are also likely to see the other local resident, the Australian Sea Lion, on your tour of the island which departs from Mersey Point just south of the township.

There are a few islands lying off the coastline that are popular amongst tourists seeking a days adventure. Penguin Island lies 700 meters off shore and is home to a colony of fairy penguins from March through to December. You are also likely to see the other local resident, the Australian Sea Lion, on your tour of the island which departs from Mersey Point just south of the township.

Further offshore is the larger Garden Island, which is over 10 kilometers in length and has a shoreline which contains an exciting mix of beaches and bays. A haven for wildlife, look out for the native tammar wallaby while you are there.

I was impressed by the upbeat vibe of Rockingham. This is a town that is clearly looking to the future, especially if the huge developments taking place at the Waterfront are anything to go by.

I’d expect that as the Perth city-sprawl extends outwards there will be little to differentiate between Rockingham, Fremantle and Perth, but something tells me that even as this happens it will still hold onto those qualities that make it a classy and peaceful seaside resort. I hope so anyway!

About the Author. Gavin Wyatt. A journalist with a passion for travel. Originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles visit Perth Car Hire.

The Riverland in South Australia seems almost like it could be custom designed for a campervan holiday. Picture this: rolling countryside divided into a patchwork of lush orchards, where exotic fruits such as olives, citrus, garlic, apricots and grapes hang off the vine and branch.

Splitting the region in two is the mighty Murray River, which flows past high limestone cliffs and expansive wetlands, breathing life into the fertile soils and giving character to the countryside. A number of small towns in the Riverland provide bases for the fruit and fresh produce industry (one of the biggest in Australia), and it is in these that you can find hospitable caravan parks to base your motorhome in.

The scenic riches around you and the laid back, accommodating atmosphere in the towns will ensure that your tour of the Riverland is one you’d like to repeat again and again.

The Riverland extends for 300 kilometres, marked at each end by the townships of Waikerie and Renmark. The former is the closest to Adelaide, and is reached by an easy two and a half hours drive from there- an easy drive through picturesque countryside. At the centre of the region is Barmera, which is the biggest town in the Riverland and undoubtedly the commercial centre. At 221 kilometres from Adelaide, its a bit far for a daytrip, but just perfect for a weekend away!

Barmera sits on the shores of Lake Bonney, and water sports enthusiasts take full advantage of this fact. On any given day the lake’s horizon will be dotted with the sails of boats and windsurfers and boats towing wakeboarders, water-skiers and other strange inflatable contraptions regularly zoom past. Yacht races are regularly organised, attracting crowds of enthusiasts and spectators.

The lake is big enough that there are still areas of peace and quiet where anglers can try their luck with the many species of fish lurking beneath the surface.

If you can tear yourself away from the lake there are a number of fun ways to entertain yourself in the town. A favourite place to visit is the Rocky Country Music Hall of Fame, which was established to honour local country legend Dean ‘Rocky’ Page. Inside is a huge collection of memorabilia and instruments, commemorating all the Australian greats such as Slim Dusty.

On your tour of the region Waikerie is a town you should definitely call into. It gives the impression of a place where nobody takes themselves too seriously- probably helped along by the fact that all the garbage cans in town are the shape of oranges! As it is an internationally recognised destination for hang gliders, on any given day the skies are dotted with these large, silent planes gliding high above the surface.

A number of majestic old sandstone buildings on the main street add to its character, and you can find out all about the town and the surrounding attractions at the Orange Tree Information Centre, located right on the Sturt highway. A trip to the Scenic Lookout is especially enthralling- perched atop high cliffs it offers stunning views of the Murray River.

Of course you cannot visit the Riverlands without indulging in the feature that gives the region its name – the Murray River. Whether its enjoying a barbeque on the grassy banks under the a shady tree, or hiring a boat and some fishing rods and getting out for a bit of fishing, the Murray is the perfect place to recharge and forget about all of your stresses. Houseboats are also a popular form of escape on its wide and smooth waters, and a great way to finish off a day is with an evening cruise- nothing beats watching the sun go down with a drink in hand, serenely floating down the river.

Thats actually a good word to sum up the whole Riverland region- serene. Its a place big enough to see something new everyday, but small enough that you dont have to travel too far in your campervan for a change of scene. There is plenty of places to stay, every town has its share of caravan and tourist parks. So forget about your worries and head to the Riverland for that break youve been craving all this time!

About the Author. Gavin Wyatt. Gavin Wyatt is a journalist with a passion for travel. originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles visit Discovery Campervans