What are you doing for the Christmas holidays?
There are so many incredible treasures in our backyard, we’re really spoilt for choice. And while we’ve all got our favourite places to go, we thought we’d celebrate 5 of the best from our years on the road, just in case you happen to be looking for some summer inspiration! Happy holidays!
Wilsons Promontory, VIC – a nature lovers paradise.
Under 3 hours from Melbourne, Wilson’s Promontory is a trekkers’ heaven. So don’t forget to pack your hiking boots! You’ll lose all sense of time traipsing along beaches and hiking tracks, and be constantly rewarded with stunning coastal views. You can also learn to surf, snorkel or paddleboard while you’re in the area – check out Offshore Surf School! (Note: we stayed at Tidal River Campground, however there is a summer ballot to secure a campsite from Christmas through to late January. There’s lots of holiday accommodation options in the region though, all just a short drive from the Prom!) And on the drive there, stop in at Koonwarra Fine Food & Wine Store to pick up supplies for your getaway – their seasonal menus reflect the best produce across the Gippsland region. Clint highly recommends the vanilla slice!
Margaret River, WA – enjoy the good life.
A pristine coastline, forests, caves, award-winning vineyards…this really is a beautiful part of the world. Not to mention the incredible food and wine, and passionate locals you’ll meet along the way. For a great day out off the tourist trail, get in touch with the Margaret River Discovery Company. Tell Sean we sent you! We loaded up a picnic basket, hit the road and headed deep into the bush for a unique day of exploring before being beckoned through the gates of Fraser Gallop Estate to taste their famous cabernet and enjoy a gourmet lunch amongst the barrels! Before you leave, visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse – still an important working lighthouse. Climb the tower for spectacular coastal views and join a guided tour, which really brings the area’s maritime history to life.
Watch this episode now.
Jervis Bay, NSW – a vast blue playground.
The whitest beaches you’ll see and vivid blue waters – what else do you need for a classic Aussie beach holiday? The protected marine park of Jervis Bay, in south-east NSW, is a true gem. We stayed in the main seaside town of Huskisson, camping right next to the ocean. And it’s a water lover’s paradise – Clint chose to give paddleboarding a go but you’re really spoilt for choice – fishing, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, sailing…! Do the White Sands Walk – a spectacular walk along pearl-white beaches. Bathers are a must for a quick dip along the way! Also, treat yourself to a dolphin watching cruise – Jervis Bay’s crystal clear water is the perfect place to watch these beautiful animals in their natural habitat.
Watch this episode now.
Kangaroo Island, SA – a true wilderness.
How about a self-drive holiday? Take your car and cruise across the Southern Ocean to one of the world’s finest nature destinations. It’s home to an incredible amount of wildlife and no visit to “KI” is complete without a visit to Seal Bay – we arrived in time to watch the sea lions heading in to find refuge for the night. And children will love cuddling and feeding the baby animals at the KI Wildlife Park! Put the Remarkable Rocks on your itinerary too, a stunning work of nature 500 million years in the making! And if you happen to be on KI on the first Sunday of the month, check out the farmer’s market, complete with ocean views. The locals are excited about sharing their produce and stories with you – and there are tastings galore!
Watch these episodes now – Part 1 and Part 2.
Bay of Fires, TAS – stunning coastal drive
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Without a doubt, this is one of our country’s most spectacular drives. Pictures really don’t do it justice…white beaches contrasted with turquoise oceans and granite splashed with orange lichen. The colours are simply stunning. Our base for this trip was the BIG4 Holiday Park in St Helens, a charming seaside town and gateway to the beautiful Bay of Fires and some of the best beaches in the world. We braved the elements and snorkelled the waters along the Bay of Fires coast, spotting Tassie’s famous abalone and an abundance of sea urchins along the way. For a change of pace, take in the local sights on two wheels with Green Island Cycling Tours. And make sure you eat at Blue Shed, down by the pier in St Helens, where you’ll be totally satisfied after a feast of fresh seafood and maybe even a glass of local wine!
Watch this episode now.
Have you visited any of these amazing places? We’d love to know your favourite Aussie summer holiday spot! Tell us below!
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