AAA The Extra Mile. August 2024.
Australia is as vast in its depth of experiences as it is in landmass. From learning about indigenous communities and interacting with wildlife up close, to stepping inside a world of art or animation, you’ll find something to amaze you anywhere. If you’re thinking about taking an epic trip to the “Land Down Under,” make sure not to miss these iconic sites and new experiences.
1. WINTJIRI WIRU
Wintjiri Wiru is the world’s first permanent indigenous cultural storytelling show, using 1,100 choreographed drones, lasers, and projections to illuminate the desert night sky around the spiritual monolithic rock, Uluru. From a wooden platform that appears to be floating above the desert landscape, you can see the reenactment of the ancestral Mala story through the voices of Anangu elders who are traditional owners of these lands.
2. MUSEUM OF OLD AND NEW ART (MONA)
The island of Tasmania is a must-visit if you love art, nature, wine, and gourmet cuisine. Experience all of that at the privately-funded MONA. Catch a ferry from Hobart’s Constitution Deck and check out mind-boggling architecture, sculptures, and installations. The new “Namedropping” exhibit features 200 international and Australian artworks and objects that delve into human nature. There’s also seasonal Tasmanian restaurants interspersed with music, performances, and experiments at this “Disneyland for Art lovers.”
3. CANBERRA
The capital of Australia is filled with great museums, architecture, outdoor pursuits, and eclectic cuisines. Travel to Canberra from June – August for the ultimate truffle festival, where you can also bike through the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, and feel the fresh air at The National Arboretum—filled with 44,000 endangered, rare, or symbolic trees from around the world. Take a wine tour to discover over 140 wineries with Van Du Win, and taste the hidden gems in the city with Eat Canberra Food Tours.
4. KANGAROO ISLAND
As the name suggests, kangaroos are the star attraction here. Kangaroo Island, A.K.A. Australia’s Galapagos, is also home to koalas, wallabies, seals, and sea lions—resident along its coastal clifftops, dramatic rock formations, Flinders Chase National Park, and Seal Bay Conservation Park. Stay at one of the 25 suites offering a remote luxury stay at the newly-restored Southern Ocean Lodge, and embark on a safari adventure at the southern tip of the continent.
5. ROTTNEST ISLAND
Picture yourself skydiving above the ocean, landing on white sands of a small protected island, and being surrounded by hundreds of quokkas. Rottnest Island is a day trip from Perth, but you can also stay overnight at the iconic Rottnest Island Lodge/ Wadjemup, situated next to the former Aboriginal prison. Bike, walk, swim, and snorkel around this laidback island for a perfect family getaway.
6. BROOME
Explore the Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley region of Western Australia known for dramatic red rocks, sunset camel rides, and pearl farms. Journey along dirt tracks to explore remote sandy beaches, fresh water springs, and mangrove ecosystems, hearing traditional stories and songs sung using the wirra (boomerang) along the way with Bunda Bunda NJ Tours.
7. BLUEY’S WORLD
If you are traveling with kids, meet the lovable Blue Heeler puppy named Bluey—and other characters from the top-rated Australian animated TV series—at the new Bluey’s World. Step into real-life sets, recognizable scenes, and play games at Bluey’s hometown of Brisbane, which is also set to host the Olympics in 2032.
8. GREAT BARRIER REEF
Ocean lovers will find plenty of ways to explore the world’s largest coral reef. You can become marine biologist for a day and contribute to reef stewardship activities, including monitoring coral planting and submitting reports with a citizen science tour departing from Cairns with Passions of Paradise. Alternately, stay at the exclusive Lizard Island Resort located directly on the reef and home to a coral reef research station.
9. ART GALLERY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
The expanded Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s flagship art museums, and the state’s leading visual arts institution, spread across two buildings connected by a public art garden in one of the world’s most beautiful cultural precincts. The only 6-star certified LEED building in Sydney itself is awe-inspiring, but the collections, films, and unique dining outlets are worth the visit too.
10. THE GHAN
Instead of driving across the outback, get on board one of the world’s greatest train journeys on The Ghan Railway. You can embark in off-train experiences and see many of the incredible sights from Adelaide in South Australia right up to Darwin at the top of the northern territory from the comfort of your sophisticated cabin suite.
Prioritize these places in your Australia itinerary, and you’ll walk away feeling like you had a true Aussie arts and cultural experience.
~ Written for and published by AAA. All rights reserved.