Plus: Indigenous Tourism • The Great Barrier Reef • Wildlife Tourism • Roadtrips • Wellbeing • Sporting Events • Festivals
EXPLORE AUSTRALIA’S RED CENTRE
The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin | Everything is included | 3 Days
Regarded as one of the world’s greatest train journeys, The Ghan delivers more than just a train ride—it allows access to parts of Australia no other holiday can come close to.
After a day of exploration, guests relax in their Gold, Gold Premium, or Platinum cabins, with all the comforts of home. By night, they’re gently rocked to sleep in a full size bed, as the train glides through the outback.
With everything included—from regionally-inspired meals to fine wines—the hardest decision is choosing what to have for lunch and which experience to join.
Highlights & Inclusions
• 3 days aboard The Ghan, travelling from Adelaide to Darwin
• All-inclusive regionally-inspired multi-course dining throughout your journey
• All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, and barista coffee throughout your journey
• Off Train Experiences in Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine
• Visit Alice Springs and embark on a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, meet the wildlife at the Desert Park, or take in the astounding beauty of Simpson’s Gap
• Cruise the Nitmiluk Gorge or learn more about Katherine’s ancient Indigenous rock paintings
Off Train Experience, Nitmiluk
23
Events &
Editor: Jessica Alexander • Contributing Writers: Lauren Jarvis, Sasha Woods & Jo Reeder • Editorial Director: Steve Hartridge • Group Editor: Bev Fearis • Digital Editor: April Waterston • Editorial Assistant: Sheena Adesilu • Publishers: Steve Thompson Steven.thompson@ Sellingtravel.co.uk • Sally Parker Sally.parker@ Sellingtravel.co.uk • Circulation Manager: Shani Kunar • Managing Director: Matt Bonner • CEO: Martin Steady • Designers: Caitlan Francis & Matt Bonner • Operations Director: Clare Hunter • Production Administrator: Steve Hunter • Cover Image: Tourism Australia.
Welcome to the first issue of Selling Australia. This exciting tradefocused tool will help you to discover all there is to do Down Under, including ethical wildlife encounters, road trips, iconic landmarks and Indigenous and wellness experiences.
Australia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an adventure, relaxation or a trip of discovery. The country has incredible mustsee icons - from the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney Harbour Bridge and the awe-inspiring Uluru - as well as a diverse culinary scene, breathtaking landscapes and spectacular experiences, many of which you will read about in this publication.
We’re gearing up for a busy decade of sporting events. This year kicks off with the British & Irish Lions Rugby Tour and The Ashes, with further major sporting events almost every year until the Brisbane Olympics in 2032. Besides from the sporting events, new tourism experiences and places to stay have and will continue to open up around the country – waiting to be discovered and enjoyed by your clients.
Our country’s endless opportunities to get outdoors and explore our abundant wilderness is precious and we look forward to welcoming you, your friends and family to Australia to visit our icons but also our undiscovered gems. Enjoy the issue.
Andrew Boxall, Regional General Manager United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Europe, Tourism Australia
Territory hit adds drama for NT
NETFLIX AUSTRALIAN DRAMA ‘TERRITORY’, which premiered in October 2024, has inspired ‘Territory - for Real’ a campaign launched by Tourism NT designed to highlight the Northern Territory’s incredible landscapes and bookable tourism experiences. Included in the campaign are several ranches similar to those showcased in the series that offer guests an authentic outback station experience. It also highlights filming locations such as Kakadu, Litchfield National Park and Berry Springs, and features ‘set jetting’ content and itineraries.
northernterritory.com/territory
New South Wales celebrates record arrivals
NEW South Wales’ visitor economy reached a record high in 2024, with the largest increase nationally for visitors, nights and expenditure and exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
In addition, Sydney was the leading Australian capital city for visitors last year, with visitor spend up 20% since 2019.
John Graham, Minister for Jobs and
Tourism, said: “The latest data confirms that NSW is Australia’s number one destination for both domestic and international visitors and is leading Australia’s international visitor revival.
“Our state has an incredible depth and breadth of unique experiences that visitors love telling their friends and family about.” visitnsw.com
Largest collection from ANZCRO
AUSTRALIAN specialist ANZCRO’s 30th edition of the ANZCRO Australia Book is its biggest brochure version to date.
The tome includes more product, particularly in Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the South Pacific regions, and for the first time suggests a range of motorhome itineraries.
The increase in product follows a significant growth in Australian sales for the tour operator, with demand “surpassing previous sales records,” explained Andrew Guthrey, General Manager, ANZCRO UK.
Motorhome holidays in particular are experiencing a surge. “Guests have been hungry for Motorhome holidays in Australia, and these itineraries help shape their journey,” Guthrey added. “Our handy driving guides showcase the vastness of Australia and provide insights into travel distances and times.” anzcro.co.uk
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE will operate four ships in Australia during its 2026/2027 season. With itineraries ranging from two to 14 days via Sydney and Brisbane, voyages will visit destinations such as Moreton Island, the South Pacific and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. carnival.com
AAT Kings adds new
escorted tours
AAT KINGS , which specialises in Australia escorted tours, reports healthy sales for its 2025/2026 itineraries. Highlights include a new 10-day Tropical Queensland tour which takes in two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland – and a two-night stay on Magnetic Island, a programme first for the operator. aatkings.com
Andrew Boxall, Regional General Manager UK and Northern Europe for Tourism Australia, explains why well-informed agents will have more selling opportunities in 2025
“getting frontline agents to experience Australia is a top priority”
WHAT excites you most about your role as Regional General Manager?
I joined Tourism Australia at the perfect time, actually. We’ve now all but finished talking about 2019 and the pandemic and are now in a forwardlooking growth stage.
We’re seeing some strong aviation capacity going back into the Australian market and our visitor numbers are continuing to grow, which is great.
In March 2024, we actually exceeded the number of visitors, when measured against the same month in 2019, which shows we’re moving into really positive visitor growth territory.
As we move into this new phase I’m really looking forward to carrying on the great work that was done before I joined the team.
How do you plan to work with the trade going forward?
We run an incredible Aussie Specialist Program, with dedicated team members covering both the UK and Europe. We run a lot of trade famils and trips down to Australia and host two big events each year – the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) and G’day – which are great opportunities for our agents and buyers to experience Australia for themselves.
G’day is more about education, taking frontline agents to Australia to fully immerse themselves in the product and culture and experience it first-
hand. ATE is more focused on buyers. We bring them down to talk to sellers and vendors in person and give them the chance to network across Australia. Both offer the chance to gain valuable product knowledge.
Are there any specific themes you are focusing on in 2025?
We’re leaning into what we’re calling “The Decade of Green and Gold”, with sport set to dominate the landscape over the next few years.
It kicked off, so to speak, with the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 and will continue through to the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.
We have the English and Irish Lions Rugby tour this year, and are expecting around 15,000 Brits to come down for that. The Ashes, starting in November, is another great series that will attract around 20,000 visitors from the UK, so there are plenty of selling opportunities.
Beyond sport, we have an incredible cultural offering, from the ever-evolving gastronomic scene to Indigenous activities to luxury experiences and much more.
What would be your best advice for agents booking travel to Australia?
We have a wealth of resources available to agents, through our Aussie Specialist Program modules, our online resources, events and more.
The value of engaging agents proves itself time and time again, in particular when they get the opportunity to experience Australia first-hand.
Why do you think Australia is an evergreen bucket list destination?
I think it’s all about that cultural connection, which has always been strong between Australia and the UK. Australia is a very aspirational and friendly destination with a lot of cultural similarities to the UK. Yet there is also plenty that makes the country unique, which is something that consistently attracts UK visitors.
australia.com
TREAD LIGHTLY IN NOOSA land, Au tralia s s
Noosa is a vibrant beach town, boasting breathtaking scenery, beautiful white sandy beaches, perfect point breaks, and captivating natural wonders. It is home to over 44% of all Australia’s native bird species and over 700 species of wildlife, including the Australian icons of koalas and grey kangaroos.
EXPLORE MINDFULLY
More than just a destination, Noosa embodies a mindful approach to travel. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, over 35% of Noosa’s land is protected, made possible by a passionate community who fought hard to find balance between development and nature. Plastic Free is embraced, joining a community beach clean-up is encouraged and preserving nature is at its core.
CALLING NATURE ENTHUSIASTS
Just a stone’s throw from the main town, follow the timber boardwalk to the wilderness of the Noosa National Park. Join a serene river cruise to watch the spectacular sunset, climb mountain tops or journey along the Noosa North Shore to surf or paddle with dolphins and whales (July to October). Kayak or cruise the reflective waters of the Noosa Everglades, learn to surf in a World Surfing Reserve or mountain bike through stunning countryside on a network of trails.
VISIT ANY SEASON
Noosa’s temperate climate welcomes you with over 300 days of sunshine a year, with an average temperature of 27°C in summer and 21°C in winter.
LUXUR Y AND CULINARY DELIGHTS
Noosa provides a range of conscious accommodation to suit every taste, from luxurious resorts to charming boutique hotels, family-friendly apartments, and eco-glamping experiences.
Take a gastronomic journey of farm-to-fork cuisine, with beachfront cafés and awardwinning restaurants. Indulge in freshly caught seafood, savour gourmet delights at local markets, and immerse yourself in a vibrant food culture.
WHERE IS NOOSA?
Located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Noosa is a short 30-minute drive from Sunshine Coast Airport and 90 minutes’ drive from Brisbane Airport.
Noosa National Park
Great Breach Drive
Noosa Everglades
AUSTRALIAN
ICONS
From natural wonders to world-famous landmarks, Australia offers unique experiences that set it apart from anywhere else in the world
When it comes to bucket list experiences Australia is home to some of the top contenders. Often on a scale that is difficult to comprehend, highlights span coral-filled waters, cosmopolitan cities and a red desert interior. Here’s 10 that shouldn’t be missed.
Sydney Opera House
This UNESCO-listed architectural treasure is one of the world’s most recognisable buildings and a true Aussie icon, making it an absolute mustsee. On a headland jutting into Sydney Harbour, it’s visible from many of the city’s waterside spots and you can get
up-close at the outdoor Opera Bar. Bagging tickets to a live performance is obviously the best way to appreciate its legendary acoustics and cavernous interiors, but there are guided tours too including architectural explorations and VIP dinner packages. Part of the Cultural Attractions of Australia collective, its experiences are pre-bookable and fully commissionable for agents.
The Ghan
Crossing the heart of the country and spanning parts of the Outback few get to see, Journey Beyond’s The Ghan is one of the world’s top train journeys. Travelling between Adelaide in South Australia and
Darwin in the Top End, the three-day trip on the luxurious sleeper stops in remote enclaves such as Katherine, where offtrain experiences include river gorge cruises and exploring caves decorated with ancient Indigenous art. The Red Centre town of Alice Springs is a real highlight. From here travellers can visit Uluru via a helicopter excursion.
Uluru
As the world’s largest monolith, Uluru is truly extraordinary and all the more iconic for its position right in the Red Centre of Australia. Rising from flat terracotta plains, the sacred rock can no longer be climbed due to its deep
cultural significance to First Nations Australians, but there are several trails around Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, including the 10km base walk that circles the rock. New sound and light experiences featuring indigenous Dreamtime stories, after-dark drone displays and the illuminated Field of Light run by Ayers Rock Resort hotels now add a different dimension to a visit.
Great Barrier Reef
Stretching from the northern tip of the continent right down the east coast to Brisbane, the world’s largest coral ecosystem is the equivalent size of 17 million football fields. Cairns is
Pictured: Uluru in the Red Centre is one of Australia’s most famous icons and considered a sacred place by Indigenous Aboriginal peoples
TOURISM AUSTRALIA
the main gateway from where you depart for trips that immerse you in the kaleidoscopic world of tropical fish, corals, turtles and rays – it’s even possible to swim with curious minke whales in season. There are a myriad of great ways to experience it, from underwater scooters, glassbottom boats and mini submarines to snorkelling, scuba diving tours and coral conservation.
Kangaroo Island
Named after Australia’s most iconic creature, Kangaroo Island is separated from the southern Australia mainland by just eight miles of ocean, making it a haven for unique Aussie wildlife.
Here, visitors can walk among the roos, echidnas, wallabies and koalas, visit a sealion colony at Seal Bay and spot dolphins frolicking offshore. Sleek local hotels such as Southern Ocean
Lodge offer access to the wild west coast and rugged national parks such as Flinders Chase featuring geological landmarks such as the famous Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Together with the Opera House, the dramatic steel arch of the Harbour Bridge is the iconic image of Australia that international visitors won’t want to miss on a trip Down Under.
The BridgeClimb to the top of the arch has become a popular way to appreciate the bridge and its panoramic views of the city, with the Burrawa version of the climb including Aboriginal tales and an illuminating history of Sydney Harbour.
In the same area of the city, The Rocks weekend market featuring food, live music and boutique goods beneath the bridge’s girders is the perfect excuse to get up-close to this engineering marvel.
Ningaloo
Western Australia’s Coral Coast harbours an enchanting natural wonder known as Ningaloo. A “beauty rival” of the Great Barrier Reef, it’s the largest fringing reef in the world, accessible from the shoreline from where visitors can swim out and snorkel it. UNESCO-listed for its biodiversity, its electric-blue waters are home to more than 450 types of marine life, including the gentle whale sharks that linger between March and July.
Daintree Rainforest
Described by David Attenborough as the most extraordinary place on earth,
Daintree is one half of Queensland’s duo of World Heritage wonders that includes the neighbouring Great Barrier Reef. In places, the world’s most ancient tract of rainforest meets the reef on the Daintree Coast. Its deep biodiversity, bisected by lush rivers and dotted with clear watering holes, is best explored in the company of a First Nations elder who can show travellers how the forest’s custodians look after the land by using techniques dating back 60,000 years.
Great Ocean Road
Meandering between the cosmopolitan cities of Melbourne and Adelaide, the 150-mile Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most scenic drives.
The heritage-listed route skirts a coastline of soaring cliffs and windswept beaches, with spectacular stops along the way numbering the Twelve Apostles sea stacks and the Otways bush, eucalyptus forests and fern gullies that harbour Aussie creatures such as koalas, potoroos and bandicoots.
Byron Bay
Travellers can brush shoulders with celebs at northern New South Wales’ star-studded Byron Bay, the sun-kissed surfer’s paradise that epitomises Australia’s outdoor coastal lifestyle.
The hip town lined with trendy boutiques, paddock-to-plate eateries and cocktail bars is the seaside retreat of choice for A-listers Chris Hemsworth and Nicole Kidman. Less storied visitors often opt for surfing lessons or simply soaking up the chilled vibe.
Pictured: Top: One of the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria; Close-up with Australia’s most famous resident on Kangaroo Island; Sydney Opera House dominates the city skyline in New South Wales
SPORTING EVENTS IN 2025
AUSTRALIAN OPEN TENNIS
Australia kicks off its sporting calendar in January with the Australian Open in Melbourne. This two-week tennis championship, one of the sport’s “majors”, attracts the biggest tennis stars alongside thousands of fans who enjoy events ranging from the daily matches themselves to music concerts across the city.
FORMULA 1
Each March the need for speed takes hold as Melbourne hosts the opening race of the Formula 1® season. This year’s will run from March 13 to March 16 at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit. Visitors can expect thrilling races, including Lewis Hamilton making his much-anticipated debut for Ferrari.
WORLD SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Australia’s most iconic sport comes to a climax at the World Surfing Championships, with events starting in the Gold Coast (Queensland), before moving to Bells Beach (Victoria) and Margaret River (Western Australia). Watch from the shoreline as professionals take on impressive swells from March to May.
BRITISH LIONS RUGBY
The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour takes place from June 28 to August 2 and is expected to draw in crowds of 40,000 rugby fans. Follow The Lions in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and Melbourne. The series will also feature a historic fixture against a New Zealand and Australia invitational XV.
THE ASHES CRICKET
Now held every two years, The Ashes is a historic cricket series that sees the England and Australia teams play a series of five-day test matches. The 2025 version will see England’s “Barmy Army” visit Perth (November 21-25) before moving on to Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne’s famous MCG (which traditionally hosts the Boxing Day Test), and Sydney.
SPIRITUAL
JOURNEYS
Authentic Indigenous experiences offer visitors to Australia the opportunity to immerse themselves in Aboriginal history and culture. Lauren Jarvis suggests 10 of the best
1
DISCOVER THE MEANING OF “COUNTRY” IN QUEENSLAND
The only state in Australia with two distinct Indigenous cultures, Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, Queensland offers some of the country’s most authentic traditional experiences. Hosted by Mandingalbay Yidinji people, Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours offer cruises, camping and mangrove eco-tours in an Indigenous Protected Reserve near Cairns Harbour. mandingalbay.com.au
2
MEET ABORIGINAL ARTISTS IN THE HEART OF THE RED CENTER
With its base at Uluṟu in Australia’s Red Center, Maruku Arts is a not-for-profit collective of more than 900 Anangu artists, who live in the remote Aboriginal communities across the continent’s Central and Western Desert. Visitors can enjoy the gallery, dot-painting workshops and guided walks of Uluṟu. maruku.com.au
3
WALK A CULTURAL HERITAGE TRAIL ACROSS TASMANIA
Wukalina Walk is an awardwinning four-day experience in the north east of Tasmania (or “Lutruwita”). Join an Indigenous guide from the Palawa community to hike the wonderfully wild coastline and learn about 40,000 years of Aboriginal history, try some native bush foods and share their knowledge of Country. wukalinawalk.com.au
4 INDULGE IN A GOURMET CULINARY CRUISE ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
Saltwater Eco Tours offers unique marine experiences on a heritage-listed sailing boat, with the chance to learn about Indigenous bush tucker ingredients, sample gourmet native-infused menus, sip local brews and enjoy live music as you cruise the waterways of Mooloolaba on Queensland’s stunning Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane. saltwaterec-otours.com.au
5
UNCOVER ANCIENT ABORIGINAL ROCK ART IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
See South Australia with fresh eyes by joining an Indigenous tour of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Known for is incredible geology, ancient fossils and Aboriginal rock
art, the park can be explored with an Adnyamathanha guide on a hiking, biking or four-wheel-drive adventure from Wilpena Pound Resort. wilpenapound.com.au
6
SEEK OUT SPIRITUAL HEALING IN NEW SOUTH WALES
Discover the Dreaming stories of Djirringanj Country on a twonight immersive, accessible Yuin Retreat with Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness, south of Sydney. Hosted by members of the Yuin Aboriginal community, guests will experience a traditional welcome ceremony, a guided walk in Gulaga National Park and an indigenous healing session. ngaranaboriginalculture.com
7
JOIN A CULTURAL CRUISE IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
A cruise on the East Alligator River with Kakadu Cultural Tours is a spectacular way to take in the wonders of Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory. Hosted by an Aboriginal guide, guests will learn about the significance of this ancient landscape and pay a visit to Arnhem Land. kakaduculturaltours.com.au
8
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN INDIGENOUS ART IN CANBERRA
Home to the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, with more than 7,500 works, Canberra’s National Gallery of Australia is the country’s largest dedicated exhibition space showcasing First Nations’ creativity. The moving Aboriginal Memorial commemorates the Indigenous people who have lost their lives
“Guests will experience a traditional welcome ceremony, a guided walk in Gulaga National Park and an indigenous healing session”
defending their lands and tells the story of the continuing struggles faced. nga.gov.au
Pictured: Aboriginalled tour in Kakadu, Northern Territory; Traditional Dotpainting at Maruku Arts in the Red Centre; Shark Bay tour with Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures; Indigenous tour of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia
9
KAYAK THE SHARK BAY WORLD HERITAGE AREA IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The dramatic red dunes and turquoise waters of Western Australia’s World Heritage-listed Shark Bay, or Gutharraguda, have sustained the Nhanda and Malgana people for more than 40,000 years. Explore Francois Peron National Park with an Indigenous guide on a kayak or stand-up paddle board with Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures. wulagura.com.au
10
GO ON AN ABORIGINAL HERITAGE WALK IN MELBOURNE
Visitors to Victoria can join an Indigenous heritage walk of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation, to gain a fascinating insight into the rich culture and history of Australia’s First Peoples through its precious collections of native, rare and threatened flora and fauna. rbg.vic.gov.au
TOURISM AUSTRALIA
A TROPICAL PARADISE AWAITS AT THE
Great Barrier Reef
One of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef boasts an abundance of thriving marine life and tropical islands, says Jo Reeder
Why sell it
When it comes to natural icons, few experiences can rival the Great Barrier Reef which stretches for more than 1,400 miles along Australia’s rich and diverse Queensland coastline. Here, visitors can spot the underwater ‘Great Eight’ - giant clam, manta ray, maori wrasse, sharks, clownfish, turtles, potato cod and whales.
With the return of Cathay Pacific’s seasonal flight from London to Cairns via Hong Kong, it’s never been more accessible.
Who to sell to
A bucket-list destination for keen divers, the Great Barrier Reef offers a world of colourful corals, tropical fish and curious crustaceans below the surface. More advanced divers will be wowed by one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, the SS Yongala
For families, a glass-bottom boat trip, pontoon-based tour or underwater observatory is the perfect way to introduce youngsters to the marine world without getting wet and couples looking for a touch of romance can enjoy a sunset cruise sipping champagne or an island picnic on a private sand cay.
What to sell
The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space, but nothing beats experiencing this natural wonder up close. Countless ports connect the mainland to the reef and
900 idyllic islands. The Reef stretches from Bundaberg to Cape York and is made up of five distinct precincts: Cairns & Port Douglas, Townsville, The Whitsundays & Mackay, and The Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Cairns and Port Douglas is an excellent starting point and major visitor hub. It’s here where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet: The Rainforest and the Reef.
There are many full- and half-day cruises to suit every budget, including luxury experiences. Your clients can even learn from those who have been looking after the Reef the longest, with an Indigenous tour with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel. Or become a Marine Biologist for a day with a Citizen Science tour with Passions of Paradise or Sunlover Cruises.
Stretching from Ayr to Mission Beach, the Townsville region is home to world-leading diving. Here travellers can discover The Museum of Underwater Art, transforming part of the Great Barrier Reef into a series of art pieces that evolve over time.
Those confident enough to skipper a boat can
PASSIONS OF PARADISE, TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND
discover the idyllic region of The Whitsundays. Sleep under the stars and gaze at the Milky Way as you bed down for the night on a pontoon in a cosy swag, a traditional Australian sleeping bag with mattress. With minimal light pollution, star gazing here is a unique experience.
A scenic flight over the azure waters and archipelago of islands is a must-do in this region – it’s only when you’re flying above the Reef that you can appreciate the sheer scale of this natural wonderland.
Switch off on Lady Elliot Island, an eco-resort in the Southern Great Barrier Reef that boasts no telephones or televisions. Entertainment comes in the form of exotic marine life. There’s turtle nesting and hatching from November to March, the chance to swim with Manta Ray’s from May to August, and Humpback Whale sightings between June and October.
how to sell
A visit to the Great Barrier Reef is the perfect opportunity to combine a multi-centre trip to some of Queensland’s most loved towns and
cities with thrilling expeditions to deserted islands and tropical idylls. When choosing a tour make sure to go with a Master Reef Guide “reef ambassadors” who educate travellers on the current health of the reef and share insights on how they can protect this precious resource. Visitors pay a small Environmental Management Charge to visit which goes towards creating a sustainable future.
With a network of domestic flights from Brisbane and all main Australian cities, it is easy to build a fly-in-fly-out itinerary or fly-drive with Great Barrier Reef access from airports in Cairns, Townsville, and The Whitsundays (Proserpine and Hamilton Island).
Visitors wanting to head to the Southern Great Barrier Reef can take a four-hour drive from Brisbane, or fly to Bundaberg. Lady Elliot Island also offers day-trips from Brisbane and The Gold Coast.
The Pacific Coast Way is an epic driving route along Queensland’s coastline towards the Great Barrier Reef – 14 days are recommended for this unforgettable journey.
when to sell
The Great Barrier Reef is a year-round destination and enjoys a sub-tropical climate with water temperatures between 290C in summer and 220C in winter. Between May and October, when the conditions are just right; the water is refreshing, the weather is fine and the chance of rain is minimal.
In summer in the tropics (November to May) the weather can be wetter, but it’s when the Reef comes alive and the water clarity improves. Divers and snorkellers need to wear a protective suit when in the water during this time of year, but will be rewarded with some of the best visibility and marine life encounters.
Book it with...
First Class Holidays offers a 16-night Great Barrier Reef in Depth self-drive itinerary from £5,289pp. The trip includes return flights, 16 nights’ accommodation, car hire, two-night stay in Brisbane, full-day Lady Elliott Island tour with scenic flight and island tour, Port Douglas cruise and Snorkel tour. fcholidays.com
LADY ELLIOT ISLAND
SNORKELLERS, HERON ISLAND
MANTA RAY ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
REEF SLEEP, THE WHITSUNDAYS
WILD AND
FREE
Australia offers some of the world’s most exciting and unique wildlife experiences, with countless opportunities for ethical, up-close encounters, says Lauren Jarvis
It’s a calm, golden day on Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef, as I secure my flippers and snorkel and slip from the catamaran into the crystalline turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
A protected UNESCO World Heritage site, Ningaloo is the continent’s largest fringing reef, stretching along its western shores, bordered by dazzling white beaches and the rugged arid landscapes of Cape Range National Park.
A paradise for wildlife lovers, Ningaloo has been the traditional home of the Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinigurdira people for at least 30,000 years, and long swathes of the coast remain wonderfully untouched; a sanctuary for some of the country’s iconic native animals, including kangaroos, emus, echidnas and rock wallabies.
There are wild wonders beneath the waves, too: coral gardens roamed by turtles, dugongs, dolphins and rays, and plankton-rich waters plied by humpback whales and the biggest fish in the sea: the whale shark.
Each year from March to August, Ningaloo becomes a mecca for these gentle marine giants which come here to feed, and Exmouth Dive & Whale Sharks offer responsibly-run small-group tours to enter the sharks’ watery realm, with expert guides to maintain strict “notouch” rules, and a photographer to allow guests to focus solely on the here and now with these gentle giants.
Waiting quietly in the water, I dip below the surface and watch as a 10-metre-long whale shark emerges
from the blue. With 25-metre visibility that allows me to see every unique pattern, daubed like Aboriginal dot art rippling along its back, the shark swims languidly by, oblivious to the awe its inspired, and I swim at a respectful distance alongside, absorbing every privileged, peaceful second spent with this most magical of marine marvels, until it dives into the deep.
“Interactions with any animal can be transformative, but seeing wildlife in its natural habitat – and on its own terms – is uniquely thrilling”
Where the wild things are
Interactions with any animal can be transformative, but seeing wildlife in its natural habitat – and on its own terms – is uniquely thrilling, and the ethical choice for conscious travellers, too.
Travel agents and operators have a crucial part to play in recommending kinder alternatives to captive animal experiences and exploitative shows, and with exciting encounters on offer in every state Australia is the perfect destination for a totally wild adventure.
“Some of the most popular bucket-list
encounters include taking a cruise to see saltwater crocodiles in Kakadu National Park or on the Daintree River in Far North Queensland; snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef to see green turtles and clownfish; spotting kangaroos on Kangaroo Island; snorkelling with Australian sea lions outside of Perth or the Eyre Peninsula; seeking out the Tasmanian Devil in Tasmania; and spotting koalas in the south-east,” says John Daw, Executive Officer at Australian Wildlife Journeys, a collective of tour operators specialising in ethical wildlife experiences.
Like many countries, Australia’s wildlife is being impacted by the effects of climate change, habitat loss and unsustainable methods of food production, but visitors can help to drive positive change.
“Responsible tourism plays a key role in protecting wildlife habitats across Australia, providing economic value to areas that are under pressure to be developed for housing, mining or other commercial ventures resulting in habitat loss or degradation,” says Daw.
Suzana Bishop, Chief Executive Officer for the Northern Territory’s Department of Tourism and Hospitality, says Australia’s tourism stakeholders are committed to developing sustainable practices. “By educating tourists and encouraging them to engage more responsibly, we can preserve natural
Pictured: The friendly Quokka is native to Australia and is most commonly sighted on Rottnest Island in Western Australia.
habitats and behaviours for a more authentic experience. Together, we can reduce environmental impact, protect ecosystems and support the recovery of vulnerable species by taking a much more considered and responsible approach to wildlife tourism.”
What’s New Resorts: Raes on Wategos has opened a second coastal boutique property in
Byron Bay, New South Wales, featuring 10 suites and two pools set in tropical landscaped gardens. The region offers wildlife tours to see koalas and platypus, plus dolphins offshore. raes.com.au
Rare Earth Retreats now offers luxury, sustainable off-grid accommodation in South Australia’s celebrated wine region, McLaren Vale. The retreat neighbours Onkaparinga River National Park, home to koalas, kangaroos and possums. rareearthretreats.com.au
With a range of accommodation from camping to beachfront villas, Queensland’s new nature resort, Turtle Sands, adheres to the Turtle Protection Promise and offers nesting and hatching tours, plus snorkel trips on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. turtlesands.com.au
South Australia’s inaugural private island Luxury Eco Resort, Rumi on Louth, will open off the coast of the Eyre Peninsula in 2025.
Guests will enjoy experiences including catamaran cruises, wildlife and ecology buggy tours, kayak expeditions and beach picnics. rumionlouth.com.au
Wander the Warlu Way
Tours: Great Southern Outback Tours has released a new eight-day Wheatbelt Down Under Bremer Canyon tour in Western Australia, including a marine expedition with Naturalist Charters to observe wild orcas, with departures scheduled for February and March 2025. greatsouthernoutback.com.au
Initiatives: Tourism Tropical North Queensland has launched ‘Guardian of the Reef’, a platform for reef-positive travel choices. Conservation curious travellers can visit the newly launched website and work through a series of short educational videos and facts, each with a coupon reward system to use with bookings on the Great Barrier Reef. Participants then go in the draw to win a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and unlock exclusive experiences. tourism. tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
Top Wildlife Experiences
Whale safari: Journey Beyond’s Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef is a safari-style ecoretreat near Cape Range National Park in Western Australia. Overlooking the
Follow the path of the warlu, the Dreamtime sea serpent, as it traverses the Pilbara region. Experience the best of Western Australia, from rugged outback beauty to secluded coastal charm. Stay at the Karijini Eco Retreat and step into earth's time capsule, exploring ancient landscapes dating back 3.5 to 4.3 billion years. Witness mountain ranges, towering gorges, and plunging waterfalls in the heart of the outback before travelling to the remote beaches of the Onslow Beach Resort and the bucket-list escape of the Mackerel Islands. Here, enjoy warm sunny days, wake up to the sound of the ocean, have barbeques at your beachfront cabin, and partake in kayaking, SUP boarding, snorkeling with turtles, and world-class fishing. Discover the diverse wonders of WA with this ultimate Warlu Way road trip, offering both outback and island experiences that showcase the unique and breathtaking variety of Western Australia. 2025 season now on sale. Book at mackerelislands.com.au
Pictured: A boating tour in Whyalla, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
“By educating tourists and encouraging them to engage more responsibly, we can preserve natural habitats and animal behaviours for more authentic wildlife encounters”
UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, the retreat offers a variety of outdoor adventures including gorge walks, star gazing, kayaking, snorkelling with dugongs and turtles and boat tours to responsibly swim with whale sharks and humpback whales in the Indian Ocean. salsalis.com.au
Koala quest: Chocolate Gannets
Beachfront Luxury Villas is a collection of four secluded luxury self-catering villas in Apollo Bay on the iconic Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Watch out for dolphins, whales and seals, or walk the nearby Koala Track. Exclusive for villa guests, the track is part of a revegetation project, providing an opportunity to spot wild koalas in their native habitat. chocolategannets.com.au
Penguin picnic: The only place in the world where visitors can sleep within an island seabird colony, Picnic Island in Tasmania is adjacent to Freycinet National Park and a stone’s throw from one of the world’s best beaches, Wineglass Bay. The private island’s 10 guests can immerse themselves in nature by day and watch penguins and shearwaters returning to their burrows at night. picnicisland.com.au
Rainforest and reef: With two UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonders on the
doorstep – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef – Queensland’s Thala Beach Nature Reserve in Port Douglas is a certified eco-retreat and a member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.
Guests can enjoy wildlife walks with expert guides, stargazing, a Coconut Odyssey tour and snorkelling on the reef. thalabeach.com.au
Wild swimming: Snorkel with a pod of wild oceanic common dolphins on a cruise with Dolphin Swim Australia in Port Stephens, known as the ‘Dolphin Capital of Australia’.
This accredited experience allows small guided groups to swim with dolphins responsibly in their natural habitat, just 2.5 hours from Sydney, New South Wales. The tour includes a champagne brunch and a customised video of the experience. dolphinswimaustralia.com.au
Sea
Tiwi from Darwin to remote Njulbitjlk (Bare Sand Island) in the Northern Territory. Sailing from Darwin Harbour, cross the Timor Sea and explore the island’s beach with marine experts to watch flatback and Olive Ridley turtles nesting and see hatchlings heading into the sea. The experience includes dinner and a complimentary drink. seadarwin.com
Where to book it
Audley Travel – 0808 239 0942
The 20-day tailor-made Wine & Wildlife – Australia’s Ultimate Safari costs from £10,755pp, with stays on Kangaroo Island, Rottnest Island and Ningaloo Reef, a tour of Flinders Chase National Park and visits to Adelaide, Perth and Margaret River. Includes flights, transfers, car hire, accommodation and wildlife excursions. audleytravel.com
Turtle tour: Join a Turtle Tracks boat tour with
Darwin-Sea
Pictured: Kangaroos are often seen bounding across the beach in Lucky Bay, Western Australia; Rock pools in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory.
ROAD TRIPS
A
road trip offers the freedom to get off-the-beaten track and experience some of Australia’s most iconic sights and spectacularly scenic landscapes
Why sell them
Australia’s cross-country network of wide-open roads means it’s easy to venture beyond the gateway cities and experience the country’s expansive coastline, outback or rainforest. Whether clients opt for an RV adventure, stopping off at rural campsites, or opt to stay at some of Australia’s luxury boutique accommodations along the way, a self-drive trip offers the chance to see more of what the country has to offer and with the freedom to cover as much or as little ground as the driver wants.
Who to sell to
Itineraries are suited to those that want to get away from the cities and explore the Australia beyond.
For clients into food and wine, Australia has world-famous vineyards where you can sip and sample. In the Great Southern region of Western Australia, there are more than 50 wineries peppered through five sub-regions. Or park up and enjoy some of the freshest seafood, catching lobster on a day trip to Rottnest Island. Victoria is also known for its foodie credentials, beyond its culinary hub Melbourne. The Mornington Peninsula is known for being a mecca for foodies and offers farm-to-table dining and wineries in picturesque settings.
For families, the Sunshine Coast has safe surfs, soft sandy beaches and plenty of local produce (like ice cream) to taste. There’s wildlife reserves, surf lessons and boating to keep youngsters and teens occupied and plenty of sunshine to
keep sandy feet out of the RV for as long as possible.
What to sell
According to Deborah Kelly at RV rental company THL, classic driving routes for UK visitors are Sydney-Cairns, BrisbaneCairns and Perth-Perth.
She says: “The beauty of Australia is in its endless road trip possibilities, no matter your interests, how much time you have, or when you’re travelling. Whether you’re cruising the iconic Sydney-Cairns route, seeking adventure in Western Australia, or savouring the wineries along the Great Southern Touring Route, Australia has it covered.”
For first timers, the Sydney-Cairns coastal route is a bucket-list journey incorporating golden beaches, iconic towns and cities and the rainforest of Tropical North Queensland. This roadtrip is best done in 10-14 days.
For those looking for an outback
adventure, the Red Centre Way will bring Australia’s icons to life. A loop beginning and ending in the outback town of Alice Springs takes in Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Watarrka National Park, all rich with Aboriginal experiences. Allow seven days for this road trip.
Driving the Great Ocean Road in Victoria is also high on the must-do drive list. It includes coastal roads passing the 12 Apostles and the Grampians National Park before heading onwards to Sydney. Allow six days for the drive.
When to sell
Australia’s interior can reach scorching temperatures during the summer months. Plan a road trip from MaySeptember when conditions are slightly cooler. In contrast, Victoria can get cold with wild coastal conditions during the winter, so a March-April drive would make the most of the mild weather. Up towards the Daintree Rainforest, the wet season falls from December to April.
What’s new
Western Australia has launched experience-led road trip campaign, ‘Drive the Dream’, which features Perth-born Formula 1 star Daniel Ricciardo and showcases the road trip experience along the Coral Coast Highway.
Book it
THL has a 14-night rental from Sydney to Cairns priced from AUD$2,895, in an Apollo Hitop RV, travelling September 1-15 2025. experiencethl.com
Pictured: Open roads of the Gascoyne Region of Western Australia; Euro Camper with THL in coastal Australia.
TOURISM AUSTRALIA
A SENSE OF
WELLNESS
A deep-rooted connection to the land makes Australia a natural hotspot for wellbeing, ensuring visitors leave feeling relaxed and refreshed
Known for its warm, wide-open landscapes, majestic scenery and healthy lifestyle, it’s no surprise that Australia meets the rising demand for wellness experiences.
Mind over matter
Among Australia’s newest wellness spots is Island Alive offering accommodation and rejuvenation on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island.
Here, clients can immerse in nature with experiences such as forest bathing and meditation, walking barefoot on soft moss, taking a cold plunge or simmering in a sauna or hot tub beneath a canopy of pines.
North of Adelaide, the Barossa
Valley is home to the holistic Beyond Wellness retreat offering travellers a soul-soothing sanctuary of sound baths, forest foraging and gentle yoga set amid its vineyards and rolling hills.
In another of Australia’s stunning green spots, Sol Elements brings wellness to the heart of Queensland’s Tamborine Mountain in the Scenic Rim. The wellness haven centres on a sacred Bodhi tree and its Japaneseinspired Elemental Bathhouse boasts onsen, float rooms and a Himalayan salt cave.
Keeping step with the wellbeing trend, Tasmanian Walking Company has curated a range of hikes such as its Breathe Deep: Bay of Fires Cold Water
and Breathwork Walk that will appeal to travellers who want to refresh in Tasmania’s Great Outdoors, known for having the cleanest air on the planet.
In South Australia, clients can cleanse their mind and soul on Murray River Trails’ Wellness on the Water retreat utilising the calm and tranquil qualities of the Murray River in a threeday natural immersion
There’s solace to be found in Australia’s city centres too. Sydney isn’t short on uplifting urban retreats
Pictured: Experience Melrose in South Australia is a curated weekend wellness and adventure retreat featuring yoga, food, walks, mountain bike trails, gin-tasting and wellness.
either with healthy hotspot Bondi blessed with the legendary Bondi Iceberg’s ocean pool and steam baths and Nimbus Co.’s hot and cold therapies using infrared saunas and ice baths, which also has studios in Melbourne, Byron and Manly.
rejuvenate the Body
More than 100 ancient thermal springs and natural mineral baths make Victoria Australia’s go-to wellness region.
For total natural immersion, the 900km Great Victorian Bathing Trail connects the state’s natural bathing pools. Some of the best spots are on the geo-active Mornington Peninsula, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne. These include Alba Thermal Springs and Spa and the new Peninsula Hot Springs eco-lodges with private geothermal plunge pools.
Meanwhile, scenic Adelaide Hills, a short hop from the city, is the setting for a range of reviving spa experiences including Longview Day Spas offering pampering body treatments and facials, and Gatekeepers Day Spa on the renowned Mount Lofty House estate with far-reaching views of the hills and city.
For a unique spa experience in Tasmania, clients can dip into Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs, bathing in the mineral-rich waters that carved out the ancient cave system located around 90 minutes’ drive from state
good for the Soul
Outdoorsy Aussies love fresh organic food, and southern Queensland’s lush Scenic Rim is brimming with sustainable produce, making it a delightful place to feed the soul.
“More than 100 ancient thermal springs and natural mineral baths make Victoria Australia’s go-to wellness region”
An hour’s drive inland from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, visitors can tuck into some of the region’s finest produce at Scenic Rim Farm Shop and its cottage-style restaurant, plus find a profusion of colourful blooms at the Elderflower Farm right next door.
For an eco-chic stay, Beechmont Estate offers an authentic paddock-to-plate experience with Farmer’s Grazing Platters and delicious suppers in its two-hatted The Paddock clubhouse. The menu is shaped by ingredients taken straight from the kitchen garden and farm. Its wellness retreats include meditation workshops and yoga sessions on the edge of World Heritage-
Among the must-visit markets, visitors can pick up local fresh produce at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market, or sample regional soulfood such as southern fried oyster bagels each May at the Tasting Australia Festival.
Hobart is another foodie hotspot and its Salamanca Market shows why it’s renowned for its salmon and seafood. Foodies can also gain exclusive access to the acclaimed farm-to-plate Fat Pig Farm restaurant in Tasmania’s Huon Valley on a Tasmanian Walking Company tour.
For a farm-to-fork experience with a difference, oyster lovers can shuck their own famous Sydney Rock oysters on a nourishing Sydney Oyster Farm tour to the Hawkesbury River, where participants don waders to harvest the seafood from the water.
capital Hobart. It promises a to leave skin feeling silky smooth.
listed Lamington National Park.
Pictured: Visitors enjoy fresh oysters at Sydney Oyster Farm; Bondi’s Iceberg ocean pools are free to use; Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria is a natural hot springs with rich mineral water.
FEBRUARY 14–MARCH 2
Sydney Mardi Gras
THIS year marks the 47th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, crowned as one of the world’s most popular carnivals. Under the theme ‘Free to Be’, the 17-day event will feature a colourful array of international performers, parties, theatre, community events and more. The Festival will wrap with the world-famous Sydney Mardi Gras Parade on March 1. mardigras.org.au
MARCH 21–FEBRUARY 23
Adelaide Fringe
PROUD to be the biggest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere, the four-week Adelaide Fringe Festival brings hundreds of cabaret, music, comedy, theatre and visual arts shows to Adelaide each year. The event creates a buzz across the entire city, with culture-enthusiasts keen to enjoy some of the 8,000-plus independent artists, good food and plenty of laughs along the way. adelaidefringe.com.au
APRIL 4–13
Parrtjima
THIS Aboriginal light festival celebrates Australia’s oldest continuous culture through light installations, artworks, workshops, music and talks. Located in Alice Springs (Mparntwe) in the Northern Territory, the free 10-night festival will explore the theme of Timelessness in 2025, offering visitors the chance to learn about Aboriginal culture in this spiritually significant location. parrtjimaaustralia.com.
SEPTEMBER 3–13
Brisbane Fest
BRISBANE’S biggest event of the year is a family-favourite, with a host of gigs, theatre performances, food trucks and art exhibitions that culminates with Riverfire, a firework extravaganza over the Brisbane River. The city puts on a colourful display, starting with the signiture pink-and-white banners, before diving into events including Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show. brisbanefestival.com.au
MAY 23–JUNE 14
Vivid Sydney
LIGHTING up Australia’s most iconic landmarks, Vivid Sydney puts on an impressive display during the winter months. Head out into the harbour via a ferry boat to get the best view of impressive light displays reflecting across the water and onto the Sydney Opera House. Visitors can browse light installations, food stalls or enjoy a programme of talks, concerts and events. vividsydney.com
