Top travel picks from the True Blue team

Michelle's top three

FISHING FOR BARRAMUNDI IN THE BUSH

I was lucky enough to spend a few days glamping at Wildman Wilderness Lodge in the Mary River National Park, on the fringes of Kakadu. During our stay the local guides took us out barramundi fishing in the billabongs, and at one stage I had a big one on the line. I was super excited as I’d never caught a barra before, and as a lover of fishing it’s one of those bucket-list things. Then a huge saltwater croc came along and took it, along with half my line! Absolutely gutting – but equally amazing.

MAKING A SPLASH OFF LIZARD ISLAND

Visiting Lizard Island was a long-held dream of mine. It lies 27 kilometres off the north Queensland coast, and to get there you take a breathtaking one-hour flight from Cairns. The island isn’t tropical, rather more rugged Aussie bush with a rocky coastline dotted with palm trees. It’s home to Lizard Island Research Station (owned by the Australian Museum), the major research facility on the Great Barrier Reef which attracts marine scientists from all over the world. The island is famous for its dive sites, especially Cod Hole, where you can scuba-dive with potato cod. These friendly giants love playing with divers and are always up for a photo. Rex flies to Cairns, from where charter flights operate.

EXPLORING BROOME & THE HORIZONTAL FALLS

Tropical weather, azure ocean and rust-red cliffs, great food and an abundance of history and outdoor activities combine to make Broome one of the best destinations in Australia. I walked in dinosaur footprints, watched the staircase to the moon (which occurs when a full moon rises over exposed tidal flats at Roebuck Bay), went on a pearl tour, drank mango beer at Matso’s and rode in a hovercraft. To top it off, I flew out to the Kimberley to experience the ride of my life, shooting through the Horizontal Falls in a speedboat. Sir David Attenborough described the falls – which are caused by tidal movements between gorges – as one of the world’s great natural wonders, and he’s a man who should know.

Beth's top three

HIKING TO THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT KOSCIUSZKO

Conquering Australia’s highest peak is a feat every Aussie should tick off their list. Standing at 2,228 metres above sea level, the views from the top are incredible – I could see as far as the Victorian Alps! For families with young kids or those who simply aren’t avid hikers, compared to Everest or Kilimanjaro, Mt Kosciuszko is a walk in the park.Depending on the season, you’ll find the walkways are lined with beautiful alpine wildflowers in spring, glistening rivers that snake below the raised path in summer, and snow building up as you ascend in the cooler months. Rex flies to the Snowy Mountains (Cooma).

WINE TASTING IN GORGEOUS MCLAREN VALE

About an hour from Adelaide, this bountiful stretch of wine country is home to some of South Australia’s most innovative winemakers. The area has been cared for by the Kaurna people for centuries, and the respectful stewardship of the land continues today asproducers place sustainability and regenerative agriculture front and centre. The Mediterranean climate and rich soil provide perfect growing conditions for Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet grapes. Head there to sample a range of boutique drops from picturesque cellar doors. The Golden Mullet Fury Limited Edition Magnum by young guns Alpha Box & Dice is my personal fave. Rex flies to Adelaide and McLaren Vale is only a one-hour drive away.

GETTING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK AT THE PINNACLES

Two hours’ drive north of Perth, right on the edge of the Coral Coast, Nambung National Park is home to an otherworldly landscape. Formed 25,000-30,000 years ago, the desert-like expanse – which covers more than 17,000 hectares – is dotted with bizarre limestone structures. They were formed after the sea receded, leaving large deposits of seashells behind, and coastal winds began eroding and reshaping the pillars into the unique “pinnacles” we see today. Some stand more than 3.5 metres high!

Claire's top three

DISCOVERING ULURU

There’s nothing else on earth like the big red rock poking vertiginously out of the Australian desert, and it has to be seen to be believed. But what you won’t believe is how much else there is to see and do in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Once you’ve watched the sun rise over the famous rock, turning it shades of crimson, vermillion and ochre, head across to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) to hike the Valley of the Winds and see the strangely lumpen domes up close and personal. As the day wanes, find a vantage point for the more muted rust-and-scarlet display at sunset, and after dark marvel at the blanket of stars as an otherworldly silence settles across the outback.

CAMPING ON GIBB RIVER ROAD

The allure of travel in the Kimberley region lies in the thrill of exploring untouched wilderness. Days merge into bumping along corrugated tracks as wallabies bounce left and right, hiking through a gorge to find a secret waterfall where you can wash red dirt from crevices you never knew you owned, to rolling out a swag beneath the Milky Way and falling asleep under the curling woodsmoke of a campfire. An outback Odyssey along the Gibb River Road takes in Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, Manning Gorge, Bell Gorge, El Questro Station and Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles) – places so remote and mysterious, I never dreamed I’d be lucky enough to see them.

LOVING THE WHITSUNDAYS

Australia is blessed with a magnificent coast – and nowhere are the beaches whiter or the ocean bluer than the Whitsunday Islands. I honeymooned here, ticking off a wishlist of snorkelling with tropical fish in sandy-bottomed bays, marvelling at the swirls of aqua and ivory where Hill Inlet meanders across Whitehaven Beach, thrilling at the sight of Heart Reef from the air on a helicopter flight, and toasting each glorious day with sundowners at Hamilton Island’s One Tree Hill lookout. With the Great Barrier Reef just a day cruise away, and more high-end resorts and luxurious spas than you can shake a credit card at, the Whitsundays are Australia’s own patch of paradise.

Ryan's top three

HANGING OUT IN STANLEY

Stanley is a sleepy, historic fishing town located in the far north-west corner of Tasmania that only reveals itself once you come around the bend off the Bass Highway. The Nut – a massive volcanic plug rising staunchly out of the sea – is the town’s biggest attraction, both figuratively and literally. Standing at the top provides endless views across the Bass Strait. Squint hard enough and you might even think you can see the mainland in the distance. While you’re there, treat yourself to some of the fresh local seafood, and don’t miss an evening stroll along the beach for a spectacular dusty orange sunset. Rex flies to Burnie, from where it’s a short trip to The Nut.

BLISSING OUT BY THE BEACH IN NOOSA

The beachy village vibe of Hastings Street, pure white sand and crystalclear ocean, lush hinterland and the scenic trails of the national park are among the biggest drawcards of the Sunshine Coast’s perennial holiday favourite, Noosa. It’s a place that encourages nothing but lazing about by the water, leisurely strolls, and indulging in all the massages the local day spas can offer. If a spot of browsing the boutiques becomes too much, kick back and refuel with a flat white or gelato at one of the pavement cafes. I hear Noosa is also a popular destination for proposals.

BEING A CULTURE VULTURE IN CANBERRA

The nation’s capital is arguably the most underrated city in Australia. Beyond the national attractions, such as Parliament House and the excellent Australian War Memorial, Canberra is bursting with culture – it’s just a case of knowing where to find it. There’s a thriving coffee and food scene, as well as countless cocktails bars, breweries, and local wineries to keep any thirst at bay. Art lovers will be equally pleased, from the famous artworks and sculptures at the National Gallery to artisanal finds at the Old Bus Depot Markets. Plus, the city’s wide roads, cautious drivers, and impressive network of bike paths makes it a cyclist’s paradise. Rex flies to Canberra.