As we saw the back of lockdowns and border closures, 2022 was something of a return to normal for travel around Australia. We squeezed in a trip to Kangaroo Island very late in 2021, headed back to Tasmania for a zig zagging road trip around the apple Isle, and we finally got away on a trip we booked ages ago.
A couple of years back we started planning a trip to the Whitsundays including stops at some top diving and snorkelling spots. As the cost of the trip started to add up, we came across an email advertising the Cocos Islands and Christmas Island. When we discovered going there was cheaper than our trip to Queensland, we booked it straight away.
After what felt like a long wait, we finally made it to these two dots of land in the Indian Ocean. These Australian territories are amazing places, we share a couple of stories from there in our round up. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit different to explore, and you don’t want to do international travel, check them out.
We have also snuck in a post from our home state, South Australia, one from a quick trip we did to the Grampians and a couple of our most popular stories from 2022. We hope they give you some ideas and inspiration as you plan your travel for 2023.
Featured Image: Vivonne Bay Kangaroo Island
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Contents
- There is a reason Kangaroo Island has a global reputation
- There’s more to this place than 50 million Red Crabs!
- Cocos Islands – a Snorkellers Paradise
- Plan a Hobart to Strahan Road Trip
- There’s a walk for everyone at Cradle Mountain
- Devonport – don’t drive straight out of town!
- Things to do in Coral Bay
- Where to go free & low-cost Camping in WA
- Explore this amazing Volcanic Landscape
- Halls Gap – in the heart of the Grampians
- Jervis Bay – beyond the beaches
- One of the best walks in the NT – Kings Canyon
There is a reason Kangaroo Island has a global reputation
We were lucky enough to meet some friends from our Experience Australia Facebook group when they visited Australia from Germany a few months ago. When we caught up with them for dinner, they told us the one thing they wanted to do in South Australia (besides drink as much wine as possible) is visit Kangaroo Island.
With its wildlife, pristine beaches, spectacular coastline and growing artisan food scene, it is no wonder KI is known world-wide; it is certainly one of our favourite local holiday spots. We have put together a full guide to Kangaroo Island so you can plan a trip there when you are next in South Australia.
There’s more to this place than 50 million Red Crabs!
The highlight of our 2022 travels was our trip to Christmas Island. Wildlife lovers will have to put Christmas Island on their bucket list, there is much more to the place than its famous red crabs. The birdlife is incredible, the giant robber crabs look like creatures from another planet and the snorkelling and diving is out of this world too. Add in stunning rainforests, spectacular coastline, and a melting pot of cultures and you have a unique Australian holiday spot. Read our list of everything to do on Christmas Island.
Things to do on Christmas Island
Cocos Islands – a Snorkellers Paradise
The Cocos Islands were the first stop on our swing through the northern Indian Ocean enroute to Christmas Island. If palm-lined beaches, a super relaxed vibe and incredible snorkelling sound like your idea of a holiday read what you can get up to on a visit to the Cocos Islands.
Plan a Hobart to Strahan Road Trip
To an island of a very different type, Tasmania is one of our favourite holiday spots. It might be Australia’s smallest state, but it always amazes us how much there is to do there. On our criss-crossing of the state, we did the road trip from Hobart to Strahan. It is a drive you could do in half a day, but there is so much to do along the way, you could allow a week or more. We tell you all about the things to do between Hobart and Strahan.
There’s a walk for everyone at Cradle Mountain
Another of our stops in Tasmania was a few days at Cradle Mountain. If you haven’t been there before, it is as beautiful as everyone says it is. And don’t be put off if you have you kids or aren’t up for long walks. There are plenty of short walks around Cradle Mountain that let you experience the magic of this beautiful place – we have listed them and a give you a picture of what to expect when you arrive at Cradle Mountain.
Short Walks at Cradle Mountain
Devonport – don’t drive straight out of town!
The last story we wanted to pass on from our Tassie trip was about Devonport. As anyone who has taken the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from the mainland to Tasmania knows, it docks at Devonport. It’s easy to roll off the ferry and make for Cradle Mountain or Launceston or Stanley or to arrive late in Devonport, have a bite to eat and drive on the ferry for the night cruise home. But wait! There is lots to do in Devonport, make sure you allow a few days to look around here when you are in Tasmania.
The Best Things to do in Devonport
Things to do in Coral Bay
We didn’t get to Western Australia this year, but one of our most popular stories over the past 12 months has been about Coral Bay. This idyllic beach town that sits metres from Ningaloo Reef is a must stop for anyone doing the road trip from Perth to Exmouth. While the snorkelling in Coral Bay is amazing, read what else there is to do in this beachside town on the Coral Coast.
Where to go free & low-cost Camping in WA
Still in Western Australia, this collection of low-cost and free campsites is something we only finished putting together this year. So, whether you’re heading to the southwest for wildflower spotting, to the Coral Coast to see whale sharks or the Kimberley, we can help you save a bit of money as you travel around this vast state.
Free & Low Cost Camping in Western Australia
Explore this amazing Volcanic Landscape
If you are travelling between Adelaide and Victoria or New South Wales, think about taking the route through the southeast. Mount Gambier is a beautiful place, dotted with volcanic cones and craters. And if you visit Mount Gambier over summer, you can see its famous Blue Lake at its iridescent best. From sinkholes and caves to hikes up extinct volcanos and rugged coastline, there is heaps to do in Mount Gambier and our comprehensive guide will mean you won’t miss a thing!
Best Things to do in Mount Gambier
Halls Gap – in the heart of the Grampians
Every time we go to the Grampians, we wonder why we don’t get there more often, it is a striking place with lots of great views, some fantastic waterfalls and scenic bushwalks. Halls Gap is at the centre of it all and a great base for exploring the region. If you have heard of the Grampians but aren’t sure what the place is about, read our guide of things to do there, it is a great family holiday destination.
Jervis Bay – beyond the beaches
We all know Jervis Bay has some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, but what we can never get over is how much else there is to do in the area. Yes, you can see some of the whitest sand in Australia at Hyams Beach, but there are botanic gardens to explore, some dramatic cliff walks to do and snorkellers and wildlife lovers have plenty of marine life to enjoy. We only wished we had longer here, read our things to do guide to plan your trip to this lovely part of New South Wales.
One of the best walks in the NT – Kings Canyon
It has been a year or two since we went to the Northern Territory but our story about the Kings Canyon Rim Walk has been one of our most popular posts of the last 12 months. It’s easy to see why, if you are in Central Australia, this is one of the best day-walks you can do. It has a scary reputation, but the steep climb at the start isn’t too bad with a slow and steady approach. There are other shorter, easier walks you can also do too – read about them in our story.
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