Exploring Australia: A Journey Of A Lifetime
Dan Hyams recently returned from an awe-inspiring trip to Australia where he encountered many memorable experiences
There’s always something special about travelling with family, and my trip to Australia with my dad, Nigel, was nothing short of incredible. Together, we explored the untamed beauty of the Northern Territory, experienced the awe-inspiring landscapes of Uluru and Kings Canyon, and soaked up the vibrant energy of Melbourne and its surrounding natural sights. Along the way, we didn’t just visit Australia’s famous sights, we created memories that will last a lifetime.
DARWIN AND KAKADU: WHERE TROPICAL WILDERNESS MEETS ANCIENT CULTURE
Our journey began with a flight from Singapore to Darwin, where we picked up our rental car and headed to the Palms City Resort, our home base in this tropical northern city. Darwin’s laid-back charm and balmy evenings were the perfect introduction to Australia. The highlight? Taking a dip in the ‘Cage of Death’ at Crocosaurus Cove which brought us within touching distance of a six-metre croc as it tucked into it’s dinner – thankfully not us!
From Darwin, we ventured into Kakadu National Park, a place where the ancient world feels almost alive. Staying at the Cooinda Lodge, we immersed ourselves in Kakadu’s rich Aboriginal culture and stunning natural beauty. A scenic flight with Kakadu Air over the Stone Country offered us jaw-dropping views of wetlands, escarpments and ancient rock art. But the most unforgettable moment was the Yellow Water Sunrise Cruise – drifting along the wetlands at dawn, spotting crocodiles and witnessing the beauty of the Kakadu wilderness in a way that felt almost otherworldly.
If you’re after a blend of adventure and culture, Kakadu offers a unique experience that will leave you spellbound. Whether it’s watching crocodiles in their natural habitat or discovering the oldest living culture on earth, this part of Australia is an absolute must for any traveller.
ALICE SPRINGS, KINGS CANYON & ULURU: THE ETHEREAL RED CENTRE
Next, we flew to Alice Springs, the gateway to Australia’s Red Centre. From the moment we touched down, the landscape’s striking red soil and wide-open skies captivated us. Our Red Centre experience began with an Intrepid tour, camping in the heart of the outback and trekking the stunning landscapes of Kings Canyon, Yulara and Kata Tjuta, all the while being regaled with the founding stories of the Aboriginal custodians of the lands we visited.
No trip to Australia is complete without a visit to Uluru. We stayed at the luxurious Sails in the Desert, where we enjoyed every bit of comfort while being just steps away from one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Watching the sun set over Uluru as drones retold Aboriginal stories in the skies during the Wintjiru Wiru sunset dinner was an emotional experience.
Exploring the sacred sites of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, we gained a deeper understanding of the Aboriginal cultural significance of these landmarks. From the spiritual Field of Light installation at sunrise to hiking the rim of Kings Canyon, the Red Centre is full of moments that make you stop in your tracks and simply marvel at nature. The serenity and vastness of this region offer a unique experience that will resonate with any traveller looking for a deeper connection to the land.
MELBOURNE, PHILLIP ISLAND, AND THE YARRA VALLEY: NATURE MEETS CITY LIFE
Our final leg took us to Melbourne, a city that perfectly blends culture, food and nature. We kicked off our visit with a VIP experience at the Melbourne Sky Deck, soaking in panoramic views of the city at sunset. The next day, we explored the renowned Melbourne Zoo before diving into the city’s foodie scene on a cultural tour that showcased Melbourne’s incredible culinary diversity.
But Melbourne isn’t just about city life, its surrounding natural attractions are just as captivating. We embarked on a day trip along the Great Ocean Road, where the dramatic coastal views left us speechless, especially at the iconic Twelve Apostles. We then drove to Phillip Island, where we stayed at the Ramada Resort and loved the relaxed pace of life surrounded by birdlife of all kinds – finally seeing our first wild Kookaburras! Sadly a rare storm meant we missed out on the Penguin Parade but this is a must for anyone visiting the island. Up to 2000 penguins swim back to shore and waddle up to their nests to tuck in for the night.
Our journey concluded in the Yarra Valley, where we relaxed in the beautiful countryside, sampling wines at Dominique Portet vineyard and enjoying the slower pace of life. Staying at Oscar’s on the Yarra in Warburton, we wrapped up our trip in style, exploring the rainforests, the Californian Redwoods and dining in some delightful spots including Babaji’s, specialising in Keralan cuisine.
PLAN YOUR VERY OWN ADVENTURE DOWN UNDER
Australia offers an incredible range of experiences, from tropical wilderness to outback adventure and city sophistication, and our trip covered it all. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or a foodie, this diverse country has something for everyone. If you’ve been dreaming of exploring Australia, I would love to help you plan the perfect trip – one filled with memorable moments and extraordinary sights.
I can assist in tailoring your journey to create your own unforgettable Australian adventure. Reach out and let’s start planning your dream Australian holiday today!
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