One day I was working, and the next I was on a plane, in search of adventure. I had come to the realization that I was spending most of my free time—and some of my time on the job—imagining I was somewhere else, so I bought a ticket to Australia.
Upon my journey down the East Coast, there were some destinations that embodied everything I was searching for. Follow along on my travels and if you’re ready to plan the experience of a lifetime, be sure to check out Outdoorsy’s RV rentals in Australia.
Daintree
I will first point out that the only way to get to Daintree is by automobile, hence it’s the perfect starting point for the ultimate Australian road trip. A quiet town nestled deep in the world’s oldest rainforest was my starting point for the most amazing trip of my life. Upon arrival, I was lucky enough to see the second largest flightless bird in the world—the Cassowary.
Aside from the diverse wildlife sightings, you can also see one of the few places in the world where the ocean meets the jungle, as well as an insectarium, unlimited hiking trails that allow you to experience every level of the rainforest, and a local ice creamery (worth the drive alone)!
For the brave souls, I encourage you to join a guided night hike where, flashlight in hand, you begin to search for those animals only active after dusk—like the variety of insects, spiders, and reptiles native to the Australian tropics.
Kuranda
I remember stopping into a local bookstore, making conversation about my trip so far and all I still wanted to see. The owner closed the shop right then and there and offered to go with me to Barren Gorge National Park because she insisted everyone needed to see its beauty. Aside from the national park, this town—surrounded by a rainforest—offers a more cultural experience of Northern Australia.
In Kuranda, you’ll find wildlife sanctuaries as well as performances where you can learn about the indigenous people, feed kangaroos, and learn to play a didgeridoo. Make sure you stay on the Captain Cook Highway as you go to and from—the scenic overlooks are incredible!
Cairns
The fifth biggest city in the Australian state of Queensland is Cairns—and it’s the epitome of vacation. The sushi is affordable, the iced coffee is made with ice cream instead of ice cubes, there are free grills to use throughout town, and there’s all-day access to a clean public swimming area downtown. You can walk from end to end of the town’s center within 30 minutes, but the real gems are just outside that circumference.
Traveling by RV or your own vehicle, you have the freedom to check out Crater Lakes National Park, one of the most amazing trees you may ever see—The Cathedral Fig Tree—the beautiful Dinner Falls and Zillie Falls, and Millaa Millaa Falls (the one seen in shampoo commercials), and natural water slides at Josephine Falls. You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving from a Cairns outfitter that will boat you a couple of hours out to sea to see the Great Coral Reefs.
Airlie Beach
This town is full of hostels and hotels, clubs, shops, and, most popular, boat trips to Whitehaven Beach with some snorkeling along the way. I opted for a more ‘rugged’ trip, where I bunkered down in a sailboat with about 20 other people and learned the art of sailing, snorkeling, and putting on a wetsuit.
There are also cruises and other boats that stop at Whitsunday Island where you’ll see Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. The sand is white, the water is crystal blue, and together they look unreal.
Noosa
Often overlooked, this stop doesn’t always appeal to the average sightseer. This is the place to go to discover Everglades of Australia. In Noosa, you can explore the tea tree-tinted waters by canoe on guided or self-guided tours.
I decided to go with a guide, where I paddled 10 miles to Cooloola Sand Patch and from there I hiked about 8 miles out to the largest sand dune of Australia. The best part of Noosa is that no matter how intensive or non-intensive the activity, you’ll be exploring an area that’s as exotic as it is pristine.
Byron Bay
Four things that defined my time in Byron Bay: Surfing, sea kayaking, the town of Nimbin, and the Lighthouse Trail. Byron Bay is a popular destination and offers something for everyone. I signed up for a surf class, and after getting pummeled by wave-after-wave, I realized surfing wasn’t for me—but trying new things as much as possible was.
The next day I went sea kayaking and throughout the excursion found myself inches from wild dolphins and massive sea turtles. Following that, I drove to Nimbin, a town still stuck, for better or worse, in the ‘70s. Colorful street art, handmade crafts, and tie-dye wearing crowds filled the streets—as well as plenty of hemp-themed products.
Lastly, in Byron Bay, you’ll find the Lighthouse Trail that takes you along the most eastern point of Australia—with plenty of stops for sunrise views.
Sydney
You may be familiar with the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Bondi or Manly Beach. Definitely go see and experience all of these attractions. After checking those boxes, turn your attention to another place just north of Sydney: Katoomba. A small town with an outdoorsy focus, you’ll find yourself with a plethora of options.
Depending on how active you want to be, you can either drive right up to the famous lookout point—Three Sisters—or you can commit to trekking the hiking loop, Echo Point, that offers undulating views of mountain tops and valleys. Get away from the crowds and go for a swim at Minnehaha Falls. For the adventurous spirit, this will be your haven.
Whether you choose to do high-intensity activities or catch up on some rest and relaxation, these places are out there waiting for you. You’ll need a way to get there, of course, and that’s where Outdoorsy has your back.
