Oceans to Outback - 6 stops you can't miss
South Australia
South Australia offers travellers an amazingly diverse range of authentic experiences, from untouched wilderness to stunning, pristine coastline and incredible wildlife.
Adelaide
Image: Shutterstock
Make your first stop the vibrant capital city of South Australia. Sample fresh produce at Adelaide's Central Market, see a game at Adelaide Oval, pay a visit to the koalas or kangaroos, relax at Glenelg beach or even take a dolphin swim tour. The options are endless.
Where to stay: YHA Adelaide Central.
Port Lincoln
Image: Tourism Australia
Without a doubt, swimming with sea lions is popular activity in Port Lincoln, the seafood capital of Australia. Or take a tour to see the koalas at Mikkira Station and explore the rugged coastline. Make sure you try all their fresh and famous oysters while you're there and pack in some serious tanning sessions on the beach.
Kangaroo Island
Image: KI Adventure Tours
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is known around the world for its natural icons, including Kakadu and Uluru. There are also amazing wildlife, colourful landscapes and an ancient Aboriginal culture waiting for your to explore.
The Red Centre
Image: The Kangaroo Sanctuary
The Red Centre is where you will see, feel and experience Australia’s real outback! Watch the sunrise over Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), hire a bike and explore the 10km base of Uluru before seeing it from above on a tandem skydive! Travel to Kings Canyon, lace up your hiking boots and discover the spectacular views of Watarrka National Park via the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. Choose between the 6km hike or walk along the valley floor beneath the imposing sandstone walls. Continue on to Alice Springs – the basecamp for adventure, with waterholes, biking and hiking trails, historic and wildlife centres and four-wheel driving all within easy access. Red Centre must-do: Kata Tjuta’s Valley of the Winds walk is a hard trek but well worth it!
Where to stay: YHA Alice Springs
Kakadu National Park
Image: Tourism NT
Australia’s largest national park, Kakadu offers you an experience that’ll make you want to stay for longer and see more. There’s so much to uncover in this spectacular national park. Kakadu has a dual World Heritage listing for both its exceptional natural beauty and its Aboriginal culture, which dates back more than 50,000 years. Highlights in Kakadu are its Aboriginal rock art galleries, thundering waterfalls, gorges, rainforests, water-lilied billabongs, wildlife in abundance and vast, open wilderness. Kakadu must-do: Climb to the top of Gunlom Falls – Australia’s natural infinity pool!
Where to stay: YHA Darwin (book a trip with us and get picked up from the accommodation)
Darwin
Darwin is The Northern Territory’s vibrant capital city and a stepping stone to some of the world’s greatest adventure playgrounds. Surrounded by the ancient wonders of Litchfield National Park, World Heritage-listed Kakadu and the Tiwi Islands, nature seeps into every pore of the city. Locals and travellers alike make the most of Darwin’s lush setting and balmy weather with a constant celebration of life outdoors at open-air cinemas, markets, festivals or fishing and cruising on its unspoilt harbour.
Where to stay: YHA Darwin
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