4 tours in Australia that will leave you in complete awe

Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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Now is the time to get out and explore Australia – and who better to show you around than one of the country’s most experienced touring companies.

Part of award-winning APT Travel Group, Travelmarvel has been guiding Australians through their own backyard for almost four decades, with a program of premium land journeys that venture to some of the country’s most memorable destinations. Here, four tours that will leave you in awe of this truly special country of ours.

1. WA’s southwest: a land of contrasts

From historic goldfield towns to premium wine country to a vast red desert fringed by turquoise coast, WA’s southwest corner is like no other place in Australia. The 15-day Wonders of the South West tour is an epic journey that starts in cosmopolitan Perth and journeys to the bizarre formation of Wave Rock, the iconic outback town of Kalgoorlie, the breathtaking coast of Esperance and an oenophile’s heaven, Margaret River.
 
Unique experiences, such as a wildlife cruise on World Heritage-listed Shark Bay and a visit to the monastic town of New Norcia, round up this memorable tour.

 

Departs: August to October 2020 and March to November 2021

Shark Bay WA
Explore by land and sea the World Heritage-listed Shark Bay, WA.

2. A restorative escapade in Victoria

Escaping to the country never looked so good than on this seven-day Great Lakes and High Country tour. Explore the vast waterways of Lakes Entrance, spot koalas at Raymond Island, visit the historic mining town of Omeo, get outdoors in the picturesque town of Bright, and visit the historic gold-fields and emerging foodie town of Beechworth.
 
The region’s abundant fresh produce and clever providores are celebrated, too, with craft beer tastings, wine dinners and a visit to renowned Milawa Cheese Factory.

 

Departs: September 2020 to March 2021

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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3. The bucket-list-worthy Red Centre

A journey to Australia’s heart is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the new Red Centre Escape is the ultimate introduction to this special place.
 
Road tripping along the famous Red Centre Way, this seven-day itinerary includes a stay at the outback pioneering town of Alice Springs, a sunrise tour around Uluru, a viewing of Bruce Munro’s breathtaking Field of Light desert installation, the opportunity for an Indigenous-led cultural tour through remote Southern Aranda land, and a walk around the ochre walls of Kings Canyon.

 

Departs: September to November 2020 and March to May 2021

Uluru
Uluru, a dual natural and cultural World Heritage site in the heart of Australia.

4. Underrated Tasmania in all its glory

Our southernmost state is known for its staggering landscapes and the 10-day Grand Tasman tour showcases the best of that, taking in the pristine beaches and rugged granite peaks of Freycinet National Park, World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain, scenic Gordon River and cascading Russell Falls.
 
Beyond its natural beauty, the tour also celebrates Tasmania’s excellent produce, its unique wildlife and fascinating history: sample local craft beer and lavender ice-cream, enjoy a Tasmanian devil experience, and tour Port Arthur, one of the country’s most notorious convict gaols.

 

Departs: September to November 2020 and January to April 2021.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate in Tasmania
See pretty swathes of purple countryside at Bridestowe Lavender Estate in Tasmania.
Visit travelmarvel.com.au/Australia or call 1300 301 923 or see your travel agent for more information.

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7 Lake Macquarie secrets the locals don’t want you to know

Credit: Beau Pilgrim

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    An untapped side to this popular holiday spot is hiding in plain sight.

    Laidback Lake Macquarie draws in holidaygoers and day trippers with its casual coastal allure and raw beauty. But even though it’s just 90 minutes from Sydney, most visitors have only scratched the surface of what this region has to offer.

    Foodie hotspots, quaint towns, tranquil waterways and compelling art are all waiting to be discovered. You just need to know where to find them.

    1. Most visitors don’t make it to the western side

    Explore beyond the western side. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    While there’s no harm in walking the well-worn path in this idyllic pocket of the world, the area west of Lake Macquarie is defined by stretches of ancient rainforests and quaint towns with a more local feel. Toronto is the largest town on this side and features a golf course and sailing clubs, while peninsula-based Wangi Wangi is fantastic for bushwalking and swimming.

    2. There’s a booming arts scene

    Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG
    Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG.

    Lake Macquarie is a must-visit destination for creatives. Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG; this modern gallery is set on a five-hectare sculpture park and showcases a free rotating program of exhibitions and events, with a strong focus on contemporary Aboriginal art. In Wangi Wangi, explore the Wangi Owl Trail, which includes Dobell House, the preserved home of prolific artist Sir William Dobell. And enjoy live music every Saturday evening at the recently renovated Toronto Hotel.

    3. It’s a nature lover’s paradise

    three people swimming in lake macquarie
    In and out of the water, find a natural paradise. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    Lake Macquarie is a playground for nature lovers. It’s home to Australia’s largest saltwater lake, a 110-square-kilometre haven for swimming, fishing, boating and sunset views. Another oasis is the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, a 761-hectare protected reserve with wildflowers, Second World War heritage sites and spectacular views to Pulbah Island. The upgraded Toronto baths, complete with jetty decking and netting, make for a sheltered spot for a refreshing dip, while the Awaba Mountain Bike Park gives adrenaline junkies their fix.

    4. The dining scene is unbeatable

    8 at Trinity lake macquarie
    Treat yourself to 8 at Trinity.

    Gourmands are well looked after in Lake Macquarie. At Emerson’s on the Lake in Toronto, the modern Australian fine dining menu spoils seafood lovers with the freshest ocean produce and stunning lake views. Sitting on Trinity Point’s waterfront, 8 at Trinity is another standout offering, serving Mediterranean fare in an open-air setting. For a more relaxed affair, the microbrewery trail lets craft beer enthusiasts sip on inventive brews from The Yard, Lake Mac Brewing and Bread & Brewery.

    5. There are hidden coves and waterways

    kayakers on lake macquarie local secrets
    Get out onto the lake. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    There’s no better way to experience Lake Macquarie than directly on its waters, and in doing so you’ll discover a world of hidden coves and secluded waterways. Jump in a kayak for a tour with the friendly team at School of Yak and paddle to Cockle Creek, Awaba Bay, Green Point and Fennel Bay, discovering underwater life along the way. Or go all in and stay the night on one of Lake Macquarie Houseboats’ spacious vessels or hire a BBQ pontoon boat for the day from Lake Macquarie Boat Hire to enjoy a feast in the sunshine while admiring the marine life and picturesque waterscape.

    6. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise

    ll blue wren sitting on a tree branch
    Keep an eye out for local birdlife. (Credit: Walter Coppola)

    Twitchers are in for a real treat as hundreds of fascinating bird species such as Australian pelicans, black swans, white-bellied sea-eagles and superb fairy-wrens call this area home. Take a self-guided tour around top spots including Bird Cage Point and Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area (near Morisset) or be guided in a clear-bottom kayak through the waterways with Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures, observing feathered friends as you go.

    7. The lake has islands

    sail lake macquarie
    Charter a boat to see Lake Macquarie’s islands.

    Hop on a private boat, kayak or charter around the lake to discover the plethora of small islands peppered around Lake Macquarie. The largest is Pulbah Island, a 69-hectare nature reserve home to goannas and sugar gliders with secluded beaches. Sandy islands such as Spectacle Island and Pelican Island have a tropical lagoon-like look to them as they sit in the tidal path of Swansea Channel, which filters the sand and creates a pristine environment. Stop by for a dip and a picnic.

    Start living like the locals at visitlakemac.com.au.