Australian travel experiences you need to have

BEFORE heading overseas there are a few places you might want to think about checking out right here.

Watching the spectacular humpback whales frolic in waters off the coast of Port Stephens should be on every Aussie traveller’s bucket list. Picture: Imagine Cruises

BEFORE your next big trip abroad, there are a few amazing experiences you need to have in this big, beautiful land of our own.

From the best spot to watch the sunrise to some of the country’s most spectacular beaches, these are the essential Australian travel adventures everyone needs to have, according to Stayz.com.au.

Consider it your ultimate Australian travel bucket list for 2017 — complete with the best times to visit and the best places to stay.

1. WHALE WATCHING AT PORT STEPHENS, NSW

As if Port Stephens isn’t appealing enough — it’s home to no less than 26 golden-sandy beaches, including the largest sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere — it’s also a fantastic spot to catch the spectacular sight of humpback whales as they make their journey up and down Australia’s east coast. Between June and August is the best time to witness the northern migration, and September and November for the return trip south. While you’re at it, try to catch a glimpse of the region’s beloved bottlenose dolphins.

Stayz recommends: H3 Port Stephens Waterfront.

2. EXPLORING BOUDDI NATIONAL PARK, NSW

The coastal walk through Bouddi National Park is something really special. Picture: Bob Peters

If you’re looking to escape the bustle of Sydney, head to Bouddi National Park, about 46km away. It’s home to countless attractions, including one of Australia’s first marine protected areas, as well as significant Aboriginal sites, unique animals and plant life and even an old paddle streamer wreck. You can go swimming, fishing and whale watching too, or even just check out the spectacular sights of the ocean.

Stayz recommends: Atlas Beach House at Killcare.

3. WATCHING THE GORGES AT KIMBERLEY COAST, WA

The Gorges are among our most spectacular natural features. Picture: Berkeley River Lodge, Kimberley Coast

When the mountainous tide changes from eight to nine metres, to an astonishing 13 meters on the summer king tide, the equivalent of all the water in Sydney Harbour races through the

gorges. Though they look like white-water rapids, the tide rushes through like a waterfall, hence the name coined by the English naturalist, David Attenborough.

Stayz recommends: Koolinda by the Bay in Broome. If you want the best weather, aim for June.

4. CATCHING THE SUNRISE AT ULURU, NT

There is no more quintessentially Australian way to start the day.

Uluru is one of our most treasured gems Australia — and it’s also one of the best places to watch the sunrise, as incredible colours are created from the dust. To avoid the extreme temperatures, visit in spring or autumn, grab a blanket and pack a picnic, then head to one of the designated viewing spots for the most memorable sunrise you’ll ever see.

Stayz recommends: Vatu Sanctuary — The Pond at Alice Springs.

5. ENJOYING TULIP SEASON IN BOWRAL, NSW

Forget the Netherlands — the best tulips are in Bowral. Picture: Destination Southern Highlands

Every September is Tulip Time in Bowral, an hour from Sydney, and with it comes one of Australia’s biggest and most impressive floral festivals. Tens of thousands of visitors flock to Bowral each year to check out the festival, especially the massive centrepiece of 100,000 tulips in Carbett Gardens.

Stayz recommends: Satori Springs Country Estate-Premier Property.

6. DISCOVERING LORD HOWE ISLAND, NSW

Ned’s Beach on Lord Howe Island is a fantastic place to spend a getaway. Picture: iStock

Formed from volcanic fragments, Lord Howe Island is one of Australia’s best kept secrets. Measuring only 10km in length and less than 2km in width, the island is small but the mountainous hills and white sandy beaches make for a grand adventure. The island has a population of just 360, and only 400 tourists are able to visit at one time, making it a peaceful

escape.

Stayz recommends: Blue Peter Beach House. Head there in February or March

for the quieter season.

7. WAITING FOR SUNSET AT CABLE BEACH, WA

The sunset camel rides on Cable Beach are world-famous, and you can see why. Picture: Tourism WA/Summer Day

The 22km white sandy beach, west of Broome, is arguably one of Australia’s most breathtaking beaches. Situated on the eastern side of the Indian Ocean, with unhindered water views and a never ending horizon, watching the sunset here is a must. Try out sunset camel riding during summer for a truly unique experience.

Stayz recommends: Papaya Moon Retreat Bali Getaway on the Beach.

8. QUAD BIKING AT CRADLE MOUNTAIN, TAS

Take a break from the quad bike and take a rewarding dip in one of Cradle Mountain’s swimming spots. Picture: Tim Hughes/Tourism Tasmania

Get the adrenaline pumping and explore the wild Cradle Mountain, in Tasmania’s Lake St Clair National Park, on a quad-bike. You can travel through the ancient Myrtle Forest and the Alpine Eucalypt Forest and discover the other gems on Cradle Mountain, which is just 165km

northwest of Hobart.

Stayz recommends: Eagles Nest Retreat. December is a great time to enjoy the wildlife and cascading waterfalls throughout the park.

9. SEARCHING FOR THE PINNACLES, NAMBUNG NATIONAL PARK, WA

The Pinnacles are as ancient as they are spectacular.

Exploring The Pinnacles, the ancient limestone formations in Cervantes, Western Australia, is an experience that everyone should add to their bucket list. Walk along the scenic coastline

and between the land masses that naturally formed from the surrounding yellow sand dunes. Some formations are as high as three and a half meters and date back millions of years to when the sand was beneath the sea. The best season to visit is spring, as the wildflowers start to bloom.

Stayz recommends: Waves at Jurien ‘Villa 2’.

10. RELAXING ON FRASER ISLAND, QLD

This is 75 Mile Beach on Fraser Island: how much more convincing do you need?

Discover the only place in the world where rainforests grow on sand dunes. The island was formed over thousands of years as a result of wind and ocean currents moving the

sand. Take in the island’s wondrous 72 colours which are mainly red and yellow, or take a dip in the crystal clear waters. Temperatures are perfect all year round but if you’re after a whale watching experience, visit between July and November.

Stayz recommends: Fraser Island Cooloola Villa 702.