In the pretty town of Leura in the Blue Mountains you’ll find Leura Cascades, a picture-perfect set of waterfalls that offers cool relief from summer heat. If you’re looking for a wilderness experience that’s relatively easy to get to, be sure to add this destination to your list.

Starting at the Leura Cascades Picnic Area, a well-formed walking track follows Leura Falls Creek through the rainforest, showcasing several small waterfalls along the way. Further down, the main viewpoint of the cascades will keep you mesmerised as you soak up the area’s stunning natural beauty.

From there, you can take a 1-kilometre return track that includes spectacular views over Jamison Valley, Bridal Veils Falls and Majestic Lookout. 

** At the time of writing, parts of Leura Cascades were closed due to heavy rain. Check the latest visitor information before you go. 

Wilpena Pound is the crown jewel of the Flinders Ranges – an 800-million-year-old natural amphitheatre comprised of rocky ridges that rise sharply from dusty desert plains. Spanning 83 square kilometres, it looks like a giant meteorite crater from the air, but is in actual fact an eroded mountain range.  

The dramatic colours and undulations of the peaks, gorges and surrounding landscape are a sight to behold, and have inspired many an artist and photographer. The area is also teeming with wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, reptiles and eagles. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a rare yellow-footed rock-wallaby.

Also known by its Adnyamathanha name of Ikara, meaning meeting place, the main activities that draw visitors to the area are bushwalking and camping under the stars. You can also book a scenic flight to give you a bird’s eye view of this remarkable geological formation.

Hidden within the mossy, green temperate rainforest of Tasmania’s Mount Field National Park, crystal-clear water cascades down vertical rock faces into the river below. Russell Falls is one of Tasmania’s most photographed waterfalls and it’s easy to see why.

A 1 hour 15-minute drive from Hobart, Russell Falls is a worthy day trip that will give you a taste of Tasmania’s magnificent wilderness. Then it’s just a short walk from the Information Centre, past towering swamp gums and tall tree ferns, to a viewing platform at the base of the waterfall.

If you visit at night, you can spot glow worms amongst the rainforest. Be sure to hold onto the handrail and turn off your torch so you can experience the thrill of hundreds of tiny lights around you.

Carlo Sand Blow is a unique 15-hectare ‘moonscape’ that has spectacular views over the coastline from Double Island Point to Inskip Peninsula and the southern tip of Fraser Island. Located on Queensland’s Rainbow Beach, it forms part of the Cooloola sand mass, one of the largest areas of wind-blown sand on Queensland’s coast.

The incredible views of the coastline and the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach are the major attraction for visitors, especially at sunset. During the winter months, you might also be lucky to see some humpback whales during their annual migration.

From the Carlo Sand Blow carpark, a short 600-metre walking trail takes you through eucalypt forest and out to the sand. Both little kids and big kids will enjoy sliding and rolling down the sides of the sand blow, so be sure to bring a boogie board, sun protection and plenty of water.

Immerse yourself in Indigenous culture by visiting Ubirr (pronounced oo-bir, with a short ‘oo’) in World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. Ubirr is one of Kakadu’s oldest Aboriginal occupation sites that’s open to the public. 

Discover an incredible array of well-preserved rock art dating back thousands of years. Spread across three ‘galleries’, the paintings document ancient human interaction with the environment, mystical spirits and animals that were abundant in the area, including the long-extinct Tasmanian Tiger. You can view the galleries by following a 1-kilometre circular walking track.

As the day draws to a close, visitors with reasonable fitness can climb a moderately steep track to the top of the rocky outcrop for picturesque views across the Nadab floodplain. Time your arrival at the lookout for a spectacular Northern Territory sunset.

** Ubirr Walk is currently closed until April 2022. Check the latest visitor information before you go.

Deep in the heart of Freycinet National Park, on Tasmania’s east coast, stands Mount Amos – part of the granite mountain range known as the Hazards. The climb to the summit of Mount Amos is for experienced hikers only, with a steep and strenuous track that involves scrambling over rocks and boulders.

Once you get to the summit, however, you’re rewarded with panoramic views over Wineglass Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula, a breathtaking scene of azure bays, white sand and rugged mountains.

The walk itself will take you two to three hours return, and you’ll need to ensure you’re prepared with the right clothing and plenty of water. If there’s a chance of rain, the climb is highly discouraged as the granite rocks can become very slippery. The surrounding area is a popular place to camp, particularly in summer.

In the heart of Litchfield National Park, Florence Falls is a spectacular cascading waterfall that plunges into a pool of crystal-clear water. Shaded by a pocket of monsoon forest, it’s the perfect place to swim and relax on a hot day. 

An easy three-minute walk from the carpark takes you to a scenic viewing platform high above the falls where you can enjoy panoramic views of the cascading water and the sprawling valley below. Then follow the stairs down to the plunge pool for a refreshing dip. There’s a seat at the halfway point where you can stop for a rest and to take some photos of the magnificent scenery.

At the start of the Shady Creek Walk you’ll find clearings with barbecues and tables – so pack a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Litchfield National Park.

Another Cradle Mountain favourite, the Dove Lake Circuit is a 5.7-kilometre loop trail that circles Dove Lake below awe-inspiring mountain peaks. Much of the track is boardwalk, making it a family-friendly expedition that takes roughly two hours to complete.

The track, which starts at Dove Lake carpark in the northern section of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, takes you through a variety of terrains. Buttongrass moorlands meets quartzite beaches, before changing to cool temperate rainforest and stunning waterfalls. The dark blue colour of Dove Lake itself comes from the buttongrass and tea trees, creating a reflective surface that captures the surrounding landscape.

On the northwest shores of Dove Lake, you’ll find a wooden boatshed that was built in 1940 by the area's first Ranger, Lionel Connell. While some restoration work was completed in 1983, the now-vacant boatshed is mostly in original condition and is an iconic landmark for a budding photographer.

Located in Waterfall Creek, in the less visited southern part of Kakadu National Park, Gunlom Falls’ incredible beauty needs to be seen to be believed. With 85 metre cliffs towering above you, the seasonal waterfall cascades into a set of infinity plunge pools that are perfect for swimming and relaxing.

A climb to the top of Gunlom will reward you with panoramic views of the three distinct habitats of the surrounding National Park – stone country, woodland and riverine. Amongst tall shady gum trees, the area’s numerous walking tracks are also a birdwatcher’s paradise. 

A grassed picnic area and camping facilities make Gunlom Falls a popular place for a longer stay. If there hasn’t been enough rainfall, or if there have been crocodile sightings, the swimming pools may be closed to visitors, so check with Parks Australia before visiting.

** The Gunlom walking track to the lookout and pools above the falls is closed at the request of the Traditional Owners until further notice. Check the latest visitor information before you go.

Stokes Beach is Kangaroo Island’s hidden gem, a secluded and serenely beautiful beach cove located on the island’s north coast. Rock walls protect the beach from ocean swells, creating calm waters that are perfect for swimming and relaxing.

To get to Stokes Beach, a partly hidden path begins at the carpark and winds around a labyrinth of caves before emerging onto the soft white sand. Crystal-clear turquoise waters and picturesque views make this hidden destination a worthy day trip.

The surrounding Stokes Bay contains more than 150 flowers and plants that are native to Kangaroo Island. A popular camping destination, the local campground has a café (open between October and May), a picnic area and barbecue facilities.

Nestled high in the Great Dividing Range is Mount Baw Baw, a stunning alpine landscape of tall majestic forests and deep river valleys. Starting at Baw Baw's Alpine Village, the 3.5-kilometre hike to Mount Baw Baw Summit (elevation 1564 metres) winds through some of the most scenic terrain filled with silvery snow gums and alpine heathlands. 

Once you’ve reached the summit of Mount Baw Baw, which takes about an hour, the air thins slightly and you’re rewarded with spectacular views across West Gippsland. On a clear day you can even see Bass Strait. Thankfully, the carpark is already at elevation, making the return trip easier.

Baw Baw National Park boasts picturesque snowy woodlands in winter and vivid wildflower displays in summer. It’s a thrill-seeker’s paradise with plenty of snow for skiing and snowboarding in the colder months, and mountain biking taking over once the snow has melted.

Ranked as one of the world’s best treks, the Larapinta Trail is a 231-kilometre multi-day walk that follows the rocky red ridges of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to the summit of Mount Sonder. Along the way, you’ll experience the rich biodiversity that thrives in the winding rivers, shaded gorges and tree-covered plains.

Get a close up look at some of the world’s most ancient metamorphic and igneous rock, along with nearly 600 species of flora that call this rugged landscape home. This is truly the heart of the Australian Outback where you can feel an overwhelming connection to Country and appreciate the significance of the area to the Arrernte people who have lived there for thousands of years.

Tackle the entire trail, or enjoy one or more of its 12 sections, which are all accessible by four-wheel drive. Each section varies in difficulty and length, so choose according to fitness level and the sights you’re most interested in seeing. There are also campsites along the Trail, so you can sleep under the stars and experience the vibrant hues produced by a rising or setting sun. 

Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain is a bushwalker’s paradise. One of the most scenic walks is the trek to Marion’s Lookout. Perched on the edge of a glacier-carved plateau, Marion’s Lookout is over 1200 metres above sea level, providing visitors with unspoilt views of Cradle Mountain’s famous peaks and mirror-like lakes.

There are three starting points for Marion’s Lookout Walk. You can walk via the Overland Track past Crater Lake, take the track from Dove Lake past Wombat Pool or opt for a steep direct ascent from the Dove Lake Circuit. 

In summer, the alpine wildflowers are in full bloom. In winter, the snow-covered landscape makes for stunning photographs. Make sure you take warm clothes and wet weather gear with you. Rain and snow are common at any time of year, and can make some of the tracks slippery.

Take a short detour from the Great Ocean Road at Lorne and you’ll find Erskine Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the Otway Ranges. An area known for its high rainfall, Erskine Falls plummets 30 metres into the dense green fern gullies of the Erskine River. 

Let the cool mist from the cascading water invigorate you as you take in the majestic view from one of two lookouts. The first is an easy walk from the Erskine Falls carpark, while the second lookout involves climbing down 230 steps to the base of the falls, enabling you to get a breathtaking look at one of the highest drops in the area.

If you’re holidaying in Lorne or one of the other towns along the Great Ocean Road, Erskine Falls makes a spectacular half-day trip. Nearby Blanket Leaf Picnic Area has basic picnic facilities and toilets.

Mammoth Cave is much more than a cave. It’s a natural time capsule containing the ancient fossil remains of Australian Megafauna (giant animals) that became extinct around 46,000 years ago. In fact, the enormous jawbone of an extinct marsupial, Zygomaturus, can be seen embedded in the wall of the cave.

Located 21 kilometres south of the town of Margaret River, the gigantic limestone cave features a spectacular array of formations including stalactites, stalagmites and large columns, as well as a stream that flows through it in winter. Meander at your own pace along boardwalks and platforms while listening to a fascinating audio tour. 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, the surrounding Mammoth Cave National Park contains lush green forest that’s home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including stunning wildflowers during spring.

Within the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park lies Mossman Gorge, a 56,000-hectare area that’s famous for its spectacular beauty and deep connection to Indigenous culture. It’s a place where crystal-clear water cascades through lush tropical rainforest, underneath towering mountains that rise sharply from the ground below.

From the entrance to the Gorge, enjoy an easy 10-minute walk through the lower rainforest canopy on the elevated boardwalk, taking in breathtaking views along the way. Or, cross the Rex Creek suspension bridge for a 2.4-kilometre rainforest circuit track and keep an eye out for the area’s unique flora and fauna, including some of the world’s most primitive plant species.

Through Dreamtime walks and tours, you can learn about the Kuku Yalanji people, who have inhabited the area for some 4000 years. Knowledge and respect for the area has been passed down through generations, with Kuku Yalanji people still looking after this ancient rainforest.

A photographer’s paradise, the Painted Desert is an ancient desert landscape that has been created by erosion over the last 80 million years. The beautiful arid scenery in South Australia’s Arckaringa Hills, 150 kilometres north of Coober Pedy, is famous for its brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow and brown that transform throughout the day.

Much of the geological wonderland was declared a state heritage area in 1985. The hills and soft ground are fragile, so designated walking paths take you through the colourful hills and rocky outcrops safely. 

While camping in the Painted Desert is not allowed, nearby Arckaringa Homestead offers basic accommodation and facilities, enabling you to enjoy the beauty of a desert sunrise or sunset.

Combine laid-back charm with world-class surfing breaks and you get Kirra Beach, a charming stretch of white sand and turquoise water on the southern end of the Gold Coast.

Quiet and secluded compared to the more popular beaches to the north, Kirra Beach is known as the 'spiritual home of surfing'. In fact, the famous Kirra Surfriders Club has cultivated a number of surfing champions over the years including Michael Peterson, Peter Townend, Mick Fanning, Dale Richards and Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew.

Walk or cycle along the Gold Coast Oceanway as it curves around the headland beside the beach, the photogenic Kirra Shelter Shed and the popular Kirra Surf Life Saving Club. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, Kirra’s growing café and restaurant scene provides plenty of tasty options for lunch or dinner.

Just a few minutes’ drive from the Twelve Apostles on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road sits Loch Ard Gorge – a sparkling blue bay and sandy beach framed by towering limestone cliffs. It’s one of the area’s few locations that can be accessed from the beach, where the wild beauty of the coastline can take your breath away.

The gorge has a dramatic history, being the site of a famous shipwreck in 1878, when the Loch Ard ran aground on nearby Mutton Bird Island after a perilous journey from England. Only two of the 54 passengers survived – teenagers Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael – after which the two rock pillars of the gorge have been named.

Mutton Bird Island, which is only a short walk from Loch Ard Gorge, is a wildlife haven and home to a raucous colony of Short-tailed Shearwaters, or muttonbirds, during the warmer months. Best observed at dusk, when thousands of birds return to their nests to feed hungry chicks, it’s a magical rest stop before you head to Port Campbell for dinner.

With a waterfall drop of over 90 metres, St Columba Waterfall is one of Tasmania's tallest multi-tiered waterfalls. Less well known than some of Tasmania’s more popular tourist destinations, but with plenty of 5-star reviews from visitors, it’s our number one hidden gem destination in Australia. 

To get to the falls, head to the St Columba Falls State Reserve, roughly 25 kilometres west of St Helens on Tasmania's east coast. Then take a short but scenic walk through giant tree ferns, sassafras, myrtles and beech as you follow the cascading waters of the South George River to the thunderous waterfall itself.

An area that was once prime habitat for the long-extinct Tasmanian Tiger, some locals will tell you that they’re still around, with dozens of sightings reported each year. However, you’re more likely to catch a glimpse of a shy platypus as it forages for food along a shady creek bed.