Many of us have fond memories of travelling the world with a trusty Lonely Planet guide tucked into our backpacks. Before the Internet these guides were the backpackers bible and invaluable to discover hidden gems and navigate the world.
Fast forward a few decades, Lonely Planet and its loyal readers have matured and it’s exciting to see the launch of Lonely Planet’s stunning new coffee table book filled with 500 unmissable experiences and little known sights across Australia in their first-ever Ultimate Australia Travel List.
Australia is a big country with sweeping coasts, vast outback stretches, quaint towns and large sprawling cities with Big Bananas and culinary delights. But, where to start? Leaf through this beautiful book and discover compelling experiences and what’s more, they’re ranked in order for their brilliance.
How did the team of intrepid travellers come up with their selection? The team compiled a list of every highlight in the Lonely Planet guidebooks in Australia including every sight, attraction and experience that caught the writer’s attention over the years. Then the voting began alongside factors including sustainability practices to create a score for each of the 500 experiences.
While there are the predictable inclusions such as Uluru, Great Barrier Reef and Great Ocean Road there are also a diverse, interesting and unusual collection of experiences including some personal favourites such as disappear into the foodie aisles of Adelaide’s Central Market, sip gin at Four Pillars, pound the pavements in Hobart’s Battery Point, escape the asylum at the Agrarian Kitchen Eatery and more.
Ten guest Australian celebrities also reveal their top five places including: Benjamin Law, Tara June Winch, Heather Ewart, Julia Baird, Christine Mansfield, Gordi, Turia Pitt, Mack Horton, Juan Walker, and Matthew Evans. Taking the lead from these great Australians, I’m reflecting and sharing my top five experiences including:
1 . The Tweed, NSW – I was dazzled so much after visiting the Tweed for an Australian Traveller story, I moved a month later! What’s not to love from the stunning coast, tranquil river and lush hinterland and experiences such as destination dining at Pipit Restaurant, sip at Husk Distillers and stay at Halycon House.
2. Gathering experience at The Lane Vineyard – totally in my happy place sipping fine wine and a miniature degustation overlooking the vines at The Lane Vineyard in the refined surrounds of the Adelaide Hills.
3. Cook, sip and dine in Mudgee – enjoy a country cooking class with Tamara from Little Cooking School, sip wine and graze on cheese and charcuterie on the sunny deck at Logan Wines, wander the boutiques on High Street and dine in style at a plethora or local eateries and restaurants.
4. Dine, spa and sleep at Gaia Retreat – to offset all the indulgence, we take an annual pilgrimage to Gaia Retreat for some time to recharge and rejuvenate. The nourishing food, sublime spa and luxurious surrounds keep us coming back for more.
5. Truffle hunting in Canberra – the annual Truffle Festival in the Canberra Region is a fabulous celebration of all things truffle and Canberra in winter. Join a truffle hunt at one of the truffle farms, taste truffle infused beer, cheese and more at local establishments and graze on truffle degustation dinner at the cities fine diners.
What's your #1 travel experience in Australia? How many have you visited and what’s your favourite? This new book offers 500 good reasons to get out there and discover even more! Ultimate Australia Travel List will have you dreaming, planning and booking your next escape plan.
Available online, at all good book stores and selected retailers.
The writer was kindly gifted a copy of the Ultimate Australia Travel List.
