Wondering how you’re EVER going to see as much of Australia as I have?  Trust me, travelling OZ is SO worth it!  And if you need reasons to do it other than the stunning natural attractions, amazing Aussie experiences and fabulous holiday destinations, take a look at these 25 science-backed health benefits of travel HERE.

Here’s HOW to get your Aussie travels under way so you can see Australia AND start reaping those health benefits RIGHT NOW!

You CAN see a LOT of Australia by using the simple 3-step program I showed you in Part 1 (Right HERE if you missed it) whenever you have a week (or two) to spare – in ANY month of the year.

Here’s what to do with that free week (or two)

1. Choose a region you haven’t been to yet.
2. Escape with some cheap flights, beg/borrow (but don’t steal) a camper, jump in the car, or let someone else do the driving and take a tour.
3. GO! Then next time you’ve got a week (or two) off, do it all again.

Yep, that’s how it’s done.  And Part One gave you some travel teasers for if your week (or two) off fell during January to June. Now here’s a whole new set of travel teasers for July to December!

You’re welcome!

July: The RED Kimberley

#13  Broome, Western Australia

Broome’s vivid red and startling blue colour palette is the perfect antidote to a dreary southern-Aussie winter. Factor in a clutch of tropical attractions like semi-deserted beaches, fresh tropical produce (across a varied multicultural menu) and killer sunsets, and it’s hard to beat as the perfect July destination. The dinosaur footprints, brewery and world’s oldest operating picture gardens with a super-cool scenic loo are just a bonus!

MORE about Broome HERE

#14  Kununurra, Western Australia

If you like wilder, redder rocks, then the east Kimberley’s Kununurra delivers with red rock domes in Kununurra’s Mirima National Park; the Sleeping Buddha of Lily Lagoon – and a whole mountain range buried under the mega-ultra-massive Lake Argyle, 10 times bigger than Sydney Harbour and full of crocodiles. This dam above the Ord River scheme also delivers a whole range of fresh produce – just perfect for siesta time in the hottest part of the day!

MORE about Kununurra HERE

There’s a whole lot more to see and do in the Kimberley outside of Broome and Kununurra – read MORE about the Kimberley HERE!

August: Outback

#15  Shark Bay, Western Australia

Outback? On the COAST? You betcha! Shark Bay is where the outback meets the sea with a wild and weathered coastline enclosing warm waters filled with an exciting array of wildlife: think sharks, dugongs, stingrays – and dolphins! The whole bay is a diverse World Heritage area: think Hamelin Pool Stromatolites – oldest known living organisms; Steep Point – westernmost point of mainland OZ; Dirk Hartog Island National Park; and the oldest recorded site of European contact!

MORE about Shark Bay HERE

#16  Lightning Ridge, New South Wales

Go straight to the top of Opal Mining Town weird and wonderful and check out the fantastically quirky Lightning Ridge, Black Opal capital of the WORLD! If the allure of the Chambers of the Black Hand or the world’s only black opal mining cactus farmers don’t do it for you, then fossick yourself a gem (or ‘find’ a piece of opal in one of the many shops), check out the awesome Outback Art or soak away that stress in a HOT artesian bath!

MORE about Lightning Ridge and other Australia’s Opal Mining HOT Spots HERE

September: Rocks

#17  Tenterfield, New South Wales

Climbing Bald Rock, Australia’s largest Granite Monolith is just one reason Tenterfield makes a great base for exploring New England, the Northern Rivers and Granite Belt Region, just across the border in Queensland. It’s not just about the stunning National Park and self-drive tour scenery – explore local villages, visit cellar doors and local producers, and discover historic sites – it’s home of Peter Allen, the Boy from OZ. And don’t miss Tenterfield’s famous Federation Pie – it’s quite possibly the best downunder!

MORE about Tenterfield HERE and MORE about Bald Rock HERE

#18  Flinders Ranges, South Australia

This ancient landscape in the remote South Australian outback is the original time-tunnel where the exposed layers of Brachina Gorge take you back – WAAAAAY back – through millenia of earth’s pre-history . But it’s not just a geologist’s paradise, it’s an adult adventureland of rugged ranges with 4WD tracks to historic mine sites, mountain climbing, hiking, mountain biking and cycling; horse and camel riding; and self-drive tours to some of the best scenery in OZ

MORE about the Flinders Ranges HERE

Like Rocks?  Australia is the right place to be!  Check out more of Australia’s rocky HOT Spots!

MORE about Australia’s other Rock Stars HERE

October: Wildflowers

#19  Kalbarri, Western Australia

The floral equivalent of shooting fish in a barrel, Kalbarri’s flower strewn landscape makes spotting a LOT of Western Australia’s 12,000 wildflower species almost TOO easy. And when the flower hunt is over, you’re spoilt for choice with other natural attractions like the ancient gorges of Kalbarri National Park, the eroded islands and valleys of the Murchison River, and the dramatic sandstone cliffs along a sensational coastline.

MORE about Kalbarri HERE

#20  Grampians, Victoria

Wildflower season in Victoria’s Grampians also makes flower spotting a sure thing. Combine your floral frenzy – over 1000 species – with exploring the rugged grandeur of the ranges – think hikes, mountain climbing, cycling, scenic flights – then indulge in one (or more!) of the region’s foodie HOT spots!

MORE about Grampians Wildflowers HERE

November:

#21  Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Even if you don’t have time to road-trip the coast between Torquay, just south of Melbourne and Nelson near the South Australian border, just 400 km away, make time to see the highlights. Like what? Well … pig out on the foodie trail; take in the stunning sculpted coastline; detour into the rainforests of the Otway Ranges; hang out on the beach; go lighthouse spotting; visit a village. Actually, just do the whole thing – it can be done in as little as 3 days!

MORE about the Great Ocean Road HERE

#22  Whitsundays, QLD

A stunning coastline lined with beaches; a tropical blue ocean studded with 74 stunning tropical islands all adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef.

Private beaches, National Parks, historic sites, snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing and fishing to die for.

Yes, the Whitsundays sounds WAY too good to be true – but it really IS this cool!

MORE about the Whitsundays HERE

December:

#23  Fleurieu Peninsula, SA

Catch the Cockle Train – Australia’s oldest public railway; cruise the Lower Lakes and Coorong to the Murray Mouth – end of Australia’s longest river system; climb South Aussie icon The Bluff; and visit one (or more!) of the 100 or so cellar doors just an hour south of Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Oh – and there’s a couple of public amenities blocks that made it into Lonely Planet’s book of world’s best scenic loos too!

MORE about the Fleurieu Peninsula HERE

#24  Sydney, New South Wales

Yes, Sydney’s biggest attractions are SUCH a cliché! But that doesn’t mean they’re not worth visiting! SO … cruise the harbour, climb the bridge, see something at the Opera House, visit Taronga Park zoo, wander the Botanic Gardens, catch the ferry to Manly, check out Darling Harbour, go shopping, visit museums and galleries, then find somewhere cool to eat. See? I told you it’d be fun!

MORE about Sydney HERE

Well, that’s how to get started on seeing OZ! Of course you can visit all these regions at other times of the year – the monthly guides are just suggestions. And when you’re done with these I bet you’ll find that there’s a whole lot more on your Aussie travel bucket list.

That’s why I’m still travelling Australia

Want MORE?

• Part One:  January to June HERE

Disclosure:  This post contains a sponsored link for cheap flights

Like it?  SHARE it!

The post See Australia Month by Month Part Two: July to December Travel Teasers! appeared first on Australia by Red Nomad OZ.

I’d be able to fund my Aussie travel ’til the end of time if I had a buck for every time I’ve heard someone say ‘I wish I could see as much of Australia as you have’.

‘But you CAN,’ I generally reply.

Yes, I get that slow travelling to obscure parts of OZ in an el cheapo 1983 camper trailer like I do these days isn’t for everyone. But what I DON’T get is why people think that’s the only way to do it. Or that it’s the only way I’VE done it!

So I stick to my original reply.

You CAN.

Yes, that’s right. You CAN see a LOT of Australia. And you don’t need an expensive rig, a massive overdraft or a year off work to do it.

Here’s HOW!

All you need is a week (or two) and my easy-as-pie 3-step plan to see Australia month by month!

1. Choose a region you haven’t been to yet.
2. Find cheap flights, borrow the old man’s caravan, hop in the car, or outsource the driving and take a tour.
3. Just GO!

Then next time you’ve got a week (or two) off, do it all again.

Little by little is how I saw a LOT of Australia before I started the slow travel/el cheapo camper trailer thing.

And here’s where you get lucky.

Because my See Australia Month-by-Month Travel Teasers are my HOT picks for some COOL places to go whatever time of year you get a break. Look and see which Travel Teasers take your fancy – then take the links for a LOT more information!

You CAN get started on seeing Australia – do it right here with Part 1: January to June!

January: Summer Highs and Lows

#1 Mt Kosciuszko, NSW

Beat the summer heat, climb a ‘Seven Summits’ peak AND visit Australia’s highest public loo! All this and more makes Kosciuszko National Park the coolest summer holiday destination in OZ – you don’t need snow to explore the Alpine Region in summer where the average maximum temperature is around 22°C!

And what better way to start the year than to see Australia from its highest point?

MORE about Mt Kosciuszko HERE

#2 North Coast, New South Wales

But if summer isn’t summer for you without a beach or two or 22, you’ll find a LOT more than that on the New South Wales North Coast.

If surfing/backpacker mecca Byron Bay is too crowded, head south to Ballina for the same great beaches and stunning coastline – and when you’re sick of all that sand, head for the hinterland with hippy-inspired markets, produce and pristine rainforests.

MORE about the New South Wales North Coast HERE

February: Cool Summer Hot Spots

#3 Tasmania

See out summer’s hottest month in Australia’s coolest state. Tasmania puts the ‘wild’ back into ‘wilderness’ with a side order of World Heritage convict sites, an extravaganza of natural produce and (arguably) Australia’s best art museum!

BUT … don’t make the mistake of thinking you can see it all in a week – pick two or three highlights and put the rest back on the list for next time!

MORE about Tasmania HERE

#4 Limestone Coast, South Australia

Or find one of the mainland’s coolest coastal hot spots where a wild and rugged coastline scattered with brilliant beaches and jewel-like lakes meets an intriguing blend of volcanoes, caves and sink holes.

Tired of coastal activities like swimming, fishing and checking out lighthouses? No problem! Head inland for the caves, lakes and hiking trails, then wrap it up with some of the finest seafood in OZ!

MORE about the Limestone Coast HERE

March: Island Paradise

How DO you decide which tropical island paradise to pick??

#5 Lord Howe Island

If you’re up for cruises to the world’s highest volcanic stack or round the island; hiking some of Australia’s most scenic trails; snorkelling Australia’s southernmost tropical reef; or cycling to a semi-deserted beach for the day, then you’re probably going to love Lord Howe Island.

MORE about Lord Howe Island HERE

#6 Norfolk Island

But if a unique culture with its own language and delightful local cuisine with a fascinating background of World Heritage listed historic sites all laid out on a spectacularly scenic Pacific Island location interests you more, then you’ll probably love Norfolk Island.

MORE about Norfolk Island HERE

But if you can’t decide then go for both! And no, the Island tourism boards are NOT paying me!!

Unfortunately.

April: High Country

#7 Atherton Tableland, Far North Queensland

Sweeping panoramas to Queensland’s highest mountain, magnificent rainforests, volcanic lakes and more waterfalls than you can poke a stick at are a good start.

But add fantastic local produce, charming small towns, bakeries, cafes and markets to the mix and there’s enough things to do and see without even thinking about Cairns, only an hour or so away!

MORE about the Atherton Tableland HERE

#8 Bright and Mt Buffalo National Park, Victoria

On the western edge of the Victorian High Country, spend your days climbing Mt Buffalo’s Horn, touring its historic chalet, picnicking by its lakes or hiking its many walks before returning to the stunning autumn colours AND the fine collection of eateries in Bright.

It’s a great base from which to explore other parts of the Victorian Alpine Region – but don’t forget your winter woollies!

More about Bright and Mt Buffalo HERE

May: The River and The Rim

#9 Scenic Rim, Queensland

Just an hour west of the Gold Coast and an hour south-west of Brisbane and you’re in the Scenic Rim wonderland – an amazing array of natural attractions scattered with interesting villages and eateries surrounded by staggering views. So if you’re up for a holiday involving action, adventure, relaxation, fresh produce, fishing, hiking or sightseeing, then this is the place for you!

MORE about the Scenic Rim Region HERE

#10 The River Murray Riverland

From its headwaters in the Australian Alps, the Murray River flows for 2500 km (1560 miles) through three states.

Don’t have time to explore the whole thing? Pick out some highlights like the historic paddlesteamers at the port of Echuca (Vic); where the Darling meets the Murray to form Australia’s largest river system at Wentworth (NSW); or the Murray Mouth where the river meets the Great Southern Ocean at Goolwa (SA).

MORE about the Murray River HERE

June: The Territory

#11 Darwin, Northern Territory

Australia’s northernmost – and therefore hottest – capital city is an unusual blend of diverse cultures, deadly wildlife and lush tropical scenery. But if it’s hotter, that means a LOT more reasons to relax with a drink, right?!

Take a sightseeing break for the Darwin Museum, World War II memorabilia, a cruise on the harbour, the Mindil Beach markets and a whole lot of fine regional produce involving seafood. And see Australia’s largest predators up REAL close on a Jumping Crocs Cruise!

MORE about Darwin HERE

#12 Uluru and Central Australia

If you haven’t been to Uluru, Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) or Kings Canyon, June is the time to do it! But when you’re done with those Big Ticket items, head back to Alice Springs for the Alice Springs Desert Park, Standley Chasm and Olive Pink Botanic Gardens, then head out to the spectacular gorges of the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, around the Mereenie loop, south to Rainbow Valley or along the Larapinta Trail.

MORE about Central Australia Attractions HERE

If you’ve got the time, take a Road Trip from Adelaide to Darwin and see it all in one go!

Well, that’s how to see Australia month by month for the first six months of the year! Want the last half of the year?  Click HERE for Part Two: July to December for more HOT Aussie Travel Teasers!

PS – Here’s a hint about where to go in the second half of the year!!

Disclosure:  This post contains a sponsored link for cheap flights

The post See Australia Month-by-Month Part One: January to June Travel Teasers! appeared first on Australia by Red Nomad OZ.

Take the family to Central Australia and discover the TOP TEN kid-friendly things to do in Alice Springs!  In this guest post, Dominic Vivarini of Earth Sanctuary is your guide on this virtual

If you are on a holiday with the kids in Australia, then Alice Springs is a great place to enjoy your family vacation. Alice Springs offers many activities and places for kids so that they are never bored. Here are the Top 10 things to do in Alice Springs your kids will love.

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) is the largest monolith in the world located in the Red Centre desert about 450 km south-west of Alice Springs. It’s a sacred place for Aborigines and older kids can either climb to the top or go for a guided walk with an Aboriginal guide. The whole family can also enjoy the light show at sunset when the colour of the sky turns from crimson to gold. Many tour operators offer tours of Uluru and children under 16 are admitted free.

Alice Springs Desert Park

Alice Springs Desert Park is a ‘must see’ for everyone visiting Alice Springs. By visiting the Desert Park kids get to know many secrets of the Central Australia. The park is divided into 3 separate habitats – Desert Rivers, Sand Country and Woodland – each offering unique plants and wildlife to its visitors. Children will especially enjoy the Desert River habitat where they can get to walk among a herd of kangaroos. It only takes about 10 minutes to reach the Desert Park from the centre of Alice Springs and for children the admission charge is $12.50.

Alice Springs Reptile Centre

For kids who are brave enough, the Alice Springs Reptile Centre is a fun place to visit. The Reptile Centre is home to over 100 types of reptiles and each of them is displayed in the man-made creations of their natural habitat. In the park, visitors can see and handle pythons as well as feed lizards. However, the biggest attraction is Terry the saltwater crocodile!  The centre is open every day from 9:30am to 5pm.

The Kangaroo Sanctuary

If you want your kids to find out about kangaroos then a visit to the Kangaroo Sanctuary will be an eye-opener for everyone. It’s a baby kangaroo rescue centre established in 2005 by Chris Brolga Barnes, the star of the Kangaroo Dundee Series. The sanctuary offers guided

sunset tours for children and adults where you get to visit the 90 acre wildlife reserve and get to know everything about kangaroos.

Alice Springs School of the Air Visitor Centre

The Alice Springs School of the Air Visitor Centre, dubbed “The World’s Largest Classroom”, is an innovative education centre providing education to the children residing in the remote areas of Central Australia. The school takes classes with the help of radios and internet through which they are able to cover a vast area in Alice Springs. The visitor centre offers guided tours for tourists specialising in the history of this unique and innovative school.

Larapinta Trail

The Larapinta Trail is one of the newest and most exciting trails in Australia – and the world. It’s one the best places for hiking and trekking in Australia and many tour operators offer trail packages and adventure tours suitable for adults and kids alike.

The 223 kilometre trail is located at the back of the West MacDonnell Ranges and is segmented into 12 parts, where you can find around 600 species of rare plants. You can camp at night under the stars and most camp sites have picnic tables and tent sites along with free gas barbecues and a water supply.  Shorter walks are possible too!

Araluen Cultural Precinct

If you and your family want the total cultural experience of Central Australia then a visit to Araluen Cultural Precinct will be worth your while. The precinct is a combination of various museums and theatre. Among the museums, the Museum of Central Australia is the most famous among kids and gives visitors an insight into the various birds and animals found in the deserts of Alice Springs. Most notably, the museum offers an exhibition about the 120 million year history of crocodiles in Australia.

Frontier Camel Farm

Frontier Camel Farm is the perfect place for everything camel. Located in the south east of Alice Spring, the farm is a famous family tourist attraction. It offers camel rides, safaris and a museum of cameleering equipment, memorabilia and historical photographs. For a truly family experience, book a camel safari which offers a tour of the Date Gardens that includes breakfast and dinner.

Arltunga Historical Reserve

Arltunga, the first town of Central Australia to be born out of the alluvial gold rush is located about 110 km east of Alice Springs. The reserve also has a museum which gives you an insight on the mining industry of the old days. Shade shelters and barbecue facilities are also available along with public toilets which makes it a great place for family picnics.

Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre

Situated in the beautiful Australian desert, just 15 minutes south of Alice Springs, Earth Sanctuary is an innovative eco-tourism destination. Earth Sanctuary offers award winning day and night tours of the outback for children and adults alike. The Earth’s Cool Tour is a tour especially designed for kids focusing on sustainability of earth’s resources. For a complete outback experience Earth Sanctuary also offers a “Spirit of the Outback” tour. It includes a guided tour of the sanctuary and a presentation on traditional Australian culture and astronomy followed by a 3 course gourmet dinner.

Thank you, Dominic and Earth Sanctuary! With all these things to do in Alice Springs, there’s NO excuse not to take the kids to Central Australia!

The post 10 Cool Places to take the Kids in Alice Springs appeared first on Australia by Red Nomad OZ.