Australia: reefs, hiking trails and rail journeys

Australia brings together very different travel ideas: coral reefs, hikes through striking landscapes, storytelling traditions and rail routes with different destinations. A first priority can help with planning: Would you like to focus on reef activities, a multi-day hike, or a particular landscape and route? This helps you match the shape of your trip to your schedule before looking for a hotel.

Coral reefs and experiences on the water

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. Visitors can snorkel, dive or fly over the reef. Ningaloo Reef is the world’s largest fringing reef and can be accessed directly from the beach. It is home to sea turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, humpback whales and whale sharks.

The two reefs offer different ways to plan around your interests: the Great Barrier Reef offers three different activities, while at Ningaloo Reef you can factor direct access from the beach and the variety of marine life listed into your plans.

Hikes with different time frames

The full Larapinta Trail is estimated to take 12 to 20 days. The trail follows the ridge of the West MacDonnell Ranges, passing red rock slopes, waterholes and sacred Aboriginal sites. The Overland Track passes through moss-covered forests and by high rock cliffs; it is described as a six-day hike.

The two trails can therefore be distinguished by the time required: the full Larapinta Trail takes longer than the Overland Track, which is described as a six-day hike. If a hike is to be the main focus of your trip, consider which of these time frames fits your plans.

Rock landscapes, stories and guided explorations

Wilpena Pound is a sunken natural amphitheatre and a desert basin surrounded by rugged mountains. The description connects the shape of the basin with its mountainous surroundings. At Wilpena Pound, you can take part in an exploration led by Aboriginal guides, discover rock art, find ancient fossils and observe wildlife.

The Three Sisters are a striking rock formation associated with an Aboriginal legend about three sisters who were turned to stone. Visitors can view the rocks from Echo Point Lookout; there are numerous bushwalks in the area. This brings both the formation itself and its associated story into focus, along with the opportunity to explore the surrounding area on bushwalks.

Rail routes and finding your way around the country

Two rail journeys differ in their endpoints and stops. The Ghan runs between Adelaide and Darwin, crossing Australia’s Red Centre and the tropical Top End. The Indian Pacific runs between Sydney and Perth, stopping in Broken Hill, Adelaide and Kalgoorlie. If you want to make the rail journey itself the focus, you can compare these details with your preferred starting point and destination.

Different forms of transport are also relevant for getting around between places: domestic airlines serve all of Australia’s state capital cities as well as many regional cities. Australia also has an extensive network of well-maintained roads; on long-distance trips, rest areas and fuel stations are available regularly. These details offer different starting points for planning by air, rail or road, without assuming that one way of travelling is right for every route.

Cuisine and accommodation planning

Australian cuisine combines global influences with native ingredients, including bush foods, Asian spices and European techniques. If you want to include food in your travel plans alongside landscapes and activities, this combination is a distinct aspect of the country to consider when choosing your destinations.

Once you know which experiences matter to you, you can tailor your hotel search to the destination you choose.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Victoria, Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia.