Sure, Norway may be a nice spot to view Aurora Borealis – but, without so much as a long-haul flight, Australians can gaze up at the Southern Hemisphere’s Aurora Australis from Tasmania. Although you can spy the ‘Southern Lights’ from many spots in Tasmania, South Arm Peninsula is the most popular viewing point. Pack a camera to view this celestial dance.

There’s something in the water at Gippsland Lakes: bioluminescence. These Raymond Island waters are lit up by ‘Noctiluca Scintillans’ – a marine species known as ‘sea sparkle’ – and it’s a beautiful sight to behold. Take a dip among the glowing beings for an inimitable Australian travel experience in Victoria.

Lord Howe Island may be a bucket-list-worthy travel destination in its own right – but take a boat ride just 23 kilometres south east of the island and a fascinating natural site awaits. The imposing Ball’s Pyramid towers 551 metres above the sea and is a must-visit for scuba divers, who can explore the caves and sea creatures below the pyramid’s surface.

Off the coast of Darwin – about 80 kilometres, to be specific – the Tiwi Islands epitomise the joy of slow travel. This quiet cluster of islands form an idyllic retreat and present a great opportunity to learn more about the indigenous artworks created by local residents here. Natural beauty abounds on the Tiwi Islands, as does an abundant wildlife.

Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park is an awe-inspiring natural wonder surrounded by vast rocky cliffs and palm forests. Just 36 kilometres from the canyon, you’ll find Kings Creek Station. This unique outback accommodation experience ranges from low-key camping to luxury secluded glamping tents, but the best way to take in Kings Canyon is by a private plane or helicopter from basecamp.

With a little help from Instagram, Western Australia’s Pink Lake has become an iconic attraction for those visiting Australia. But how many locals have traversed to see this stunning hot-pink wonder in person? Its tint is owed to a high salt concentration, which has changed the lake’s colour over time.

There’s more than meets the eye at one of Western Australia’s most popular surfing spots. At Indjidup Beach, in the Margaret River region, visitors can soak in what looks and feels like a natural jacuzzi. Here, waves from the beach flow into rock pools to form a natural spa experience, complete with bubbles (alas, not the drinkable kind).

The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) is a recent addition to Queensland’s coastline, and is drawing art lovers and divers alike to Townsville. Underwater sculpture artist (yes, that’s a thing) Jason Decaires Taylor has created a series of artworks for divers to observe below the sea.

It may resemble something from a European period film, but Paranella Park is home to a rainforest-swathed castle set in Tropical North Queensland. The park, dreamt up by a Spanish visionary, first opened to the public in 1935. Today, visitors can take a tour by day or night, and even stay on site.

To look at it, you wouldn’t expect Western Australia’s Wave Rock to be a naturally occurring formation. And yet, the 15-metre high, 110-metre long form developed over 2,700 years. As the adage suggests, good things take time – and this one is a destination on many nature lovers’ to-see lists.

It may not be a naturally occurring phenomenon, but Australia’s first ice caves at Peninsula Hot Springs allow visitors to soak in thermal baths then cool off in these icy, cavernous spaces. The destination’s ‘fire and ice’ experience is part of its hot-cold therapy and is based in Fingal, Victoria.

In non-Covid years, visitors coming to Australia from across the globe eagerly book a seat on this famed train journey – but few Australians can say they’ve done it. Having run for more than 90 years, this leisurely trip has become an adventurers’ icon. Hop aboard to see Australia’s expansive landscapes between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin.

Postcard-perfect Cable Beach spans 22 kilometres across Western Australia’s coastline. And, no trip to Broome would be complete without taking a guided tour of Cable Beach atop a friendly camel.

Allow a local guide to introduce you to the beauty of Arnhem Land – where incredible wildlife and 97,000 square kilometres of historically rich wilderness abounds. Join a small group tour to hear the indigenous stories of this sprawling landscape.

Ready your helmet and take a white-water rafting ride down the Mitta Mitta River in the alpine district of Victoria. Part of the Murray-Darling basin, outdoor adventure-enthusiasts flock to the gorge for an adrenaline-fuelled rush.