Top 5 hikes and walks in Australia

Bondi to Bronte

It’s no wonder this walk has been rated as one of the world’s most picturesque walks, as it will have you gazing across beautiful beaches, parks and spectacular views. This unique walk includes Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte Beach plus a medium gradient cliff-top path from Bondi to Tamarama, with occasional seating and several staircases.

The beachside parks offer picnic shelters, coin-operated barbecues, play areas, kiosks, toilets and change-rooms. Good for short walks or a day trip, this walk will show you the best of Sydney’s coastline.

Ocean Baths - Bondi Beach

                                                                                           

Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

On a walk through Cradle Mountain you are able to witness the wild landscape of Australia’s natural beauty at its best. This area is one of the most popular natural areas in Tasmania, and for good reason. A part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain’s jagged contours, ancient rainforest, alpine heathlands, buttongrass and the colours of the deciduous beech provide a range of environments to explore. 

The park contains an extensive network of walking tracks to suit everyone's tastes. Walks through Cradle Mountain are good for day trips and short walks (under 2 hours).

Cradle Mountain - Tasmania

Kimberley’s

If you want to explore the Kimberley’s, then head to Purnululu. This World Heritage listed park contains the famous Bungle Bungles, which is seen as one of the scenic jewels of outback Australia. Famous for its 45 000 hectare range, walks through the Purnululu will reveal natural formations that are millions of years old. You will see huge banded beehive structures, sandstone cliffs and towers. On the northern side of the Bungle Bungle range is Echidna Chasm. This unspoiled scenic area is considered as one of Australia’s most amazing walking destinations and is relatively easy going. 

Walks can be done in a day or you can camp overnight depending on the season.

Purunululu National Park - Bungle Bungles

Blue Mountains

There are so many amazing bushwalking tracks to explore throughout the stunning World Heritage listed Blue Mountains region. There are walks for all ages and fitness levels. The Blue Mountains boasts one of the most complex track systems of any national park in Australia. Dating from as early as 1825, many of the constructed tracks have national, state and regional significance, and several are named to commemorate significant periods or events in our history.

While walking the Blue Mountains you can hike down the Giant Stairway past the Three Sisters, retrace the route of early mountain explorers or check out the recent discovery of the prehistoric Wollemi Pine.

Three Sisters - Blue Mountains

Victoria

There is an extensive network of tracks and trails around Victoria’s High Country where you can admire the stunning scenery of Victoria’s highest peaks. Alpine National Park is Victorias largest National Park. One of the Parks most impressive features is Bryces Gorge, which is reached via a 7.5 km excellent family walking trail, providing good views of the gorge and also of two waterfalls along the route. 

When walking along the panoramic alpine plains around Falls Creek, or trek along Mount Buffalo’s walking tracks, make sure you keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, possums or falcons.

Another fantastic day walk is around the coastline of Victoria - particularly Great Ocean Road. Short walks (under 1 hour) to day walk are available, along stunning coastline, rugged cliffs and sandy beaches.

Hiking in Victoria

El Questro Wilderness Park - The Homestead

After 20 great years of being Australia’s ultimate luxury outback escape, the El Questro Wilderness Park has taken its homestead to the next level in truly pampering its guests with their newly built exclusive Cliff Side Retreats. 

One of the three new Cliff Side Retreats overloking The Chamberlain Gorge below

El Questro Wilderness Park is one of the world’s most unique holiday destinations, providing a truly Australian holiday experience in the Kimberley near Kununurra. A million acres in size, El Questro is located in Western Australia’s untamed Kimberley region and extends for approximately 80 kilometres, most of which has never been explored.

After being voted second in Australian Traveller’s list of Australia’s 10 luxury lodges in 2011, the three new exclusive cliff side retreats solidify the property’s reputation as the ultimate luxury escape in one of the world’s last unspoilt frontiers.

The three new freestanding cliff side retreats set atop a cliff, overlook the Chamberlain Gorge, and offer sweeping views of the spectacular Chamberlain River as it flows from the heart of the gorge.

Cliff Side Retreats - El Questro Homestead

These architect designed suites feature:

·        Daybed and feather topped king size bed facing floor to ceiling sliding glass walls

·        Uninterrupted views of the El Questro wilderness and Chamberlain River

·        Spacious and light filled interiors

·        Quality furnishings and fittings in keeping with the environment

·        Walk through wardrobe

·        Private ensuite with uninterrupted views of the landscape

·        Free standing outdoor bath on the Cliff Side Retreat Verandas

·        Garden Rain Shower surrounded by magnificent stone walls to preserve your privacy

·        Bose Wave CD Player, iPod Dock

·        Bath and body treats from Aesop

·        Serviced twice daily

·        World class dining 

Free standing outdoor bath on the Cliff Side Retreat Verandas

The exclusive Homestead, open only between April and October annually, caters to a maximum of just 18 discerning guests whom are each treated to the highest levels of service, dining experiences and luxury.

Enjoy the luxuries The Homestead at El Questro has to offer, with its romantic and moody feel, created from natural materials in keeping with The Kimberley environment.

Stay four nights or longer and save 20% on accommodation. Available for sale and travel until August 31, 2012.

Our Staff share their favourite Australian Holiday Experience

The staff at Sunlover Holidays have travelled extensively around Australia and are full of travel ideas, making them the perfect people to share with us their 'favourite Aussie holiday experience'.

Monique from Reservations

“Tangalooma Island Resort is one of my favourite ‘best kept secrets’!  Each time I go there I’m always amazed that this piece of paradise is just off the coast of Brisbane. I always feel as though I am in the Whitsundays!  Crystal clear water and perfect white sand. A unique highlight is the nightly feeding of the wild dolphins!”



Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island via Brisbane 



Daniel from Sales

“I love Byron Bay in Northern NSW. It offers an eclectic blend of beach culture, rural farming, with the modern conveniences found in a thriving town. The people are the binding element to this area, from the characters you will meet at the Byron farmers market to the international visitors that are drawn here from all over the globe. Just in case you have not been tempted enough, the sheer natural beauty of Byron’s coastline and beaches will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired and wanting a taste for more.”

Lourdes from Sales Support

“My favourite holiday experience was Tasmania; Cradle Mountain in particularly, the place was simply out of this world, totally in tune with nature, the accommodation, the animals and just the general ambiance fantastic!”

Cradle Mountain - Tasmania



Breeze from Reservations

“The Whitsundays is my favourite holiday spot. From the pristine white sand that covers Whitehaven beach to one of the 74 magical islands, they all offer a different adventure to be had or a hammock to laze away your days.”

Whitehaven Beach

Julie from Sales

“I love Sydney! It is such a beautiful place to visit with so much on offer. Whether it be festivals, markets, shopping, dining or touring activities. You can either do as much or as little as you like. Did I mention the choice of accommodation options? Where do you begin? From budget to 5 star the choice is yours.”



Sydney City



Brooke from Reservations

“My favourite holiday experience in Australia would have to be Port Douglas. Not too big, not too small, great mix of fine dining and casual eating experiences. Four Mile Beach, backed by the beautiful Daintree Rainforest, is one of the jewels in Australia’s sandy crown! The Great Barrier Reef with its amazing marine life, pristine Cape Tribulation and the farmlands of the Atherton Tablelands are easy day trips from Port Douglas, all must-sees when you are in Topical North Queensland.”

Port Douglas

Hannah from Sales

“Last weekend I travelled to Broome which was incredible; the highlight being the day tour with Kimberley Wild, up the coast of Cape Leveque – stunning colours of the beache, red earth, white sand and blue skies of course! A must do for anyone travelling to Broome. Cable Beach Resort is excellent with fantastic facilities and I must say sipping cocktails watching that famous sunset was hardly tough work on a Saturday evening!”

Kimberly Wild Tour - Cape Leveque

Roylene from Reservations

"My favourite holiday destination in Australia is Palm Cove – no particular hotel, just the whole township. As soon as I drive in, along the Esplanade, I automatically feel like I’m on holidays and feel relaxed. The sea air, the relaxed feeling of the locals, the fact that it’s Australia’s Day Spa capital :) it just feels like holidays! The fact that it is so close to Cairns to restaurants and nightlife and also easily accessible to all day tours that operates in the fantastic Tropical North Queensland makes it the ideal holiday destination for me!"

What to see and do in The Kimberley

Shopping

For a relaxed shopping atmosphere head to the Broome Courthouse Markets and enjoy Broome’s freshest local produce and locally made arts, crafts, clothing and jewellery.

Pearl shopping in Broome

Discover Broome’s cultural history by taking a stroll through Chinatown on Johnny Chi Lane.  The open air mall is lined with sidewalk cafes, fine pearl showrooms and boutique shopping.

Restaurants

Dine overlooking beautiful Cable Beach at one of Cable Beach Club Resort’s three restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines to cater for any tastebud.

Take yourself on a culinary journey and discover the flavours of indigenous bush food and a range of boutique Australian wines at the PKG Bar and Grill, a part of Pinctada Kimberley Grande.

Evenings

Get in touch with your wild side and ride a camel into the sunset along Cable Beach.

Sunset camel ride, Broome

Cool down with a beverage from Broome’s famous outdoor beach bar, Divers Tavern. This drinking hole will sooth your soul with live music and entertainment from national and international artists.

Dance the night away at the biggest outdoor dance party in the west at Roebuck Bay Outdoor Bar.

Entertainment & Attractions

See how the rare and beautiful Australian South Sea Pearl is produced by taking a cruise along the beautiful waters of Willie Creek.

Bungle Bungles, Purnululu National Park 

Discover the hidden world of breathtaking gorges, tropical pools, remarkable caves and Aboriginal rock art on a tour of the Bungle Bungles.