Negotiating airports can be stressful for international travellers. Check-in queues, security screening and passport control can all lead to anxiety as your flight’s departure time draws nearer.

David Beneke from RAA Travel Product Support suggests arriving at the airport three hours prior to departure, or when your flight’s check-in opens.

“This not only allows for any unforeseen traffic delays on the way to the airport, but also provides adequate time to resolve any unexpected documentation or booking issues,” David says.

“This is particularly important given the ever-changing entry requirements for international destinations.”

Online check-in can speed up the process, but passengers can’t do much about queues at security and passport control. Though, the departure SmartGates installed at most Australian international airports have sped up document checking.

Keep in mind, check-in closing times can range from 60 to 120 minutes depending on the airline and the flight, and departure gate closing times vary between airports and airlines.

Airports like Singapore’s Changi and Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur International Airport conduct security screening at the departure gates, so be sure to arrive at the gate before security shuts shop.

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When you think of countries rich in culture, teeming with exotic wildlife and fringed by sandy beaches, Sri Lanka might not top your list. But there are plenty of reasons it should.

The teardrop-shaped island nation of Sri Lanka, just off the Indian coast, is one of the world’s travel hotspots, with visitors discovering the country’s many charms.

You’ll want to include these experiences on your Sri Lankan travel itinerary.

1. Conquer Sigiriya summit

What better place to build a fortress than atop a 180-metre-high, sheer-walled rock monolith, with commanding views of the surrounding countryside. In the fifth century, the summit of Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock (pictured at top), was chosen by King Kashyapa to be the centre of his empire.

In an epic tale worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy, Kashyapa gained the throne by overthrowing his father’s rule and usurping the rightful heir, his brother Moggallana. Kashyapa later died during a battle against an army raised by his brother, who’d returned from self-exile in India.

Considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sigiriya is a truly remarkable place. The extensive water gardens at the rock’s base have been creatively landscaped with ponds, canals and fountains, in a feat of irrigation engineering that was well ahead of its time.

It’s a steep climb up 1200 steps to the renegade royal’s lofty perch, and en route you’ll pass two massive lion paws carved from rock. Time has claimed the lion’s head that once sat above the paws, but a section of the stairway that passed through the big cat’s mouth remains.

At Sigiriya’s summit, you’ll be rewarded with evocative remnants of a long-lost kingdom and breathtaking views over the forest.

2. Hit the beach

Sri Lanka’s an island, so it’s natural to expect plenty of great beaches – and you won’t be disappointed.

On the south-west coast, the popular resort town of Hikkaduwa has a long sandy beach fringed by swaying palms.

If you’re keen on water sports, Hikkaduwa has some of the best surfing in the country, while reef and wreck diving in the clear waters offshore attracts snorkellers and scuba divers.

If you’d rather pull up a seat at a seaside bar or café and watch the passing parade, there’s a stool standing by.

On the far south coast, the chilled vibes of Mirissa have made it a popular seaside hangout. See traditional Sri Lankan fishers perched on platforms in the surf, then enjoy a seafood feast at a beach eatery. Walk off your body weight in fish and prawns with a stroll to Parrot Rock to catch the sunset.

If you happen to arrive in Mirissa during whale season, from November to April, you could be lucky enough to spot a massive blue whale – the world’s largest animal.

3. Explore temples in Kandy

Scenically located on a plateau surrounded by lush green hills, the UNESCO-listed city of Kandy was once the capital of the Kandyan kingdom.

The town is home to several cultural landmarks, but none are more significant than Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. A shrine within the temple contains a tooth from Buddha, making it one of the religion’s most revered places. It’s said whoever possessed the tooth relic had the divine right to rule the land.

Spiritual ceremonies held in honour of Buddha are performed three times a day, and begin with a mesmerising drum rhythm and the distinct note of the horanewa reed pipe.

The bone-white temple’s construction style is unique to the region, and features an ornate wall and gate at the entrance, and an impressive octagonal pavilion overlooking a moat. The building’s interior is decorated with intricate carvings using gold, silver, bronze and ivory, and colourful frescos and murals line the walls and ceilings.

The temple lies within the royal palace grounds, where you’ll also find the International Buddhist Museum, which tells the story of the how the religion has spread across the world.

4. Go on a wildlife safari at Yala National Park

With a protected area of 130,000 hectares, Yala National Park is home to a diverse range of environments, including monsoon forests, open grassland, scrub country and wetlands. In an ironic twist, this expansive nature preserve was once a hunting ground for the wealthy elite during British rule.

Among the many mammal species that call Yala home, there are several listed as endangered or threatened. On a wildlife safari, keep an eye out for sloth bears, jackals, cheeky toque macaque monkeys, and the stars of the show – the endemic, yet elusive Sri Lankan leopard, and lumbering elephants. Not so rare are the prolific spotted deer, seen grazing in herds throughout the park.

The wildlife-rich wetlands are teeming with local and migratory birds, while stealthy crocodiles lurk beneath the surface of lily-covered ponds.

5. Go back in time at Galle Old Town

In true colonial style, one of the first things Portuguese settlers built at Galle on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast was a fort, and for good reason. By the mid-17th century, the Dutch had taken over and established extra fortifications, including a more substantial wall.

By the late 1700s, it was Britain’s turn to rule the roost and add their own touches, including residential houses and a lighthouse.

Encircled by the wall, Galle Old Town is another of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO sites, and is considered by the UN to be the best example of a European fortified city in South and South-East Asia.

The old town seems frozen in time, with narrow cobblestone streets winding among whitewashed colonial-era buildings. Although, the ubiquitous palm trees and tropical climate suggest you’re not in Europe anymore.

Bringing Galle Fort firmly into the 21st century are the many fashion boutiques, jewellers, arts and craft stores, and up-market eateries dotted throughout town.

For such a small island, Sri Lanka punches well above its weight in attractions and experiences. Whether it’s exploring the nation’s rich cultural past, spotting leopards in the jungle, or just lounging on the beach with a cocktail, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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Many of us will weigh and re-weigh our carry-on luggage until it’s within a whisker – or just over – the airline’s baggage limits.

We then wait to see if the airline will even check carry-on baggage, and if so, what are the consequences for getting it wrong.

To help you know the limits, we’ve compiled carry-on baggage information for domestic flights on Australia’s major airlines.

Qantas

The maximum carry-on baggage weight on Qantas flights is 14kg, including:

• One bag for the overhead locker weighing no more than 10kg, with a maximum size of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm, or;
• One under-seat bag, such as a small duffle bag, backpack or large purse no heavier than 10kg, and no larger than 48cm x 34cm x 23cm, or one non-rigid garment bag with a maximum size of 114cm x 60cm x 11cm, which can be stored in the overhead locker or under the seat in front​;
• One small personal item, such as a small handbag or laptop bag.

Passengers on the smaller Dash 8 aircraft can carry-on one duffle-style bag or small wheelie bag, with a maximum weight of 7kg and a size limit of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm, plus one personal item.

Excess carry-on baggage will need to be checked in, with fees applying.

Jetstar

The carry-on baggage limit on Jetstar flights is 7kg, which can be spread across two items. The size of the main bag can’t exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm, and it must fit in the overhead locker.

The smaller item, such as a handbag or laptop bag, must fit under the seat in front.

Depending on the route, and subject to availability, an extra 7kg carry-on allowance can be pre-purchased with your ticket or bought at the airport – though it’s cheaper to add extra carry-on when buying a ticket.

The domestic Flex Bundle fare includes 14kg of carry-on baggage.

If you choose the 14kg option, the weight must be spread across two items with a maximum of 10kg in any one item.

If you don’t buy extra carry-on with your ticket, it’ll cost $60 to buy it at check-in, or $85 at the boarding gate. Both options are subject to availability.

If extra carry-on allowance is sold out, you’ll be up for a $125 excess-baggage fee, and your bag will be checked in. This also applies if:

• Your total carry-on baggage weighs more than 14kg
• Any item is over 10kg, regardless of your carry-on baggage allowance
• Your carry-on baggage exceeds the size limits, or you have more than two items.

Virgin Australia

Economy passengers can carry-on up to 8kg in one bag not exceeding 56cm x 36cm x 23cm for the overhead locker, plus one personal item, such as a purse, handbag, laptop bag, camera bag, or a small backpack.

The size of the personal item can’t exceed 45cm x 33cm x 20cm and must fit under the seat in front.

Business class, Velocity Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus and Economy X passengers can choose from the following options.

• One standard bag up to 8kg, not exceeding 56cm x 36cm x 23cm in size.
• Two small bags with a maximum combined weight of 14kg, with no single bag exceeding 8kg, and a maximum size of 48cm x 34cm x 23cm.
• One standard bag (56cm x 36cm x 23cm) and one suit pack with a maximum combined weight of 14kg, with no single bag exceeding 8kg.
• Plus, one personal item following the same weight and size restrictions as economy passengers.

Carry-on baggage exceeding weight or size limits will need to be checked in, and fees may apply.

Rex

Rex passengers can carry-on one small bag with a maximum size of 48cm x 34cm x 23 cm, and one personal item, with a total combined weight of 7kg.

If passengers arrive at the boarding gate with carry-on baggage exceeding the limits, the excess baggage will be offloaded and carried on the next available flight. Excess baggage fees apply. 

The transport and storage of batteries and power banks is a relatively new issue now affecting air travel. Each Airline has its own rules, which you’ll find in the links below.   
Qantas
Jetstar
Virgin
Rex

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Just like Holden versus Ford, autumn versus spring and Seinfeld versus Friends, there’s long been discussion about the best seat on a plane.

Aircraft come in various seating configurations, but the main choice for passengers when booking a flight is aisle or window – unless you’re flying up front; then it’s a choice between pampered wagyu or dusted quail.

An aisle seat provides a little extra legroom and allows easier access to the toilets without disturbing adjacent passengers. A window seat offers spectacular, sky-high views, a sense of privacy, and something to lean against during a mid-flight snooze.

Conversely, aisle seat occupants must make way when their neighbours need a restroom break, while window folk need to clear the row en route to the toilet.

So, what’s your favourite seating position? We’ve included a middle seat option to spot those who’ve never flown before.

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Australia’s seafood capital, Port Lincoln, on the Eyre Peninsula, is teeming with natural beauty and things to taste, see and explore.

After mapping the location in 1802, English explorer Matthew Flinders named the city after his home county of Lincolnshire.

Port Lincoln’s beautiful natural harbour meant it was once considered for South Australia’s capital city. However, Colonel William Light eventually overlooked the town, partly due to a lack of fresh water supply and difficult access for ships.

Modern Port Lincoln is jam packed with things to see and do so you’ll be spoilt for choice, but we’ve picked five ways to have a trip you’ll never forget.

1. See food… and eat it

If you’re partial to a prawn or two, welcome to paradise. With locally caught tuna, oysters, prawns, mussels, abalone and more, you’d have to be the world’s pickiest eater not to find a seafood dish to tempt you.

Make your first stop The Fresh Fish Place – a buzzing seafood factory outlet and eatery that should win an ‘accuracy in business name’ prize.  Grab some pan-grilled, battered or crumbed flathead, whiting, or garfish, with chips. Feast on salt and pepper squid, marinated octopus, tempura prawns, steamed mussels and panko crumbed scallops. You can also take home a selection of fresh and frozen fish fillets, smoked and pickled seafood, and much more.  

2. Make a splash

Port Lincoln is the place to be if you fancy going nose to nose with a legendary great white shark. Home to two charter companies, a shark cage diving expedition will have your adrenaline surging as you dip under the water and from the safety of a metal cage stare into the black eyes of a fearsome shark.

For something less deadly than a fish with razor-sharp teeth, why not swim and snorkel with some friendly sealions? These puppies of the sea love showing off and interacting with the humans who enter their watery backyard. Swim with them, sit back and watch, or take the perfect photo.

3. Wild memories

In Port Lincoln, you’re only ever a short drive away from a stunning beach. Put the four-wheel-drive accessible surf beach of Fishery Bay on your must-visit list or prepare to spy a few dolphins from atop a lumpy sand dune at Sleaford Beach. Cool off at Eyre Peninsula’s most famous swimming spot, Greenly Rockpool, where you might even spot a shy starfish.

Whatever you do, don’t miss the incredible Golden Island beach at the tip of Coffin Bay National Park. Admire the view from the lookout or wander down to enjoy the rocky reefs, white sand and breaking waves up close.

4. Bon appétit

The award-winning L’Anse Café – a delightful piece of France in the heart of Port Lincoln – is known for its buttery, flaky croissants, fruit tarts, exceptional coffee and other delicious French fare. Book a table and try the croissant madame, with bechamel sauce, mustard, ham and a fried egg or the Asian-style chilli scrambled eggs.

You can even watch the skilled French chefs making their mouth-watering pastries at the on-site kitchen. If you’re keen to explore Port Lincoln and its surrounds, grab a takeaway flat white and an almond croissant or something else from its daily selection of sweet treats. Vive la France!

5. A farm with a difference

You won’t find any tractors or working dogs at this farm. Instead, you’ll find rows and rows of underwater baskets full of plump Coffin Bay oysters. Choose from a range of tour operators, including Untamed Escapes and Experience Coffin Bay, and enjoy a cruise out to the pristine, clear waters where these world-famous oysters grow. Don a pair of waders for a closer look and learn why these waters and growing conditions make Coffin Bay oysters sought after worldwide. Best of all, you can enjoy a dozen freshly shucked, salty oysters onboard before you head back to shore.

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Steeped in history and charm, Great Britain serves up more than just tea and biscuits.

Expect the unexpected and you may just discover dragon lairs beneath ancient castles, unicorns in your periphery and majestic lions crossing your path.

The countries of England, Scotland and Wales are bound together by coastline and a shared, often tumultuous history, yet each has its own unique identity and character. Grab your brolly and mind the gap – we’re going on a journey through ancient castles, storybook villages and rolling highlands.

England

Greater London is scones-and-jam packed with iconic landmarks. After seeing countless pictures in books and online, being physically in the presence of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London (to name a few), feels comfortingly familiar yet awe-inspiring. These sites continue to top must-see lists and are well worth visiting – but scratch the surface and there’s much more to be discovered.

For instance, once you’ve sampled truffles and cheese at Borough Market, try Maltby Street Market. With vendors nestled under railway arches and spilling onto the laneway every weekend, arrive hungry and fill up on simple but exquisite toasted cheese sandos, decadent brownies and more.

Enchanting Kensington Gardens is free to visit and very beautiful, but did you know that the most biodiverse garden on the planet is just a little further along the District Line? England’s Royal Botanic Gardens, commonly known as Kew Gardens, tends more than 50,000 living plants throughout its sprawling, wild gardens and stunning glasshouses.

Jam first, or cream? Follow the late Queen’s lead with the Cornish style (jam first) over a pot of fragrant tea at one of London’s many establishments offering high tea. Indulge in the iconic luxury of afternoon tea at The Ritz or enjoy refined tradition with a more affordable price tag at Fortnum & Mason.

In your travels, keep an eye out for lions – not real ones, of course. England has never been home to any big cat species, yet carvings, sculptures and symbolic imagery are found across the country and considered symbolic of ancient Britishness and royalty. Take note of the mythical creatures often associated with the lion.

Best of Britain

Let these tour experts take the guesswork out of your Great British holiday.

Flower power | Explore manicured gardens and more on a 15-day Insight Vacation’s British Gardens and the Chelsea Flower Show guided tour.

Heritage and majesty | Let Trafalgar help you make the most of your time on the 16-day Britain and Ireland Panorama tour.

Lochs and legends | Discover Spectacular Scotland with Luxury Gold on a 10-day tour.

Beyond the capital, places like Bath, Oxford, Cambridge, Liverpool and Manchester should be on your bucket list. Stonehenge, too, is a must. While the mysterious stone formation draws plenty of visitors, the crowds seem to fade away once you’re standing in its ancient presence. For something truly special, step inside the famous circle during an exclusive sunrise or sunset experience.

Have your camera ready when visiting the picture-perfect Cotswolds region to the south-west. Start with hearty pub fare in the beer garden of The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold, which dates back to the 10th century and claims to be England’s oldest inn. Then explore some of the charming 90-odd towns and villages with their narrow stone bridges and honey-coloured historic homes.

If you’re after something a little different, head to the furthermost western point of the country. Here at the aptly named Land’s End you can warm up with a flaky Cornish pasty by weather-beaten cliffs. Not too far away, Cornwall’s Eden Project is a sight to behold, with the world’s largest indoor rainforests educating the masses about climate and biodiversity.

Continue north to get thee to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare and the reason for generations of English literature essays. Onwards and upwards to York, where lovers can ensure theirs is everlasting with a kiss under the cathedral spires of the York Minster. From there, meander the erratic lanes of The Shambles and stop for lunch at The House of the Trembling Madness, hidden upstairs at the back of a shop.

Scotland

If arriving in Edinburgh feels a wee bit familiar, Adelaide’s own North Terrace bears influence of the Scottish architectural style popular at the time. Edinburgh’s tradition of preserving historic layers has shaped a tiered labyrinth of cobblestoned lanes on top of gothic alleyways that sit atop roads – perfect for getting a little lost.

Perched on the edge of Castle Rock at the end of the steep, cobbled Royal Mile, not-so-small Edinburgh Castle is unmissable both for your to-do list and to the eye. Like Adelaide during Mad March, Edinburgh swells in August, with thousands of around-the-clock shows and street performances for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. On top of the annual festival, a rousing chorus of hundreds of bagpipes fills the evening air for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

See if you can spot Scotland’s national animal on your travels. Unless you’re extremely lucky, you’ll have to settle for statues and carvings of the magical unicorn adorning castles, museums and other major sites across the country.

For a taste of Scotland, The White Hart Inn’s haggis with neeps and tatties (parsnips and potatoes) is an excellent introduction to this traditional dish. Just around the corner, taste and compare tipples at The Scotch Whisky Experience.

Climb to the summit of Arthur’s Seat for spectacular panoramic views of the city and, if you’re lucky, you might be accompanied by the distant sound of bagpipes on the wind as players rehearse away from crowded suburbia.

If you haven’t spotted a unicorn, maybe you’ll be the first to find the elusive Loch Ness monster instead. Inverness, gateway to the Highlands, sits near the legendary loch – perfect for a Nessie tour, a browse through the Harry Potter-esque Leakey’s Bookshop and a Highland warmer at The Wee Bar.

The Isle of Skye, in Scotland’s north, is picturesque, charming and unhurried, and averages about 233 days of rainfall per year. Don’t let this stop you; the rain brings stunning waterfall cascades almost everywhere, gushing past flocks of fluffy sheep and highland coos (cows). The rain does pause often, leaving bright blue sky in its wake. If the clouds won’t clear, warm up with a bowl of cullen skink. Definitely not lizard, but a soup made of smoked haddock, this dish is available across Scotland but particularly comforting on Skye.

Wales

Prior to 1955, Wales had no recognised capital city, having been governed as part of England for so long. However, as calls for Welsh national recognition gained momentum (and then after decades of debate) Cardiff was finally elevated from city to capital.

While it’s one of the world’s newest capital cities, Cardiff has been occupied for nearly 2000 years. Discover the origins of the Welsh national animal, the red dragon (Y Ddraig Goch), while exploring the medieval fortress of Cardiff Castle, which began as a Roman fort around the year 55CE. Then see the mighty dragon adorning the interior and exterior of the Principality Stadium in a display of national pride.

Try some Brains – the ale, not the organ – which is locally brewed at the Dragon Brewery in Cardiff Bay and available in many public houses (pubs) across the city. Cardiff is also the heart of the Whoniverse, and fans can follow in the Time Lord’s footsteps discovering recognisable Doctor Who filming locations.

With bilingual signs everywhere you turn, you’ll be fascinated by the seemingly unpronounceable Welsh language. To the north of Cardiff, on the island of Anglesey, you can test your pronunciation in Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, famous for having the longest place name in Europe. After a photo with the impossibly long sign at the railway station, collect souvenirs and try a traditional Welsh fruit loaf called bara brith under the one roof at James Pringle Weavers sprawling shop.

While Great Britain isn’t known for its particularly idyllic beaches, Haverfordwest along the Pembrokeshire coast boasts immaculate golden sands, clean water and rock pools to explore and make you feel closer to home. Take a stroll along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to access hidden coves and enjoy a local meal just steps from the path at The Castle in Little Haven (a cosy pub, not a draughty medieval fortress).

North of Cardiff, you’ll find the magical-sounding mountainous region and national park of Snowdonia. Hike one of the six routes to the summit of the 1085-metre-high Mount Snowdon or watch the hikers from the comfort of a heritage carriage, letting the steam train do the huffing and puffing instead. Mount Snowdon sometimes wears its little ‘hat’ – a low-laying cloud that shrouds the peak – and emerging to and from this hush is otherworldly.

Spot the differences as you move between the regions and countries of Great Britain. It’s an island filled with unique accents, traditions and landscapes to discover around every cobble-laid corner – let the unicorns lead the way.

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Rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, laid-back locals, unique wildlife and lots of sheep – New Zealand’s South Island sounds remarkably similar to South Australia.

Don’t let that fool you. There are countless reasons to visit, and travelling south has never been easier.

Sister cities Christchurch and Adelaide are at last united, with Air New Zealand’s new seasonal direct flight bringing us closer to our southern whānau (family). So, let’s discover the highlights of Te Waipounamu – the South Island.

1. Christchurch calling

With its one-way streets, tranquil river and colonial architecture juxtaposed beside contemporary buildings, Ōtautahi/Christchurch (or ChCh, to the locals) is a city that has turned adversity into opportunity. Get your bearings on the hop-on hop-off heritage Christchurch Tram, which may be nostalgic for those old enough to remember Glenelg’s red rattler trams. Jump on at any of the 18 stops and purchase your all-day pass on board from the driver.

Points of interest include the shimmering Pāua Shell House in the Canterbury Museum, curled silver ferns in the Christchurch Botanic Garden, and the unique A-frame Cardboard Cathedral. See the city’s namesake Christ Church, which remains under construction more than a decade after the city’s devastating earthquakes. Look for a tiny, cream caravan tucked into a corner outside The Arts Centre, which houses the quaint Custard Square Bookshop.

Belly grumbling? The Avon River waterfront was reimagined following the earthquakes, and now boasts vibrant eateries, microbreweries and vendors. Have lunch with a view at The Craft Embassy and peruse the Riverside Market community hub and market.

2. The eastern edge

For spectacular panoramic views, drive or catch the shuttle bus to the Christchurch Gondola. You can get a discount when buying your hop-on hop-off tram ticket. Up here, you can see Quail Island with its varied past. Once a leper colony, it’s now uninhabited conservation land. If you can see a wisp of smoke below, don’t panic. This is the steam trains and trams at Ferrymead Heritage Park. Explore the re-created Edwardian township depicting life more than 100 years ago, complete with period-style businesses.

Not visible from the gondola is the glistening bay of Akaroa. A short drive from Christchurch, make sure you stop at Barrys Bay Cheese on the way. The result of a failed French colonisation, Akaroa retains hints of its past, with occasional French accents floating on the air and street names with the French equivalent ‘Rue’.

3. East meets wild west

Departing Christchurch and destined for New Zealand’s West Coast region, the TranzAlpine offers passengers one of the most approachable great train journeys in the world at just under five hours. You’ll be unable to tear your eyes away from the ever-changing landscape as the train weaves through the Southern Alps towards Greymouth.

There are several stops along the route that shouldn’t be missed. Explore Arthur’s Pass – one of the wettest places in New Zealand. Here you may encounter the kea, a very cheeky species of alpine parrot that’ll take off with your belongings given half a chance. Warm up at the Alpine Parrot Café and Bar, then marvel at the Otira Viaduct, where the road seems to float above the deep valley floor.

Along the west coast, a series of towns hug the shore nestled under dramatic mountain ridges. Be boggled by the curious, vertical limestone formations of the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, pan for your future fortune at Shantytown near Greymouth, and choose the perfect Pounamu (jade) amulets in Hokitika. This greenstone should always be a gift and not bought for oneself, according to Māori culture.

4. Centre stage

The South Island’s glaciers and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park are easily accessible from the West Coast and Christchurch. The frost-blue masses of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers inch their way through lush emerald forest between imposing mountains, and can be seen on foot or on a bird’s-eye-view scenic flight.

Continue inland to see the perennially white peak of Aoraki/Mount Cook. The country’s highest mountain sits within a national park the size of Singapore. Summer reveals excellent walking and hiking trails, lined with alpine daisies and edelweiss.

Undeniably one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand (and arguably the world) is a short drive from Mount Cook.

The beauty of Lake Tekapo (pictured top) stuns one into silence with dazzling spires of sunset purple and pink lupin flowers on the shore and ice-fed water as blue as a fairywren. Once you’ve caught your breath, peek into the tiny Church of the Good Shepard overlooking the lake and if you’re nearby in the evening, make a wish on a shooting star at Mount John’s Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.

5. Southerly secrets

Could you be in Norway? Milford, Dusky and Doubtful are just some of the fiords that can be explored in the mountainous Fiordland. For a (figuratively and literally) breathtaking experience, tramp the four-day, 54km Milford Track along burbling rivers and swaying rope bridges, and over lofty mountains. If reading that leaves you feeling exhausted, there are many less intrepid, but no-less-stunning walks, from as little as 30 minutes.

Alternatively, board a small boat or large cruise ship, and feel the mist on your face as you sail by the Sound’s cascading waterfalls. Look for dolphins, seals and penguins, and maybe even a whale or two.

Queenstown, renowned for its adrenaline and snow sports pursuits, is the closest city to Fiordland. Sail on the lovingly preserved steamship TSS Earnslaw and glide across the lake and back to town.

Quell any hunger pangs by joining the queue at local favourite Fergburger, or grab a flaky, delicious Fergbaker pie. If you do feel the need for speed, the Queenstown Luge might be just the thing to get your blood pumping. Fun for the whole family, the luge is part go-kart, part-toboggan as you coast downhill in full view of Queenstown’s spectacular backdrop.

Take your race-car dreams and keep going until you reach one of the southernmost cities in the world, Invercargill. Vehicle enthusiasts are in for a truck-load of fun at the Bill Richardson Transport World. See more than 300 vintage trucks and cars and, when it’s time to…empty the tank, take a tour of the quirky toilets – famous in their own right.

Trade four wheels for two the nearby Classic Motorcycle Mecca, which houses hundreds of two-wheeled machines. Though, if you want to see the ‘world’s fastest Indian’, you’ll need to head to an unassuming hardware store to find the Motorworks Collection, including Burt Munro’s famous record-breaking bike.

Once New Zealand’s largest colonial city, Dunedin now prides itself on its biodiversity, and untamed nature and wildlife. Reminders of its heritage remain. Find New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle and Gardens, perched on the ridge of the Otago Peninsula.

The opulent Dunedin Railway Station is one of the city’s most prominent architectural landmarks. Although it no longer services passenger trains, heritage tourist trains often leave from the gingerbread house-style building.

6. The nourishing north

Nestled among a picturesque alpine forest just 90 minutes north of Christchurch, the geothermal Hanmer Springs is ready to ease your travel-weary muscles. Treat yourself to a massage and soak in soothing minerals or take a quick plunge in a cool pool.

Kaikōura on the north coast is an aquatic mammal haven. Whale Watch Kaikōura boasts a 95 per cent sighting success rate, using specialised technology to predict the time and location majestic sperm whales surface, while pods of dolphins play in the wake. For a truly local fish and chips experience, head to Cods and Crayfish on the hill in Kaikōura and order a side of black pāua fritters to go with your cray.

Next stop is Marlborough, the land of long lunches and home to many wineries and cellar doors. These cool-climate-yet sun-dappled vineyards are renowned for producing unparalleled sauvignon blancs.

Journeying around New Zealand’s South Island offers breathtaking scenic drives culminating in charming towns, afternoon bike rides between cellar doors and unhurried city stays finding hidden gems. For travellers from South Australia, it’s the perfect mix of discovery and relaxation – all just a short flight away.

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A road trip from Byron Bay to Newcastle takes you past some of New South Wales’ most beautiful national parks and beaches that are waiting to be discovered.

1. Brooms Head

For those wanting to slip off the radar, Brooms Head on Yaegl Country is an old-fashioned beach hideaway in Yuraygir National Park.

Colourful fibro shacks line the foreshore. Here, life revolves around tides, fishing and lazy afternoons.

On the way, explore the stunning Red Cliff, Grey Cliff and Lake Arragan areas before getting your bearings at Cakora Point or Brooms Head Lookout. Keep watch for whales and other wildlife at this vantage point.

Back Beach is a secluded and rugged contrast to the main beach and well worth exploring. The vast national park is also home to one of Australia’s longest coastal hikes – 65km following coastal emus’ ancient trails.

2. Emerald Beach

Before you hit Coffs Harbour, take a beat at Emerald Beach – one of the coast’s most enchanting small towns and beaches. Kangaroos graze casually at Look at me Now Headland, where a loop walk offers spectacular ocean views.

The town has great cafés, like the laid-back Emerald Beach General Store. There’s also a welcoming surf culture and scenery that feels untouched compared to its busier neighbours.

3. Valla and Scotts Head

With largely empty beaches and known for its café scene, the relaxed community of Valla is a must-stop for your itinerary. Check outt Nourish Café and Grocer and Beach House Providore for breakfast then visit South Valla Beach – a standout destination which is also perfect for a hike.

South of the river mouth lies Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park, jointly managed with the Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people. It’s a favourite with experienced surfers and beach fishers, while the calmer waters of Warrell Creek offer ideal conditions for kayaking.

Less than 30 minutes away you’ll find Scotts Head (pictured above main) – a charming beachside town wrapped around a point break. Families can swim safely in the protected main beach and kids will love to explore the Cungee Rock pool.

4. Crowdy Bay National Park

For a real treat, take the back roads through the wild coastal vegetation and pockets of forest between Crowdy National Park and Harrington Beach State Park.

Stroll the Diamond Head Loop, keeping an eye out for wildlife in the bush and, in season, whales breaching offshore.

Stop at the picturesque Crowdy Head for the rugged cliffs, rolling surf and the historic lighthouse where you can take in the sweeping ocean views.

Sitting at the northern mouth of the Manning River, the village of Harrington offers a peaceful escape to spend your days fishing, swimming and surfing.

5. Hallidays Point

Further south, spend a few days soaking up the small but spectacular headland reserve of Saltwater National Park which has special significance for the Biripi people. This is a peaceful stretch of coastline where beaches, vegetation and wetlands meet, offering uncrowded swimming spots, fishing and walks rich in birdlife.

The Hallidays Point area, located between Taree and Forster, includes the 6km-long Diamond Beach. This largely undiscovered stretch attracts morning surfers, walkers and the occasional pod of dolphins. Tackle the rainforest walking track from the southern end of Diamond Beach onto the small but pretty Shelly Beach at Red Head and plunge into the ocean pool at Black Head.

6. Myall Lakes National Park

Take a short detour from the Pacific Highway near Bungwahl to this national park which is home of the Worimi Aboriginal people and one of the state’s largest and most pristine coastal lake systems.

Canoe, fish for bream and whiting and take the vehicle ferry at Bombah Point across the lake.

Continue to the sleepy Blueys Beach, Boomerang Beach or Elizabeth Beach. The latter feels particularly tucked away, bordered by bush and loved for its calm and sheltered swimming. If you’re after an even more secluded swim, a short trail leads to Shelly Beach – a cove with pale sand and turquoise waters. Disappear into these coastal hideaways – take on a hike, get into the surf or just sit back and relax.

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