Looking for a short break? There’s plenty to do around South Australia, so escape to these regional destinations and enjoy all they have to offer.

1. Hahndorf – Adelaide Hills

Stroll down the iconic main street of this town rich with German heritage and check out the many shops offering local produce, traditional sweets and even cuckoo clocks. Stop at the Hahndorf Inn for a German banquet. Visit Beerenberg Farm to stock up on tasty treats or enjoy high tea in The Farm Cafe. Further afield, take a Jurlique Farm tour to see how this global leader in skincare makes its products.

2. American River – Kangaroo Island

Base yourself at American River for the weekend, and feast on KI oysters plucked from the salty sea that morning. Later, climb the 500 steps to the top of Prospect Hill for picturesque views of the island. Reward yourself with a visit to Clifford’s Honey Farm or peruse the many stalls at the Penneshaw Market.

3. Tanunda – Barossa

As the weather cools, get cosy by the fire in the Barossa. Wine and dine your way around this iconic region, tasting drops from the likes of Hentley Farm, Rockford Wines and Pindarie. With a menu designed around the seasons and inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, Harvest Kitchen at Jacob’s Creek provides comforting winter meals. Lastly, don’t forget to stock up on choccies at the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company.

4. Port Lincoln – Eyre Peninsula

South Australia’s seafood capital lives up to its name with lobster, prawns and tuna on the menu. Savour oysters picked from nearby Coffin Bay or devour fish and chips and other seafood at the Fresh Fish Place factory outlet. Nature lovers will want to explore Lincoln National Park, featuring coastal trails and diverse wildlife. The breathtaking views provide an ideal environment for hiking, camping and photography.

5. Coonawarra – Limestone Coast

Coonawarra is known for its wine but what about walking? Take this gentle 5km walking trail through vineyards, stopping at six wineries along the way, and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the winemaking practices in the region. Just 20 minutes from Coonawarra, you’ll find the ancient Naracoorte Caves. The site gives visitors a glimpse into the region’s past and the ancient animals that roamed the area.

6. Wallaroo – Yorke Peninsula

You may have memories of summer trips to Wallaroo, but this Yorke Peninsula destination also has plenty to offer during the cooler months. Take a 9km self-guided driving tour, stopping at the town’s historical locations including the old post office, bond store and smelter sites. Enjoy a warming meal at Bond Store Wallaroo and see the Wallaroo Silo Light Show – a nightly automated projection on the town’s grain silos.

7. Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary – Flinders Ranges

Lace up your hiking boots and go bushwalking in the northern Flinders Ranges for the long weekend. Featuring rugged mountains, unique geological rock forms, towering peaks and waterholes, Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is home to a range of bird life, reptiles and mammals. While hiking, keep an eye out for the endangered yellow-footed rock wallaby.

8. Monarto Safari Park – Murray and Mallee

Giraffes, lions, elephants – they might sound like animals you’ll see on a safari in a faraway land. But you can see all of these animals and so much more only an hour’s drive from Adelaide at Monarto Safari Park.

Come face to face with more than 50 species of native and African animals. Get up close to giraffes as they eat, watch chimps play, and see rhinos snort and stomp. Be sure to also see the four Asian elephants that call Monarto home.

Want to stay the weekend? Spend a night or two at the Monarto Safari Resort, operated by Journey Beyond, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re looking for something even more elevated, the Safari Lodge, offers a slice of savannah-style luxury. With 20 private luxury safari tents positioned around a central waterhole, you can watch the sunset from your balcony after a day exploring the safari park.

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If you’re looking for a holiday that brings together the best of nature, sophisticated food, wine, and accommodation experiences, Noosa can’t be faulted.

Recently named one of the most welcoming towns on the planet, Noosa Heads was the only Australian town to make the top 10. It’s a testament to Noosa’s holiday vibe – a place where schedules are built around the surf and sun, and locals want visitors to love their home as much as they do.

Water everywhere you turn

Stay in Noosa Heads and one of Australia’s best beaches will be only footsteps away. Not only is the water at Laguna Bay calm and inviting, but the broad, sweeping white sand is framed by the dramatic backdrop of the hinterland and Noosa National Park.

Start the day with beach yoga, cool off with a swim, then walk the headland trail, looking out for koalas along the way, to enjoy spectacular views across the bay. The two-and-a-half-hour walk along the trail will take you to Sunshine Beach, where you can swim in the surf or have lunch in the laid-back Sunshine Beach village. Further south, Peregian Beach offers more spectacular white sand and surf breaks.

Noosa’s combination of beaches, freshwater rivers and creeks offers double the opportunity to get out on the water. The Noosa River has safe swimming spots and a variety of water activities, from fishing and kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding and river cruises.

Explore the river’s quiet tributaries and wetlands for a tranquil nature experience on the water. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers, especially in spring and summer when migratory shorebirds arrive from the Northern Hemisphere and gather around the river mouth to feed and rest.

Wining and dining

Noosa’s long-running food and wine festival is a testament to the region’s commitment to local produce and excellent dining, with local chefs taking a starring role.

Don’t worry if your holiday plans don’t coincide with the festival – there are excellent dining options in Noosa year-round.

You’ll never run out of options, whether it’s a post-swim burger at Betty’s or a long lunch right by the beach at Season Noosa, where the spanner crab pasta has legendary status.

When the sun goes down, there’s nowhere more appealing than Italian restaurant Locale. Surrounded by subtly backlit lush sub-tropical plants, the moody interior is the perfect setting for classic Italian fare, including handmade pasta, local seafood and Queensland-made burrata.

If it’s seafood with a contemporary flavour you’re after, head to Lanai in Noosaville and make the most of its open-air dining room with views of the river.

Alternatively, go back to basics with one of Noosa’s best fish and chips at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club.

If you’re dining in, time your visit to coincide with the weekly farmers’ market or drop into Belmondo’s Organic Market in Noosaville for supplies.

From Eumundi meats to fresh produce, wholefoods and a bakery, be sure to arrive hungry so you can squeeze in a Clandestino coffee and a Danish from Tanglewood’s.

Not far from Belmondo’s is the elegant Seabourne Distillery. Take a tour or drop in for a gin cocktail at the spectacular long bar.

Adventure abounds

Noosa is the traditional home of the Kabi Kabi (also Gubbi Gubbi) people. Each night at 7pm, traditional custodians Lyndon Davis, Jacquie Sandy, Jaiva Davis and Yeelara Chilly from Gubbi Gubbi Dance share local knowledge and stories at the Hastings Street Information Centre via a virtual audio-visual experience. It’s a must-see introduction to the region’s Indigenous history.

For more Indigenous experiences, Saltwater Tours, based 40 minutes’ drive south of Noosa Heads, offers bushtucker cruises, accessible canoe tours and more.

For immersion in Kabi Kabi country, the Noosa Trail Network offers everything from one to two-hour walks to multi-day treks across the Noosa hinterland.

If you want to do more than just swim in the ocean, Noosa Ocean Adventures offers nature-focused marine experiences along the coastline. Spot dolphins, turtles, rays, and whales from June to November.

There are many do-it-yourself exploration options along the river. Drop into a local hire company and set out on a boat, paddleboard or canoe for the ultimate see-what-happens adventure. If you prefer to try before you buy, a trip on the Noosa ferry offers an ideal introduction to the water.

Further afield

Head to the tiny village of Kin Kin. Less than an hour’s drive from Noosa, through scenic winding hinterland roads, this small town has plenty to see and do. For a long lunch, visit the heritage Kin Kin Hotel, with the menu featuring ingredients from the eatery’s market garden. Head chef Oscar Holgado is passionate about paddock-to-plate dining and has been named by Broadsheet as a chef to watch.

After lunch, drop into Kin Kin depot to browse through jewellery, country-style retro homewares or locally made candles. Book into the newly opened Kin Kin bathhouses for a relaxing soak overlooking rolling hills and farmland.

On your way home, stop in Eumundi to browse the famous Berkelouw Books and enjoy a coffee at Eumundi Coffee Roasters. If it’s market day, flip your road-trip script and spend a few hours browsing the stalls before heading to Kin Kin for lunch.

With sun-drenched beaches, extraordinary dining, rich Indigenous culture, and a laid-back soul that wraps around every visitor, Noosa is simply impossible not to love.

Sleep to the sounds of surf

Stay in Noosa Heads or Sunshine Beach and you’ll fall asleep to the soothing sound of the surf every night. There’s accommodation to suit all budgets, from hostels and apartments through to five-star hotels. For a truly indulgent break, book into the recently opened five-star Elysium Noosa Resort on Hastings Street (the former Sofitel Noosa) for ocean and river views, a spectacular pool and top-notch dining and spa experiences.

If you love classic Queenslander style, the newly restored heritage-listed Halse Lodge Noosa Heads offers everything from dorm rooms to luxurious private suites, plus excellent dining courtesy of acclaimed local chef Ryan Fitzpatrick.

For a complete immersion in nature, take the car ferry from Tewantin to Senses Noosa North Shore. Located within 16 hectares of native bushland, with an almost deserted beach on its doorstep, this private retreat for families and groups offers two, three or four-bedroom architecturally designed homes.

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At the heart of the Flinders Ranges, old-world streetscapes are set against the distinctive Australian outback in the historic railway town of Quorn.

Nearly four hours’ drive from Adelaide, just north of Port Augusta, Quorn was once a vital and bustling crossroad for trans- Australian travel. Today, its old-world charm sits alongside a new generation of artisan makers.

See

Step back in time aboard the restored steam and diesel trains of the Pichi Richi Railway. Half and full-day excursions follow sections of the original Ghan route between Port Augusta, Quorn and Woodlshed Flat, chuffing past kangaroos, rocky red outcrops and bluebush plains. Afterwards, go behind the scenes in the volunteer-run workshop to learn how the historic locomotives and carriages are maintained.

To get your bearings, pick up a map from the visitor centre and follow the self-guided heritage walk through town. Grand stone hotels, railway buildings and civic halls hint at Quorn’s prosperous past. On the last Sunday of each month, the Quorn Markets take over the town hall and surrounding square with local produce and handmade goods.

In the evening, settle in for the free Quorn Silo Light Show, projected nightly from sunset. Pack a picnic or get takeaway from a nearby pub, and enjoy the audiovisual celebration of the region.

Eat and drink

Quandongs, the tart-yet-sweet native fruit are so beloved that the town holds an annual festival dedicated to them. If you can’t make it for the festival, taste the fruit throughout the year at The Quandong Café. This restaurant uses the fruit in homemade cakes, scones and jam, and also in savoury dishes.

If you’d rather drink the native fruit, Flinders Gin offer a tasting flight inspired by the landscape. Flavours of quandong, native lemongrass, butterfly pea flower and more are infused in spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic thirst-quenchers.

Visit Scruffy Fella to start your day with a barista-made coffee and a monster cookie. Return later for a local craft beer or wine and browse handmade products including speciality beard care and candles, in the company of the shop’s resident pooches, Harry and Willie.

Shop

Spirit of the Flinders is far more than a traditional newsagency. Alongside newsagency essentials, you’ll find curated gifts and locally made pantry goods. You can even unlock your creativity at a Studio Saturday workshop.

Take home quality treats from the charming family-run shop, A Dash of Oak. The store has everything from books and jewellery to games for kids lining the beautiful stone walls.

Bargain hunters and sustainability enthusiasts should visit the Quorn Pre-Loved Community Boutique. You’ll find a treasure trove of second-hand clothing, books, manchester and homewares near the silo.

Stay

With cabins and camping to suit a range of budgets and group sizes, Quorn Caravan Park is conveniently within walking distance of the silo, railway station and main street.

Great Northern Lodge, with its bright lofts and apartments, offers modern lodgings for the whole family.

Immerse yourself in nature with a stay at Pichi Richi Park. Choose from self-contained private cabins, large group quarters and campsites, all nestled among the rugged bushland.

The post A day in Quorn appeared first on samove.com.au.

Looking to take a break but don’t want to go interstate or overseas?

Spend your next holiday at one of these South Australian holiday parks.

1. Echo Holiday parks Normanville, Fleurieu Peninsula

With one of the biggest water parks in the state, this holiday spot is a must visit for families. Tucked behind the dunes on the Fleurieu Peninsula coast, travellers can unwind or take a stroll along a remote part of Normanville Beach.

The park is within easy reach of attractions like Ingalalla Falls and the popular seaside town of Victor Harbor.

2. Big4 Blue Lake Holiday Park, Limestone Coast

Discover the beauty of the Limestone Coast while based at this holiday park, nestled within the volcanic landscape between the mighty Blue Lake and smaller Valley Lake.

Explore the region’s walking trails, caves and world-class wineries. Kids will be entertained at the park, which has an indoor heated swimming pool and water slides.

3. Discovery parks – West Beach Parks, Adelaide and surrounds

Located along the stunning metro coastline, the West Beach holiday park has several types of accommodation, from self-contained beach houses and cosy cabins to powered sites for caravans.

A massive playground, giant jumping pillow, games room, pool and water-play area will keep the littlies busy.

Nearby, you’ll find West Beach Adventure outdoor activity park, the Pat GC golf course and the Harbour Town shopping precinct.

4. Rawnsley Park Station, Flinders Ranges

Open your tent to spectacular views of the southern side of Wilpena Pound. While not your traditional holiday park, Rawnsley Park Station offers cabins, villas, camping areas, and powered and unpowered caravan sites. The station is the perfect base for visitors looking to explore the majestic Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

5. Port Broughton Tourist Park, Yorke Peninsula

Mini golf anyone, or maybe a ninja playground? Port Broughton Tourist Park on the Yorke Peninsula provides a unique coastal experience.

Offering bay views, accommodation options include cabins and powered sites for caravans, RVs and tents. Don’t forget the kids’ bikes and scooters so they can rip it up on the park’s very own pump track.

6. Tumby Bay Caravan Park, Eyre Peninsula

A favourite among recreational fishers and families, visitors can enjoy crystal-clear blue waters and Tumby Bay’s idyllic atmosphere.

Stroll along the white sand, try stand-up paddle boarding or just unwind as the waves gently crash on the shore. From powered sites to three-bedroom cabins, the park offers several accommodation types.

7. Discovery Parks – Renmark riverfront, Riverland

Watch the mighty Murray River pass you by while relaxing on the deck of your modern cabin. Chuck out a fishing line and attempt to reel in a feed or try your hand at yabbying.

The Renmark riverfront park has plenty to offer, including a pool, water and splash park, and giant jumping pillow. Cross Paringa Bridge and head out to the Woolshed Brewery for the afternoon or visit Twenty Third Street Distillery in Renmark.

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Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, Uluṟu – and the 500km between – form the beating red heart at the centre of Australia’s vast landmass.

This place is anything but bare and barren with powerful thunderstorms, delicate bush tucker and stunning aerial perspectives usually reserved for hovering Australian kestrels. Join me as I discover the hidden secrets of Central Australia.

Gateway to the outback

Scorching air blasts my face like I’ve opened the oven door. My weather app teases thunder and rain for the week ahead. Squinting at the sun in the cloudless sky, I dismiss it as impossible. Within a few days, I’d learn to expect the unexpected in the Red Centre.

My first hours in Alice Springs teem with colour. At the Tjanpi Desert Weavers gallery, I meet Wendy who explains the intriguing sculptures and baskets lining the walls.

“We have works from more than 450 artists – all women living on Country in the NPY Lands,” Wendy says.

“Selling the pieces allows women of all ages to earn valuable income, while also coming together to collect and teach younger generations.”

At the nearby Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre, all 25 of the studio’s artists continue to paint in the ‘Hermannsburg School’ style watercolour tradition of their grandfather and relative, Albert Namatjira. Gazing at the lavenders, greens and hazy blue skies captured in his art, I remark that the Red Centre should really be called the Rainbow Centre.

The heat of the day mellows into a balmy evening. Desert Mob, one of Australia’s oldest Aboriginal art festivals, is almost finished for another year.

Outside the Araluen Art Centre, Kungas Can Cook co-founder Rayleen details tonight’s Desert Mob ‘After Dark’ dinner.

“This whole menu represents central Australia and our ancient foods and stories,” she says.

“Let’s celebrate our local foods that grow here so sustainably without a drop of extra water or spray of pesticide.”

Wattleseed, or arlepe in the Arrernte language of the Traditional Owners, is the star of the evening. The ingredient is weaved into the entire menu, from the damper and hummus starters to the chocolate bites for dessert.

The next day, I jump in the front seat as we set off on a four-wheel-drive trip with Bill from Sandrifter Safaris to Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. At Simpsons Gap, Bill beckons for me to press my ear hard to a red gum to hear the soft echo of underground water and look for resident black-footed rock wallabies napping in the heat. The water that helps make this oasis lush and green looks inviting but, as a sacred cultural site for the Arrernte people, swimming is not permitted.

Standley Chasm is next on our itinerary. The narrow passageway between towering red rock is the culmination of a short walking trail through ancient cycad palms and shady gum trees. We arrive a little after noon, missing the window when the cleft is lit by overhead sun, but also avoiding the crowds. With the place to ourselves, we relish the shade and cool breeze funnelling through.

This morning I’d dressed in anticipation of our next stop – Ellery Creek Big Hole.

A well-manicured path curves to bring into view the lofty cliffs and pale reeds fringing the glinting crocodile-free watering hole. Bathers already on, I kick off my thongs, pick my way across the sand and throw myself into water so cold it takes my breath away.

Perfection.

Tonight, the storm my weather app warned me about rolls in. From my hotel balcony, I watch as dazzling lightning illuminates the hills, followed by thrilling cracks of thunder and very welcome rain.

Hit the road, Jack

Alice Springs’ clouds follow as we make our way to Kings Canyon/Watarrka National Park. Vegetation shifts and I can scarcely believe there are so many shades of red. Kings Canyon’s mass rises to the right as I arrive at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon.

Any notions of free-time exploration evaporate when I spy the bathtub in my Deluxe Cabin. Instead, I relax with uninterrupted outback views before tonight’s sunset experience.

Recharged, I set off, following a boardwalk over ochre ground passing signs for Light Towers by renowned artist Bruce Munro. On arrival, I’m greeted with scrumptious native-flavoured canapés and entertained by the vibrant display before me.

Against the darkening backdrop of Kings Canyon’s massive form, twinkling lights become perceptible. I wander through the immersive display’s pulsating towers of light, each optic fibre refracted through hundreds of recycled glass bottles.

The countless stars, balmy temperature and medley of colours make sunsets in Central Australia magical. Sunrises are even more beautiful. Armed with hiking boots and plenty of water, I begin the Kings Canyon Rim Walk’s steep ascent in darkness, arriving at the top breathless – but in awe – as the sun peeks over the canyon.

This 6km hike requires a good level of fitness and the effort is worth it. Bush tomatoes dot the landscape and fossils in the weathered rocks show how the canyon walls are painted with the Creation Story of the Luritja people. A Slater’s ring-tailed dragon suns itself on a rock and I see a two-toned pink rare desert rose just off the track.

The sacred centre

Ahead, after another long drive, lies the jewel in Central Australia’s crown. Uluṟu’s red form rises, clearly seen from the road in the nearby town of Yulara.

Elegant afternoon tea may not be the first thing you think of when in the desert. Ilkari Restaurant at Sails in the Desert hotel creatively weaves bush tucker flavours into pots of tea and exquisite, surprisingly filling, morsels at the Australian Native High Tea experience.

As the sun sets, cracks of thunder roar. The storm in Alice has followed us to Uluṟu.

I join a growing crowd at a hotel lookout to watch nature’s show. In the distance, brilliant lightning weaves silver threads above Uluṟu’s vibrant, red surface. Mother Nature’s light show rivals any made by man. I learn the next morning that this was but a small storm that has left little trace.

Before dawn I head into Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park for the first time since arriving. My heart skips when I see Uluṟu coming into focus. As the sun rises, Uluṟu’s midnight blue silhouette shifts to deep indigo, then dark chocolate before becoming bright, iron-red as the clusters of stars above fade from view.

Today’s helicopter flight has me excited but anxious as I’m a tad afraid of heights. I needn’t have worried; I’m too distracted to be scared. I witness the breathtaking landscape from the same view as the cockatoos, with wild camels dotting the earth below. Uluṟu rises nearly 350 metres from the flat desert, taller than Australia’s tallest building – the 323-metre tall Gold Coast Q1 Tower. Discovering Uluṟu stretches about seven times further underground is mind-bending.

The helicopter turns, and the 36 dramatic domes of Kata Tjuṯa fill my view.

Rise with the sun

Early the next morning, we arrive at Field of Light and Uluṟu can’t be seen at all. In the heavens, stars sparkle. On Earth, 50,000 solar-powered lights glow against the desert darkness – Bruce Munro’s first installation celebrating the awe-inspiring desert. As the sky lightens, the artwork dims. Uluṟu emerges while Kata Tjuṯa transforms to a gorgeous lavender. The lights shimmer one last time as they catch the first rays of the sun and then, like yesterday, Uluṟu dons its red hues for the day ahead.

When it’s time to leave, I trail behind on my return to the bus, looking over my shoulder for another final glimpse.

I imagine a magical remote control that lets me rewind and experience my journey across Australia’s core all over again – and yes, even relive all the early starts.

The post Reimagining the Red Centre appeared first on samove.com.au.

From soaring waterfalls and tidal reefs to crocodile-filled mangroves and astonishing birdlife, Australia’s far north-west is packed with natural wonders that’ll surprise and delight the most discerning adventurer.

Combining a close-up tour of this vast wonderland with the comfort of a luxury cruise ship creates a truly unforgettable experience.

Not your average coral reef

Each day, huge tides that often see the ocean shift more than eight metres, shape and transform Montgomery Reef – the world’s largest in-shore reef system. As the tide falls, it creates raging ‘rivers’ and mini waterfalls, as colourful coral gardens and a giant reef appear to rise from the ocean.

Known as Yowjab by the local Dambimangari people, the reef is home to turtles, dugongs, reef sharks and humpback dolphins. Hop aboard a Zodiac and breathe in the salty sea air as the sound of rushing water washes over you – a spectacle as unique and diverse as the Kimberley itself.

Turtles, terns and tattlers

Birdwatchers and nature lovers, feast your eyes on the Lacepede Islands – a string of four low-lying sandy atolls about 120km north of Broome. Recognised by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area, the Lacepede Islands will have you scrambling for your binoculars.

The islands are home to one of the world’s largest brown booby and frigatebird breeding colonies. Other species squawking and jostling for prime spots include eastern reef egrets, silver gulls, roseate terns, common noddies, sooty oystercatchers and grey-tailed tattlers. The islands are also Western Australia’s most significant green turtle breeding site and a hotspot for humpback whale sightings. A guided tour from a Zodiac boat is the perfect way to soak in this avian cacophony.

Mangrove marvels

Explore the Hunter River on a guided Zodiac tour, admiring the sheer beauty of this vast waterway. Towering sandstone cliffs, ancient rainforest and two waterfalls plunging 90 metres make this 16km river one of the Kimberley’s most magnificent pieces of scenery.

Winding inland from Prince Frederick Harbour, the river is also lined with pristine mangrove forests. The twisted root systems shelter thousands of fish, birds and other wildlife, including the Kimberley’s biggest population of fearsome saltwater crocodiles. For something extra special, upgrade your excursion and take a helicopter ride from Naturalist Island beach and fly over the majestic gorges, rock pools and rushing waterfalls of Mitchell Falls.

An ancient museum

The remote rocky landscapes and tranquil waters of Vansittart Bay are your entry point to age-old rock art and a slice of modern history.

The Gwion Gwion rock art on Jar Island is a true highlight, with intricate paintings thought to date back more than 17,000 years depicting human figures decorated with tassels, sashes and headdresses. A guided tour through the red rock shelters is the best way to appreciate this fascinating part of Australia’s past.

World War II history enthusiasts will be amazed by the remains of a DC-3 that crashed here in 1942 after running out of fuel on a supply mission, thankfully with no casualties. Sitting mostly intact near the shoreline, it’s a prominent reminder of Australia’s wartime past.

Two watery serpents

Ask a Kimberley explorer for a trip highlight and chances are you’ll hear about the King George River. Winding through an 80-metre gorge, the shadows drifting across weather-carved ochre cliffs create a natural palette so awe-inspiring, you won’t want to leave.

At the river’s end, two waterfalls cascade 80m over sandstone cliffs into the tidal waters below. The river holds deep cultural significance for the Balanggarra people, and the falls are known as Oomari, while the two waterfalls represent the male and female Wunkurr, or rainbow serpents.

Cruise the King George River by Zodiac and let an experienced guide bring the history and geology of this stunning wonderland to life.

Let some Ponant luxury take your Kimberley trip to the stratosphere

Spend 10 glorious nights aboard Ponant’s magnificent Le Jacques Cartier for a June 2027 voyage you’ll remember forever. With world-class food and drinks, 24-hour room service, evening entertainment, spa and fitness facilities and much more, your only responsibility will be to relax and enjoy the splendours of the Kimberley.

Choose from a range of guided tours, lectures, hiking and Zodiac tours. You won’t just observe your surroundings, you’ll absorb them to create a holiday so special that you’ll be telling your friends about it for years to come.

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No matter where you are in Japan, you’re never more than 150km from the sea.

It makes sense once you realise Japan is an archipelago of more than 14,000 islands, with the four main islands connected by bridges and tunnels. The resulting jagged coastline stretches more than 29,000km – even longer than Australia’s.

Most visitors stick to the island of Honshu with its big hitters: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and rightly so. You can read about these must-visit destinations here. But with so much coastline, treasures abound for those who venture beyond the bullet-train corridor.

Instead, here are six coastal ports of call well worth adding to your itinerary.

Ishigaki: tropical paradise

Balmy weather, turquoise ocean lapping at sandy white shores, and snorkelling with manta rays and sea turtles among coral reefs. Wait a minute – are we in Far North Queensland… or Japan? The island of Ishigaki (pictured above) lies about 2000km southwest of the mainland and is famed for its natural beauty, cultural sites and black pearls. If snorkelling or diving is too strenuous, join a glass-bottom boat tour to get up close to the spectacular marine life.

The mesmerising colours of the ocean are embodied in the island’s unique ceramics style, which combines pottery with glass resulting in otherworldly blue pieces of art. For a one-of-a-kind souvenir, join a pottery workshop to create your own masterpiece. To soak in breathtaking panoramic views, follow the hibiscus-lined path to the Tamatorizaki Observatory. The observatory also doubles as an ideal stargazing location at night, so stick around after the sun has disappeared below the horizon.

Okinawa: promoting peace

Approximately 160 islands make up the Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa Main Island is home to national parks, cultural sites and reminders of recent and ancient conflict. There are two museums dedicated to promoting the message of peace, as well as memorial parks and monuments at historical battlefields, and for a sense of wartime conditions, visit the Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters.

Okinawa is also the birthplace of the martial art of peace – karate. Other legacies from the Ryukyu Kingdom include Shurijo Castle, Shikinaen Gardens, and the sacred grounds of Sefa Utaki, where nature itself was worshipped as divine.

Hakodate: an ocean of possibility

Located on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, Hakodate is one of Japan’s most important ports and its finest seafood producer. Though not as large as Toyko’s, a visit to the four-block-long fish market is a must for foodies.

For some peace and quiet, head to the massive grounds at Goryokaku Fort. Under a canopy of thousands of cherry trees that Japan is so famous for, watch the koi that fill the star-shaped moat or in the warmer months, hire a rowboat to get a closer look at the fish. The expansive Onuma Quasi-National Park, often hailed as one of the most beautiful landscapes in the whole country no matter the season is also a picturesque destination worth visiting. 

Niigata: rice for all occasions

You can’t have sake without rice, and Niigata, Japan’s largest rice producing region, is renowned for both the food and drink. Reflections in the water-filled Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are a photographer’s dream. You can also enjoy the region’s excellent rice as sea-to-plate sushi, or see it transformed into quality liquor at one of the 90 sake breweries in the area.

Take in bird’s eye views of Niigata and Sado Island from the 31st floor of the Bakauke Observatory. Niigata is also famous for traditional metalwork crafts. From nails to swords, chefs and home cooks alike can take home quality kitchen knives and other tableware. Rest your muscles in the Iwamuro onsen and feel those aches and pains melt away.

Kagoshima: heating things up

Sandwiched between two peninsulas, the well-protected harbour of Kagoshima (on Japan’s Kyushu island) looks out towards dramatic Sakurajima, an active volcano which smokes constantly, even erupting multiple times a day.

As a result, Kagoshima is a geothermal wonderland filled with hot springs and geysers. Relax in one of many onsens, or be buried up to your neck – it’s more relaxing than it sounds – in naturally heated sand on the shores of seaside city Ibusuki. Further inland you can sate your curiosity at Chiran Airfield. This peace museum was once the home base for Japan’s infamous kamikaze pilots.

Tokushima: Mother Nature’s wonders

Mother Nature has hit all the right notes in Tokushima, on Japan’s Shikoku island. Surrounded by towering mountains and filled with spectacular gorges, vine bridges and panoramic views, this seaside town isn’t to be missed. Each summer, the colourful Awa Odori dance festival brings the streets to life in a riot of colour and movement.

Equally dramatic are the tidal Naruto Whirlpools – occurring roughly every six hours – which can be experienced up close from a sightseeing boat. Don’t forget to stop by the Awa Jruobe Yashiki Residence Theatre. Once home to a 17th-century samurai, it’s now one of the last remaining traditional puppet theatres in the country.

All aboard

For your own odyssey along Japan’s coastal city highlights, let Princess Cruises take you there.

Enjoy the unique blend of Japanese and Western touches on board the Japanese-built Diamond and Sapphire Princess ships, then be immersed in Japan’s stunning sights and local culture on shore.

Unpack once, relax and let Princess Cruises guide you through the best Japan has to offer.

The post Six reasons to sail past Tokyo appeared first on samove.com.au.

Only 30km from Adelaide, the leafy Hills town of Balhannah is home to vineyards, bakeries and stylish shops. It’s perfect for a day trip.

Established in 1839 by publican James Turnbull Thomson, Balhannah served as a junction station for the Mount Pleasant railway line between 1918 and 1964. The town is still on the main line for The Overland train, which travels between Adelaide and Melbourne.

See

With world-class wineries on Balhannah’s doorstep, why not take advantage? Book a guided tasting at Nepenthe and sip some finely crafted red or white wines while learning about the winery’s sustainability practices.

At Shaw + Smith, indulge in a glass of its famous sauvignon blanc – bottled on site and perfectly suited to the cooler Adelaide Hills climate.

If art’s your thing, look for Silvio Apponyi’s black granite Le Peloton sculpture – part of the Adelaide Hills Sculpture Trail – and the Balhannah Overpass Kaurna mural.

Shop

For a unique gift, visit Field Trip Balhannah and browse its ethically made products, including jewellery, clothing, handmade ceramics and toasty Japanese knitwear.

At Living by Design, you’ll find furniture, kitchenware, comfy cushions, scented candles, art and much more, all guaranteed to turn your head.

Visit the Kidman Flower Co farm gate to buy a fresh bunch of flowers, with more than 60 seasonal Australian and South African varieties to choose from. It’s open from April to November.

Eat and drink

Love bakeries? You’re near one of SA’s best, so pop into the Balhannah Bakery and treat yourself to a chunky steak pie or vegetarian pasty. Don’t forget to get yourself something sweet for dessert.

With its renovated outdoor space, the Balhannah Hotel is ideal for a pub lunch or dinner. If it’s chilly, sit by one of three fires and warm up with a spicy pepperoni pizza or a pulled brisket burger.

At the Olive Branch Café, enjoy a caffeine pick-me-up and a tasty snack while you view some original artworks. Two Sundays a month, tap your feet to local musicians belting out a few tunes at one of the café’s ‘club acoustica’ sessions.

Stay

Modern luxury meets old-world charm at The Old Schoolhouse. This fully restored 1858 schoolhouse features church-like architecture, Gothic windows and a statement staircase.

The Winemaker’s Hut offers an idyllic break from city life, with mod cons and continental breakfast included. You may even share it with some friendly neighbourhood kangaroos.

At the aptly named Farm Stay Picturesque views accommodation, enjoy hills scenery, free Wi-Fi and pure relaxation. Pull up a seat, watch the sunset and enjoy life’s pleasures.

The post A day in Balhannah appeared first on samove.com.au.