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Not sure how to sell Australia? Why not let Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth do it for you? The ambassador for Tourism Australia recently travelled around the country with his family.
Spending the past 10 days exploring Australia with my family has been the most incredible experience and one I will never forget. Growing up in Australia, you can sometimes take it all for granted. But after being away for 10 years and coming back, exploring some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, reminded me how unique and impressive Australia is and how lucky we are.
When we started planning the trip, I wanted to experience the diversity of our landscapes, from warm tropical sunshine of the Great Barrier Reef to the rugged waterholes of the Kimberley and the Australian outback. I was really surprised by how vastly different each place was, that’s the amazing thing about Australia.
In The Kimberley, we went fishing in one particular spot that could have rivalled Jurassic Park with its crocodiles, snakes, buffalo and an abundance of other amazing native wildlife. Being in a place like that where very few people have been and feeling completely off the grid is a pretty special feeling. Sunset dinners in The Kimberley is another absolute must. The colours of the skyline there are as rich and vibrant as anywhere I’ve seen, and it is pretty special to see the millions of stars of the Australian outback night sky. We stayed at a beautiful place called Berkeley River Lodge, having dinner each night on a sand dune, barefoot in the desert sand, was pretty cool. One of the best afternoons in the Kimberley was swimming in a secluded waterhole at the base of a waterfall. Another place where very few people have been. We helicoptered down along the winding Berkeley River and then boated across to this really private spot. It was amazing to spend the whole day there with the kids swimming and fishing. It’s something I’ll never forget.
On the Great Barrier Reef, I went scuba diving for the first time, which was amazing. There is more sea life and vibrant colours of the coral than I’ve ever seen. It’s like visiting another planet. Flying over the reef and seeing the changing blues and greens was also incredible. Such intense colours and contrast to the white sand of the beaches.
We also had an afternoon at Whitehaven Beach, which was absolutely stunning. The most pristine white sand, crystal clean water. The perfect spot to just unwind surrounded by the reef. The next day we took the kids for a picnic and a bit of beach cricket on Langford Island, just off Hayman Island. The kids loved running along the sand and playing in the shallows.
We stayed at One&Only Hayman Island, which was a real highlight. Amazing food and wine, overlooking the reef, plus they have an awesome kids’ club. Face painting, fish feeding, jewellery making, and some great swimming pools for us to chill out as a family.
Seeing Uluru for the first time was awesome. We had the special experience of meeting with Sammy Wilson, a local Anangu Traditional Owner. Listening to the local people speaking with us about the cultural and spiritual significance of Uluru was fascinating and inspiring. The kids loved running around and exploring all the little caves and trails. And there was a cool art installation called Field of Light, the colours at sunrise were amazing.
Travelling with kids in Australia is actually easy, but finding places that have activities that you can all do together is the key. My kids love the water and that’s where we spent most days. I’d have to say the waterfall in the Kimberley was probably the highlight for the kids. Watching the kids explore the waterfall and even try some fishing was so special.
In Australia we are so lucky to have access to some incredible fresh produce and native ingredients. Eating fresh fish we had caught that morning in the Kimberley was incredible. We just cut it up right on the beach and it was delicious sashimi style. I love being outdoors and having sunset dinners on the beach and under the outback sky was awesome too. On Hayman Island we were really spoilt with an outdoor Teppanyaki night and also a really intimate Chef’s Table. Awesome French food but with the best Australian ingredients.
I didn’t expect so much diversity of landscapes from the outback of Uluru, the remote wilderness of the Kimberley and the beautiful beaches of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands. If I had one bit of advice for people thinking about Australia, I’d just say hurry up and book. You won’t regret it. A truly unique experience!
Being dropped off by helicopter on Whitehaven Beach, with my wife, a picnic basket and bottle of champagne. It was pretty special.
The natural beauty of Australia is what always surprises me. From the Red Centre and Uluru with rich desert landscapes, to stunning gorges and remote waterholes of the Kimberley, to vibrant islands like Hayman Island where you have crystal clear water and white sand beaches. Australia really does have it all.
The Kimberley, Western Australia
They then travelled into the Kimberley region, staying at the Berkeley River Lodge, enjoying Barramundi fishing, a private river cruise to Casuarina Falls, swimming in the waterholes of Berkeley Creek, a 4WD beach drive and an outback helicopter trip to remote billabongs.
One&Only Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef
The family then had five nights at One&Only Hayman Island, where they dined under the stars, sailed, went diving and snorkelling, plus excursions to nearby island attractions such as Blue Pearl Bay and Langford Island.
