My Australian Adventure

Laura Murdoch
May 19, 2025

The average traveler to Australia is known to do what is called the BRR type of trip. BRR stands for Bridge, Reef, Rock—the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Great Barrier Reef and Uluru/Ayers Rock. While these are fantastic experiences for a first time traveler to Australia, and I wouldn’t take them off the list, there is so much more to this amazing country and destination.

Tourism Australia recently sponsored me to spend time learning about some of the other cool and unique places the country has to offer.

Here are a few destination highlights to add to your “must do” Australia list:

Philip Island

This scenic paradise is located just a short two hours from the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne. Philip Island boasts some of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in Australia. But more than that, it’s home for some unique and endemic species to Australia such as the echidnas, wallabies, dingoes and Tasmanian Devils. You can even see a fairy penguin parade each night at Summerland Beach as these small penguins return to their nests. Phillip Island is the perfect place to escape the city for some R&R. Because it’s not too far, it’s makes for an easy extension to the rest of your Australia trip.

Byron Bay

Another idyllic location that is a short drive from Brisbane, or a short flight from Sydney. I’d say there’s a reason why Chris Hemsworth and Nicole Kidman and other famous Aussies call it home. I was able to relax, unwind, and get away from it all while spending time at the Halcyon House on Cabarita Beach. Outdoor adventures such as snorkeling with turtles, surf lessons, lunch at the Husk Farm Distillery, or exploring Tropical Fruit World are within walking distance or a short drive away. I didn’t want to leave!

Whitsunday Islands

Granted this is the Great Barrier Reef, but there are so many amazing resorts and experiences nearby. Did you know you can spend the night out on a luxury pontoon boat out on the reef? If that isn’t your style, there are some fantastic 5 star resorts that are either a short boat ride or luxury floatplane trip away. Although I didn’t stay here this trip, I’ve put the Qualia Resort on my personal bucket list for a return trip to Australia. It’s a luxury oasis on Hamilton Island with private villas and impeccable service. I can’t wait to explore this paradise!

Daintree Rain Forest

You’ve heard of the Amazon, but have you heard of the Daintree? The Daintree is actually the oldest rainforest in the world! The forest is so spectacular that the naturalist Sir David Attenborough called it “the most extraordinary place on Earth!”

Whether your idea of fun is a crocodile cruise on the Daintree River, hiking through the Mossman Gorge and swimming in the freshwater river, or exploring the waterfalls in the region there, the region is so clean and tranquil. It’s the perfect place to add to a nature lover’s itinerary.

Brisbane

This city wasn’t even really on my radar, but it was the host of the conference I attended. It is one of the cleanest and most vibrant cities I’ve ever been to. The food scene was phenomenal and stood out to me. There are a few west coast cities that offer non-stops here so it would be a great jumping off point to see something besides Sydney. Brisbane will be the host of the 2032 Olympic Games. They will be well prepared to host the world for this event.

Sydney - A Private Tour

I loved my time in Sydney and the private luxury experiences offered. I never thought I’d be on stage at the Sydney Opera House but was able to experience this thrill during a private, backstage, morning tour. Nor did I ever think I’d climb to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, but I found myself looking down and out on the majesty of Sydney. Australia is known for having some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the world, and there wasn’t a better place to witness this beauty from a luxury yacht in the Sydney Harbor. Sidenote: Australians, for the most part, are known for being early risers to see experience the sunrises.

And So Much More!

There are so many other places worth exploring in Australia, including:

The vast, untouched wilderness of the Kimberley in northwestern Australia

Ningaloo Reef—smaller than the Great Barrier Reef but no less impressive (also on my bucket list!)

The Perth/Margaret River region—a wine lover’s paradise

Kangaroo Island—renowned for its incredible array of wildlife

Final Thoughts

The U.S. dollar is strong in Australia right now, and you really get a lot for your money. Australians love Americans and are eager to showcase their spectacular country. You can enjoy a five-star luxury experience on more of a four-star budget.

During my (almost) two weeks there with Tourism Australia, I made wonderful friends and connections—and I’m eager to help you plan your trip Down Under!

Laura Murdoch

I love to travel and talk about travel! Since 1993, I’ve helped clients plan big vacations and small getaways on every continent. Having been to more than 30 countries, traveled to all 50 states, and sailed on a wide array of cruises, I’m often asked which place is my favorite to visit. My answer is always the same, “I’ve had amazing experiences everywhere I’ve been, but I’ll never turn down traveling to the beaches of Hawaii.” The most memorable trips I plan are for people who are trying to check things off their travel bucket list. I love to help identify what they’re looking to do and then architect their perfect experience. Whether you’ve always dreamed of a foodie tour in NYC, a long weekend in Charleston, a hideaway in Thailand, or an exploration of the Amazon River, I’m not just a travel agent, I’m a maker of lifetime memories!

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