Category: Road Trips

  • Australia Bucket List: 20 Incredible Things to Do in Australia

    Australia Bucket List: 20 Incredible Things to Do in Australia

    Australia is on many people’s travel bucket lists – but what about the bucket list for when you actually get here?

    Australia is huge, and planning a trip can quickly feel overwhelming. From tropical rainforests and world-famous beaches to incredible wildlife and unforgettable road trips, there is no shortage of experiences waiting for you.

    This list isn’t meant to be exhaustive (that would be impossible!), but it highlights some of the most unforgettable experiences to add to your Australia bucket list.

    From coastal walks and iconic landmarks to wildlife encounters and epic road trips, here are some of the best things to do in Australia.

    Iconic Australian Landmarks

    Sydney Harbour (Sydney, NSW)

    No trip to Australia feels complete without visiting Sydney Harbour.

    Here you’ll find two of the country’s most famous landmarks:

    • Sydney Opera House
    • Sydney Harbour Bridge

    You can walk across the bridge, take a harbour cruise, or simply enjoy the views from Circular Quay.

    💡 Bucket list experience: Do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb for incredible views across the harbour.

    Uluru (Northern Territory)

    Uluru is one of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks and an incredibly important cultural site for the Anangu people.

    Watching the rock change colours at sunrise or sunset is a truly unforgettable experience.

    Twelve Apostles (Great Ocean Road, Victoria)

    The Twelve Apostles are one of Australia’s most famous natural landmarks.

    These dramatic limestone stacks rise out of the ocean along the Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.

    Visiting at sunrise or sunset is particularly spectacular, when the golden light reflects off the cliffs and ocean.

    Australia’s Best Beaches

    Bondi Beach (Sydney, NSW)

    Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world.

    It’s known for:

    • golden sand
    • great surf
    • beachside cafés
    • relaxed coastal lifestyle

    It’s also the starting point for one of Australia’s most famous walks.

    Many travellers combine a visit with the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.

    Whitehaven Beach (Whitsundays, Queensland)

    Whitehaven Beach is often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world.

    Located in the Whitsunday Islands, it is famous for its bright white silica sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. The beach stretches for over seven kilometres and is surrounded by the incredible scenery of the Great Barrier Reef.

    One of the highlights of visiting Whitehaven Beach is Hill Inlet, where swirling patterns of white sand and blue water create one of the most photographed views in Australia.

    Lucky Bay (Esperance, Western Australia)

    Lucky Bay is known for having some of the whitest sand in Australia.

    Located in Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, the beach is famous for its bright white sand, turquoise water and stunning coastal scenery.

    Lucky Bay is also well known for its kangaroos that often relax on the sand, creating one of the most uniquely Australian beach experiences.

    Check out our Road Trip guide to Lucky Bay!

    Incredible Nature Experiences

    Daintree Rainforest (Queensland)

    The Daintree is the oldest rainforest in the world and one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet.

    Expect to see:

    • ancient plants
    • cassowaries
    • crocodiles
    • incredible biodiversity

    Great Barrier Reef (Queensland)

    The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world and one of Australia’s most famous natural wonders.

    Snorkelling or diving here is an unforgettable experience. Or, if you don’t fancy getting in the water, why not take a plane ride and get an aerial view?

    The Whitsundays (Queensland)

    The Whitsundays are a group of 74 tropical islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

    Whitehaven Beach, mentioned above, with its pure silica sand, is regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world.

    Kangaroo Island (South Australia)

    Kangaroo Island is one of the best places in Australia to see wildlife in its natural habitat.

    Visitors can spot kangaroos, koalas, sea lions and echidnas, as well as explore dramatic coastal landscapes such as the famous Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.

    Fraser Island / K’gari (Queensland)

    K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world.

    The island is famous for its wild landscapes, including:

    • freshwater lakes such as Lake McKenzie
    • the dramatic Maheno Shipwreck
    • long beach highways where 4WD vehicles drive along the sand

    It’s one of the most unique and adventurous destinations on Australia’s east coast.

    Blue Mountains (New South Wales)

    Just a short trip from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are known for their dramatic cliffs, eucalyptus forests and scenic hiking trails.

    One of the most famous viewpoints is the Three Sisters rock formation, which can be seen from Echo Point lookout.

    The region is perfect for day trips from Sydney and offers incredible walking trails, waterfalls and panoramic views.

    Beautiful Coastal Destinations

    Byron Bay (NSW)

    Byron Bay is known for its:

    • relaxed surf culture
    • beautiful beaches
    • incredible sunsets

    One of the must-do experiences is the Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk, which takes you to the easternmost point of mainland Australia.

    Noosa (Queensland)

    Noosa combines beautiful beaches with stunning national park walks.

    The Noosa National Park Coastal Walk is famous for:

    • ocean views
    • dolphin sightings
    • koalas in the trees

    For more Noosa inspo, check out some of our Noosa blog posts!

    Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

    This is one of the most beautiful coastal walks in Australia.

    Highlights include:

    • dramatic ocean views
    • cliffside paths
    • beautiful beaches along the way

    The full walk is around 6km and can take 2–3 hours depending on stops.

    Rottnest Island (Western Australia)

    Rottnest Island is a beautiful island located just off the coast of Perth and is famous for its adorable resident animals – quokkas.

    These small marsupials are known as the “happiest animals in the world” because of their smiling faces.

    Visitors explore the island by bike, discovering stunning beaches, hidden coves and crystal-clear water along the way.

    Check out our Rottnest Island guide here!

    Epic Australian Road Trips

    Australia is one of the best countries in the world for road trips. With vast landscapes and incredible coastal drives, a road trip is one of the best ways to explore the country.

    Here are some of the most famous routes:

    East Coast Road Trip (Sydney → Cairns)

    One of the most popular backpacker routes in Australia.

    Highlights include:

    • Byron Bay
    • Gold Coast
    • Fraser Island
    • Whitsundays
    • Great Barrier Reef

    Great Ocean Road (Victoria)

    One of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.

    Highlights include:

    • the Twelve Apostles
    • dramatic cliffs
    • stunning ocean views

    Perth to Esperance (Western Australia)

    This road trip takes you to some of the whitest beaches in Australia, including the famous Lucky Bay where kangaroos often relax on the sand.

    Perth to Exmouth (Western Australia)

    A spectacular road trip along Western Australia’s coastline.

    Highlights include:

    • Ningaloo Reef
    • whale sharks (in season)
    • incredible turquoise water

    Final Thoughts

    Australia is a country filled with incredible landscapes, wildlife and unforgettable travel experiences.

    Whether you’re exploring vibrant cities, relaxing on world-class beaches, or heading out on an epic road trip, there’s always something new to discover.

    If you’re planning a trip, hopefully this bucket list gives you a few ideas to start building your own Australian adventure.

    This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book or purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Read more here. – Privacy/Disclosure

  • The Ultimate Perth to Esperance Road Trip (With Camping Stops)

    The Ultimate Perth to Esperance Road Trip (With Camping Stops)

    We spent 7 days driving from Perth to Esperance and back, and honestly? What a treat.

    Look, campervan holidays aren’t usually our thing. We like a hotel. We like a pool. We like plug sockets that definitely work.

    But if you want to see this part of Western Australia properly, a campervan is probably the best way to do it…and we ended up loving every second.

    Here’s exactly how we did our Perth to Esperance road trip, where we stayed, and what not to miss along the way.

    Our Campervan

    We booked through Peterpans and went with Apollo for the van.

    Pickup was straightforward in Perth, and once we were loaded up and slightly overwhelmed by how many buttons a campervan has…we hit the road.

    Perth to Esperance Road Trip Route Overview

    🗺 Perth to Esperance Road Trip Route (7 Days)

    • Perth → Margaret River (2 nights)
    • Margaret River → Albany (1 night, via Denmark)
    • Albany → Lucky Bay, Esperance (2–3 nights)
    • Esperance → Wave Rock (1 night)
    • Wave Rock → Perth

    💡 Tip: Stock up before Cape Le Grand National Park — Lucky Bay is off-grid with limited facilities.

    Stop 1: Margaret River (2 Nights)

    Drive time from Perth: ~3 hours

    Margaret River is Western Australia’s famous wine region, and it is stunning.

    Rolling vineyards, dramatic coastline, sleepy beach towns… it’s the perfect first stop to ease into road trip mode.

    We stayed at Hamelin Bay Holiday Park, which was lovely and in a great location. The campsite has:

    • Direct beach access
    • A beautiful coastal walk
    • Resident stingrays you can see from the shore (yes, really)

    Alongside visiting local wineries, make sure you stop at Margaret River Bakery. Elite carb stop. No further notes.

    Margaret River Bakery

    Stop 2: Albany (1 Night)

    Drive time from Margaret River: ~4 hours (via Denmark)

    We broke up the drive by stopping in Denmark, which is absolutely worth it for coffee and coastal views.

    In Albany, we stayed at the BIG4 Campground, which was right on the beach – a brilliant location.

    While in Albany:

    • Visit the Albany Whaling Station
    • Head to The Gap – dramatic cliffs and wild Southern Ocean views
    • Walk along the coastline (it feels properly rugged here)

    Albany feels wilder than Margaret River; less polished, more dramatic.

    Stop 3: Lucky Bay, Esperance (2–3 Nights)

    Drive time from Albany: ~5 hours

    This is where things get special.

    We stayed at Lucky Bay Campground in Cape Le Grand National Park, and it is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever stayed.

    But let’s be real about it.

    What to Know Before Staying at Lucky Bay Campground:

    • No powered sites
    • No water hook-ups
    • Very limited WiFi (only near the entrance, and even then… barely)
    • Showers are hit and miss temperature-wise
    • Nearest supermarket is back in Esperance town

    This is off-grid camping.

    Charge everything. Stock up properly. Be prepared.

    And then enjoy being completely disconnected.

    Because Lucky Bay Beach – regularly voted one of the best beaches in the world – is right there.

    White sand. Turquoise water. Kangaroos on the beach (well, if you’re lucky! If not, just Kangaroos on the campsite!)

    There’s also a beautiful coastal walk and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities.

    Bonus: Great Ocean Drive (Esperance)

    From Lucky Bay, take a drive along Great Ocean Drive (not to be confused with Victoria’s Great Ocean Road).

    Stop at:

    • Twilight Bay
    • Blue Haven Beach
    • Various breathtaking lookouts
    Twilight Bay
    Blue Haven Beach

    You can also explore more of Cape Le Grand National Park by car or on foot, straight from the campground.

    Esperance might just have some of the best beaches in Australia. Well actually, it does have some of the best beaches in Australia. And the world. As voted for!

    Stop 4: Wave Rock (1 Night)

    After our time in Esperance and heading back towards Perth, we drove inland to Wave Rock Short Stay.

    This was next-level remote.

    Wave Rock Short Stay Campground

    Okay, technically it’s fairly near a main road. But once you’re inside the campground? It feels like you’re miles from anywhere.

    We did, admittedly, drive up and down the same road several times trying to find it. But it was dark. We were tired. Let’s move on.

    The campsite itself is proper wilderness camping:

    • Two bathrooms
    • No showers
    • Epic night skies
    • Complete silence

    The stars here are unreal.

    And of course, Wave Rock itself is worth seeing before you set off back to Perth – a 15-metre-high rock formation shaped exactly like a breaking ocean wave.

    It’s surreal in real life.

    Wave Rock

    Final Thoughts on the Perth to Esperance Road Trip

    This part of Western Australia is wild, dramatic, and incredibly beautiful.

    Yes, campervan life isn’t glamorous.
    Yes, you’ll miss long hot showers.
    Yes, you’ll occasionally question your life choices while emptying grey water.

    But you’ll also:

    • Watch stingrays from the shore
    • See kangaroos on a beach
    • Camp under the clearest stars you’ve ever seen
    • Drive some of the most beautiful roads in Australia

    And that makes it completely worth it!

    This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book or purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Read more here. – Privacy/Disclosure

  • Everywhere We Stayed on Our California Road Trip (Honest Hotel Reviews)

    Everywhere We Stayed on Our California Road Trip (Honest Hotel Reviews)

    One of the most common questions we get about our West Coast road trip is:
    “Where did you stay – and would you recommend it?”

    So here it is…every hotel we stayed at on our California (and Nevada) road trip, with our honest thoughts on what we loved and what we didn’t.

    🗺 Our California Road Trip Route

    • Stop 1: San Francisco — Hilton Union Square
    • Stop 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea — Coachman’s Inn
    • Stop 3: Pismo Beach — SeaVenture Beach Hotel
    • Stop 4: Santa Barbara — Harbor View Inn
    • Stop 5: West Hollywood — The Garland Hotel
    • Stop 6: Palm Springs — Rivera Palm Springs (formerly Margaritaville)
    • Stop 7: Las Vegas — MGM Grand

    💡 Tip: This route works perfectly as a one-way road trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas. We kept most drives under 4–5 hours and stayed 1–3 nights at each stop.

    San Francisco – Hilton Union Square

    Our first stop on the road trip was San Francisco, where we stayed at the Hilton Union Square.

    It’s in a really central and convenient location, and we found it easy to get to most things using the hotel as a base. The rooms were comfortable and spacious, and the hotel itself is huge.

    Check out out San Fransisco blog posts to help plan your visit – 3 Days in San Fransisco and 10 Things to do in San Fransisco!

    We did find it very corporate – which wasn’t really the vibe of the rest of our holiday – but for a city break and a practical place to stay while exploring San Francisco, it absolutely did the job.

    👉 If you’re looking for a reliable, central base in San Francisco, this is a solid option for a short city stay.

    Carmel-by-the-Sea – Coachman’s Inn

    This was one of our favourite hotels of the entire trip. And honestly, that says a lot.

    Like most places in Carmel, it felt like stepping straight into a fairytale. The inn itself was really special; cosy, charming, and full of character.

    Coachman’s Inn, Carmel-By-The-Sea

    For ideas of how to spend your time in Carmel, check out our blog post for a 3 day guide or have a look our top 10 reccs!

    The hosts were so lovely, and the daily wine and cheese hour was such a nice touch. It was close to everything we wanted or needed, and we would return in a heartbeat.

    10/10…would absolutely recommend.

    👉 If you’re staying in Carmel and want something with personality (not a generic chain), this is a fantastic choice.

    Pismo Beach – SeaVenture Beach Hotel

    We weren’t completely taken by Pismo Beach, though it would be unfair to judge it fully. We weren’t there for very long, and the weather unfortunately wasn’t great. It was more of a passing-through situation for us.

    That said, the hotel itself was very nice. Pismo Beach isn’t a big place, so there probably aren’t loads of options, and SeaVenture is a good, dependable choice.

    It’s right next to the beach and within walking distance of the main centre of the area.

    👉 Ideal if you’re doing a one-night coastal stop and want something easy and well-located.

    Booking.com Deals Page
    Booking.com Latest Deals!

    Santa Barbara – Harbor View Inn

    Our hotel in Santa Barbara was really conveniently located, just across from the beach.

    The rooms were lovely, the pool was lovely, and they even had an on-site bike rental shop, which was really handy. (Cycling is a great way to have a look around the area!)

    As well as being close to the beach, it’s within walking distance of lots of bars and restaurants. We had a lovely stay here and genuinely wish we could have stayed longer.

    Harbour View Inn, Santa Barbara

    👉 If you want to stay near the beach and walk everywhere in Santa Barbara, this is a great option.

    Hollywood – The Garland Hotel

    Okay…THIS was the peak for us.

    We genuinely had to convince ourselves to leave the hotel and explore Hollywood because we just loved it so much.

    The Garland, Hollywood

    It’s not a luxury hotel or anything, it just has a really nice feel. It has an on-site restaurant, a pool with an outdoor cinema screen, a bar, a little shop, and even a free shuttle bus to Universal Studios.

    Honestly? We’d stay here again in a heartbeat and we recommend you do, too!

    👉 If you’re visiting LA and want somewhere with character (and an amazing pool area), we can’t recommend this enough.

    Palm Springs – Margaritaville Palm Springs

    (now Rivera Palm Springs)

    The hotel we stayed at still stands, but it’s since been taken over by new owners and rebranded, so we can’t fully vouch for what it’s like now.

    When we stayed, it was a large hotel with multiple restaurants, a pool, and a pool bar. It was good vibes all round and just a short drive to the bars and restaurants of Palm Springs.

    👉 Worth checking recent reviews if you’re considering staying here now.

    Las Vegas – MGM Grand

    All of the hotels in Las Vegas are like small villages, and the MGM Grand is no exception.

    It had everything you could need… and also loads of things you definitely don’t need but are very nice to have. Like a giant casino, a Ben & Jerry’s counter, and a full food court. Yes…all inside the hotel.

    MGM Grand, Las Vegas

    It’s not as fancy as some of the other hotels on the Strip (no designer shops or gondola rides), but it’s a great option if you’re looking for the classic Las Vegas experience at a cheaper price.

    It’s also just a short walk up the Strip to many of Vegas’ most famous sights.

    👉 A great option if you want proper Vegas vibes without the luxury price tag.

    This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book or purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Read more here. – Privacy/Disclosure

  • Top 10 Things to Do in Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur (That You’ll Actually Love)

    Top 10 Things to Do in Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur (That You’ll Actually Love)

    If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting somewhere that feels like a cross between a fairytale village, a beachside escape, and a rugged adventure then Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur are your places.

    We spent a few days exploring this little slice of coastal heaven as part of our California road trip, and we can confidently say: it’s as good as everyone says it is.

    Here are our top 10 things to do, including a few that weren’t on our radar until we got there.

    1. Wander the Fairy-Tale Streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea

    Carmel looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a storybook. No street numbers, just adorable cottages, art galleries, flower boxes, and ocean air.

    Take a slow walk, browse the boutique shops, and don’t be surprised if you start looking at property prices on your phone by the end (we did – and we came back down to earth pretty quickly).

    2. Catch the Sunset at Carmel Beach

    This might just be our favourite beach of the entire trip. It’s one of the only beaches in California where you can legally have a drink – for us, there’s just something about having a lil beer or wine on the beach, watching the sun set into the ocean.

    It’s honestly one of our all-time favourite travel moments. Pure magic.

    3. Stop by Carmel Bakery for That Chocolate Chip Cookie

    If you’ve read any of our other posts, you’ll know we take cookies seriously. And the one from Carmel Bakery was hands-down the best cookie we’ve ever had. We’ve been chasing that standard ever since.

    Do yourself a favour: get the cookie. Always get the cookie.

    Ps – if you do fancy something else, there is a whole host of lovely things in the bakery!

    4. End the Night with Drinks at The Star Bar (Vesuvio)

    For a cosy, relaxed evening in Carmel, head to The Star Bar at Vesuvio. Great drinks, a warm atmosphere, and the perfect way to round off a dreamy coastal day.

    5. Drive the 17-Mile Drive

    It’s a classic for a reason. You’ll pass through cypress groves, white-sand beaches, rocky coastlines, and golf courses that’ll make you wish you played golf.

    Don’t miss the Lone Cypress – it’s one of the most photographed trees in the world! Yes, it’s a tree on a rock, but’s a really pretty tree on a rock.

    Lone Cypress, 17-mile Drive

    6. Explore Monterey’s Waterfront

    Just a short drive from Carmel, Monterey has a charming seaside town feel. Walk along Cannery Row, spot sea lions lounging by the shore, and take in the ocean views.

    7. Go Whale Watching in Monterey Bay

    If you’ve got time, this is a must. Seeing whales in the wild is something you’ll never forget and Monterey is a great place to do it. If you’re lucky like us, you’ll get a 2-in-1 and be able to watch the sea lions following the whales. We also spotted an otter sunbathing in the waves too!

    8. Take the Scenic Drive Through Big Sur

    The stretch between Carmel and Big Sur is unreal (provided you don’t go too early in the day when the marine layer is hanging about!) dramatic cliffs, turquoise waves, and views that will make your camera roll explode.

    Stop at Bixby Bridge for that classic California photo.

    9. Lunch at Nepenthe

    Perched high above the cliffs, Nepenthe is the perfect lunch stop. We made the rookie error of going too early when the fog hadn’t lifted, but when it did, the views were spectacular.

    Pro tip: Go in the afternoon when the sky clears – you’ll thank yourself later.

    10. Slow Down and Soak It All In

    This stretch of the California coast isn’t about rushing. It’s about being there. Grab a coffee, take the long way, and stop at random beaches just because you can.

    You’ll leave feeling calm, full of fresh sea air, and probably thinking about moving to Carmel (again, guilty).

    This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book or purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Read more here. – Privacy/Disclosure