Australia is one of the world’s favourite tourist destinations, and for good reason. A country of great contrasts, Australia offers endless opportunities for a truly unforgettable holiday. Whether you’re relaxing in luxury Surfer’s Paradise accommodation by the beach or gazing up at the stars in the Outback, Australia truly does have something to offer everyone.

Photo: Vermin Inc

One of Australia’s biggest draw cards, though, is invariably the incredible nature on offer. Whether you’re into the sea, the forest, the mountains or the desert, Australia has an array of wildlife and ecosystems that boggle the mind and inspire the spirit. If you’re looking for a chance to get back to nature in Australia, we’ve put together a list of five great spots to visit. Enjoy!

Beach Bliss in Byron

If you’re into marine life and a beach environment, it doesn’t get much more beautiful than stunning Byron Bay on Australia’s east coast. Surrounded by lush rainforest and farming hinterland, it’s a great spot for surfers, divers, birdwatchers and bushwalkers alike. Byron Bay is the most Easterly point in Australia, and with a subtropical climate it attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Outback Oasis in Broome

For a chance to experience the mighty Australian desert and Outback, head to Broome, on the north coast of Western Australia. Stunningly beautiful, the town is a coastal oasis at the end of miles and miles of desert. With a strong influence from the Chinese and Japanese Pearling industry that based itself there once upon a time, Broom is a fascinating mix of Aussie ruggedness and exotic flair. Watching the sunset over Cable Beach would have to be one of the most inspiring activities ever.

Tropical Treats in the Daintree

If you’re after a rainforest experience, you simply can’t go past the Daintree Rainforest, a few hours north of Cairns in Queensland. The Daintree covers an incredible 1200 square kilometres, and as such is the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest on the Australian continent. Whether you’re looking for a great place to hike, bird-watch, camp or simply soak up Mother Nature at her life-giving best, the Daintree is an experience not to be missed.

Country Charm in New England

When tourists make their lists of what to see in Australia, one region that is sadly missed out a lot of the time is the New England region of inland NSW. Dotted with farming communities and colonial towns, New England is a smorgasbord of Aussie culture and landscape for those in the know. Whether you’re relaxing in your laidback Inverell accommodation, enjoying the sounds of acoustic guitar in the country music capital of Tamworth or soaking up the history of Armidale, New England won’t disappoint.

Alpine Awe in Cradle Mountain

Tasmania is another area that all too often gets left off tourist itineraries, but to do so is your loss. Cradle Mountain in particular is an awe-inspiringly beautiful peak in the equally beautiful Cradle Mountain-Lake Sinclair National Park, and is the perfect place to let the beauty of nature get under your skin in stunning Tasmania.