I have been lucky enough to visit Australia twice while my brother was living there, and each trip was packed with unforgettable moments, iconic sights and once‑in‑a‑lifetime experiences.

A citybreak stopover in Singapore On my first trip, my husband and I travelled to Australia via Singapore, spending two nights there to break up the long journey. It turned out to be so much more than just a stopover. Singapore is a sleek, vibrant city‑state with so much to see in a short time, so we chose the hop‑on hop‑off sightseeing bus to make the most of our stay.

Highlights included:

Taking in panoramic views from the Singapore Flyer Exploring the colourful streets and markets of Chinatown Immersing ourselves in the sights, sounds and spices of Little India Wandering through the futuristic Gardens by the Bay It was the perfect way to ease into our long‑haul adventure.

Discovering Sydney & the Blue Mountains From Singapore we continued on to Sydney, excited to tick off some of the city’s world‑famous attractions. Sydney really delivers on the classic city‑plus‑beach lifestyle, and we dived straight in:

Strolling along Darling Harbour, with its waterfront bars and restaurants Visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House Enjoying the relaxed coastal vibe at Manly Beach After soaking up the buzz of the city, we swapped skyscrapers for scenery with a two‑night escape to the Blue Mountains. We travelled by train to the town of Katoomba, less than two hours from Sydney, and stayed in a charming guesthouse. Surrounded by rugged cliffs, eucalyptus forests and sweeping valley views, it felt a world away from the city and was the ideal place to slow down and reconnect with nature.

A second visit, and Sydney star moments On my second visit to Sydney, I ventured further north to Palm Beach, best known as the filming location for the TV series Home & Away. As a fan, this was a real thrill, especially when I happened to be there while the cast were filming. I even got to meet Alf, which was a real pinch‑me moment!

Another standout Sydney experience was dining at the 360 Bar and Dining revolving restaurant with a close friend. As we enjoyed our meal, the restaurant slowly rotated, revealing glittering 360‑degree views over the city and harbour. It is a fabulous way to see Sydney at night and feels wonderfully special.

Melbourne, the Melbourne Cup & fairy penguins Next, we flew to Melbourne to experience the famous Melbourne Cup. The city comes alive during race time and the atmosphere is electric, with race‑day fashion, entertainment and a real sense of occasion.

While in Melbourne we also:

Took a trip to Phillip Island to watch the adorable fairy penguins waddling ashore at dusk Enjoyed a helicopter flight over the surrounding area, taking in stunning coastal and countryside views from above It was a brilliant mix of city excitement and wildlife encounters.

Road‑trip from Cairns to Brisbane by campervan From Melbourne, we flew up to Cairns in tropical North Queensland, where a new adventure awaited. We hired a campervan for two weeks and drove down the coast to Brisbane, staying in a mix of campsites and hotel accommodation along the way. This self‑drive section was a real highlight, giving us the freedom to explore at our own pace.

Along the route we visited:

The Whitsundays, with their turquoise waters and incredible sailing and snorkelling Beautiful Whitehaven Beach, famous for its pure white silica sand Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, with its rainforests, freshwater lakes and wild beaches Chic Noosa, with its laid‑back boutiques, cafes and coastal walks Returning to Brisbane, we rounded off our trip with a final flight back to Sydney, where we spent our last few days simply enjoying the beaches, soaking up the sunshine and fitting in some last‑minute shopping.

Why I loved Australia Australia was, and still is, one of the most amazing adventures I have ever had. What made it so special for me was the combination of:

Iconic cities and world‑famous landmarks Incredible wildlife and natural landscapes The freedom of a self‑drive campervan experience Memorable dining and “pinch‑me” moments, from revolving restaurants to TV set visits If you are dreaming of your own Australian adventure, I would love to help you create it. Whether you fancy city stopovers, scenic rail journeys, self‑drive road trips, luxury lodges or a mix of it all, I can tailor an itinerary around what excites you most.

If you are interested in a holiday to Australia, get in touch and I will be delighted to chat through the options and start planning your own unforgettable journey.