Alexandra Baxter

After a few years of travelling around Australia full-time, these are the experiences that have genuinely stuck with me. The ones that made me pinch myself and think this is why I love exploring this country. From swimming with humpback whales to soaring over Heart Reef in a helicopter, every one of these adventures has been unforgettable in its own way. If you’re building your own Aussie bucket list, these are the experiences I’d recommend a hundred times over.

There’s just something about a good swimming hole - that first jump into cool, clear water after a sweaty hike or a long drive hits different. Australia’s full of them, from red rock gorges and hidden rainforest pools to those spots you stumble on by accident and never forget. Here are some of the most incredible ones I’ve come across (plus a few still on my list) perfect for road trips, summer adventures, or when you just want to switch off and float for a while.

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from road-tripping around Australia, it’s that you don’t need fancy caravan parks or big budgets to wake up somewhere incredible. From clifftop camps overlooking the ocean to riverbanks surrounded by red desert, these are some of the best free and low-cost camps I’ve found (and a few still on my list). Whether you’re in a van, car, or tent, they’re the kind of spots that make you fall in love with life on the road all over again.

If there’s one thing Australia does best, it’s beaches - and I’ve spent years uncovering the best ones. From palm-fringed tropical bays to wild stretches of sand where you won’t see another soul, this list rounds up the beaches that have completely taken my breath away. Some are famous for good reason, others are tucked away and rarely talked about but all are seriously worth adding to your list.

Australia is home to some of the most diverse and awe-inspiring trails in the world. From mossy rainforest canyons and waterfall walks to rugged desert ranges and coastal cliff hikes. Over the years, I’ve explored trails in every corner of the country, and this list brings together some of my absolute favourites - as well as few still on the bucket list! Whether you’re planning your first hike or your next big adventure, these trails capture the wild beauty that makes exploring Australia on foot so unforgettable.

After years of road-tripping around Australia, I’ve learnt what’s truly essential (and what just takes up space!). From off-grid camping gear and safety must-haves to little creature comforts that make life on the road feel like home, this list includes my go-to items for every adventure. Whether you’re heading off on a weekend getaway or doing the full lap, these are the things I never travel without.

I’ve spent the last few years chasing waterfalls all across Australia, and Queensland has some of the very best! From tropical cascades hidden deep in the Daintree to easy roadside stops along the Tablelands, this list includes my absolute favourites (plus a few secret gems you won’t find on most tourist maps). Whether you’re road-tripping up the coast, chasing a swim spot, or just love exploring nature, I hope these inspire your next adventure. Let me know which ones you’ve ticked off or if there’s one I need to add!

I recently hiked the Overland Track in Tasmania - my first big multi-day hike in over 10 years! I had to buy most of my gear new, but luckily one of my friends is totally gear-obsessed and helped me find the best of the best for the trail. This list includes all the hiking essentials I used (and loved)! Whether you’re gearing up for your first overnight hike or just chasing new trail inspo, these are the items that got me through rain, snow, and everything in between.

Over the years, I’ve collected a stack of Aussie travel books that have helped me uncover some of the most incredible hidden gems across the country - the kind of places you’d never find just scrolling online. From epic road trip inspiration to detailed local guides and off-grid adventures, these are my go-to reads whenever I’m planning a new trip. If you’re dreaming up your next Aussie adventure, these books are a great place to start!