A serene after-hours visit to the Cairns Aquarium, complete with a guided Twilight Tour through quiet galleries and nocturnal displays. Smaller groups, hands-on learning, and the chance to see marine life more active at night made this experience both educational and memorable.

A full-day adventure through the ancient Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, featuring a crocodile-filled river cruise, guided rainforest walks, coastal views, freshwater swimming holes, and tropical fruit ice cream. An unforgettable journey into one of Australia’s most unique ecosystems.

A scenic journey through Queensland’s ancient rainforest aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, paired with a peaceful Skyrail ride back down to Cairns. Even with rainy weather, the day offered charming heritage carriages, views of Barron Falls, a relaxed wander through Kuranda Village, and a misty walk among the treetops at Red Peak.

A full day exploring the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, complete with snorkelling, marine biology insights, and a delicious onboard BBQ. Rough waves and a cancelled helicopter tour couldn’t take away from the unforgettable experience of swimming above colourful coral gardens and spotting sea turtles on the journey back.

A relaxing stroll along the Cairns Esplanade, from wildlife sightings and scenic boardwalks to the vibrant night markets and evening fireworks. This easy waterfront walk offers the perfect introduction to Cairns for first-time visitors, combining nature, culture, and leisurely sightseeing.

Exploring Brisbane’s CBD through a free guided walking tour offered a deeper appreciation for the city’s history and architecture. From heritage landmarks and hidden interiors to modern interactive spaces, this walk showcased the many layers of Brisbane’s urban core.

Catching a FIFA Women’s World Cup match in Brisbane was an unexpected highlight of my Australia trip. From the electric walk to Suncorp Stadium to the final whistle of England’s 1–0 victory over Haiti, the atmosphere, crowd energy, and shared excitement made for an unforgettable night.

Mount Coot-tha offers one of the best viewpoints over Brisbane and an easy downhill walk that connects the summit lookout with the Botanic Gardens and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. A scenic, budget-friendly half-day escape only 40 minutes from the city.

A full-day visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, exploring koalas, kangaroos, dingoes, raptors, and other native wildlife through interactive shows, talks, and free-range encounters—an educational and memorable Brisbane experience.

Exploring South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point on foot offers some of the best river views, green spaces, and cultural attractions in the city. From Story Bridge to South Bank Parklands, this walk highlights Brisbane’s balance of nature, culture, and urban life.