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Travel instagrammers with an eye for photography know that it’s all about location (location, location!) when it comes to capturing that perfect insta-worthy shot — and boy, have we got some scenic destinations for you!

From stunning aerial landscapes to panoramic perspectives of the countryside, step up your Instagram game and invite wanderlust in your followers with a glimpse of your gypsy lifestyle in Australia.

Here’s our pick of the 7 most picture-perfect destinations in Australia to get excited about.

Bondi Beach — Sydney, NSW

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With countless events and markets held on this popular stretch of sand each year, it’s no surprise why Bondi Beach has made it to the top of the list as one of Australia’s most famous (and Insta-worthy) destinations.

Soak up some fun and sun along this one-kilometre long shore, join the local sun-worshippers for a morning run, surf session or yoga practice by the beach, or simply enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean because who needs a reason for that? Once you’ve worked up an appetite, pop by the iconic Bondi Icebergs Club for a scrumptious seafood platter, with views overlooking the beach and historic pool.

Wave Rock — Hyden Wildlife Park, WA

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The Wave Rock in Hyden is a fascinating rock formation that has been around for more than 2.7 billion years. Standing 15 metres tall and stretching more than 110 metres long, the massive wave is slowly becoming a prominent Instagram sensation among tourist attempting to ‘surf’ granite cliff.

The area also features other curiously named rock formations (e.g. The Humps, Hippo's Yawn and Mulka's Cave) just a four-hour drive from Perth that are equally worth checking out.

Port Stephens — North Coast, NSW

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There are plenty of ways to enjoy the stunning sandscapes of the Port Stephens. If you’re looking to add some POV action shots to your Instagram répertoire, an exhilarating ride on a quad bike or taking a four-wheel drive tour will do just the trick.

Get your adrenaline pumping as you race across Australia’s largest sand dune system on the ultimate adventure ride, surf down 40-metre high sand slopes on custom sandboards or explore the unique and sandy terrain at a more relaxed pace on a camel or horse ride, located just two and a half hours north of Sydney.

Sunflower Route — Southern Queensland Country, QLD

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If you’re a fan of all things flora, take the scenic drive from Warwick to Allora and be greeted by fields of giant golden sunflowers as far as the eye can see. Located just two hours away from the city of Brisbane, the 50-kilometre long ‘Sunflower Route’ is easily the most dazzling sight in Southern Queensland.  

The best times to take in the yellow splendour is from December to February, when the sunflowers are in full bloom. Be sure to take plenty of pictures of the sunny vista during this time of year.  

Bridestowe Lavender Estate — Nabowla, TAS

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Another beautiful floral sight to visit during the warm summer months (Dec to Jan) is at the Bridestowe Lavender Estate, where visitors get the chance to stroll through endless rows of lavender plants for a breathtaking and aromatic explosion of purple, located just 50 kilometres from Launceston (45 minutes by car).

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The famous estate contains a variety of luxury lavender infused hand creams and soaps, scented potpourri and its divine lavender flavoured ice cream!

Hardy Reef — Whitsundays, QLD

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Capture paradise from above with a scenic flight over the spectacular Hardy Reef to experience the sheer magnitude of the Great Barrier Reef from the air. Get a bird’s eye view of the sparkling waters before delving deeper beneath the waves for an afternoon of snorkelling and coral viewing.

Brighton Bathing Boxes — Melbourne, VIC

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Thanks to these brightly painted bathing boxes that line the shores of Brighton seaside, the famous Melbourne beach has transformed into one of Australia’s most iconic photo destinations. Built more than a century ago, these colourful changing sheds have managed to retain its classic architectural features, giving visitors a chance to capture this historic hallmark of Victorian morality.

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It is no secret that Australia is home to heaps of well-known landmarks, both natural and man-made. The continent has been on the charm offensive with its World Heritage Sites, and tempting the globe with its laid-back lifestyle and three-hour-long brunches. But famous attractions and delicious grub aren’t the only reason why so many visitors go back to the land Down Under – here are some hidden gems for new and returning visitors seeking unforgettable adventures.

Alternative dining experience – Eyre Peninsula’s seafood trail, Port Augusta, SA

Image Source: Tourism Australia

Forget holes-in-the-wall, private kitchens or fine dining and go on a seafood tasting safari that lets you sample the best of what South Australia has to offer. Starting from Port Augusta, the journey takes you through many gourmet layovers along the coast. Get your hands wet and catch your lunch of tender blue crabs, feast on freshly harvested oysters on a farm tour at Coffin Bay, and dine your heart out at the many restaurants in the area. Travellers looking for an extended safari should check out the charming bed and breakfasts along the trail.

Alternative reef – Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth, WA

Image Source: Luxury Lodges of Australia

Ningaloo Reef is often overshadowed by its massive cousin, the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s most talked about living organism. Hop on a short flight from Perth to Exmouth and hit the resorts located right at the fringe of this untouched 260km-long structure. Only metres away from the shore, expect to walk over to the reef without any snorkelling gear! Capture it all on Instagram (make sure your phone is waterproof) as you dive with whale sharks congregating in their natural habitat or catch the migrating humpback whales that skirt the beautiful coastline.

Alternative art museum – The White Rabbit Gallery, Sydney, NSW

Image Source: White Rabbit Gallery Facebook

Looking for more fun and quirk in your art? Look beyond the usual suspects like the Museum of Contemporary Art or MONA and head to the White Rabbit Gallery, a private art museum featuring only 21st-century Chinese contemporary art by collector Judith Neilson. Be intrigued by over 2000 works contained in a whimsical arena or take a breather from sensory overload and have a cup of tea at the museum’s teahouse. Best part of all? Admission is free!

Alternative national park – Kakadu National Park, NT

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Australia’s largest nature reserve, the Kakadu National Park offers breathtaking hiking trails and vistas that easily rival those of the Grampians or Blue Mountains. Hire a four-wheel drive to explore isolated and inaccessible sanctuaries like the Gunlom Falls and the Ikoymarrwa Rock Pool, or jump on a cruise tour of the Yellow Water Wetlands that changes with the six seasons, constantly transforming the landscape. Camping tip: Stay at the bespoke Flash Camp in Cooinda during the dry season instead of roughing it out in a tent to get closer to nature!

Alternative drive – The East Coast, Tasmania

Image Source: Friendly Beaches Lodge/Great Walks of Australia

Equally as awe-inspiring as the Great Ocean Road, the tranquil Tasmanian East Coast is a treasure trove of stunning bays, wildlife, pristine beaches and lookout points that dot the island’s east coast. Break your journey along this 300km stretch from Hobart to St Helens and wander around pitstops like the picturesque Wineglass Bay and the Bay of Fires or stop for a scrumptious treat at the Darlington Vineyard.

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Travelling may be expensive, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll have to empty the bank just to make a trip fun and fulfilling. In Australia, there are tonnes of fun stuff to do for an engaging day out without spending a single cent! Take a huge load off your wallet by indulging in these 10 free and fun things to do in each Australian city.

Flaunt your OOTD in Chippendale, NSW

Gentrification came and transformed this “working class” suburb near Central station into the artistic hub it is now. Old buildings with their art-filled alleyways juxtapose with swanky new establishments and its artsy occupants to give this place its off-kilter charm, and your perfect insta-worthy shot! #ootd #chippendale

Take in spectacular coastal views from Bondi to Coogee, NSW

An easy (and free!) two hour walk from Bondi beach (20-minute drive from Sydney’s center) will show you a stunning array of beaches, parks, cliffs, rock pools, cafes and restaurants along the walk from Bondi to Coogee. Drop by Marks Park, near the start of the walk to spot rare Aboriginal rock carvings, or whale-watch during the migration season between May and November.

Step back in time at the State Library of Victoria, VIC

The State Library of Victoria located in central Melbourne is a magnificent 19th century building and cultural landmark that contains over two million books, hundreds of thousands of pictures, newspapers, maps and manuscripts, and masses of audio, video and digital material in its domed interior. Free guided tours of this historic building are available.

Be Neo from the Matrix at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, VIC

Think you know your TV series and movies? The free Screen Worlds exhibition at ACMI in Melbourne brings together rare footage, interactive displays, sound and light experiences and more into a mind-boggling day of learning what makes moving images come alive. And yes, you can imitate Neo from Matrix by creating your own Time Slice video!

Become a local with Brisbane Greeters, QLD

Lack local friends to show you the non-touristy locales and haunts? The Brisbane Greeters are the friends you didn’t think you need, who will show you the city based on your interest, from architecture to food. Passionate about the city they live in, these free tours by the Greeters are some of the best way to have a great time in Brisbane!

Rock out all day long to free performances on Brisbane’s streets, QLD

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Live music is a pretty big thing in Brisbane. Just take a quick stroll through Queen Street Mall, Post Office Square, South Bank and other locations with a stage in Brisbane to be exposed to a constant lineup of musicians, touring bands and artists!

Play with koalas because you can at Daisy Hill Koala Centre, QLD

Learn about koalas as you interact with them in this centre that houses koalas who cannot be released into the wild. Free to enter, this centre is located 25km south of Brisbane, within Daisy Conservation Park, and contains plenty of useful information to learn about these furry creatures!

Become a mermaid/merman at Shoalwater Marine Park, WA

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Coral beds, penguins, bottle-nosed dolphins and countless sea lions call this area home. Snorkelling in the pristine waters of this park (45 minutes from Perth) is free and gains you access to vibrant corals and even a chance to see these wildlife if you’re lucky!

Dance with the Black Swan at Lake Monger, WA

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No, not really dance, but you can actually get up close and personal with these black-feathered beauties that roam free around Lake Monger, 5 minutes away from Perth. Featured on the state flag and named after the city’s major river system, see for yourself why these elegant water birds are so revered!

Skip the gym and get into nature in Hobart, TAS

Why pay to go to a gym when you can access crystal clean air and cardio training right where you’re travelling? A 20-minute bus or car ride from the middle of Hobart will take you to the start of Mount Wellington’s numerous trails that caters to walkers of any stamina. Hike straight up to the top for an amazing 360-degree panoramic view of the city skyline!

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Whether you’re a pescatarian or a seafood lover, one thing we can all agree on is that it is impossible to say no to fresh seafood, cooked any way. And when you’re in a country that has such a strong connection with the ocean, like Australia, you’d better believe that its seafood is worth travelling for. Here, we present succulent pieces of indulgence you definitely need to have Down Under!

Moreton Bay Bugs

Flathead Lobster, Bay Lobster, Slipper Lobster or the Moreton Bay Bugs are all different names for the same crustacean. Its firm flesh is not just tasty, but a culinary experience anyone should have. Best of all, it’s great for the heart, being a good source of Omega 3 and Omega 6.

Oysters

There are countless species of oysters, but the ones you’ll need to try when you go to Australia are Bruny Island Oysters, which will explode in your mouth with the taste of the ocean; and Sydney Rock Oysters, which packs a lot of creamy and sweet flavours within its smaller flesh.

Australian flathead

The Australian flathead has two poisonous spines and is dangerous to catch and prepare. The payoff is completely worth it, as it gives a full, flaky fillet that’s great for fish and chips. When fresh, the sashimi-style flathead is clean and easy on the palate. There are over 40 types of flatheads that can be found in Australia itself.

Barramundi

Native to Australia’s northern tropical waters, the Barramundi feasts on crustaceans, molluscs, and smaller fish, developing its mild flavour, white meaty flesh and 600-800 milligrams of Omega 3 in a single serving. This crowd-pleasing meat is delectable whether steamed or fried.

Southern Rocklobster

While ‘lobster’ is part of its name, this particular crustacean is not exactly the one we’re familiar with, as it does not have huge claws nor meat within the claws. Caught in the cold Southern Ocean of Australia, the meat also has slightly more bite while retaining its sweet, sea-sprayed flavour, and also goes great with a well-done marinade.

Prawns

There are 10 types of prawns that are farmed commercially or caught wild in Australia, and every region has its own fishery. That means no matter where you go, fresh prawns are easily available. Check out the Endeavour Prawn, a type of prawn that cooks well due to its natural flavourful taste.

Hervey Bay Scallops

In Australia there are two types of scallops: The commercially farmed ones, and Hervey Bay Scallops. Otherwise known as the saucer scallop, this species has smoother, rounder shells, and are great steamed with Asian flavours or grilled with butter. Very fresh scallops can also be eaten raw, but the locals would more than likely recommend it for a solid scallop carpaccio!

Blue Mussels

Indigenous people of both Australia and America have been harvesting and eating this age-old delicacy since the start of civilisation, and it is a staple in many countries. Restaurants in Australia also offers generous portions of blue mussels as sides, no matter how it’s cooked, so be sure to put this on your list! Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne has more than 20 mussel farms, so your best bet for the freshest mussels would be to head to Southern Victoria!

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Food is a common language of love, but think of the last time you shared a meal with your family and loved ones without scrolling through social media or generally being distracted. It’s time for a digital detox as you replenish both soul and stomach, so you can refocus on what’s most important – your family.

If you’re looking for an Australian trip filled with good food and good vibes, Queensland’s naturally refreshing Sunshine Coast provides it all. Together with stunning driving routes, it is also home to environs that greatly support the growth of tasty locally-grown produce and fresh seafood plucked straight from the Pacific Ocean.

You may feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choices at first – from farms where you can pick your own fruits to family-friendly restaurants that provide free meals for kids – but lucky for you, we’ve shortlisted some ‘must-visit’ activities for the perfect family vacation. 

To help you plan the perfect vacation, check out the Sunshine Coast Food Trail Planner, where personal encounters and immersive attractions, ranging from cooking schools to farm-gate experiences are conveniently sorted into regions. You just need to select what you want, and the best driving routes will be provided. Hardly any planning required on your end! 

Pick, catch and prepare your own food

Strawberry Fields, 133 Laxton Rd, Palmview, QLD 4553

You can’t get strawberries fresher than picking them right from the patch itself, from June to November every year. Make it a competition to see who can pick the largest, reddest or sweetest strawberries, before feasting on homemade strawberry ice cream right after!

Maleny Dairy, 70 McCarthy Rd, Maleny, QLD 4552

Image: Amanda Slater

Get up close and personal by feeding and milking  Maleny Dairy’s friendly Guernsay cattle (most of which are orange/brown and white in colour) in this scenic farm. From farm to table, you’ll get to taste freshly made ice-cream and gelato that’s bound to make the kids very, very happy.

Sunshine Coast Afloat, 50 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba, QLD 4557

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Go fishing via a guided kayak tour in the famed estuaries of Sunshine Coast, catch crabs or fish out in the open seas(and have them fresh!) from the comforts of the Ocean Jet Boat. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing cruise with the very same operator as you whale-watch with your child while nibbling on snacks.

Spirit House, 20 Ninderry Rd, Yandina, QLD 4561

One of Australia’s best food experiences, Spirit House offers daily cooking classes to teach people how to make contemporary Asian food with Australia’s freshest ingredients. Not only that, the whole family can get to enjoy the fruits of their labour amidst a tranquil garden setting.

Stock up on the best of Australia’s produce

Ginger Factory, 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina, QLD 4561

One of the most popular attractions in Queensland, the Ginger Factory provides fun activities for all the family with children like educational tours; amusement rides; a great retail space for mums to shop in; a fantastic cafe serving up modern Australian fares; and even an Ice Creamery where icy treats are freshly churned on site.

Noosa Farmer’s Market, 155 Weyba Rd, Noosaville, QLD 4566

Every Sunday between 7am and noon, farmers gather in one spot to present the best and freshest produce from their farms. From fresh fruits, gourmet condiments, just-caught seafood to organic skincare product, you will be spoilt for choice. If only it’s not opened for just one day of the week!

Kunara Organic Marketplace, 330 Mons Rd, Forest Glen QLD 4556

Image: Kunara Organic Marketplace

Experience the purer side of life with the largest market dedicated to organic produce in the Southern Hemisphere. Check out popular vegan recipes or learn how to grow your own garden from experienced horticulturist. Only the best for your family, no less!

Unwind and relax without compromising on fun

Make sure at least one of you stays responsible and sober to drive everyone safely to the next destination!

Brouhaha Brewery, 6/39 Coral Street, Maleny, QLD 4552

Image: Brouhaha Brewery

Drink your weight in amber gold in this boutique beer brewery nestled amongst the rolling hills of Maleny in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Kick back and relax as you sip on craft beers and feast on gourmet local fare including smoked meat and local cheeses, with a great view to boot.

The Pub at Aussie World, 72 Frizzo Road, Palmview, QLD 4553

Image: Artist Impression of The Pub, Aussie World

Family-friendly iconic tourist pub now comes with a curated range of local wines and crafted beers at this popular local haunt. The restaurant even provides a free kid’s meal with every main meal purchased from Sunday to Wednesday. Next to the restaurant is a 15-acre family theme park with no peak-crowd queues. Mums can even do a quick shopping trip at the thriving unique outlets nearby. Win-win for all, we say!

Brisbane is your direct connection to all these food-related activities! Fly there with Singapore Airlines from $578. Visit singaporeair.com/brisbane for more details.