I’ve been fortunate to visit Australia many times over the years, and one question I often hear is, “Don’t you run out of things to see?”

The answer is always no.

In fact, every trip teaches me something new. That’s one of the reasons I continue to return, both personally and professionally. Australia is a vast country filled with incredible landscapes, unique wildlife, welcoming people, and experiences that often surprise you when you least expect them.

After spending nearly a month exploring Sydney, the Sunshine Coast, and South Australia while attending the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), I came home with plenty of new ideas and a few reminders about why I love this destination so much.

Here are five things that stood out on this latest journey.

1. Wildlife Often Appears When You Least Expect It

Most travelers arrive in Australia hoping to see kangaroos, koalas, dolphins, or other native wildlife. What surprises many people is how often these encounters happen when you’re not actively looking for them.

During this trip, some of my favorite wildlife moments weren’t part of a scheduled tour. A kookaburra greeted me from a roadside sign. Wallabies appeared during a nature walk. Dolphins surfaced during coastal experiences in South Australia. And while many travelers book wildlife excursions, there are plenty of places throughout Australia where spotting a koala quietly sleeping in a tree is simply part of the day.

What stood out most on this visit, however, was the number of kangaroos. They seemed to appear along nearly every nature trail and walking path. One of my favorite memories was sitting on the deck at Habitat Noosa with a glass of wine in hand while a kangaroo grazed nearby. It’s one of those simple moments you can’t schedule but never forget.

Australia has a way of reminding you that nature is never very far away.

2. Some of the Most Memorable Experiences Happen Outside the Major Cities

Sydney remains one of my favorite cities in the world, and there’s no question it deserves a place on most first-time Australia itineraries.

But once again, this trip reinforced something I’ve believed for years: some of Australia’s best experiences happen beyond the major cities.

While Sydney itself offers iconic experiences, some of my favorite discoveries have come from exploring beyond the city. Whether that’s venturing into the New South Wales hinterland, discovering coastal communities along the state’s shoreline, or joining locally guided experiences with companies like Local Travel Planner, there is a deeper side of Australia waiting beyond the postcard views.

The same was true in Queensland and South Australia. Some of the moments I remember most happened not at famous landmarks but in smaller communities, regional areas, and places many visitors overlook.

Australia rewards travelers who are willing to venture a little further.

3. South Australia Continues to Be One of the Country’s Most Underrated Regions

If there was one region that impressed me most on this trip, it was South Australia.

While many travelers focus on Sydney, Melbourne, or the Great Barrier Reef, South Australia quietly delivers incredible diversity. Beaches, wildlife, food and wine, vibrant city experiences, outdoor adventures, and welcoming locals all combine to create a destination that deserves far more attention than it often receives.

This trip gave me the opportunity to experience Glenelg, Adelaide, Langhorne Creek, Coonawarra, and several coastal experiences that reinforced just how much the region has to offer.

For travelers looking to go beyond the typical Australia itinerary, South Australia is worth considering.

4. Australians Are Incredibly Proud of Their Local Food, Wine, and Produce

One thing that stood out throughout the trip was the pride Australians take in their local products.

Whether I was visiting wineries, dining at restaurants, talking with tourism operators, or attending events during ATE, there was a consistent focus on local ingredients, regional specialties, and supporting local producers.

Food and wine aren’t simply part of the travel experience in Australia. They’re part of the culture.

In fact, I returned home with a suitcase that was noticeably heavier than it had been when I arrived. Macadamia nuts, chocolates, jams, sauces, and even a few bottles to enjoy later all found their way into my luggage. One of my favorite things to do after returning from a trip is experiment with the flavors I’ve discovered and recreate a little piece of the destination at home.

For travelers who enjoy culinary experiences, Australia offers far more than many people realize.

5. I Always Leave With Places I Still Want to Explore

After multiple visits, you might think I would eventually run out of destinations to add to my list.

The opposite happens.

Every trip introduces me to new regions, new experiences, and new ideas for future journeys. This visit was no different. I returned home with a list of places I still want to see, experiences I want to revisit, and stories I want to tell.

One of the reasons I wrote Awakened in Australia was that each trip leaves a different mark on me. As I reflected on this latest journey, I found myself thinking about how every visit adds another chapter to the story. It’s also part of the inspiration behind my plans for a future series that explores not only the destinations themselves but how travel changes us along the way.

That’s one of the things I love most about Australia. No matter how many times I visit, there is always another road to take, another region to explore, and another story waiting to be discovered.

Australia is one of those destinations that continues to reveal itself over time.

The iconic landmarks are wonderful, but the real magic often happens in unexpected wildlife encounters, conversations with locals, regional experiences, and places that aren’t yet on everyone’s bucket list.

I’ve visited Australia more times than I can count, and that’s one of the reasons I love helping travelers discover it for themselves.

There is always something new waiting around the corner.

And if my latest trip reminded me of anything, it’s that Australia still has plenty left to show me.

Tourism conferences are often viewed as industry events, but for me, they are one of the most valuable ways I can continue learning, building relationships, and discovering new experiences that eventually become part of the trips I create for clients.

This year, I spent nearly a month in Australia, with the centerpiece of the trip being the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in Adelaide, South Australia.

ATE is Australia’s largest tourism marketplace, bringing together tourism operators, destinations, and travel professionals from around the world. This year’s event welcomed a record-breaking 2,700 delegates and connected buyers from 32 countries with tourism experiences from across Australia.

For four days, my schedule was packed with appointments. Think of it as speed dating for travel professionals. Every 15 minutes, I met with a different tourism operator, hotel, tour company, destination representative, or attraction. By the end of the conference, I had completed more than 80 appointments representing every Australian state and territory.

Some of these were long-standing partners I’ve worked with for years. Others were new experiences, accommodations, and touring opportunities that could be a great fit for future clients. Every conversation helped me better understand what is new, what is changing, and what travelers can experience throughout Australia.

But ATE was only part of the story.

Before the conference, I spent time exploring Sydney and Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. While Sydney continues to be one of my favorite gateway cities, I also had the opportunity to spend time in Noosa and the surrounding Sunshine Coast region. From coastal scenery and wildlife encounters to experiencing places like Habitat Noosa, famous for its kangaroos gathering near the lake, it was a reminder that some of Australia’s most memorable experiences happen beyond the major cities.

Following ATE, I participated in a South Australia coastal familiarization that showcased another side of the state. Highlights included Glenelg, a dolphin sailing experience, a Port River cruise, and a cycling tour through Adelaide with Bike About. These are exactly the types of experiences that help me understand how destinations fit together and what different travelers might enjoy.

My final week was perhaps the most rewarding. Instead of following a structured conference schedule, I spent time exploring South Australia more like a local. I visited two wine regions that were new to me—Langhorne Creek and Coonawarra—adding to my understanding of a state that continues to impress me with its diversity. From coastal communities and vibrant city neighborhoods to world-class wine regions, South Australia offers far more than many travelers realize.

One of the biggest takeaways from this trip was seeing how destinations can be combined into deeper, more immersive experiences.

A South Queensland journey might blend Brisbane’s urban energy with the Sunshine Coast, hinterland experiences, wildlife encounters, and reef adventures. South Australia offers opportunities to combine city experiences, cycling, wildlife, coastal scenery, and wine regions into one seamless journey. The possibilities are far greater than simply checking major cities off a list.

That’s ultimately why I attend events like ATE.

The value isn’t simply collecting brochures or business cards. It’s building relationships with the people who make these experiences possible. It’s gaining firsthand knowledge that cannot be learned from a website. It’s seeing destinations evolve and discovering new ways to help travelers experience them.

ATE may be over, but the trip’s impact is just beginning.

Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing more stories, highlights, and discoveries from Australia while incorporating what I’ve learned into future itineraries. Whether it’s a first visit to Australia or a return journey to explore a different region, this trip provided plenty of inspiration for what’s possible.

And if there’s one thing I was reminded of during this month Down Under, it’s that Australia always gives me a reason to come back.

Visited May 2026 | Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) Adelaide, South Australia

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Image courtesy of Journey Beyond Rail (journeybeyondrail.com.au)

There are places in Australia that linger with you long after you’ve returned home, places that feel ancient, spiritual, wild, and absolutely unforgettable. For me, K’gari (Fraser Island) is one of those rare destinations. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit twice, once in 2016 and again just recently, and each time the island offered something completely new and completely magical.

My First Journey: K’gari Up Close

My first visit in 2016 was a full immersion. I stayed overnight at Kingfisher Bay Resort, tucked among the trees and overlooking the water. It was the perfect base for exploring the island, and the moment I arrived, I could feel that K’gari was unlike anywhere else I had ever been.

The full-day island tour gave me my first taste of her beauty. I walked through an ancient rainforest that—against all logic—grows straight out of a sand dune system. I swam in the jewel-blue waters of Lake McKenzie, waded through fresh water flowing over soft white sand at Eli Creek, and stood before the iconic shipwreck resting proudly on the beach.

K’gari’s wildlife didn’t disappoint either. I spotted wild dingoes trotting along the coastline, while back at the resort, a kangaroo stared at me from my balcony, having dropped by to check on the new visitor.

One of the highlights was boarding a seaplane and soaring over the island. Seeing the butterfly-shaped lakes and endless sweep of dunes from above felt like looking at another world entirely.

The island’s culinary scene surprised me, too—fresh dishes infused with native bush ingredients that showcased the flavors of Australia. And then… There was the archery. Let’s just say I learned the hard way that a strong flat white before shooting a bow was not a wise choice. I shook like a Hawaiian dashboard doll and still somehow managed to hit a bull’s-eye—pure luck and plenty of laughs.

By the end of the stay, K’gari had worked her way deep into my heart.

My Second Visit: A Day of Adventure by Sea

My return trip with my partner was from a completely different angle—this time as a day trip from Hervey Bay. Instead of exploring by 4WD on land, we discovered K’gari’s coastline from the water.

The day began with tea on board as we cruised across the calm bay. Once we reached the island’s eastern side, the fun really began. We snorkeled in the crystal-clear shallows, climbed the tallest sand dune that opened to breathtaking views, and were even pulled behind a speed boat on a float—an unexpected thrill that delivered pure joy and hysterical laughter.

We kayaked through the mangroves, drifting quietly with the current, and floated down a creek surrounded by forest and bird calls. It was active, refreshing, and completely invigorating, truly perfect for travelers who love to move, explore, and soak in nature from every angle.

Why K’gari Belongs on Your Australia Itinerary

Two trips. Two totally different experiences. One unforgettable island.

Whether you prefer hiking and hidden lakes, guided 4WD adventure, wildlife encounters, or water-based action with snorkeling and kayaking, K’gari delivers it all. It’s ideal for:

• Adventure lovers
• Nature seekers
• Couples
• Families
• Photographers
• Anyone who needs to breathe deeply again
• and works well for those with time or those who can only grab a day

K’gari is a reminder of why I fell in love with Australia all those years ago, its wild beauty, its warm spirit, and its ability to transform you in the simplest, most unexpected moments.