But one of the biggest surprises for me around Australia’s Golden Outback was botanical in nature. This part of the world is home to some incredible plants and wildflowers. It’s a veritable botanical wonderland. I’ve not seen anything like it. The wildflowers in Esperance are unbelievable.

Esperance, Australia, might be the most colorful place I’ve ever been

You guys know that I love my plants. I just wrote New Zealand’s first book about houseplants. I shouldn’t have been surprised to learn that Western Australia is home to the most extensive wildflower collection on the planet. In fact, in this part of Australia, there are more than 12,000 species of wildflowers. Here in Esperance and its surrounds down under, the season for wildflowers is spring (August to November).

Here’s a little taste of my time exploring the wildflowers in Esperance – enjoy!

Check out the annual Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show

For forty years, the most incredible wildflower show has quietly taken over this little corner of Australia. While the wildflowers in Esperance are amazing, it goes beyond just the town by far.

While spending the afternoon with Esperance Distillery Co, a micro-gin distillery using local botanicals, they introduced me to Sue, an incredible local who has been coordinating the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show. And it just happened to be going on while I was there. Lucky me! Since 1982, this festival has celebrated the incredible biodiversity and florals of the region. It’s really freaking cool, especially considering the town has less than 1000 inhabitants, yet they feature hundreds of incredible local flowers on display in the local town hall.

During the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show, there are many events and experiences you can join in on. To be honest, I had no idea what I was jumping into. I love flowers and plants and locals who are passionate about them. Sign me up. 

Explore the amazing Fitzgerald River National Park

A few hours from Esperance is Fitzgerald River National Park, which has some of the best biodiversity in Australia and is one of the country’s largest national parks, clocking in at 300,000 hectares. I couldn’t resist a visit out here after spending the day at the wildflower show and exploring the surroundings. 

With 60 percent of plants found nowhere else on the planet, including native orchids, banksias, grevilleas, and many others, it was truly a botanical wonderland. In fact, Fitzgerald River National Park has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. There are a couple of different ways to get into the national park, but I followed the only paved road near Hopetoun. 

There are also many four-wheel drive tracks and heaps of hikes inside the national park. You could easily spend days here.

Something I found interesting was that Fitzgerald River National Park reminded me of South Africa. It looked a lot like areas around Cape Town to me. While I have no scientific background to connect this, I do remember from science class that Australia was once part of Gondwana, which included Africa. Does anyone else see this, or just me?

I noticed this a lot with plants that reminded me a lot of proteas, which are one of the flowers I love and often pick out when I buy bouquets. I mean, is there anything more beautiful than a king protea/Protea cynaroides? It’s also the national flower of South Africa. Hear me out, guys!

Around this part of Western Australia and Fitzgerald River National Park, you’ll notice another stunning wildflower – banksias. Banksia is a genus of around 170 species in the ancient plant family Proteaceae. Ah ha! See where I’m going with this? Evidence suggests that ancestors grew in Gondwana, some in Africa, some in Australia, and others in South America. 

Banksias are also named in honor of Joseph Banks, the renowned naturalist who collected many of them during Captain Cook’s first voyage to the Pacific on the Endeavour around 1770. It’s also when he came to New Zealand. As a massive plan nerd, I know a lot about Mr. Banks. He went on to make Kew Gardens in the UK the world’s leading botanical garden. It’s my dream to go here. 

Something fascinating I learned is that banksias have adapted to regular bushfires. Many need fires to burst open their seed pods. Too cool. You can see lots of banksias around here, and of course, the best time for wildflowers is spring. But some plants flower all year long here. If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of the tiny and very cute possum, their main pollinator. 

Anyway, I didn’t imagine it; the biodiversity and landscape reminded me a lot of South Africa. Tell me a Banksia baxteri does not look a lot like a protea. Moving on. 

Learning heaps at a regenerative honey farm

During the Ravensthorope Wildflower Show, there are often events and tours around the area to learn about the natural history. I was invited last minute to join a group tour in Kundip at the Djilarup Honey Farm to learn about native plant regeneration. While I was definitely one of the younger visitors, I found it very engaging. If you haven’t realized it by now, I geek out on plants.

I often help with native planting here in New Zealand and am passionate about land restoration. Many places I write about, especially accommodations, often invest heavily in restoring the land. I think it’s really important; it’s all interconnected.

It was fascinating to learn it through the lens of honey and bees. Save the bees.

The Djilarup Honey Farm has been working hard to regenerate their land by planting thousands of local native plants. It was amazing. You could see a clear line from where they haven’t planted to where many natives grow now. Doing this has the dual benefit of restoring the soil and helping the bees thrive. 

Without geeking out too much, I was eager to learn more about how they have been looking into growing native Leptospermum, a genus of plants from the Myrtle family. We have them here in New Zealand too. Our famous mānuka honey comes from the nectar produced by Leptospermum scoparium, our mānuka trees.

Mānuka honey is a big business here in New Zealand, and it was really interesting to see if explored from their perspective. Especially as I got to taste the fruits of their labor. The honey is amazing.

Flowers flowers everywhere

There’s something pretty amazing about people who love plants and flowers.

I found everyone I met in Esperance to be kind, friendly, and wonderful. They know they live somewhere unique and special. To visit it as an outsider and see that for myself, where it hasn’t yet been overrun with tourists, is pretty neat. That’s becoming rarer these days.

I learned so much while I was there about the native flora, and yet I left knowing there was so much more to see. Pretty much everywhere where I went, there was some new plant or flower I hadn’t seen yet. Sue was kind enough to drive me around after the honey farm and show me another area full of wildflowers. It was just down a red dirt road with views as far as you could see. It wasn’t a reserve or national park. Here the flowers are abundant, just like in this part of Western Australia. 

Are you the kind of person who would travel to see plants? Would you travel to see the wildflowers in Esperance? Can you relate?

Many thanks to Australia’s Golden Outback for hosting me in Esperance. Like always, I’m keeping it real – like you could expect less from me.

The post Australia’s Golden Outback is a botanical wonderland appeared first on Young Adventuress.

There definitely aren’t as many in my neck of the woods these days down under. But when I do stumble across them, I get pretty excited. 

The sun was beginning to set on a warm spring day as I touched down in Esperance after traveling over from New Zealand. And when I drove my little turquoise hire car up to my A-frame at the Esperance Chalet Village, my heart skipped a beat. It was so cute! It felt like stepping into a fairytale. 

Beautiful white A-frames surrounded by nature, with festoon lighting draped around it. The red earth and surrounding botanicals smelled divine, reminding you that you were definitely in Australia.  

The Esperance Chalet Village is a unique coastal site just five minutes from town – and there are bikes guests can use too. Snuggling up in the soft white linens beneath the pointed roof with a book and a glass of wine was the perfect way to wrap up a big day of travel. And get this: the chalets, shacks, and cabins are adults only, though the cottage is great for families. 

Getting to stay here for a week while I explored Esperance was the ideal base before heading off to Woody Island. Just a little bit out of town but nestled against the beautiful Bandy Creek made for a charming setting. All off on its own, it really does feel like its own little village. 

There are communal facilities on site that are very flash and stylish. My chalet had a kitchen, but the separate kitchen facilities included an Italian gas cooker, a large fridge, filtered water, complimentary tea, freshly ground local coffee, and a coffee machine. There’s even an outdoor BBQ and open fire.

In the heart of Australia’s Golden Outback, the Esperance Chalet Village sits on a nice chunk of land among lush native gardens. Here serenity, simplicity, and natural beauty are in abundance. 

I could immediately tell that there had been a lot of thought and care put into the development and branding of the Esperance Chalet Village. It was catered to people just like me. Fresh and modern, bright and light, and a bit bohemian mixed with minimalism, we see a lot online; it had a vibe that I immediately connected with. 

I’m tired of dated accommodation. Often in busy tourist areas, you can tell places have enough bookings that they think they don’t have to bother crafting a beautiful brand and story. I dislike that; it feels like lazy marketing. When I see places like the ECV, I get excited. I’m happy to share and write about them because it’s been created in such a lovely way. 

Esperance, Australia, might be the most colorful place I’ve ever been

The more I travel, and the older I get, I prefer to base myself in one place and explore. 

The Esperance Chalet Village was the perfect place to set myself up for a week of exploring around Esperance. From visiting the iconic pink lakes to heading out to Lucky Bay to going on botany adventures, it was such a cozy and wholesome space to retreat to at the end of the day. 

Thanks to jetlag from New Zealand, I was a morning person for a week here, waking up with the birds before sunrise. Making myself a coffee, checking my emails in bed, and slowly waking up was the perfect start to the day. If only I could keep it up once I’m back home. Sigh. One day. 

The Esperance Chalet Village had everything you needed and more. There’s black bream fishing in the nearby creek, along with kayaks and cruiser bikes you can borrow. The only sound is birdsong. There’s no reception to check in once you arrive. You just head to your cabin or chalet with instructions sent by email – as an introvert, I loved this! 

There’s even San Pellegrino sparkling water in all rooms too. They often house wellness retreats and weddings, and it’s a place for gathering or for hiding away. 

I loved my time here and can’t wait to go back.

Would you love to stay at the Esperance Chalet Village? Is this the kind of place you want to base yourself when traveling? Spill. 

Many thanks to Australia’s Golden Outback for hosting me in Esperance. Like always, I’m keeping it real – like you could expect less from me.

The post Esperance’s cutest A-frame accommodation appeared first on Young Adventuress.

Here, on the bottom left corner of Australia, deep red rocks the color of clay merge with dense verdant green shrubby bush. Turquoise waters splash onto pure white sand beaches home to kangaroos. And come springtime? The land erupts in a rainbow of wildflowers. And there are also bubblegum pink lakes. It’s so colorful!

To cap off the end of a beautiful week in Esperance, Western Australia, I hopped on a ferry to Woody Island. Fifteen kilometers offshore from Esperance, Woody Island is a nature lover’s paradise. Home to unusual birds, crystal clear waters, cozy glamping tents, and the most colorful landscape, it’s the perfect place to escape it all and get off the grid. 

Esperance, Australia, might be the most colorful place I’ve ever been

I snoozed on the boat’s deck as we headed out to Woody Island. The hour-long trip flew by with the occasional white-bellied sea eagle overhead or dolphins jumping out alongside us. Is this place for real? 

In many ways, it felt “undiscovered.” I hadn’t heard of this place until my trip, and it still feels very authentic and rustic. Not touristy at all, and Woody Island is simply a nature reserve with basic facilities for visitors. The vibe was genuine and friendly, and it almost felt like the summer camps of my childhood here. 

You could really immerse yourself in nature easily here. 

Rich in history, Woody Island is the only inhabited island out of the 105 that comprise the Recherche Archipelago. A nature reserve since the 1950s, back in the late 19th century, it was used for grazing livestock. Intimate and small, it’s only about 240 hectares in size, and you can easily explore most of the island over a day or two. 

Overseen now by Woody Island Eco Tours, you can visit as a day trip from Esperance or stay for a few days in one of their cute glamping tents and safari huts. 

I was lucky; it was great spring weather and pretty quiet when I was there. I had an amazing glamping setup that was super cute and cozy, overlooking the water and the rest of the island. As someone mildly obsessed with glamping, this was a hard yes for me!

If I have the time, I prefer to stay the night or even for a few days in places like this. Often sunrise and sunset are the best times for wildlife viewing, especially birds.

While I have never been a morning person, I try to get up for the dawn chorus in places with amazing birdlife. There’s something so hauntingly beautiful about hearing their calls through the bush as the day breaks. I love it. 

There are no snakes on Woody Island or other predators, which allows the other wildlife to flourish. I spent hours watching the beautiful rock parrots hanging around my tent. Hanging out mostly on the ground, they weren’t timid at all. 

Another critter I kept running into was the southwestern crevice-skink. Large and fearless, I kept seeing them on my walks and wanders around the island. Along with a small group of introduced kangaroos, there was no shortage of epic wildlife spotting on Woody Island. 

As a huge plant nerd, I fully geeked out on all the amazing plants. One of the only islands in the archipelago with tall trees come springtime; it blooms with colorful wildflowers. 

The orchids were in bloom, and walking amongst the acacia and eucalyptus groves was stunning. Trails crisscross the island and are easy to follow. There’s even a snorkel trail you can follow at Shearwater Bay. 

There are a few different ways to explore Woody Island. There are guided walks timed around the boat trips, which is a fantastic way to experience the best of the island in a short amount of time. 

Probably the coolest story is about Twiggy’s Landing, one of the marked trails on the island that overlooks a muttonbird colony. The story goes that back in the day, Don Mackenzie’s dog, Twiggy, was washed overboard during rough weather. Don Mackenzie built a nice jetty on Woody Island back in the early 70s and helped set up tourism here. 

Furthermore, the story goes that Twiggy somehow managed to swim to Woody Island and survive for years before being caught again. There aren’t any beaches on Woody Island. It’s mostly big red rocks. How did she manage to get onto the land? It could only have been at this spot. 

One thing I should mention is the black algae on the red rocks at the waterline. So many locals told me to mention this to visitors. Exploring the Esperance coastline and on the islands, in some places, there are black algae on the rocks above the waterline on the shore. It’s really slippery, and people have slipped, fallen, and died – so be careful. Do not walk on it. Out of pure curiosity, I tested it with one foot, and they are not wrong. 

On my last day, I went on my own adventure and bush-bashed my way across the island to see the red cliffs on the other side following cairns. It’s not as adventurous as it sounds because the island is pretty small, and often the vegetation is below my height. With native skinks keeping me company, I was able to get lost in my thoughts as I made my way through the shrubs, only jerking back into the present if my face went through cobwebs (you know, spiders. Australia. Shivers.)

It was well worth it; the views were amazing. What a magical place I could have easily stayed for a week.

My few days on Woody Island were really relaxed and peaceful. It consisted of sleeping in, going for walks, birdwatching, reading, and repeating. It was magic. 

Finally, as I grow older, these are the kinds of trips I really love. I love to be able to travel slowly, immerse myself in a place, and take my time. I don’t like rushing. Our lives are so rushed these days. Escaping into nature is the perfect way to balance this. Don’t you think?

Have you heard of Woody Island? Is this your kind of adventure? Spill!

Many thanks to Australia’s Golden Outback for hosting me in Esperance. Like always, I’m keeping it real – like you could expect less from me.

The post Going off the grid on Australia’s Woody Island appeared first on Young Adventuress.

Australia’s pink lakes have mesmerized many over the years. They’ve certainly made their way into my Instagram feed time and time again. As I scrolled past, the images slowly imprinted in my mind on my ever-growing list of places to visit.

When the opportunity presented itself to return to Western Australia right after our borders opened in New Zealand last year, I jumped at the chance. Esperance, a quick regional flight away from Perth, is home to the most famous of pink lakes – Lake Hillier. This was finally my chance!

Esperance, Australia, might be the most colorful place I’ve ever been

There are a handful of pink lakes dotted around Western Australia.

There used to be even more, but they can change color. Lake Spencer/Pink Lake sits right by the town of Esperance, which used to be hot pink but slowly changed to blue in 2017. The general consensus is that the construction of the nearby South Coast Highway altered the water flow into the lake, reducing its salinity. There are rumors that they might work on restoring the lake to its natural pink again. 

But by far, the most famous of Australia’s pink lakes have to be Lake Hillier. Situated on the edge of remote Middle Island 130 kilometers off the coast of Esperance, the hot pink lake contrasts starkly with the turquoise sea. The pure white sandy beaches and green native bush amplify the colors even more. 

This is where everyone wants to visit. 

How do people visit Lake Hillier?

Most people opt to fly to Lake Hillier on a scenic flight because of how far it is. Also, the scale and the colors are best appreciated from above. There are occasional boat trips out to Lake Hillier, but they’re not all the time, and it’s far through pretty rough seas. Access is limited because Lake Hillier is an A-class Nature Reserve with extremely high environmental protection. You can fly there with Fly Esperance and also see Cape Le Grand and other amazing spots around the region. 

You might have noticed that my photos of Australia’s pink lakes aren’t Lake Hillier. This is because before I visited in September 2022, there was a huge rainfall event, flooding the lake and changing its color. BUMMER! However, all was not lost because there were other pink lakes in Esperance we could fly over. Varying in hues from light pink to orange to red, these rainbow lakes were just as amazing. And don’t fret; Lake Hillier will return to its pink hue. 

I opted for the Fly Esperance pub crawl, which included the amazing scenic flights, as well as stopping at a few remote pubs throughout the day. 

So what’s the deal with Australia’s pink lakes?

Science says that the pink color is caused by a mix of a few things – algae, halobacteria, and other microbes. Within its pink waters lie at least ten species of salt-loving bacteria. There are also several species of Dunaliella algae, which are red and pink. The lakes are also very salty. 

At least for me, the fact that it’s algae and bacteria making the lake pink in color doesn’t deter me. It’s still so whimsical and unique to feel like it’s out of a fairytale.

Middle Island was also the home of Black Jack Anderson, Australia’s only known pirate in the early 19th century. The Recherche Archipelago was treacherous and uncharted, making it an ideal hideout for the pirates.

The pink lakes around Esperance are iconic even for locals.

Lake Hillier inspired the newly launched Esperance Distillery Co. to craft a beautiful pale pink gin infused with local botanicals: Esperance wax, lemon bush, and rosella. Established in 2020 by a father and son team during the pandemic, it operates as the smallest distillery in Australia. Gotta love a covid business! 

Seeing these pink lakes will delight and surprise just about anyone. Unusual and unforgettable, it was definitely a highlight of my time in WA. Though there’s so much to see in and around Esperance, don’t make the pink lakes your only adventure. There are many incredible places, adventures, and experiences to connect with here. And in all different colors too. 

Have you ever seen anything like this? Is Esperance a place you’d like to visit? Share!

Many thanks to Australia’s Golden Outback for hosting me in Esperance. Like always, I’m keeping it real – like you could expect less from me.

The post Australia’s pink lakes are straight out of a fairytale appeared first on Young Adventuress.

When international tourists think of Australia, they often consider iconic cities like Sydney and Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef, or the Outback. Iconic all on their own, it’s easy to forget just how gigantic and varied Australia really is. Almost as big as the USA, Australia is home to some of my favorite places to explore. And WA? It definitely ranks high on the list of Australia’s best-kept secrets, even for Australians!

On its own, Western Australia would be one of the biggest countries in the world. Australia’s largest state sprawls across nearly 300 million square kilometers. She’s big, and she’s vast. From ancient rock features to endless vineyards and excellent wineries to crystal clear water lapping the whitest sands in the world, Western Australia is the land of infinite exploration. It’s hard to describe the scale of the place, and it feels wild and open, with big skies and crazy coastlines.

And the colors are out of this world. The colors of Esperance, Australia, left a marked impact on me. You could spend a year here and still be surprised. 

20 photos that will inspire you to visit Western Australia

The list of places in WA I’m keen to explore is long and doesn’t seem to get any smaller. When I first visited five years ago, I spent most of my time in Perth and Margaret River. This time, I headed further south to Esperance, a town that evokes a feeling of endless summer and incredible nature. 

Famous for many reasons, Esperance often draws people in for its iconic bubble gum pink salt lakes. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that’s all there is to see. This part of Australia is layered and complex, with many places and experiences that guarantee you’ll fall in love with it. It’s the kind of place that, once you visit, you can’t stop talking about it.

But what struck me the most about spending a week in Esperance was just how colorful this place is. In fact, I’d say it’s probably the most colorful landscape I’ve ever seen packed into one place. The colors of Esperance, Australia, are so vibrant they don’t even seem real. And clashed against each other? The colors pop even more.

So allow me to introduce Esperance to you through its unbelievable color palette. Here are my picks for the colors of Esperance, Australia – enjoy. 

Turquoise blue seas

There are a couple of contenders for the top spot regarding the most eye-popping colors of Esperance, Australia. But after much deliberation, I’ve decided it must go to the color of the ocean water.

Here the ocean is bright turquoise, a blue so pure it looks manufactured. Is it a swimming pool? Nope, it’s real. And even though I was there in September, which is technically the end of winter/beginning of spring, the weather was hot and magical. And I couldn’t resist jumping in that water as often as possible. 

I spent a morning on a boat trip with Esperance Island Cruises, exploring the 105 Recherche Archipelago islands. Each island has its unique wildlife species dwelling on it and its unique story. We saw sea eagles and had pods of dolphins swimming alongside the boat. Swimming off the boat at Blue Haven Beach in the iconic turquoise water was a highlight for me!

PSA – Esperance local legend Jaimen Hudson runs Esperance Island Cruises – you’ve probably come across him on Instagram already, but if you haven’t, be sure to give him a follow for the most epic aerial photos and videos of the whales and dolphins of the WA coastline.

Bubblegum-pink lakes

Esperance has become world-famous for its bubblegum-pink salt lakes. And the best way to see them? From above. 

Hope on a scenic flight with locals Fly Esperance to see Lake Hillier on the remote Middle Island. A naturally bright pink contrasts with the bright blue ocean and white beaches, making for an unbelievable view. Thanks to a specific type of algae found in the water, which produces a red pigment, there are pink lakes all over the Esperance coastline, with their colors changing according to rainfall and the seasons. 

I spent my first day exploring on the flying pub crawl tour, which takes you around the region flying above the famous coastline and lakes in a fixed-wing airplane and stopping at local breweries and pubs. This way, you get the best of everything. I couldn’t think of a better way to start my trip to Esperance!

The whitest sand beaches in the world

For many years in a row, the beaches with the whitest sand in the world have all been in Esperance. There are endless stretches of beaches, with the nearby National Parks home to the most pristine white sand and some of the clearest, bluest waters you will ever see. 

Five of Esperance’s best beaches must be Lucky Bay, Hellfire Bay, Wharton Beach, Twilight Bay, and Blue Haven.

Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park is often lauded as having the whitest sand in the world, comprised of fine grains of milky frosted quartz. Thanks to a pristine environment combined with weather-eroded quartz make, Lucky Bay is the winner when it comes to the pure white sand. Also famous for having kangaroos that hang out on the five-kilometer stretch of beach, Lucky Bay is not to be missed on any trip to Esperance. 

As a tourist, the best way to visit Lucky Bay is by driving onto the beach while on tour with Tour Esperance on their 4×4 Le Grand Beach Adventure. It saves you doing some explaining when you get your hire car bogged down on the sands. If you’re lucky, you might even explore the impressive white dunes around the area too.  

Deep red dirt roads

There is something so distinctly Australian when you see those burnt red colored dirt roads stretching out as far as the eye can see. It screams the Outback, and red definitely stands out as one of the primary colors of Esperance, Australia.

When I stepped off the plane in Esperance and got a whiff of the hot coastal smell, the red earth and dense green scrub instantly brought back memories of my last visit to Western Australia five years earlier. Throughout my time in the area, I was always mesmerized by the red earth-colored roads contrasted against the green landscape. It’s incredible. 

Also, the roads are all paved; only the off-roads are dirt. 

Fields of yellow gold

When I was there in early spring, I immediately noticed a landscape full of bright yellow flowers. If I had to guess, I think probably many of them are weeds, some wildflowers, and most canola or rapeseed plants. 

But they are all beautiful, especially when you’re flying over them. 

Rainbow botanical wonderland

As a huge plant lover, I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard that Western Australia is home to the most extensive wildflower collection on the planet. In fact, there are more than 12,000 species of wildflowers, with 60 percent found nowhere else on the planet, including native orchids, banksias, grevilleas, and many others. Wow, paradise.

The wildflower season in Esperance runs from August to November, when everything is colorful and in bloom. I spent some time with local legends Esperance Distillery Co, launched in December 2020 as Australia’s smallest distillery. As a fellow pandemic business starter and gin aficionado, I had a great time. Their knowledge is immense, with their gins infused with local botanicals. The flavors reflect the land in a way that I love. 

They mentioned the nearby annual Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show was on while I was there, showcasing more than 500 local species of wildflower. Nearby Fitzgerald River National Park has some of the best biodiversity in Australia, not to mention being one of the largest national parks in the country. You can guess where I spent my day off. 

Amber rocks everywhere

You will not be surprised to learn that the rugged Esperance coastline has many enormous red and orange rock formations, red earth dirt, and roads. Standing in stark contrast to the white beaches, green bush, and turquoise waters, these red rocks are iconic for Esperance and WA. 

One of my favorite experiences in Esperance was spending the afternoon with Dabungool Cultural Experiences, learning about aboriginal Noongar culture in this part of Australia. Esperance is called Kepa Kurl, which means ‘where the water lies like a boomerang.’ Started by legendary local Annie and her family, they take you around the area where you can learn about indigenous history, culture, plant uses as medicine and food, and a Dreamtime story.

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to learn as much as possible about the place. Esperance is so much more than pretty views. It has a deep, rich cultural history dating back over 10,000 years. Supporting local indigenous businesses has never been more important. I left Esperance with more knowledge, respect, and understanding than when I arrived. This is thanks in large part to this wonderful local family. This is how we should all be traveling.

PSA: black algae often grows on the red rocks along the coastline around the high tide mark – it’s very slippery, and locals repeatedly warn people not to walk on the black parts of the rocks – there have been fatalities from people slipping on them, and falling into the water, so be cautious.

The lush, verdant green landscape

Often when people think of Australia, they think of the iconic red earth of the Outback. But around Esperance, it couldn’t be greener. The land here is abundant with plant growth, covered in a dense, dark green scrubby brush. Perhaps that is the color I should associate with the most when considering Esperance. And nowhere here does green better than Woody Island. 

To wrap up the most incredible week exploring Esperance, I caught a boat out to Woody Island to spend a few days offline.

Fifteen kilometers off the coast of Esperance, Woody Island is a nature reserve (snake-free) and home to some of Australia’s beautiful flora and fauna. It’s also the only island out of the 105 islands comprising the Recherche Archipelago you can visit and stay on. There are all types of camping and glamping here, with lovely walks and swimming spots. 

It’s the perfect place to go off the grid in paradise and be surrounded by nature. It was hard to leave.

Have you been here? What are the colors of Esperance, Australia, that come to mind when you travel here? Are there other places you’ve visited that are vibrant too? Share!

Many thanks to Australia’s Golden Outback for hosting me in Esperance. Like always, I’m keeping it real – like you could expect less from me.

The post Esperance, Australia might be the most colorful place I’ve ever been appeared first on Young Adventuress.

In fact, when I look back on the beginning of 2022, I can’t even really remember all that much. I have emotional PTSD. I went through the motions of day-to-day life, propped up by some of my oldest friends. But I couldn’t really tell you specifics. It was too painful to commit things to memory, I think. I was trying to survive.

We started 2022 with our international borders still closed in New Zealand, and no idea when it would change. I was stuck, and I hated it. At the time, I had no idea what to do with myself, my work, and where to live. My world had imploded. At the time, I didn’t realize that I would essentially be homeless for half a year, trying to figure out my new normal. Where would I land?

I quickly realized that I couldn’t be in Lyttelton for a while. Space away from where I had been living and all of the painful memories was what I needed. Unsurprisingly, I landed five hours away back in Wanaka, my old home and where I knew I could heal, especially with the help of my friends. 

But perhaps even when we are ghosts of our former selves, we can rely on muscle memory to carry us on. Wake up. Brush teeth. Drink coffee. Get dressed. And little by little, month by month, I began to find myself again.

And then things began to change, as they usually do. That old adage of how time heals blah blah blah is unfortunately true. With my final book draft due at the end of summer, I had the perfect excuse to be away and threw myself into writing. And I went into the hills seeking nature, and nothing makes you feel quite so good as time offline outside having adventures. 

As I emerged alive again, I smiled and laughed, and happiness began to appear in my life bit by bit. It feels like a lifetime has passed since I’ve done a travel roundup. But as we shift into 2023, I feel compelled to reflect on the past year, what I’ve done, and my 2022 travels. If anything, I note this for myself, a reminder of the things we can do when times get hard, to look back on where I was and where I am now.

As someone who tends to be really hard on herself, believing that she never does enough, this is a good reminder that we are enough. 2022 wasn’t so bad after all.

Walking the Routeburn Track

I talk a lot about the power of nature to heal in my new book, as well as touching on the experience of walking the Routeburn Track right after my break up. With Auckland still in lockdown at the end of 2021, I booked a last-minute spot on the Routeburn during a fine weather spell; it was magic and just what the doctor ordered for my battered heart. 

In fact, it was so magic I walked it again on New Years’ with an old friend. 

I think the Routeburn might be my favorite Great Walk. It’s shorter than most, clocking in at 33 kilometers, and can be walked in two to three days. It has everything: ancient beech forest, big mountains, unique birds, classic huts, and good swimming spots. It also traverses two national parks: Fiordland and Mt. Aspiring (pro tip: use Easy Hike to relocate your car from the start of the track to the end).

My next goal is to run it in one day. Let’s see if I can tick that off for 2023.

Exploring Fiordland in summer 

The summer of 2022 was one of the hottest I remember on the South Island, and my 2022 travels began right here on the South Island. I spent most of January working down in Fiordland on media projects.

Fiordland in the summertime is magical. Last January was unusual for two reasons: firstly, there were no tourists. Our borders were still closed, and COVID was starting in the community; everything felt uncertain. And it was super weird to be down in Fiordland in peak tourist season with no tourists. It was also boiling – it didn’t rain for weeks and weeks, the lakes and rivers dropped, and the lush forests started to become dry and even brown. I had never seen anything like it. 

But I made the most of it, spending long days in the hills tramping and exploring new places. It was so unique and a significant step in my journey of healing.

Hanging out down south

After Fiordland, I made my way south to Southland, a region I’ve been visiting on and off for a decade. Covering the bottom of the South Island and Stewart Island, it’s home to waterfalls.

Living in Wanaka, places like the Catlins and Riverton are our go-to seaside spots when we want to go away to the coast. It had been years since I had been back down this way, and it was really special to enjoy it through a new lens.  

Heading back to Stewart Island

Stewart Island is one of my favorite places in the world. New Zealand’s quiet third island off the bottom of the South Island is wild and remote. Less showy than other destinations, you have to really love nature, wildlife, and being off the grid to fully appreciate this place. 

I spent nearly a week here last summer during my 2022 travels, which gave me the space and time to heal and reflect. I even took the time to tramp all the way down to visit the bones of the stranding whales I stumbled on years ago, an experience that changed my life. 

Getting offline sailing around Dusky Sound

Perhaps my favorite adventure of 2022 was spending nearly a week on the Breaksea Girl, a boat out in the remote Dusky Sound with Wild Fiordland. 

Milford and Doubtful Sounds are the most famous fiords in New Zealand because they are (somewhat) easily accessed. Dusky Sound is harder to reach; most people fly in by helicopter. It’s been high on my bucket list for ages to visit, and I was so excited to spend a week on a boat here last summer. 

Created by locals to share this incredible slice of paradise in Fiordland with others, an adventure here is worth it. If you need an experience to catalyze change in your life, this trip is for you. I still arrived sad and angry about my breakup and felt 100 pounds lighter. You know, mentally. The food was insanely good, and we also caught crayfish and fish to cook up on board.

Tramping, tramping, and more tramping

Summertime means tramping time when you live in the mountains of the South Island. You’ve gotta make the most of the long days when the sun sets at 10 pm, and the snow has melted from the peaks. When I reflect back on my 2022 travels, tramping and being in the hills is a real highlight for me.

Last summer, I spent many nights in the New Zealand backcountry climbing mountains and swimming in the lakes. One of the highlights was finally ticking off the Gillespie Pass route near my home in Wanaka. It kicked my ass, and I lost half of my toenails, but it was so worth it. 

Writing and shooting my first book.

In addition to being outside and making the most of nature on my healing journey, I also finished writing my first book – Houseplants and Design: A New Zealand Guide (international shop here). I spent day after day glued to my laptop at different cafes in Wanaka and writing it kept me busy and sane. 

Many people ask me how long it took me to write my book. That’s actually a tricky question. It was a year’s worth of work, but the writing took me six weeks at the most. The editing, fact-checking, and shooting of the photos were the most challenging and took me the longest. 

At the end of summer, I spent almost two weeks traveling all over New Zealand taking photos for the book; from private houses to botanic gardens to shops and cafes, I met many fabulous like-minded plant people. It was so much fun and a cool way to experience New Zealand in a way I hadn’t before.

Finally getting back to the US to see my family

After two years of being stuck in New Zealand behind closed borders, I finally managed to get out to see my family, the highlight of my 2022 travels. Once my final book drafts were submitted to print in March, I booked flights to the US. I left before the official announcement of the border opening with the complete understanding I might be stuck in the US, but I didn’t care. At that point, I still didn’t have a home, and my big jobs were all wrapped up. 

It was weird flying out of Auckland with closed borders. The entire international terminal was closed and empty except for one bar. But how good was it to finally arrive in the US? It was amazing, and I ended up staying with my family for six weeks. 

I still haven’t come to terms with the trauma that this forced separation had on me. I’m just glad it’s over (for now).

Visiting friends across the pond in Sydney

Pre-pandemic, I used to go to Sydney almost monthly.

Many of my partnerships and business collaborators have their main Pacific offices in Sydney, so I was always over there. The direct flights from Queenstown to Sydney are usually about three-ish hours, making it easy to hop across the pond.

It was amazing to be back, and I spent my time catching up with friends, getting dressed up and going out, and enjoying the big city life; it was a small but exciting experience on my 2022 travels. I feel like the theme of 2022 was catching up with friends and family you haven’t seen since before 2020.

Officially moving into my own place in Wanaka

By winter, I had begun quietly looking for a place to live in Wanaka. Man, things have changed here, and rentals were slim and expensive pickings. 

Wanaka is the kind of small town where everyone knows everybody, and it’s usually easy to find a place by word of mouth. I ended up looking at flats on Trademe and finding a nice one in Hawea, a lakeside suburb of Wanaka. Many of my friends have moved out here recently, so it’s a great place to be based. 

I eventually signed a lease for a  beautiful brand new small one-bedroom flat. A few of my friends live all around me, and it’s so lovely to have a place to settle in after nine months of living out of a storage unit and my car. Though I will say it took me months to furnish it, and I lived on an air mattress for three months. That’s not an experience I’m keen to repeat any time soon.

Enjoying Tekapo as a winter wonderland

Tekapo is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist towns, and with good reason: she’s a beauty! Roughly halfway between Wanaka and Christchurch, it’s a stunning high country town overlooking a bright blue glacial lake and the Southern Alps. 

My houseplant shop, NODE, is in Lyttelton, so I often stop in Tekapo on my commutes between Wanaka and Christchurch. One of my dearest friends also lives in Tekapo. I spent nearly a week here on a project this winter, exploring the area with fresh eyes. I’m so glad I’ve made the most of my 2022 travels and experienced my own backyard before tourism en masse resumes.

When Tekapo is really busy with tourists, it was easy to skip on by, but to have it all to yourself in winter? Well, it was nothing short of magical.

Self-care on the west coast

I’ve made no secret of the fact that one of my favorite places to get away to write is on the West Coast of the South Island. At least once a year, I try to make the time to get over to the Punakaiki area.

Usually, I go there in the winter because that’s when the weather is nice and calm (surprising, I know). My 2022 travels brought me back to a place I love.

The West Coast is New Zealand’s least-populated region, so you often have beaches all to yourself. There’s something so nostalgic and lovely about listening to the sound of the surf or walking through the rainforest, and it makes me so happy.

Returning to Doubtful Sound with new friends

Visiting Doubtful Sound is pretty memorable, and seeing it twice in a year is extraordinary. 

For Mental Health Awareness week, I spent a few days off the grid on the RealNZ boat in Doubtful Sound, soaking up the beauty of Milford. We had every weather and lots of adventures, and it was a perfect reminder of how much I love my job and appreciate the opportunities that come with it.

Remembering my roots as a travel blogger in Esperance, Western Australia

Finally, after nearly three years, I took my first blogging trip overseas on my 2022 travels; excited doesn’t even begin to cover it. This time I was headed to a place I had been dreaming about for so long: Esperance. 

Lucky for me, Air New Zealand has resumed their direct flights to Perth so that I could hop on over for a two-week adventure around one of the most beautiful parts of Australia. 

WA (Western Australia) is magnificent. Big, bright, and beautiful, it’s almost like its own country. And Esperance has the best of everything. Incredibly colorful, it’s home to the whitest beaches in Australia, the sea is crystal clear, the roads are earthy red, and there are salt lakes that are bright pink. You have to see it to believe it.

It felt so good to slip back into my old role as a travel blogger, and it was a wonderful reminder of what I can do. It’s hard to stay sad in beautiful places like this.

Enjoy the release of my book Houseplants and Design: A New Zealand Guide

In the weeks leading up to my book being released on November 1, 2022, I was shitting my pants with fear and anxiety. I knew there was no point in worrying, but I couldn’t help myself. 

While I’ve considered myself a writer for over a decade, a book was entirely new territory for me. There is something rather terrifying about creating something over the course of a year (and secretly, too) and then releasing it out into the wild far beyond my own community. 

But as soon as it came out, my stress began to ebb away. I cannot believe I managed to create something so important (to me, at least) during one of the most challenging years of my life. Wow.

Traveling to Chile, a new country for me

I’ve never been that kind of travel blogger who tried to tick as many countries as possible off a list. In fact, I’m not even sure how many countries I’ve even been to. I enjoy returning to places I love and experiencing them in a new light. 

In November, at the end of my 2022 travels, I made my way down to Antarctica to guide my first trip there since the pandemic. The travel routes have not picked back up to their pre-pandemic levels, and there were only a few costly options to get to Ushuaia, Argentina, where the ships depart from. 

In fact, the only direct flights between New Zealand and South America are with LATAM Airlines to Santiago, Chile. A new city for me, and I stopped for a few days on my way over to experience it. I had a great time. And I had fantastic food. More on that soon as I reflect back on my 2022 travels.

*PS I’ve got my next round of trips to Antarctica up for 2023 and 2024 – you can apply here to get sent all the details!

Guiding my first trip down to Antarctica

Finally, finally, FINALLY, I was going back on a polar adventure. It had been years since I last stepped foot on an expedition ship, and I was dying to return to the ice. Antarctica is one of my favorite places in the world, and when Chimu Adventures approached me to guide my own trips there, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. 

Like New Zealand, it’s a place I know really well, and it’s a place I can’t shut up about. I’m fully aware that I enter that Hermione-know-it-all state when I talk about Antarctica, and I don’t care. The polar bug got me good since 2014.

Over the last decade, I’ve done seven polar expeditions worldwide, and this trip solidified my desire to become an expedition guide. As an introvert, I was nervous with 17 of you guys joining me on the ship (137 passengers on board). But we had the most amazing time. We all got along so well, everyone was like-minded, and we stayed friends. It was a group trip for people that aren’t super into group trips. You could do your own thing; we could hang together. There was freedom. It was amazing, and I can’t wait to go back again (click here to learn more about joining me). 

Country roads take me home – seeing my family again in the US

And to top off the end of a dollar coaster of a year, I flew home for a week to see my family in the States on my way back to New Zealand. I’m determined to see them as much as possible, and even though it was a short stay and I finally caught COVID on my flight back to NZ, it was lovely. 

How was your 2022? Did it exceed expectations? Any fun 2022 travels or adventures? Share!

The post 2022 travels: a year of surprises and adventures appeared first on Young Adventuress.

Well over a decade later I can safely say I’m still doing things that make my mum shake her head BUT also very proud (I think). Sorry I’m not sorry!

And while my travel has changed, shaped, grown and evolved in many ways, I’m still (and always will be) a diehard solo female traveler, and I will always stand up for and try to inspire other women to do the same, always open to sharing safe destinations solo female travel.

Solo female travel is life-changing, it can really make you as a person, teach you lessons that would have been difficult to find otherwise, and above all, inspire you to confidence and to believe in yourself, as well as to find your inner Beyonce.

I stand by these words.

The Solo Female Traveler’s Manifesto

According to Google, interest in solo female travel has risen by 131%, hitting an peak of 100 million searches in 2018.

Can I get a fuck yes?

Ladies, let’s keep leading the charge shall we? I’m a firm believer in leading by example, the stronger we are and the more supportive community we build around solo female travel, is better for everyone. And shame on you, New York Times, for your vile fearmongering. Women who travel alone AREN’T THE PROBLEM. MEN WHO ATTACK WOMEN ARE THE FUCKING PROBLEM.

Calm down, Liz. Where was I going with this?

So anyways, nestled amongst the heart emoji replies, OMG how can I have your life messages, and general vulgarity that lands in my DM’s and inbox, I often find my favorite question of all. Where should I go as a solo female traveler. Now there I am the expert.

Here are my choices for 10 safe destinations solo female travel. Enjoy!

1. Come hang down with me in New Zealand

My adopted home of New Zealand is an incredible place for women to travel solo and also happens to rank No.2 on the Global Peace Index (GPI). Built for year-round adventure, you can hike through pristine landscapes, ski or snowboard, go whale-watching, or slow things down with a winery tour, and feel safe while you’re doing any of the above.

Crime is minimal here, and it often makes the news if someone steals free range eggs from an honesty box on the side of the road, well, at least it makes the news here in little Wanaka where I live; I suppose South Auckland is a different story.

Violent crimes here are negligent compared to where I grew up outside Washington D.C., where I have never felt to walk outside to my car at night, and as a general rule I’ve found most kiwis to be honest and helpful here, and it’s definitely feels the safest of all the countries I’ve explored, especially for solo female travelers.

If you really need a kick in the butt, come see me at my next Travel Bootcamp in Queenstown in October 2019.

2. Go frolic in Iceland with the elves

Bubbling thermal springs, jaw-dropping rugged scenery and the chance to see the Northern Lights are just a few of the attractions in Iceland, listed the safest country in the world on the 2018 GPI. Don’t be deceived by their general belief in the fairy folk, Icelanders are actually some of the kindest, die-hard drinkers I’ve ever met. 

It was one of the first countries I visited when I quit my day job to travel and took a road trip through some of the most remote parts of Iceland under the midnight summer sun.

In many ways Iceland feels a lot like New Zealand in terms of its wild landscapes, few humans, lots of sheep and small crime rates. There’s something to be said about places with small populations and a be kind to stranger attitude still.

3. Dance until dawn with new friends in Uruguay

If you have a yen to travel to South America, World Packers says Uruguay is one of the safest countries in the region for female travelers. Expect a warm welcome in this small country, tucked in between Brazil and Argentina, where you can relax on the beaches of Punta del Este, go hiking in the Parque Nacional Santa Teresa, or see a tango show in Montevideo.

Boasting one of the lowest crime rates in the Americas, Uruguay is a good safe start for solo female travelers looking to hit up South America.

4. Prepare to be blown away by the wild beauty of Norway

Home to World Heritage-listed fjords and unspoiled national parks, Norway is a magnet for those in search of dramatic natural landscapes. Hi! 

Scandinavia often reigns supreme in many ways from healthcare and a high standard of living, to universal happiness and low crime rates, a perfect combo for women like us.

5. Fall in love with the magic of Switzerland

Spectacular lakes and mountains and picture-postcard villages, as well as its No.12 position on the GPI, make Switzerland an attractive proposition.

Here, you can hike, ski in the Alps, go boating on the many lakes, grab a bike and go exploring, or take advantage of the amazingly efficient trains, all in the knowledge that solo female travelers find this an easy and safe country to navigate, not to mention exceptionally efficient and very very tidy. 

Just don’t go out to a fancy restaurant where you’ll likely be robbed when you go to pay the bill. Switzerland is many things, but cheap isn’t one of them.

6. Go on the hunt for the perfect street food in Hong Kong

Big cities can be some of the safest places to travel for solo females and Hong Kong is no exception, but it’s always good to use commonsense.

Hong Kong is one of my favorite big cities in Asia and I’ve felt safe here both during the day and after dark, on the hunt for dumplings and bao.

Enjoy the amazing shopping and lively culture, but don’t carry too many valuables, advises Lonely Planet. If you’re navigating the city at night, Lonely Planet says the MTR is safe, or if you’re walking, stick to well-lit streets.

7. Get your backpacker on in Portugal

With its spectacular coastline, medieval castles, delicious cuisine and a capital city, Lisbon, that’s hipster central, Portugal also rates highly for safety, occupying fourth place on the GPI.

Former foreign correspondent and diplomat Leyla Giray Alyanak from Women on the Road says Portugal is the safest country she’s travelled in, but advises taking the normal precautions of keeping an eye on your valuables and not putting yourself in risky situations.

8. Canada

One of the friendliest countries in the world, Canada is also one of the safest, coming in at No.6 on the GPI. Being mainly English-speaking gives it an instant advantage for travelers, plus there are safe and efficient transport systems in the cities as well as between destinations.

Major attractions include the spectacular national parks, world-class skiing and vibrant, multicultural cities.

As an American, I’ve come to love my neighbor to the great white north, and I have spent a few winters exploring around Alberta and BC, two magical regions worth visiting. Definitely hope to go back again soon!

9. Japan

Snow sports, onsen, hiking trails and incredible food… what’s not to love about Japan. Plus, CNTraveler names it No.1 in its top 15 spots for solo women travelers. Getting around is fast and efficient with the excellent public transport system, and the Japanese are notoriously helpful to travelers.

Lonely Planet advises that some peak-hour trains have women-only cars to protect female passengers from chikan (men who grope women on packed trains). And, although Japan is relatively safe, they advise the usual precautions and preparedness. 

10. Australia

The land down under also makes CNTraveler’s top 15 travel destinations for women, and also comes in at No.13 on the GPI.

With year-round sunshine, you can hit the beaches in the southern states in the warmer months, and follow the sun by heading north when the mercury drops in March/April. Australia’s brilliantly set up for single travelers, with backpacker hostels in most popular spots and buses or budget airlines to get you around this vast country.

What did I miss? Have a favorite? Where do you think is the best country for solo female travelers? Spill!

The post 10 of the safest destinations for solo female travelers appeared first on Young Adventuress.

If not, then you haven’t been paying attention. On my trip to the Victoria High Country last summer, I was more than a little thrilled to head out on a women-only overnight hiking trip with Skadi Adventures. I haven’t done much hiking in Australia, but it’s on my list!

The epitome of female empowerment, Skadi offers all-inclusive, guided girl power  tours of the Mansfield Mt Buller region. Every age and every fitness stage is welcome. Plus they have a cool name (Skadi is the Norse goddess of the wilderness). Sold!

But first, coffee.

Nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, Mansfield is the cutest little gold-mining town, and a starting point for several hikes in the area.

It’s also the gateway to some of Australia’s ski resorts (yes, there is snow in Australia) but I can happily attest that it’s pretty awesome come summertime too.

We stopped for coffee (essential) before heading out, but I wished I’d had more time to explore. Beautiful historical buildings line the main street, interspersed with artisan shops and gourmet eateries. 

25 photos that will inspire you to visit the Victoria High Country

Our hike was a summit-to-summit adventure from Mt Stirling to Mt Buller and highlighted the versatility of the rugged Victorian wilderness.

Led by Ness Heinberg, our hike priestess (um hi!) we willingly submitted to finding our best selves in the mountains. All about getting all women into the outdoors, as much as I love hiking on my own, I also love being guided by passionate locals full of knowledge.

This part of Australia is pretty special. Beautiful with lovely birdsong and rolling mountains as far as the eye can see, it almost reminded me a bit of the Blue Ridge mountains where I grew up in Virginia! Just with more snakes and less rednecks.

Nostalgia!

The mountains are endless, rolling one into another as far as the eye can see.

Silvery eucalyptus, ash forest and gumtrees line the landscape while icy snow-melt streams forge a path. And though Mt Buller is renowned as a winter resort, guys, in summer it comes alive.  

And it smells hot and beautiful, a totally different smell from our mountains in New Zealand.

Starting out off the mountain road you’ll first meander your way through forest before hitting a track, which leads you into the bush, expertly guided by Ness.

Purple heather adorns the trail and alpine flowers provide a colorful backdrop to the bleached pastels of the snow gums.

You’ll also see some pretty exceptional wildlife, with many local birds singing out, and also being on the outlook for snakes – hello Australia. 

Also *pauses dramatically* there are wombats. WOMBATS!

Pretty much the cutest living doormats you have ever seen. Apparently, if you come across them at night they will follow your torchlight wherever you point it.

Wombats also apparently can charge you, like a bull AND they bite, so maybe don’t do that!

Another reason I love wombats is that they poop cubes. We found their treasures intentionally perched about on logs on the walks. Seriously, the coolest creatures.

Skadi Adventures provided literally the lightest gear ever so it wasn’t *that* much of a struggle. Except the heat, it was a perfect summer’s day!

We spent the afternoon taking out time and working our way up towards the Stirling summit where we would camp.

Early summer is the perfect time to get out amongst the hills in Australia before it gets too hot. The mountains also come alive with colorful flowers blooming, making it even more picturesque.

Some of the trees up near Mt Buller have been bleached white after a bush fire a few years ago, creating ethereal feel to the environment and a harsh reminder that mother nature always prevails.

Passing this ghostly skeletons we continued up eventually arriving to where we’d set up camp well before sunset.

Our packs were small and light, Skadi provides its guests with the lightest and newest gear (I seriously went out and purchased almost the exact same sleeping mat right after this trip!)

While Ness worked cooking up an amazing dinner involving fresh gnocchi (OMFG), I trotted around and took lots of photos as the sun began to dip behind Buller.

The food was divine but the company was even better. Ness is a truly amazing woman, passionate about the outdoors and sharing her home area of Australia with the world. Her beliefs about empowering women to get outside, experience nature and find themselves mirrors my own, and I don’t think stopped chatting til it was pitch black and time for bed.

After I made her check my tent for spiders. Sorry, Australia! No spiders.

I fell asleep hard but I woke up in the middle of the night – thank you insomnia!

Deciding to peek outside I had a feeling there might be amazing stars, since it was a still clear evening.

And I wasn’t disappointed! With no moon out, the entire sky was illuminated with millions of stars and a gentle warm breeze fluttering my tent! I stayed outside for the better part of an hour around 2am watching shooting stars and snapping a few pics of the Milky Way over my tent.

I’m always grateful to be in places like this with little light pollution so we can see the stars!

It seemed like I had just crawled back in my cozy tent when my alarm went off at an absurdly early time to watch the sunrise. I hate mornings!

But as soon as I unzipped my tent, I knew I was in for a treat as the sky began to turn every shade of red and pink imaginable. Ness and I quickly scrambled up to the proper Stirling sunset in time to watch the world wake up, and one of the best sunrises camping I’ve ever seen!

Thank you, horrible alarm!

After a beautiful brekkie with coffee we packed up shop and started to make our way downhill towards Mt Buller.

Today would be a day of downhill and then uphill before finishing, making our way back into the forest.

Continuing on, the trail widens and although straightforward, becomes a long descent to arrive at Howqua Gap – a clearing with several rustic huts – perfect for a breather (or chocolate stop) before the final leg.

From Howqua, it’s all downhill but is only a short, sharp climb – and believe me when I say, the hard work is worth it for the views!

Arriving at the summit of Mt Stirling, the dramatic vistas of the Crosscut Saw (an impressively jagged peak) and the mountains staggered me. I never thought Australian alps could be so beautiful! And to be honest, I never thought Australia had real mountains at all! (I can now confirm that they do) and it’s also a workout climbing them.

I’m sorry I doubted you!

Honestly, hiking around the Mt Buller area blew me away. Totally different than what I was used to, I really enjoyed my time there, and I know I’ll be back soon!

Have you been hiking in the Australian Alps before? Does this adventure seem like something you’d love too? Share!

Many thanks for Tourism North East for hosting me in Australia – like always I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own, like you could expect less from me!

The post An overnight adventure hiking around Mt Buller appeared first on Young Adventuress.

So when the opportunity to visit a perfectly-preserved Gold Rush town in rural Australia visits me, I obviously say yes with gusto. 

And although I definitely did not drift into a daydream about living in the 1800’s (would I own a horse and cart? Or have my driver take me in my brand new only-just-been-invented Rolls? Or would I be dead because I’m basically blind as a bat and good eye care hadn’t been invented yet) Beechworth, Victoria, delivered – in every sense of the word.

Quaint, photogenic and utterly charming this picture-perfect town in the Victoria High Country is an ideal mix of old and new. 

25 photos that will inspire you to visit the Victoria High Country

From a beautiful historical Gold Rush town to great food and divine wine to stunning landscapes, Beechworth has it all. Here are 6 reasons why Beechworth should be on your next Australia trip.

1. Wander the old town and fall in love with its charm

A long legacy precedes Beechworth, beginning with the discovery of gold in the mid 1800’s at Spring Creek. The resulting gold rush saw the town boom, attracting over 8,000 miners worldwide.

Prudent investment in the towns amenities such as the hospital and mental asylum (um, what?!), meant that when the gold disappeared, the town continued to grow and stay economically viable.

Wandering the main street you’ll feel as if you’ve gone back in time.  Perfectly preserved 19th century store facades line the road hiding cute artisan shops and gourmet eateries. Several pubs in original condition offer hearty food and local brews, while the courthouse remains – as it was – when the infamous outlaw Ned Kelly was arraigned (Seriously, how cool is that?!) 

RIP Heath Ledger, you and Orlando Bloom in that Ned Kelly film were my biggest teenage crushes.

2. Explore the Beechworth Gorge at sunset

Speaking of Ned Kelly, the Beechworth Gorge right behind the town was once a hideout for Kelly and his gang, and is a beautiful, if not slightly eerie (I was the only one there) pitstop. I headed out at sunset, so it was extra pretty (ideal for my five million Insta shots of the pink sky threatening rain).

The steep sides of the gorge are forged by smooth granite rock, with several stunning waterfalls and small pools to dip my tired feet into. No wonder, Kelly liked it here. The vibes were beautiful and creepy.

There are also multiple bush walks throughout the gorge, none of which I did – I had a belly ache from eating too many cherries an hour earlier. Also snakes. 

3. Pick cherries and enjoy the local produce

Yes, cherries.

Just outside of Beechworth in the nearby town of Stanley is Black Barn Farm, with the most amazing cherry orchard. Full disclosure: come with very loose waistband. I spent several hours here learning about sustainable farming and living off the land, and of course, eating my body weight in cherries. 

With many local food producers around Beechworth and nearby Stanley, you’ll never be in want of good local produce. Home to orchardists, beekeepers, winemakers and farmers, you will not only eat well but be rewarded by the stunning beauty of rolling hills and lush farmland in the Victoria High Country.

Cherry season is December and January.

4. Dig into a local event

There is a real sense of depth in Beechworth, yet the vibe is relaxed and fun. With plenty of local events on throughout the year, I definitely recommend hitting one of them up, like the Feast High Country.

While I was there, the old jail (or gaol as it was known back then) hosted an Asian street food festival inside its courtyard. Love. It. 

I had an awesome evening making friends with locals and chowing down on some of my favorite dishes listening to local music. It was an awesome introduction to Beechworth.

You can also take tours inside the old jail, which is even more eerie than visiting Ned’s old hideout at dusk. It’s also a little bit thrilling, if you’re into that sort of thing. It housed Kelly before his execution, as well as his mother, and played a significant part in the dissolution of this well-known gang.

And if you’re really keen on the Kelly history, you can now go and see a permanent collection of Ned Kelly memorabilia at the Kelly Vault (located right next door to the courthouse). It is the largest of its kind in the world, and includes Ned’s gun, his death mask and even a suit of armor he once wore.

Creepy but cool.

5. Indulge at the Beechworth spa

Another must do, is a visit to the brand-spanking-new, Beechworth Spa.

Unsurprisingly, it’s located in a beautiful historic building, but inside – the old merges with the new seamlessly.  Wood, natural fibers, and neutral colors abound. You’ll as if you’ve stepped inside the most relaxed version of yourself.

And the treatment rooms have baths, so you can have a soak in a custom blend bath salt afterwards. Heaven!

I left feeling truly rejuvenated.

6. Dine at Provenance

While I was here, I was lucky enough to get a table at Provenance, one of Australia’s top regional restaurants. The Japanese-inspired cuisine, a degustation menu paired with local wines and, once again, a lovely historic building make Provenance a jewel in an already sparkling crown.

Michael Ryan, award-winning owner-chef of Provenance is famed as Beechworth’s best chef, and a dinner here tops the list of many a foodie’s wishlist. Just remembering it makes me swoon.

Provenance has been an Age Good Food Guide two chef’s hat restaurant for the last 9 years running and is No. 30 in the current Gourmet Traveller Top 100 Australian Restaurants.

Make your reservations soon and if you only do one thing in Beechworth, make it dining at Provenance.

From gold to Ned Kelly, craft beer to fine dining, orchards to hiking, Beechworth, one of Australia’s best preserved gold rush towns, is a glistening education in both the old, and the new.

Beechworth is nothing short of cute, a charming town perched among a wild rocky landscape. As it steps into its role as a popular holiday spot for Australians and international visitors alike, Beechworth bridges the gap between new and old world tourism, making it a unique hot spot worth checking out!

Have you ever been to Beechworth? Do you swoon over historical places too? Spill!

Many thanks for Tourism North East for hosting me in Australia – like always I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own, like you could expect less from me!

The post 6 reasons Beechworth should be on your Australian bucket list appeared first on Young Adventuress.

Personally, I love to get off the beaten track, and when the chance came to explore Victoria’s High Country, I jumped as high as I could.

Victoria is one of the states in Australia, home to Melbourne, but once you get out of the big city, you’re in for a real treat.

A lovely mountain town set in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, Bright is the perfect base for exploring Mt. Buffalo and the surrounding Alpine national parks.

It is also the base for visiting Mt. Hotham in winter to ski. While I have yet to visit Victoria in the snowy season, I can heartily attest to the fact that this place is just

Wineries, good foodie spots, friendly locals galore, beautiful views and epic adventures, Bright and the surrounding area really does have it all!

25 photos that will inspire you to visit the Victoria High Country

1. Sunset at The Horn, Mount Buffalo

It seems fitting to begin with the first of several all-time favorite places in Bright (yes, I have more than one, I’m allowed!) The Horn, at Mount Buffalo.

This spectacular lookout is what dreams are made of. With truly breathtaking views you’ll feel (quite literally ) on top of the world. While you can drive most of the way, to reach the lookout you’ll have to don your hiking boots for a short steep hike from the final picnic area to get to the top.

If you had to pick a time of day, chose sunset!

Showcasing sweeping panoramas of Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Mount Featherton and the valleys beyond, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Europe, or even the wilds of China!

At 1,723 meters elevation (or just over 500 ft) The Horn is the highest point in the Mount Buffalo National Park and a definite ‘must do’ when you’re in the area.

As the rolling mountains disappear into the distance, you really feel like you’re on top of the world here.

2. Dip your toes at Ladies Bath Falls

There’s just something about standing under a waterfall in the heat of the day, surrounded by birdsong and native forest. Am I right?

The ultimate bathing spot, Ladies Bath Falls are practically an institution round here.

As the story goes, in the late 1940’s the trains from Melbourne would stop so the ladies on board could ‘refresh’ themselves in the falls before the final leg of the journey to Mount Buffalo. I can heartily attest that that water is, indeed, fresh. It’s freaking cold!

Set just 400 meters back from the road up Mount Buffalo, these crystal clear springs trickle over smooth granite boulders and make for a tranquil detour.

Be warned though, the water is icy! Not shown in pic: My very numb feet. 

3. Get nice and cozy at the Kilnhouses

My accommodation near Bright was extraordinary. The Kilnhouses are a unique experience where contemporary luxury and design is combined with the stunning beauty of the high country landscape on a cattle farm.

And I’m not really a ‘cow’ kind of girl, usually preferring sheep farms, but after this – I think I’m converted.

I stayed in the Sorting Shed which was designed to mirror the old style of tobacco sorting sheds, with amazing views of the farms and mountains around it.

Let me ask you something. When I say ‘Australia’ you picture beaches and kangaroos right? Me too. Well, I used to.

Now, when I think of Australia, my mind often wanders back to The Kilnhouses.

Rolling green fields as far as the eye can see, edged with gumtree forests and snowy mountain peaks. Morning mists, and the sounds of a working farm right outside my seriously luxurious room. Can I hide here forever?

4. Be welcomed by the friendly locals

Down to earth, generous and some of the most welcoming people I’ve ever met, the locals in Bright are a huge part of what what make this place so special. From the baristas who made my daily coffees to the people I met on the trails, I left Bright with such a sense of joy for my fellow humans.

Here I felt safe and happy.

Which is actually saying a lot considering I’m the biggest introvert out there. 

5. Tuck in for a big feed at the Wandi pub

Now getting to one of the more important points – the food. Which, by the way, was exceptional. Topping my list is the Wandi Pub.

Yes, guys, a pub.

The perfect mix between down-to-earth watering hole and inner city gastro-chic, the Wandi delivers in every regard. The portions are big, the garden is delightful and the decor is en pointe (although seriously, what do I know about pub decor?)

I don’t know what I was expecting when I parked outside the Wandi pub, and I could see heaps of local utes and farm vehicles. Expecting a rural farm kind of pub like we have in New Zealand, you know, with antlers on the wall, a big pool table and a lot of men in plaid and short shorts.

I wasn’t disappointed, except I wasn’t prepared for the incredible beer on tap and the delicious and fresh menu inspired by owner’s Tim and Paddy’s travels.

If I could have ordered everything on the menu, I would. However, I’m unashamedly all about ordering food that looks good on camera (not a curry then) and I went with the Zaartar cauliflower and omg guys it was amazing.

6. Go for a wander at sunrise at the Mount Beauty Gorge Walk

If you’re after an easy hike that really delivers on epic terrain – this one’s for you. Roughly six kilometers of sheer granite cliffs, cool green canopy and clear waters, the Mount Beauty Gorge Walk takes you through the heart of a natural canyon.

Starting out you’ll traverse the Kiewa River via swingbridge, before the track descends into the belly of the gorge. Be sure to pack a pair of shoes you don’t mind get wet for wading – there are several river crossings on this hike. 

There’s also a fair bit of boulder hopping! And also it’s Australia, so snakes!

As you continue on, the sun is filtered through the trees, creating the most beautiful light. I’ve been on a lot of hikes, but I was really struck by how magical this place felt.

The further you go, the sides gradually get steeper, and you’ll come across a series of natural pools, perfect for taking a dip along the way! I recommend taking a picnic to enjoy on the rocks post-swim – Everything tastes better with the sun on your face!

7. Enjoy all the colors 

If there was ever a town to embody the essence of landscape diversity, it would be Bright. As happy as its name suggests, I can’t help but make my number seven point all about the color palette.

The soft pastels of dawn give way to a vibrant orange sunrise, which transforms the landscape into a patchwork of greens and browns.

The constant dust in the air mean that during sunset, the horizon is painted every shade of purple and yellow.

Everything is sharp here, bolder and brighter, pun intended.

The vineyards, mountains, red dirt roads, bare rock and lush undergrowth all meld seamlessly, creating a truly wonderful snapshot of Australia at its finest.

It’s also not unlike my hometown of Wanaka, so possibly that explains my affinity with the land.

I know that it’s probably glorious come autumn when the leaves begin to change.

8. Take in a sunrise at  Tawonga Gap

Ok, this one was a happy coincidence I stumbled upon while driving one day and knew it’d be a great spot for sunrise.

Halfway between the towns of Mt Beauty and Bright, on the Tawonga Gap Road is a secluded little lookout with the most sensational views over the surrounding mountains.

It’s extra special because most of the drive you’re shrouded in forest, so when you reach this tiny clearing it makes the panorama seem all the more remarkable.

Native bush turns to lush farmland, turns to mountains and endless skies. I managed to catch the sun as it first appeared, but whichever time of day you choose, the Tawonga Gap is an ideal spot to stretch your legs and get a dose of vitamin N. Plug in into maps on your phone and you’ll find it. 

9. Explore as much of Buffalo National Park as you can!

A natural paradise of walking tracks, waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife – Mount Buffalo National Park is another essential addition to the ‘must see’ list.

Regardless of your fitness levels, this vast park has something for every hiker.

Tracks range from short 45 minute strolls to steeper six hour treks. Interesting granite formations dominate the craggy peaks, and its endless gum forests provide shelter for the wildlife. If you’re lucky you may spot a kangaroo or two, wallabies, possums and variety of native birds and wombats. Yes, I said wombats. 

I repeat, WOMBATS.

Contained within the park is an old chalet, built in 1910. Surrounded by beautiful gardens it has sweeping views of the landscape and adds a touch of charm.

Camping is allowed, and there are a range of campsites both with basic facilities and others more remote. Oh, and there’s a lake! In the warmer months you can swim or kayak – or simply just relax with book on the water’s edge.

From wombats to wineries, mountains to waterfalls, Bright is a real gem and definitely worth checking out on your next trip to Australia. You won’t regret it.

Have you ever been to Victoria or heard of Bright? Is this the kind of place that appeals? Have anything else to add? Spill!

The Feast High Country Festival coming up from May 3rd to May 19th, 2019 and is an amazing time to explore, eat and drink around the Victoria High Country

Many thanks for Tourism North East for hosting me in Australia – like always I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own, like you could expect less from me!

The post 9 amazing reasons to visit Bright, Australia (besides its name) appeared first on Young Adventuress.

Wow, was I in for a treat!

Looking at these photos from my stay at the Mount Ophir Estate, I’m immediately transported back to Australia. I close my eyes and I can see it all again.

The tall golden grasses home to kangaroos (and god knows what else), the hot winds, gum trees lining historical farm estates and old wineries, the gold rush era towns, but most of all the red earth beneath my bare feet. What a place!

25 photos that will inspire you to visit the Victoria High Country

When I reflect on my time in Victoria, this is what I remember. For me it felt so distinctly Australian, which I know sounds silly.

Iconically Oz, these region is the perfect escape for people looking for an authentic Australian experience in a beautiful place without the hustle and bustle of tourism in the more iconic locals.

Punching in the code, I opened the farm gate at the entrance of Mount Ophir Estate, a place unlike any other I’ve been to before or since. And doubt I ever will.

Greeted by wide open fields of tall golden grass (wheat? not a farmer here) tempting me to frolic through them barefoot in a flowy dress a la Instagram, which I of course resisted as frolicking in tall grasses in the summer in rural Australia is highly discouraged (cough, cough, snakes), I could see my destination amongst the spaced-out restored buildings – a beautiful brick tower.

A very unique and special bit of dirt, Mount Ophir Estate an exclusive property outside Rutherglen in North East Victoria. Once a thriving winemaking hub, it fell into disuse 60 years ago before being lovingly restored by the local Brown siblings.

First built at the tail end of the nineteenth century as a farm and vineyard, Mount Ophir Estate really came into its own when it was developed by wine merchants, the Burgoyne family at the turn of the century, where it quickly became the largest winemaking facility in the southern hemisphere.

Harking back to their french culture, they built a stunning french provincial tower on the estate, which still stands today and has been transformed into one of the coolest places I’ve ever stayed.

Honestly, it was like a real life Australian fairytale.

For decades it was mostly forgotten, a lonely and an overgrown collection of winery buildings, before the land was bought by Eliza, Angela, Nick Brown a few years ago, who have painstakingly restored building by building themselves, breathing new life back into a spectacular place.

Owners of the nearby All Saints Estate and Terrace Restaurant, a must-stop on a trip to Rutherglen, the Browns have poured their heart and soul into revitalizing this incredible area.

Very much a family owned and operated business, everywhere you look you can see little touches they’ve put into making this a memorable stay and experience.

Six of the buildings have now been restored and are available to rent, or even to hire out the whole estate for functions, weddings and events. Some sleep up to 20 while others, like the Tower, are for couples or solo travelers like me.

As soon as I turned the old heavy key to the Tower to walk inside, I think I immediately fell in love with this place.

The extraordinary French Provincial tower at Mount Ophir Estate surely is the gem of the property and one one the neatest and most unique places I’ve ever stayed, which I do not boast lightly.

Spread over three floors, you walk in and greeted by the loveliest dining space and kitchen, well-stocked with local treats and everything you need (hello Nespresso machine!) curving along the walls in the circular space. The walls are decorated with artwork by locals.

A stunning narrow spiral staircase, leads you upwards to the second floor, a library and lounge with beautiful views over the estate. Chock full of colorful books, cozy sitting nooks and a vibe that inspires you to make a cocktail and park up and stay awhile, once you sit down, it’s not easy to get back up again.

Saving the best for last, the top floor is the bedroom complete with a marble bathroom and the coziest bed inviting you for a little nap.

I’ll just note here, the Tower at Mount Ophir is not for kids and is suited for agile people who don’t mind being out on their own. As a stubborn and lifelong solo female traveler, I wasn’t phased staying out on the Estate alone.

I came back after an incredible night out in the dark in a wicked thunderstorm which I thoroughly enjoyed but I imagine could freak out some folks.

Perhaps what I love best about this place is that the family truly believes and practices sustainable farm management and are working to be guardians of this special land. The winery will once again be running after decades of silence, with the first vintage being released in a few years.

How cool is that? Bringing back Mount Ophir to its form prestige and glory!

Now for the food and wine lovers, this area of Victoria is known for a local variety of grape called Durif as well as Brown Muscat, something new for me. For over a century, they’ve been harvesting grapes here, and Rutherglen arguably produces the best durif in the world. A late ripening variety, it requires a warm climate to develop to enough to “tame the tannins.” A big, bold red, I immediately fell in love.

Though not as in love as when I got my first sip of the local Muscat. Holy hell, where have you been all my life? Rich and ripe, this fortified wine won me over immediately, and I left with 3 bottles.

While I could wax lyrical about the wine of the Rutherglen area forever, I’ll leave you with the memory that this was one of my favorite days in Australia. Maybe it’s the wine talking, but I loved it!

Have you ever stayed anywhere like the Tower in Victoria? Do you travel for food and wine too? Have you ever tried a Durif or Muscat? Spill!

The Feast High Country Festival coming up from May 3rd to May 19th, 2019 and is an amazing time to explore, eat and drink around the Victoria High Country

Many thanks for Tourism North East for hosting me in Australia – like always I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own, like you could expect less from me!

The post A princess in a tower – falling in love with Mount Ophir Estate appeared first on Young Adventuress.

I think it hit me once when I was exploring Queensland, and wanted to visit Cairns from Brisbane, thinking that I could just drive it. I mean how far can it be? It’s in the same state.

Once Google clarified that it was a 20 hour drive, give or take, I realized the true scope of Australia.

As someone who is always looking to get off the beaten path and discover new places that weren’t on my radar, Victoria, the home state of Melbourne, had been on my mind for years, particularly the north east part of the region, aka Victoria’s High Country.

Speaking as someone who has been to Sydney for business approximately 1 million times and never even been to the Opera House (shame shame shame) this corner of Australia has appealed to me from friends who’ve worked ski seasons (yes there’s skiing in Australia) at Hotham and Mt Buller to seeing photos of the mountains and beautiful forests.

Oh, and did I mention the world-class food and wine? Let’s be honest here, I think the wine is what really got me.

While people from Oz and Victoria are likely familiar with the High Country and are rolling their eyes hard at me right now, I feel duty bound and honored to introduce this incredible corner of Australia to some fresh faces too.

The High Country left a real impact on me. It was a place filled with understated beauty, plenty of diverse landscapes and beautiful adventures, a fascinating gold rush history and some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.

If you want to experience the real, modern Australia, see the best it has to offer in a unique way, head to the High Country stat. Do not pass GO, do not collect $200.

Here are some of my favorite images from my recent trip there, in the hopes that it might inspire you to visit too. Enjoy!

Mt Buller and Mansfield

Flying into Melbourne, a city I’ve been to twice before, I was giddy with excitement to experience a new corner of Australia for the first time, picking up my hire car and head northeast towards the High Country.

Now that I live in a mountain town in New Zealand, I’ve come to appreciate everything you can do in these kinds of places in both winter and summer. Over the years I’ve had many friends do winter stints at Mt Buller, but I can attest that this part of Victoria is just as awesome in summertime, with trails galore, beautiful hot days, lovely swim spots and views for miles.

Where wildflowers adorn the stunning mountains and valleys, I jumped in straight away with an overnight hiking mission with Skadi Adventures, a local business that offers guided women’s hiking adventures. Um, count me in!

Walking around the beautiful mountains of the High Country was the perfect introduction to this area. They provide everything you need including the best and lightest gear, making the adventure as delightful as possible.

Nothing beats watching the sunset over Mt Buller or falling asleep underneath the Milky Way! Though it was equally nice to have a hot bath and shower and clean up the following night at the incredibly cozy Sebel Pinnacle Valley Resort just down from the mountain.

With stunning views, a charming alpine theme, and kangaroos galore about the lawns, I could have stayed here for a week, maybe too.

Unable to sit still for long, the nearby wineries beckoned and I couldn’t wait to get my first taste of this well-known wine region.

Ducking into Delatite Wines for a sampling and platter, it was a great welcome to the area, and I might have left with several bottles. By happy chance it turns out you can bring back 6 bottles to New Zealand!

Here the red earth mixed with beautiful rolling blue mountains and yellow grasses growing as far as I could see. It truly felt like Australia.

Beechworth

One of Australia’s best-preserved gold rush towns, Beechworth oozes charm in abundance. Packed full of incredible dining options, world-class wineries and some great shops, the vibe here is relaxed and fun.

Though perhaps I am biased because I started my trip here with a massage and treatment at the newly opened Beechworth Spa, in a beautifully renovated historic space.

Right before I headed back out to nearby Stanley to pick cherries with Black Barn Farm. Honestly, cherries are my weakness, I love them so much, and this was my first time having them this summer season. Obviously I ate so many I had a bellyache by the end of the night, but no regrets guys!

There was a local Asian street food festival on in the old Beechworth jail while I was there! So yum!

One of the most unique things I loved about Beechworth was the nature right on its doorstep.

Right behind the town you’ll find the famous Beechworth Gorge, which was once a hideout for the Ned Kelly gang. You can drive through it and stop at various points or take on some of the bigger hikes through the forest here.

I headed up at sunset and had the place to myself, frolicking around the beautiful swimming holes and waterfalls and dipping my tired toes into the pools.

As if the day couldn’t get any better, I sat down to a late degustation dinner at Provenance, one of Australia’s top regional restaurants. Japanese-influenced regional cuisine, I was drooling over every dish, each course topping the one before.

Rutherglen

One of Victoria’s premier wine regions, Rutherglen is home to over 20 award-winning wineries, tucked along the Murray River. Famous for its fortified wines, I think I spent most of my time in Rutherglen nose-deep in a glass of Muscat.

I have a whole new appreciation and love for these babies.

There are so many wineries to chose from to visit here but here are the ones that I took in and loved:

• Rutherglen Estates Gallery – the cellar door features an incredible aboriginal art collection
• All Saints Estate – a 4th generation wine family and the Terrace Restaurant is divine for lunch
• Pfeiffer Wines – a 5 star family owned winery with a beautiful historic bridge over the Murray River where turtles and platypus call home
• Lake Moodemere Estate – sitting next to a natural billabong, there’s beautiful wildlife and walks around the area

Perhaps one of my favorite parts of the entire trip in Australia was staying the Tower at Mt. Ophir Estate. Built as a winery in 1891 it was once the biggest wine producing complex in the southern hemisphere before falling into disarray and slow abandonment by the 50’s.

Luckily it was recently purchased and lovingly restored into a private venue and accommodation, and the French Provincial Tower is one of the spaces you can stay the night in on the old vineyard complex.

Beautiful and full of charm, I never wanted to leave! It was hands down one of the coolest places I’ve ever stayed! Three levels, the downstairs is the kitchen and dining room before you climb up to the second level, the living room and library, with the bathroom and bedroom at the top of the tower!

Bright and surrounds

Bright is surely one of the gems of Australia, and a place I could easily see myself moving to one day if I ever managed to acquire Australian residency (ha!).

A lovely mountain town, Bright is the perfect base for exploring Mt. Buffalo and the Alpine national parks in the area, and is also the base for many visiting Mt. Hotham in winter to ski. While I have yet to visit Victoria in winter, I can heartily attest to the fact that this place is just magical in summertime!

Wineries, good foodie spots, friendly locals and beautiful views and epic adventures, Bright and the surrounding area really does have it all!

Exploring Mt. Buffalo at sunset

Ladies Bath Falls in Mount Buffalo National Park

The Mount Beauty Gorge Walk is stunning and an amazing swimming hole

My accommodation near Bright was extraordinary. The Kilnhouses are a unique experience where contemporary luxury and design is combined with the stunning beauty of the high country landscape on a cattle farm.

I stayed in the Sorting Shed which was designed to mirror the old style of tobacco sorting sheds, with amazing views of the farms and mountains around it. It was hard to leave but I managed to drag myself out to a final dinner at the Wandi Pub which was so delicious

The Victorian High Country blew me away, every moment was bright and colorful and the towns and land and people left a distinct impression on me as one of the best parts of Australia. I’ll be back for sure!

Have you been to the Victoria high country? Is this an area of Australia you’d be keen to visit? Share!

Many thanks for Tourism North East for hosting me in Australia – like always I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own, like you could expect less from me!

The post 25 photos that will inspire you to visit the Victoria High Country appeared first on Young Adventuress.