Kingdom In The Sun

PUBLISHED in 1889, Clancy Of The Overflow is a poem written by literary legend Banjo Paterson. In it, the New South Wales-born wordsmith beautifully alludes to the pastoral wonders of the Australian outback and all its inhabitants: "And the bush hath friends to meet him, and their kindly voices greet him/ In the murmur of the breezes and the river on its bars/ And he sees the vision splendid of the sunlit plains extended / And at night the wond'rous glory of the everlasting stars."

Through the years, such vivid and inviting depictions of the natural world have consistently teased the imagination of globe-trekkers and evoked insatiable wanderlust. Its scenic majesty calls to the wayfaring spirit while the golden opportunity to connect with creatures great and small continues to prove irrestible. Nowhere is this innate desire to explore stronger than Down Under.

Close Encounters

Numerous species of wild animals abound in Australai, most of them best appreciated out of the confines of a zoo. Learn more about fuzzy Tasmanian devils at Cradle Mountain or take a selfie with the photogenic quokkas of Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Pebbly Beach in New South Wales is said to be a hit with sunbathing kangaroos, while wombats and platypuses have been known to greet travellers on their early morning stroll at Canberra's Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. And of course, Lighthouse Road in Victoria may be home to Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving and most important lighthouse in mainland Australia, but the real heroes, the koalas, remain hidden in fragrant eucalyptus trees. Spot them snoozing amid lush branches, high on gum leave, or perhaps taking a cautious peek at visitors.

Under The Sea

Beneath azure waves, a host of aquatic fauna is ready to make your acquaintance. Snorkel alongside gentle whale sharks or humpback whales in Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef. Lady Elliot Island of the great Barrier Reef offers the chance to float over vibrant corals as sea turtles, manta rays and tropical fish glide by. Come dusk, drive to Melbourne's Phillip Island Nature Park to witness the penguin parade, in which thousands of little penguins emerge from sea and waddle up Summerland Beach to their burrows. Thrill seekers may take delight in twilight cage-diving with great white sharks off the coast of Port Lincoln, South Australia. Try not to pet them, no matter how tempting.

Song Of The Earth

There is freedom on those scenic coastal drives where you imagine you will never see the end of the road. Clear at least a week in your calendar and done dream it is over on Western Australia's Indian Ocean Drive, which stretches for an epic 1,250km of picturesque beaches, kaleidoscopic wildflowers and vast rock canyons. On the Great Ocean Road, feel free to stop for fantastic photos of landmarks like the Twelve Apostles or romantic lighthouses and thriving fern rainforests. If you are pressed for time, spend an hour or two on the Bowman Scenic Drive in South Australia. Discover the limestone Coast's sun-drenched vineyards as well as dramatic cliffs and mysterious caves waiting to be explored. Whatever you choose, there are sure to be turquoise waters, powdery white sands, soothing breezes and the freshest seafood.

Blue Sky Mine.

Boasting some of the clearest skies, the Australian outback is a must for astronomy enthusiasts. Head for northern Trritort's Ayers Rock Resort for guided stargazing tours of the Milky Way with a resident expert of pack your telescope and boldby go where DIY stargazers dream at Warrumbungle National Park in New South Wales, which is also the countries first dark sky park. For a luxurious touch, admire the celestial bodies from the comforts of a more decadent swag or bedroll. Cosy up in sunshine-crisp cotton sheets and fluffy feather doonas on rustic raised timber decks scattered across Arkaba Station in South Australia's Flinders Ranges.