Author name: Paul Beames

Which tours are going to give you a real education on kangaroo and wallaby conservation on Melbourne’s coast? To be honest, for me it’s the conservation-focused trips at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, ranger-led programs in Wilsons Promontory National Park and wildlife tours on Phillip Island that really stand out. Not only do these tours […]

Which sections of the Larapinta Trail should I skip to avoid the crowds? If what you’re after is a bit of solitude, fewer footprints and a chance to actually hear the wind over the clinking of a coffee mug, then you’ll generally want to think twice about Sections 1, 2, 11 and 12. These are

Phillip Island weekend plan for first-time visitors – the key to getting it right the very first time lies in not trying to cram everything in, avoiding getting stuck in traffic jams, and not missing out on the little details that really make this place stick in your memory. I’ve done this trip so many

Yes, the Grampians have to be one of the better places to start for first-timers in Australia, as long as you arrive with a plan and a bit of respect for the bush. I’ve taken loads of first-time campers into Grampians National Park – now known as Gariwerd National Park – and the thing that

Is a reverse Great Ocean Road tour better than the classic route? – A straight-talking guide from a bloke who knows the road — here’s the honest truth: yes, for most people, the reverse is better. You get to avoid the peak time crowds, grab your camera for the best light, and spend less time

So what’s the best way to see the reef from the air, and is it worth bundling it with a boat tour? The answer is simple: take a scenic flight (ideally by helicopter) and pair it with some time on the water. Don’t do one or the other, and you’ll only get a glimpse of

How do I book specific campsites on the Larapinta Trail for 2026? Simple answer: get onto the NT Government parks booking system as soon as they put the 2026 dates up, then map out your walk in chunks first – it works out far smarter that way. Now book that campground one night at a

Is Uluru expensive to visit? Honestly, the answer is yes, it can be a bit pricey. But if you get your head around how the Red Centre works, you can keep costs in check and still have a fantastic time. Most travellers end up shelling out between $1,200 to $2,500 AUD per person for a

How to photograph the Milky Way at the Pinnacles: a beginner’s guide basically boils down to three things: getting dark skies, keeping your camera settings simple, and making use of the landscape. I’ve learned this the hard way, standing out in the middle of Nambung National Park, thinking I had nailed it – only to

Quiet corners of Phillip Island locals actually use isn’t about going on a wild sightseeing adventure – it’s about understanding when the island gets too busy and how to still experience it like a local. If you want the short version: go beyond the obvious tourist traps, plan your day around the tides & daylight