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Best Desktop Computer for Photo Editing
As a professional photographer I am often asked what I think the best desktop computer for photo editing is. So, I thought I would give you my advice on choosing a desktop computer for your photo editing needs.

A computer that is well-suited for a photographer is important in almost all aspects of your digital photography workflow, including organizing, editing, manipulating, and storing your photos.

A computer with a slow processor or inadequate memory can lead to sluggish performance when editing photos, application crashes, difficulty using multiple programs at once, not enough storage space for your photo files, challenges running the latest versions of applications, and the inability to use certain features (such as those powered by AI).

You want to spend your time editing your photos rather than waiting on your computer to catch up with you!

I’ve been building my own desktop computers for years, and it’s actually a hobby I enjoy. I also have a degree in computer science and a background in software development. But you don’t need to build your own computer to get a high-performance photo editing computer —there are a number of great options on the market that come pre-built and ready to go. That is what I would recommend for most people.

However, even when buying a pre-built computer, it is still key to know which specifications are important, and which aren’t. You need to know what to look for so you get the best results for your budget. This can be confusing, especially if you don’t know a lot about computers, and I will help break down the most important components and numbers.

In this guide, I’m going to draw upon my experience of building my own computers for photo editing to share with you exactly what to look for when shopping for a computer for photo editing.

This information will help you to understand what specifications to look for when buying a computer. Most computer models also have a variety of configurations and optional upgrades, so you’ll be able to decide which of those are actually important.

Alternatively, if you decide to build your own computer for photo editing, my guide will also help you home in on the parts that are going to add the most power to your computer for photo editing.

Finally, after sharing everything you need to look for when buying a desktop computer for photo editing, I’ll also share some suggested pre-built systems that you might consider. Let’s get started!

What is a Desktop Computer Anyway?

For the purpose of this guide, I will be defining a desktop PC (personal computer) as a stationary computer that is meant to be used on a desk or table by a single user. Whereas a laptop or notebook is a smaller computer which is designed to be portable, normally featuring a built-in screen.

It’s also worth noting that traditionally the term “PC” was used to primarily describe Windows based computers rather than Macs, but this guide will be covering both Windows and Mac as a Mac is also a personal computer.

Desktop Computer versus Laptop for Photo Editing

Before getting into the guide, you might be wondering if a desktop PC is better than a laptop for photo editing.

I’ve already written a detailed guide to the best laptop for photo editing as well as the best monitors for photo editing. However, whilst a laptop can do a lot, it just can’t beat a high-powered desktop when it comes to editing your photos.

This mostly comes down to power and heat. A laptop computer is always going to be constrained by how much power it can draw due to its small size. That small size makes it harder to dissipate heat, which can be an issue with high intensity workload like photo and video editing.

A desktop PC on the other hand can use much higher-powered components as there is more room for airflow as well as for larger fans. So, the excess heat generated by higher powered components can be more easily removed. This is why desktop PCs often feature a number of fans.

Of course, the argument isn’t one sided. If you travel a lot and need to edit on the go, or prefer not to be tied to a home office and like to work from places like coffee shops, then a desktop isn’t going to work for you.

So I personally have always had a home desktop computer as well as a laptop. I use the laptop when traveling or working away from home (.e.g, coffee shop) and my desktop when I am at home.

What to Look for in a Photo Editing Computer

When you look at the specification sheet for a computer, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. There’s a lot of jargon involved, and a lot of numbers thrown around. I’m going to cut through all that and explain exactly what you need to be looking for and why, so you can be sure you are picking the right setup for your needs. This will also save you from spending unnecessary money on components you don’t need.

There are four main specifications you need to focus on when it comes to picking a desktop computer for photo editing, and I’ll go through each of these now. I’ll also cover some other things to consider which are less critical but worth keeping in mind.

Best Processor for Photo Editing Computer

The first specification to consider is the processor the computer comes with. The processor is the part of the computer which actually does the majority of the computing. At its core, a computer is a very fancy calculator which spends a lot of time doing math. You don’t actually see any of that happening as it’s all hidden away thanks to clever software developers who create applications for us to use. But those applications are just code, and the code is turned into math.

The processor is the component which does all that math. It is often referred to as the brain of the computer. The more powerful the computer, the more calculations it can do, and the faster it will let you do things.

Photo editing can be quite a complex task for a computer to deal with as it usually involves working with millions of pixels of image data, so you need a fast processor to be able to handle that and not have to wait around as your photo editing software overloads the processor and slows you down.

As of 2025, there are three main choices when it comes to processors for desktop computers. Those are processors made by Intel, AMD and Apple. I have used processors from both Intel and AMD inside my desktop computers for photo editing, and have had good results with both. I’ve also used Apple’s processors, which are only available in Apple laptop and desktop computers. If you buy an Apple computer these days, you’re going to get an Apple processor inside.

Whoever actually makes the processors though, the main thing when choosing a processor for photo editing is to get a relatively recent mid-range or higher model.

So, what are you actually looking for?

First, some terminology and background.

Pretty much every year, Apple, AMD and Intel release a new series of processors, which are known as a processor generation. Generally speaking, as long you purchase a mid-range or higher model from the current or previous generation, you are going to be fine.

From time-to-time generational improvements are significant enough that it’s worth going for the most recent generation, but for the most part anything from the current or previous generation will be fine. A quick Google search for recent processor reviews will normally reveal if it’s worth paying a premium for the latest and greatest generation.

Naming conventions tend to be somewhat confusing when it comes to computer processors, a fact which is not helped by the occasional decision by processor manufacturers to entirely change naming conventions.

As a rule of thumb though, when comparing processors from the same company, the bigger the number the more powerful the processor. And, of course, the higher the price.

I’ll now do my best to explain this naming convention, but honestly, you can skip this explanation if you want, and just take my recommendations at the end of this section. For those of you truly interested in learning more about this, read on.

Let’s start with examples of processor names from the last three generations of processors from AMD, Intel and Apple:
- Intel: Intel Core i5-13600k (2022), Intel Core i9-14900k (2023), Intel Core 265K (2024).
- AMD: AMD Ryzen 5600X (2020), AMD Ryzen 7800X (2023) or AMD Ryzen 9950X (2024).
- Apple: M2 Pro, M3 Ultra, M4 Max
In all the cases, the numbers tell you what generation of processor you are looking at. Information is also provided to tell you and where in the range it falls.

With Intel, the 13 in i5-13600k refers to the generation, which preceded the i9-14900k. The numbers after the generation refer to the relative performance, so the 13600k is a mid-range processor, whilst the 14900k is a high-end processor.

The i5 and i9 weren’t adding much to the party other than to say a bigger number meant a faster processor, which might be why, as of 2024, they just have names like Core 245K or 265K. This is the generation after the 14 series, and again, the bigger the number the more powerful the processor.

So that was Intel.

With AMD, the first number also refers to the generation, so the 5600X is from the generation before the 7700X, which in turn is the generation before the 9950X.

Like Intel, the numbers after the generation refer to the relative performance, so the 5600X is a mid-range processor whilst the 9950X is a high-end processor.

Finally, Apple has the easiest naming convention. The number after the “M” refers to the generation, the higher the number the more recent the chip. Then, a chip can be regular, Pro, Max or Ultra. Each of these just represents faster performance, the Pro being faster than the regular, the Max being faster than the Pro and so on.

Explaining processors would definitely be easier if all the processor manufacturers followed naming convention as simply as Apple does.

Anyway, you might be wondering what exactly makes the processor faster. Again, it’s not super important to understand, but basically it will have more processing cores, operate at a faster frequency (essentially perform more calculations per second), and as a side effect, consume more power.

The best price to performance tends to be with the processor that is a couple of spots below the highest end processor in the line-up. The highest end processors are normally more expensive, and the extra performance is not usually worth that price premium.

So for example, with AMD, I’d suggest the 9700X over the 9950X for example. With Intel, the 14700K is going to be better value than the 14900K. If you have an unlimited budget, then by all means get the top end processor. But for most people, the gains won’t make a very significant difference to their photo editing workflow.

To cut a long story short, my processor recommendations for a photo editing computer in 2025 would be:

Intel: 14700K or higher

AMD: 7700X or higher

Apple: M4 Pro or higher

I’d also add that Intel generally has higher brand awareness with consumers, and so many pre-built desktop PCs tend to lean towards Intel processors as they sell better. Personally, I have an AMD processor and it works great, but as I said, any recent processor will work well from either AMD or Intel.

Processor recommendation: Computer with an Intel 14700K processor or higher or an AMD 7700X or higher or an M4 Pro or higher

Amount of Memory for Photo Editing Computer

There are two types of computer memory to consider when buying a computer. One is volatile memory, also known as RAM (random access memory), and the other is non-volatile memory, also referred to as storage memory. Storage memory is where your actual data like photos is stored and I’ll cover that in the next section.

RAM is basically short-term memory. It’s very fast, but has the downside that it needs to be powered to work. So when you turn your computer off, it gets wiped.

RAM is used by the computer’s processor to store information while the computer is in operation. So when you open up a computer application, it’s loaded into RAM. The more complex the application, and the more applications you open, the more RAM you need. If you’ve ever opened up a few applications at once and noticed that your computer seems to slow down, it’s likely because it’s running out of free RAM.

When your computer runs out of RAM, it has to start moving data in and out of RAM as it needs it. So for example, if you have a web browser open and then you switch to a photo editing application, if you have enough RAM this will happen very quickly as both applications can stay in RAM.

However, if you have run out of RAM, your computer will have to take time to unload the browser from RAM and load the photo editing application into RAM from storage. This can take time and will make the transition between applications feel sluggish.

When it comes to photo editing, you need to make sure you have enough RAM so your computer doesn’t have to swap anything in and out of RAM. Photo editing applications can use a lot of RAM, and I have observed Lightroom for example using in excess of 25GB of RAM by itself.

The absolute minimum amount of RAM I’d recommend for a photo editing computer is 16GB, but unless you are on a very tight budget I’d suggest at least 32GB for a superior experience.

Personally, I use 64GB for all my desktop and laptop computers as this means I can open up multiple applications and not have to worry about things slowing down if I have a lot of applications open, such as Lightroom and Photoshop at the same time, along with browser windows, e-mail applications, word process documents, and so on.

That said, memory is a relatively easy upgrade to do yourself on most desktop computers. So, if you are working within a tighter budget then you can get a computer with 16GB of RAM and then upgrade it yourself later on.

Memory recommendation: 16GB minimum, 32GB ideal, 64GB+ for large workloads

Storage for Photo Editing Computer

The other type of memory that is important for photo editing and storage is non-volatile memory. Unlike RAM, non-volatile memory doesn’t need power to retain data. So when you turn your computer off, the data stays in place until you turn your computer back on.

Most people will refer to this kind of memory as a hard drive, storage drive, solid state drive (SSD), or disk drive.

This type of storage is used for a number of things. When you install an application on your computer, that takes up some storage. When you actually launch the application, it is copied from the storage into RAM for fast access. All your files are also stored on non-volatile memory, such as your photos, videos, documents etc. When you actually open the file, it’s loaded into RAM for quick viewing.

The first thing you need to decide is how much storage you need. This will be a personal decision as it’s based on how much data you have, or plan to store.

Generally, a RAW image file will be somewhere between 20 megabytes and 80 megabytes. So, 20,000 images would require roughly a terabyte (1 TB) of storage space. You’ll also need room for your operating system, application files and anything else you choose to install.

I’d recommend at least a 1TB storage drive, but ideally 2TB or more to give you some room to expand.

The other decision you have to make is the type of drive technology. Storage drive technology has changed over the years, from mechanical hard disk drives (HDD) to solid state drives (SSD). The former can offer higher capacity at lower prices, but is significantly slower. An SSD is more expensive but much faster.

I’d highly recommend an SSD for a photo editing computer. If you have a large archive of image files then a separate mechanical hard drive for image storage purposes might make sense, but I’d recommend that your main storage drive where you install your applications be an SSD.

As with memory, storage is also quite easy to add to a desktop computer. So you don’t have to settle on a final amount to start with. You can always add more later, either as internal drives or as external drives.

If you are wanting to add memory storage some options are this SSD from Western Digital, and this large hard drive from Seagate.

Storage recommendation: 1 TB SSD minimum

Graphics Card for Photo Editing Computer

As photo editing applications become more and more sophisticated, they have started to require more specialized hardware to perform at their best. One example is the rise of AI powered editing features, such as object replacement and noise reduction, which can require a lot of processing power to work quickly and effectively.

The computer’s central processing unit, or CPU, is a general processor, which can do a lot, but for specialist tasks such as specific graphics tasks and AI workloads, a different type of processor is needed. Enter the graphics processing unit (GPU), also known as a graphics card.

For a long time, graphics cards in computers were primarily sold to people wanting to play computer games. Gaming involves generating a lot of image data on the screen, and a graphics card is a specialized chip that can process that type of data very quickly.

Over time, GPU manufacturers like NVIDIA and AMD have expanded the capabilities of their graphics cards. The capabilities that make them good at processing image data also make them good at handling other workloads such as AI tasks and specific computational functions that CPU’s have often struggled with.

The majority of photo editing applications these days, including Adobe’s Lightroom, Photoshop, and tools for image denoising for example, can make use of a systems graphics card to speed up their tasks. This is especially obvious in AI powered tasks, where the GPU can do in seconds what a regular CPU might take minutes to do.

As such, I would highly recommend including a graphics card in your photo editing computer build. The good news is that you don’t need anything super high end, as even a mid-range graphics card can handle photo editing tasks with ease.

In my experience, NVIDIA has traditionally produced the more capable graphics cards for photo editing tasks, and their products have always worked well for my needs. I’d recommend something like the NVIDIA RTX 4060. The first number in this case is the generation, with 4 referring to the 4xxx series. Previous cards were the 3xxx, and the latest generation (released in 2025) are the 5xxx. Then the higher the number after that first number, the faster (and more expensive) the card will be. For example, the 4070 is faster than the 4060.

Again, you don’t need the latest and greatest graphics card for photo editing. Which is good, because graphics cards are very expensive bits of hardware.

Note, if you are purchasing a Mac, the Apple “M” processors have powerful built-in graphics-card capabilities, so don’t need a separate card to perform well.

Graphics card recommendation: NVIDIA RTX 4060 or higher.

So those were the key specifications that you will want to consider when it comes to choosing a desktop computer for photo editing. The above list will also be helpful if you already have a desktop computer and are wondering if there’s anything you can upgrade to make your photo editing application run better.

Price for a Photo Editing Computer

You might be wondering what sort of budget you need for a photo editing desktop. Below I’ve listed some ranges. Note that this price does not include your monitor for photo editing, and not all computers include peripherals such as a mouse and keyboard, which may add to the cost.
- $600 – $1000 USD: whilst it is possible to get a photo editing computer at this price point, trade-offs will have to made to hit the budget. So you might have to skip a graphics card, have less RAM, or a lower end processor
- $1000 – $2000 USD: I’d say this is a good sweet spot for a good desktop computer for photo editing. You should be able to hit all my recommended specifications
- $2000 USD +: As with any purchase, you can always spend more! Above this price point you are starting to venture into higher end territory. Whilst this may make sense if you also plan to play the latest gaming titles, or work with massive image files like panoramas, for most users the return on investment will swiftly diminish as the price increases.
The brands I list will also all have a range of different options at different price points, and most builds can be customized to suit your budget. With the knowledge you have gained from the previous section, you can decide where to save and where to spend your money appropriately for the best results.

Of course, you can also build your own desktop PC for photo editing. These days the cost savings of doing that are only likely to be a couple of hundred dollars. It can also be fairly challenging if you aren’t familiar with the process, and of course you won’t get any support if you encounter issues. All that said, if you like the idea of having complete control and want to do it yourself, my guide should give you an idea of which parts to prioritize.

Recommended Photo Editing Computers

I’m now going to list a number of pre-built photo editing computers to consider. Many of these are going to be marketed as gaming PCs. That’s because the specifications required to run photo and video editing software well are not dissimilar from those required to run a computer game.

You may also note that because they are gaming PCs, they are going to have features that gamers often appreciate, such as colorful lighting, lots of fans, and side windows.

The good news is that these lights can be toggled off if you aren’t into that aesthetic. Fan speeds can also be controlled to reduce noise.

However, I’ve also included some options that are a bit less “gamer looking” to suit all tastes.

I’ve ordered these options approximately by price, but pricing always varies so do check.

Acer Aspire TC-1775-UR12 Desktop

My first desktop computer, which I got over three decades ago, was an Acer. In fact, Acer has been making desktop computers and laptop since the 1980s. So they have been doing this for a while.

I’m including this option on the list for those of you with a tighter budget (although also check out the budget friendly Mac Mini for another option).

The Acer is missing some key features I’d normally recommend in a photo editing computer, but if you are on a restricted budget it will still get the job done, and certainly most regular photo editing tasks will work just fine. However, if you were hoping on doing much advanced AI based edits such as object replacement or AI powered noise reduction you might want to look further down the list.

The key components include an Intel Core i5-14400 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It doesn’t have a separate GPU, and the memory and storage are also a little low. However, for the price it is hard to argue with.

Of course, with any desktop computers on this list, you can always upgrade some components later such as the memory down the road.

Key specs: Intel Core i5-14400 processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, no GPU

Check price on Amazon here

MSI Codex R2 Gaming Desktop (B14NUC5-212US)

If you’re looking to spend around $1,000 on a photo editing computer but still want a discrete GPU, then the MSI Codex R2 Gaming Desktop is a good option.

This currently comes in at just over $1,000, but for your money you still get an Intel Core i5-14400F processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, 32GB RAM, and a 2TB SSD (note different variants and configurations are available).

Ideally of course you’d get a slightly faster processor for photo editing, but considering this pre-built desktop from MSI does include a discrete GPU and 32GB of RAM, it should be able to handle most photo editing tasks relatively well.

Key specifications: Intel Core i5-14400F CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 32GB RAM,2TB SSD

Check price on Amazon here and Newegg here

iBUYPOWER Slate 8 Mesh Gaming PC (SMA7R78XT02)

iBUYPOWER are a relatively popular brand of good value pre-built gaming PCs which you can purchase in the US from retailers including Newegg, BestBuy, Amazon, and Adorama.

The Slate 8 Mesh gaming PC is one of the better specified desktop computers I’ve found at this price point, and it meets all the requirements you would want for photo editing.

The key specifications include an AMD Ryzen 7 9700X CPU, AMD Radeon RX 7800XT 16GB graphics card, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1 TB NVMe SSD. It also comes with a mouse and keyboard, so all you need to add will be a good monitor for photo editing.

Key specs: AMD Ryzen 7 9700X CPU, AMD Radeon RX 7800XT 16GB GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD

Check price on Amazon here and Newegg here. Best Buy have a similarly priced option but with an Intel processor and NVIDIA GPU here (model SMI7N4601).

Apple Mac Mini

The Apple Mac Mini is a diminutive device which packs a punch far above its size thanks to Apple’s impressive “M” line of processors. These processors have been custom designed by Apple to excel at the sort of tasks that Apple computers are commonly used for, which happens to include photo editing.

The Apple Mac Mini is available in a number of configurations, but I’d recommend getting the version with the M4 Pro processors. This is notably faster than the M4 in tasks such as exporting images and performing AI tasks. That said, if you are on more of a budget the M4 processor is still more than capable and models are available for under $600, which is a bargain.

The standard storage is 512GB but I would suggest getting the model with at least 1TB so you don’t run out of space for applications.

The main downside to the Mac Mini is that it can’t be upgraded, so you can’t increase the RAM or internal storage. You can purchase it direct from Apple and add storage (up to 8TB), but Apple charges a hefty premium for storage upgrades.

Of course, you can add external storage via USB or Thunderbolt, so that isn’t a huge issue, but it’s something to be aware of.

Key specs: Apple M4 Pro processor, 24GB memory, 1TB SSD.

Check price on Amazon here, B&H Photo here and direct from Apple here.

CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme (SLC8800BSTV8)

CyberPowerPC is a US based company which specializes in building gaming PCs, which are available in a range of configurations and prices. Their products are available for sale in the US from retailers including Newegg, BestBuy, Amazon, and Adorama.

They also offer a wide range of pre-built PCs, which tend to lean towards a more gamer aesthetic (think RGB lighting and glass side windows). They also have options across the budget range.

The model I suggest for photo editing is the Gamer Supreme, which comes with an Intel Core i7-14700KF processor, 32GB of RAM, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16GB GPU ,and a 2TB SSD.

It is slightly more expensive than the iBuyPower model, but you are getting a larger storage drive as well as a slightly faster graphics card. If you work with larger images or do a lot of tasks involving AI, this can make a difference.

Key specs: Intel Core i7-14700KF – 32GB Memory – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16GB – 2TB SSD

Check price on BestBuy here and Newegg here.

ASUS – ROG Gaming Desktop (G16CHR-I7F4060TiVR)

Asus are a well-known manufacturer of computer hardware, making both complete systems as well as individual component parts like motherboards, graphics cards, and cases. Personally, I own an ASUS laptop which I use for photo editing on the go, and it has proven very reliable.

Asus has a gaming brand known as ROG (Republic of Gamers), which is where you will find their higher-powered products. Again, these are designed for gamers but work well for photo editing as well.

The model I recommend is very similar to the CyberPowerPC, with the main difference being that the graphics card has slightly less memory available. This can be an issue in situations requiring a lot of graphics memory, such as running AI tasks on large images, but is unlikely to affect most situations.

Key specs: Intel Core i7-14700F – 32GB Memory – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8GB – 2TB SSD

Check price on Best Buy here and Amazon here

Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop (ACT1250)

Alienware is the gaming brand of Dell, a company known worldwide for making both laptops and desktops. For a long time, I used Dell laptops as my primary photo editing laptops, before switching to Asus.

The Alienware brand covers a number of models, and some of them are very expensive indeed. However, there are also some more reasonably priced models which would work well for photo editing. The majority of their models are also highly customizable, allowing you to pick and choose the exact parts you want. You can see all the current models here.

For this guide, my recommendation would be to customize the Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop, model ACT1250, with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265F processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060Ti graphics card, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD. That should be more than enough for your photo editing needs.

Key specs: Intel Core Ultra 7 265F processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060Ti GPU, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD.

Check price and configure direct from Dell here.

Apple Mac Studio

If you liked the sound of the Mac Mini but wanted something even more powerful, then your best option is going to be the Apple Mac Studio.

This is a larger and more powerful computer, featuring the M4 Max processor, up to 512GB of RAM (yes you read that right) and up to 8TB of storage.

The 2025 edition features Apple’s custom designed processor and can handle photo editing with ease. It can be pricey, depending on how you specify it, but it’s the best desktop option for those of you who prefer the Apple ecosystem.

Personally I’d recommend the model with M4 Max processor, 36GB of memory and 1TB SSD. You can always add storage via external drives, but if you want more RAM you’ll have to put up with the up-front price that Apple charges as it’s not user-upgradeable after purchase.

Key specs: M4 Max processor, 36GB memory, 1TB SSD.

Check price and configure direct from Apple here.

Corsair ONE i500 Gaming PC

Many of the desktop PCs I’ve listed feature a gaming focused aesthetic which often includes colorful lights and side windows. Which is great if you are into that. However, if your tastes run to something a bit more understated, you may be wondering what your options are.

Well, you can either get an RGB equipped PC and turn off all the lights, or you can get something like the CORSAIR ONE gaming PC, which is designed with a bit of a different aesthetic in mind. It is fully enclosed, so you can’t see all those internals, and any lighting is very minimalist. It even comes with a real walnut wood panel on the front!

Of course, looks don’t mean much if the hardware isn’t up to scratch. The good news is that this desktop PC is certainly more than capable of running any photo editing tasks you can throw at it. You get an Intel Core i9-14900F processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super graphics card, 1TB M.2 SSD for storage and 32GB DDR5 RAM.

My only gripe is that at this price point the 1TB SSD is a bit on the low side, but adding storage is very easy.

If you aren’t familiar with them, Corsair is an American computer peripherals and gaming brand. They have long been known for creating high end RAM, as well as accessories like mice and keyboards. They also build gaming computers.

Key specs: Intel Core i9-14900F – 32GB Memory – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super -1TB SSD

Check price on Amazon here, and direct from Corsair here

Where to Buy a Desktop PC for Photo Editing?

The options available to you for where to buy will of course vary depending on your geographical location. In North America for example, good options include BestBuy, Newegg, Amazon, Adorama, and direct from the manufacturer if they offer a retail outlet. In the UK, you might also check Currys and Amazon UK.

Amazon is now available in most countries, and many larger manufacturers such as Dell and Asus also have direct sales available to customers in different geographic locations.

When purchasing, be sure to check what warranty and support is included with your product, so you know where to turn should you run into any difficulties.

What about Video Editing?

If as well as photo editing you also want to do video editing, you might be wondering if that changes the specifications. Generally, the answer is no. The specifications that make for a good photo editing computer also make for a good video editing computer.

The one area you will need to consider carefully is storage space. Video can take up a lot of storage space, especially if you are shooting in high resolutions. So you will likely need to budget for a large storage drive.

What if I am looking to Upgrade my Existing Computer?

If you have an existing desktop computer that you want to make faster or more efficient for photo editing, there are some ways that you improve your computer without buying a new one.

These upgrades are relatively simple to do, normally just requiring you to plug in a new device inside your computer. You’ll have to do a bit of research to figure out how to do that, but searching for “how to install an SSD”, “how to install a GPU” or “how to install memory” should yield lots of useful information.

Here are some easy upgrades to consider:
- Switch from a mechanical hard drive to a solid-state drive as the main system drive where your applications are installed. This will make your whole computer run more quickly.
- Upgrade your RAM. If you have 8GB or 16GB of RAM, then upgrading to 32GB or even 64GB of RAM will make a big difference
- Adding a dedicated GPU. If you only have a built-in GPU, or an older dedicated GPU, then adding a new GPU can make a big difference, especially for AI based tasks like noise reduction or object replacement
Accessories for a Photo Editing Computer

When you buy a desktop computer, there are a few things you will need in addition to the computer itself. These are all going to have a cost, so it’s worth keeping them in mind when putting your budget together. Here’s what we suggest you consider.

A Gaming Mouse

Not all pre-built desktop computers come with a mouse, which is obviously an essential component for interacting with your computer. I personally use and recommend using a gaming mouse for photo editing.

The reason that I like to use a gaming mouse for photo editing is that it comes with a lot of buttons, the majority of which you can configure yourself.

Most photo editing applications are full of keyboard shortcuts, and by assigning your most used keyboard shortcuts to various mouse buttons, you can make your editing process a lot quicker. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you coped without one.

Gaming mice are also very accurate, meaning when you are editing fine details, you are less likely to mess up. Personally, I use the Logitech G502, which is a fantastic mouse with 11 programmable buttons.

A Good Keyboard

As with a mouse, not all desktops come with a keyboard. If that’s the case, you’ll obviously need to pick up a keyboard. Now, there are hundreds of keyboards out there to choose from in a wide variety of styles.

Personally I’d recommend going for a keyboard with mechanical switches as in my opinion they are nicer to type with. But you probably have your own preferences for keys types, formats, and feel.

I personally use a Keychron C3 Pro keyboard which has been great, but there are lots out there to choose from!

A Monitor for Photo Editing

You are absolutely going to need a monitor for photo editing, it’s an accessory I recommend even if you are using a laptop as it’s going to really improve your experience.

A high-quality monitor is obviously very important for photo editing work. Choosing a monitor is a big task, as there is a huge variety to choose from at different sizes and price points.

I’d recommend reading my complete guide to the best monitors for photo editing, which a guide to what to look for as well as suggestions at a range of budgets.

A UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply)

Unlike a laptop, a desktop computer doesn’t come with its own battery. So, you need to be plugged into a wall outlet all the time. The problem is that if you suffer a power brown-out or a black-out, your computer is going to shut down. This can cause you to lose anything you’re working on, and in a worst-case scenario, might even damage the sensitive electronics inside.

For this reason, I always recommend using an uninterruptable power supply, or UPS, with your desktop computer. This is basically a large battery which also provides surge protection. If the power goes out, or there’s a brown-out, the UPS will switch to battery mode and your computer will keep running.

Now, a desktop PC is very power-hungry, and the UPS won’t keep it running indefinitely. Generally, they are designed to give you enough time to save your work and shut down cleanly, rather than keep running for hours.

Most UPS products these days come with a USB cable and software so you can plug it into your computer, and it can be set to automatically shut down your PC before the UPS battery runs out.

I use a CyberPower UPS, but there are a number of options on the market. In the past I have also had an APC UPS.

Further Reading

Well, hopefully this guide has given you some options to consider when looking for a computer to edit your photos on. We also have a number of other photography resources that we think you will find helpful.
- I have a detailed guide to the best laptop for photo editing, if you think you want something more portable.
- If you need software to edit photos with on your new desktop computer, see our guide to the best photo editing software. We also have a guide to improving Lightroom performance if you find that specific program is running slowly for you.
- You’ll need to hook up your desktop to an external monitor. See our guide to the best monitors for photo editing across a range of budgets
- Color accuracy is important for photography – see our guide to monitor calibration to ensure your screen is set up correctly.
- No-one wants noisy images. See our guide to the best noise reduction software to help you get the best results every time.
- Our range of photography guides, including our guides to Northern Lights photography, lens compression, back button focus, fireworks photography, taking photos of stars, cold weather photography, long exposure photography, RAW in photography, use of ND filters, depth of field and photography composition, which should get you going
- Our photography gift guide, if you’re looking for a great gift for a photography loving friend or family member
- A detailed guide to the best travel cameras, as well as specific guides for the best compact camera, best action camera, best bridge camera, best mirrorless camera, and best DSLR camera. We also have a guide to the best camera lenses.
- Our guide to why you need a tripod, and a guide to choosing a travel tripod
- Ever wondered how to easily replace the sky in an image? Check out our guide to sky replacement in photography for an easy process anyone can do.
Looking to Improve Your Photography?

If you found this post helpful, and you want to improve your photography overall, you might want to check out my online travel photography course.

Since launching the course in 2016, I’ve already helped over 2,000+ students learn how to take better photos. The course covers pretty much everything you need to know, from the basics of how a camera works, through to composition, light, and photo editing.

It also covers more advanced topics, including astrophotography, long exposure photography, flash photography and HDR photography.

You get feedback from me as you progress, access to webinars, interviews and videos, as well as exclusive membership of a Facebook group where you can get feedback on your work and take part in regular challenges.

It’s available for an amazing one-off price for lifetime access, and I think you should check it out. Which you can do by clicking here.

And that’s it for our guide to the best laptop for photography! As always, if you have any questions or feedback on any of the above, or have just found a laptop and would like our thoughts on it, let us know in the comments below!
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17/04/2025
Your Guide to Packing in 2025
What I carry in my bag has changed a lot over the years. Most of that change has to do with the fact that I now carry a lot of gear related to blogging, but it also reflects that I’ve learned a lot about packing since I first hit the road in 2006.

I’ve learned different packing techniques through the years. I’ve traveled with big duffel bags, 60L packs, 30L packs, carry-ons, and everything in between. I’ve done it all and in all seasons.

And, today, I want to share that knowledge with you so you can be a better packer because a lot of people always want to know what they should pack for their trip.

The answer?

As little as possible.

Packing light is a cliché, yet one that has a lot of truth to it. The more I travel, the more I realize I don’t need a lot of stuff. Everything I need now fits into one backpack (for more recommendations from my years of testing backpacks, click here for my top travel backpacks.

I like to write down everything I think I’ll need before I go — and then cut it in half. I always ask myself, “Will I use this enough to justify the weight?”

Most of the time the answer is no.

I take only the essentials, and if I really need something I didn’t bring, I buy it on the road. It’s not that hard to find medicine, clothes, or an umbrella overseas.

I also try to stick to the same climate during my trips to avoid having to carry lots of different kinds of clothes. I don’t want to be lugging sweaters around Thailand! However, plans can change, and if that happens, I’ll buy a light jacket or a sweater. I’ll keep it until it is a burden and then give it away.

Also, you can do laundry overseas so I like to carry enough clothes for 7-10 days, do laundry, then repeat. There’s no need to bring a lot of stuff when you can just wash what you have.

As for the long answer to what you should pack? Well, below is my suggested packing list — but you should tailor this to your needs.

(Note: This focuses on travel to a non-winter climate. If you’re heading somewhere cold, you’ll need to adjust accordingly.)

1. Gear

For more gear recommendations, check out this post on the best travel gear.

2. Clothes
- 5 t-shirts
- 1 long-sleeved shirt
- 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I wear them a lot — a good alternative is khaki)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 1 bathing suit
- 1 pair of flip-flops
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 8 pairs of socks (I always lose my socks so I take extra! I have no idea where they go?)
- 1 pair of dress shoes (This is destination dependent. I do this more in Australia and Europe and less so everywhere else.)
- 1 dress shirt (for going to a respectable place in the evening)
Note: I’m a big fan of Unbound Merino for clothes. You can see a review here.

3. Toiletries
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 tube of toothpaste
- 1 package of dental floss
- Deodorant
- 1 razor
- 1 small bottle of shampoo
- 1 small bottle of shower gel
- 1 towel (always pack a towel!)
4. Small Medical Kit
- Band-Aids
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibacterial cream
- Eye drops
- Tylenol
- Hand sanitizer
For more on first aid kits, check out this detailed post on how to make one for any destination.

5. Miscellaneous

Special tip: Buy a small backpack so you won’t be tempted to overpack. We subconsciously like to fill empty space, so if you have a big bag, you’re more likely to overpack just so you don’t waste space. By getting a smaller backpack, you’ll be forced to take only the essentials — a mind trick that works very well!

***

I’ve found that this list leaves me wanting for nothing. I’m sure many of you will read this and say, “But what about X?” or “You really don’t need Y.” Well, that works for you, and this list works for me. Tailor your list to suit your travels.

I write this post not because I think there is one perfect way to pack but to answer the recurring question about what I pack and why. This is my list and suits my “chase the summer, live in hostels” lifestyle.

But the real point I want to emphasize is that you really don’t need a lot when you travel. You never need as much as you think.

Next Steps

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need a Rental Car?
Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
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17/04/2025
Our Hands-on Review After 3 Years
Hey fellow wanderers!

Have you ever had that mini panic attack realizing you might’ve just lost all your travel photos? Yeah, us too. That’s why we dove into the world of cloud storage and found Sync.com, our trusty sidekick for the last three years.

What is Sync.com?

Sync.com is like the Fort Knox of cloud storage. It’s a secure, easy-to-use service that keeps all your files encrypted. Imagine having a magical backpack with all your memories that only you can open, no matter where you are in the world. Pretty neat, huh?

Why We Chose Sync.com

After trying out a bunch of different options (and nearly pulling our hair out in frustration), we settled on Sync.com for a few solid reasons:
1. Top-Notch Security: End-to-end encryption means no one but you can see your stuff. Not even Sync.com. It’s like having a secret vault in the cloud that isn’t scanned, AI accessible or trained on or used by the company for data acquisition or third party monetisation.
2. User-Friendly: Even if you’re not tech-savvy, Sync.com is super easy to use. Uploading and accessing files feels as smooth as booking a direct flight.
3. Affordable Plans: Traveling can be expensive, but Sync.com offers affordable plans that won’t break the bank. Plus, you get a generous amount of storage.
4. Original Files: While some online backup services give you deals for storing your pictures with them, the original pictures are often scaled down to conserve disk space and often videos aren’t even included. Sync does a full backup of the original files plus you can backup any other important documents besides just pictures.
5. Storage Space: Personal plans start with 2TB of space so you have plenty of room for the next decade of pictures if you’re not a professional photographer and plans scale up even if you are.
Sync.com coupon!

Exclusive Offer: Visit Sync.com/barefoot for an exclusive discount just for our community

Check out our YouTube video on Sync.com!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIN1iMFxeiU

Our Experience Over Three Years

Over the past three years, Sync.com has been our online backup solution. Whether we were on the go working or just preserving our family memories, it’s always been running in the background on our phones and our computers.

It’s been a great relief to know that if our phone fell into a lake, got stolen or left on a table somewhere, that we haven’t lost our last day, week, month or year of memories.

Storage and Sharing

Over the past few years we’ve uploaded everything from important document scans to thousands of photos from our trips to Mexico and Europe. We push both our phones up to the same account so we can easily share everything, keep everything together and keep our costs down.

Sharing files with friends and family is pretty simple as well. Just a few quick clicks and they can access your latest travel album without even needing a Sync account.

If you’re working with a company, then their Teams integration is a great feature giving you plenty of ways to collaborate online plus all accounts give you ways to share folders and files with plenty of ways to secure those. There’s also a preview only feature with pdf and Word documents that let people view those without needing the corresponding app.

Offline Access

One of our favorite features is offline access. Perfect for those times when you’re in the middle of nowhere with zero Wi-Fi. Just download your files beforehand and you’re set to go when you get there.

Sync Across Devices

Whether we’re using our phones, tablets, desktops or laptops, Sync.com keeps everything updated. No more emailing files to ourselves or dealing with USB drives. Hallelujah!

We even often grab pictures from our phones using the Sync app on our computer or via the web. Since backups happen nearly instantly when we’re on WiFi, you don’t have to wait long for the files to show up online and no needing to plug anything in or using another sharing app.

WiFi or Mobile

By default, Sync only backs up your phone files over a WiFi connection to ensure you’re not paying for any unnecessary cellular data.

While this is perfect for normal day to day use as most of us hit a Wi-Fi zone a few times a day, if you’re out of Wi-Fi range for an extended time, you can enable Sync to update over data if you’re worried about losing anything you’ve taken since the last Wi-Fi backup.

Just make sure to disable that feature when you get back to civilization as you don’t need backups to be eating away at your precious data limits.

What we don’t love about Sync

No review would be complete without a bit of critique. While Sync.com is awesome, it’s not perfect. Sometimes, the sync speed can be a bit slow, especially with huge files. Also, a built-in photo gallery would be a nice touch for us photo junkies to easily peruse our large quantities of pictures.

While we haven’t had the opportunity to test out the iPhone app, the Android app can sometimes be a bit cumbersome when searching for a specific picture and not sure where you put it. Large folders can also take a while to open as it generates thumbnails for quick perusal though once it has made those, subsequent views of the same folder are much quicker.

A small quirk we routinely have is also one of it’s greatest strengths. When you take a picture or a screencap and your device is connected to WiFi, it almost instantly backs up the file to the server. While this is awesome 95% of the time, it can also lead to extra files on the server if you don’t really want (or need) the file to be backed up.

While these files can easily be deleted off the server, we generally just leave them there since we have plenty of storage still available. That said, if you’re a shutterbug who routinely takes a dozen pictures for every event then goes back and deletes all but the best, you could find your storage filling up more quickly. The bonus is that if you accidentally delete the wrong one, you likely still have a backup in the cloud.

Final Verdict

After three years and having tried all the other major providers out there, we’re sticking with Sync.com. It’s reliable, secure, and makes managing our travel memories a piece of cake. So if you’re looking for a cloud storage solution that can keep up with your adventurous lifestyle, give Sync.com a try.

If you’re unsure if Sync is right for you, they offer a free 5 GB account with basic sharing that will let you see if the product is right for you. Visit Sync.com/barefoot to get a special deal as well.

Happy travels and safe storing!
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17/04/2025
21 Best Things To Do In New South Wales, Australia

From mountains and beaches, to Outback towns and national parks, here are the best things to do in New South Wales, Australia!

Sydney is often at the top of travellers’ Australia bucket lists, but the state of New South Wales has so much more to offer!

Yes, it’s home to the iconic city of Sydney, which has world-famous attractions like Bondi Beach, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and more.

If you’re hoping to explore more of NSW, here is our list of all the best things to do! You can explore vibrant cities, camp in remote Outback towns, or mingle with marine life.

Go stargazing, hiking, or camping in the Blue Mountains, Snowy Mountains, or the Warrumbungles. See picture-perfect beaches, surf world-class waves, or go snowboarding.

Take our list of the top things to do in NSW and use it as inspiration for planning your own adventures!

Read next: The Best Australia Travel Tips

21 Best Things To Do In New South Wales, Australia

NSW has something for everyone. Our list of the best things to do in New South Wales includes well-known Sydney attractions, and plenty of nearby places that you can easily explore from the city.

There are also some hidden gems around the state that many travellers might not know about. So let’s get into it!

Start your NSW trip in Sydney!

1. Attend a performance at the Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House may be the most famous landmark in NSW, and possibly all of Australia.

With its signature white, wave-like structures and prime location on the edge of Sydney Harbour, this is possibly the most iconic opera house in the world.

While visiting Sydney, you absolutely have to see the Sydney Opera House with your own eyes. After taking your pictures of the famous landmark, consider actually attending a show here.

Venturing inside the Sydney Opera House for a local performance is an unforgettable experience to have in the capital city of NSW. From exhibitions and concerts, to theatre, comedy, and dance, there is a huge range of cultural events that make their way to the Sydney Opera House.

Browse the schedule online to book your place at the next performance!

2. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Another one of the best experiences to have while visiting Sydney is climbing the Harbour Bridge.

Those who are afraid of heights may have to skip this activity. But rest assured, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is a very reputable and responsible company that puts safety above all else.

You’ll be strapped into harnesses and led by expert guides as you climb your way to the top of the colossal steel structure. Then enjoy sweeping views of the harbour and the surrounding cityscape from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

3. Experience Outback life in Broken Hill

If you want to venture into the rural Outback, take a trip out to Broken Hill. This historic mining town in far western NSW showcases the best of regional Australia.

Once a booming hub for silver, lead, and zinc mining, Broken Hill is home to the world’s largest mining company, BHP.

But the town isn’t all industry – there is a thriving creative community and plenty of cool attractions to see.

Engage with the local art at the Pro Hart Gallery, or admire the sunset over the Outback at the Living Desert Sculptures.

You can also explore Broken Hill’s historic architecture, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service base, or venture into the nearby Mutawintji National Park to experience Aboriginal rock art and breathtaking desert scenery.

Explore more of the Outback with a Sydney to Perth road trip!

4. Camp, surf, and hike in the Royal National Park

The Royal National Park is one of the most beautiful places in NSW, located just south of Sydney.

Not only is it a popular day trip destination, it’s a great place for outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, swimming, surfing, and more.

As Australia’s oldest national park (and the second oldest national park in the world), this sanctuary of natural beauty is well protected from commercialism. Even though it’s right next to the city, it’s filled with vast wilderness.

Ocean lovers can explore the coastline of the Royal National Park for some incredible sights. Go surfing at Garie Beach, camp at North Era Campground, admire the Wedding Cake Rock, cliff jump at Wattamolla, or hike the entire Coast Track.

You can also venture inland and explore hidden waterfalls, swimming holes, campgrounds, and remote walking trails. This is the perfect place to connect with nature on a day trip from Sydney.

The Royal National Park has some gorgeous coastal trails.

5. Go sandboarding in Port Stephens

Port Stephens is a stunning little town on the Central Coast of NSW. It’s a popular spot for weekend getaways from Sydney or Newcastle, and it’s full of fun things to see and do.

Highlights include surfing at Zenith Beach, hiking the Tomaree Head Mountain for sunrise, and relaxing by the waterfront in Nelson Bay.

But the natural attraction that Port Stephens is best known for? The Stockton Sand Dunes! Situated in Worimi National Park, the Stockton Sand Dunes are part of the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

To make it easier, book a sandboarding tour on the dunes with a local guide. That way the experts can show you the ropes and provide you with the gear you need for an epic outdoor adventure in Port Stephens.

6. Hike Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko

At 2,228 metres, Mount Kosciuszko is the highest mountain in NSW and all of the Australian mainland. You can conquer the peak on a hiking day trip in Kosciuszko National Park.

The hike to the Mount Kosciuszko summit takes about 4-6 hours, depending on which trail you take. There are trails from Charlotte Pass or Thredbo, and there is even a biking trail from Charlotte Pass if you prefer mountain biking to hiking.

Whichever trail you decide to take, hiking through the mountains of Kosciuszko National Park is a breathtaking experience. You can also go camping nearby in the national park or go for a dip in the Snowy River.

Hiking enthusiasts can be sure to put Kosciuszko National Park on their list of places to visit in NSW! Just remember that you can only hike between October and May, as the mountains will be covered in snow for the winter months.

Plan more treks with our guide to hiking in Australia!

7. Eat fresh oysters in Merimbula

Merimbula is a charming town on the South Coast of NSW that is known for its amazing seafood.

Part of the Sapphire Coast, Merimbula has sparkling blue ocean waters connected to several lakes and estuaries. These pristine conditions on the Far South Coast NSW provide the perfect place to harvest delicious oysters.

Since the 1920s, oysters have been farmed in Merimbula with little to no treatment after harvesting. You can find Sydney rock oysters and several other varieties, all of which taste incredible.

Follow the Sapphire Coast Oyster Trail for top oyster production locations and eateries so you can sample the fresh seafood of southern NSW!

8. Explore the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most beautiful places to visit in NSW.

Just an hour west of Sydney, visitors can explore the Blue Mountains on a day trip or stay for longer. One thing is certain, you definitely won’t regret any time you spend in the Blue Mountains.

This gorgeous national park has an endless supply of rugged mountains, tumbling waterfalls, and fantastic hiking trails.

Popular natural attractions include rock formations like the Three Sisters and Pulpit Rock, as well as cascades like Wentworth Falls, Katoomba Falls, and Empress Falls.

Visitors can also check out Scenic World, a family-friendly destination where you can ride the Scenic Cableway for the best views of the Blue Mountains scenery.

If you’re staying in Sydney and don’t want to rent a car or take the train to explore on your own, you can book a guided day trip to the Blue Mountains!

9. See Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay is a gorgeous area on the South Coast of NSW. Known for its abundant marine life, calm waters, and idyllic beaches, Jervis Bay is a beautiful part of Australia.

Locals flock here for weekend trips from Sydney, where they can spend their time camping in Booderee National Park, kayaking or paddleboarding in the serene waterways, and snorkelling with the marine life.

But the beaches are definitely the best part of Jervis Bay. Though you’re in southern New South Wales, every beach here feels like a destination in the Australian tropics.

With powdery white sand and turquoise water, the Jervis Bay beaches are like heaven.

Hyams Beach is the most famous, as it’s constantly ranked one of Australia’s best beaches and it’s even claimed to have some of the whitest sand in the world.

To make the most of your time, do the White Sands Walk. This coastal walking trail passes all the most beautiful beaches in the area, including Hyams Beach.

Jervis Bay has some of the most amazing beaches in New South Wales.

10. Go wine tasting in the Hunter Valley

Just a short distance from Sydney lies the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s top wine regions.

If you’re a wine lover, add the Hunter Valley to your list of places to visit in NSW!

As a popular weekend trip from Sydney, visitors love to explore the charming small country towns like Pokolbin, Lovedale, Maitland, and Wollombi. Scattered throughout these towns and surrounding countryside, you can find world-class wineries and boutique local businesses.

Besides wine tasting rooms and vineyards, the Hunter Valley has lots of cosy country accommodation, farm to table restaurants, and shops selling locally made cheeses and fresh produce.

Join a guided wine tasting day trip from Sydney so you can indulge in the best wines without having to drive yourself back to the city.

If you want a relaxing weekend getaway full of delicious food and wine, Hunter Valley is one of the best places to go.

11. See the Kiama Blowholes

Kiama is another one of the best places to visit in NSW which is a popular weekend trip from Sydney.

This lovely coastal town lies at the southern end of the Grand Pacific Drive, which is a scenic road trip road that runs from Sydney down through the Illawarra Region.

Kiama has lovely beaches, a magnificent coastal walk, and some very unique natural attractions called blowholes.

There are two of these in the area: the Kiama Blowhole and the Little Blowhole. Both are collections of volcanic rocks next to the ocean that formed due to lava flows millions of years ago.

When the sea has the right amount of swell, the waves rush into these rocky holes and burst upward like an erupting volcano. The Kiama Blowhole is the bigger of the two, and there are multiple viewing platforms where you can see the phenomenon from above.

The Little Blowhole is less famous, but when the ocean is doing the right thing, even the Little Blowhole can put on quite a show.

Find more activities with our list of the best things to do in Kiama.

12. Chill out in Byron Bay

One of the most popular places to visit in NSW is Byron Bay! This beautiful town on the north coast is a hotspot for travellers of all ages.

Known for its trendy, hipster vibes, Byron Bay has a bustling and welcoming town centre full of shops, cafes, and colourful street art.

But Byron Bay also has an abundance natural beauty to explore outside town! Start with a walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, which overlooks the most easterly point of mainland Australia.

You can also sometimes spot dolphins and even whales in the winter months from the lighthouse!

And don’t forget to try some water sports while you’re staying in the paradise of Byron Bay. Visitors can go kayaking with dolphins, join surf lessons, and explore the underwater world on guided snorkelling tours.

Or if you’re more of a beach bum, you can just relax on Byron Bay’s stunning beaches like the Pass, Wategos Beach, and Main Beach.

13. Ski or snowboard in the Snowy Mountains

Looking for a winter getaway from Sydney? Many travellers don’t know that Australia has snow, but in the winter you can visit the charming and beautiful Snowy Mountains!

Located in southern NSW near the Victorian border, Australia’s Snowy Mountains are the perfect place to explore in winter.

Head to popular ski resorts like Perisher, Thredbo, or Charlotte Pass for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding, and hot coffees in cosy cafes or hotels.

This is a beautiful part of NSW that has lots of amazing accommodation options and ski passes.

Head to the NSW Snowy Mountains in winter for some fun skiing and snowboarding.

14. Explore Mungo National Park

The NSW Outback doesn’t get as much attention as other places like the Red Centre or South Australia. But in the far west of the state, you can find some wild Outback landscapes!

One of the best is Mungo National Park, which could be considered a hidden gem of NSW. Few tourists venture this far inland, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re up for a big adventure.

Mungo National Park is home to several unique sand and clay formations known as the Walls of China, which make for some crazy photos.

Beyond its otherworldly landscape, Mungo National Park is a place of rich Indigenous heritage. You can explore the park on guided tours with Traditional Owners, learning about the area’s history, Aboriginal culture, and the ever-changing desert environment.

The park is also home to the famous Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, the remains of humans who lived over 40,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest known sites of human occupation in Australia. It’s one of the coolest attractions to see if you’re interested in history and archaeology.

Read next: TRAVEL to AUSTRALIA – Top Tips and Information

15. Go whale watching in winter

Australia’s East Coast is one of the best whale watching locations in the world!

Every winter between May and October, thousands of humpback whales migrate north along the East Coast of Australia in search of warmer waters.

Once the whales make it to the north of Australia where the water is tropical and warm, they can have their babies and nurse their young in a calm environment.

Then at the end of winter, the whales migrate back down south again so they can feed in the nutrient-rich waters of Antarctica during summer.

You can spot whales all along the New South Wales coastline throughout winter! Or you can book an organised whale watching tour that takes you further out to sea with an expert guide.

Byron Bay, Jervis Bay, and Sydney are popular destinations for whale watching day trips in New South Wales.

16. Complete the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

As one of the most famous walking trails in Australia, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a must-do while visiting Sydney.

Starting at the southern end of Bondi Beach and ending at Coogee Beach, this scenic coastal trail offers some of the most amazing views in Sydney.

You’ll pass rugged cliffs, grassy parks, ocean pools, and pristine beaches, all while getting in a great leg workout. The trail is 6km long and takes 2-3 hours to complete.

There are lots of amazing swimming spots and cafes along the way where you can take a dip in the Pacific Ocean or grab a famously strong Australian coffee.

If you don’t want to walk the entire track both ways, you can get the public bus back to where you started after finishing the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.

Go for a dip in the famous Bondi Icebergs before doing the coastal walk!

17. Skydive in Wollongong or Newcastle

One of the best things to do in Australia with your friends, partner, or solo, is to go skydiving.

Many people have skydiving on their bucket list. Though you can do this all over the world, why not do it on your trip to Australia?

There are lots of amazing places to skydive around the country. But thanks to its gorgeous coastline, New South Wales offers some of the best views.

For anyone staying in Sydney, you can drive either an hour south to Wollongong or 2 hours north to Newcastle. Both are accessible by train from Sydney as well.

Skydive Australia has jumps in both locations, and you can admire the picture-perfect beaches as you free fall from the sky.

Book your skydive in Wollongong or Newcastle online and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

18. Road trip along the coast

Road trips are an amazing way to explore Australia. New South Wales in particular provides the perfect backdrop and amenities for an epic coastal road trip.

If you have time to road trip the entire coast, go for it! From the lush hinterlands of the North Coast, to the golden beaches of the Central Coast, to the remote campsites and cooler temperatures of the South Coast, there are endless places to explore.

The entire coastline is also framed by amazing hiking trails and national parks, so you can combine coastal wonders with some forest exploration.

Most of the public beaches and parks around the state have toilets, showers, and public BBQ facilities, and there are campgrounds galore. NSW really has everything you need for the perfect road trip adventure!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Driving along the Sea Cliff Bridge just south of Sydney

19. Ride the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly

So you’ve done the Bondi to Coogee Walk, you’ve climbed the Harbour Bridge, and you’ve admired the Sydney Opera House. What other must-do attractions are there in Sydney?

Many travellers would recommend catching the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. This is like a cheaper version of a sightseeing cruise, as you get beautiful views of the famous harbour while you cruise over to Manly.

Feel the breeze on your skin as you relax aboard the public ferry. You’ll glide through Sydney Harbour and get front row seats to the city’s scenery such as the Royal Botanic Garden, the Opera House, and the harbour islands.

Upon arriving in Manly, you can spend the day walking, cycling, swimming, snorkelling, surfing, and sightseeing in one of the best beach neighborhoods in Sydney.

Read our guide to the best beaches in Sydney for more ideas!

20. Surf in Crescent Head

Crescent Head is a beautiful coastal spot on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Picture a dramatic headland overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with perfect point breaks creating waves for surfers of all levels.

Surrounding the headland are shallow inlets for kids, lovely beaches for swimming and sunbathing, and various campsites and holiday homes where you can relax with loved ones.

If you’re looking for a tranquil spot to kick back, soak in the sun, and surf your heart out, plan a trip to Crescent Head!

Just note that Crescent Head is a very popular spot during school holidays, so the campsites and accommodations can fill up quickly. If you plan to visit during holidays, book your stay in advance to avoid missing out.

21. Go stargazing in Warrumbungles National Park

Located in the Orana region of inland New South Wales, Warrumbungle National Park is a fascinating place to visit.

During the day, you can hike through the rugged volcanic mountains, spotting wildlife and getting insane photos of the crazy rock formations.

But the Warrambungles come alive at night! As Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, Warrumbungle National Park has minimal light pollution and creates the perfect place for stargazing.

Visitors can set up telescopes and cameras at designated viewing areas, or visit the nearby Siding Spring Observatory which is home to Australia’s largest optical telescope.

You’ll get the most incredible views of the starry night sky in the Warrumbungles!

Fascinating rock formations at the Warrumbungles National Park, NSW.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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17/04/2025
Everyone Says I’m Running Away

When I first started traveling, my dad used to ask what I’m running away from with my travels. Another time, a commenter told me to stop running away from my problems and to start living life. “Grow up,” he said.

And, years ago, there was even a blog called “Mom says I’m running away.”

I’m not sure why, but there is this perception out there that anyone who travels long term and isn’t interested in settling down or getting a conventional job must be running away from something.

We travelers are running away from responsibility, being a grown-up, heartache, problems, etc, etc. We are all just Peter Pans refusing to be “adults.”

While American society thinks traveling is something everyone should do at one point, it’s only gap years after college or short vacations that seem to be acceptable. Get it out of your system and come back into The Matrix.

Those of us who lead nomadic lifestyles, or who linger just a bit too long somewhere before reaching that final homestretch, are all too often accused of running away.

Yes, go travel — but not for too long, the world says. Responsible people don’t just travel forever.

We nomads must have awful, miserable lives, or are weird, or have had something traumatic happen to us that we are trying to escape. People assume that we are simply running away from our problems, running away from “the real world.”

And to all those people who think I am running away, I say: you are right.

I am running away.

I’m running away from your idea of the “real” world.

I’m avoiding your life.

I’m running towards everything — towards the world, exotic places, new people, different cultures, and my own idea of freedom. I’m building a life that makes me happy.

While there may be exceptions (as there are with everything), most people who become nomads do so because they want to experience the world, not escape their problems. They are running away from office life, commutes, and weekend errands, and the corporate 9 to 5. They are running away from the strict path society has laid out as “normal.” The one that makes us mindless ants marching to and fro.

We (I) want to experience every culture, see every mountain, eat different food, attend crazy festivals, meet new people, and enjoy different holidays around the world. We want to construct a life that makes us happy on our own terms.

Life is short and we only get to live it once. I want to look back and say I did exciting things and lived life on my own terms, not say I spent my life reading blogs like this during my lunch break while wishing I was doing the same thing.

No one dies saying, “If only I had spent more time in the office!”

As an American, my perspective might be different. In my country, the accepted path is long and narrow: you go to college, get a job, get married, buy a house, have 2.5 children, raise them, and then retire. Only then, after you’ve put in your time, can you enjoy the fruits of your labor. Society boxes you in and restricts your movements to their expectations.

And any deviation is considered abnormal and weird.

People may want to travel, tell you they envy what you do, and say they wish they could do the same thing. But they never do. Few people muster the courage to take the leap, no matter how much their heart pulls them. They are simply fascinated by a lifestyle so outside the norm.

While social media, the rise of digital nomading, and websites like this have made quitting your job to travel the world or teach English in Thailand a little more acceptable, the general attitude is still “follow the path if you want to be normal.”

Well, I don’t want to be normal.

I feel like the reason why people tell us we are running away is that they can’t fathom the fact that we broke the mold and are living outside the norm. To want to break all of society’s conventions, there simply must be something wrong with us. (Maybe they are a little jealous too?)

But life is what you make it out to be. Life is yours to create. We are all chained down by the burdens we place upon ourselves, whether they are bills, errands, or, like me, self-imposed blogging deadlines. If you really want something, you have to go after it.

People who travel the world aren’t running away from life. Just the opposite. Those that break the mold, explore the world, and live on their own terms are running toward true living, in my opinion. We have a degree of freedom a lot of people will never experience. We get to be the captains of our ships.

But it is a freedom we chose to have.

We looked around and said, “I want something different.”

And then we went for it.

It was that freedom and attitude I saw in travelers years ago in Thailand that inspired me to do lead the life I am now. I saw them break the mold and I thought to myself, “Why not me?”

I’m not running away.

No.

I am just running towards my own idea of a normal life.

And I never plan to look back.

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need a Rental Car?
Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

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17/04/2025
Tips from Expert Georgie from Teacher’s Friend

From volunteering on a remote island to working on a yacht, there are so many cool ways to live and work abroad. Just picture yourself working as a guide in a far off destination, being an au pair jet setting around Europe, or teaching English in a country you only read about in books. Teaching abroad is not only a popular job for native speakers, but also the focus of this post.

We’ve traveled around the world for years as digital nomads. On our first round the world adventure together, Charles worked in Australia in a greenhouse, and I edited academic essays and worked remotely as a technical writer. Years later, we started this site, and made our living as travel bloggers but it was a lot of years in the making and a lot of short and long contract work in the middle.

We’ve gotten a lot of emails from you all over the years about how to get a job teaching English overseas, but while we’ve worked remotely, we’ve never taught abroad. So we brought in Georgie Snape of Teacher’s Friend, who’s an expert on teaching overseas. In our chat, she shares some incredibly helpful tips on everything you need to know, from how to get your first teaching job, to choosing a TEFL course, to the best countries for teaching overseas.

The YouTube video of our interview with Georgie is live! Make sure you’re subscribed to our channel, and have notifications turned on so you don’t miss our videos!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4_Xndx4eS0

Micki: So, how did you get into teaching?

Georgie: I don’t actually remember this, but when I eventually went to teach, my friends were like, ‘Oh, you’ve been going on about this since you were 14.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, I have?’

So I think I wanted to learn to travel from a young age. I did a degree in community drama, so instead of being an actor on stage, I was running workshops within the community, helping marginalized groups. I naturally learned a lot of the skills I would need to be a teacher.

I knew teaching was a good way to travel, and I love teaching as well. I graduated and did my dissertation, which was project-based, at the same time as doing my TEFL course. In hindsight, that was a terrible idea, but it meant I was ready to go as soon as I finished my degree.

Micki: Where have you taught English?

I spent three months in Vietnam, traveling, and then I came back to teaching again in Vietnam.

Then I moved to Australia and New Zealand, which a lot of people don’t think of as destinations for teaching English abroad, but there are many local people who want to go to university abroad or move to an English-speaking country. So there’s actually a lot of teaching English in Australia and New Zealand as well.

I did that, then came back to Vietnam. Vietnam’s my baby. I taught in Vietnam and also in Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and now I’m in Indonesia.

Well, my plan was to go teach for six months, and I’m still here 11 years later. So I’m not really sure what happened, but here I am.

Georgie Snape with class of young students. Photo courtesy Teacher’s Friend.

Micki: What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in teaching abroad? How do you get started?

Georgie: Well, first you need to get qualified. You’d need a TEFL certificate. Choose a TEFL course that’s going to prepare you as best as possible.

I’ll keep it brief for now, but choosing the right TEFL course is definitely my first advice. When I was doing it, I asked myself what I wanted from teaching abroad. I came up with four criteria: to be well-paid, to have a lower cost of living because it makes it easier, to have friendly people, and to enjoy beautiful scenery. That sounds like a pretty good life.

I was a bit old school, so I bought the TEFL guide, which was an actual book, and I read through it. You can also do searches online and look at all the countries, weighing the pros and cons, and considering which countries offer the highest salaries.

After I did my TEFL, many TEFL providers helped with job assistance, but you can also pay for someone to help you with everything involved in moving abroad. It depends on what kind of person you are and whether you want someone to guide you through the process.

Micki: In terms of TEFL courses, are there any that you would recommend avoiding or ones that are better? Are online or in-person courses better?

Georgie: I always say to do an in-person TEFL, even if you’re already a teacher. Teaching English as a foreign language to non-native speakers is not the same as teaching English to people who speak English as their first language.

Photo courtesy Teacher’s Friend.

The biggest ‘oh my gosh‘ moment that students have is realizing they didn’t learn this in school because it’s a completely different way of thinking and learning. In-person courses give you access to the trainer and other people going through the same situation. These courses are often abroad, so you get to meet people and immerse yourself in the culture, plus you get real-time practice on your peers.

Most face-to-face courses include teaching practice, so you get to go into a classroom. It’s not the same when you do something with your peers who understand you versus real students who might struggle to understand you.

However, I understand that not everyone can afford a face-to-face TEFL. These courses are typically a month long, and you need money to sustain yourself. Face-to-face courses also cost more. If you’re close to having the budget, I’d say wait and save up. It’s definitely worth it. For those who can’t, your TEFL should be a minimum of 120 hours and include some kind of observed teaching practice. If not, you can do top-up courses abroad, which usually work out cheaper.

Look at who’s training you. Ideally, you want someone who has been teaching for a significant amount of time and has also trained teachers for a significant amount of time.

Accreditation is another factor. TEFL isn’t accredited like a degree, so many providers claim accreditation from various third parties. It’s important to choose a TEFL course that is at least accredited by someone, but be wary of super cheap courses.

If your TEFL costs less than $250, it’s probably not worth the paper it’s written on, and employers won’t accept it. Between $250 and $500 is more acceptable. I’ve taught on both government-accredited TEFLs that weren’t very good and non-accredited TEFLs that were excellent. So, focus more on the quality and price rather than the accreditation.

Micki: Is a university degree required to teach abroad?

Georgie For a lot of jobs, yes. But if you don’t have a degree, you can still teach abroad. It typically means you’re more limited to certain countries for working legally. However, especially in Southeast Asia, many people work cash in hand or under the table. So it’s definitely not a closed door.

Cambodia, Spain, and Costa Rica are three good countries if you don’t have a degree. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a degree and you’re a non-native speaker, it’s an extra barrier, but it doesn’t mean you can’t do it. There’s also the option to work for yourself, where it doesn’t matter whether you have a degree or not.

Micki: That’s interesting. I hadn’t heard of Costa Rica for teaching.

Georgie: Oh, yeah. It’s not so much on the map because the wages tend to be lower, but you can definitely live there. It’s beautiful, and for people on the opposite side of the world, it means you don’t have to go so far from home. There are a lot of jobs there, and you don’t need a degree.

Micki: How have things changed since the pandemic?

Georgie: There’s been a big rise in people getting TEFLs with only an online course. It’s a catch-22 because it’s easier now, but employers are starting to realize that online TEFLs don’t provide as much practical training. Online TEFLs make it easier to get a job, but employers still favor face-to-face courses.

There are a lot more online jobs available now, but also more people teaching online. If you don’t have a degree or you’re a non-native speaker, the jobs are there, but you have to dig deeper to find them. Sometimes it’s better to be in the country to find those jobs. The market is still growing, and many people are doing it every year. For example, in Bali, they’re short of teachers because there aren’t enough.

Micki: What countries are best for first time teachers?

Georgie: Southeast Asia, definitely. That’s where I started. These countries are very safe and tourist-friendly. Most cities have some English, so the language barrier isn’t as challenging as in places like the middle of China. Compared to Japan and South Korea, Southeast Asia is built on tourism. You’re a bit of a novelty, and people are friendly with foreigners. In Japan and South Korea, they’re more ‘take it or leave it’ about foreigners.

Southeast Asia is cheap to live in, and the wages are pretty good. I probably earn less than a lot of my friends, but I have more disposable income because the cost of living is so low. The cost of living in North America has gone through the roof lately, so it makes sense. In Australia, the US, and the UK, the cost of living is high. What I live off is like their monthly bills without actually eating anything.

Georgie Snape teachers friend. Photo courtesy Teacher’s Friend.

Micki: What kind of obstacles do first-time teachers face?

Georgie: A big one is lesson planning. It takes time to get good at it. You either don’t plan and realize in the lesson that you should have, or you plan too much and it takes over your life. Learning to plan the right amount is key, but it gets easier with practice, like learning to drive a car.

Culturally, especially in Southeast Asia, most people don’t struggle much because it’s very foreigner-friendly. Having the right support network, whether from a TEFL provider, a teacher abroad program, or someone you know who has done it, helps a lot. Accepting that it will be different goes a long way. Remember why you left home and try not to idealize going back.

Classroom management is another challenge, especially with small children. Different levels bring different issues. A quality TEFL course will give you practice and teach you how to manage a classroom. Non-verbal communication is crucial; no one wants to be the teacher constantly yelling for attention. We cover this extensively in our courses.

Another challenge can be the food. It’s very different and can be an adjustment.

Micki: . Tell me a bit about Teacher’s Friend. What do you do?

Georgie: The two main things I do are helping people get a TEFL course, whether online or face-to-face, and choosing the best option for them based on budget, country, and personal circumstances. The second is assisting people after they’ve got their TEFL. Many people get their TEFL and wonder, ‘Now what?’ They don’t know where to begin looking for a job or how to know if it’s legitimate. They worry about moving to a new country and starting to live there.

The Teacher’s Friend program helps with everything: logistics, social and cultural adjustment, and academic support. As a teacher trainer, I help people pass the TEFL course, assist with assignments, and offer lesson planning support. This bridges the gap between finishing TEFL and the first months of teaching when they need extra support.

Micki: Once someone comes to you, gets their TEFL, and you’ve helped them get a position, is there support after that?

Georgie: Yes, I really focus on active support. I’m still in touch with teachers from five or six years ago. They still come back to me for help with getting jobs or general life advice. I try to become a friend, hence ‘Teacher’s Friend.’ I love meeting new people.

Specifically, there’s lesson planning support for two months after they’ve started teaching. I also offer help with career progression. If they want to move to another country, I assist them in relocating.

Micki: How do people get in touch with you or learn more about what you do? What’s the best way for them to do that?

Georgie: If you want to have a look around, you can visit my website at https://teachers-friend.com/.

Check out my story where you can read about how I ended up here. I came through a Teach Abroad program but felt they did the bare minimum after I paid them. I found my feet, but I wanted to do a better job, which is one of the reasons I started Teacher’s Friend.

On my website, you’ll find information about the TEFL courses I offer, details about full relocation, and the different countries available. I’m also adding a list of online options for people who want the cheaper version, though I recommend face-to-face courses if possible. I understand budgets vary.

I also offer lesson planning assistance. Even if you’ve already done your TEFL or moved abroad and are struggling, you can buy lesson planning assistance separately. If you need help finding a job and don’t want the full package, I’m adding options for that too. All this information will be under packages on my website.

You can also book a call with me. I won’t hard sell you or push you to move somewhere you don’t want to be. Just book a call if you want to find out more information.

You can learn more about Georgie Snape and Teacher’s Friend on her website. You can also find her on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

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17/04/2025
Cuverville Island, Antarctica: A Pristine Wildlife Haven

All about the majestic Cuverville Island, a haven for bird watching and admiring the raw, wild beauty of Antarctica.

Cuverville Island, a magnificent landform off the west coast of Graham Land in Antarctica, is a highlight of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Known for its rugged, rocky terrain and abundant wildlife, this island is particularly celebrated for its large colony of gentoo penguins.

Nestled in the Errera Channel, Cuverville Island offers a unique blend of dramatic landscapes and rich ecological diversity. Visitors to Antarctica are lucky if they get to witness this magical place!

The penguin colony on Cuverville Island

Plan your trip with our ultimate Antarctica Travel Guide!

Where is Cuverville Island, Antarctica located?

Cuverville Island is surrounded by steep mountains and glaciers that have been shaped by nature over millennia. It stands at 252 meters (826 feet) high, and the island is primarily a rock formation.

There is also a long shingle beach at its base, which is home to a significant colony of gentoo penguins!

This small island is characterized by its rocky shores, steep hillsides, and imposing glaciers that cascade down to the sea. The landscape also features a series of gravel bars known as tombolos, connecting the volcanic bedrock islands.

Visitors can get to Cuverville Island on an Antarctic cruise. Itineraries will differ depending on the tour company you choose, but several Antarctic voyages include this section of the Errera Channel in their trip.

Map of where Cuverville is located.

Cuverville Island Antarctica History

The discovery of Cuverville Island dates back to when the Belgian Antarctic Expedition took place between 1897 and 1899. This was led by the Belgian Antarctic Explorer, Adrien de Gerlache.

The island was named in honor of Jules de Cuverville, a vice admiral of the French Navy. Sometimes the island is referred to as Île de Cavelier de Cuverville.

This historical connection underscores the era of Antarctic exploration and the significant European influence during that period.

The island was named in honor of Jules de Cuverville

Fauna on Cuverville Island

Cuverville Island is a haven for wildlife, most notably birds.

It has been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International due to its role in supporting a breeding colony of about 6,500 pairs of gentoo penguins. These penguins are a major attraction for their distinctive behaviors and breeding activities. This is the largest colony of this species on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Cuverville Island also provides nesting grounds for several species of other birds like the Kelp Gull, Snowy Sheathbill, Antarctic Tern, and Antarctic shags. Southern Giant Petrels are also found nesting on the island.

While specific types of seals are not mentioned as inhabitants of Cuverville Island, the Antarctic region typically hosts various seal species like Weddell seals, leopard seals, and fur seals.

These marine mammals are likely to be seen in the surrounding waters, contributing to the area’s marine biodiversity.

Leopard Seals are seen relaxing around the area.

Read more about our favorite destinations with our guide to Brown Bluff on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Flora on Cuverville Island

Cuverville Island in Antarctica, despite its cold and tough environment, is home to some hardy plants.

The main ones are Antarctic hairgrass (Deschampsia antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis), two of the few flowering plants that can handle extreme cold and wind.

There are also mosses and lichen species, which are simpler types of plants important for the island’s nature.

These plants are special because they can survive in very low temperatures and don’t need much soil or water to grow.

Their ability to live in such a harsh place makes them important for scientists studying the environment and climate of Antarctica.

Zodiac Exploring around Cuverville Island through the ice.

Read next: The Wonders Of Danco Island, Antarctica

What is the significance of Cuverville Island?

Cuverville Island is an amazing biodiversity area in the Antarctic Region. From its dramatic landscape, hardy plants, and rugged beauty, it’s a fascinating place to witness with your own eyes.

And for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of a Gentoo Penguin near the Antarctic Peninsula, this is the place to do it! Cuverville Island is lucky to have the largest colony of gentoo penguins on the Peninsula, alongside other bird species.

Its discovery during the Belgian Antarctic Expedition and subsequent naming after a French naval vice admiral highlights its historical value.

Cuverville Island is a beautiful place that makes a unique and ecologically significant part of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Guests enjoying Cuverville Island.

Exploring through the ice around Cuverville Island.

Zodiac Exploring around Cuverville Island through the ice.

A big Iceberg in Cuverville Island.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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16/04/2025
Our Favorite 10 Beaches from 20 Years of Travel

It’s no secret, we’ve been to a lot of countries over the years. Whether by luck, providence or a penchant for choosing warm countries surrounded by water, more than a few of the places we’ve visited have had some amazing beaches.

I didn’t realize just how many great beaches we had actually walked on until I read an article a few years ago talking about 25 of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The funny part is I just happened to be sitting on a plane heading to an island that would undoubtedly have another beautiful beach waiting for me when we landed. What struck me was that we had already walked, napped, swam or set up a hammock on 20 of those 25 beaches on that list.

I wish I had kept that article to make this list easier (and to see if we have crossed any of the remaining 5 off their list) but here are 10 of our personal favorite beaches in the world. While some of these might not have the finest sand, the best surf or the lack of crowds we generally yearn for, they all have something that makes them intrinsically special to us. I’ve kept it to a single beach per country just to spread the love but have given a small nod to another beach in the same country we also enjoyed.

Our Favorite 10 Beaches from 20 Years of Travel

20 years of travel sounds like a lot but it’s less than half of what we hope the future brings. As the kids start to go off on their own adventures, so too will we start visiting places that have been on our bucket list as well and maybe revisit some of our favorite places for the last few decades. This list is for those beach lovers that can never get enough of sand, sun and surf. Enjoy!

Whitsundays – Queensland – Australia

As the largest island country in the world, Australia probably has more beaches than some countries have people. How do you decide which of those is your favorite? Simple, you think back to which beach struck you as unforgettable. For us, that was the Whitsundays and more specifically, Whitehaven Beach.

We had been sailing the Whitsundays for days and when we clambered onto the island and walked over the trail from one side to the other, to say Whitehaven Beach left a mark on us would be an understatement. Beautiful aquamarine water overlapping sandbars of pure white sand with almost zero civilisation in sight? Yes please.

Australia: Special nod to Fraser Island (now known as K’gari). At 122km, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and we had a great week of 4x4ing and sleeping on it’s main beach. While it can’t compare to the Whitsundays for sheer beauty, it makes up for it in sheer size and activities. Besides, who can resist driving on a beach so long (75 miles) that it’s classified as both a highway as well as a airplane runway.

Sailing to Whitsunday Beach!

Long Beach – Ko Phi Phi – Thailand

Our three week stay on Long Beach on Thailand’s backpacker riddled Ko Phi Phi is still one of our fondest memories. We were staying in a small hut just feet from the surf and the simple days of swimming in the ocean, snorkeling with fish and reef sharks a stones throw from our door and watching movies on our old laptop with the ocean crashing in the background never got old.

We haven’t been back since the island got wiped out a decade ago however we heard the island is still as popular as ever these days. Taking a quick water taxi to town to grab a bite to eat or taking a half day tour out to Monkey Beach was a great way to change things up as well.

Thailand: Small nod to Ko Lanta has to be said as well. Though we walked and swam on dozens of beaches in Thailand (and some of the smaller island beaches even stand out among this entire list as truly beautiful), Micki and I fell in love with Ko Lanta. The sand was more gritty and the water clarity doesn’t even belong on this list but we spent weeks there in the off season when things had calmed down after the busy tourist season. Of course there was amazing Thai food everywhere but a quick walk down the beach we had found an Italian restaurant that rivalled any place we ever ate in Italy (the Italian owner had just moved there) and we couldn’t get enough of it.

We also fell in love with a beach in Emerald Cave on Ko Mook, Thailand. It’s such a cool place, that’s only accessible by swimming through a cave!

Looking back now or time on Ko Mook is always filled with a different memory. Micki had a kidney infection that we couldn’t ignore and we had to take a private boat off the island then an ambulance to get the nearest hospital. Because of that experience, we always recommend getting travel medical insurance before you leave the country.

SafetyWing Nomad 2.0 insurance has become a favorite since we can choose the clinic we want (something that was vital when we were in Greece and the hospital was closed), it’s a pay-as-you-go subscription and we’re covered up to 250k in 180 different countries. It also has $0 deductible so we’re covered for even small claims like travelers belly or ear infections and their new Nomad 2.0 policy allows both an Adventure Sport addon as well as an electronics insurance addon. Plus, now with the new Nomad 2.0 claims process you can start a claim with a new simple form in as little as five minutes and get reimbursed within 2.8 days.

Akumal – Yucatan Peninsula – Mexico

Mexico has hundreds of beautiful beaches on both sides of the country but our favorite is still probably Akumal. Not as busy as Cancun or Playa Del Carmen nor as unspoiled as Tulum, Akumal is known primarily for their sea turtles. We’ve spent days on the beach there over the years from before we had kids to now and every time we go there’s just something special about the place. The water is super calm, the many fronds reach down to the beach and we just always enjoy our day there.

Getting ready for Cole’s first time snorkeling in Akumal Mexico!

The funny part is though we’ve spent months (years at this point) staying up and down the Mayan Riviera coast, we’ve never actually spent the night in Akumal. So, if you’re looking to book a week or two in the area, just outside Playa Del Carmen or close to Playa Paraiso down in Tulum would be the area I would suggest but just make sure you take a day to spend on Akumal Beach with the sea turtles. You’re welcome.

A typical day in Akumal bay

Mexico: Small nod to Yelapa, Jalisco. It’s only a quick 30 minute boat ride from Nuevo Vallarta but it feels like you’re in another area of the country. It has an amazing laid back charm and the water and sand are both great compared to many places on the Pacific side of the country.

Lanikai Beach – Oahu – Hawaii

Hawaii is filled with beautiful beaches and while the surf on the North Shore is impressive, the water and sand at Lanikai Beach is hard to beat. One of the reasons this beach stands out to us is that it’s the first beach we ever went stand up paddle boarding on and partly why we currently own four paddle boards today.

our kiddos making flower leis at the Hale Koa Luau Waikiki Oahu Hawaii

Also known as Kaʻōhao Beach, Lanikai Beach makes it onto plenty of lists of the best beaches in the world and is popular for a reason. With nice views of the Mokulua Islands and it’s relative proximity to almost everything on the island (we toured the entire island in a day and stopped for hours at plenty of areas), it’s a great place to spend a day when on Oahu.

Hawaii: Small nod to Witches Brew beach in Hanauma Bay for snorkeling as well if you’re already on the island. While the beach itself doesn’t compare to Lanikai, there’s some great protected snorkeling right off the beach where we saw sea turtles, moray eels and more colorful fish than we could ever count just feet off the shore. It was a hit with both us and the kids as the surf is incredibly gentle.

Tortuga Bay – Galapagos Islands – Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are primarily known for their giant Galapagos tortoises however they should be equally famous for their salt encrusted sea iguanas, playful sea lions, blue footed boobies and the only penguin in the world found north of the equator. Most of these can be found on nearly any beach in the island chain and they make any beach excursion in the Galapagos unforgettable.

Tortugas Bay, located on the island of Santa Cruz, isn’t a beach you go swimming on but still remains unforgettable for it’s length and the amount of sea creatures you find while walking this long beach. Due to the constant current, swimming isn’t allowed on the beautiful beach itself but as you reach the end you’ll find a small cove on the other side with nice water you can swim in. On our walk to the cove, we saw plenty of sea lions and a tons of sea iguanas basking (and snorting out salt) in the sun. Right before we got the cove we also saw a few of the iguanas venturing into the water and swimming out to find lunch.

Galapagos: Small nod to Gardner Bay on Española Island has to be added due to it’s exceptional beauty. While you can’t stay on the island itself, there are plenty of day trip cruises that will get you to this idyllic long white sand beach. It has great swimming and if you’re lucky, one of the resident sea lions might decide to play with you in the surf.

Varadero Beach – Cuba

While not remote nor that hard to get to, there’s no denying that the long white sands of Veradero Beach are popular for a reason. The beach, also known as Playa Azul for it’s crystal clear blue water goes on for miles (at 21km or 13 mi, it’s the longest in the Caribbean) and though it’s now littered with all-inclusive resorts, the water is still gorgeous and the sand still smooth. The bonus to having civilization so close here is that their world famous mojitos or a Cuba libre (rum and coke) are only a few feet away and taking a day trip into Havana is like stepping back in time.

Cuba: Small nod to Cayo Blanco as well. While it’s only accessible by boat, it’s a beautiful strip of white sand and aquamarine water as well with a much more rustic vibe. You really can’t go wrong heading out there for a day but note that it can get busy some days.

White Beach – Boracay – Philippines

What can I say about Boracay besides that the place is always busy and yet the sand is some of the finest you’ll find anywhere in the world. It’s so fine that it actually squeaks when you walk on it and good luck getting the sand out of your clothes after playing in the aquamarine surf. I would have loved to see the area 50 years ago before all the development took over but White Beach and Boracay Island itself are popular for a reason.

The beach can get quite crowded at certain times of the year however if you go to the farther edge you can often find a quieter place to set up a towel. It’s a great swimming beach with plenty to see while walking it’s 4 kilometer length and if you crave a little more excitement, walk 10 minutes and you’ll be on the other side of the island and can enjoy some amazing kitesurfing and windsurfing (whether watching or renting) on Habagat Bay.

Philippines: A small nod to Entalula Beach is owed. It’s a gorgeous stretch of sand however you’ll need to take a tour to get there. Most tours depart from El Nid and often visit the unique sandbar of Snake Island. Make sure to check out Nacpan Beach if you’re staying in the area as well, as it’s a gorgeous beach on it’s own and is easy to get to.

Cathedral Cove – The Coromandel – New Zealand

For an island nation, New Zealand has tons of beaches however unlike their Australian neighbors, the sand isn’t generally as fine here. That said, we fell in love with the country and even decided to get married there. What has that to do with Cathedral Cove in the northern Coromandel area of the northern island? Not much except we had a few beautiful days in the area and really enjoyed the nice beach and the famed arch.

Micki in Cathedral Cove New Zealand

Back then you could hike out to the beach but these days the trails are closed and you need to take a water taxi to get there. It’s still worth the trip and the backdrop is simply beautiful plus there are some other cool things to see in the area including Hot Water Beach where natural hot springs meet the ocean and with a bit of digging, you can make your own sandy hot tub only feet from the surf.

Cathedral cove New Zealand

New Zealand: Small nod to Abel Tasman Park on the south island. I can’t really tell you the exact beach we loved the most but the entire Park is just a beautiful wonderland of nature. Our pic on the side with the kayaks in the background was taken there and seeing it still brings back great memories of our time there.

Bavaro Beach – Punta Cana – Dominican Republic

Full of all-inclusive properties and huge resorts, Bavaro isn’t for you if you demand a quiet beach away from the crowds. What it does give you is miles of gorgeous white sand and beautiful water to swim in. To be fair, while you’ll never find yourself truly alone, the sheer size of some of the resorts lining this little pocket of paradise means that you can find tons of quiet places to lay out a towel. Like some of the others on this list, the place is busy for a reason. The beach is beautiful.

Dominican Republic: Small nod to Playa Rincon a few hours away. This gorgeous stretch of unspoiled beach is a great place to drive to. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist sites, it can give you a feel of what the Dominican Republic felt a few decades ago.

Praia da Falésia – Algarve – Portugal

There are hundreds of amazing Mediterranean beaches in Europe with clear blue water and beaches worth moving there for but it’s hard to pick out any single beach that had meaning to us more than the others. So rather than list one of those, I’m going to look more towards the ocean and name a beach with some amazing backgrounds. The 6km Praia da Falesia in the Algarve region of Portugal can really be broken into 3 areas, with the cliffs around Olhos de Agua being the most scenic.

Hugely popular in the summer months, shoulder season is when the area truly shines and the beaches are quieter and the days not scorching hot. The cliffs that line the Praia da Falesia make the entire beach feel like you’re cut off from civilization and you might spend just as much time watching the cliffs as you do the blue green water. Our kids loved the cliffs so it might be why the beach stuck so vividly in my mind but as is everything on this list, it’s the memories that connect us to these places that make them memorable.

Portugal: A small nod to Praia da Mareta near Sagres. While the sand isn’t as nice as Falesia, the views are just gorgeous as you look south and west across the ocean. The cliffs in the area aren’t bad either.

Special Mention – Anguilla

Micki and I have almost exclusively traveled together over the years however there are a few places that only one or the other has been to. Micki took a trip a few years ago to Anguilla and fell in love with the many beaches however her favorite was Shoal Bay with it’s quiet vibe and white sands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAdsw34E77g

Final thoughts on our favorite beaches in 20 years of travel

Every beach is unique with something that means something to someone. Whether it be a lake beach your family visited every summer or a once in a lifetime trip to the Maldives you took on your honeymoon, it’s a personal thing. Choosing your favorite bit of sea and sand when you’ve had the good fortune to have walked on so many beautiful beaches over the years gets tough.

If you’re not in agreement with this list, that’s okay. Every beach has it’s unique charms and sometimes the people, the food, nature, the crowds (or lack of them), the quality of the sand, the booming of the surf, the color of the water and the non human residents who call the beach home outweigh any of the other things going for them.

There are hundreds of beaches we’ve walked on over the years that are probably more secluded, more beautiful and more untouched by mankind but sometimes they’re forgettable for exactly that reason. Sometimes there are so many idyllic beaches on an island or faraway coast that they all blend into on another and don’t leave an impression except for the general notion of “wow, there are a lot of nice beaches around here”.

Maybe that’s for the best and they remain off these lists of the best beaches in the world for a good reason. Maybe we are just preserving their untouched beauty for generations to come or maybe, we just want them to stay as pristine as the day we first stumbled onto them…

If you want to list some of your favorite beaches here and tell us just how wrong we are, you’re welcome as well. We love hearing about new places and why a certain beach is important to you and not to be missed.

Safe travels.

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16/04/2025
Come See Me on Book Tour!

I’m going on a book tour! My next book, How to Travel the World on $75 a Day, is coming out on March 25th and I’m going on a book tour to talk about it and the current state of travel!

This is my first book tour in six years and I’m very excited to get out there and talk about how travel has changed as well as hang out with readers of this site!

The last edition of my book came out in 2017 and, since then, a lot has changed. COVID forever changed the travel industry. A lot of companies/hotels/hostels closed during the pandemic while old methods of saving money became obsolete and new methods came into being.

And, since 2017, prices have gone up. A lot. Not only because of natural inflation but because of the post-COVID inflation boom. (As you’ve probably noticed, it’s not as cheap to travel as it was back in 2017!)

Since travel has changed so much, I wanted the new book to reflect the current conditions we travelers face when it comes to planning a trip, saving money, and navigating regions around the world. The book is focused on long-term travelers, but it’s also just for anyone who just wants to save money when they travel. The tips and tricks can be applied to any trip of any length.

So, come meet me on book tour and learn how to travel smarter for less this year!

Here are my tour dates and how to sign up:

March 26th: New York City – The Strand, 7pm. Sign up here!

March 28th: Chicago – Barbara’s, 6pm. Sign up here!

April 1st: Austin – Central Machine Works, 6:30pm. (Note: This will just be a mixer rather than a formal book talk but I’ll have copies of the book!) Sign up here!

April 3rd: San Diego – Warwick’s, 7:30pm. Sign up here!

April 8th: San Francisco – Book Passage, 5:30pm. Sign up here!

April 13th: Los Angeles – The Village Well, 5pm. Sign-up here!

April 16th: Portland – Powell’s, 7pm. Sign up here!

Note: I’m working on adding a few more locations to the tour! I’ll add new destinations as they come. If you’re interested in a Seattle event, RSVP here. I’m trying to have one on April 14th.

You’ll be able to get the book at any tour stop but, if I’m not coming to your city and you still want the book, you can order the books from these fine establishments:

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If you live in any of the cities above, I hope you’ll make out out to an event! And, if you’re not in any of those cities, please consider pre-ordering a copy. Pre-orders determine the print run of the book and how many copies local bookstores buy. The stronger the pre-sale orders, the more likely they are to stock the book so please order the book in advance!

I’m really excited about this new edition of the book and I can’t wait to talk about it with you!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need a Rental Car?
Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

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16/04/2025
Inside Astra Lumina – A Cosmic Journey on the Gold Coast
Under a clear, starry sky on Queensland’s Gold Coast, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary transforms each night into a captivating spectacle known as Astra Lumina.

This spellbinding nighttime attraction is the newest activity on the Gold Coast and offers visitors a unique experience where nature, storytelling, and technology combine seamlessly, providing an immersive journey unlike any other in the Southern Hemisphere.

Having spent a lot of time on the Gold Coast over the years, including a fantastic week-long itinerary a few years ago, we always look forward to an escape to Australia’s most popular holiday destination.

With the news that this brand new permanent art exhibit had just opened up, we were beyond excited to check out Astra Lumina on our most recent trip.

READ MORE: Check out what else makes our list of the best things to do on the Gold Coast!

Astra Lumina – Gold Coast’s Immersive Light and Art Exhibit

Our visit to Astra Lumina Gold Coast began as the sun dipped below the horizon, just after 6:00 PM on a Thursday evening.

We walked into the sanctuary as twilight settled over the trees, and despite the weather presenting us with light rain, we decided to carry on – and we’re glad we did.

The forest took on a different energy in the wet. Reflections from the installations bounced off the wet leaves and pathways, and the mist gave the whole trail a cinematic atmosphere.

We rented one of the illuminated umbrellas available at the entrance, which was both practical and surprisingly useful for photography.

The glow helped light up the path and added visibility without interfering with the installations.

The walk itself is around 1.5 kilometres long, and while most people complete it in about an hour, we spent the full 3 hours in the park enjoying the experience and capturing images.

It’s a well-designed trail, suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some sections have slight slopes and gravel, but nothing too challenging.

We saw families with prams and older visitors comfortably making their way through.

Staggered entry times kept the crowd spread out. We rarely encountered more than one or two other groups at any point, which meant we could move freely and spend more time in the zones we found most interesting.

By the time we exited the sanctuary, right as it was closing at 9pm, we were already dreaming of when we could come back again.
Quick Facts

Location: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, Queensland, Australia.

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, from 17:30 onwards.

Duration: The experience is a self-paced 1.5-kilometre trail, typically taking between 60 to 90 minutes to complete.

Ticket Prices: Tickets start at $30 for kids, $35 for students and concession card holders and $45 for adults. Packages and bundle tickets are available. Check the official site for more information.

Accessibility: The trail includes sloped and uneven surfaces, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs. Guests with specific accessibility needs should contact the sanctuary in advance for assistance.

Weather Policy: Astra Lumina operates in light rain; however, sessions may be canceled in severe weather conditions. Guests will be notified via email or SMS in case of cancellations.

Parking: Paid parking is available at the sanctuary, with fees supporting the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. Free street parking is also available nearby.

Public Transport: The sanctuary is accessible via Translink bus services, with stops directly in front of the entrance.

Photography: Photography is encouraged; however, flash photography, tripods, and monopods are not allowed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
Behind Astra Lumina

Created by the internationally renowned multimedia design studio, Moment Factory, Astra Lumina is part of a larger series of Lumina night walk experiences developed around the world.

This installation is part of Moment Factory’s Lumina Night Walk series, which includes over 25 experiences worldwide, such as Foresta Lumina in Canada, Island Lumina in Japan, and Rainforest Lumina in Singapore.

What sets the Gold Coast’s Astra Lumina apart is its distinction as the first permanent Lumina installation in the Southern Hemisphere, uniquely integrating the natural environment of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary with cutting-edge technology to create a one-of-a-kind nocturnal attraction.

Here at Currumbin, Astra Lumina leverages advanced lighting techniques, dynamic projections, and meticulously crafted soundscapes to create an immersive environment.

Moment Factory is celebrated globally for their compelling multimedia projects, which include high-profile collaborations with artists and entities such as Billie Eilish, Madonna, and Disney.

At Astra Lumina, Moment Factory has expertly merged cutting-edge technology with natural elements, enhancing the sanctuary’s lush forest environment without overpowering it.

Visitors experience an intriguing balance of innovation and nature that respects and highlights the beauty of the natural surroundings.

READ MORE: Don’t miss these epic Gold Coast beaches on your next visit!

Exploring the Astra Lumina Trail

Stepping onto the Astra Lumina trail felt immediately like entering a different world.

Soft, ambient lighting guided the path, subtly highlighting the surrounding forest without disturbing the natural tranquility of the sanctuary.

The sounds of nocturnal wildlife occasionally added a delightful layer to the carefully crafted audio backdrop, creating a sense of harmony between technology and nature.

The trail is broken into nine themed zones, each telling part of a larger story about stars falling to Earth and returning to the sky.

The path is marked by subtle lighting and signage, guiding you forward at your own pace.

The Astral Archway acts as a glowing introduction, where a series of illuminated arches mark the beginning of your journey.

The Falling Stars zone uses gentle lighting effects to simulate stars drifting down through the trees, while the Stardust Rays section is filled with columns of light that rise and fall around you like beams of cosmic energy.

These are just a few highlights, but each zone is designed to offer a slightly different experience in terms of movement, audio, and perspective, keeping the walk interesting from start to finish.

The thoughtful integration of sound was impressive throughout. Every zone had its unique audio atmosphere, meticulously synchronised to visual elements, significantly enhancing the immersive experience.

Birds, wind, and subtle, musical undertones were perfectly balanced, heightening the emotional impact and engaging all my senses fully.

The attention to detail in each segment kept us deeply connected to the journey, making it feel personal and profound.

As the trail came to an end we found ourselves wishing to linger longer, captivated by the innovative blend of technology, storytelling, and nature.

Astra Lumina provides a rare moment of quiet wonder in an otherwise bustling world, all the more impressive knowing the city is literally on the other side of the forest.

It really is an experience that resonated deeply long after we left the trail.

More Than Just an Attraction – Contributing to Conservation

Beyond providing entertainment and wonder, Astra Lumina holds significant importance due to its contribution to conservation efforts at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Proceeds from ticket sales directly fund the sanctuary’s vital conservation programs and support the operations of the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is renowned for its critical wildlife care and rehabilitation work, treating thousands of injured, orphaned, or sick animals annually.

A visit to Astra Lumina thus serves a dual purpose: enjoyment of a unique nighttime experience and active participation in protecting Australia’s cherished wildlife.

READ MORE: Keen to get out on the trail? Here’s our guide to the top hikes on the Gold Coast!

Astra Lumina Practical Visitor Tips

To make the most of Astra Lumina consider arriving shortly after sunset to experience optimal viewing conditions and fewer crowds.

Comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are essential, as some sections of the trail include gentle slopes and unsealed paths.

Bringing a small flashlight or using your phone’s torch can also be beneficial for convenience, although the trail itself is sufficiently illuminated.

Families with young children and visitors with specific accessibility needs should contact Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary beforehand to ensure a smooth experience, with staff able to advise on the most suitable pathways.

Getting There and Around

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is conveniently located at 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, and is easily accessible by car, with ample onsite parking available.

Alternatively, the sanctuary is well-served by public transportation, taxis, and rideshare services from major hubs along the Gold Coast.

Dining and Additional Amenities

Before or after your Astra Lumina experience, visitors can enjoy a range of refreshments, including snacks and beverages available onsite.

There is an onsite food truck providing excellent options for a quick bite or a relaxing moment around a firepit, enhancing your overall visit.

An Oasis Amongst the Gold Coast

Astra Lumina offers a truly unique nighttime experience that beautifully blends innovative technology, storytelling, and natural beauty.

Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, a stroll along this magical trail promises to captivate your imagination and deepen your appreciation for the wonders of both our world and the vast cosmos above.

Beyond its undeniable entertainment value, your participation directly supports wildlife conservation, making it an enriching and meaningful adventure.

What is Astra Lumina at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?

Astra Lumina is an immersive night walk experience using light, sound, and projection to guide visitors through a 1.5km trail at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

How long does Astra Lumina take?

The walk takes approximately 60–90 minutes at a relaxed pace.

Is Astra Lumina suitable for kids or families?

Yes, the trail is family-friendly and accessible for most ages.

Can you visit Astra Lumina in the rain?

Yes, the experience continues in wet weather. Illuminated umbrellas are available for rent.

Do I need to book Astra Lumina tickets in advance?

Yes, it’s recommended to book online ahead of time, especially on weekends and holidays.

Is Astra Lumina wheelchair accessible?

Some parts of the trail are accessible, but guests should contact the sanctuary in advance for full details.

Where is Astra Lumina located in the Gold Coast?

Inside Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary at 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin.

Are there food and drinks available at Astra Lumina?

Yes, there’s a cafe and food stall near the entrance for snacks and drinks.

Is Astra Lumina Gold Coast worth visiting?

Absolutely—it’s a unique, immersive night walk unlike anything else in the region.

Is parking available at Currumbin for Astra Lumina?

Yes, onsite and offsite parking is available.

Are there other Astra Lumina experiences around the world?

Yes, other Lumina night walks exist in Canada, Japan, and Europe, but this is the first permanent one in the Southern Hemisphere.
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16/04/2025