Your guide to the best Springbrook National Park walks, including Natural Bridge, Twin Falls, Warringa Pool, and more!
Springbrook National Park is situated on the McPherson Range and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.
Though the park is only an hour away from the cities of Gold Coast and Brisbane in Queensland, it still remains wild and relatively untouched.
Here you can connect with ancient wilderness and take on some truly incredible walks.
Springbrook National Park has walks with photo-worthy views, like the Best of All Lookout Track.
It also has trails that uncover natural wonders, like the Natural Bridge Walk and its luminescent glow worms. You can find waterfalls on the Twin Falls Circuit, or take on a multiday trek like the Gold Coast Great Walk.
From peaceful strolls to challenging walks across the Springbrook Plateau, there is something for everyone in Springbrook National Park.
Here is our list of the best Springbrook National Park walks. We’ll also cover some basic travel tips at the end to help you prepare for your adventures.
Please note that any of these Springbrook National Park walks may be closed during periods of heavy rainfall. There are lots of waterfalls, creeks, rivers, and rock pools in the area, so wet weather can make the tracks slippery or potentially dangerous.
Always check the Queensland National Parks website for any alerts or closures on these walks!
Purling Brook Falls Circuit
Distance: 4km return
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Gwongorella Picnic Area
The Purling Brook Falls Circuit is often recommended as one of the best walks to tackle in Springbrook National Park.
It takes roughly 2 hours to complete the circuit and has a moderate level of difficulty, making it a great starter walk for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of the Gold Coast Hinterland.
You’ll wind through eucalyptus forests and pass rocky cliffs as you descend into the lush rainforest.
There are lookout platforms along the way where you can view the spectacular Purling Brook Falls before you head down into the gorge.
Then you can admire the falls from below, before crossing a suspension bridge and climbing back up to the picnic area.
You can also add on the Warringa Pool Track, which branches off the Purling Brook Falls Circuit for another 2km at the base of the falls.
Views from the top of Purling Brook Falls
Warringa Pool Track
Distance: 6km return
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Gwongorella picnic area
If you want to add a bit of extra challenge to the Purling Brook Falls Circuit, you can complete the Warringa Pool Track.
This trail extends from the bottom of the Purling Brook Falls Circuit for 1km to Warringa Pool. So that makes 6km of walking in total, including the Purling Brook Falls Circuit.
The tranquil rock pools of Warringa Pool are formed by Little Nerang Creek.
It’s often uncrowded down here, making it the most perfect place for a mid-hike swim and picnic.
Twin Falls Circuit
Distance: 4km return
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Tallanbana Picnic Area or Canyon Lookout
The Twin Falls Circuit is another highlight of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area.
It’s a pretty popular walk, so try to start your trek early to avoid crowds at the lookouts.
You can start the trail from either Tallanbana Picnic Area or Canyon Lookout. Canyon Lookout is one of the best lookouts in Springbrook National Park, so definitely recommend checking that out before you hike.
On the Twin Falls Circuit, you’ll hike through the subtropical and temperate rainforest and pass behind two different waterfalls.
There are signs along the Twin Falls Circuit that outline the unique forest ecosystems. Most of the trail is sheltered in shade, so this is a great hike for a hot, sunny Queensland day.
While the waterfalls are gorgeous, the trees on this walk are a particular highlight. The Brush Box trees on the Twin Falls circuit are some of the oldest trees on Australia’s mainland!
Natural Bridge Circuit is possibly the most famous hike in the Gold Coast area!
A highlight of Springbrook National Park, this easy and educational walk through the forest includes beautiful flora and fauna.
With interpretive signs and majestic hoop pine trees that have thrived for millions of years, this is a lovely walk for any nature lover.
You’ll also walk across Cave Creek and get to explore a rugged cave. The cave walls create a rocky arch, known as the Natural Bridge.
A plunging waterfall cascades right into the middle of a pristine pool, creating a magical scene. However, you can’t swim here. So just admire the views from land.
Glow worms at Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge Circuit is also famous for its glow worm colony. With a good torch, you can walk the Natural Bridge Circuit after dark to admire the glow worms twinkling in the darkness.
The glow worms at Natural Bridge should be protected at all costs, so avoid shining your lights on the glow worms and never expose them to fire or cigarettes. Use your light to safely walk to Natural Bridge, but then turn it off when you arrive at the glow worm colony.
Many recommend walking the Natural Bridge section in a clockwise direction, as it’s an easier direction for tackling the stairs.
If you prefer to find the glow worms with the assistance of an expert guide, you can join a Natural Bridge Glow Worm tour from the Gold Coast.
Warrie Circuit
Distance: 14km return
Difficulty: Hard
Starting Point: Tallanbana Picnic Area or Canyon Lookout
If you’re looking for a challenging hike in Springbrook National Park, the Warrie Circuit is an excellent option.
The entire hike takes around 5-6 hours, and starts at the same two locations as the Twin Falls Circuit.
Start your walk early so you can complete the entire Warrie Circuit in daylight! The track can be a bit treacherous in the dark.
This is the longest track on the plateau of the Gold Coast Hinterland. It’s named after the Aboriginal word “Warrie”, which means “rushing water”. It’s a fitting name as you’ll be crossing several creeks and gullies in the depths of the majestic rainforest!
The trail traverses the cliffs near Canyon Lookout and passes Goomoolahra Falls. Then you’ll hike downwards into the canyon before climbing up the western side of the gorge.
It’s a challenging trek that is absolutely packed with incredible scenery!
Springbrook National Park is full of incredible wilderness.
Best Of All Lookout Track
Distance: 600m
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Best of All Lookout Car Park on Repeater Station Road
Perfect for all ages, the Best of All Lookout Track is an easy and accessible walk in Springbrook National Park.
The short stroll to the Best of All Lookout takes you past powerful Antarctic beech trees that have existed in the Gondwanas since ancient times. Amidst the mossy forests, you can glimpse native plants and breathe in the fresh forest air.
At the Best of All Lookout platform, you can see all the way to northern New South Wales. Look out for the peak of Woolumbin Mountain (Mt. Warning) and the scenic coastline of Byron Bay.
Make sure you bring a camera to capture the panoramic views at Best of All Lookout, as it’s a highlight of Springbrook National Park.
You can visit Best of All Lookout and other highlights like Natural Bridge on a guided day trip from Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise!
Goomoolahra Falls Lookout Track
Distance: 250m
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Goomoolahra Picnic Area on Springbrook Road
Another gorgeous viewpoint in Springbrook National Park is the Goomoolahra Falls Lookout.
The easy walk is even shorter than the Best of All Lookout, though we recommend visiting both if you have time.
This short walk provides views of the 60-metre cascade, Goomoolahra Falls. You can almost feel the spray from this magnificent waterfall!
Past the waterfall, the lookout has incredible views of Springbrook National Park and the entire Gold Coast area.
Starting Point: Picnic area at the end of Currumbin Creek Road
One of the top walking tracks in the Mount Cougal section of Springbrook National Park is the Cougal Cascades Track.
It’s wheelchair accessible and suitable for prams so anyone can access the majestic rainforest views.
The track winds through subtropical rainforest and past Currumbin Creek at a gradual incline.
You are rewarded with a lovely lookout that has views of tumbling cascades and the lush Springbrook National Park scenery.
Continue walking past the cascades to check out a historic sawmill from the 1940s. It’s a poignant reminder of the logging that used to occur in the forests of Queensland.
Luckily most of these beautiful areas are now national parks where the wilderness is revered and protected!
Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk
Distance: 54km
Difficulty: Hard
Starting Point: The Settlement Camping Area in Springbrook National Park, or O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park
It takes roughly 3 days to complete and combines wilderness camping, wildlife spotting, waterfall swimming, and of course, hiking.
The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk links Lamington National Park in the west with Springbrook National Park in the east.
Many recommend doing the walk from west to east, as you’ll be walking on more of a downhill slope.
If you’re up for a challenge, you can start the walk in Springbrook National Park and walk from east to west.
Most hikers break up the Gold Coast Great Walk into these sections (can be reversed if you’re starting the hike in Springbrook National Park as opposed to Lamington):
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat to Binna Burra
Binna Burra to Woonoongoora Walkers Camp
Woonoongoora Walkers Camp to The Settlement Camping Area
Combining several shorter walking tracks, the Great Walk encompasses some of the most spectacular views in the Gold Coast.
You can admire the rich green hills of surrounding rural valleys and see all the way to the Gold Coast beaches on clear days.
The Springbrook National Park section of the walk includes the Purling Brook Falls and Warringa Pool Walks as well.
Hike through Lamington National Park and Springbrook on the Great Walk!
Springbrook National Park Travel Guide
Now that we’ve covered the top Springbrook National Park walks, we will help you prepare for your trip even further.
Before hiking anywhere in the world, it’s important to consider the time of year, the local weather, and your gear.
Check out our general hiking tips, or read further while we dive into some specifics for Springbrook National Park.
How to get to Springbrook National Park
You can easily get to Springbrook National Park from the Gold Coast or Brisbane.
The best way to explore is with your own car, but you can also join a guided day trip from the city.
On your drive into the park, consider driving the famous Gold Coast Springbrook Road, also known as State Route 99.
The 22km scenic drive winds through the open eucalypt forest and provides epic views of the nearby valleys and waterfalls.
Just be sure to drive extra carefully on the Gold Coast Springbrook Road, especially in rainy weather. The route can be narrow and has plenty of sharp curves.
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.
When is the best time to visit Springbrook National Park?
The best time to visit Springbrook National Park depends on your interests, such as hiking, wildlife, or waterfalls.
Spring (September, October, November) and Autumn (March, April, May) are generally the best months to visit Springbrook National Park in terms of weather and hiking.
The weather is usually warm and crisp, with little humidity and a low chance of rain. This is a great time for major outdoor adventures like camping or hiking the Great Walk.
Summer (December, January, February) is the hottest, rainiest, and most humid time of year. While tracks may be muddy and the weather may be hot and sticky, this is when waterfalls are at their most impressive.
The streams and rock pools are also a dream for swimming in summer to escape the Gold Coast heat!
Winter (June, July, August) has the coolest temperatures and the driest weather. This is a fabulous time for long hikes and wildlife spotting.
So you can visit Springbrook National Park year-round! Note that the Springbrook Plateau is higher elevation than the Gold Coast, so the weather conditions may differ out there than the city. Always check the weather before hiking!
Whether you’re hitting the popular spots like Natural Bridge or tackling longer trails like Twin Falls Circuit, it’s important to be prepared for hikes around the Springbrook Plateau.
Consider wearing sturdy hiking shoes so you’re prepared for any terrain, as well as comfortable active wear clothing.
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!
This Port Douglas itinerary will help you see the best of the nearby Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef!
Just an hour north of Cairns City, Port Douglas is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the region.
A true tropical paradise, beautiful Port Douglas hangs on firmly to its sleepy seaside charm despite its glitzy reputation.
The star of the town? Four Mile Beach–a strip of golden sand surrounded by turquoise waters and swaying palm trees.
Most visitors spend their entire Port Douglas holiday at the beach, enjoying a scenic stroll, a sunbaking session, a day spa, or a sunset sail.
But there’s more to Port Douglas than cabanas and cocktails. Beyond the town are reefs to swim in, rainforests to hike, and hidden gems to discover.
That said, we’ve created a four-day itinerary to help you explore Port Douglas without missing the nearby attractions.
Explore more of Queensland with these amazing road trip ideas!
How Many Days is Enough for Port Douglas?
If you plan to visit the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Atherton Tablelands, four days in Port Douglas is the perfect time frame.
With a four-day itinerary, you can spend one day each in these attractions and still have an extra day to relax in Port Douglas, explore Palm Cove, or do whatever you please.
You can tweak this itinerary to fit your schedule and preference. If you’ve been to the Daintree Rainforest, you can instead go river drifting in Mossman Gorge.
Port Douglas is the poshest resort town in Tropical North Queensland. For all its sophistication and exorbitant prices, it’s bursting at the seams with natural beauty, which doesn’t cost a dime to enjoy!
Day 1
Morning: Arrival
While you can drive to Port Douglas from almost anywhere in Australia, the quickest and easiest way to get there is by plane. The closest airport is in Cairns.
Cairns, 70 kilometres south of Port Douglas, is the capital of Tropical North Queensland. In the city, you can hire a shuttle service or rent a car.
The hour-long journey from Cairns to Port Douglas is one of the most scenic rides you’ll experience on your Australia trip. You’ll pass the stunning beaches of the Far North Queensland coast, including Palm Cove.
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.
Afternoon: Check-in at Port Douglas
Macrossan Street, located right smack in the heart of town, is where you’ll find chic cafes, fancy restaurants, and upscale boutiques. You can have lunch here if you haven’t already.
But if you’re looking for a more casual vibe, go to the less touristy Wharf Street. Just around the corner from Macrossan, Wharf is the town’s eat street because of its eclectic dining options.
Tip: If you visit Port Douglas on a Sunday, check out the markets at Anzac Park, located at one end of Macrossan Street.
Late Afternoon: Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas
A short walk from Macrossan is Four Mile Beach. Head here for a sunny stroll or to dip your toes in the water.
Always observe the safety signs, as the beaches in Tropical North Queensland aren’t safe for swimming in the summer months because of stinger season. But the beach is still stunning to enjoy from land!
Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas
Sunset: Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail
As the day winds down, stroll the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail. The 1.5-km walk ends at Rex Smeal Park, a favourite spot for sunsets.
Halfway along the trail is a lookout, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Coral Sea and the Low Isles.
If you’re feeling fancy, join a sunset sail while savoring canapes and cocktails.
Day 2
Full Day: Great Barrier Reef
While you can visit the Great Barrier Reef independently, we recommend you hire a local guide or join a tour for a safer and more enlightening trip.
Due to the reef’s delicate ecosystem, you should visit with an expert who knows the area thoroughly, including designated moorings, no-fishing zones, and the best scuba diving spots.
You’ll find many tours to the Great Barrier Reef, ranging from half-day trips to multi-day live-aboard adventures. A full day cruise with sightseeing and snorkelling in the outer reef might be your best option.
If you don’t want to get into the water, book a half-day glass-bottom boat tour of the reef’s Low Isles.
Evening: Back in Port Douglas
After a day well spent, explore the nightlife in Port Douglas.
Head to Jimmy Rum’s Mixing Lounge and treat yourself to a delicious cocktail while soaking up the cozy ambience and art deco furnishings.
The drive from Port Douglas to the Atherton Tablelands takes two hours. Hit the road early to maximize your time in this gorgeous part of Tropical North Queensland!
Drive inland on the Mossman-Mt Molloy Road, then follow the Kennedy Highway toward Mareeba, the gateway to the Tablelands.
Once in Mareeba, stop for a quick breakfast at Earth’s Kitchen or The Hungry Pug. If you’re a staunch coffee lover, drop by Jaques Coffee Lounge for its artisanal coffee.
Continue driving to Yungaburra, about 45 minutes from Mareeba, to see the 500-year-old Curtain Fig Tree.
Stop next at the Crater Lakes National Park, a 10-minute drive from Yungaburra. It’s home to two incredible lakes: Eacham and Barrine.
If you have time to spare, join a 45-minute boat cruise on Lake Barrine or swim in Lake Eacham. On the banks of Lake Barrine is a teahouse where you can have lunch.
Afternoon: Waterfalls Circuit
After lunch, go deep into the heart of the Waterfalls Circuit. The total drive time is around 1.5 hours. But allow four hours for stops, swims, and strolls in the rainforest.
It would take a whole day to see all the waterfalls in the area. Because time is short, it’s best to focus on the most popular falls: Millaa Millaa, Zillie, and Ellinjaa.
All three are a short driving distance from each other. You can swim in Millaa Millaa and Ellinjaa, while Zillie is excellent for picnics and photo shoots.
Note: Other waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands include Josephine, Tchulpa, and Nandroya. Consider spending an extra day here if you don’t have time to see them all.
Millaa Millaa Falls
Late Afternoon: Back to Port Douglas
For a change of scenery, drive on the Kuranda Range Route instead of going back via the Mossman-Mt Molloy Road. The trip may take around 2.5 hours.
Morning: Depart Port Douglas for the Daintree Rainforest
To get to the Daintree Rainforest, you can take a local coach bus or join a guided tour. You can also self-drive, which gives you the most flexibility.
The drive from Port Douglas to the Daintree Rainforest is 1.5 hours.
First stop is Mossman Gorge, 30 minutes from Port Douglas. Park at the visitor centre and take the shuttle bus to the trailhead.
Hike the 2.4-km Rainforest Circuit, cross the suspension bridge, and swim in the sheltered swimming hole. You can also join a guided walk with an Indigenous Kuku Yalanji guide!
Mid-morning: Daintree River Crossing
The Daintree River is 20 minutes from Mossman Gorge. The only way to reach the northern part of Daintree, including Cape Tribulation, is by crossing the river on a ferry.
The ferry runs from 5 AM to midnight daily. The trip takes about five minutes, but there may be a 10-minute waiting time.
After crossing the river, drive to the Daintree Discovery Centre.
Here you can check out the iconic rainforest views from the 11-metre-high Aerial Walkway and Canopy Tower!
Noon: Drive to Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is a remote township in the heart of the Daintree. To get there from the Daintree Discovery Centre, it’s a 35-minute scenic drive through the forest.
Along the way, stop by for lunch at Daintree Fan Palm Farm, a health food store and cafe famous for its organic menu.
Cape Tribulation: where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef!
Afternoon: Cape Tribulation Beach
Stop at the Kulki car park, then follow the 600-metre boardwalk to the beach.
Cape Tribulation is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage-listed sites meet. So from the beach, you can see both the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef!
Due to stingers and crocs, swimming on the beach is not recommended. But it’s a lovely place for strolls. If the tide is out, hike to the Kulki Lookout.
After spending time at the beach, start driving back south. On the way, you can stop at more attractions if you have time.
The Dubuji Boardwalk is a 1.2-km loop through mangroves and swamp forests. For more coastal views and endless stretches of sand, stroll along the remote Myall Beach.
After a day in the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, head back to Port Douglas for the evening.
After all the hiking, you might want a day spa massage or a casual dinner and cold beer at Hemingway’s Brewery.
Have more time to explore Cairns? Check out these fun things to do!
Port Douglas Travel Guide
With your Port Douglas plans in place, here’s everything you need to know about when to go, how to get around, and where to stay.
When to Visit Port Douglas
The best time to visit Port Douglas is the dry season from May to October. You’ll enjoy sunny days, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. It’s also the stinger-free season, so swimming is safer.
The downside is it’s the peak season. Prices are higher, and crowds are thicker.
For fewer visitors, November to April may suit you. Downpours are common during the wet season, but you’ll enjoy lush scenery and lower prices.
Port Douglas is better in the dry season, but it’s still stunning year round.
Getting Around Port Douglas
Port Douglas is small and compact, making it easy to explore on foot. You can also hire a bike or a scooter to get around.
Public transport outside Port Douglas is limited. You can hire shuttle services from the Cairns Airport to Port Douglas. If you want to visit attractions outside the town, rent a car or join a tour.
Where to Stay in Port Douglas
Port Douglas has numerous accommodations to suit all traveler types.
There are luxury resorts with exclusive beach access, hostels close to the town centre, and boutique hotels in quiet neighborhoods.
So, you’ll definitely find a Port Douglas accommodation that fits your taste, style, and budget.
The Best Hostel – Port Douglas Backpackers
Perfect for budget travellers, Port Douglas Backpackers offers private units, dorm rooms, and a fun, social atmosphere.
Facilities include a bar, pool, shared kitchen, laundry, internet, and hire bikes.
Best Mid-Range Hotel – By The Sea Port Douglas
Located next to Four Mile Beach, the resort features apartments with a fully-fitted kitchen, private barbecue, and a terrace with sea views.
Guests can enjoy free bikes, beach umbrellas, high-speed Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and underground parking.
Best Luxury Hotel – Temple Resort and Spa Port Douglas
With its direct beach access, guests can easily enjoy stunning ocean views. But the resort’s main draw is its cosy and spacious units, featuring a kitchenette and garden views.
Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, day spa, restaurant, and fitness centre.
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!
From Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road to the peaks of the Australian Alps, here are the best things to do in Victoria Australia.
Victoria has bustling cities, stunning coastlines, lush wine regions, and even snow-capped mountains. No wonder it’s one of Australia’s most visited states!
There are just so many incredible experiences to be had here.
For nature lovers, Wilsons Promontory and the Grampians offer scenic hikes, while the Australian Alps provide skiing and snowboarding fun for the whole family.
And let’s not forget the diverse attractions of the Yarra Valley, perfect for wine lovers and foodies.
Whether you’re up for city sightseeing, coastal road trips, or mountain escapes, Victoria has it all.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the best things to do in this incredible state!
Whether planning a solo weekend escape or a fun-filled family outing during the school holidays, Victoria has no shortage of incredible things to do. Here are some of our top recommendations!
1. Discover Melbourne’s eclectic culture
No trip to Victoria is complete without a visit to its dynamic capital, Melbourne. Not only is it a cultural hotspot, but it’s also Victoria’s culinary capital, boasting an incredible food scene that caters to every palate.
Dive into the city’s vibrant culture, starting with a stroll through Hosier Lane, where striking street art transforms every corner into an open-air gallery.
Stop by Queen Victoria Market to shop for fresh produce and local treats, then head to Federation Square, home to iconic attractions like ACMI and the Ian Potter Centre.
For unparalleled city views, take in the skyline from the Eureka Skydeck.
And if you’re a sports fan, don’t miss the chance to watch a match at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground! Melbourne, Victoria packs in all the entertainment, views, culture, art, and cuisine you could want!
This guided tour takes you to some of the region’s top wineries, including Domaine Chandon and Yering Station, where you’ll sip on premium wines surrounded by spectacular vineyard views!
Enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch, perfectly paired with local wines, and discover why this region is a foodie’s paradise.
While in the Yarra Valley, visit the Healesville Sanctuary, home to koalas, kangaroos, and even the elusive platypus. End your visit savouring fresh cheeses at Yarra Valley Dairy.
3. Take the iconic Great Ocean Road Trip
A Great Ocean Road trip is an absolute must when visiting Victoria! This iconic coastal drive will reward you with jaw-dropping scenery, charming seaside towns, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
As you drive along the Great Ocean Road, marvel at the world-famous 12 Apostles, where towering limestone stacks rise dramatically from the ocean.
The Loch Ard Gorge is also worth a stop. It’s one of the hidden gems along the Great Ocean Road, with golden cliffs and sparkling turquoise waters.
Spot koalas in the wild at Kennett River, then stop by the coastal town of Lorne for great food and ocean views.
Love waterfalls? Erskine Falls is a must-see, beautifully cascading 30 meters into a lush rainforest!
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.
4. Admire the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula
Escape to the Mornington Peninsula, one of the best places to experience Victoria’s coastal charm.
Just a short drive from Melbourne, this stunning region is known for its relaxing hot springs and scenic hiking trails.
Savour a delicious seafood lunch by the shores of Port Phillip Bay, where the freshest catches await.
Craving more thrill at the Mornington Peninsula? Step into the Enchanted Adventure Garden, a whimsical wonderland filled with mazes, treetop walks, and endless fun!
The Morning Peninsula in Victoria Australia has gorgeous beaches.
5. Go on a day trip to Wilson’s Promontory
Going on a day trip to Wilsons Promontory is the ultimate way to experience some of the most stunning Victoria attractions!
A paradise for nature lovers, the promontory boasts unique landscapes, with rugged mountains and gorgeous beaches.
Hike up Mount Oberon for breathtaking panoramic views, spot wombats and kangaroos at Tidal River, and sink your toes into the pristine white sands of Squeaky Beach – and yes, it actually squeaks!
Love the water? Hop on the Wilsons Promontory Morning Wilderness Cruise and explore the spectacular granite coastline while spotting seals, dolphins, and seabirds in their natural habitat.
Prefer to stay onshore? Go kayaking, snorkeling, or relaxing on the beach, soaking in the serene views. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your Wilsons Promontory adventure!
6. Experience the charm of the Grampians
Experience the charm of the Grampians. As one of the top Victoria attractions, it boasts majestic mountain ranges, spectacular waterfalls, and rich Aboriginal history.
Start with a hike to The Pinnacle Lookout, where you can admire the rugged scenery of the national park.
Cool off at MacKenzie Falls, one of Victoria’s most beautiful waterfalls, where cascading waters flow year-round.
As you explore the area, watch out for kangaroos, emus, and other native wildlife.
Check out the ancient Aboriginal rock art sites for a fascinating glimpse into the region’s Indigenous heritage.
The majestic Grampians Mountain Range
7. Wander through St. Kilda
Victoria packs plenty of coastal charm, and St Kilda is the perfect place to experience it! This vibrant seaside suburb is located just minutes from Melbourne.
Start at the beach, where you can soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip. Thrill-seekers should visit Luna Park, home to the famous Scenic Railway roller coaster.
On Sundays, explore the Esplanade Market for unique local crafts and stop at the Pier & Breakwater, where you might spot adorable little penguins at sunset!
St. Kilda often hosts live music as well, which is another fun activity to add to your Victoria itinerary.
If you’re visiting Victoria in winter, hitting the slopes at Mount Buller is a must!
Just a few hours from Melbourne, the famous ski resort in the Australian Alps is one of the best places to enjoy the snow. There are plenty of runs for skiing and snowboarding, suitable for all levels, from beginners to experts.
Located in Victoria’s High Country, Mount Buller also boasts snow play areas, tobogganing, and cozy alpine lodges perfect for warming up after a day on the slopes.
9. Explore the Dandenong Ranges
The Dandenong Ranges are a breathtaking escape just 35 km east of Melbourne.
It has lush forests, charming villages, and beautiful walking trails. This picturesque region is a must-visit for nature lovers exploring Victoria’s High Country.
A highlight of the area is Dandenong Ranges National Park, where you can wander through towering Mountain Ash forests, spot native wildlife, and marvel at panoramic views from its many lookouts.
Must-visit attractions within the national park include the Puffing Billy Railway, the 1000 Steps Kokoda Walk, and the stunning Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens.
After a full day of exploring the Dandenong Ranges National Park, unwind with a high tea at one of the cozy local tea houses, where you can enjoy delicious treats and gorgeous forest views.
Ride the iconic steam train through the lush forests of the Dandenong Ranges.
10. See the penguins at Phillip Island
Watching the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island is one of those experiences you should not miss while in Victoria!
As the sun sets, hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore from the ocean, heading to their burrows after a day of fishing. It’s a magical sight you won’t want to miss, especially for wildlife lovers!
Phillip Island National Park is just a short drive from Melbourne, making it a perfect day trip. While there, you can also explore beautiful beaches, rugged coastal cliffs, and wildlife parks.
For the best experience, book this Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour to enjoy a stress-free visit and witness these adorable creatures up close!
11. Learn about Victoria’s Gold Rush history in Ballarat & Bendigo
Step back in time and experience Victoria’s fascinating Gold Rush history with a visit to Ballarat and Bendigo. These historic towns were at the heart of Australia’s gold boom in the 1850s and are now packed with incredible attractions.
In Ballarat, explore Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum where you can pan for real gold, watch live reenactments, and stroll through a recreated 19th-century mining town.
Meanwhile, Bendigo is home to the Central Deborah Gold Mine, where you can venture underground and see how miners once worked.
If you’re planning a Great Ocean Road trip, whale watching in Warrnambool should be on your list. It’s one of the most incredible experiences in Victoria and the perfect way to end your Great Ocean Road adventure.
From June to September, southern right whales migrate to Logans Beach to give birth, offering a rare chance to see these gentle giants up close.
You can spot whales from the Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform, where you can watch these incredible creatures as they come close to shore to give birth and nurse their young.
Seeing them breach and glide through the water is an unforgettable experience to have in Victoria!
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!
Here are the top things to do in the Daintree Rainforest, a captivating destination nestled in Far North Queensland, Australia.
As one of the oldest rainforests on Earth, the Daintree offers a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural experiences that will leave you in awe.
From immersive walks through lush greenery to encounters with unique wildlife, this pristine wilderness is packed with natural beauty.
Yet the Daintree Rainforest is a surprisingly underrated destination in Australia! Many don’t even know that the Daintree exists, let alone that it’s the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth (it’s thought to be 180 million years old).
The Daintree is also part of the Wet Tropics Region of Queensland, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can easily visit the Daintree Rainforest on a day trip or overnight trip from Cairns, Palm Cove, or Port Douglas. Book a guided tour or rent a car and explore on your own. Either way, the Daintree Rainforest should be on any Tropical North Queensland itinerary.
So, let’s embark on a journey through this ancient forest and discover the myriad of things to do in this natural wonderland.
Cape Tribulation, where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef
Top 16 Things To Do In The Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
The Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland is about 3 hours north of Cairns and 1 hour north of Port Douglas. It’s easily reachable by driving or taking a bus north along the Captain Cook Highway.
Some attractions, like Mossman Gorge, lie in the Southern Daintree Rainforest. For places like Cape Tribulation in the northern section, you’ll need to cross the Daintree River on the Daintree Ferry.
But it’s a relatively straightforward journey, and there are several guided tours available for those who don’t want to drive or navigate themselves.
Once you arrive, here are some of the top things to do in the Daintree Rainforest of Queensland.
From learning about native bush tucker at an Aboriginal experience, to spotting crocs on the Daintree River, to cruising along the Great Barrier Reef drive north from Port Douglas, there is much to see and do in this stunning World Heritage Area!
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.
1. Go for a rainforest walk or hike
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region is by walking or hiking.
Daintree National Park has lots of amazing walking and hiking trails that traverse the lush environment.
Some easy walks suitable for families and kids include the Madja Boardwalk and the Dibuji Boardwalk.
Both of these trails are flat and widely accessible. They wind through the dense forests and mangroves, with plenty of signs along the way so you can learn about the flora and fauna.
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, consider the Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail. More suitable for active travellers and experienced hikers, climbing Mount Sorrow is an epic, full-day adventure that ends with amazing views of the Daintree region.
2. Learn about Indigenous culture
Kuku Yalanji country extends from Cooktown down to Port Douglas and encompasses most of the Daintree forest areas.
These Indigenous people have thrived in Far North Queensland for thousands of years. If you want to learn more about the cultural connection between the Kuku Yalanji and their unique environment, you can enhance your rainforest experience with a guided tour.
Exploring the Daintree with a knowledgeable Indigenous guide allows you to learn about the fascinating history and culture of the area.
You can join a traditional smoking ceremony, see the many plants and bush tucker items that nourish the locals, and hear Dreamtime stories that have been passed down through generations.
Visiting Mossman Gorge is another one of the best things to do in Daintree Rainforest, Australia.
Here you can find crystal-clear water that cascades over granite boulders, surrounded by the stunning Wet Tropics Rainforest.
Take a refreshing swim in the pristine waterholes or go on self-guided walks through the rainforest. You can also join a guided walk with the Kuku Yalanji people to learn about the cultural significance of this special place.
Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre also has an art gallery, cafe, and souvenir shop.
As Mossman Gorge lies in the Southern Daintree Rainforest, it’s a very easy place to visit on a day trip from Cairns or Port Douglas.
Mossman Gorge in the Daintree
4. Seek out freshwater swimming holes
Escape the tropical heat by taking a dip in the refreshing freshwater streams and swimming holes scattered throughout the rainforest.
Between November and May each year, the ocean around Far North Queensland is home to jellyfish that may be potentially harmful to humans. This is called the annual Stinger Season, and it’s recommended to avoid the ocean at this time.
So when you need somewhere nice to swim in the Daintree, the freshwater swimming holes are the place to be!
Emmagen Creek is a popular spot for a cool and invigorating swim that is located just north of Cape Tribulation.
You can also find a lovely swimming hole behind Mason’s Cafe, also in Cape Tribulation.
5. Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River Cruise
Tropical North Queensland is famous for its population of saltwater crocodiles, and the Daintree River is one of the best places to see them!
Crocodiles are slightly terrifying, but not when you’re viewing them from the safety of a reputable tour boat.
Boat tours on the Daintree River are an incredible way to kick off your adventures in the ancient rainforest.
Join a local tour operator for a relaxing float down the waterways, where you can spot rainforest birds and other wildlife.
If you’re lucky, you may also see the mighty saltwater crocodile resting on riverbanks or swimming through the river. When you see these creatures from the comfort of a tour boat, they are truly majestic and not that scary!
Crocodile on the banks of the Daintree River
6. Sample local treats at Daintree Ice Cream Company
Here you can sample freshly made ice cream using tropical fruits from the local orchard.
After an action-packed day of walking and exploring this beautiful corner of Australia, there is no better way to refuel than with a homemade fruit ice cream or sorbet!
It is conveniently located on Cape Tribulation Road, so you can easily stop here on your self-guided tour of the area. Many guided day trips from Cairns or Port Douglas also include a stop here at the end of the day!
7. Stay overnight in Cape Tribulation
Though the Daintree Rainforest is a very remote and wild area, it does have a few amenities scattered throughout.
Cape Tribulation is a main hub of the forest, though it’s still very small with just one main road.
However, this is the perfect place to stay overnight if you want to extend your Daintree Rainforest trip to a few days or longer.
Cape Tribulation is known as the unique location where the ancient rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Cape Tribulation Beach is basically right on the border of these two World Heritage sites!
Here you can enjoy stunning coastal views and explore the reef through snorkeling or diving adventures.
When it’s time to hit the hay, you can go camping nearby or book a stay at one of the top Cape Tribulation accommodations.
8. Try birdwatching
With its incredible biodiversity, the Daintree Rainforest is a paradise for birdwatchers.
Here you have the chance to spot some of Australia’s rarest and most spectacular bird species in one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. Daintree Village in particular is a popular birdwatching spot.
With its lush canopy, mangroves, and river systems, the Daintree is home to over 430 bird species, including kingfishers, parrots, owls, and more.
You can also see cassowaries in the Daintree! A cassowary is a magnificent Australian bird that is as large as an ostrich or emu. It has a furry black body and a large, colourful head topped with a horn.
Cassowaries are wild-looking, and the Daintree is one of the few places where you can spot them in the wild.
So grab your binoculars and keep an eye out for colourful birds of the forest! Just remember to always keep your distance from wildlife.
You can sometimes spot cassowaries while driving through the Daintree
9. Visit the Daintree Discovery Centre
The Daintree Discovery Centre is a world-class interpretive facility that has amenities for visitors of all ages. It’s the perfect place to begin your rainforest trip!
With elevated boardwalks, a 23-metre-high canopy tower, and interactive displays, Daintree Discovery Centre provides a unique perspective on the rainforest’s complex ecosystem, from the forest floor to the treetops.
Explore the ancient flora and fauna with the help of audio guides, touchscreen kiosks, and informative signs.
The centre is also eco-certified and designed to have minimal environmental impact. It’s a great starting point for understanding the significance and conservation of this World Heritage-listed rainforest.
Anyone with an interest in art and culture should consider visiting the Janbal Art Gallery!
Acclaimed Aboriginal artist, Brian ‘Binna’ Swindley, owns and runs the gallery. It’s a fascinating place to come and engage with the local community, or test out your art skills.
You can book hands-on, interactive art workshops led by Binna. As you hear about the Kuku Yalanji cultures and customs, you’ll learn how to craft your own art pieces to take home with you.
Or if you’re short on time, you can also just visit the gallery to browse through the art and maybe purchase a souvenir or two.
11. Stay in an eco-lodge
To fully immerse yourself in the rainforest experience, consider staying at one of the eco-lodges or sustainable accommodations in the Daintree and Cape Tribulation area.
Sometimes having the perfect accommodation is half the fun of visiting the Daintree Rainforest.
You can wake up to the soothing sounds of nature, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings.
Safari Lodge is a great option in Cape Tribulation. It’s just a five-minute walk from Myall Beach and has modern amenities combined with lush gardens and forest views.
Noah Creek Eco Huts offer eco-friendly glamping huts with balconies that overlook the stunning Daintree and Cape Tribulation landscape.
If you want to splurge, Daintree Eco Lodge is a boutique accommodation with sleek, upscale villas.
12. Go ziplining
Head to Treetops Adventure in Cape Tribulation for an exhilarating adventure through the Daintree Rainforest!
Ziplining is a thrilling way to sightsee in the forest, and this local company is the top option in the area.
With 9 ziplines that span from 15 to 130 metres long, guests can zoom through the forest canopies and enjoy awe-inspiring views.
Treetops Adventure is a reputable operator that has high-quality gear and ensures all guests feel safe and secure while ziplining.
You can combine ziplining with a Daintree River cruise and national park tour on this amazing guided tour from Port Douglas!
Many people book their Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tours from Cairns City or Port Douglas.
But you can also venture out to the World Heritage listed reef from Cape Tribulation in the Daintree!
Embarking on a journey from the Daintree Rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef is a remarkable experience that allows you to explore two natural wonders in one unforgettable trip.
Ocean Safari departs from Cape Tribulation for half-day, small-group eco tours. Visit a pristine and uncrowded section of the Great Barrier Reef for some incredible snorkelling!
You can also book reef tours from Cairns or Port Douglas before or after you explore Daintree National Park. However, if you want to visit a less-touristy part of the reef while you’re up in the Daintree, Ocean Safari is the perfect option.
Cape Tribulation is where the rainforest meets the reef, so might as well take advantage of the unique location!
Snorkel in the magnificent Great Barrier Reef!
14. Do a tropical fruit tasting at Cape Trib Farm
Foodies can’t miss this Daintree activity! Cape Trib Farm is a magnificent local orchard that grows a huge variety of tropical fruits.
Sample some exotic produce, stroll through the lush greenery of the orchard, and learn about the regenerative farming techniques used in the Daintree.
Fruits vary depending on the time of year and availability, but this is a fun way to experience the local flavours of the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth!
15. Ride horses on the beach
Another amazing activity to try in the Daintree Rainforest is horseback riding.
With its remote beaches and gorgeous coastal scenery, the Daintree Rainforest is the perfect place for a serene and beautiful horse ride.
Cape Trib Horse Rides offers guided tours through the Daintree Rainforest and onto the idyllic beaches. Admire the national park from a whole new perspective as you traverse the landscape on horseback!
This tour is a unique way to enjoy the Daintree, and no previous horseback riding experience is necessary. The guides will ensure you feel comfortable up on your horse.
If you’re an avid road-tripper or 4WD enthusiast, the Bloomfield Track is a great place to explore.
Travellers can drive through Cape Tribulation with a normal 2WD vehicle, but once you cross the Bloomfield River the track becomes suitable for 4WDs only.
The Bloomfield Track is a 37km long gravel road that is one of the top 4WD road trips in the Cairns area! It’s relatively short, but there are numerous creek crossings and places to get out and explore.
You’ll also be able to escape the crowds since the track only takes 4WD vehicles. Not that there are many crowds in the Daintree to begin with. But this is a fun place for an off-roading adventure.
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!
I’ve used many camera setups through my years as a professional photographer. However, one thing that has remained the same for a long time across multiple camera setups is the camera strap system I’ve been using. In this guide, I’m going to be reviewing all the Peak Design camera straps to help you decide which is best for you.
Since I first bought my Peak Design Slide and Clutch camera straps in 2015, Jess and I have been pretty much exclusively using the Peak Design strap system across all our DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Over the years, I’ve tried and tested pretty much every Peak Design camera strap that they make.
My Peak Design camera straps have been rained on, snowed on, covered in mud, stuffed in a camera bag, and generally been through the wringer.
One has even been chewed on by a fox (more on that later!).
After all that, I thought it was about time I put together a review of the Peak Design camera straps, based on my experiences actually using them.
I’ll cover the good, the bad, my experience with Peak Design’s customer service, who the straps are for, the options available, and lots more.
Peak Design make a variety of straps for a range of uses and camera sizes. By the end of this review, you should have a good idea of whether or not this strap system is a good option for your camera setup, as well as which specific model might be right for you. Let’s start with a quick introduction to Peak Design.
Who is Peak Design?
Peak Design is a U.S. based company, founded in 2010 by Peter Dering. The company launched its first product in 2011, a camera clip system called Capture, which is still available today.
Peak Design primarily creates products which are designed to help people organize, protect, pack, and use their photography gear. These include camera straps and clips, camera bags, tripods, etc.
Given their popularity, they have also introduced some more general products designs for travelers and commuters, including packing cubes, wash bags, commuter backpacks, and mobile phone cases.
They aim to create products which look good and last a long time. They come with a lifetime warranty as standard.
Peak Design is known for their innovative and stylish designs. Many of their products are also designed to work well together, so for example you can use the strap to carry the tripod bag as well as a camera.
They also have solid environmental credentials, being fully carbon neutral, a registered B Corp, and they also donate 1% of all their revenue to environmental nonprofits.
What is so special about Peak Design camera straps?
Peak Design started when its founder, Peter Dering, was looking for a more comfortable camera strap system after a long trip back in 2010.
The company’s first products were their innovative camera clips and straps, and it was these products that initially made them popular among photographers.
The standout features of their straps, which I will cover in more depth, are their comfort, durability, attachment system, materials and warranty.
I also own all the Peak Design straps that they’ve made to date, as well as the original Peak Design Capture clip.
While I have liked many of their other products I have tried, I think that their camera strap system remains their hero products for many photographers such as myself.
I first bought a Peak Design Slide strap back in 2015 and have never used another camera strap system since. I now own three of their Slide straps as well as a number of their other straps and continue to recommend them to other photographers based on my experience with them.
The main straps Jess and I use on a day-to-day basis are the Slide straps and the Clutch strap. However, we have experience with all the straps and they all work well.
In this review I am going to focus on the Peak Design camera straps and go over the various straps available and share my personal review and experiences with them.
Peak Design Camera Strap Choices
Peak Design make a variety of straps, with the main differences being the size of the strap (width, weight and length), as well as how the strap is designed to be worn.
These differences make the various strap models suitable for different purposes, with some straps being more suited to larger camera models and others suiting more compact camera models for example.
Some straps are also well suited to other purposes beyond being as camera strap, such as for binoculars or as a strap for your tripod or camera bag.
Some Peak Design camera straps are designed as a full body strap to be worn over a shoulder, around the neck, or as a sling, whilst other straps are designed as wrist or hand straps.
The main camera straps that Peak Design offer are as follows.
This is the main strap that Jess and I use for our cameras, we currently own three of these straps. They have had slight tweaks over the years but the main design is the same.
The strap is designed so you can wear it in three ways, as a neck strap, a shoulder strap and a sling strap. My personal favorite is wearing it as a sling strap.
The strap is made out of a strong nylon webbing material, which is honestly quite like a seatbelt strap in texture and feel. The majority of the strap is smooth and slides easily.
The area which sits around your neck or shoulder (depending on how you wear it) is padded internally for comfort. It also has a gripped surface on one side to prevent the strap from sliding around.
The strap is adjustable, with a quick release handle that lets you quickly and easily adjust how long the strap is. The maximum length is 57″ (145cm) and the minimum length is 39″ (99cm).
The strap comes with an anchor mount, four anchor connectors, a hex wrench and a microfiber pouch. It can handle gear up to 200lbs.
This is the strap I would generally recommend for carrying a larger setup such as a bigger mirrorless or DSLR camera as well as larger telephoto lenses. It’s also a good choice if you just prefer a wider strap as the weight is distributed more evenly.
The Slide Lite is honestly very similar to the Slide, it’s just a bit thinner. However, it can handle the same weight load and has the same features.
So you still get the anchor point system, comfortable smooth nylon webbing with padding and a grippy side, and adjustability. You also get all the same products in the box.
However, the strap is 1.3″ wide (32mm) compared to the 1.8″ (45mm) of the original Slide. So if you feel the Slide is a bit chunky for your tastes, then the Slide Lite might be for you. It still has the same maximum length of 57″ (145cm) and minimum length of 39″ (99cm).
It can also support the same weight, but I’d recommend it for slightly smaller mirrorless cameras, bridge cameras, and binoculars rather than the largest of devices.
This isn’t because it can’t take the weight, but rather is more to do with comfort over long periods of wearing the strap.
A slightly thinner strap means the weight isn’t distributed over as much area, so over time the Slide is likely to be more comfortable with particularly heavy setups.
We really like the Slide Lite though, we think it looks very stylish and is a great alternative to the Slide if you want all the functionality in a slightly slimmer design.
See more about the Peak Design Slide Lite strap here.
If you’re a minimalist but you still want a high performing camera strap, then the Peak Design Leash is likely the strap for you.
This is the thinnest regular strap that Peak Design offers. As with the Slide and Slide Light, it can be configured as a sling, neck or shoulder strap. It includes the anchor link system but does not have a grippy section or padded area as the Slide straps do.
There are some other differences with Leash compared to the Slide straps. First, Leash is only 0.75″(19mm) wide. The max length of 57″ is the same, but you can actually make Leash shorter, down to 32.6″ (83cm).
Leash also comes with a mounting system so you can attach the camera either to the tripod plate, or to the side or top mounting points that many smaller cameras have.
On our Sony RX100 for example, there are small mounting points on either side of the camera body. The Leash strap comes with the hardware to set these mount points up with anchor links.
It actually makes more sense in my opinion to mount the Leash strap on the sides of the camera like this. The mounting plate for the tripod screw that comes with the Leash is a mini version, but even so it is likely to block your cameras SD / battery slot (it does on our RX100).
So that sort of negates the benefits of the easy access system if you have to remove the anchor plate when you want to change battery or memory card!
I think Leash is a good option if you want a really minimalist camera strap. I’d recommend it for smaller camera setups, such as compact cameras. This is especially the case if you plan to carry them around for a prolonged period of time.
I wouldn’t recommend Leash for a larger mirrorless or DSLR camera setup as whilst it can support the weight, the comfort wouldn’t be there.
Not everyone wants a long camera strap that goes around their whole body, and if you are one of those people, Peak Design has you covered with a number of options. The first of these is Cuff.
Cuff is a wrist strap which, as the name suggests, lets you put your camera on a strap which you secure around your wrist. And I do mean secure, as there’s an adjustable locking slider which lets you cinch Cuff around your wrist so it can’t slip off over your hand.
Of course, you don’t have to do that, but it’s probably a good idea if you do.
In terms of the strap itself, it is made of the same nylon webbing as Peak Design’s other straps. There’s no grip but there is a highlight area which goes around your wrist, which is available in either leather or a material called Hypalon which is vegan. Width wise it’s the same as Leash, at 0.75″ (19mm).
The strap also has a magnetic clasp, which cleverly lets you wear it as a bracelet when not in use as a camera wrist strap, which is pretty neat for when you are out and about.
In terms of what it can carry, because it uses the same material and anchor link system as the other straps, it can handle up to 200lbs (90kg) of gear as well.
So, if you don’t like to wear a big strap but still want to keep your gear safe when it’s in your hands, Cuff is an excellent option.
I’d say it’s better for folks who tend to put a camera away in a bag and take it out again regularly rather than wearing a camera over their body all the time.
We really like Cuff for our smaller compact camera
Clutch is Peak Design’s hand strap. It’s basically designed to sit on the side of your camera and goes around your hand when you are gripping your camera.
This gives you more peace of mind when holding your camera, especially if you are using a heavier camera without a strap around you.
Clutch uses the same anchor link design at one end as their other straps, which attaches to the camera’s base using the included tripod compatible base plate.
I’ve had my Clutch for the same amount of time as I’ve had my Slide straps. I will admit that it took a bit of time to adjust to using it on my camera as initially my hand wasn’t used to having a strap around the outside of it when holding my camera.
However, I quickly got used to it, and then I found using a camera body without it felt odd!
I’ve actually had two versions of Clutch. The first version I had for a long time, but the strap where it attached to the camera wore through from friction over the years.
I contacted Peak Design and they sent me the newer version which replaced the version I bought. This features a different type of material at the point mine failed which I am pleased to report has not suffered from this issue.
Overall, I would say if you are looking for a hand strap for a larger camera, definitely consider Clutch. It’s a little large for smaller cameras, but obviously Peak Design has a solution for that issue in the form of the next product in this list!
Micro Clutch is basically a smaller version of the Clutch strap. It’s designed specifically for smaller mirrorless camera systems, with the idea being that instead of putting your whole hand in it, you only use it with between two and four fingers.
This results in a small and unobtrusive strap that still gives you the security of a hand strap.
This one doesn’t actually come with the anchor link system, however the base plate does have loop attachment points so you can use the supplied base plate with other Peak Design straps if you want to mix and match.
Overall, Micro Clutch is a good idea if you want a really small strap for your camera. Note that it’s not compatible with every camera. Helpfully, Peak Design has a camera compatibility guide for micro clutch which you can see here.
You can see more about the Peak Design Micro Clutch strap here.
Peak Design Clutch next to Micro Clutch
Peak Design Strap Features
As you can see, there are a number of Peak Design straps to choose from. Now I’m going to go through the key features of the straps.
Anchor Link System
The anchor link system is, in my opinion, what makes the Peak Design straps so unique and versatile.
The anchor link is the way that the majority of Peak Designs straps attach to your camera, binoculars, bag, or whatever else you want to carry. Once you have used it with your gear it’s honestly hard to imagine using any other system.
The anchor link is a quick release strap system which is made up of two parts.
The first part is the quick connector which is attached to the strap. Peak Designs straps all come with the quick connector already attached, but you can also buy them to attach to any existing camera strap you own.
The second part of the system is the anchor connector. This is a small round tab with a nylon loop. These are designed to easily attach to a range of products, including cameras, bags, and the Peak Design quick release tripod plate, which is how I attach them to my cameras.
Despite their diminutive size, the anchor system is rated to support 200lbs (90kg) of weight, which should be more than enough for even the heaviest camera setup. I’ve used mine for years and never had a failure.
Peak Design Anchor Connectors
Peak Design Tripod Plate on base of cameras (and also on lens tripod mounting collar on left camera)
Camera on Peak Design Tripod with strap still attached
Using the Anchor link system on existing strap holders
Smooth Nylon Webbing
Most of Peak Design’s straps are made from a strong nylon webbing, which is similar in texture and feel to a seatbelt strap. Seatbelt straps are obviously incredibly strong, given their intended purpose, and Peak Design straps are also incredibly strong.
What I really like about them is that they don’t seem to lose structural integrity if you happen to damage them slightly.
As an example, I was shooting at sunset in cemetery in Glasgow, Scotland one evening, and a curious fox came over to see what I was up to.
I put one of my cameras down on the ground and started taking pictures of the fox, at which point he decided he wanted to steal my camera in case it was edible. He did this by grabbing the Peak Design strap in his teeth and dragging my camera away.
Obviously, I stopped him, but not before he’d put some nice sharp teeth holes in my strap!
I’ve continued to own and use that strap for years since the fox incident, and the hole hasn’t impacted performance or gotten any bigger. It’s just a neat reminder of a cool encounter I had once!
Now, obviously I wouldn’t encourage anyone to damage their strap to see how it performs. But my experience has shown that the straps continue to perform well even after extended use, and some rather unusual damage!
The webbing on most of the straps also have a very grippy section which stops the straps from sliding around on your body as you move around.
Lifetime Warranty
Peak Design offers a lifetime warranty for their products against manufacturing defects, and failures or breakages that render part or all of your product to become non-functional.
This doesn’t cover cosmetic blemishes, scratches, stains, or wear & tear. Nor does it cover failures or breakages due to misuse, neglect, or intentional damage.
In my case, I’m not sure the fox encounter would be covered, although given that the strap works great, that’s not been an issue.
I have had two occasions to use the lifetime warranty, and in both cases Peak Design honored it. The first was to replace my Clutch which wore through, and as I said, they had already identified and addressed this problem with the newer version. You can see the wear in the image below.
The other issue I had was with a limited edition red colored version of the Peak Design Slide.
This one had a different type of grip material to other versions I’ve owned, which was a sort of rubber compound.
This worked great until I took it trekking in the Ugandan jungle looking for gorillas. Unfortunately, a combination of heat and humidity, coupled with a lot of movement, caused the rubber to essentially melt all over my shirt.
The strap became a sticky mess (although it obviously still worked fine as a strap). You can see how this ended up in the image below.
Strap damaged due to heat, replaced with newer model that has resolved this issue under lifetime warranty
I contacted Peak Design about this, and they dispatched a replacement strap to me free of charge. They also let me know that they had since changed the material used for the grip area, so this problem wouldn’t happen again.
I’ve been using the replacement strap for a couple of years now and I can confirm it has held up well with no meltdowns yet, and the grip material is indeed totally different.
Adjustability
Obviously, everyone is built differently, so having a one size fits all strap isn’t going to work for everyone.
Peak Design’s straps can be adjusted. The exact mechanism and range of adjustment varies slightly depending on the strap model, but the main thing is that they can be adjusted to suit the requirements of the individual user.
Peak Design Slide adjustment
Strap Colors
Peak Design offer their straps in a variety of colors. Colors vary depending on the product.
In the case of Slide for example, you currently have a choice of classic black, sage green, midnight blue, ash grey, and coyote brown. They also occasionally do special edition straps of different colors.
Depending on the type of photography you do, you might prefer a different strap color.
For example, wildlife photographers will probably like the coyote brown color as it blends in nicely with camo style and natural colors. Black is a great color that work great for those that just want something that will go with everything and matches most camera bodies.
Peak Design Camera Strap Review
I’ll now go into some more detail regarding my personal experience using the Peak Design camera straps, including what I like, and areas I feel could be improved.
What I Like About Peak Design Straps
The thing I love most about my Peak Design straps is the anchor link system. I think it’s really clever, and it makes attaching and removing straps super easy.
Let me explain why I like it so much for my personal setup.
The way Jess and I typically wear our Peak Design straps is crossbody, like a sling. The strap attaches to the underside of the camera, where the tripod thread hole is.
This is a fairly common design feature for sling straps, where the camera is inverted around your midsection area.
I find this to be a comfortable way to wear a camera for a prolonged period of time, certainly way more comfortable and practical than having it bouncing around on a neck strap.
The problem with many sling style camera straps that use the camera’s tripod mount point is that they require you to put an attachment into the camera’s tripod mount hole to attach the strap to.
This means you can’t attach it to a tripod without fully removing the strap system.
The thing is, I always have a quick release tripod plate attached to my camera bodies and telephoto lens collars. I use a tripod a lot (see my reasons why you need a tripod here for why), and for ease of use I exclusively use tripods which have a quick release plate system.
This means that I attach a special tripod plate to the base of the camera, which means I can attach my camera to a tripod very easily without having to screw or unscrew things.
So you can see the conundrum. I want a strap system I can leave on all the time, that uses the tripod mount point on my camera, but also lets me use a quick release tripod plate system.
Thankfully, the Peak Design system does just that. By using the tripod compatible Peak Design mounting plate on my camera, I can attach my camera to any Arca compatible tripod head (Manfrotto compatible plates are also available) without having to remove the strap system. It’s seamless and easy to use.
The flexibility and ease of use of the quick release system is also great. For example, I also have a pair of large telephoto lenses, where I prefer to attach the strap to the tripod collar rather than the body of the camera, as it is more balanced that way when I carry the camera.
With the quick release anchor system, I just need to have anchor connectors on the lenses tripod collar.
When I switch lenses from a wide angle to a telephoto, I can quickly move my Peak Design strap from the camera body anchor connectors to the telephoto anchor connectors. I can even use a seperate strap, and just carry the telephoto lens over my other shoulder if I want.
Of course, the flexibility continues. You can have anchor points on the camera’s top strap connector hooks if you want. Pretty much every camera out there has standard strap connecting points on the upper body of the camera where the standard strap that comes with the camera attaches.
So if you put anchor connections here, you can go from carrying your camera sling style, to carrying it the more traditional way around your neck, or over your shoulder.
Ok, that was a lot about the Peak Design anchor system. What else do I love about the Peak Design straps?
Well, obviously they are really comfortable. The padded section of the strap is comfortable, and I have literally worn mine for many hours on long hikes without feeling uncomfortable or like it’s rubbing in any way.
If I’m shooting events, or any other situation where I want easy access to a couple of lenses at the same time, I usually wear two straps, crossbody. This gives me easy access to a camera on each hip, cutting out the time needed to change lenses, which could be time where I’m missing a shot. That’s also incredibly comfortable.
I also like that the straps are easy to adjust, and that they just work. My experience with customer service has also been great when I needed it.
Obviously, no-one wants a product to have issues, but for a company to rise to the occasion and solve the problem as they have done every time, speaks volumes in my book.
How Could Peak Design Improve their Straps?
What I like about Peak Design is that they are always improving on their products based on customer feedback. For the most part, the new version of the product replaces the old version of the product.
Most upgrades are iterative, so you don’t necessarily need to upgrade if you already own the product.
However, if you are a new user, you can be confident knowing that you are getting the best version of the product to date. With my example of the strap that melted into my shirt, that problem was addressed with a new material.
However, not all the changes are necessarily upgrades.
As an example, when I first bought my Peak Design Slide straps, they came with a tripod compatible plate. This meant that I could attach them to my camera and use them with a tripod straight away.
Unfortunately, the majority of their straps now only come with an anchor mount which is not compatible with tripod quick release plates. So, you have to buy that part separately, with both an Arca compatible plate and a Manfrotto RC2 compatible plate available.
Now, if you happen to buy a Peak Design travel tripod, this does come with the necessary plate. So maybe now that Peak Design also make tripods, they feel it makes more sense to bundle the tripod plate with the tripod. Additionally, as they can’t tell what kind of tripod plate the end-user requires, sending them an incompatible plate isn’t a great customer experience.
Still, I liked it when I got my Arca compatible plate when I first bought my Peak Design Slide strap as it let me use the strap directly with the tripod I had at the time without needing to fork out for more accessories. So I would like to see it as an option perhaps at checkout for a small upgrade cost even if it’s not included again.
Another area that has concerned some users of Peak Design straps is that the adjustment mechanism is a metal loop, and I have seen reports that these can scratch a camera body when packed in a bag. Personally, I’ve not had this problem, but my camera bodies get pretty banged up anyway!
However, if this is a concern, you might want to pack the strap separately.
Finally, in terms of improvements, it might be nice to see a system for carrying two cameras that doesn’t involve just having a “X” shape of straps across my body. Some camera strap systems offer a dual carry system which is more like a body harness, and I’d be interested to see if that’s something Peak Design could offer.
That’s just an idea rather than a criticism though as I’ve honestly been comfortable wearing the two straps crossbody.
Other than the above, I’ve not got much else to say about the Peak Design strap system that needs improvement! Obviously, they are relatively expensive as straps go, but I do feel you are getting a well-made and quality product that will last a long time.
How to Choose the Best Sized Camera Strap for You and Your Camera
You may be wondering which Peak Design camera strap to buy for your camera. This decision will largely come down to the size and weight of your camera setup.
I’d say if you have a heavy camera setup, especially if you are going to use telephoto lenses, to go for the Peak Design Slide.
For most camera setups except the heaviest, I would say the Slide Lite would be my recommended option. It has all the features of the Slide in a slightly narrower, more lightweight package. This makes it easier to pack and carry. This is also a great option for most binoculars.
For the smallest cameras and very light set ups, I would also consider the Leash. Just note that the narrow strap can be uncomfortable with heavier setups but perfect for lightweight compact cameras. This strap is easier to fit into a purse or smaller bag.
Although I do highly recommend everyone keep a neck strap on their cameras for the best protection, not everyone loves a strap around their neck or shoulders.
If you prefer a less obtrusive setup and don’t want a neck strap, consider the Cuff wrist strap, which offers security in a minimal package. This can work well for lighter mirrorless setups, bridge cameras, action cameras, and point and shoot cameras.
Finally, if you want more security and stability when gripping your camera, you may consider also getting a hand strap such as the Clutch or Micro Clutch. I’d say Clutch works for larger cameras and personally I’d recommend the Micro Clutch for smaller cameras.
Honestly, I think whichever product you choose you will be happy with its performance, build quality, and longevity.
Peak Design Camera Strap Review Summary
As I said at the start of this review, I have been using the Peak Design straps for many years, across multiple camera bodies and lenses. In all that time they have kept my gear safe, which is the main purpose of the strap.
I also find them incredibly comfortable to wear even for long periods of time.
I think they offer one of the best strap systems on the market, with straps that are comfortable and secure. Their lifetime warranty is also something they stand by. So I am definitely happy to recommend the Peak Design camera strap system for your camera!
Where to Buy Peak Design products
If you are interested in purchasing Peak Design products, or just looking to see what they have on offer, you have a few options.
First, you can buy Peak Design products online directly on their website here. Peak Design sells globally through their official website and can ship products worldwide to over 100 countries.
Alternatively, you can buy them online from Amazon here. Peak Design has their own store on Amazon so you can be sure you are getting legitimate products. Prime members will probably appreciate the free and fast shipping if choosing Amazon.
Finally, you can also of course buy products in person if you live near a store selling Peak Design products. Peak Design has three of its own store locations: two in the USA (NYC and San Francisco) and one in Tokyo, Japan.
Further Reading
That’s it for my review of the Peak Design strap system – I hope you found it helpful. Before you go, I wanted to share some of our other content which we think you will find useful.
Knowing how to compose a great photo is a key photography skill. See our guide to composition in photography for lots of tips on this subject
We have a guide to what depth of field is and when you would want to use it.
We are big fans of getting the most out of your digital photo files, and do to that you will need to shoot in RAW. See our guide to RAW in photography to understand what RAW is, and why you should switch to RAW as soon as you can if your camera supports it.
You’re going to need something to run your photo editing software on. See our guide to the best laptops for photo editing for some tips on what to look for.
And that’s it! As always, if you have any comments or questions on this post, just pop them in the comments section below and we’ll respond as soon as we can!
If you’re a fan, as I am, of the Game of Thrones TV show, you should know that you can actually tour the Game of Thrones studio where many scenes from the show were filmed.
The Linen Mill Studios is found in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, just outside Belfast. It is where many iconic scenes from the show were filmed.
The original sets for the Winterfell Great Hall and Castle Black were constructed here and in fact the tour was built around them. In addition to the amazing film sets, you’ll also find props, costumes, artwork, weapons, prosthetics, exhibits, and lots of information on the making of the show.
There is also, of course, a large gift shop filled with Game of Thrones merchandise.
I’ve already written about visiting the main Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland as well as in Iceland, however until now I hadn’t put together a guide to the studio tour. I think it’s well worth a visit for both fans of the show, and those interested in how TV shows are put together in general.
If you are planning on visiting a number of Game of Thrones locations during your visit to Northern Ireland, then I can recommend including the studio, ideally as one of the first locations you visit.
Coming here is going to give you a huge appreciation for the amount of work that went into creating the show. There’s loads of information on display, with details on the filming locations, set design, props, costumes, and lots more!
In this guide I’m going to cover everything you need to know to visit the Game of Thrones studio tour, from how to get here, to buying tickets, to how long to stay, and more. Let’s get started.
Where is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour?
The Game of Thrones Studio Tour is located in the Linen Mill Studios. These are situated just outside the town of Banbridge in County Down, Northern Ireland.
This is about 25 miles (30 minutes drive) southeast of Belfast, or around 80 miles (80 minutes drive) north of Dublin.
Note that there is no public parking at the Linen Mill Studios. If you are making your own way to the studios by public transport or by car (more on getting here soon), you need to head to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour parking lot.
This is found at the Boulevard shopping center in Banbridge, just off the A1. Here there is free parking and a free shuttle service for ticket holders of the studio tour.
Does the Game of Thrones Studio Tour include House of the Dragon & A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
However, currently the Game of Thrones Studio tour focuses primarily on the Game of Thrones TV show which was filmed between 2009 (pilot episode) and 2018 and aired from 2011 to 2019 on HBO. Much of the filming took place in Northern Ireland.
Whilst some props from House of the Dragon have been put on display, that show is not being filmed at this studio or in Northern Ireland. Instead, it’s being filmed at the Warner Bros Leavesden studio in Watford, England. This is the same studio where you can take the Harry Potter Studio tour.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms was announced in 2024 and production is taking place at the Titanic Studios in Belfast, where parts of Game of Thrones was also shot. As the show has only just been announced, there’s no further information as to whether this will be included in the Game of Thrones Studio tour.
Game of Thrones Studio Tour Opening Times
The Game of Thrones Studio tour is typically open from 10am to 6.30pm. It’s open every day with some exceptions for public holidays.
How Much Does the Game of Thrones Studio Tour Cost?
The tour, which includes parking and shuttle bus from the parking area, currently costs as follows (prices as of June 2024)
£29.50 for adults (16-65)
£24 for students with student ID and seniors (66+)
£12 for teenagers (13-15)
£5 for children (5 – 12)
Free for children under age 5
There is also a family ticket which costs £67.25 and which includes two adult admissions and two teen admissions.
You can see the various ticket options and purchase tickets online here.
Game of Thrones Studio Audio Guides
There are audio guides available for the Game of Thrones Studio tour for an additional fee. These contain narration through the tour as well as additional information and details not on display.
You can either get this through the official app for Android or iOS, (must bring your own headphones to use) or you can rent an audio guide handset on site for around £5.
Currently the audio guides (both physical handsets and app) are available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Mandarin Chinese.
The audio guide is not necessary for enjoying or understanding the experience as there are a lot of signs and placards you can read along the way. But they do enhance the experience and add extra information. For non-English speakers, they are likely to be very helpful in giving background information about the exhibits as the information is displayed only in English.
You can book a audio guide handset or download the app in advance, or you can wait to do so once you are at the studio. You can get the audio guide handsets from the Information Desk. So you don’t need to decide before your visit, but you do need to decide before you start the tour.
Game of Thrones Studio Afternoon Tea
If you are interested in having a Game of Thrones themed afternoon tea experience, you can pre-book an afternoon tea experience to have before or after your tour.
The afternoon tea includes themed food such as Kings Rocky Road, Hot Pie’s Sausage Rolls, Chocolate Crunch Dragon Eggs, and High Garden Sandwiches. It currently costs £30 per person.
You do need to pre-book the experience in advance of your visit, so you will want to book it along with your admission tickets.
Although the show itself was not exactly a child friendly show (with quite a lot of violence, gore, sex, and nudity and complicated plots), the studio tour is designed to be a family-friendly experience.
There are no minimum age restrictions although all children age 16 and under must be accompanied and supervised by an adult during their visit.
Buggies, pushchairs, and strollers are allowed on the studio tour.
I haven’t visited with kids but when we visited there were several families with children of all ages, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the experience.
Is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour Accessible?
The Game of Thrones Studio Tour takes place on one level, so there are no elevators or steps to content with. As such, the tour is fully wheelchair accessible.
For those arriving by car with a wheelchair, the parking situation is the same, and the shuttle bus can take one wheelchair or mobility scooter per trip.
Registered guide dogs are also welcome, identification for the dog will be required.
For other needs, you can read more details about accessibility here. That page also contains contact information where you can enquire about other accessibility needs.
How to Get to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour
There are a number of options for getting to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, which are as follows.
By Tour Bus
If you do not have your own transport, or would rather just visit the studio with round trip transport from where you are staying, then you can book a tour which includes a coach bus transfer.
Tours depart from both Belfast and Dublin. From Belfast it’s around a 30 minute coach ride, and from Dublin it’s around 90 minutes. You then will have 3 or more hours (depending on shuttle time) to visit the studio on your own.
The visit itself is self-guided and most people spend 2 to 3 hours doing the tour.
There is no direct public transport from Belfast or Dublin to the Studio Tour shuttle bus departure location.
It is possible if you are determined, to take a series of 3 buses to get from Belfast to the Boulevard shopping center, but it will take you between 90 minutes and 2 hours each way.
Dublin is a similar story, it is theoretically possible, buy you are looking at a 3 hour trip each way.
We’d suggest instead booking a tour with round-trip transport, it’s going to be a lot less hassle, much quicker, and honestly not much more expensive.
By Car
If you have your own car then you can drive to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. Just remember that you can’t drive to Linen Mill Studios where the tour is located.
Instead, drive to the Game of Thrones Studio tour parking location in the Boulevard Shopping Center (it is well sign posted). From here it’s a 10 minute shuttle ride to the studio.
Car parking and the shuttle ride are included as part of your Game of Thrones Studio ticket price.
Bus stop at car park for transfer to studio
Purpose built check-in area for visitors waiting for shuttle
Where to Buy Game of Thrones Studio Tour Tickets
You need to buy your Game of Thrones Studio Tour tickets online in advance of your visit. Entries are timed, and there is a limit to the number of people allowed per timeslot so the attraction does not get overcrowded.
When booking, you can choose whether you just want the entry ticket, or if you want a ticket which includes round trip transport from Dublin or Belfast.
Tickets are available:
Note the official website has a fee if you need to change the date or time of your ticket. Last time we checked, GetYourGuide offered free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your visit. The price is normally the same so I’d recommend booking there if you can.
Last time we visited, we booked on GetYourGuide which is the site we normally choose to use for tickets, tours and attractions when we travel as we like that tickets are often more flexible than booking direct.
How Long Does the Game of Thrones Studio Tour take?
The Game of Thrones Studio tour is self-guided, so you can take as long or as short as you want to complete it. However, most visitors come for two to three hours.
I would make sure to book your timeslot to come at least 3 hours before closing to ensure you have enough time. If you are planning to eat lunch or do an afternoon tea experience, I would add an extra hour.
Where to Stay Near the Game of Thrones Studios
There are a number of hotel options to choose from, both near the studio, and also in major cities within easy driving distance such as Belfast and Dublin.
I’ll share some of these options below.
Hotels in Belfast
If you plan to drive to the Game of Thrones Studio tour yourself, then you will likely want to find accommodation with parking. Many hotels do offer parking but as this is a city center many locations do charge for this option.
If you are taking the coach transfer option, then you might consider staying near where the coach departs from, which is the Visit Belfast visitor information center. This is located on 9 Donegall Square N in the city center.
Belfast International Youth Hostel – If you are looking for a hostel in Belfast this is a good, well located option, around 14 minutes walk from the coach departure point. It has both shared and private dormitory rooms, an on-site cafe, linens, a communal kitchen, a breakfast menu and self-service laundry. It also has free parking.
Leonardo Hotel 4-star hotel offering good sized rooms, a breakfast buffet, bar, and restaurant. In our experience this hotel chain offers good value for money. 5 minute walk from the coach departure point. Paid parking is available nearby
Ramada – A well-rated 3-star hotel. Has an informal restaurant and bar, 24-hour front desk, and free Wifi. 14 minutes walk from the coach departure point. Paid parking is available nearby.
Bullitt Hotel – Centrally-located 4-star hotel offers a range of room options to suit most budgets. There’s also a bar, a cafe, a restaurant, a rooftop bar area, and 24-hour desk service. It is a 7 minute walk to the coach departure point for the tour. Parking is also available. We spent 4 nights here and can definitely recommend it if you are looking for a central hotel!
The Merchant Hotel – A 5-star historical luxury hotel located in a beautiful 1860 building. This hotel offers all the luxury amenities you would expect, including a restaurant, bar and lounge, spa, hot tub, and a rooftop gymnasium. 11 minutes’ walk from the coach station. Paid parking is available nearby.
For more ideas of where to stay in Belfast, see our guide to things to do in Belfast, which has everything you need to know to plan your visit here.
Hotels in Dublin
Dublin is only around an 80-minute drive from the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, meaning you can easily visit here as a half-day trip. If you have your own car, you could even add in some Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland as well.
If you are planning on taking advantage of the transport coach service from Dublin, this departs from the Busarus bus station in central Dublin. Here are some hotel options to consider.
Jacob’s Inn Hostel – a good option for those looking for a hostel experience. This hostel is just a 2 minute walk from the coach departure point, and five minutes from the lively Temple Bar area of town. Private and shared accommodation is available and there’s also a bar, restaurant, roof terrace and on-site laundry. There’s no on-site parking but paid public parking is available within a 5 minute walk.
Moxy Dublin City – this is a very well located mid-range hotel just 7 minutes walk from the coach station. We’ve stayed at a number of Moxy hotels around the world and always appreciated the fun decor and comfortable rooms. Paid parking is available nearby.
Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street – well rated excellent value mid-range central hotel, a 14-minute walk from the coach departure point. Parking is available nearby for a fee.
Maldron Hotel Parnell Square – this is a good value mid-range hotel 20 minutes walk from the coach departure point. We’ve stayed here and enjoyed it. Parking is available nearby for a fee.
Merrion Hotel – a five star luxury property which has everything you could want for a luxury stay in Dublin including a 2* Michelin restaurant, Italian marble bathrooms and a spa. On-site parking is available for a fee, and it’s a 20-minute walk to the coach station.
If you’d rather stay near the studio itself, then there are also a number of options to choose from, as follows:
Belmont House Hotel – just 5 minutes drive from the shuttle departure location for the studio tour, this 4* hotel has an on-site restaurant and free parking. It’s definitely the closest option we are aware of for the Studio tour, and the hotel the studio themselves recommend if you want to stay nearby.
Mourne Country Hotel – found 15 minutes drive south of the studio tour parking near the city of Newry, this quiet 3 star hotel offers free on-site parking, en-suite rooms, a bar and restaurant.
Is Food Available at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour?
Yes, you can purchase food and drinks at the Studio Tour. There are two options for food and drinks.
First, in the foyer of the tour building before you enter the main tour area there is the Lobby Cafe which serves hot and cold drinks as well as snacks like sausage rolls and cakes.
If you’d prefer a larger meal, or want to take a break part way through your tour, then the Studio Cafe is a good option.
Found just before the halfway point of the experience, this has a menu which includes things like burgers, breakfast items, soups and sandwiches, as well as dessert and drink options. It also has a kids menu.
There is also as mentioned the Game of Thrones afternoon tea experience, but that must be pre-booked before your visit. You can do that here.
Is there a Cloakroom at the Game of Throne Studio Tour?
Yes there is a cloakroom at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. It’s next to the information desk right where you first enter the tour building. You can leave coats and bags here for free, which will save you carrying them through the tour.
I left my coat and small backpack here when we visited which was very convenient.
Game of Thrones Studio Tour Review and Experience
Now I’m going to talk a bit about our experience actually visiting the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, including lots of photos so you can see what it’s actually like inside and what to expect from your visit.
First, we drove from Belfast, which would have taken around half an hour except we got a flat tire on the way! That slight mishap aside, we arrived at the car parking area just after midday. The parking area and shuttle bus stop was very easy to find.
The shuttle ride took around 10 minutes, the bus was comfortable and fairly busy but everyone had a seat. The shuttle is free you just need to have a studio tour ticket.
On arrival, I dropped off my small backpack and coat at the information desk. We then got a coffee and sausage roll at the cafe before entering the experience. Entrances into the actual tour were every 15 minutes or so, and we were told we didn’t have to go in straight away if we wanted to have a coffee or something to eat first, which was nice.
We then joined the line for the actual entrance where we had the option to have our photo taken against a green screen. Photos were then made available for purchase.
The first part of the actual experience is in a movie theatre, where you take a seat and watch a ten minute video which covers the show and its production as well as a bit about the tour. This was really well done and definitely got us excited for the experience ahead.
This was the only part of the studio tour where photography and video were not allowed.
After the video was over, the cinema screen moved aside and a fog filled tunnel was revealed. This was really cool, as it felt like we were stepping into the world of Game of Thrones, specifically walking through The Wall to Wildling and White Walker territory.
Walking through the fog shrouded tunnel led us into the main self-guided tour, where the first sight to greet us were Wildings and White Walkers, as fog tendrils drifted across the floor.
From here the tour was entirely self-guided, with information panels to read and video screens to watch. A nice touch was that the voice over for the video was done by Nathalie Emmanuel, who had the roll of Missandei in the show.
The tour is set up as a journey through the world of Westeros. When we visited the order of exhibits was as follows:
Beyond the Wall
The entrance set piece had statues of the Wildings and Whitewalkers, as well as the Giant Wun Wun.
Fun fact, Wun Wun was so big they had to present him kneeling down so he would fit!
Production Design / Art Department
This part of the tour showed how the production team conceptualized the world of Westeros.
There are incredible artworks, set design concepts, drawing boards, and more which show the amount of time and effort it takes just to design a world for the screen.
Castle Black / Prop Design
The Castle Black part of the tour is home to one of the original sets that was filmed on. This section of the tour includes the Mess Hall, Lord Commanders Quarters, Jail, and Bran’s Chamber.
There’s also information here on how sets were decorated and how the props were made, with lots of props to look at including dragon eggs, books, cookware, and loads more. This area also has as a fun interactive where you can design your very own House shield!
Studio Cafe
Between Castle Black and the Winterfell Crypts is the Studio Cafe, where you can get food and drinks. We didn’t eat here but the menu looked good!
If you want more of a meal, this is definitely where I would recommend coming rather than the cafe in the lobby area.
Note that if you do miss this and decide to return after you exit, just let a team member know and they will escort you back here.
Winterfell Crypts
After the Studio Cafe you will go into the Winterfell Crypts, which is set up to look just like the crypts in the show.
The actual scenes were filmed not too far away in Shane’s Castle on Lough Neagh. There are also statues here of members of the Stark family.
Winterfell Hall
In my opinion, the Winterfell Hall is definitely one of the main attractions in the tour.
This is one of the actual sets from the show (over a hundred sets were built for each season!), which has stayed in the same location since it was built (the tour was built around it).
You can walk around the hall itself, and see key moments that were filmed here recreated with mannequins, such as the knighting of Brienne of Tarth.
Dragonstone
The next area you visit is themed around Dragonstone, the ancestral seat of House Targaryen.
Here you will see rooms set up as the impressive Dragonstone Map Room and the Dragonstone Throne. There are also some enormous dragon skull props here to admire.
Costume shop / Special Effects / Prosthetics Workshop
From Dragonstone you will enter an area which is dedicated to helping you understand how different parts of the production were put together.
The costumes in the show were truly spectacular, and there’s a whole area dedicated to some of these amazing items as well as information on how they were created.
Special effects and visual effects were also a big part of the show, and you can learn about how these were created. There’s also a fun interactive here where you can animate your own Game of Thrones character by moving around.
Finally, this area also has a lot of information on the prosthetics that were used in the show, and how these were made. There’s another interactive experience here where you can virtually apply your own prosthetic!
Hall of Faces
In the show, the hall of faces is a large, pillared hallway, with the pillars home to the faces of the dead. Which is kind of creepy.
The studio tour version looked pretty much the same, except instead of dead people’s faces, the faces of previous visitors are displayed in the pillars. And yes, I made my own face which was added to the Hall of Faces, before hurrying along to somewhere slightly less creepy.
Armory Gallery & Armory Workshop
Game of Thrones was obviously a fairly violent show, and as such it included a lot of weaponry and armor.
These two areas of the tour showcase some of the incredible weapons and armor from the show, including the massive dragon-killing Scorpion artillery weapon.
There are also lots of other well-known weapons from the show on display, including Arya’s needle.
This area also goes into detail as to how the weapons were created, the work involved, and the sheer volume of weaponry that was required for the show. Hint – it was a lot!
Finally, this area also has a really fun game where you can use your own bow and arrow to blow up hordes of the undead on screen. I really enjoyed this game, it was definitely my favourite of all the interactive experiences we tried.
Kings Landing
Towards the end of the tour you come to the Kings Landing themed area. This is actually home to a lot of different areas, so don’t worry, there’s still lots to see.
There’s Tommen’s Chamber, the Small Council Chamber, Map Courtyard, and Red Keep. I thought the Map Courtyard set piece was particularly impressive.
In this area you will also find information on the incredible musical score for the show and how that was put together.
Throne Room
The final set piece in the tour is the Throne Room in Kings Landing, where the Iron Throne sits.
This is set up as it was shown towards the end of Season 8, with much of the room in ruins and snow dusting the floor.
It’s an impressive way to end the tour.
Shop, Throne & Exit
The Throne Room is the final room of the tour. If you feel you missed something, this is the time to turn back as once you exit to the shop you can’t go back inside.
We’d already spent a couple of hours inside by this point so was ready to hit the shop. The gift shop is absolutely full of items from the show, so if there’s anything you need, from clothing to magnets to coasters, they’ve got you covered.
The shop is also where you can actually sit on the Iron Throne! Ok, so it’s a replica and not the actual one from the show. But you can sit on it in front of a green screen, and live your own fantasy of winning the Game of Thrones.
Once you’re done shopping and taking photos, you return to the lobby where you can collect any belongings, refresh with a drink or snack at the cafe, and wait for your shuttle bus or coach transfer.
There’s a helpful screen here which shows all the upcoming departure times. For the return shuttle to the parking lot there’s no specific timeslot, you just get on the next available shuttle when you are ready to leave.
And that’s it!
Overall Thoughts on our Visit to the Game of Thrones Studio
We really enjoyed our visit to the Game of Thrones Studio tour. We learned a lot about how the show was made, and we appreciated all the interactive displays and photo opportunities.
Personally, I think it is a must visit for Game of Thrones fans. However, even if you are not a fan of the show it is really interesting just in learning all the behind the scenes work that goes into make a big tv show like this.
Overall, it reminded us a lot of the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford, If you have done that and enjoyed it, you’ll probably enjoy this experience as well. The bonus is that this doesn’t get as many visitors and isn’t as crowded.
Sitting on the “Glass of Thrones” throne in Belfast
Tips for Visiting the Game of Thrones Studio
If you are planning to visit, here are some tips to help you prepare for your visit and make the visit itself go as smoothly as possible.
Decide how you are going to get there
The first thing you’ll need to do when planning your visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour is decide how you are going to get here. Your choices are to drive and take the short shuttle from the parking lot, or to book a ticket with round-trip transport from Dublin or Belfast.
The advantage of driving is that it will let you be more flexible in your timing in terms of how long you stay at the attraction. The round-trip transport coaches obviously have to operate to a timetable, and you don’t want to miss your return coach.
That said, they do allow for enough time for people to have a great time at the studio.
Book your tickets in advance
You need to book your tickets in advance when visiting the studio as you can’t buy tickets at the studio. Tickets have a timed entry slot and you need to show up at the time on your ticket.
If you are driving, make sure you arrive in plenty of time to take the shuttle.
Also note if you are interested in the afternoon tea experience, you need to book that in advance as well.
Decide if you want the audio guide
You should decide if you want the audio guide before you visit. You can either rent this in person and use their handset or you can use your own smartphone and headphones and download the app.
Both options incur a fee, but obviously you will get more out of your visit if you opt for the audio guide. You can hire this on site.
If English is not your first language, then an audioguide will probably really help you make the most of your visit if it is available in your native language.
Personally we didn’t hire the audioguide and we felt that we still had an amazing time. However, if you have plenty of time and really want to nerd out, then it’s probably a good thing to get.
Don’t Rush
The average visitor spends between 2 hours and 3 hours on the studio tour. So I would be sure to allow yourself at least 3 hours here to fully enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. There is a lot to see, read, and do here.
In addition you may also want extra time to explore the gift shop or have a meal. If driving you need to allow for the 10-minute shuttle rides at the beginning and end.
Take Part!
The Game of Thrones Studio tour has a lot of interactive games and experiences you can take part in as you go around. From adding your face to the Hall of Faces to blowing up the undead with a bow and flaming arrow to taking photos on the Iron Throne, these are a lot of fun.
They really add to the experience in my opinion, and as most of them are included in your ticket (with the exception of the photos) you should definitely take advantage of them all!
Further Reading
We’ve been lucky enough to both explore a number of Game of Thrones locations around the world, as well as a lot of Ireland. Based on our experiences, we have a number of other posts we think you will enjoy and find useful for your trip planning.
Many of the GoT locations in Northern Ireland can be found along the Causeway Coastal Route – check out our guide to the highlights of the Causeway Coastal Route for more inspiration on what to see on the way.
Game of Thrones fans heading to Iceland will definitely want to check out our guide to Game of Thrones in Iceland. The show was also filmed in Girona, and you can see our guide to Girona here.
And that’s it for our guide to visiting the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Northern Ireland! As always, we’re happy to hear your comments and feedback. Just pop them in the comments below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
A photography accessory that I find useful for all sorts of things as a professional photographer is a photography bean bag. These are a versatile and highly portable product which can be used for a range of different types of photography.
I first got into using a photography bean bag when Jess and I went on safari several years ago. However, since then we have come to use a photography bean bag for a range of different types of photography, and I personally find them especially useful for wildlife photography.
Whilst I still regularly travel with and use my tripods of course, I have found that there are many times when a photography bean bag is a better option.
I’ve tested a number of photography bean bags in the real world, and I’ll share my favorites with you as well at a range of price points.
I’m also going to share with you everything you need to know about photography bean bags in general, so you can make your own informed choice. From what to look for, to when to use them, to what to fill them with, this guide should help you decide on whether or not a photography bean bag is right for you.
Let’s get started!
What Can You Use a Photography Bean Bag for?
You may be wondering what you need a photography bean bag for. Well, there are actually quite a few uses for a photography bean bag which make it a useful tool for photographers, even if, like me, you already own a tripod.
Personally I have quite a few tripods, but I also own quite a few photography bean bags. I first bought one for a safari, but since then I have found them to be useful for a range of photography.
As a result of research for this guide, I also have quite a few of them now, although most photographers will only need one or two.
Anyway, here are some situations where a photography bean bag will come in useful.
Wildlife photography
A photography bean bag can be an invaluable tool for wildlife photographers. Wildlife photography often involves sitting or lying still for prolonged periods of time with a long, heavy lens, just waiting for something to happen.
As most of us don’t have arms like Arnold Schwarzenegger, it’s not practical to hold a lens up for hours on end waiting for wildlife to appear.
With a bean bag, you can solve this problem by resting your heavy camera kit on the bean bag while you wait for the action.
Of course, you could use a tripod in this situation as well. However, a bean bag often allows you to get closer to the ground than a tripod, is more portable, and can work in a wide range of situations. It’s also very fast to set up and move, and is much more cost effective.
If you are shooting birds from a constructed wooden hide for example, a bean bag can easily be rested on the window ledge of the hide. In these situations, depending on the size of the hide, a tripod can be a bit of an encumbrance where a bean bag is not.
Overall, wildlife photography is an excellent example of when a bean bag make sense for a photographer.
Travel photography
As a travel photographer, I have long been of the opinion that a travel tripod is an essential bit of photography kit.
However, I appreciate that not everyone wants to carry even a lightweight travel tripod with them on a trip. Sometimes it might not even be possible to take a tripod, even a light one, due to luggage allowance restrictions.
So if you don’t want to, or can’t, take a tripod with you on your next trip, but still want to do photography that would benefit from a tripod such as long exposure photography, star photography, northern lights photography, wildlife photography etc., then a bean bag is a great option.
They pack light, especially if you buy the filling in destination, are versatile, and will let you get a range of photos that you wouldn’t have been able to achieve otherwise. In travel photography, a bean bag is the next best thing to a tripod.
Safari / Vehicle-Based Photography
If you are doing any photography from a vehicle, then a bean bag can make a big difference to your experience.
The classic example of shooting from a vehicle is of course when you are taking photos on safari. However, there are other situations when you might want to take pictures from a vehicle, from visiting a state or national park through to visiting a drive through zoo.
Generally, if you are shooting from a vehicle, even a larger safari type vehicle where you can stand up and move around a bit, a tripod or even a monopod isn’t going to be practical. The legs get in the way, you can’t move them quickly enough to respond to wildlife movements, they won’t let you shoot from every angle, and you’ll just end up frustrated.
A bean bag solves this problem. You can place it almost anywhere, from a windowsill to the edge of a pop-top in a safari vehicle. They are relatively light and portable, and you can use them to support even larger lenses.
Overall, if you are planning a safari or any type of photography that might involve a vehicle, I think a bean bag is an essential addition to your kit.
Tripod Weight
A bean bag can also be really helpful for weighting down a tripod. Many tripods have a system underneath where you can hang ballast to improve stability.
If you have a photography bean bag which has a carry loop or d-ring, and you fill it with heavier fill like sand, beans or Poly Beads, then it can double up as useful ballast for your tripod as well.
What is the Best Filling for a Photography Bean Bag?
The great thing about a photography bean bag is that, despite the name, you can actually fill it with all sorts of things. In fact, many bean bags ship empty so you can make your own decision as to what to fill it with.
The different filling options allow you to choose how heavy or light you want your bean bag to be. A heavier bean bag will generally provide more stability whilst a lighter bean bag is going to be more portable. So you have to choose the option that works best for you.
Here are some filling options to consider and my thoughts on each. These are approximately ordered from lighter to heavier options.
Polystyrene balls. These are a very light and cheap bean bag fill option. Their main advantage is the low weight, although they are probably a bit too light. They can also get everywhere if you are not careful!
Cushion stuffing. You might consider filling your bean bag with the same sort of stuff you would fill a cushion with. This can work, and will be quite light, but can be a little bit too soft and squishy to properly support a camera and lens.
Buckwheat hulls. These are a natural byproduct of buckwheat processing. They are popular as use for filling pillows, and make an excellent photography bean bag fill. They are relatively light but are also quite hard. They are also fairly small, which means the bag will be quite flexible in shape. The main downside is that larger lenses (>200mm) can crush them over time, reducing their usefulness.
Dried seeds (sunflower, bird seed etc.). Dried seeds are a popular choice as a bean bag fill as they are widely available. They are going to be heavier than the previous options on this list, offering a more stable platform. The main downside is that edible seeds can attract wildlife, and being organic they won’t last forever. Seeds also contain oils which can release into your bean bag case.
Dried beans or grains (rice, kidney beans, red beans, black beans etc.). These are similar in weight, performance and availability to dried seeds. I would say they are a slightly better option as they have less oils and will likely last longer. If you are traveling, they are widely available for purchase, making them a great option.
Poly Beads – If you want a heavier, more durable option, then Poly Beads are the way to go. These are made from a hard plastic, so won’t break down, and are generally around five times heavier compared to something like Buckwheat
There are of course lots of other options to choose from. Some people use cat litter or sand to fill their bean bags. But I would say for most people, Buckwheat hulls, dried beans or poly beads are probably going to be the best options.
One tip, if you are going to be using organic materials which might stain or be hard to remove from the bag, is to put the fill in one or more heavy duty Ziploc plastic bags first. Then put those bags full of the fill inside the bean bag. This will protect the bag and the fill and make it easier to remove and clean if necessary.
Some options for filling a photography bean bag. From left to right: black beans, poly beads, buckwheat hulls.
What to Look for in a Photography Bean Bag
I’m now going to cover some of the different features that a photography bean bag can come with. This will help you decide which bean bag is going to be right for your needs.
Bean Bag Shape
The first decision to make is what shape photography bean bag you want. The main bean bag shapes are as follows.
Flat – a flat beanbag basically looks like a pillow. It offers versatile placement, but might not mold as well around objects such as a windowsill as some of the other shapes
Double-cushion – a double cushion bean-bag is basically two flat bean bags sewn together in the middle. This offers good versatility, as you can use it like a flat bean bag, balancing the camera on the top, or you can use it on its side, with the camera nestled between the two cushions
Saddle bag – this bean bag looks like a lower-case letter “n”, or a “u”, depending which way up you have it. You can use it either way up. In the “n” shape you can place each of the legs over a windowsill or other edge for stability. In the “u” shape, you can put the camera lens between the two legs and rest the flat part on the ground.
Each bean bag shape offers advantages and disadvantages. Personally I like the saddle bag shape as it offers a lot of versatility for a range of situations. However, the flat cushion shape also works well in specific situations, such as when shooting on the ground.
Bean Bag Material
Bean bags can be made out of a range of materials which affect the durability and weight of the product.
Different parts of the bean bag may also be made out of different types of material. For example, parts of it may be made out of a water resistant material or a material that features a grippy surface.
Common materials for bean bags to be made from include Cordura, Nylon and Canvas. The main thing is to ensure the materials used offer good quality with high quality stitching. A rubberized grippy base is also a good feature to look for as it offers both waterproofing and additional stability.
How to Fill Bean Bag
One of the good things about most photography bean bags is that you can remove and change the fill. So, if you are planning a trip where packing weight is a consideration, then you will likely want to empty your bean bag before your trip and fill it in destination.
Different bean bags offer different options for how you actually open them up to access the interior where the filling resides. These can include zippered openings and velcro openings.
Personally, I would recommend a high quality zippered opening. Velcro is not as good as it can come open in the middle of a shoot or in your bag with messy consequences.
Some bean bags offer multiple zippered openings, which can make distributing the fill to different parts of the bean bag easier. With saddlebag designs for example, the zip is often on the leg, so having two zippered openings can be particularly helpful to ensure both legs get an even amount of fill.
Size of Bean Bag
When shopping for a bean bag, you will want to decide on how big you want the bean bag to be. This will affect a few things.
First, a larger bean bag will be able to accommodate a larger lens. If you have a particularly large lens (300mm and up on a full frame camera), you will want to be sure the bean bag is going to be large enough to fully cushion and support it.
Of course, a large bean bag will require more filling, and the final filled weight of the bag will also be heavier (although this is also obviously affected by what you fill it with).
Bean Bag Color
The color of your bean bag is also something to consider. Most bean bags come in wildlife friendly colors, including browns, khakis, greens and black. Some also have a camo style print.
Most colors will work for most uses. However, for specific photography situations, some colors will be better than others. For example, if you are going on safari it is often recommended to avoid colors like black or blue as these can attract tsetse flies. So in this situation, a khaki, green, camo, or sandy color would be good.
If you are planning on using your bean bag for wildlife photography in general, and will be trying to blend in with your surroundings, then a camo style bean bag might be worth considering.
Additional Features
Some manufacturers like to differentiate their bean bags by offering additional features. If you are comparing two similarly priced bean bags and one has extra features that you find useful, then that one might be a better fit for you.
Features I have seen include zippered pockets to hold accessories, grippy bases, straps for carrying, the ability to convert between a pillow shape and a saddle shape, and even tripod thread for mounting tripod heads or gimbals.
The Best Photography Bean Bags
I’m now going to go through a number of photography bean bags of different styles and at different price points. I have personally tried out the majority of these bean bags myself.
If I haven’t tried a specific model, then I have tried another version from the same brand, and would expect the experience to be similar.
Many brands have multiple bean bag options, with the differentiators being the size of the bean bag and the lenses they can support. Some brands also offer multiple bean bag styles.
These bean bags are ordered approximately by price from lower to higher, but prices always vary so do click through the check the latest price for each model when comparing.
The very first camera bean bag I bought was this budget option called the Grippa Bean Bag.
It is essentially two square bean bags sewn together with an interior join so beans can flow from one side to the other.
Despite its budget nature, it actually worked very well on my safari. When I purchased it prior to a safari trip it came prefilled with very light polystyrene beads, which made it light (if bulky) to travel with. The interior is accessed with a zip which means you can empty it and refill it, and it can also be purchased empty.
Honestly, I’d probably recommend purchasing it empty and filling it with something other than the polystyrene beads. They are a little light, and they also make a bit of noise when you use the bag, which might scare wildlife away.
That said, I had a good experience using this bean bag on safari in East Africa, and if you are in the UK looking for a more budget oriented option, it’s definitely one to consider.
Dimensions: 21.6 x 21.2 x 20.5 cm / 8.5 x 8.3 x 8.1 inches Item Weight: 0.22kg /7.76oz (no fill) Purchase: Check price on Amazon UK here.
Kinesis makes a range of photography bean bags with a primary focus on bean bags that work well for safari. Of course, their bean bags also work well for all kinds of other uses, but their original mission was to create bean bags specifically for the needs of photographers on safari. Their bags are all made in the USA.
Safari photography often has you taking photos from a vehicle, either through a side window or through a pop-up roof viewing area. You tend to have to move quickly and adjust your position, and there tend to be all sorts of odd bits of metal on a safari truck to work around.
As such, the Kinesis SafariSacks are designed to be flexible and tough to stand up to the rigors of being bumped around and placed over all sorts of shapes.
The Kinesis SafariSack 1.4 is currently their smallest model, designed for lenses up to 200mm in length. It has zippered access to the fill area, and a rubberized base which has grippy sections at each end of the bag.
The bag is made of 400-denier and 420-denier Diamond Ripstop nylon fabrics, and the base is SlipNot, a rubberize-type fabric.
This SafariSack is designed to be used in flat mode. On safari this is generally best for use on top of a vehicle. It also has a quick release strap which can be used to secure the bag, for example to a roof mounted rack, offering additional peace of mind. It can also be used as a carry strap, and extended with an optional accessory for use as a shoulder strap.
Personally, I’d recommend purchasing the version which comes with the optional shoulder strap as it makes it easier to carry.
Kinesis provides estimated weights for the bag when it is filled with different materials. With Buckwheat the weight would be 240g / 8.5oz. With Polybeads, it would be 910g / 2lbs. You can normally purchase the bag empty or with either buckwheat or polybeads supplied.
Personally, I would recommend buying the variant with the buckwheat fill and the Y208 extension strap.
I have a larger Kinesis SafariSack and the build quality of their products is excellent.
Dimensions: 20 x 28 cm (7.9 x 11″) Item Weight: 0.08kg / 2.9oz (no fill) Purchase: Check price on Amazon here and B&H Photo here.
LensCoat are a US based company who have been creating products aimed at wildlife photographers for many years. The company was started by wildlife photographer Scott Elowitz, and their products are all made in the USA.
LensCoat are particularly well known for their LensCoat lens covers. This is a neoprene wrap which goes around a lens, offering thermal protection, waterproofing, and camouflage.
However, they also make a range of photography bean bags.
The LensCoat LensSack Jr. is a flat style bean bag although depending on how you fill it you can shape it in a “v” shape if you prefer. It has a non-slip grippy bottom along the full base of the bean bag and the bag itself is constructed from water-resistant heavy-duty Cordura.
It has a locking zipper for fill compartment access as well as a carry-strap and 4 d-ring securing points.
Compared to the Safari Sack 1.4 this is a slightly larger bean bag which can handle larger lenses, I’d estimate up to 400mm would work fine on this bean bag. It also has the advantage of offering grip along the entire base of the bean bag, which is a nice feature.
If you have a bigger lens or would prefer an even larger flat style bean bag from LensSack, check out the LensCoat LensSack which offers the same features but in a larger size.
I own a saddle bag shaped LensCoat bean bag and have found the product to be well made and durable.
Dimensions: 38 x 20 cm (19.5 x 11.5″) Item Weight: 0.08kg / 2.9oz (no fill) Purchase: Check price on Amazon here and B&H Photo here.
The Grizzly Camera bean bag is a saddlebag style bean bag which offers a no-frills but fairly well-made bean bag product at a good price. I bought this to compare it to some of the more expensive options on the market.
The bag itself is made from 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon which, looks and feels (to my touch) hard wearing. It’s relatively large, able to work with lenses up to 600mm comfortably I would say.
The saddle area which would normally sit over the windowsill, fence post or other support is made from a rubberized coating for waterproofing and durability. This base is a little smooth though, especially compared to the Kinesis or LensCoat products.
It has a single high quality YKK zipper, which is functional if not as handy as having two zippers. There’s also a carry handle.
Overall, for the price, this is a good saddlebag option. You don’t get the extra features and more premium construction of higher end bags but it is certainly good enough for regular use.
Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 20 cm (10 x 8 x 8″) Item Weight: 0.15kg / 5.6oz (no fill) Purchase: Check price on Amazon here and Etsy here.
The Kinesis SafariSack is one of my personal favorite photography bean bags that I’ve used, primarily because of its versatility.
It is essentially a larger version of the SafariSack 1.4, which works with longer lenses up to 800mm. However, it does have some key added features that make it worth the upgrade beyond larger lens capacity, even for smaller lenses.
The main differentiating feature it has is that it’s designed to be used as both a flat bag and also in a more saddlebag shape. To achieve the saddlebag shape, you just tighten the two straps underneath the bag which pull the ends together to form the “legs” of the saddle.
It is designed with a gusset in the middle of the bag so that when in saddlebag mode this area has more fill and thus provides more support. That said, Kinesis do recommend filling the bag slightly less than full if planning on using it in saddlebag mode.
Whilst it’s obviously not quite as firm of a shape as a purpose-built saddlebag, I find that it works well and molds well to different surface shapes.
Like the 1.4 model, the 4.2 also has a rubberized bottom, and a carry handle which can be extended into a shoulder strap with the optional Y208 extension strap. I would definitely recommend purchasing the version with the carry strap as it makes it a lot easier to carry around. The carry handle also has d-ring attachments.
The bag is made of 400-denier and 420-denier Diamond Ripstop nylon fabrics, and the base is SlipNot, a rubberized-type fabric.
Parts of this base at each end of the bag have extra grip, as you can see in the below image, which helps especially when using the bag in a more saddlebag configuration for grip.
Another thing I like about all the Kinesis SafariSacks is that the fill zipper stops about half an inch from the edge of the bag. This means there is room for the zipper pull to fold over flat up to the edge of the bag. It is then secured under the zipper flap.
This means it’s a lot easier to know when it is properly closed. The other bean bags I’ve used require you to try and push the zipped closed right up to the edge of the bag. This can make it hard to know if it’s properly closed.
A properly closed zipper on a bean bag is really important as otherwise your fill can start to pour out, which is not a good situation to be in.
Kinesis provides estimated weights for the bag when it is filled with different materials. With Buckwheat the weight would be 0.66kg / 1lb 7oz. With Polybeads, it would be 2.5kg / 5lbs 8oz.
You can normally purchase the bag empty or with either buckwheat or polybeads supplied, and with or without the carry strap. I would recommend the version with the Y208 extension strap which will make it easier to secure and carry.
Then, I’d suggest the version with buckwheat if you have a lens up to around 200mm, or plan to travel with it. If weight is not an issue and you have a larger lens, then the Poly Bead option is the best option.
Dimensions: 24 x 40 cm (15.7 x 9.4″) Item Weight: 0.144kg / 5oz (no fill) Purchase: Check price on Amazon here and B&H Photo here.
The LensCoat LensSack Pro Jr. is my favourite saddlebag style “u” shaped photography bean bag that I own. It is really well made and has some unique features that I’ve not seen in other photography bean bags.
First, the basics. It’s made of heavy-duty water resistant Cordura, with a rubberized base and reinforced stitched seams. The base (the inside of the “u”) offers grip across its whole surface, which is a really nice feature for ensuring stability and grip.
The LensSack Pro Jr can support lenses up to 500mm (for larger lenses look at the LensCoat LensSack Pro). It has two YKK locking zippers, one on each leg, making it easy to fill and empty.
In terms of extra features, you get two adjustable quick release straps at the end of each leg which can be used for carrying and securing the LensSack. There is also a M.O.L.L.E webbing system on the outside of each leg which you can attach pouches and accessories to.
Each leg also has a storage compartment which is secured by Velcro, and is suitable for carrying things like spare batteries, memory cards and so-on.
The real stand out feature though is that it comes with a removable lightweight aircraft grade aluminum plate with a standard 3/8″-16 mounting screw. This is the standard size for a gimbal or ball head, meaning you can actually attach these accessories directly to the bag if you want.
Now, the price of this bag is certainly higher than some of the other options on the list, but I think the products features and premium quality more than justify that price point. It’s also made in the USA.
If you are looking for a high quality, well-made saddle bag style photography bean bag, I would say either the LensCoat LensSack Pro Jr. or Pro (for larger lenses up to 800mm) should definitely be on your short list.
LensCoat provides an estimated weight when filled with sunflower seeds of 2.5kg (5lb 8oz), without the mounting plate.
Dimensions: 17.7 x 16.5 x 19.1 cm (7 x 6.5 x 7.5 “) Item Weight: 0.26kg / 9oz (no fill). Add 0.12kg (4.2oz) if using mounting plate Purchase: Check price on Amazon here and B&H Photo here.
I wanted to include the Kinesis Safari Sack 7.3 in this list as it’s a true saddleback “u” shaped bag from Kinesis. It’s also, at time of writing, the largest photography bean bag that Kinesis make, and the largest in our list.
So, if you need a truly huge photography bean bag for a really big lens (think 600mm and up), then this is a good option. I think for most people this might be just a bit much, but I felt it was worth including so you can see all the options.
In terms of features, you get all the quality you would expect from Kinesis.
To start with, it’s made from the same materials as their other bags, which is a combination of 400-denier and 420-denier Diamond Ripstop nylon fabrics. The base (internal part of the “u”) is coated with SlipNot, a rubber-like fabric, which offers grip. Note the grip is across the whole part of the rubberized area.
Access to the interior is via only one zip, but as the zip is in the saddle part of the bag rather than in the legs, it does make distributing the fill evenly fairly easy.
In terms of additional features, there’s M.O.L.L.E style webbing slots on both sides of the bag for attaching accessories, there are a pair of carry straps sewn in to the top of the bag and there are also straps on the “feet” for easy pick up when it’s inverted.
Overall, if you need a really big photography bean bag I would say it’s a choice between this one and the LensCoat LensSack Pro. They are both great products, you would just need to decide which fits your needs and budget best.
Kinesis suggest using this bean bag with either Poly Beads, or the Git-Lite product. The latter is similar to Poly Beads but is roughly half the weight.
As this bag is designed for larger lenses, a fill like buckwheat is likely to get crushed over time.
With Poly Beads, the total weight of this bag is 9lbs 30z / 4.24kg. With Git-Lite, you’re looking at 4lbs 7oz / 2kg.
Dimensions: 20 x 40 x 22 cm (7.8 x 15.75 x 8.7 “) Item Weight: 0.2kg / 7oz (no fill) Purchase: Check price on Amazon here and B&H Photo here.
Tips for Using a Photography Bean Bag
Now that you have chosen your photography bean bag, I wanted to share a few tips to get the most out of it, based on my experiences.
Invert your tripod collar. If you have a camera with a tripod collar, rotate this so it’s at the top of the camera rather than the bottom, as otherwise it’s going to get in the way of the camera resting fully on the bean bag. Of course, if you are using a product like the LensSack Pro Jr with the ball head, you might be using the tripod collar, so ignore this tip!
Fill you photography bag in destination. If you are traveling, you can save your luggage space by filling the bag in destination rather than travelling with an already full bag
Choose your filling wisely and make sure you have enough of it as your bag will likely hold more than you think. There are multiple options for a filling. For organic materials, I find buckwheat hulls, sunflower seeds, or larger dried beans works well. I would avoid rice as the shape of rice means that is can compact a bit too much and means you can lose some of the flexible shape benefits of a bean bag. Polystyrene balls can be a good option, especially if you need something very lightweight, but they can be too light for some situations, challenging to work with to fill, not to mention environmentally unfriendly. Poly plastic beads are probably best option if you want something heavy, durable, and washable.
If you are using an organic product to fill your bean bag you will want to take care that it doesn’t get wet, and be aware that it might need to be replaced from time to time. A good idea is to put the filling into a Ziploc bag and sealing that, then putting the sealed Ziploc bag into your bean bag. Depending on the shape of the bean bag and the size of the access hole, you may need to use multiple bags.
When it comes to filling your bean bag, patience is the key. Make sure the zippered part is as high as possible relative to the rest of the bag, and pour the filling in carefully and slowly. You don’t want to make a mess everywhere and have to waste time trying to collect errant bits of fill!
Keep your bag secure. If you are planning to use this in vehicles, boats, tree limps, on railings, near cliffs, etc. then you want to make sure you secure you bag so it doesn’t accidentally fall or fly away. You can attach it to an object such as a vehicle hook, roof railing, or fence, secure it to your camera (if your camera is secured to you), or you can secure it around your neck. Most safari bags come with a strap of some kind but if yours don’t you can use something like this photography bag strap.
Further Reading
That’s it for my guide to the best bean bag for photography. If you found this useful, you might enjoy some of my other photography content. Here are some articles to get you started.
I have a detailed guide full of safari photography tips to help you get great photos on safari whatever your camera is
Once you’ve taken all your photos you don’t want to lose them! Read our guide to backing up your photos for an idea of how to keep them all safe.
Wildlife photography can often result in noisy images. See my guide to the best noise reduction software for some ideas on how to get the best out of your photos even when they might be a bit noisy
Knowing how to compose a great photo is a key photography skill. See our guide to composition in photography for lots of tips on this subject
We have a guide to what depth of field is and when you would want to use it.
We are big fans of getting the most out of your digital photo files, and do to that you will need to shoot in RAW. See our guide to RAW in photography to understand what RAW is, and why you should switch to RAW as soon as you can if your camera supports it.
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! I’d love to hear about your thoughts on bean bags for photography, and am happy to answer any questions you have. Just pop them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Pompeii is one of the most well-known archaeological sites in Italy, and a popular attraction for visitors. We’ve visited Pompeii a number of times over the years, (Laurence first visited in 1995) and in this guide we’re going to share everything you need to know to plan your own visit to Pompeii.
There’s a lot to see and learn about at Pompeii, and there are also various options for visiting. You can take a guided tour or do a self-guided visit, and there are also various transport options for getting to Pompeii from different locations in Italy, including Rome, Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
In this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to visit Pompeii, from getting to Pompeii, to which tours are worth it, to other sights in the area, and lots more. Let’s get started with some background.
What is Pompeii?
In AD 79, Pompeii (Pompei in Italian) was a relatively large and successful town in the Roman Empire, home to between 10 and 20 thousand people.
That all came to an end in the autumn of 79 AD when the nearby Mount Vesuvius volcano erupted. This had catastrophic consequences for the surrounding towns and villages.
Within 24 hours of the eruption, the massive amount of ash and pumice produced by the volcanic eruption had covered the towns in the region to a depth of 13 – 20 ft (4 – 6 metres).
Thousands of people who had tried to shelter lost their lives, and the towns were effectively lost to history.
It wasn’t really until the 18th century that Pompeii and neighboring towns such as Herculaneum surfaced back into public consciousness. This was when the first scientific excavations at the site took place.
In the following centuries, huge efforts were taken to reveal the hidden city, efforts that continue today. New discoveries are still being made at the site every year.
Pompeii effectively serves as a snapshot of a Roman town at the height of the Roman Empire. The volcanic eruption was so violent and quick that a great many inhabitants perished, with their bodies trapped in the ash. Plaster casts of the imprints these bodies left behind are an image that is inextricably linked with Pompeii.
Planning your Visit to Pompeii
I’ll now go through some helpful information to help you plan your trip to Pompeii, from how to get here to where to buy tickets and lots more.
Where is Pompeii?
Pompeii is found in the Campania region of Italy at the southern end of the Bay of Naples. It’s around 27km (16 miles) to the southeast of Naples, or approximately a 30-minute trip by car, bus or train.
It’s around 250km (155 miles) south of Rome, or approximately a three-hour journey by car, bus or train.
It is possible to visit Pompeii as a day trip from both Rome and Naples, options I will cover below.
House of the Tragic Poet
How to get to Pompeii?
Pompeii is relatively easy to reach, with good transport connections from various locations in Italy. We’ll go through the options for visiting Pompeii from some of the more popular departure points.
How to get to Pompeii from Rome?
It is possible to visit Pompeii as a day trip from Rome as long you are prepared for a long day with a fair bit of travel time. You’re generally looking at around 2.5 – 3 hours of travel time each way from Rome to Pompeii.
The main options you have are to drive, take public transport, or take a guided tour.
Drive from Rome to Pompeii
Unless you are planning on taking a road trip in Italy and continuing on after Pompeii, we’d suggest taking public transport or a tour rather than driving.
If you drive, you’ll have to go through the hassle of finding and renting a car, dealing with traffic around Rome, navigating, and paying tolls and gas.
Taking public transport or a tour is going to be a lot easier.
Public Transport from Rome to Pompeii
For public transport, you can take an express train from Rome to Naples Central train station. Then, from Naples you can take a local train to Pompeii.
See details below in the section on getting from Naples to Pompeii for how to do this.
Tours from Rome to Pompeii
Our recommended way for getting from Rome to Pompeii as a day trip is to take a guided tour. This will make your day a lot more relaxing as you won’t have to worry about logistics.
You’ll also have a better time at Pompeii with a professional guide to explain what you are seeing. There are a number of tour options to Pompeii from Rome, some recommended options are as follows.
When comparing tours and prices, always check how much time is actually spent at the various sights, as well as group size and what is and isn’t included.
Paying a little extra for a tour that includes more might work out more cost effective!
How to get to Pompeii from Naples?
There are multiple options for getting from Naples to Pompeii. You can drive, take the train, take a shuttle bus, take a train, or take a tour.
Drive from Naples to Pompeii
The drive from Naples to Pompeii is around 30 minutes via the A3 toll road, and there is paid parking on site.
This is going to be an option to consider if you already have a car rental for your trip in Italy, but we’d not recommend renting a car specifically for this journey as the other options are likely going to be easier.
Shuttle Bus from Naples to Pompeii
A really easy option for getting from Naples to Pompeii is to take the dedicated City Sightseeing bus. This departs from central Naples and takes you directly to the ruins.
The journey takes around 40 minutes depending on traffic, and you get around 4 hours on site. Note that you have to book a specific departure time, which ties you to a specific return time, you can’t choose to stay longer and come back on a later bus.
4 hours should give you enough time to see a lot, but if you wanted to spend longer on site then this might not be the best option.
There are two direct train options for getting from Naples Central train station to Pompeii.
First, you need to be aware that Pompeii itself has a couple of train stations. When taking the train to the Pompeii historical site you want to get off at Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteria Station as this is the one directly by the ruins.
Direct trains from Naples to Pompeii all depart from the Garibaldi train station, which is (a little confusingly) located directly underneath Naples Centrale train station.
The cheapest train option from Naples to Pompeii is the Circumvesuviana service. This regional commuter train system runs trains all around the area, and you will want to take a train which is heading to Sorrento.
Tickets can be purchased at the station, and there are normally a few trains every hour. Journey time to Pompeii is around 35 minutes. You can see train times on the official website here (Italian only).
A slightly more expensive, but generally more comfortable train option, is the tourist-oriented Campania Express train. This also operates from Garibaldi train station and takes you directly to the ruins.
Trains run less frequently and cost more, but are less crowded and more comfortable.
See timetables and buy tickets with seat reservation for the Campania Express train online here. Tickets are also available in person.
Note that Trenitalia runs trains from Naples central train station to Pompeii, but these go to the main train station in Pompeii rather than the station by the ruins.
It’s possible to take a shuttle out to the ruins or walk (20 – 30 minutes), but honestly, we’d recommend taking one of the other options as it’s going to be easier. You won’t be having a shortage of walking when you’re on site!
Entrance to Garbialdi train station in Naples from the Naples Central train station
Tours from Naples to Pompeii
You can also book a tour to Pompeii which includes round-trip transport to and from Naples. There are quite a few options, with both half-day and full-day tours available.
Most full-day tours include an additional attraction or two such as a visit to Mount Vesuvius or time on the Amalfi Coast.
Here are some options to consider.
How to get to Pompeii from Sorrento
Sorrento is one of the major towns on Italy’s popular Amalfi coast, a popular and spectacular destination for tourists visiting Italy. Sorrento makes for a good base for exploring the Amalfi Coast.
It’s also easy to get to, being connected by rail directly to Naples. This is on the same train line that goes to Pompeii, meaning you can easily reach Pompeii by train from Sorrento as well.
Here are some options for how to get from Sorrento to Pompeii.
Driving from Sorrento to Pompeii
You can drive from Sorrento to Pompeii, so if you already have your own car rental this is definitely an option to consider. However, you might find taking the train to be just as convenient.
The 28km (17 mile) drive takes around 40 minutes depending on traffic. Just remember you’ll need to pay for parking when you get to Pompeii.
Public Transport from Sorrento to Pompeii
Getting from Sorrento to Pompeii by public transport is easy. There is a regular train service from Sorrento to Naples, which stops at the Pompeii Scavi train station. This is right by the Pompeii site entrance.
Tickets can be purchased at the station, and there are normally a few trains every hour. Journey time to Pompeii is around 45 minutes. You can see train times on the official website here (Italian only).
Tours from Sorrento to Pompeii
You can also take a guided tour from Sorrento to Pompeii. These tours generally include round-trip transfers, and a guided tour of Pompeii lasting 2-3 hours.
Tours then differentiate by other additions such as lunch, and other destinations like Mount Vesuvius or Herculaneum.
Note that not all tours include your Pompeii entrance ticket, and any additional sights may have additional ticket requirements, such as Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum. So always check what is and isn’t included before booking anything.
Here is a selection of tours from Sorrento to Pompeii to consider.
As you can see there are plenty of options. We’d always recommend comparing a few different tours to see which suits your requirements and budget, and always check what is and isn’t included when comparing tours as well.
Pompeii Opening Times
Pompeii is normally open year-round with the exception of 25th December, 1st May, and 1st January.
Generally, everything at Pompeii opens at 9am, but closure times can vary. So if you want to see everything, then we recommend visiting in the morning. This is usually also the coolest time of day in the summer months.
There are also multiple locations across the main Pompeii site such as the Amphitheater, Garden of the Fugitives, House of the Menander etc. which also have opening times to be aware of. You can see those here.
Additionally, there are a number of nearby sites linked to Pompeii which have a last entrance time 30 minutes after the main site last entrance time.
These include Villa Regina, Villa Arianna, Villa San Marco and Villa de Poppea. These locations are all closed on Tuesdays with the exception of Villa Regina.
These extra sites require a specific ticket to access them and you need to take a shuttle bus from the main Pompeii site to reach them, so if you plan to visit these locations you will want to give yourself plenty of time.
You can see more information on opening times as well as any exceptional closure information for Pompeii on the official website here.
How Long to Visit Pompeii For
There is a great deal to see at Pompeii, however you also have to consider the time of year you are visiting and your personal interest in ancient archaeological sites when deciding how long to visit.
The majority of visitors come for 2 – 3 hours, which is also how long the majority of guided tours are.
If you think you will want to spend more time on site (there is lots to see), then a good option is to take a guided tour that finishes on site, and then explore on your own when the tour is finished. Your tour guide should be able to direct you to particular highlights once the tour is over.
We have done this and it was a great way to learn a lot from a guide, after which we were able to explore on our own at our leisure.
One thing to note, if you are visiting in the summer months it can get very hot here, and there isn’t a lot of shade, so visiting for much longer than 2 or 3 hours can be quite challenging.
However, if you are really keen to explore and spend more time on site, and are either prepared for the heat or are visiting at a cooler time of year, there is certainly lots to see! You could easily spend a whole day exploring Pompeii, especially if you head out to the villas. It’s entirely up to you!
Stabian Baths
Pompeii Ticket Information
We’ll now cover ticketing information for Pompeii, including ticket types and costs, discounted tickets, where to buy tickets and more.
Do You Need a Ticket for Pompeii?
Yes, all visitors need a ticket for Pompeii, even those eligible for free and discounted entry.
You can purchase tickets online in advance or in person on site.
How Much does it Cost to Visit Pompeii?
There are a number of ticket options for Pompeii, depending on what you want to see. These are as follows. Prices are correct as of April 2025.
Tickets are for adults 18 and over only. Children under 18 have free entry, although they do still require a ticket which can only be collected in person at the ticket office.
If you arrive at Pompeii with an Express ticket and decide you want to visit the villas, it is possible to purchase a ticket upgrade for €8 at the Herculaneum Gate – Street of the Tombs entrance. This only accepts card payment.
Are there Discounted Pompeii Tickets?
Yes, discounted Pompeii Tickets are available.
EU citizens between the ages of 18 and 24 inclusive with ID can enter the park for €2.
All children under 18 get free entry to Pompeii, although they still require a ticket.
There are currently no discounts for seniors.
Where to Buy Pompeii Tickets
You have a number of options for purchasing Pompeii tickets.
In person
First, you can buy tickets for Pompeii on-site at Pompeii itself. There are ticket offices at the three main entrances: Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro and Piazza Esedra.
We’d generally advise against this where possible as you might end up standing in line for a while, but it is an option.
If you under 18, an EU resident aged 18-24, or fall into another category for reduced price tickets, then you will need to visit the ticket office for your ticket.
This is so your qualification for the reduced price ticket can be verified, so be sure to bring any necessary paperwork, such as a government issued Photo ID document (i.e. a passport or ID card).
Online
You can buy Pompeii tickets online from a number of websites, as follows:
In our experience, the official website tends to have the lowest cost online tickets, but they do not come with free cancellation.
Tickets sold by third parties do normally cost a bit more, but can have benefits such as free cancellation as well as the option to book a guided tour.
We recommend comparing prices and options to see which suits you. It’s also important to carefully read the redemption instructions when buying a ticket online so you know what you need to do in advance of your visit.
Often you can just show a ticket on your smartphone, but sometimes you might need to print something out or collect a ticket from a specific pick-up point.
You can also buy this pass which includes access to multiple sites of interest. It includes your Pompeii entry ticket, Vesuvius ticket and Herculaneum ticket. If you plan on visiting all these sights this can be can good option to consider.
By Phone
You can buy tickets for Pompeii by phone. The number is +39 811 865 8177. The office is normally open weekdays from 9.30 to 6pm. There’s a surcharge of €1.50 for booking by phone.
Can you Skip the Lines at Pompeii?
There are two lines at Pompeii. First, there is the line for the ticket office where you can buy tickets in person. Next, there is an entrance line for going into the site, which includes a security check.
If you pre-book your ticket, in most cases you can skip the ticket line. However, this will depend on the ticket you purchase, as some online tickets require you to swap a voucher for an actual ticket, so do check if this is the case with the ticket you have purchased.
The security / ticket-check line cannot be skipped by any visitors, but in our experience it moves pretty quickly.
When is Pompeii Free in 2025?
Pompeii is free to visit on the first Sunday of every month. On these days you will still need a ticket, but there is no cost for purchasing it.
Tickets for the free days can be purchased online at the official Ticketone site here, or in person at the ticket office on site.
We’d suggest doing the online ticket option as the site can get very busy on the free days, and if it exceeds capacity, the ticket offices close.
Note that some third-party sites will still charge you for the free ticket days, so only buy tickets for the free days on the official site!
What is the Pompeii Official Website?
There are multiple sites offering information on visiting Pompeii, including this one.
However, for the latest information on visiting Pompeii including ticket prices, updates, opening hours and more, we always recommend consulting the official website.
You can find it at the following web address, with content available in multiple languages including English. The site is excellent and has a wealth of information to help you plan your visit, and is well worth checking out.
Pompeii is a large attraction, covering around 65 hectares (170 acres). From the east side to the west side is around a kilometer (0.67 miles), and it’s 0.8km (0.5 miles) from north to south.
Suffice to say, it’s not hard to get lost in Pompeii. Whilst much of the site is laid out in a grid, there are also plenty of narrow lanes and twists and turns. Navigation isn’t helped by fairly limited signage.
To help you find your way around, it’s a good idea to have an idea of the layout of Pompeii.
The first thing to know is that Pompeii is divided into nine distinct regions, or “Regio“. This system was developed way back in the 19th century when the site started to be excavated and remains in use to this day.
Each regio is assigned a Roman number, from I (one) to IX (nine). The regio is in a grid pattern, 3 wide and 3 high.
The layout of the regions isn’t entirely intuitive. It’s a counterclockwise spiral starting from the lower middle grid square. You can think of it like a tic-tac-toe board, or a table that looks as follows.
VI
V
IV
VII
IX
III
VIII
I
II
Having an idea of this grid and the numbering system will help you orient yourself when you are on site, as the Regio number you are in is regularly printed on walls and in signs.
Each Regio is also divided into “Insulae” or “Insula”. In Roman times, an Insulae was a city block, or an apartment building. For Pompeii, the Insulae are the blocks.
So, when you see a sign in Pompeii, it will usually tell you which Regio and Insulae you are in, for example REG VII INS XIII would mean you are in Regio 7, Insula 13.
The Insula follow a layout system which I’m sure makes sense to an archeologist but seems designed to confuse the average person in my opinion.
However, it doesn’t really matter, because the official map has both the Regio and Insula numbers marked. So, if you have the map, all you need to do is find a sign to know where you are.
We highly recommend doing this in advance and saving it to your smartphone for reference. You should be able to get a printed version of this guide when you visit, but it’s good to be prepared just in case they aren’t available.
There are also street names to help you orient yourself. The main houses and attractions also have names.
I’d also add that each house (and some of the rooms in the houses) also have numbers. However, this is really more for cataloging and archaeological purposes rather than something visitors would want to use for navigating!
It is also worth noting that whilst most visitors visit the main Pompeii site, there are a number of other sites which have been excavated, and which can also be visited. These require you to have a different ticket, and to take a shuttle bus from the main site.
In summary, if you are visiting Pompeii without a guide, we recommend having a map on hand, and being aware of the Regio and Insulae system. You can also orient yourself with nearby obvious landmarks, with Mount Vesuvius often visible for example.
Model of Pompeii as displayed in the Naples Archaeological Museum
What to see and do at Pompeii
There’s a lot to see and do in Pompeii, and it can be a fairly overwhelming place to visit. This is why we would recommend taking a guided tour, or at the very least getting an audio guide.
To help you figure out what to see, we’re going to share what we think are some of the unmissable sights at Pompeii. Most tours will include at least some of these, although tour routes can vary. If you are taking a tour, always check what they include to be sure it covers your interests.
Top Sights at Pompeii
Obviously, everyone will have slightly different interests, however we think this is a good overview of the main highlights at Pompeii. These are the sights that most tours are likely to visit as well, although of course it will vary, and not all tours will visit every sight we list.
These sights are ordered approximately as you would encounter them entering the city from the western side. There’s an excellent map here you can download for reference as well.
Porta Marina – arguably the most impressive of the original seven gateways to the city, and the one which led to the sea, hence the name. The barrel-vaulted ceiling is made from concrete and dates from 80BC.
Plaster Casts of Pompeii’s victims – One of the most well-known sights at Pompeii are the plaster casts of those who lost their lives in the eruption, including people and dogs. The victims were encased in ash and asphyxiated, and their bodies entombed. Over time the bodies decomposed, leaving gaps in the hardened ash layer. During the excavations, plaster was carefully injected into these cavities to form the molds you can see today. These can be seen at various locations in Pompeii, including at the Antiquarium and the Forum Granary
Antiquarium di Pompei (Pompeii archaeological museum) – found by the Porta Marina, this museum houses a collection of artifacts from the site. It must be said that the best artefacts from Pompeii can be found in the Naples Archaeological Museum, however there is a lot to see here nonetheless, including plaster casts of Pompeii’s victims.
The Forum (Foro) – the heart of any Roman city or town is the Forum, where you would have found city administration buildings, the main temples and the market. If something important was going to happen in Pompeii, this was probably where it was going to happen.
Basilica – found in the south-western corner of the Forum, the Basilica dates from around 80BC. Despite the religious sounding name, it was actually more of a civic hall, used for business and as a court for handling legal matters. Religious Basilicas came later, basing their name and layout on the Roman buildings!
Forum Granary – The Granary is located by the Forum and would originally have been the main produce market. Today it is the home of thousands of artifacts which have been excavated from the ruins, as well as plaster casts of some of the victims of the disaster.
Baths of the Forum (Terme del Foro) – No Roman town is complete without a bath house (the more the better), and Pompeii had at least five of them. The Baths of the Forum are the closest to the Forum. Here you can see the male and female bathing houses including the hot bath room, warm bath room and cold plunge room.
Via Abbondanza (main street) – the main street (Decumanus Maximus in Roman times) of Pompeii runs west to east from the Forum all the way across the town to Sarno Gate. This would have been a busy, pedestrianized street filled with shops and food and drink vendors. The stretch which leads from the Forum has three upright stones, designed to block chariot passage as this was a pedestrian street.
Eateries – along many of the streets, and especially the main streets, you will see evidence of ancient Roman eateries. Look for marble counter tops with holes cut out where the food would have been stored.
Arches – Pompeii has a number of arches which you will see throughout the city. At the northern end of the Forum is an honorary arch, whilst further north at the intersection of Via Fortuna and Vicolo del Foro you will find the Arch of Caligula. Some of these arches also served a more practical function, hiding water tanks that supplied nearby fountains. Today many of these fountains have been modernized and provide clean drinking water for visitors.
House of the Tragic Poet (Casa del Poeta Tragico) – One of the many houses you can visit in Pompeii, this one is just to the north of the Forum by the Arch of Caligula. It’s notable for the beautiful mosaic floors which depict scenes from Greek mythology, which is where the houses name comes from.
House of the Faun (Casa del Fauno) – just to the northeast of the House of the Tragic Poet, on Vicolo del Fauno, this is one of the largest and most well-known of the houses in Pompeii, and is a must-visit. It occupies a whole block, taking up around 32,000 square feet, and would have been owned by a very wealthy family. The name comes from a bronze statue of a faun which was found here, the original of which is in the Naples Archaeological Museum (a copy is viewable in the house).
House of the Vetti (Casa dei Vetti)– found to the northeast of the House of the Faun, the House of the Vetti is a beautifully decorated property featuring many beautiful fresco paintings which depict various mythological scenes. It’s also a very large property.
Brothel (Lupanare) – almost as popular today as it likely was in its heyday 2,000 years ago (although with a somewhat different clientele), the brothel was where citizens came to find sex workers, as well as drinks and social interaction. The name Lupanare comes from the Latin name for a wolf-den, as prostitutes were known as she-wolves. The brothel has fairly graphic frescoes and graffiti, and parents might want to skip this attraction.
Stabian Baths (Terme Stabiane) – As previously mentioned, Pompeii had at least five bath houses, of which the Stabian Baths are the largest and oldest. In fact, they are one of the oldest Roman baths in the world. They are found on the intersection Via dell’Abbondanza and Via Stabiana. Here you can see the different mens and women’s bathing areas. We’d probably recommend picking one bath house to visit, unless you are particularly into Roman bath houses.
Other sites which are a little off the main route and which are not always included on regular tours (although, again, this varies!):
Temple of Isis (Tempio di Iside) – this small and largely intact temple is found next to the Grand Theatre, and is dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis. The Cult of Isis was popular in Pompeii, despite proclamations against it by the Roman Senate. It is believed that the composer Mozart visited this temple when he was 13, and it inspired his composition The Magic Flute
Grand Theater (Teatro Grande) – Entertainment was a key part of Roman life, and there were a number of venues across the city where performances would have taken place. The Grand Theater was built in the Greek style, which meant taking advantage of a natural hill slope to create the auditorium, which would have had seating for 5,000 spectators. Much of the Theatre survives today, and it is well worth a visit. It’s in the south part of Pompeii, near Porta di Stabia.
Small Theater (Teatro Piccolo – Odeion) – Right next to the Grand Theater is the Small Theater, a more intimate performance venue which was also used for council meetings. It also had a roof, primarily to improve acoustics. At the time, it was often used for mime performances, which were popular. It was also used for music.
Viewpoint / Panoramic View of Pompeii – To grasp the scale of Pompeii, you should consider visiting the viewpoint by Casina dell’Aquila, just by the intersection of Via Dell’Abbondanza and Vicolo di Tesmo. The viewpoint is at the original level of the ground here before the excavation, and will give you an idea of just how much ground had to be moved in order to unearth the city.
House of Menander (Casa del Menandro) – owned by a high ranking and wealthy family, this large house (19,000 square feet) is named for the fresco which depicts the Greek playwright Menander. There are a number of rooms that can be visited.
Garden of the Fugitives (Orto dei Fuggiaschi) – found in the southeast part of Pompeii, the Garden of the Fugitives contains the plaster casts of 13 of the victims who died trying to escape the city.
Amphitheater – an important entertainment center in a Roman city or town was the amphitheater, essentially an enclosed theatre which was used for gladiatorial battles, circuses and more. The most famous Amphitheatre is Rome’s Colosseum, but the one in Pompeii is actually one of the oldest surviving amphitheaters from the Roman Empire. Much of the structure still survives, with seating for around 20,000 people.
Aqueduct – The Romans were incredible engineers, and whilst they didn’t invent the aqueduct, their aqueducts were definitely engineering wonders of their time. They allowed the distribution of water across the Roman Empire, and allowed towns like Pompeii to get fresh water to their citizens. The water in Pompeii was carried by the Augustan Aqueduct, sourcing water from 96km away, using only gravity to move the water! Today, you can see where the aqueduct system arrived into the city at Castellum Aqueduct, next to Porto Vesuvio in the northern part of the city. From here it was distributed to water towers and fountains across the city.
As you can see, there’s plenty to see and take in at Pompeii!
Casa Del Menandro
Casa del Fauno
Pompeii Amphitheater
Tours of Pompeii
One of the best ways to visit Pompeii is to take a guided tour. There’s a lot to see and a lot of history and information to absorb, and having a good guide can definitely improve your experience.
You have a few options for taking a tour. You can book a tour which includes transport from a major city such as Rome or Naples. Or, you can make your own way to Pompeii and just take a tour on site.
We’ll include a number of options for you to consider, depending on your preferences.
You can also book a tour guide on arrival at Pompeii. Tour guides are available just inside the site entrance and should have an official badge.
Note however that whilst accredited, the guides are freelance and prices are not fixed. You will need to negotiate price, route and tour duration with the available on-site guides.
Generally, these guides will have a price they charge for a tour, irrespective of group size. By having a larger group you’ll pay less per person, but obviously have a less personalized experience.
Depending on how busy the day is, guides may not be available. So, we would generally recommend booking a guided tour in advance instead.
Pompeii Forum on a guided tour
Pompeii official guide point
Practicalities for Visiting Pompeii
Dress Code at Pompeii
Pompeii is not a religious site and as such there is no specific dress code for visiting.
There are a couple of rules around clothing. First, you cannot be bare chested, you must be wearing a top. In addition, clothing that could be considered disruptive is also not allowed, and costumes, masks and banners are not permitted.
This clothing rule is normally used to prevent protestors using the site, so is unlikely to affect most visitors. Steer clear of any offensive clothing and you’ll be fine!
You will still want to think through your clothing choices prior to visiting. The majority of your visit will be spent outside, and there is minimal shade or shelter available.
See the section of what to wear and pack for Pompeii for some suggestions on what to bring for your visit.
Facilities at Pompeii
Pompeii has a number of visitor services you can use. These include:
two on-site bookshops, one at Piazza Esedra and one inside the Antiquarium.
audio guide hire, available at the Porta Marina entrance and Porta Anfiteatro entrance.
first aid services, available near the Chora Cafe on Vicolo degli Augustali
Multiple free water fountains across the site
Multiple free toilet facilities across the site
Baby changing facilities. There are three of these, one on Via dell’Abbondanza, one on Via di Nola, and one at the corner of Via Stabiana and Via della Fortuna
Restaurants / Dining at Pompeii
If you’re visiting Pompeii for a few hours you might want some food. There are a number of tourist oriented restaurants near the main entrances to the site, particularly around the train station. There are also two main options for food and snacks on site as follows:
A cafe called Chora where you can get drinks and snacks like cakes, pastries and ice cream. This is at Casina Dell’Aquila, on Via Dell’Abbondanza
The Vicolo del Foro restaurant, which is just north of the Forum by the Arco di Nerone Forum entrance / exit.
Note that you cannot exit and re-enter Pompeii on the same ticket, so if you plan to eat on site during your visit you will either need to bring food with you, or visit one of the above options.
Smoking at Pompeii
Smoking is forbidden at Pompeii except at designated smoking areas. These can be found near the Casina dell’Aquila and the toilet facilities.
Security at Pompeii
All visitors must go through a security check at Pompeii. Bulky objects, umbrellas, and bags larger than 30x30x15 cm (12 x 12 x 6 inches) are not permitted on the site and must be left at the cloakroom. This is a free service.
Otherwise, the rules are pretty obvious, and mostly focus on protecting the site and ensuring a good experience for all. So you’re not allowed to play music, deface objects, climb on the ruins, pick fruits or flowers, build fires, enter fenced off areas and so on.
You can see the full list of rules and regulations here.
Accessibility at Pompeii
Pompeii is obviously an ancient city, and as such there are accessibility challenges. However, efforts have been made to ensure the site is as accessible as possible for all visitors.
There are a number of specially designed accessible routes, called Pompeii for All, which are designed to allow access for mobility impaired users, as well as parents with buggies, to a large part of the site.
These routes include many of the main buildings that visitors would want to see, and cover a total of 3.5km. You can see details of these routes on the Pompeii for All page.
There are also accessible toilets found on site.
Pompeii has also developed a program to help those hard to hearing to enjoy the site. More on this program, and accessibility on the site in general, can be found on the Pompeii for All page.
Luggage storage Near Pompeii
Visitors to Pompeii are not allowed to bring any bags larger than 30cm x 30cm x 15cm on site. So nothing larger than a small backpack essentially. We’d suggest leaving luggage in your hotel room where possible.
If you must travel with a bag which is larger than the allowed size, there is a cloakroom at Pompeii itself where you can store luggage and other items free of charge.
There are also luggage storage lockers on the lower floor of the Pompeii Scavi train station available for a fee.
Tips for Visiting Pompeii
Based on our experiences visiting Pompeii, we wanted to share some tips to help you get the most from your visit.
Plan your day in advance
The first thing we recommend doing is planning your day out before you visit. Decide what you want to see at Pompeii, and then decide if you want to take a tour.
If you decide to take a tour, check what it includes, and then consider if you need additional time. If you are taking a tour that includes round-trip transport, you might not have much extra time.
If you are taking a tour that starts on site, make sure you know where the meeting point is and the meeting time, and plan how you will get to and from Pompeii.
If you are doing a self-guided visit for any part of your time at Pompeii, we suggest looking at the official map and planning out what you want to see. You may even consider coming up with a general route to follow. This will help orient you when you are actually there.
Consider a Guided Tour or Audio Guide
We can highly recommend taking a guided tour of Pompeii. An expert guide is going to be able to bring the site to life and really help you understand what you are seeing.
On our most recent visit to Pompeii we took this guided tour with Take Walks and can highly recommend it. However, there are a number of options.
If you take a guided tour that meets on site, we highly recommend planning on staying at least an hour more on site once the tour ends so you can see any other sites that the tour didn’t cover.
If you opt not to take a guided tour, then we’d suggest either picking up an audio guide on site, or at the very least a guidebook that includes a self-guided Pompeii tour like the Rick Steves Italy guidebook.
Dress and Pack Accordingly
If you are visiting Pompeii in the hotter months of the year, you will want to bring a good sun hat to keep the sun off your face, loose fitting clothing, and likely a small daypack to carry suncream, water and any snacks.
If rain is a possibility, a light raincoat or poncho is also a good idea. Umbrellas are not allowed on site.
If you are visiting outside of the warmest months of the year, then some warmer layers are a good idea just in case it is cooler on site.
Footwear is also important. The ancient streets of Pompeii can be uneven, varying between loose dirt and cobblestones. A good pair of comfortable shoes that you are happy to spend time walking in is a must.
You will definitely want to bring a water bottle with you. Fresh drinking water is available at fountains across the site, and on a hot day you will need to drink plenty of water. We use and love our Klean Kanteen water bottles for travel, but there are lots of options out there of course.
Both have a self-guided Pompeii tour which is an excellent option if you choose to skip a guided tour.
Be Wary of on-site Touts at Pompeii
Like any popular tourist destination, Pompeii has a couple of pitfalls to watch out for.
First, if you want to take a tour and haven’t pre-booked one, then we’d recommend taking one of the tours with an approved tour guide.
These can be found at Piazza Esedra and Porta Marina, once you have entered Pompeii, after the security checks. These tour guides have official badges issued by the Tourist Board of the Campania Region. If you are unsure if a guide is accredited, check with the ticket office.
Be aware that these guides will most likely need to be paid in cash, and the price of the tour is going to be something you’ll need to discuss with the guide in advance.
When you arrive at Pompeii you will also likely be offered tours by guides outside the gates. These will not be led by Pompeii’s accredited guides, so the quality of the tour is not guaranteed. We’d suggest ignoring these options and heading inside to find a guide if that is of interest.
One other thing to note is that as Pompeii is a popular tourist destination that can be crowded, there is a risk, as with any destination like this, of pickpockets. So just be mindful of your belongings and keep valuables in sight, or safely away in zippered pockets. This is also the case on the train and at the train station if you choose to take public transportation.
We’ve never had an issue in Italy, but it’s always a good idea to take basic safety precautions when traveling anywhere, as you would at home.
Arrive Early and Head to the Back
Pompeii is a popular destination, and as such it can get quite busy. In addition, there is limited shade on site, and in the summer months particularly it can get very hot on site.
All this means that for the best experience we recommend arriving early in the day if you can. If you are planning on taking a tour, book it for earlier in the day. If you are planning to guide yourself, plan out your route so you head away from the entrance first, and work your way back towards it.
Many visitors only visit the major sights, many of which are located not too far from the entrance areas, particularly Porta Marina. Tours groups also follow similar routes. So if you want a less crowded experience, identify a few sights that you are interested in that are off the beaten path, and head to those first.
Bring a Water Bottle
We mentioned this already in the “what to pack for Pompeii” section of this guide, but we think it is worth repeating. Pompeii gets incredibly hot in the summer months and there is not much shade.
There are lots of free drinking water fountains across the site, so bring a water bottle and stay hydrated for free as you wander!
Escape the Crowds at Pompeii
Pompeii is a hugely popular attraction, and as a result it can be busy. The site has a limit of 15,000 visitors at any one time, but despite the site being quite large people tend to head to a handful of locations such as the Forum, Brothel, and Bath houses, meaning it can feel more crowded than it is.
Here are some tips for escaping the crowds at Pompeii.
Visit at a quieter time of the week or year. Peak season in Italy is generally from May through August, with weekends being busier than weekdays. If you can’t avoid visiting in high season, try visiting on a week day if possible.
Head to a quieter part of the site if you can, away from the groups. Most tours follow a similar route to a handful of highlights, and if you head to the less popular areas you can find yourself wandering almost deserted streets, even at a busy time of year
Use a quieter gate. Many people enter through the Porta Marina as it’s next to the train station. The Anfiteatro gate tends to be quieter, and brings you in right next to the Amphitheater as well, from where you can explore the site at your leisure
Attractions Near Pompeii
Pompeii is one of the most popular attractions in the Naples area, but it is by no means the only attraction in the area! Here are some other attractions in the general area to consider adding to your itinerary.
Herculaneum – the other well-excavated town that was buried by the Vesuvius eruption is Herculaneum. This is closer to Naples, and also easily accessible by the Circumvesuviana train service. It’s a smaller site but as it was a wealthy seaside resort, it has a high density of luxurious dwellings. It is usually quieter than Pompeii, and some tours like this one visit both.
Mount Vesuvius – the volcano which caused all the trouble is still active and still posing a threat to the millions of people who live in the area. It’s a dominant part of the skyline, and you can head all the way up to the summit to peer into the steaming crater and hike around the rim. There’s a small fee to visit the park, and it can be reached by public transport or on a guided tour like this.
Amalfi Coast – one of the most popular and spectacular regions of Italy, the 50km long Amalfi Coast is right next to Pompeii. Gorgeous seaside towns like Positano and Sorrento cling to the dramatic coastline. It’s well worth spending a few days here if you can. Alternatively, you can get a taste of what’s on offer by taking a tour which includes the Amalfi Coast like this.
Naples – the capital city of the region, Naples tends to divide visitor opinion. It can be crowded, and chaotic yes, but it’s also home to amazing food and numerous attractions. Pompeii visitors should definitely take the time to visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum, which has the majority of the best preserved artefacts from Pompeii available for viewing.
Capri – a popular island for a day trip (although stay overnight if you can to avoid the crowds!), Capri can be visited by ferry from both Naples and Sorrento. It’s a beautiful island with a lot to see, but it can get incredibly crowded in the summer months.
Of course, there is much more to see in this area, but this should give you an idea of what is on offer in the area around Pompeii!
Mount Vesuvius
Where to Stay Near Pompeii
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Pompeii, you have quite a few options. You can stay close to the site, or you could stay in nearby Sorrento or Naples.
It’s also possible to visit Pompeii as a day trip from Rome, but we’ll focus on closer accommodation for this part of the guide. See our guide to spending 3 days in Rome for Rome accommodation options.
Pompeii Ruins De Charme B&B – Literally across the road from the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance this popular B&B offers air-conditioned rooms with breakfast included. Rooms also have a kitchen and dishwasher if you prefer to cook for yourself. Parking is available for a fee.
Hotel Forum – also just next to the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance, this is a well-reviewed 4* hotel offering free private parking, air-conditioned en-suite rooms and a restaurant. Breakfast is available.
Habita79 Pompeii – just a few minutes walk from the Anfiteatro entrance, this 4* hotel offers en-suite air conditioned rooms as well as an on-site spa and wellness studio. Breakfast is available. Note there’s no on-site parking.
Agora Hostel – five minutes walk from the Anfiteatro entrance to Pompeii, this well rated hostel offers great value private and shared rooms with air conditioning. There’s a bar and coffee house on site but no dining or parking available.
La Ferrovia Guesthouse Sorrento – found just next to Sorrento train station, this guesthouse offers private en-suite air-conditioned rooms with coffee makers. Paid parking is available nearby but there’s no on-site restaurant
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria Sorrento – if you’re looking for a 5* luxury experience in Sorrento, this is the hotel to head for. Expect spectacular coastal views, a beautiful garden, lovely rooms, and two restaurants to choose from.
Of course, there are a great many more options to choose from! We recommend looking on booking.com for everything from hotels to guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels and apartments.
We use them for our booking accommodation for travel all over the world and love how easy it makes it to filter and find the right property for our budget and requirements.
Well, that finished up our guide to visiting Pompeii! It’s just a small part of our content on Italy and Europe, which we hope you will find useful when planning your trip.
Here are some of those guides, as well as links to third party resources we recommend.
If you’re looking for a physical (or Kindle!) guidebook, we recommend the latest edition of Rick Steves Italy guide, which has lots of practical information to help you make the most of your stay
And that’s it! As always, we hope you found this guide useful, and if you have any questions or comments about visiting Pompeii, just pop them in the comments below and we’ll answer as soon as we can.
Jess and I are lucky enough to travel a lot, with our travels taking us to all sorts of locations and venues around the world. Whilst most of our travels don’t require us to wear formal clothing, there are sometimes occasions where we do need to dress up a bit. So I have been on the hunt for a travel-friendly suit.
I wanted a travel suit for visiting venues with a dress code, such as a fancy restaurant, opera night, or a formal cruise night. Also for those times when we just want to dress up for a special occasion such as for a birthday dinner, Christmas party, or perhaps for a formal afternoon tea experience in Paris.
I also give talks and workshops at travel and photography conferences and often wear either a sports jacket or full suit for some of those events.
We also have other events we attend, such as weddings, holiday parties, charity fundraisers, and funerals, where a suit is often required or expected. Sometimes these events are at home, but sometimes they require travel so having a suit that can travel well to a destination wedding or out-of-state funeral is nice.
What all that means is that from time to time I find myself needing a suit. Of course, when I had a job in the corporate world I had a number of suits. However, most of these weren’t suits designed for travel and required some maintenance to keep them looking sharp and wrinkle-free.
For me, a travel suit has to be something that is going to stand up well to the rigors of travel. We often travel for weeks at a time and the suit needs to survive being packed away for lengthy periods as I don’t tend to wear it all that often. I don’t want to have to worry about wrinkles in the fabric when I unpack it, it just needs to come out of the bag and go on me looking smart.
I’d also prefer it doesn’t take up too much room in my bag if possible, given that I’m not likely to be wearing it that often.
I also want a travel suit that works for most occasions, including those outside of travel, such as events and event photography. And one that will work across most types of destinations and climates. For instance an events or wedding photographer is generally expected to wear a suit to look professional and blend in with the guests.
My initial search for a travel suit started back in 2020. Over the last several years, I’ve actually spent quite a bit of time trying to find the perfect travel suit. Today I have three travel suits in different colors and have tested several others along the way.
So, without further ado, let me help you find the perfect travel suit for you, based on my experiences to date! Whether you’re looking for a good suit for business travel, preparing for a destination wedding, or you just find yourself needing to look more formal when you travel, I hope this guide helps you!
What to Look for in a Travel Suit
Before I recommend specific suits, I want to share some ideas of what to actually look for in a travel suit. This will help explain why I chose the suits I did, but will also help you pick the right suit for you, even if it’s not one I recommend.
Perhaps the two most important aspects of how a suit is going to look and wear are the type of material it is made of and the cut/fit of the suit.
For a travel suit wrinkle resistance, weight, and ease of care are also often very important. But there are a lot of other things to consider as well when choosing a travel-friendly suit, including price, color, pockets, and other features.
Let’s look at each of these.
Material
The choice of material the suit is made from is going to make a big difference when it comes to how well a suit works for travel. It’s also going to make a big difference when it comes to the price of the suit. Some materials travel a lot better than others. The main options you have are as follows.
Wool – Wool is a great natural fabric and generally considered to be the best fabric overall for a suit. It is breathable, good for various weathers, and looks refined. There are even specific wools which are woven to be more wrinkle resistant. There are a lot of wool types and names used for wool fabrics used in suits including twill, merino wool, cashmere, tweed, worsted, and flannel.
Polyester and Polyester Blends – Polyester suits are generally going to be your most budget-friendly option and most polyester suit fabrics tend to be very wrinkle resistant. Polyester also tends to be an easier care option, and some polyester options are even machine washable. The main downside to polyester is that is not a natural material and might not be as breathable as a natural fibre. It also typically doesn’t look or feel as high-end as a wool suit from up close.
Linen – Linen suits have a timeless elegance and can be an option for warm and hot weather destinations. It’s a lightweight and breathable fabric but one that wrinkles easily and is generally harder to care for and it can stain more easily. So linen suits can be a good option for some people but you have to be OK with wrinkles and a more casual look.
Cotton – Cotton is another natural and breathable fabric, like linen, that is often used in suits. Cotton can be a comfortable and affordable options, but its downsides are that it tends to have a more casual look, doesn’t drape as well, and some cotton fabrics can wrinkle easily. However, you can normally iron cotton very easily to get rid of wrinkles. Summer suits will often be made of a seersucker fabric.
Other fabric options like silks, velvet, nylon, etc. are not that common as suit materials. They are generally best avoided as a good travel suit fabric in our opinion.
Of course, you’ll also see a lot of blended fabrics out there being used for suits as well such as wool/polyester blends, linen/cotton blends, wool/silk blends etc. I would check to see which fabric is making up what percentage of the fabric and consider the pros/cons of each.
For example, some suits might use a majority of wool for the breathability, but also include a small amount of polyester blend to add stretch.
Overall, we believe the overall best material option for most people is wool, and specifically a high twist wool weave which will naturally resist wrinkles. This wool weaving process is done at the mill where the suit fabric is produced, and results in a fabric that is naturally wrinkle resistant. A good example of suits that use this type of specialty wool are the Traveller suits by Suitsupply.
For those on a small budget, polyester is probably your best bet. You can also consider polyester/wool blends which can give you a wool suit at a smaller price point with the benefits of both wool and polyester.
A great budget pick that I’ve tested is the Haggar Men’s Travel Performance suit which you can often find on sale for under $200 for both the blazer and matching suit pants!
For those wanting a machine washable suit, you’ll want to consider a harder wearing polyester suit. Most suits, even most polyester ones, are not designed to be machine washed so you specifically need to look for a brand that makes suits that are designed to be machine washed.
One brand I can personally recommend is the Gramercy suit collection by Bluffworks as these suits can be machine washed and even tumble dried on low heat!
Those looking for a more casual summer look who don’t mind wrinkles, we think linen is a great option. For instance in destinations like Italy and Greece, you see a lot of linen in the summers and it’s a great option for those types of settings.
Cotton is probably my least favorite of the above as a travel suit material. However, I do have a green blazer I got in Italy that is 100% cotton that I love. I wear it when I want to look put together but not too formal.
Color
Color is obviously a personal choice when it comes to a travel suit. We’d suggest picking a color that you like and one that will work in a number of situations. You also want to consider your skin tone/complexion and types of climates you will be wearing it in.
You may also want to pick a suit that will coordinate with any accessories you already have that you want to wear, such as shoes, shirts, and ties.
Navy, closely followed by medium grey and charcoal grey, are generally regarded as the most versatile suit colors. You can see this image matrix for a brief guide. These colors are suitable for a range of events and match well with most shoe, belt, and shirt colors.
A royal blue suit can also be a good option if you want something a bit more modern than a classic navy color. Brown and tan suits can also work and are versatile but are generally less popular than navy or grey suits.
If you are planning to use your suit strictly for more formal occasions (e.g., formal weddings, funerals, charity balls), then you might consider a black suit. However, these can look too formal for some settings and are less versatile.
Also, it should be noted that if you attend a lot of black-tie events (where a tuxedo/dinner jacket and bow tie are expected), it probably makes more sense to get a black tuxedo instead to work for those events and a dark suit in another color (such as navy or charcoal gray) for less formal events.
Other colors, such as tans, medium shades of blue, greens, creams, khaki, burgundy, etc. are also widely available but are going to be less versatile and may not work with all skin tones.
However, they may still be a good choice depending on where you want to wear it and your complexion. For instance, khaki, cream, and pastel suits tend to look better on those with darker skin.
If you are looking at linen suits, these often come in natural shades of creams and tan as well as pastel colors which are well-suited for warmer climates and that type of material. Cotton suits also tend to come in a wider variation of colors and patterns than wool ones.
While a solid color is the most versatile choice and is going to be the most timeless, you can also go with a suit with a pattern for a bolder look and to better fit your personal style.
Classic men’s suit patterns include pinstripes, checks, gingham, plaids, herringbone, and houndstooth. If you opt for a patterned suit, choosing a classic color like navy or gray can help keep it being more versatile.
If you are only purchasing one suit and don’t currently own a suit, I would generally recommend choosing a solid navy or grey suit. Generally, I travel with either a navy or gray suit. These will generally work for a pretty wide range of events from interviews and conferences to weddings and formal nights out. They also generally look good on most people.
Of course, the final decision is up to your needs and your own personal sense of style.
Cut/Fit
There are a lot of suit styles, cuts, and variations out there and looking at all the options can be a bit overwhelming, especially if this is your first suit. You’ll find lots of options regarding how the jacket buttons, linings, lapel sizes, various types of cuts, pocket shapes, button types, linings, venting, paddings, and much more.
If you are purchasing a travel suit, then you are likely buying a suit that you want to last for a long time and which you might not be wearing too often. So, you will want a suit style that is going to last for a long time and isn’t going to become dated in a few years.
For instance, imagine the 1920’s pinstripe double-breasted suits we often now associate with American gangsters and bootleggers from that era, or the disco inspired 1970s leisure suits. These are not exactly timeless designs.
As such, we’d recommend choosing a more timeless and conservative style that will likely stay in fashion, rather than anything that might be popular now but fall out of vogue in the coming years.
The key decisions you will have to make will include whether or not you want a single- or double-breasted suit, the number of buttons on the suit jacket, the size and style of the suit lapels, whether or not the pants are pleated, and whether the suit is slim, classic, or looser fitting.
Again, these are all personal decisions. However, for a timeless look we’d recommend:
single breasted jacket (although double breasted is also popular if you prefer that look)
a 2-button jacket (or three roll two, just don’t button the top button!)
a jacket lapel width that matches your body width (generally, thinner people look better with a thinner lapel, and heavier people with a wider lapel)
lapels with a notch in
choose matching pants in a classic suit trousers style such as one with a mid rise, straight or tapered legs, flat front or single pleat, plain hem, belt loops, and 2 back pockets.
a tailored/slim or classic/regular fit (a tailored or slim fit is more fitted to body whereas a classic fit is looser and more relaxed)
Whether or not you opt for slim/tailored or regular/classic fit will depend on your body shape and personal style. It’s really important that you feel comfortable and confident in your suit, so choose the style that works best for you.
Just be sure to read details of each suit’s fit as different suit brands don’t always mean the same thing when using fit terms (slim/tailored/classic/regular/relaxed/loose) to describe their suit fits.
For the suit pants, if you are buy the suit as a set you often don’t have too many choices unless you choose to customize them. But generally you just want to get a classic pair of dress pants that matches your jacket in the exact same fabric that doesn’t have any features that could really date it quickly (e.g., skinny leg, really wide legs, flared bottoms, wide cuffs/turn-ups).
When you are wearing the suit and the jacket is buttoned, it should not be creasing or pulling anywhere. Areas to check include the shoulder, chest, waist and upper back area. It should also fit well to your body shape and not have excess fabric.
If you are trying a suit on in store, then make sure to look at it in a mirror from all angles. Bring along a friend/partner or ask a store associate for advice about how well it fits.
If you purchase online or by catalog, then be sure to do the same at home and ask someone else to give you advice. Minor alterations in length and fit can be made by a tailor and are generally not too expensive, but you want the overall shape, fit, and features to be there. For more information, this is an excellent guide to how a suit should fit.
There are a few factors that affect how heavy a suit is, and these also affect how the suit performs in different climates.
First, and perhaps most importantly, the actual fabric a suit is made from will dictate how heavy the suit is.
Fabric weight is measured in grams per square metre (gsm), with lower numbers reflecting a lighter suit and heavier numbers reflecting a heavier suit.
A lightweight suit will generally be made of fabric which varies from around 150gsm to 290gsm. A midweight suit will fall between 290gsm and 360gsm. A heavyweight suit will be anything over 360gsm. These numbers aren’t fixed of course, but can be helpful as a general rule of thumb.
The fabric weight directly affects the warmth of the suit. The lighter the suit fabric, the more suitable it will be for warm weather. Conversely, a heavier fabric will provide more warmth, good for cold climates.
Naturally, the fabric weight also directly affects how heavy the suit actually is. A heavier fabric will result in a heavier suit, giving you more to carry around. If you pack light, this is definitely something to consider.
Other factors also affect the overall weight of the suit. The suit’s canvassing, lining, and padding, if it has any, can also increase the weight of the suit. A suit jacket often has both canvasing and lining. and it may also have padding in the shoulders.
If you have a choice in the amount of canvasing (a layer of material attached to inside of jacket that gives it shape) and/or lining (thinner layer of cloth that touches your body and can be used in both jackets and/or pants) for your suit, your choice will depend on how much structure you want, the climate where you plan to wear it, and how formal or casual you want your suit to be.
More canvassing and lining is best for more formal jackets, jackets worn in cooler climates, and when you want more structure. Unlined jackets are best for those wanting a lighter jacket, more casual jacket, and warmer climates. The amount of canvasing and lining can vary a lot from completely unlined to full lined. If you are not sure, there are also partial and half lined options.
For a travel suit, we’d recommend something on the lighter end of the spectrum, which will be both easier to pack and carry, and also offer versatility in a number of climates. If it is cooler, you can always wear an undershirt if necessary or opt for a more medium-weight suit. My personal preference is definitely towards less lining and padding.
Suit lining comparison
Size Inclusivity
While most suit brands do offer a wide range of suit sizes, these won’t work for everyone. While travel suits can pretty easily be sized down or made shorter by a tailor, those who need larger or longer suits may have more difficulty finding well-fitting suit options.
However, there are still a lot of options. For example, brands like Suitsupply offer sizes from XXS to XXXXL and offer regular, long, and short sizing.
You also have the option to customize the size and fit of their suits and you can give them your exact measurements. Even budget-friendly brands like Haggar offer big and tall sizes in many of their suits.
Versatility
When choosing a suit for travel, you will want to consider how versatile it is going to be. The versatility is going to come from many of the factors we’ve already discussed including style, color, and fabric weight, as well as how well it pairs with other clothing and accessories in your wardrobe.
Things to think about include:
Can you wear the suit pieces individually as well as together? Would you wear the blazer jacket with different pants for a more casual look for example? Would the pants also work well with a dress shirt to wear for work or business functions or church events?
Will the suit work for you in different situations and events? Would you wear it to a wedding, conference, holiday party, funeral, cruise, business meeting, fancy dinner, baptism, etc. Think about events you’ve been to over the past few years or have coming up, how many of them could it work for?
Does the travel suit work in multiple destinations and climates? Does it work in both cold and hot climates? Would you wear it humid as well as dry destinations? Would it fit in equally well in the places you tend to travel in the USA, Europe, Asia, etc?
Does the suit work well with other wardrobe pieces you already have? You are likely to wear a suit more often if it goes with different colored shoes, belts, bags, shirts, ties, etc.
Generally, the more versatile the suit you choose, the more useful it will be and the more opportunities you will have to wear it.
For instance, consider that you are planning a trip to southern Italy, and you choose a nice cream linen suit for your summer travels there. It can be a great option for an Italian summer trip. However, that same suit isn’t likely going to be as well suited for a business meeting in London, a fjords cruise formal night, or a New York City formal wedding.
Now if you have very different circumstances where you plan to wear a suit, you might consider budgeting for two suits that will cover all scenarios. For instance, one darker and more formal suit and one lighter and more casual suit.
Overall, pick the most versatile suit you can. I feel it is worth spending a bit more on a more versatile suit option that you can wear more often compared to a lower cost suit that is less versatile and you don’t wear so much
Wrinkle Resistance
We’d argue that one of the key criteria to look for when choosing a travel suit is how resistant it is to wrinkles and creases. Travel is going create a lot more potential for wrinkles in a suit compared to having it hanging in a closet at home. This is the case even if the suit is in a suit carrier.
Ideally you want a suit which is going to be resistant to wrinkles and creases, and this all comes down to the material the suit is made from.
Good materials which include wrinkle resistance include high twist open weave wool, as well as some synthetic materials such as a polyester blend.
Most travel-oriented suits should make it clear that they are wrinkle resistant in the suit description but do dig into the claims to see what exactly it is about the suit that validates these claims. Check reviews from customers and see if they report issues with creases or wrinkles. If your suit arrives in the mail wrinkled, that is a bad sign.
Now if you are going for a suit made of linen or cotton, then you’ll likely have to live with some wrinkles and creases. Just be sure to know if it can be ironed as needed.
Care
Travel can be tough on a suit, and you are likely going to need to get it cleaned from time to time. So, when purchasing a suit, you will want to check to see how easy it is to clean.
Can it be machine washed? Tumble dried? Ironed? Hand washed? Does it have a stain repellant? Is it dry clean only?
If these features are important features for you, then be sure to carefully check care instructions prior to any purchase.
In our experience the majority of suits are going to be dry-clean only. This is an additional expense to consider in your budget when purchasing a suit. While you’ll likely get a number of wears out of a suit and be able to just spot clean, eventually it will need a full clean.
That said, there are quite a few travel suits on the market which can be machine washed, hand-washed, machine dried, and even ironed. For lots of travelers, an easy care option is a great plus. If you are looking for this, we recommend checking out suits by Bluffworks, Ministry of Supply, and this suit by Haggar.
Even a lot of “dry clean only suits” can be hand washed and air dried if done gently and with care. My wife, Jess, is pretty good at successfully hand washing and air drying all kinds of “dry clean” only materials to save money on dry cleaning (and to avoid the chemical treatments). But do take into account it is always a risk to ignore the suit’s care recommendations.
Based on our experience, even if you have an easy care travel suit that can be machine washed and everything, you still want to treat it gently to keep it looking it best and extending its life. I would only machine wash when needed, use gentle and delicate cycles, and use low heat or air dry.
Pockets
Most suits will have a number of pockets in both the suit jacket and suit pants, and there is normally a choice in pocket style.
Honestly, this is a personal preference. The main thing is ensuring there are sufficient pockets for your needs. If you are planning on wearing a travel suit to the airport for example, a suit with pockets that zip or that can comfortably handle things like a passport might be useful when going through check in and security.
However, if you usually only wear a suit once you are in destination at an event, then the number and style of pockets may not be as important to you. Just think about what you normally like to carry with you when wearing a suit.
If you like a suit with lots of pockets, then I’d recommend checking out the Bluffworks Gramercy suit, which has 18 pockets between the jacket and pants.
Price is going to be a key deciding factor when it comes to choosing a travel suit. I would say that a good travel suit that should last the test of time will probably run you between $500 and $850 (approximately £400 to £650).
However, you can definitely pick up a more budget oriented travel suit for about $200. It might not have all the features or look quite as nice, but it will serve it’s purpose. A well fitting and tailored inexpensive suit can still look really good.
Another option if you are on a really small budget is to check out secondhand and vintage suits. If you can can score a suit of your size, or slightly larger, you can get it tailored as needed for a better fit or to update it a bit.
You can also, of course, spend much more on a suit with custom tailored wool suits often running in the $1,500 to $6,000 range.
However, I’d say most people would probably find the sweet spot of $500 to $850 will get them a good quality suit that will fulfill all their needs and last a good long time.
Recommended Travel Suits
We’re now going to go through our recommended suits for travel. First, I’ll cover the suits I personally own and travel with, which I decided upon after doing a lot of research and trying on a lot of suits.
I’ll share my picks for overall best wool travel suit, my favorite easy care travel suit, and my favorite suit for those with a small budget.
I’ll share my experiences of those suits first. Then, I’ll cover some other popular options that you might want to consider as well.
My recommendation for a wool travel suit is to choose one from the Suitsupply Traveller Suit collection. Suitsupply is a Dutch menswear fashion brand founded in 2000. The brand is best known for its use of high quality Italian fabric suits sold at a much lower price that those of designer brands using similar fabrics.
The Traveller suits are all made of 4-ply Italian wool midweight fabric and come in both tailored and classic/relaxed fits with both single and double breasted jacket options. The suits can be purchase as a suit set, or you can purchase the jacket and trousers separately. It is available in several colors.
The secret ingredient to the Suitsupply Traveller suit is the material it’s made from. Their suits are made from a specialty 4-ply Italian wool which they call “Traveller Wool”. This is a high twist wool, which is a specific way of weaving wool yarn that results in it being naturally crease resistant as well as light and breathable. They are designed for all season wear in all types of climates.
Suitsupply Traveller Suit in Navy
You can actually customize most of the suits on the Suitsupply website to use this wool if you prefer a different suit style. However, for this review I’m focusing on the standard Suitsupply Traveller suit style.
It is worth noting that Suitsupply have changed their wool yarn supplier over time. The suit I purchased in 2021 has wool made by the Lanificio F. Lli Cerruti mill, and which was branded as iTravel wool. The suit I purchased in 2024 has wool made by the Lanificio Rogna wool mill.
Both of these wool mills are long established and reputable Italian wool mills, and the fabric produced by both mills for the suits is a high twist open weave wool which is specifically designed to stand up well to the rigors of travel.The look and feel of the wool between the two suits is very similar to my eye.
Let’s look at the other details of this suit. Beyond the wool used, there are a couple of other key standard features of this suit that make it more travel friendly.
First, the main body of the jacket is unlined, which means, as the name suggests, that there is no lining on the inside part of the jacket between the wool and you. The exception is the sleeves which are lined.
If you are used to a fully lined suit this may look and feel a bit odd at first, but by leaving the majority of the suit unlined you cut down on some of the weight and it’s also easier to fold. An unlined suit is also cooler, making it more suitable for warmer climates, giving the suit more versatility.
That said, if you prefer a fully lined or half lined suit, that is available as a custom option.
The jacket suit also has a half-canvas construction, rather than a full canvas construction. This ensures the jacket keeps its form around your chest, whilst being lighter than a full canvas construction. Note that this is the default, and you can customize the suit to be either a full canvas or even no canvas (unconstructed) if you prefer.
In terms of the trousers, by default they come half lined (although this changed between my first suit and my second suit, with my first purchase being fully unlined). Again, you can choose to customize the pants to be fully lined, half lined or unlined if you prefer.
I actually own two Suitsupply Traveller suits, and they are my go-to travel suits. I purchased my first one in 2021 in navy blue, and my second one in 2024 in black. Specifically, I chose the Navy Havana suit in 2021, and the Black Havana Tailored Fit Suit in 2024.
The navy suit I actually purchased in store in their London store when I was living in the UK. I was able to try it on, buy it off the rack, and have the pants trimmed all in that same afternoon at the store. I didn’t get any customization done other than hemming the pants which were a little too long.
I have really loved that navy suit, and when I decided I needed a more formal black suit, I decided I wanted to get the same Havana suit in black. I decided to just order these online as I knew my sizes and the fit, and would just take it to a local tailor to get the pants hemmed as it is a simple and cheap alteration.
The design and material of the Suitsupply Traveller suit has changed slightly over the period between my purchases, and like everything in life, the cost has also gone up a bit.
For my second Suitsupply suit I purchased the jacket as the standard option without making any changes. Compared to my navy jacket, there are some slight differences in lapel width and the blazer came with a a 3 roll 2 button design, rather than the two button design in the original. However, these are pretty minor changes and I like both jackets pretty equally.
For the black suit pants, I did customize these. I chose to change the closure type, do a flat front, and just do a plain hem on these. The Traveller pants came as half lined in the upper part as standard and I kept that which I think is nice for more formal black pants.
Both suits have been wonderful travel suits. They are very comfortable and have stood up to weeks of being packed away at the bottom of my suitcase (or carried in the free included suit carrier bag), coming out wrinkle free and ready to go every time. I have worn them to nice dinners, conferences, business talks, afternoon teas, cruise formal nights, weddings, and more.
Overall, I have very much enjoyed my Suitsupply Traveller suits which I plan to keep wearing for years to come. I also appreciate how much they can be customized if you choose. Just note that you’ll save money if you stick to the standard features.
There are a lot of pros of the Suitsupply Traveller suit including the pure Italian wool fabric, breathability, high quality construction, four season weight, modern style, included suit carrier bag, ability to customize, and a decent price point for a pure wool suit. Some cons are that it is dry clean only and that if you want to customize it, it can really increase the price.
If you are interested and this is your first suit, I would recommend that you visit a Suitsupply store to try the suits on and get the fit and look right. You can of course still order online and customize the suits if you prefer (I did this for my second Suitsupply purchase with good results), but I think for a first time purchase an in-store visit is well worth it if there is a store near you.
Suitsupply have physical stores in Europe, Asia and the Americas, with around 150 locations to choose from. You can also purchase and customize all their suits online. You can see the full Suitsupply Traveller range here. They can also ship to most locations worldwide.
The Bluffworks Gramercy Suit is another travel suit I own and is my top recommendation if you want an easy care suit option (machine washable) and/or you want a suit with a lot of pockets. It’s also a good option if you don’t want a wool suit for any reason such as allergies.
Bluffworks has been around since 2012 and the main factor that sets it apart from almost all the other companies out there selling travel suits is that their brand is focused on travel-friendly clothing.
Bluffworks Gramercy Suit in Gotham Grey
I have found their Bluffwork Gramercy suit to be an excellent travel suit and the suit has a number of features that make it stand out from the crowd.
First, Bluffworks makes these suits out of a polyester material they call Gramercy. This is a material that they spent a long time developing to ensure it looks as close to wool as possible. I have to say that they have done a great job—the suit doesn’t have any of the shine you might associate with a polyester suit, and I think most people wouldn’t be able to tell it wasn’t wool.
However, you do still get the benefits of polyester, meaning its lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable.
Even more impressive though is that the suit is fully machine washable. You can even tumble dry it on low heat, and if you really need to, iron it. However, Bluffworks say that the suit shouldn’t need ironing as the material is wrinkle and crease resistant. This has certainly been my experience with it and I haven’t needed to iron it yet.
The other feature that sets it apart is the amount of pockets and storage in this suit. The jacket and trousers between them have 18 pockets (!), which is far more than a regular suit.
Some of these pockets are cleverly hidden, others are zippered, and there’s even one designed for your travel documents. One downside of a suit is often a lack of pockets, but the Bluffworks Gramercy has you covered on that front. This definitely makes it much more travel-friendly and the zipped and hidden pockets add some extra security.
The suit jacket is partially lined (the sleeves are unlined), so it isn’t quite a light and breathable as an unlined suit jacket (all those pockets have to go somewhere after all). So for the hottest climates this is something to think about, although it wears easily and certainly doesn’t feel heavy in the way that a more traditional lined wool suit does.
While there aren’t many colors available, they have the most poplar and recommended ones, including navy, grey, and black. I have the Bluffworks Gramercy suit in Gotham Grey, and I think it looks great. It is honestly pretty hard to tell it’s not wool, and the feel is amazing. I love all the pockets it has, and I have found it’s still comfortable in warmer climates.
Bluffworks also make a range of other travel-friendly clothes (including women’s clothing), all of which are designed to be packable, wrinkle resistant, odor resistant, and easy to care for. The Gramercy suit is their original travel suit but they also have the Presidio travel suit which has a slightly more modern and simpler look with a fully lined jacket.
I also have a Bluffworks Lenox dress shirt. A dress shirt is pretty much an essential item to wear under a suit (unless you’re a tech CEO or something), and I have found that the Bluffworks Lenox also performs really well, standing up to the rigors of travel and looking good as it does.
I think it’s a great looking dress shirt. It offers full stretch, a soft feel, is fully machine washable, and is really comfortable to wear. It has quickly become my favorite dress shirt.
I can highly recommend the Bluffworks range of clothes, they look good, are easy to care for, and won’t break the bank.
Bluffworks is based in the U.S. but ships internationally. Currently, their clothing is only sold online from their website, and you can explore their full range online here.
If you are on a small budget and the Suitsupply and Bluffworks suits above are a bit out of your price range right now, I recommend checking out the Haggar Men’s Travel Performance suit. This is a polyester travel suit that offers a very good value for those with not a lot of money to spend. You can normally get the full suit for less than $200!
I purchased the Haggar Men’s Travel Performance suit in the color Dark Heather Grey to compare it to the more expensive suits I owned, to see how it stood up. I already owned a few pairs of Haggar’s regular travel pants which I’ve always found to be very comfortable.
If you live in the USA, you are probably familiar with the brand as its been around since 1926 and continues to be a popular brand, particularly for men’s pants and suits.
Haggar Travel Performance suit in Dark Heather Grey
Overall, I found this travel-friendly suit to be very comfortable and easy to wear. I really liked how light it was, thanks to the moisture wicking polyester construction. It is lined, but it is still lightweight.
The flexible fit waistband and stretch fabric in the suit itself also made it very comfortable to wear. It is also very resistant to wrinkles and wasn’t wrinkled from shipping or when thrown in my luggage or car.
It comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes, including some short and tall size options. The jacket is fully lined and has some padding around shoulders for a more structured look. It is 100% polyester and it is dry clean only.
This suit has a lot of pros, including its low cost, fast delivery options, range of colors and sizes, and light and comfortable fit. The main downsides are that it doesn’t have the more refined look and detailing as my other suits and isn’t designed to be machine washable. However, I feel it is a very good value at the price point and I think if I got this slightly altered, it would make it look a bit more polished.
Note that Haggar makes a wide range of suits, including an easy care machine washable suit, which you might also consider as another travel suit option. This one might be a particularly good option for those who want to be able to throw it in the washing machine.
You can buy it online (including from Amazon), the brand’s website, or buy from U.S. department stores selling the Haggar brand. You can find their clothing in stores such as Kohl’s, Macy’s, and JCPenney although I purchased mine on Amazon as I couldn’t find them available in the stores we visited.
Note that Haggar doesn’t sell their clothing directly outside the U.S. as far as we are aware. If you live outside the USA and are looking for a similar option in your own country, I’d head to your local department store and see what suits they sell off the rack at the lower price points.
More Travel Suit Options
There are a great many suit manufacturers on the market, and many of them make a suit which is either specifically designed for travel, or happens to have qualities which make it good for travel.
Here are some options that we recommend you look into if our recommendations above don’t quite fit what you are looking for, or you’d just rather have some more options!
Suits are available at a wide range of budgets and in various styles and materials, so you should be able to find something that works for you.
Another travel suit to consider is the Velocity Suit from Ministry of Supply. This is constructed from their Velocity material, which is a blend of 61% polyester, 33% viscose, and 6% elastane. It’s designed to look and feel as much like wool as possible, while offering the benefits of the blended material.
The blend means the suit offers both stretch and wrinkle resistance, and it’s also machine washable and you can put it in the drier.
You can even cool iron it if you want, although Ministry of Supply says that if the suit does have any wrinkles your body temperature will be enough to even them out. Which is pretty neat. The suit jacket is partially lined.
It’s worth noting that Ministry of Supply also makes a suit called Kinetic, which is unlined and even lighter. However it doesn’t look quite as formal, with a three button design and higher lapel. If that works for you, then it is definitely worth considering as well.
If you don’t like wearing suits because you feel they are too restrictive, then the Sene Studio FlexTech suit might be for you. This suit is made with Sene Studio’s FlexTech material, which is a four-way stretch polyester which is designed to be super flexible. That means that you can move freely in the suit and not feel restricted.
There’s lot more to like about the suit. First, it’s going to be tailor made for you, which is quite a benefit especially at this price point.
The way this works is that when you go through the purchase process you will answer a series of questions about your body shape, size and weight, and FlexTech will create the suit specifically for you. If after all that it doesn’t fit, they will remake it or let you return it anyway, which isn’t always the case with a custom suit.
Now this isn’t quite as detailed as the customization on something like the Suitsupply suits, where you can specify detailed measurements for all sorts of the suit parts, but it is a step above your average suit, and is definitely appreciated at this price point.
In terms of other features, this suit can be machine washed in cold weater, but isn’t suitable for a tumble dryer as it needs to be air dried. It also can’t be dry cleaned or ironed. As it’s polyester it will dry pretty quickly, but obviously not as quickly as something that can be machine dried.
Overall, this is definitely a good option for a travel suit to consider if you want the flexibility of stretch fabric.
This suit is made from wool woven by the notable Italian weavers Ermenegildo Zegna and is notable for its crease and wrinkle resistance. It’s dry-clean only, as is to be expected with a wool suit.
The suit is lined, but you can customize it to be half lined or unlined if you prefer. You can also customize a great many more aspects of the suit, from pocket style to lapel size, although of course many customizations do add extra cost.
It’s worth noting that as well as making material for other suit manufacturers to use, Ermenegildo Zegna also make their own suits. So you can purchase a suit directly from Zegna, but just be aware the prices are significantly higher.
Brooks Brothers are a well known suit retailer with a wide range of suits to choose from. They also have a travel-oriented range of suits, known as the Explorer Collection.
These are made from a 98% wool 2% polyester blend. The wool is a lightweight wool made by the Vitale Barberis Canonico mill, which is blended with polyester. This material gives you the best of both worlds—the quality feel and performance of wool, with the benefit of a comfortable stretch fit with wrinkle resistance from the polyester.
The suits have a half canvas construction, meaning they are more lightweight than Brooks Brothers’ traditional full construction suits, allowing for a lighter suit that is easier to pack.
As they are a majority wool construction, these suits are dry-clean only. There’s also not a lot of customization available, but the price is reasonable for a wool suit.
Charles Tyrwhitt is based in the UK and was my go-to brand for shirts when I lived and worked in London. They also make a range of suits, including their Ultimate Performance Suit.
This is made from a superfine 100% 4-ply merino wool with natural stretch. It’s also crease resistant. The jacket is half canvas and lined while the pants are half lined. There aren’t any customizations available but it’s a reasonable price for a wool suit.
Armani and other Designer Brands
If you have a bigger budget, then you can dive into the world of designer and bespoke suits. Armani is probably one of the best known suit designer brands and you can’t really go wrong with a well-tailored Georgio Armani Italian-made suit.
Other well known designer brands, many of which offer custom options, include Tom Ford, Zegna, Brunello Cucinelli, Brooks Brothers, and Brioni. Just note you’ll need to do your own research on which ones are going to be best for travel as most brands don’t specifically label any of their suits as travel friendly.
For a bespoke suit, you can head to NYC, Saville Row in London, or Milan where there are lots of tailor shops offering bespoke suits made to order. Here you can design the perfect travel suit of your dreams with almost unlimited options.
However, if you are looking for a travel suit, you may find that paying a lot more for a suit doesn’t necessarily deliver a lot of added benefits other than the name brand. For instance, in a 2011 blind test conducted by the Wall Street Journal, the reviewers found “little difference in quality” between a $614 Suitsupply suit and a $3,600 Armani option.
Additional Items for a Travel Suit
The suit is going to be the main thing you wear, but you are going to need a few more things to complete the look. Depending on your style and level of formality, these might include a dress shirt, tie, tie bar, belt, dress socks, cuff links, and shoes.
There are also a few other accessories you might consider to make your travel packing easier.
Wrinkle-resistant Dress Shirt
You need to wear something under your suit, and the majority of the time for a more formal occasion that is likely to be a dress shirt.
Ideally you are going to want a dress shirt that travels as well as the suit. After all, having a beautiful wrinkle free suit isn’t any good if you pair it with a crinkled shirt!
Of course, most shirts are a lot easier to iron than most suits, but since an iron isn’t always available then a shirt which features wrinkle resistance is a good option.
I have a number of no iron cotton dress shirts which I purchased from a major UK retailer (John Lewis Non Iron Twill Slim Fit Single Cuff Shirt), which work well. You can buy these kinds of shirts at about any department store.
But my favorite dress shirt at the moment is the Bluffworks Lenox dress shirt which I think looks great and performs really well. In terms of color, white is generally an easy color that pairs well with most suits, but this is a personal preference thing of course.
Comfortable Dress Shoes
Obviously, you are going to need to wear something on your feet, and the standard choice for many occasions is going to be a pair of dress shoes. However, dress shoes can be somewhat impractical to travel with as they take up a fair bit of space for something you might not plan to wear that much.
So what you want are a pair of dress shoes that look the part, but are comfortable and versatile enough to wear all day. This is especially the case if you are hoping to only travel with one pair of shoes.
My current personal favorite dress shoes for travel which look formal are my pair of Amberjack Originals. I also have a pair of Timberland shoes which look a bit less formal but work as dress shoes in a pinch.
Amberjack make a range of leather dress shoes which are designed to look just like a formal dress shoe, but with all the comfort and performance of a sneaker. They are incredibly comfortable, and I highly recommend them. Timberland are also obviously a well known brand, and I appreciate how comfortable their shoes are for all day wear.
In terms of style and color, there are a great many dress shoe styles to choose from. The main colors for dress shoes are black, brown and burgundy. It’s important to choose a shoe color which matches your suit. As a general rule, the following applies:
Black shoes match black, grey/charcoal and navy suits
Brown shoes match grey/charcoal, navy, brown and white suits
Burgundy shoes match grey/charcoal, navy and brown suits
As I recommend navy or grey as a suit color, with black as a backup, then I’d say black shoes are going to be the most versatile, followed by brown. Both are a solid choice though.
Many travel suits, especially those made with man-made materials, are specifically designed so you can essentially stuff them into your regular luggage and by the miracle of technology they’ll come out the other end looking like they were just pressed.
That said, you may prefer to treat them with a bit more care, in which case a good garment bag might be a good idea. This is also a good option if luggage space is less of an issue, such as when you are traveling by road.
Personally I quite like the basic lightweight garment bag that came with my Suitsupply travel suit, although its only really capable of holding my suit and a dress shirt. I also have a larger more padded garment bag like this that works well for road trips.
We highly recommend traveling with packing cubes to help you improve how well organized your luggage is. Rather than a bundle of clothes that you have to dig through to find the item you want, packing cubes allow you to sort and organize your packed items for easy retrieval.
If you don’t have a garment bag, a packing cube can also be a good place to put your travel suit and shirt. This can stay in your bag until you need it.
There are a great many packing cubes on the market, which offer different features. We’d recommend getting packing cubes with a compression feature to improve space, but basic packing cubes like these will work too. It’s also a good idea to get a set of different sizes.
One thing to note with packing cubes is that whilst they help a lot with organization, they do take up more space as the cube itself takes up a bit of room. So you might want to practice packing with them prior to a trip to ensure everything fits nicely.
Tips for Buying a Travel Suit
I’m going to cover a few tips to help you buy a travel suit, to helpfully make the process smoother for you.
Measure Properly
If you are able to visit a physical suit store location or tailor, then this is going to be the easiest way to get properly measured.
If you do go to a physical store, make sure to bring along your dress shirt and dress shoes that you plan to wear with the suit so you can get the fit just right. In my experience, a good suit store will be able to provide you with these items if you don’t have them, but if you do have them I recommend bringing them.
If you can’t visit a physical store, then check the website of the suit you are purchasing. They should have detailed instructions on how to measure yourself for their suit. Take your time and get this right to avoid having to make a return.
It’s also important to note that different manufacturers might use different sizing systems, so don’t take measurements you made on one site and apply them to another site, always measure again following each suit manufacturers specific instructions.
Also be sure to take international differences in measurements and systems in mind if ordering a suit from a country based outside of your own. For example you don’t want to mix up inches with centimeters in providing your measurements!
Trying suits in a Suitsupply store
Check the Returns Policy
If you are buying a suit in person or online, you will want to check what their returns policy is. When buying in person this should be less of an issue as you should be able to get the fit right in store. However, even so, you might change your mind after the fact or decide you want a different color.
If you are purchasing online, you absolutely want to be sure there is a robust and easy returns policy in place so you can return your suit if the fit isn’t quite right, or if it’s not what you expected.
If the suit has any customization, you will want to check if this changes the return policy. Sometimes a custom-made item might not be returnable, which would definitely be an issue if it didn’t fit!
Opt for Something Timeless
If you’re like me, you might not wear a suit that often, or need a travel specific suit that often. So you want to buy a suit that is going to last a long time. In this case you will want to pick a style that is going to last the test of time.
Generally, a solid color like navy, grey or black is going to stay fashionable. Patterns and other color options can come and go in fashion, and what may be popular now might look dated in a couple of years.
Similarly, a classic single-breasted jacket, 2 button jacket with a regular lapel is unlikely to go out of style. Sticking to tailored and classic fits and the most timeless features will help keep your suit from looking dated in the future.
Understand the Power and Limitations of Alterations
Unless you get your suit custom made to your measurements, there is a decent chance your suit could fit a bit better with some small alterations. Getting your suit tailored to you will really make a suit look nicer, more modern, and more expensive.
Even a cheap suit is going to look much better if it fits your body properly and the great thing is that most alterations are fairly inexpensive.
It is good to know what kind of alteration are fairly easy for a tailor or seamstress to make and those that are difficult or not recommended. Generally you want to make sure the overall fit and style, particularly of the jacket, is good as you typically don’t want to be adjusting front jacket buttons, shoulder width, padding, pockets, or overall shape or structure.
But things that are typically easy to change are adjusting the length of jacket sleeve and pant legs, changing the hem of your pants, taking in or letting out the waist of your pants, tapering pant legs, adding/removing cuffs to your pants, and adding/changing buttons to the jacket sleeves. Other changes may also be possible depending on the structure of your suit.
If you are buying a suit off the rack or online and are between the standard sizes, you always want to size up a size. For example if you are a 31 in pants and the only options are a 30 or a 32, always go for the 32 length. You can always make the pant legs shorter but there is a limit to how much you can make them longer depending on amount of excess fabric at the hem.
Just note that while sizing up is always a better option than buying a suit that is too small, I would not recommend buying a suit that is more than 2 sizes too big. Once you get too big, the suit is just not likely to fit you well overall without some major adjustments. You would be better off paying more for a suit in the correct size even if it costs a bit more (the adjustments to a really ill fitting suit can be costly and results may not be great).
Budget for Alterations
You should add a small amount of your suit budget to tailoring as chances are you will need at least a minor alteration unless you are lucky to fit a standard size or get it made to measure.
For example, my Suitsupply suit pants came in a fixed length and I needed to get the adjusted to be a bit shorter. With the first pair I bought, I did that in store and they did it for me for a modest fee. With the second pair, I took them to a local alternations store. I think in both cases this alteration cost between $15 to $20.
Depending on the alteration, you should expect each change to cost between $10 and $30 (£8 – £25). So if you want to for instance taper the legs of your suit pants and also take in the waist, I’d budget about $40 (£30).
But you can also call your local tailor or seamstress to get your local prices before you bring in your suit, and this can also help you shop around for the best price. Just be sure to read reviews first so you don’t end up with shoddy work!
Tailoring a suit isn’t always necessary, but it can often help get the fit just right, especially with an off the rack suit. So just bear in mind that this might be an additional cost on top of your suit budget to take into account.
Further Reading
That summarizes our guide to the best travel suit for men! Hopefully you found it useful.
We also have a number of other relevant posts that we think you will find useful for travel planning.
The best beaches in Victoria Australia promise boundless sunshine, sand, swells, and spectacular views for travellers.
Victoria’s coastline sprawls over 2,000 kilometres. Beautiful beaches dot this long sandy stretch, as do seaside towns, national parks, and walking trails.
Listing down all the best beaches in Victoria is a tall order because there are just too many! But we’ve rounded up the top must-visit spots that will keep you returning for more.
Here are the most spectacular beaches in Victoria, Australia.
The best way to get to all these incredible beaches is with your own car. We highly recommend renting a car if you don’t already have one! This gives you the most flexibility for exploring the stunning coastline.
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.
Torquay Beach, Great Ocean Road
The seaside town of Torquay is the gateway to the Surf Coast and the birthplace of the surfing sportswear Rip Curl. It’s also home to Torquay Beach!
Though often overshadowed by its more popular neighbour, Bells Beach, Torquay Beach is one of the best beaches in Victoria Australia for the whole family. Dogs included (yes, it’s pet-friendly).
On its beautiful stretches of sand, you can have a picnic, sunbake, build sandcastles, or walk your furry friend.
The milder breaks are tailor-made for those who want to learn to surf or hone their skills. During low tide, the shallow waters near the shore are great for little kids to waddle and paddle in.
Nearby are cafes and eateries if you want to grab some snacks. The beach has shower facilities, toilets, and a spacious parking lot.
Lifeguards patrol Torquay Beach in the summer months, particularly on weekends and school holidays.
Bells Beach, Great Ocean Road
Victoria’s most popular beach destination, Bells Beach, is the crown jewel of Torquay, Australia’s surfing capital.
Bells is globally known for its legendary swells. It hosts the oldest surfing competition in the world, the Rip Curl Pro, every Easter weekend.
Because of its powerful waves, Bells is fitting for experienced surfers. It’s unpatrolled and the strong currents make it unsuitable for swimming.
But you don’t need to be a surfer to enjoy Bells Beach. The incredible scenery makes up for its rough waters!
Dramatic cliffs fringe the coast, creating a natural amphitheatre from where you can gaze at the ocean or watch surfers barrel through giant waves.
Make your way to the shore through the wooden stairs that snake down the bluff. On the beach, you can set up a picnic, sunbathe, or soak your toes in the waters at low tide.
Surfers at the famous Bells Beach
Johanna Beach, Glenaire
A hub for surfing, fishing, and camping, Johanna Beach is another stunning stop along the Great Ocean Road. It has an off-grid campsite frequented by road trippers, bushwalkers, and surfers.
Surprisingly serene despite its popularity, Johanna is surreal at sunset.
The waves here best fit seasoned surfers. Don’t swim unless you’re a strong swimmer, as the beach is unpatrolled and the waters are rough.
Between August and February, it is a nesting ground for the threatened Hooded Plover.
You can bring your dogs, but keep them on a lead to help protect the wildlife in the area.
Loch Ard Gorge Beach, Great Ocean Road
Named after a wrecked ship, Loch Ard Gorge Beach is one of the most memorable stops along the Great Ocean Road.
Due to its strong currents, Loch Ard Gorge is unsuitable for swimming. But its otherworldly views make it one of the best beaches in Victoria for sightseeing.
If the scenery doesn’t move you, perhaps its haunting history will. The gorge forms part of the infamous Shipwreck Coast, where roughly 638 ships sank.
In June 1878, the ship Loch Ard, travelling from England to Melbourne, struck a reef and sank near the shallow inlet.
Of the several surrounding walking trails, the most popular is the track down to the beach where the survivors were safely washed ashore. Unfortunately, the access to the beach from the lookout has been closed after a rockfall in May 2023.
You can still see Loch Ard Gorge Beach from the decked-out platform overlooking the coastline.
There are many other points of interest in the area, including various viewpoints, rock formations, a blowhole, and a small cemetery where those who lost their lives in the Loch Ard shipwreck were laid to rest.
A short drive from the gorge is another iconic natural landmark, the Twelve Apostles, a collection of towering limestone columns rising from the Southern Ocean.
You can see both attractions on a Great Ocean Road trip. For a hassle-free adventure, consider booking a day tour of the area.
Apollo Bay, Great Ocean Road
A scenic seaside town nestled at the foothills of the Otways, Apollo Bay is a haven for outdoor adventures and relaxing getaways.
One of its highlights is the three-kilometre sandy beach that follows the curve of the crescent-shaped bay.
The sheltered waters make it an excellent swimming beach, especially among casual bathers and families with small kids. Lifesavers patrol the area in the summer and public holidays.
Apollo Bay doesn’t have the huge waves that pro surfers chase, but it’s a popular spot for watersports like kayaking and boating.
Seafood lover? Consider lunch settled. Once a fishing village, Apollo Bay has fantastic eateries serving the catch of the day. After lunch head to the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, famous for its 100 craft beers.
Beaches surrounded by rolling green hills in Apollo Bay
Kitty Miller Bay, Ventnor
Kitty Miller Bay is not the best beach for sunbathing, but the rock pools, surrounding cliffs, and SS Speke Shipwreck create a postcard-worthy scenery.
The bay is more of a walking beach than a swimming beach. When the tides are low, you can go to the beach and scramble over the rocks to the shipwreck site.
For confident swimmers, there are lovely spots for snorkelling at high tide. You might even catch some waves to surf.
Gibson Steps, Great Ocean Road
The name Gibson Steps technically refers to the 86-step staircase carved intro a rocky bluff, leading to a quiet beach below. Over the years, the name has come to refer to the entire area.
Like many spots on the Southern Ocean coast, the beach has choppy waves, making it unsafe for swimming. The view, however, is not to be missed.
The beach’s most famous landmarks are the two gigantic sea stacks jutting from the ocean. Nicknamed Gog and Magog, these rock formations are simply out of this world, but even more so at sunrise and sunset.
You can see the rocks from the lookout at the top of the Gibson Steps. But if you want to get a feel of how massive they are, climb down the stairs and hike to the end of the beach.
The beach access may be closed due to rough weather or high tides. Be sure to check the weather and tide table before visiting.
Unspoilt, untamed, and unforgettable, Ninety Mile Beach is Victoria’s longest uninterrupted beach.
This pristine strip of honey-coloured sand lies between the Gippsland Lakes district and Bass Strait. It sprawls as far as the eye can see without any headlands or sudden bends blocking the view.
It’s a favourite among hikers, kayakers, campers, and surf fishers. You can also swim in some areas. Touristy seaside towns, like Lakes Entrance and Woodside, have lifeguards that patrol the beach during summer.
Ninety Mile Beach is within the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, the country’s most extensive inland waterways, famous for boating and fishing.
Brighton Beach, Melbourne
Brighton Beach is another highlight. The Melbourne beach is most famous for its row of brightly painted beach boxes lining the shoreline.
In the Victorian era, women used the bathing sheds to change into their swimming attire. Over a century later, most of these multi-hued wooden huts remain largely unaltered, except for a dab or two of paint.
As iconic as these bathing boxes are, there is more to Brighton Beach!
Thanks to its calm waters, Brighton Beach is a popular swimming spot. It’s also patrolled by lifeguards year-round.
Beyond the shallow sand bar, you can windsurf, kite surf, or water ski.
For something more relaxing, take a leisurely walk on the Middle Brighton Pier or picnic at Green Point, a small park near the beach.
The iconic colourful beach boxes at Brighton Beach, Melbourne
Half Moon Bay, Melbourne
The 350-metre-long Half Moon Bay beach has two distinct sides that offer different experiences.
As the southern bay is partially protected, it has been considered one of the best beaches in Victoria Australia for swimming and boating.
Apart from the calm waters, the southern part is known for the Black Rock Jetty. From the jetty, you can see the remains of a sunken warship, HMVS Cerberus. Grounded in 1926, it serves as a breakwater.
Half Moon Bay Surf Life Saving Club, the oldest in Victoria, and the Black Rock Yacht Club are also in the south.
The northern end, backed by the Red Bluff Cliffs, is wilder and more raw. The water is deep, with high waves that create strong currents.
For leisure bathers, the patrolled and protected south is the best and safest spot for a swim. Still, the northern section is worth exploring for its breathtaking beauty.
The beach is dog-friendly, but take note of the schedule, as access hours are capped during peak season.
You don’t have to travel far from the city to experience one of the best beaches in Victoria! St Kilda Beach is just six kilometres south of the Melbourne CBD.
Summer or not, St Kilda is a hive of beach activities. Beyond swimming and sunbathing, holiday goers can engage in windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, and sailing.
The Esplanade draws rollerbladers, joggers, walkers, and foodies on the hunt for good food.
Walk down the pier to see the colony of Australian penguins. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try the rides at Luna Park, the oldest amusement park in Australia.
Fairhaven Beach, Fairhaven
Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular beaches in Victoria, Fairhaven Beach is fantastic for serene strolls. This 6-kilometre stretch of golden sands is the longest beach along the Great Ocean Road.
Its main draw, however, is the cinematic views. On a clear day, you can see eye-popping panoramas sprawling from the eastern headland, where the surf club is, to Devil’s Elbow, a hairpin bend atop a sheer cliff face.
The beach’s eastern end has great swells and numerous breaks for surfing, particularly around Moggs Creek, Spouts Creek, and The Spot.
You can also swim in Fairhaven, but make sure you stay within the red and yellow flags for safety.
Sorrento Ocean Beach, Mornington Peninsula
Sorrento Ocean Beach (also known as Back Beach) is stunning from all angles, from its golden sand dunes to its deep blue waters and the grassy bushland in the background.
It’s easily one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mornington Peninsula. That’s saying something, considering the slew of lovely ocean beaches in the area.
Partly protected from waves and patrolled at peak times, the beach is moderately safe for swimming. But be cautious of the rips and swim only between the flags.
As the waters recede at low tide, several rock pools appear on the coast. They come in various sizes, with some deep enough to swim in.
Many visit the beach just for the rock pools. It’s important to check the tide chart to be sure you visit during low tide when the area is safest!
The beautiful Sorrento Ocean Beach, Mornington Peninsula
Refuge Cove, Wilsons Promontory
If isolated beaches are your thing, nothing is more secluded than Refuge Cove. It lies on the eastern tip of the Wilsons Promontory National Park and is only accessible by boat or a multi-day hike.
For over 200 years, sailors and boaters have used Refuge Cove to shelter from the turbulent Bass Strait. It’s popular not just with boaters but also with birders and bushwalkers.
Refuge Cove has two sandy beaches backed by lush vegetation. The northern end is larger and more exposed, while the southern section is smaller and even more sheltered.
There’s a campsite with basic toilets and unfiltered creek water on the south beach.
Both beaches are safe for swimming, but be careful as they’re unpatrolled and the water is deep near the shore.
Nestled in the southern end of Wilsons Prom, Little Waterloo Bay is a lovely strip of white sand lapped by crystal blue waters. A steep slope of granite boulders and lilly pilly trees borders the bay from behind.
You can reach the bay by foot via the Telegraph Saddle Track in an overnight hike or a day walk. It’s a popular stop along the multi-day Wilsons Prom Southern Circuit.
On the beach is a campsite with picnic tables, toilets, and untreated water from a creek.
When the waves are low, the beach is safe to swim in. Be sure to stay close to the shore, as rip currents may suddenly intensify at any time.
Squeaky Beach, Wilsons Promontory
If you haven’t figured out where the name comes from, here’s a clue: powdery white sand that is so clean it doesn’t only glisten under the sun, it also squeaks underfoot.
Squeaky Beach is not just one of the best beaches in Victoria. In 2024, Tourism Australia declared it the best beach in the country. And in 2025, Lonely Planet awarded it the second-best beach in the world.
We wholeheartedly agree. Squeaky’s natural beauty is hard to beat. The sugary sand contrasts dramatically with the turquoise waters, while the greyish granite boulders bring out the vibrancy of the surrounding foliage.
One snag is that Squeaky is unsuitable for casual swimming due to the rips and strong currents. But if you’re an experienced surfer, you’ll have fun catching the waves.
Wilsons Promontory is lined with incredible beaches!
Portarlington Beach, Portarlington
With its calm waters, sandy expanse, and views of the Melbourne cityscape, Portarlington is one of the best beaches in Victoria Australia for those seeking a relaxing seaside escape.
The area near the jetty is the busiest, with people picnicking, barbecuing, swimming, sunbathing, or just soaking up the warm summer’s day.
Portarlington boasts clear, shallow waters with almost no waves, making it ideal for families with small children. Though there are no strong currents, be cautious of the boat traffic near the jetty.
YCW Beach, Phillip Island
The beach’s gentle waves are tailor-made for novice surfers. But when the conditions are right, the ocean can produce excellent waves for more experienced ones.
The sandy strip between the headlands at each end of the beach is safe for young and casual bathers to paddle in. But be cautious, as the beach is unpatrolled and has sections with rocks beneath.
YCW has a campsite, change rooms, toilets, and gravel car parking. If you need to grab some snacks, there’s a local store nearby.
Cape Paterson Beach, Cape Paterson
The cape has two beaches: bay and surf.
The curved 400-metre bay beach is a favourite among families and fishers. The area near the shallow bar, away from the rocks at each end, is a safe spot for casual bathers and young kids, while the marine-rich waters offshore draw snorkelers and divers.
The highlight is an artificial rock pool atop a craggy platform. Built in the 1960s, it’s a great place for cooling off on a hot summer day.
The surf beach is 500 metres long and receives waves averaging 1.3 metres high. The life-saving club, parking lot, toilets, and food stalls are here.
Both sides have lifeguards during summer and holidays. Dogs are allowed but must be on a lead at all times.
Port Phillip Bay has some of the best beaches in Victoria Australia. Many of these are shallow and flat, with golden sand and calm turquoise waters that are safe for swimming.
The swells are seldom huge enough for surfing, but the beaches offer watersports like bodyboarding and kayaking. Several lifesaving clubs operate along the bay, so most beaches are patrolled.
St Kilda and Brighton are part of Port Phillip’s beaches. But there are several other beautiful beaches lining the bay, including:
Williamstown Beach
Safety Beach
West Beach
Dromana Beach
Elwood Beach
Hampton Beach
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