دسته: فرهنگ و آداب سفر

GoPro HERO 13 Review – The Ultimate Camera Guide [2025]

We’ve been busy putting the latest action camera to the test in our GoPro HERO 13 review! Let’s dive into the new features, mods and upgrades to see if it’s worth upgrading your gear to the newest GoPro HERO13 Black.

The wait is over, and it was worth it. We’ve had our hands on the GoPro HERO13 Black for a few weeks now, and it’s everything we hoped for and then some.

This isn’t just an incremental tech upgrade – it’s a serious leap forward complete with new creative accessories that’s going to change how you capture your adventures.

Whether you’re diving into the deep blue or scaling mountain peaks, the GoPro HERO 13 is your ultimate sidekick, ready to deliver jaw-dropping footage every step of the way.

There’s a hell of a lot to be excited about.

The new 1900mAh battery is a game-changer, giving us up to three hours of recording time at 1080p. Or two full 1-hour scuba dives in Palau on the one battery – yep, honestly.

No more worrying about your camera dying mid-shoot. The HERO 13 is built to keep up with your most epic adventures.

And then there’s the new lens mods. There’s the Ultra Wide Lens—capturing a 177-degree field of view which like seeing the world in a whole new way.

Perfect for those expansive landscapes or getting up close and personal with your subject, without losing any of that sharp detail.

Like getting up close though? Throw on the Macro Lens Mod for, you guessed it, insane macro shots with an incredibly short focus point.

Or get real creative with the new Neutral Density (ND) filters, where you can slow the shutter right down in the middle of the day to introduce motion blur.

And if you’re into cinematic shots, the new Anamorphic Lens Mod is a dream come true, which creates widescreen footage with signature lens flares – like having a Hollywood camera in the palm of your hand.

But where the HERO 13 really shines is in its usability. The new magnetic latch system makes mounting the camera a breeze, and it feels more secure than ever.

Plus they’ve thrown in a new magnetic door latch with power cable so you can keep the unit charged up in the elements during long time lapses.

All of this, plus the continued excellence in stabilisation with HyperSmooth 6.0, makes the GoPro HERO 13 a must-have for anyone serious about capturing life in the most vivid, dynamic way possible.

But we’re in 2025 after all, and it’s expected for a camera to get better and better every release.

And with so much competition coming from the likes of Insta360 and DJI, does the new GoPro cut it?

That’s what we set out to discover by putting the camera to the test. Welcome to our GoPro HERO 13 review, where we’ll dive into all the latest features, how they perform in the real world, and most importantly, is it worth upgrading if you are still rocking an older model.

(If you’re interested, you can also check out our detailed HERO12 review from last year.)

SPECIAL DEAL: We have an epic deal happening for NOMADasaurus readers right! Use the code “nomadasaurus10” at checkout to unlock a further 10% discount on top of the already special deals GoPro have available. This discount is exclusive to us. Simply Click the button below to check out the special pricing and bonus items.

Jarryd Diving Gopro Hero 13 Review — Straight from the box to underwater in Raja Ampat – all part of the job of testing out the newest camera in our GoPro HERO13 Review.

Our Honest GoPro HERO 13 Black Review

Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or jumping into the GoPro ecosystem for the first time, the HERO 13 is up the challenge.

All the new bells and whistles sound fancy, but what the hell is a neutral density filter anyway and why do you need one?

And is 1900mAh of battery really that much better than 1720mAh?

Magnetic latches and improved UI? HLG HDR? Burst Slo Mo?

Sounds like a bunch of things that aren’t really necessary.

Or are they?

Read on to discover everything there is to know about this absolute beast of a camera.

The Latest Features

Here is a rundown of the new features on the new GoPro Hero 13.

We’ll go into more detail on some of these key features later on, but here is a summary of the highlights!

Four new HB-Series Lens options to completely revolutionise how you capture content
Ultra Wide Lens Mod with new 1:1 aspect ratio
New Macro Lens Mod with 4x closer focus than the standard lens
New Anamorphic Lens Mod with widest ever FOV – 21:9!!
New battery with massive life improvement some settings
GPS is back!!! Yep, we asked, they delivered
New magnetic door and power cable kit – allows you to easily use external power
A third way to mount with the magnetic bottom
HLG HDR Video colour profile
New burst Slo-Mo feature in 720p400, 900p360, 5.3K120
40% faster Wifi speeds
Customisable presets
Audio tuning

And then all the best features that we saw on the 12, such as:

Bluetooth
3 microphones and 3-mic processing
4k wide and 1080p wide video settings
2.7K Linear + Horizon Lock
8:7, 16:9, 4:3, and 9:16 video settings
Time lapse and night lapse photo options
27 megapixels for photos
Hypersmooth 6.0 video stabilisation

Us Raja Ampat Gopro Hero13 — Interval photo mode shooting a raw image every 3 seconds makes capturing selfies in epic places easier than ever.

The New HB-Series Lenses – Transforming the GoPro into a Versatile Unit

One of the most exciting upgrades, and the most obvious really, that we’ll dive into with our GoPro HERO13 Black review is the introduction of new lens mods, each designed to expand your creative possibilities and make capturing incredible footage easier than ever.

These mods aren’t just accessories – they’re tools that transform the way you shoot, opening up new perspectives and artistic opportunities that were previously out of reach with a standard action camera.

Let’s see what they have released…

Macro Lens Mod

Let’s start with the Macro Lens Mod. This little powerhouse lets you get up close and personal with your subject, capturing intricate details that have always been impossible with previous GoPro models.

Ever see something awesome and get your GoPro real close to it, only to find out later that the entire subject is out of focus?

Yep, happens to us all the time. Normally you’d have to shoot far back and crop in heavily, assuming you could even see it properly if you aren’t close.

That’s where this new mod comes in.

Whether you’re filming small insects, intricate textures, or any small subject that demands attention to detail, the Macro Mod delivers stunning clarity and sharpness.

The 3x magnification lets you fill the frame with your subject, turning ordinary shots that were once not possible into extraordinary ones.

Imagine capturing the dewdrops on a leaf or the texture of a butterfly’s wings in perfect focus. Game changer!

Macro Shot Taken On Gopro 13 — Using the HB-Series Macro Lens opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities.

Ultra Wide Lens Mod

Next up, the Ultra Wide Lens Mod.

We haven’t managed to get our hands on this one yet, but have been using the Max Lens Mods on the HERO12 for a while and love it.

With a 177-degree field of view, this mod is the go-to for capturing epic, sweeping landscapes or immersive action shots.

Whether you’re mountain biking down a gnarly trail dropping in to a sheer face, the Ultra Wide Mod ensures you capture everything in your frame.

And best of it all it now opens up a new 1:1 aspect ratio too, so you can crop later for social media or YouTube with the one clip.

It’s perfect for when you want to convey the sheer scale of your environment, bringing a dynamic, cinematic quality to your footage that pulls viewers right into the scene.

Anamorphic Lens Mod

The Anamorphic Lens Mod is a bit more niche, but for those that like to add a cinematic flair to their videos, it’s going to be an essential tool.

This lens gives your footage that widescreen, letterbox look, complete with those gorgeous horizontal lens flares that you usually only see in big-budget movies.

Picture shooting a sunset or a city skyline at night, and the Anamorphic Mod adds a level of drama and professionalism that’s bound to impress.

Click here to read more about how to take better GoPro photos in our ultimate guide.

ND Filters

And let’s not forget the ND filters. These might not sound as flashy as the other mods, but they’re essential for controlling exposure in bright conditions.

If you’re capturing video on a sunny day or dealing with tricky lighting situations, ND filters help you maintain that cinematic motion blur by letting you shoot with slower shutter speeds, even in harsh light.

They’re perfect for creating smooth, professional-looking footage without the dreaded overexposure.

Or if you’re a photographer, using an ND Filter to slow down the shutter speed allows you to shoot a long exposure in bright conditions.

Think silky smooth waterfalls or motion blur from cars. The possibilities are endless.

You can still manually adjust your settings and use Motion Blur Protune to choose the level of blur you want. But the filter does most of the work for you.

The ND Filter kit comes with 4 different stop levels: ND4, ND8, ND16 and ND32.

Auto Detection

What makes these lens mods even more awesome is the new auto-detection feature.

The HERO13 Black is smart enough to recognise which lens mod you’ve attached and automatically adjust its settings to optimise performance.

No more fiddling with menus or worrying about whether you’ve got the right setup – the camera does the hard work for you. This means you can focus on what really matters: capturing incredible footage with ease.

Gopro Macro Lens — The HB-Series Macro Lens mounted on the front of the GoPro HERO 13 Black.

Bigger Battery Life

While the GoPro HERO12 took the already pretty awesome battery life to a new level, the HERO 13 Black takes it a step further thanks to its brand new 1900mAh Enduro Battery, compared to last year’s 1720mAh battery.

With the most powerful and durable battery that GoPro has ever made, you can enjoy a much higher battery capacity and improved power efficiency.

That means you can spend longer adventuring out in hot or cold environments because the GoPro HERO 13 can last longer than any other GoPro.

I’ve been testing this new battery out while scuba diving around Raja Ampat, Palau and Micronesia, and can happily say that one full charge easily lasts two dives, with enough life left to shoot a bunch of b-roll on the way back to land.

This new battery can now record for more than 2.5 hours at 1080p30, and more than 1.5 hours at 4K30 / 5.3K30.

The biggest difference with the new battery is how well it performs when there is no airflow though, such as when it’s in a housing.

Gopro Hero 13 Black Enduro Battery Improvement Chart — A quick rundown at the battery life improvements with airflow on the new 1900mAh Enduro Battery on the HERO13 Black.

New Gopro Enduro Battery Hero13 No Airflow — And this is how well the new Enduro battery performs without airflow compared to the older battery.

GPS

When the GoPro HERO12 hit the market in 2023, there was one massive feature omitted for the first time in almost a decade – GPS.

This strange decision to not include it left millions of diehard action cam lovers scratching their heads as to why.

Well, never fear, fellow content adventurer! GPS is back in the GoPro HERO13 Black!

For filming on the go, you can now share your speed, path, terrain, altitude, and g-force overlap from the Quik app. There is also a geo-tagging feature which can help you find your favourite content in your third-party photo library apps.

For those who often film while biking, hiking, or doing any sort of outdoor or travel activity, the GPS is a great feature to have.

Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable Kit

The GoPro HERO 13 introduces a slick new accessory that’s going to make powering your camera easier and more reliable than ever—the Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable Kit.

This isn’t just a minor upgrade; it’s a smart solution that simplifies the way you keep your GoPro charged during those long shoots or intense adventures.

Previously to keep the camera charged doing overnight time lapses for example, we’d have to open up the door and run the risk of water, condensation or dust getting inside.

Not any more.

The Contacto Magnetic Door is a practical replacement for the standard battery door, integrating magnetic contact points directly into its design.

This allows for a seamless connection with the Magnetic Power Cable, letting you charge the camera without opening the door and exposing the internal components.

This new cable perfectly pairs with the new door, snapping into place effortlessly with a strong magnetic connection.

The cable itself is tough, designed to handle the rough and tumble of outdoor adventures, while also providing fast charging to keep your always GoPro ready for action.

Don’t forget to use our GoPro discount code ‘nomadasaurus10’ at checkout to get a further 10% off on the latest camera and accessories!

Improved Slo-Mo Capabilities

The new HERO13 has boosted slow-motion video capabilities so you can capture every detail in your shots.

Find the highest resolutions and highest frame rates with the GoPro HERO 13’s new Burst Slo-Mo, which shoots smooth and crisp short clips in slow motion.

You can play back 720p400 in 3-minute, 20-second clips, 900p360 in 3-minute clips, and 5.3K120 in 20 second clips.

Three Mounting Options

The GoPro HERO 13 Black has a brand new mount option to go along with the two we know and love (the fold-down mounting fingers and the tripod mounting thread).

The most secure is the classic fold-down mounting fingers, which is low-profile, stable and perfect for intense activities or sports. This is the one we use about 90% of the time.

You can also choose the 1/4-20 Mounting Threads which work with most standard tripod. This is a great option for professional photographers and videographers who already have the gear and want absolutely zero movement between the camera and the tripod.

And now, to really increase the versatility of the world’s favourite action cam, there is the new Magnetic Latch and Ball Joint Mounts.

This secures your camera by snapping it in place on the auto-engaging dual latch magnets. Then you can attach the magnetic latch to any other GoPro mount for the ultimate flexibility!

Just remember that it is magnetic after all, and while it’s super useful if you want to quickly switch the GoPro to different mounting locations, we would not recommend it for any kind of mounting option where there is a lot of movement or jarring.

Reefs Of Micronesia. — Exploring the reefs of Micronesia with GoPro 13.

HLG HDR Video

The GoPro HERO 12 introduced HDR video for the best-looking videos on the market, as well as a flat setting, mimicking a log profile, for those that like to colour grade their footage.

The new GoPro HERO 13 takes this to the next level, with proper hybrid-log gamma (HLG) technology.

Now you can record in 10-bit and Rec. 2100 colour space and have the benefit of a wider colour gamut.

This is aimed at more of the professional creators out there, but it’s a very worthwhile upgrade.

Faster Wifi

While the older model had Wifi 5 Technology, the GoPro HERO 13 Black steps it up with even better specs!

The new option uses Wifi 6 Technology, offering more reliable and faster connectivity for transferring your content when using the GoPro Quik app.

You can still use a USB-C cable to your laptop or PC as well for ultra-fast transfers.

Audio Tuning

There aren’t too many differences between the audio feature of the 12 and 13, but the 13 offers a slightly more sophisticated approach to audio on your content.

There is now audio tuning which is optimised to your activity, meaning you get more balanced and realistic sound.

The new Voice Audio Mode also makes sound clearer, as it prioritises your voice over other ambient sounds in the background. For vlogging enthusiasts, this new feature gives your content a more optimised and crisp sound.

Or do what we do – use the Media Mod and run a shotgun mic or wireless microphone setup for the best audio possible when vlogging.

Alesha In Raja Gopro Hero 13 Black Review — Life looks better on GoPro.

All the Other Same Features from Last Year

As we mentioned earlier, the best features from the 12 are still found on the 13, and these include:

1/1.9″ Sensor with 8:7 Aspect Ratio

It took us a little while to get used to the 8:7 aspect ratio, paired with GoPro’s 1/1.9″ sensor, but now we use it pretty much 90% of the time. It’s just so damn useful.

Capture one shot and crop it multiple ways – for YouTube, Instagram/TikTok, web or print.

Our go-to is 8:7, 4k and 60 fps for most action scenes, and 5.3k at 30fps for vlogs.

Night Effects

We love the night effects, such as star trails, light painting and night lapses, and of course they’re still here on the 13.

HyperSmooth 6.0 with 360 Degree Horizon Lock

Basically HyperSmooth makes your footage as smooth as using a gimbal, without of course needing a gimbal.

It’s epic. It’s flawless. It’s practically essential.

In fact it’s so good that we often find ourselves wanting to vlog on the GoPro for run-and-go shooting rather than our top-line Sony cameras.

And the 360-Degree Horizon Lock means you can literally spin the camera in a full circle and it will magically keep the horizon straight.

While you might not be spinning the camera around fully all the time, it’s great if you’re trying to shoot a scene from something like a boat in rough seas for example.

Our Other Favourite Features

These are the ones we use with our GoPro all the time, and while not new, are worth highlighting again:

Scheduled Capture

Set your GoPro up somewhere for a time lapse (or night lapse), pick a time in the future to start recording, and then walk away.

Why we love it? Means you don’t need to start recording early and risk killing your battery, or need to set a reminder to go out and switch the GoPro on in case you’re busy, or asleep.

Raw Photos

SuperPhoto is cool, but we always prefer to edit our images the way we like. That’s why we leave our GoPro set to Raw images all the time.

Why we love it? Really push the colours in your images hard when editing.

Presets

If you’re always switching between different modes, like 5.3k30 and 4k60 like us, having these exact settings saved as a preset means you can change in a moment.

Why we love it? Makes life so much quicker and easier.

This video was shot on the HERO12, but it works the exact same on the HERO13.

GoPro Quik Desktop App

We just want to talk about the GoPro Quik App again this year, because it’s just always getting better and better.

The GoPro Quik app on your smartphone is excellent, especially for importing your footage and making quick edits to share on social media.

It’s so good we recommend it as essential downloading for anybody who comes with us on our NOMADasaurus Adventure Tours.

The desktop app is also excellent, and while we don’t really use it for editing videos (we use Adobe Premiere Pro and CapCut for that), it makes grabbing a frame out of your video as a photo very quick and easy.

The ‘Mods’ and ‘Mounts’ – The HB Lens Mods + Media, Max Lens, Display and Light Mod

We had a massive write-up about the HB Lens Mods above (the ND, Macro and Anamorphic Lenses that suit the GoPro HERO 13 Black), but we can’t forget about the other mods GoPro has available.

The Display Mod isn’t something we really use, nor recommend, and there’s a new Ultra Wide Lens Mod to replace the Max Lens, but the Light Mod is really handy and we always throw a few in our camera bags for trips.

The Media Mod on the other hand is essential if you’re a content creator.

This allows you to use an external microphone for audio, and has a few hot shoe attachments for other units like the light mod.

Plus there’s all the cool mounts you can purchase to place the HERO13 just about anywhere you can imagine.

And yes, for another year in a row, the GoPro HERO13 Black is the exact same size as the previous four cameras, so there’s no need to throw out your old accessories.

Some of our favourites are the Dive Housing, El Grande, Jaws, Bite Mount and Floaty.

Check out our full list of our top GoPro accessories.

Don’t forget to use our GoPro discount code ‘nomadasaurus10’ at checkout to get a further 10% off on the latest camera and accessories!

What About the GoPro HERO – A New Smaller Camera?

Yes, there is a new, smaller, no-frills GoPro HERO camera coming out, and while it’s not as good as the HERO13, for a lot of people this is going to be more than enough.

Think of it as the Session making a comeback.

We’ll update this article once we get our hands on one to test.

Puffer Fish Gopro Hero13 — Hanging out with a puffer fish in Palau. How good is the quality on the 13 for underwater shots?!

Is the HERO13 Any Good in the Real World?

We picked up the GoPro HERO13 Black literally on the way to the airport to fly out to a photography assignment on an expedition ship through West Papua, Palau and Micronesia.

So our testing of the new camera was literally baptism by fire.

There was no fancy unboxing, spending time going through all the settings, etc.

It was grab the camera, turn it on, do a basic setup based on what we know with older GoPros, throw it in a dive housing and hit the water.

Luckily, it worked flawlessly from day one.

The menu is practically the same as previous years, meaning it’s clear, concise and easy to navigate.

After a few minutes of dialling in the settings we wanted – 10 bit natural colour, 8:7 at 4k60 with minimum and maximum ISO selected, we descended down to 30 metres.

And, just as expected, it just worked.

No freezing, no lag between switching between video/photo, and best of all the footage just popped right out of the camera.

The interval photo mode, capturing raw files every 3 seconds, was truly awesome to have on hand.

With a couple of days of diving and snorkelling under our belt we took the GoPro HERO13 Black on a hike around Raja Ampat and absolutely loved how it all worked.

HyperSmooth? Perfect.

Colours? Vibrant and clean.

Photo mode? Quick and easy to use.

And then when we pushed the colours in post processing, the RAW files really shined, particularly on the dive shots with minimal light.

In full transparency we only used the ND filters quickly for a test, and they did exactly as expected. Nothing flash, nothing fancy – they are just high quality ND filters that have practically no colour casting and slow the shutter down without interference in bright conditions.

That might sound like it’s not worth getting, but as people who love the natural motion blur you get when you shoot video at the correct settings, and of course who play around with long exposure photography a lot, these are now going to live full-time in our camera bags.

We threw on the Macro Lens for a quick trial on some flowers and sure enough, it’s a decent macro lens.

Again, doesn’t sound like much. But this is the first time there has been a native GoPro macro lens mod, and opens up an entirely new world of possibilities for video and photos.

Just like the ND filters, this is a welcome addition and now considered a must-have in our list of camera gear.

We sadly didn’t get a chance to test out the Ultra Wide Lens Mod or the Anamorphic Lens Mod, but trust us, as soon as we do we’ll update this article with our experience of them.

All in all, it’s a very powerful, very durable, and very easy to use professional content creation powerhouse.

What We Don’t Like

It’s taken us a few weeks of using this every single day in a variety of situations to try to figure out what we don’t like about in our GoPro HERO13 Black review.

Is it perfect?

Of course not.

But in all honesty, the years of saying “Yea GoPros are cool but I hate that they…” are pretty much over.

We do wish they brought in the rumoured 1-inch sensor for better resolution and low-light performance, but realise that would make the unit a fair bit larger.

And again there’s no optical zoom. With the HB Series Lenses though perhaps there’s a zoom lens on the horizon?

A dedicated 1:1 aspect ratio would be awesome, as would a built-in visual grid so you could frame in 9×16 and 16×19 easily enough.

It’s still early days though, and we’ll update this article if we find anything we don’t like.

Diving In Indonesia Gopro — The new camera works equally awesome above and below water.

GoPro HERO13 vs GoPro HERO12 vs GoPro HERO11 – What’s the Difference?

We actually rocked our previous 12 while exploring Micronesia as well to compare the two in our brand new GoPro HERO 13 Black review, and if you’re familiar with the older model as well you might be wondering if there’s been much of an upgrade this year.

Or if you have the HERO11 or HERO12, or maybe don’t even own a GoPro, you’re probably curious if there’s any difference at all.

So let us lay it out in absolute laymen’s terms for you.

The biggest differences that the majority of moderate users would notice are:

More battery life
A variety of creative lens mods
GPS
Magnetic Mount

The other upgrades like HLG HDR video colour profiles, audio tuning, burst slo-mo and faster wifi are more things that heavy users or professionals would be excited about.

Let’s check out the differences in our comparison table.


27MP + SuperPhoto and all RAW modes	27MP + SuperPhoto and all RAW modes	27MP + SuperPhoto and all RAW modes



In-Camera with 360° Angle and Horizon Lock	In-Camera with 360° Angle and Horizon Lock	In-Camera with 360° Angle and Horizon Lock

720p400, 900p360, 5.3K120
1.4″ Color LCD with Smoother Live Preview	1.4″ Color LCD with Smoother Live Preview	1.4″ Color LCD with Smoother Live Preview
2.7″ Color LCD with Improved Touch Sensitivity	2.7″ Color LCD with Improved Touch Sensitivity	2.7″ Color LCD with Improved Touch Sensitivity

Media Mod, Max Lens Mod, Display Mod, Light Mod, Volta	Media Mod, Max Lens Mod, Display Mod, Light Mod, Volta	Media Mod, Max Lens Mod, Display Mod, Light Mod, Volta

HLG HDR, Flat, Natural, Vibrant








1080p with HyperSmooth 6.0	1080p with HyperSmooth 5.0	1080p with HyperSmooth 5.0

Is it Worth Upgrading?

We’re nearing the end of our GoPro HERO 13 review, and every year we get routinely get asked two questions all the time (in the past couple of weeks on this ship we’ve been asked this multiple times a day):

“I don’t own a GoPro, which one should I buy?”

And…

“I have a GoPro HERO12/11/10, should I upgrade to the newer model?”

So, here we go, the exact same advice we give our friends, our family, clients and guests.

Is it worth upgrading to the HERO13?

You Don’t Have a GoPro

If you don’t have a GoPro and are curious if you should rush out and buy the newest HERO13 for travel, underwater, content creation, social media, sport or lifestyle, our honest answer is:

Yes, it’s 100% worth buying the HERO13 Black, if it’s within your budget.

If it’s not, but you still want a GoPro, you will probably be very, very happy with the HERO12.

Reason we say ‘if it’s within your budget’ is because the main upgrades such as the HB Series Lenses and very nice to haves, but not essentials for most people.

Yes, the 13 is the newer, better, more capable camera.

And if the price difference isn’t much, then get it.

You Have a GoPro HERO10 or Earlier Model

If you own a GoPro HERO10 or older camera, do yourself a favour and jump on this immediately.

The GP2 processor, larger sensor, 8:7 aspect ratio, massive battery increase, improved UI and just about everything else makes the HERO13 night and day compared to the older models.

Just do it, you won’t regret it.

You Have a GoPro HERO12 Black or HERO11 Black?

Now this is a bit of an interesting one, and harder to answer.

Side by side, do we noticed much of a difference between our HERO12 and the HERO13?

No, not really.

Is the HERO13 better?

Of course it is! So much so that we’ll be selling our 12s and just using the 13s.

But we use our GoPros all the time as professional content creators.

What if you just use your GoPro now and then, for a short holiday or on the one time every few months you might go mountain biking, skiing or snorkelling?

It might not be worth you spending the extra cash if you won’t use it.

Honestly, you’ll still love what you capture with your HERO12 or HERO11.

Now, if the HB Series Lenses sound interesting to you (they’re awesome), and the power upgrades with the 1900mAh Enduro Battery and Conacto Magnetic Power Latch pique your interest, then upgrade to the HERO13.

So what do we recommend you to do?

The easiest way to break it down is with this:

UPGRADE IF:	I use my GoPro more than once a week, would use the ND, Macro or Ultra Wide Lenses, appreciate more battery life and like to colour grade my video footage.
DON’T WORRY IF:	I use my camera less than once a month, don’t really edit my footage, never drain a battery and don’t need nicer video clips.

If you’ve just recently purchased an 12 though, don’t throw it away. The 12 is still awesome and will serve you well for many more years.

Final Verdict – 9/10

Well family, that’s it for our GoPro HERO13 review. It’s made it across the Indo Pacific and Micronesia with us on a crazy adventure, captured some insane content and never missed a beat.

It’s an absolute weapon, and we love it.

We personally give the GoPro HERO 13 Black a rock solid 9/10.

The HB Series Lenses completely revolutionise how you can use the new GoPro, the bigger battery is a life saver, the UI improvements are fantastic and of course 5.3k60 is wild.

Next up we’ll be throwing this little unit into the content battlefields across Africa, Antarctica, Patagonia, Borneo and the Arctic.

If you do purchase the GoPro HERO 13 Black, also grab the GoPro Cloud Storage too.

Thanks very much for reading our GoPro HERO13 Black review. If you have any questions please leave a comment below and we’ll answer them as soon as possible.

Don’t forget to use our GoPro discount code ‘nomadasaurus10’ at checkout to get a further 10% off on the latest camera and accessories!

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!

Is the GoPro HERO13 better than the GoPro HERO12?

The GoPro HERO13 has a number of excellent upgrades over the HERO12, including a much bigger 1900mAh battery, HB-Series Lens compatibility, improved UI, Burst Slo-Mo mode, HLG HDR video and a Magnetic Latch and Power Cable adaptor.

Is it worth upgrading to the GoPro HERO13?

If you have the HERO11 model or earlier, use your GoPro more than once a week or make social media content, then it is definitely worth upgrading to the GoPro HERO12 to enjoy the extra battery life and HB Series Lenses.

Is the GoPro HERO 13 good for still photos?

The GoPro HERO 13 Black is fantastic for still photos thanks to the 27 megapixel, 1/1.9″ sensor being powered by the GP2 processor and full RAW capabilities.

What are the differences between the GoPro HERO13 and HERO12?

The biggest changes between the GoPro HERO13 and HERO12 are the extra battery life, HB-Series Lenses with Auto Detect, HLG HDR video profiles, better UI and Burst Slo-Mo.

GoPro HERO 13 Black Review

In our detailed GoPro HERO 13 review we’ve personally put the camera to the test to see if it’s worth the upgrade and see what’s new on the GoPro HERO13 Black.

Pros

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25/07/2025

The BEST Camera Accessories – Photography Essentials [2025]
Ready to take your photography to the next level? Our expert guide to the best camera accessories will help you narrow down the exact essentials you need to consider.

Once you start getting more and more into photography you quickly realise that there are certain tools that are essential tot make your life easier, and your photos more creative.

Some of these accessories are necessary for your camera to work, and some will simply help you take better photos.

After the success of our popular best travel cameras article (helping over 2 million photographers to date!) we received countless emails from people asking what photo camera accessories we use and recommend.

Whether you’ve bought the best travel camera you can find or are just a hobbyist, trying to choose the best camera accessories is something you seriously need to consider.

Our Expert Guide to the Best Camera Accessories and Essentials

With the thousands of photo camera accessories on the market these days it can be quite overwhelming trying to figure out what every photography actually needs.

Even more confusing is trying to determine how much you should spend on what. How can one SD card be worth $5, while another one is $200? Why do some tripods come in at over $1500?

And camera bags? Don’t even get us started on the different choices in camera bags…

Well never fear, because after working as professional photographers for a decade we have worked our way through the endless options and have now narrowed down the exact camera essentials budding photographers need, right down to the best brands and products!

We’ve put together this camera accessories list, not necessarily just for the professionals out there, but also for the entry-level and amateur photographers who want to know where to start.

All of these are products that we’ve owned, used, or had personal experience with in our journey going from complete amateurs to professional travel photographers.

We don’t recommend something that we wouldn’t use ourselves, or tell our best friend to buy.

If you already know what you are looking for, jump to the top camera accessories you are interested in:

This isn’t a comprehensive list of every single camera attachment on the market. Instead it is mainly for the recommended camera accessories that most photographers would need.

We’ve left out the high-end specialist accessories like microphones (side note, we love the Rode Videomic) sliders, gimbals and light boxes, because these aren’t the kinds of things most photographers need.

But if you are interested in these types of camera equipment leave a comment below and we’ll give you our top recommendations!

Now, let’s dive into the article.

Once you have all the camera accessories you need you can focus on getting out there and taking great photos!

Best SD Memory Cards

In order for digital cameras to save photos, you are going to need to buy memory.

This is the most common camera accessory, and the absolute first thing you should be looking at after you buy your digital camera (along with a SD card reader to import your images).

An SD (Secure Disk) card is the small memory chip that goes into your camera that will store all your photos and videos. Every digital camera on the market needs one of these cards to work.

Where it can get confusing is when you start looking at size and speeds. Let’s start with size to give you an idea of what each memory card can hold, remembering that larger capacity means more photos.

Note – For this assessment we are using a 16 megapixel camera shooting in JPEG mode as the base.
- 8gb – 1430 images
- 16gb – 2861 images
- 32gb – 5722 images
- 64gb – 11,444 images
- 128gb – 22,888 images
Now you might look at that and think, “Wow, I would never take 5000 images! A 32gb memory card will last me forever!” and you might be right.

But it’s important to keep in mind that each camera model will have a different size file, and if you shoot video, or photos in RAW card format, then this will chew up your memory faster.

Let us give you an idea of how much memory we use as professional travel photographers – We only shoot in RAW and depending on the camera we use, each file is around 24mb (or 48mb image quality for our Sony A7Riii’s larger camera sensor).

This means we can take about 1333 photos on a 32gb memory card. Seems like a lot? Well, we can easily go through 2 or 3 memory cards on a heavy day of shooting.

One cool thing to consider now is that memory is getting cheaper and cheaper, and a 32g card and SD card reader can be bought for as little as $20 in some places (for a low quality one). So don’t even consider getting anything smaller.

But we don’t necessarily recommend going out to buy a bunch of 128gb (or 256gb) memory cards either, for two reasons:
- Not all cameras can read cards that are larger than 32 or 64gb. We made that mistake when we bought 128gb cards for our old GoPro and it couldn’t read them.
- If you take all your photos on one large SD card and you lose it/have it stolen/it gets corrupted, then you will lose all your photos in one go.
For that reason alone we recommend buying either 32gb or 64gb memory cards, despite the limited capacity.

Now let’s look at speed and ‘class’ of SD cards.

The transfer speeds of an SD card is measured in mb/s, or megabytes per second, and is properly known as the ‘Maximum Read Speed’.

The class of memory card is actually an outdated metric these days as all newer memory cards will include the transfer speeds as well.

However they still include the number on your SD cards these days, and they come in Class 2,4,6 and 10.

Hot Tip – You will need a class 10 memory card.

Just like storage, speed on memory cards is improving rapidly as cameras come out with better features so let’s look some common write speeds to see what you’ll need as a minimum:
- 40mb/s – The absolute minimum you should be considering. Fine for taking low number of photos on a beginner camera if shooting in JPEG.
- 80mb/s – A much better speed that will be fine for taking a couple of photos in a matter of seconds. Ok for shooting in RAW.
- 90mb/s – Great for taking photos in JPEG if using burst mode, shooting exclusively in RAW, or if you are looking to film video as well.
- 95mb/s – What you’ll be needing if you shoot exclusively in RAW and hit the shutter frequently. Adequate for shooting in 4K.
- 150/260/300 or faster – You film cinematic 4K video or are primarily a sports or wildlife photographer. The best of the best. These higher speeds are often found on CF cards, but newer SD cards are matching these speeds now.
Make sure you also get a memory card reader if your computer or laptop doesn’t have a memory card reader built in.

Having lots of extra SD cards is vital if you’re travelling somewhere beautiful, such as Antarctica.

Probably the second most important must have camera accessory you will need after SD cards is spare batteries. Trust us, there’s nothing worse than being out taking pictures and having your battery die on you.

When it comes to extra batteries you have two options – buy native batteries, or buy 3rd party batteries. There’s benefits to both.

Obviously if you own a Sony mirrorless camera, buying Sony batteries or a dedicated battery grip are going to be the best for it.

They are of the highest quality and more importantly you won’t have your warranty voided if for some very unlikely reason they damage your camera.

However native batteries are usually more expensive.

Going for a 3rd party battery is your next best option, and you can often pick up 2 spare batteries for the same price as one without jeopardising battery life.

But when you start to look at 3rd party batteries you can be overwhelmed with all the random brands out there.

So what batteries should you go for in your photography accessories list?

Stopping for a lunch break in Torres del Paine National Park. We trekked and camped for 8 days, so having spare batteries was essential to make sure our cameras lasted the adventure.

Best Tripod for Travel

No list of photographic gear would be complete without one of these!

If you’re getting serious about photography and want an essential camera accessory, then you’ll have to buy a tripod to eliminate camera shake.

Tripods are honestly one of the most essential camera accessories any photographer can own, whether you’re trying to take photos in low light, long exposure shots, do time lapses, do steady filming or even just taking a photo of yourself in a cool location.

This is also one of those photo accessories that can range in price from very, very cheap to very, very expensive.

How much you want to spend really depends on your goal for photography, and your budget.

We’re not going to bombard you with a million different types of tripods (you can do that by reading our ultimate guide to the best travel tripods). Instead we’re going to focus on the best, lightweight and portable mini tripod you should get.

Best Full Size Tripod

If you’re looking for the next step up, are serious about getting excellent landscape shots or shooting astrophotography, then you’re going to need a full-size sturdy tripod – something that’s more heavy duty and can withstand any kind of weather or heavy gear.

This is where tripods get expensive, and it’s not unheard of to see some going for close to $2000!

But don’t worry, you don’t need to spend that much to get something amazing! And having tested out dozens of tripods over the years, we can safely say that our personal recommendation (and what we use) is the Manfrotto BeFree GT XPRO Carbon Fibre.

Using a tripod allowed us to take this long exposure photo of Narrabeen rock pool at sunrise.

Best Portable Light

You may be wondering why a portable light would make it onto the list of best camera accessories?

The reason is having a little LED light can help you add a huge amount of creativity and opportunities to your photos!

We use portable lights to mount on top of our camera when vlogging to light up our faces (also perfect when taking photos or people or subjects in dark rooms or at night), to illuminate a backdrop and even to add depth to scenes in low light.

The best ones out there are waterproof, can connect to your phone via Bluetooth and have different colour shields to change white balance.

Having tested a whole bunch of them, we now only use the Lume Cube 2.0

We used our Lume Cube 2.0 to light up the rock behind our buddy Matt so that he stood out in this Milky Way shot.

Best Circular Polarising Filter

Once you start to dive into the world of filters for your camera (no, not the Instagram kind), you’ll quickly become overwhelmed with all the different types there are out there.

Circular polarising filters, neutral density filters, graduated filters, UV filters, infrared light filters – the list seems to be almost never-ending.

But if you’re looking for the top recommendation for the first filter to buy and why, you need to check out CPLs, or circular polarisers.

These fantastic filters screw onto the front of your new lens and act to cut out glare in reflective surfaces, such as water, glass, snow, blue skies, etc.

Seriously, if you’re looking at stepping up your photography game and take better quality photos these are the best camera accessories you should consider.

Especially for landscapes (check out our top landscape photography tips here), a CPL will help make your images pop, even in the middle of the day.

They work by essentially having two neutral density filters screwed together that rotate in opposite directions.

By rotating the front filter it eliminates the rays of light that bounce off these surfaces.

Like most things when it comes to photography, you can either go as cheap or as expensive as you want with filters.

Our best tip though is to not buy a super cheap filter. These will just put a weird colourcast over your entire photo, which could look terrible once you start looking at them on the computer or in print.

Note – Many camera stores will try to sell you a UV filter or clear filters, and tell you that they are good for protecting your camera and lens. If you have any lens that is half decent we do not recommend these. Why would you spend $3000 on a high quality lens to put a $10 piece of crappy glass on the front?

Using a CPL allowed us to cut out the glare of this waterfall, even in the middle of the day.

Best Neutral Density Square Filter Systems

Neutral density filters are the dark pieces of glass that you put on the front of your camera that limit the amount of light hitting the sensor, allowing you to create long exposures and use a slow shutter speed, even in the middle of the day.

Not quite sure what we mean? Ever seen an image of a waterfall where the water is silky smooth?

That’s long exposures, and depending on the ambient light and if it was taken in the middle of the day, then neutral density filters were most likely used.

READ MORE: While you’re at it, check out our expert guide to waterfall photography tips to take your cascade images to another level!

The best way to purchase and use ND filters (or any filters if you’re using a multi-lens set up with different sizes), is by using a square filter kit that screws onto the front of your camera lenses.

The filters come in square glass panels, usually 100x100mm, 100x150mm or 150x150mm, and they slide into a holder that attaches to the front of your camera and lens.

They usually come with adaptors of different sizes meaning you can put one system on any thread size, and have no issues mounting to the front of wide angle lenses.

This falls more into the category of professional camera accessories, as they gives you greater freedom in what levels of density you apply to your photographs. Having larger filters also reduces vignetting in your images.

They are also a lot more expensive than screw-on filters, but if you’re serious about this type of artistic photography then it’s a great investment.

By having a square filter system you can get different stops of NDs (and stack them if you want), and have graduated filters and apply them to different parts of the shot.

A sunrise in Puerto Varas, Chile. An 80 second exposure using our NISI 10-Stop ND Filter, which allowed us to caputre the cloud movement while smoothing out the water of the lake.

Best Remote Shutter Release/Intervalometer

Having a remote shutter release or an intervalometer is an excellent camera accessory for a whole range of different photography situations.

The first style is cable shutter releases, which plugs into the side of your camera using micro USB or USB C.

You push the button on the remote and it releases the shutter for you, so you can take a picture without disturbing the camera (think long exposure photos) or even if you’re not actually right next to the camera.

Intervalometers do the same thing, but with a few extra features. The most important of these is the ability to set the camera to continuously take photos, which is great for taking time lapse photography.

Both of these also allow for bulb photos, in case you want to do a long exposure past the standard 30 seconds allowed by most cameras.

The third one is for those that love putting themselves in the picture, but perhaps at a far distance – wireless remotes.

A wireless remote usually slides into the hot shoe connection on the top of your camera or connects via USB C.

Then with handheld remote controls you can press the shutter release from as far away as your device allows (sometimes over 100m!).

Using a remote shutter release allowed us to set the camera up on some slippery rocks for this shot of a waterfall in El Chalten, Argentina, then step back so we were standing somewhere safer to keep taking pictures.

Best Camera Strap

Most cameras will come with a standard strap that you can hang around your neck, and to begin with this is fine.

But if you want something a bit more comfortable (especially if you have larger cameras), you’re going to want to upgrade your neck strap.

You can get ones that have super thick padding, are worn like a harness or clip to the side of your belt. Some attach to the normal camera strap rings, while others screw into your tripod plate thread.

After using the standard straps for years, and having them dig into our necks and shoulders when being out in the field for hours at a time, we decided it was time to invest in better camera straps, and are glad we did when we found Peak Design!

Having a good camera strap means you can keep your camera around your body, and still have instant access when you want to capture those perfect moments, whether its portrait photography or travel.

Best Camera Bags

Getting a camera bag is obviously a must have camera accessory that you will buy. Depending on whether you have a small point and shoot, a series of mirrorless cameras or a bunch of different bodies and lenses, you’ll need to get a camera bag to match whatever you’re carrying around.

READ MORE: See our brand new, comprehensive guide to the best backpacks for photographers!

You’ll have to decide what camera bag is best for you in terms of your activities as well. Do you just carry your gear from the car/house to your photography location, or do you go trekking for days at a time with it?

For us we are always out hiking so need a bag that not only fits all of our camera gear (including a large zoom lens or two), but on the other hand also holds clothes, jackets, snacks, water and more.

A camera bag should also be very durable, water resistant and have lots of padding (both inside and out).

This is quite a personal thing, but in our experience after using (and ditching) close to 20 different bags, there’s one main company you should start your search with.

A lady weaving silk in Uzbekistan. Having a good camera bag means we can carry all our lenses with us at all times, allowing us to choose what we want to shoot with in the field.

Cleaning Kit

Keeping your camera clean with the right accessories is very important to have it perform at its best.

Wherever you go bits of dust and dirt will cover the camera, and if you have interchangeable lenses, you’ll probably end up with dust on the camera sensors as well. Not ideal!

Unfortunately there’s nothing you can do to stop every single bit of dirt getting on your camera, unless you decide to never take it out of its case. Instead you just have to get used to cleaning it.

These days you can get decent camera cleaning kits for very cheap. This is especially important when considering the best camera accessories for dSLRs.

You’ll definitely need a blower, microfibre cloth and some other items, so let’s get into it.

IMPORTANT – Whatever you do, don’t attempt to clean your sensor unless you 100% know what you are doing. If you scratch it, your camera is pretty much ruined. Using a blower to get dust specs off it is fine, but even then make sure you are careful. This is not to scare you, it’s just to save you from making a costly mistake. If your sensor is very dirty take it to a camera store to get professionally cleaned.

Keeping your camera clean is very important in the field. This photo had quite a few dust specs across the camera lens, meaning we had to spend a bit of time in post-processing to clean them up.

External Hard Drive

Once you get more and more into photography, you’re going to need a place to store all your photos. Images quickly stack up, and if you’re anything like us you want to make sure you don’t lose them.

Eventually you may get to the level where you need something dedicated like a NAS backup system, but until then external hard drives will be your friend.

You have two options when it comes to external drives – desktop hard drives and portable hard drives. We always suggest getting a desktop hard drive for your home, which you back everything up to, and a portable one for travelling.

We took over 500gb worth of photos and video in Antarctica. It’s easy to see why.

Conclusion to Our Top Camera Accessories and Essentials

We hope our list of essential camera accessories has been helpful for you. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or ideas about what we should add to this article as well.

The most important thing, regardless of equipment, is just getting out there to take lots of nice photos! The more and more you practice, the better your images will get.

READ NEXT: Looking for GoPro-specific recommendations? Check out this post on the top GoPro accessories for any photographer!

What else would you recommend people get for the best photo camera accessories? Leave a comment below to let us know.

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!

The BEST Camera Accessories – Photography Essentials [2025]

We’ve spent a decade testing all the best camera accessories on the market, and in our comprehensive guide to the top camera essentials we dive into exactly…
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24/07/2025
The 19 Best Queensland Beaches You Have To Visit

From the Gold Coast to the Tropical North, Queensland beaches are some of the sunniest, splashiest, most stunning gems Australia has to offer.

If Queensland beaches had a fan club, we’d be proud members. Sand so white it glistens, waters so blue they seem Photoshopped, and sunsets that stir the soul make us huge fans of the Sunshine State’s shores.

Whatever your vibe—chasing waves, lounging on the sand, or hunting for the perfect IG shot—there’s a sun-soaked spot waiting for you.

But with over 7,000 km of coastline, where do you even start?

With that in mind, we’re diving into the top Queensland beaches by region.

So whether you’re road-tripping the Sunshine Coast, exploring Tropical North Queensland, or sailing around the Whitsunday Islands, you can start planning your dream getaway.

Queensland has some of the best Australian beaches!

The 19 Best Queensland Beaches

Looking for a secluded shore backed by lush green rainforest? Maybe hip surf beaches are more your bias?

Here are the best beaches in Queensland, where the coast oozes with charm and adventure is just a tide away.

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.

Sunshine Coast Beaches

The Sunshine Coast truly lives up to its name, boasting an average of seven hours of sunshine per day and more than 300 sunny days a year.

Then, there are the seaside towns and pristine beaches scattered all along the Sunshine Coast, making this part of Queensland one of our favourite places to be.

1. Sunshine Beach

Located in the town of Noosa, Sunshine Beach is your go-to all-rounder, open year-round. Though popular among surfers (waves can reach up to 7 feet!), it remains relatively quiet and secluded.

Not a surfer? Take a dip in the balmy waters instead. Lifeguards patrol the beach year-round, making it a safe place to swim, even for younger kids.

If sunbathing is more your vibe, there’s plenty of pristine white sand to stretch out on.

For hikers, Sunshine Beach opens up to a 15-km strip of white sand beaches and great surf. It’s also the endpoint of the 5.4-km scenic walk through Noosa National Park. You can make the journey from Noosa Main Beach to Sunshine in about three hours.

Want to grab a snack or cool off with a drink? A handful of cafés and bars line the beachfront. Enjoy your iced latte and the ocean views.

Explore more with these amazing day trips from Noosa!

2. Noosa Main Beach

Quite possibly the most popular holiday destination on the Sunshine Coast, the sleepy town of Noosa draws roughly two million visitors each year. One of its main attractions is the iconic Main Beach.

This rare north-facing beach, one of the few on Australia’s east coast, sits between the rugged Noosa National Park and trendy Hastings Street. That means you get the best of both worlds: raw natural beauty and just the right amount of bustle.

Sheltered from strong winds and currents, Main Beach is generally calm, making it ideal for casual swimmers and beginner surfers.

But on the right day, you can catch the famous Noosa Heads right-hand surf break, one of the longest on the Sunshine Coast.

If you’re looking to learn how to surf, Main Beach is the perfect spot to start. There’s also no shortage of watersports, from kayaking on the Noosa waterways to dolphin safaris in the surrounding ocean.

After a splash, head to Hastings, Noosa’s stylish high street, for a spa session, upscale dining, or boutique shopping.

3. Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach is a coastal town famed for its multi-coloured seaside cliffs and glistening golden sand dunes.

The jewel in Rainbow Beach’s crown is the surreal Carlo Sand Blow, a colossal, wind-blown sand mass overlooking the ocean. From its edge, you can take in sweeping views of Fraser Island to the north and Double Island Point to the south.

With such incredible scenery, Rainbow draws avid hikers. The Cooloola Great Walk—a 102-km route across the Great Sandy National Park—ends at the southern edge of town.

Not into hiking? Rainbow Beach is one of the few places on the Sunshine Coast (and in Australia) where you can drive directly onto the sand.

Hop in a 4WD and explore one of the most stunning beaches in Queensland on a sightseeing tour. Eager to see more? Combine your drive with a three-day tour of K’gari (Fraser Island).

Rainbow Beach, where sandy shores meet colossal cliffs

4. Mooloolaba Beach

Mooloolaba Beach is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland but also one of the most family-friendly.

This lively, sandy beach takes its stunning scenery seriously. One of its most iconic—and quirky—features is the Loo with a View, a public toilet that looks out over the Pacific Ocean.

With clear, calm waters patrolled by lifeguards year-round, Mooloolaba is an ideal swimming spot for families with young children.

Beyond the water, there’s a lot of room to spread out your towel and chill. But if lounging isn’t your thing, you’ll find lots of activities to keep you entertained—from stand-up paddle boarding to snorkelling and wildlife spotting on a custom-built inflatable raft.

At low tide, explore the rock pools on the shore. Or head to SEA LIFE, a guaranteed hit with kids and adults fascinated by marine life.

Foodie? You’ll love Mooloolaba’s dining scene, with its impressive lineup of restaurants, cafés, and bars.

5. K’gari Beaches

If you’re looking for a secluded island paradise, K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) should be on your itinerary.

Spanning 122 km in length, it’s the largest sand island in the world. That means it’s packed with sandy beaches—likely more than there are people. Inland, you’ll find tropical rainforests and over a hundred freshwater lakes.

On the island, you’ll never run out of places to cool off, even beyond the beach. Our favourite spot for a swim is the crystal-clear Lake McKenzie, though the fizzing Champagne Pools come a close second.

While K’gari (Fraser Island) isn’t technically part of the Sunshine Coast, it’s easily accessible from Rainbow Beach or Noosa on a day trip.

Visit between July and October for the chance to spot humpback whales in the wild on a full-day island cruise.

The shores of Lake McKenzie, K’gari

Best Gold Coast Beaches

With a name like the Gold Coast and a coastline stretching 40 km, the scenery is bound to be golden, especially when it comes to the beaches.

No matter what kind of beachgoer you are—wave chaser, pro paddler, or die-hard sunbather—the Gold Coast has something for you.

6. Tallebudgera Creek

Technically a creek, but let’s not get hung up on labels—Tallebudgera Creek (or just Talle to locals) is pure beach bliss. Think powdery white sand, glittering blue water, and barely a ripple in sight. It’s ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or just lazing under the sun.

Tallebudgera Creek is a family favourite, thanks to its calm, patrolled waters and easy access from both Palm Beach and Burleigh Heads National Park.

Got kids, prams, or beach carts? No stress. There’s beach matting, wheelchairs available on weekends, and a car park merely steps from the sand.

Hungry? Right by the shore and just across the street, you’ll find a bunch of cafes and restaurants serving anything from vegan meals to Portuguese tarts.

Nature lovers, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, cockatoos, and even a kingfisher or two. And if you’re curious about Talle’s cultural roots, follow the walking trail to learn about the Kombumerri people’s deep connection to this special place.

Had enough of the coast? Explore inland with these top Gold Coast hikes!

7. Burleigh Heads

With so many stunning Queensland beaches to choose from, Burleigh Heads Beach still manages to stand out, and for good reason.

Perfectly placed between buzzing Surfers Paradise and chill Coolangatta, this Gold Coast gem is equal parts laid-back charm and world-class waves.

But what makes Burleigh one of the best beaches in Queensland is not just the scenery but also the vibe. There are lovely forest walks right next to the beach in Burleigh Heads National Park.

The beach boasts gentle swimming spots patrolled by lifeguards from 8 am to 5 pm daily and legendary surf breaks around the headland.

Norfolk pines, picnic spots, and paths for bike rides or lazy strolls line the breezy foreshore. From the hilltop, you’ll score lovely views stretching to the city skyline.

When you’ve had your fill of sea and sand, wander through markets and boutiques along James Street for handmade treasures and boho flair.

Burleigh Heads, a gem of the Gold Coast

8. Surfers Paradise Beach

Some people equate beautiful beaches with empty stretches of golden sand—until, of course, they step into Surfers Paradise.

No other beach on the Gold Coast exudes more energy and excitement than Surfers Paradise. But while the ‘burb is best known for its pulsating nightlife and glamorous skyscrapers that pierce the skyline, it does have pockets of peaceful hideaways along its 3 km coastline.

A tried-and-tested, patrolled surf beach, it boasts consistent rolling swells that draw surfers of all skill levels, though the gentler waves are ideal for beginners. Unsurprisingly, surf lessons and surf schools are big here.

Beyond the sand, Surfers has a lot going on—theme park rides, beach markets, waterfront dining, casinos, and a bar scene that doesn’t believe in bedtime.

That’s not to say Surfers isn’t family-friendly. Kids will love attractions like Ripley’s Believe It or Not and mini-golf, while thrill-seekers can ride the elevator to the SkyPoint Observation Deck for jaw-dropping views of the Gold Coast.

9. Palm Beach

If you ever want to escape the bustle of Surfers Paradise, Palm Beach offers a refreshing change of pace. Here, everything slows down, without ever getting boring.

Palm Beach has been crowned the cleanest beach on the Queensland coast not once, but thrice. But that’s not its only claim to fame.

It’s trendy and retro all at once, a vibe you’ll see in the mix of upscale high-rises and vintage beach shacks.

Surfers, swimmers, and sun lovers flock to this expansive sandy beach not just for the relaxed atmosphere, but because it’s made for salty hair, sun-kissed skin, and bare feet.

Find more nearby spots with this list of the best Gold Coast beaches!

Tropical North Queensland Best Beaches

The Tropical North is where you’ll find some of the most stunning Queensland beaches. The farther north you go, the more exotic they seem to become.

And if it’s a motley of beach varieties you’re after, the Tropical North always delivers—whether it’s palm-fringed coves, wide sandy bays, or secluded islands.

But before you get to wandering around the coast, here are some safety precautions you need to know:

Beach Safety Tips:

The Tropical North is known for its marine stingers like the ‘box jellyfish’ and the Irukandji. The risk of encountering these is higher during the warmer months, typically from November to May.

Be sure to swim only at patrolled beaches. Stay within the safety nets and between the flags. Wear a wetsuit during the stinger season.

Heed warning signs, especially when it comes to currents and crocs. If unsure, seek the advice of the lifesavers on patrol.

Explore Queensland’s Tropical North with a trip to the Daintree Rainforest!

10. Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island

Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island, tucked just off the Queensland coast, is a tropical daydream come true—minus the nudity. Despite the name, it’s strictly swimsuit (and family) friendly!

Perched on the southwestern coast of Fitzroy Island, a designated national park, Nudey Beach is a striking burst of colours: sugar-white sand, aqua-blue water, and weathered grey boulders set against a lush green rainforest.

Getting there is part of the adventure. Hop on a 45-minute ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, then follow the short, scenic trail through groves of acacias, eucalyptus, and beech trees to the beach.

Fringed by a coral reef teeming with marine life, Nudey Beach is just as magical below the surface. So, don’t forget your snorkelling gear. Or opt for a full-day tour with options to snorkel or cruise the reef in a glass-bottom boat.

Beyond the beach, hike to the Fitzroy Island Lighthouse where you can see Green Island in the distance. Stop by the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre if time allows.

There are no eateries at Nudey Beach, and Fitzroy Island has just two restaurants—both may require reservations. Planning to stay all day? Bring your own food and drinks.

11. Palm Cove

Just a breezy 25-minute drive north of Cairns, Palm Cove is a favourite base for exploring North Queensland, including the iconic Great Barrier Reef.

But once you step into this tranquil coastal community—with its palm-fringed beach, paperbark-lined promenade, and vibrant food scene—you might not want to leave.

This quiet suburb is all about slowing down and embracing a laid-back, boho lifestyle. Sunrise yoga one minute, barefoot strolls the next, and sunset kayaking to wrap up your day.

Dinner by the beach? Absolutely. There’s no shortage of delicious options here, including the award-winning Nu Nu Restaurant.

Palm Cove isn’t just one of the best beaches in Cairns. But it’s also one of the safest. During jellyfish season, it’s patrolled and protected by a stinger net, so swimmers and families can splash about worry-free.

Palm Cove Beach is the perfect spot for a stroll.

12. Ellis Beach

Lodged between a rainforest-clad hill and the calm Coral Sea, Ellis Beach proves you don’t have to venture far to find a secret slice of heaven in Queensland.

Almost always empty—even in summer—Ellis is the perfect spot to spread out your towel and soak up the sun. Leaning palm trees frame the 1-km stretch of golden sand, offering dappled shade and a postcard-worthy backdrop.

The water here is typically calm, thanks to the natural shelter of Double Island and Buchan Point, a rocky headland at the beach’s southern tip. Occasionally, small waves roll in—just right for rookie surfers.

Ellis Beach is easily accessed from the Captain Cook Highway. On the beachfront, you’ll find a relaxed bar and grill—a favourite pit stop for savvy road trippers heading to Port Douglas.

Read next: The Perfect 4 Days In Port Douglas Itinerary

13. Four Mile Beach

Here’s a fun fact: Four Mile Beach is, in reality, four kilometres long, and it got its name after the local Fourmile family, not its length!

Despite its proximity to the resort town of Port Douglas, Four Mile remains delightfully undeveloped. Patrolled year-round with a stinger net in place, it’s as safe as it is scenic. The honey-coloured beach looks even more stunning from atop Flagstaff Hill.

Four Mile may not be a surf beach, but it’s a stand-out when it comes to kite surfing. The waves, typically gentle and even, are also great for boogie boarding.

Smaller crowds, no chain stores—just a dreamy sandy beach with BBQ spots, swaying palm trees, and the occasional croc warning sign to keep things interesting. What’s not to love about Four Mile Beach?

14. Mission Beach

Between the reef and rainforest on the Cassowary Coast is Mission Beach, the textbook definition of a quaint, unhurried coastal getaway.

This 14-km stretch of undiluted raw beauty consists of four seaside villages: Bingil Bay, Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, and South Mission Beach.

Among the villages, Mission Beach is arguably the liveliest, with its sandy, palm-flanked bay dotted with a few shops and the occasional bar.

While it’s the closest mainland access point to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s refreshingly uncrowded compared to the busier ports in Cairns and Port Douglas.

For safe swimming, there’s an enclosure near Pacific Parade, patrolled daily by surf lifesavers. You can also paddle to nearby Dunk Island or go as far as Beaver Cay for a snorkelling cruise.

The ancient Wet Tropics Rainforest is at your doorstep if you prefer dry land adventures. For an adrenaline rush, try tandem skydiving over Mission Beach.

Of course, you can simply stretch out on the sand and do absolutely nothing but keep an eye out for a cassowary bird or two.

15. Magnetic Island

Granite headlands, hidden bays, and hoop pines dotting the coastline, all these make Magnetic Island a lovely contrast to many of the beaches in North Queensland.

A national park (over 78% of the land area is protected), it shelters an array of wildlife, ranging from rock wallabies and possums to butterflies and 100 bird species.

The star celebrities here, however, are the koalas. It’s one of the few places in Queensland where you’re sure to see these cuddly critters in the wild.

With 23 beaches and bays, Magnetic is indeed a magnet for sun-worshippers. Pick one (or all): Alma Bay is best for a family day trip, Nelly Bay is great for snorkelling, and Radical Bay offers serene seclusion.

Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island

Whitsunday Islands Best Beaches:

The Whitsundays consist of 74 continental islands scattered between Queensland’s northeast coast and the Great Barrier Reef.

While most are uninhabited, all are uniquely beautiful, covered by dense rainforests and fringed by white sand beaches.

16. Horseshoe Bay (Bowen)

Just 150-metre long, Horseshoe Bay is a pint-sized paradise with tremendous charm. Its calm, crystalline waters, sheltered by craggy headlands, are made for a splash or spotting turtles offshore.

The reef fringing the bay teems with marine life, and you can rent snorkel gear right on the beach. Sunbathing is always an option, too.

Then, shake off the sand and hike up to Rotary Lookout for dazzling views. You can also stroll the scenic Cape Edgecumbe Trail linking Horseshoe to neighbouring bays.

Horseshoe Bay is in the idyllic town of Bowen, a 40-minute drive from Airlie Beach, the base for exploring the Whitsundays.

17. Whitehaven Beach

If you visit the best beaches in Queensland and skip Whitehaven Beach, what are you even doing? This place is heaven on earth, or more precisely, heaven in Queensland.

Located on Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach stretches seven kilometres with sand so white, soft, and fine you can’t help but sink your toes in.

The calm waters, a dreamy swirl of teal, turquoise, and emerald, doesn’t disappoint either. Calm and comfortably warm year-round, it’s perfect for swimming.

There’s no coral reef along the shallow shoreline, so you’ll need to head a bit farther out for snorkelling. Don’t worry—there are plenty of great snorkelling spots nearby, easily accessible on day tours around the Whitsunday Islands.

Don’t miss the hike to Tongue Point lookout at the northern end of the beach. From there, you can marvel at the spectacular swirling sands of Hill Inlet.

Want to explore beyond Whitehaven? Book a full-day eco-tour to see more of the stunning Whitsundays.

Best Beaches Near Brisbane

If you’re planning a day trip from Brisbane, check out these gorgeous beaches:

18. North Stradbroke Island

Kangaroos on the shore? What could be more Aussie than that? At North Stradbroke Island, a.k.a. Straddie to the locals, beach vibes meet wildlife.

As the world’s second-largest sand island, it boasts a slew of beautiful beaches.

Chill out on Cylinder Beach, a sun-soaked, family-friendly cove with white sand and gentle waves, or wander to South Gorge Beach for a wilder, more rugged day out.

Hike the stunning North Gorge Headlands and keep your eyes peeled for whales breaching offshore from May to November.

Escape to paradise at North Stradbroke Island!

19. Tangalooma Wrecks Beach

A natural show-stopper, Moreton Island’s Tangalooma is easily one of the most unique Queensland beaches.

What makes it distinct is the cluster of ships half-submerged in the turquoise waters.

Between 1963 and 1984, the local government deliberately sank these vessels to create an anchorage for small boats.

Now, it’s one of the best diving spots in Queensland. Not only is the site fascinating, but it’s also a haven for over 100 fish species. Some days, you can spot dugongs and dolphins gliding about.

While you can swim to the wrecks from the beach, we highly recommend you don’t due to the strong currents when the tide is running.

It’s safer to explore the wrecks on a kayak or boat. Or, you can book a guided day cruise.

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

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22/07/2025
14 Best Things To Do In Port Douglas, Queensland (2025)

From snorkelling or diving at the Great Barrier Reef to hiking up Flagstaff Hill, these are some of the best things to do in Port Douglas.

Port Douglas is a charming beach town in Far North Queensland, the perfect base for exploring Australia’s incredible natural wonders.

Situated between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, both UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sites, this place has everything to delight outdoor lovers.

If you enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters or hiking through lush rainforests, then Port Douglas is your dream destination. Spend your days snorkelling and diving in the world-renowned reef or travel into the Daintree Rainforest for an unforgettable trek.

In addition, Port Douglas has that laid-back, welcoming vibe that makes it feel like a home away from home! There are also some amazing places to connect with the Indigenous culture of the Kuku Yalanji people.

So don’t miss the chance to visit Port Douglas while you travel Australia!

Port Douglas is a popular holiday spot in Tropical North Queensland.

Fun Things To Do In Port Douglas

There’s no shortage of incredible things to see and do in Port Douglas! If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start – here’s a roundup of some of the most fun things to do in Port Douglas.

It’s a small town that doesn’t necessarily require you to have a car. You can book tours to the reef and rainforest that include transport.

But if you want more freedom to go on day trips and explore nearby destinations outside town on your own, we recommend renting a car!

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. Snorkel or Dive at the Great Barrier Reef

No trip to Port Douglas or the tropical Far North is complete without experiencing the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. This natural wonder is a bucket-list destination for adventure-seekers worldwide, and it’s easy to see why.

The vibrant underwater paradise is home to fascinating marine life and breathtaking coral formations. Thanks to Port Douglas’s prime location, you can hop on a snorkelling or diving boat and reach the reef in under an hour!

To make the most of your trip, consider booking with tour operators specializing in snorkeling and diving adventures at the Great Barrier Reef. One great option is the Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Cruise, a full-day tour, which begins from Port Douglas’ Crystalbrook Superyacht marina near the Dickson Inlet.

Exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Prepare to be amazed by the underwater world’s vibrant colors and diversity, home to over 600 species of corals and 1,500 types of fish.

And that’s not all – you might also encounter graceful manta rays, playful dolphins, and even majestic whales in winter.

If snorkeling or diving isn’t your thing, you can still experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef with a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour. It’s a fantastic way to marvel at the vibrant coral and marine life without getting wet.

2. Enjoy a Refreshing Swim at Four Mile Beach

One of Port Douglas’ standout features is its lovely beach. While Tropical North Queensland is home to plenty of beautiful beaches, some aren’t the safest for swimming due to the risk of crocodiles.

If you’re looking to take a refreshing dip, Four Mile Beach is the place to go. This gorgeous beach has lifeguards trained to spot crocodiles and other water hazards, so you can relax and enjoy the water safely.

After a refreshing swim, there’s more to enjoy in Four Mile Beach. You can kick back and relax under the shade of the swaying palm trees, or hop on a bicycle and cruise along the sandy beach. If you’re an avid hiker, head towards Flagstaff Hill Lookout for spectacular views.

Feeling adventurous? Why not try kite surfing in the afternoon? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kite surfer, the calm and consistent winds at Four Mile Beach make it an ideal spot to give this exciting sport a go.

Find more sandy spots in the area with our list of the best Cairns beaches!

3. Explore Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest

Mossman Gorge is a breathtaking section of the legendary Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest continuously growing rainforests on Earth at 160 million years old!

Nestled in Far North Queensland, just a quick 20-minute drive north of Port Douglas, this natural wonder has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

Exploring Mossman Gorge feels like stepping back in time, surrounded by ancient lush greenery, sparkling clear streams, and unique wildlife.

If you don’t want the hassles of a DIY adventure, consider booking a Daintree and Mossman Gorge Tour with a Cruise Option. One of the biggest perks of a guided tour is having an experienced guide by your side to point out and explain the wildlife habitat at the Mossman Gorge.

The tour begins at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, where you’ll hop on a shuttle to travel to the heart of Mossman Gorge. From there, you’ll embark on a guided walk through the enchanting rainforest, where you’ll uncover its unique ecosystem, rich history, and diverse wildlife habitat.

You can also join experiences with a Kuku Yalanji guide if you want to learn about the culture and history of the Traditional Owners of the Land here at Mossman Gorge.

Go for a dip at Mossman Gorge.

4. Shop at Port Douglas Markets

If you’re in Port Douglas on a Sunday, you would not want to miss the town’s biggest open-air market at Anzac Park from 8:30 AM to 1 PM. This lively spot is called the “cotter’s market,” which means everything you’ll find here is locally made!

Grab a fresh coconut to sip as you browse through the stalls. The warm and friendly atmosphere makes it a fun place to explore, with local vendors showcasing their wares under the shade of tall palm trees.

You will find all sorts of treasures at the markets – from freshly picked fruits and homemade peanut brittles to lovely flowers, colorful art pieces, and Aboriginal artworks.

Since the market sits next to the stunning Coral Seas, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful ocean views while you shop.

Exploring the markets is an ideal way to immerse yourself in the local culture, shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, and enjoy a slice of Tropical North Queensland paradise!

5. Take a Relaxing Stroll Down Macrossan Street

After your shopping spree, take the time to stroll along Macrossan Street, the bustling heart of Port Douglas.

This lively street is packed with charming Australian bars, cozy bistros, and boutique shops, making it the perfect spot to soak in the town’s laid-back vibe.

Feeling thirsty? You will find plenty of tempting spots to grab a cold drink or a bite to eat, but IronBar is a must-visit. This outback-style pub oozes character, with rustic decor and a friendly atmosphere that locals and visitors love. Head upstairs, and you’ll be treated to a fantastic view, making it an ideal place to unwind with a pint or two after a day of exploring.

Not in the mood for a drink? No problem! Macrossan Street has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. Swing by one of the charming cafés for a freshly brewed coffee or indulge in something sweet – perhaps a scoop of gelato to cool you down in the tropical heat?

Read next: The Perfect 4 Days In Port Douglas Itinerary

6. Join the Party at the Carnivale

If you happen to visit in May, don’t miss the Carnivale. Witness Port Douglas come alive with the region’s most vibrant cultural festival.

It’s an epic celebration that perfectly captures the tropical spirit of North Queensland, drawing tens of thousands of visitors from across Australia and the world!

Witness vibrant street parades featuring colorful floats, fireworks illuminating the night sky, and an energetic atmosphere that buzzes from dawn until dusk.

Spend a delightful day at the beach, enjoying games and activities for all ages. Meanwhile, food enthusiasts can relish the “Longest Lunch”, an exquisite dining experience highlighting the freshest local ingredients of Port Douglas.

Don’t miss the cabaret shows that will leave you in awe with their comedy, acrobatics, and stunning performances.

And, of course – no festival would be complete without music! So, dance beneath the stars to performances from Aussie rock legends and talented local artists.

7. Experience the Scenic Great Barrier Reef Drive

Stretching from Palm Cove to Cape Tribulation, the Great Barrier Reef Drive is hands down one of the most breathtaking roads in Australia!

This stunning stretch of highway takes you on an unforgettable journey through lush rainforests, dramatic mountain ranges, and pristine coastlines, with the sparkling waters of the reef often peeking into view.

If you’re a fan of road trips (or even if you’re not!), this one’s a must-do while visiting Port Douglas. So, buckle up, cruise along the winding roads with windows down, feel the salty sea breeze in your hair, and enjoy the sound of tropical birds in the background.

You’ll pass through picturesque towns like Palm Cove, where you can stop for a coffee, and iconic spots like the Daintree Rainforest before reaching Cape Tribulation.

Feel free to pull over to snap photos along some scenic viewpoints, or perhaps, take a quick, refreshing dip at a secluded beach.

Road trips around the Port Douglas area are stunning!

8. Ride a Horse Along the Beach at Cape Tribulation

When you finally arrive at Cape Tribulation, the grand finale of your road trip, get ready to soak up the magic of this extraordinary place where two World Heritage-listed wonders come together – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.

If you’re feeling adventurous, saddle up for a horseback ride to explore the coast. Trot along pristine beaches with the ocean on one side and lush rainforest on the other.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Cape Tribulation is a nature lover’s paradise with plenty to do.

Take a guided rainforest walk to uncover the secrets of this ancient ecosystem or venture into the mangrove boardwalks.

Want something more thrilling? Try this Rainforest Canopy Ziplining Tour, where you’ll glide through the lush rainforest canopy, surrounded by jaw-dropping views!

9. Discover Secluded Waterfalls

While in Port Douglas, experience one of the region’s best-kept secrets – swimming beneath some of Queensland’s most stunning waterfalls, such as Spring Creek Falls and Mowbray Falls.

Visiting these secluded spots, tucked away in ancient rainforests and a national park, is a magical way to connect with nature!

Spring Creek Falls, also known as Black Rock Waterfalls, is a local favorite. Getting there involves a rocky 3-kilometre hike through the lush wilderness of Mowbray National Park, but the reward is worth every step.

The swimming hole at the base of the falls is perfect for cooling off, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and the soothing sounds of cascading water.

If you’re up for a challenge, conquer the 4-kilometre trek to Big Mowbray Falls. The journey is an incredible experience, leading you deeper into the lush rainforest. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a tranquil, shallow swimming hole that feels like a secluded paradise.

Nothing like a tranquil rainforest walk that leads to a waterfall!

10. Uncover Aboriginal Artistry at the Janbal Gallery in Mossman

Want to immerse yourself in the Aboriginal cultural experience in Port Douglas? Visit the Janbal Gallery in Mossman.

This charming gallery offers more than just a chance to admire incredible Indigenous artwork – it’s also where you can learn about Aboriginal stories and traditions.

Owned and operated by talented Aboriginal artist Brian “Binna” Swindley, the gallery is a vibrant space filled with colourful, meaningful creations that reflect the rich heritage of the Kuku Yalanji people. But what makes Janbal Gallery special is its hands-on approach to Aboriginal cultural experience.

Visitors will have a chance to join one of Binna’s interactive art classes, where he shares his painting techniques and the cultural significance of the symbols and patterns you will use.

It’s a unique opportunity to express creativity while learning about one of the world’s oldest living cultures.

Explore more of the tropics with our list of the 16 Best Things To Do In The Daintree Rainforest, Queensland.

11. Unwind with a Pint at Hemingway’s Brewery

After all the day’s adventures, kick back and relax with a cold pint at Hemingway’s Brewery.

This laid-back, waterfront craft brewpub sits on the stunning Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas, with amazing views and a lively vibe to end your day on a high note.

Hemingway’s boasts a fantastic selection of beers brewed on-site. Their core range is a must-try, featuring favorites like the 7th Heaven Tropical Ale, a refreshing, fruity choice, or the bold Wharf St IPA, with hints of grapefruit and citrus that pack a zesty punch.

Feeling hungry? The food here is just as impressive! Dive into a menu of crowd-pleasers like wood-fired pizzas, juicy burgers, flavorful tacos, and fresh salads.

To make the most of your experience, check out the colour-coded stickers on the menu, as they suggest the perfect beer pairing for each dish.

12. Hike up Flagstaff Hill

For a fun and scenic way to experience Port Douglas, trek the Flagstaff Hill Trail! It’s one of the most popular trails in the area, with stunning panoramic views at every turn.

While hiking the trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas that take in everything, from Four Mile Beach to the lush rainforest and the sparkling Coral Sea.

The trail takes you to the Port Douglas Lookout, where the view is worth the effort. From there, you can take in sweeping views that stretch from Four Mile Beach to Rex Smeal Park – a picturesque spot for some photos and a moment to appreciate the beauty around you.

The walk is a manageable 1.5 kilometers. It starts at the north end of Four Mile Beach and heads up to the Trinity Bay Lookout. The trail is easy to follow and meanders through gorgeous bushland, so you’ll be surrounded by nature the whole time.

After reaching the lookout, the trail loops back through more bushland, eventually bringing you to the peaceful shores of Rex Smeal Park. Here, you can kick back and relax under the shade of fig trees.

Read next: 16 BEST Cairns Day Trips Not to Be Missed

13. Take a day trip to the Low Isles

If you’re looking for a relaxed, affordable way to experience the Great Barrier Reef without venturing too far, consider venturing into the Low Isles.

Just a short boat ride from Port Douglas, this charming little cluster of islets offers some fantastic snorkeling opportunities. A day trip to the Low Isles is a great option if you’re on a budget compared to those longer trips out to the outer reef.

The Low Isles is very tranquil, where you can kick back and enjoy the reef at your own pace. You can explore the island’s white-sand shores, hang out by the resident lighthouse, or wander around and soak in the laid-back vibe.

While the snorkeling here might not offer the jaw-dropping coral gardens or giant sea creatures you’d encounter on the outer reef, it’s still a lovely way to see the underwater world.

The waters around the Low Isles are home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral, so there’s plenty to discover here.

There is some incredible snorkelling around the Low Isles and Great Barrier Reef!

14. Try Barra Fishing

If you’re a fishing enthusiast with some time to spare, Hook A Barra is a must-stop! Located just half an hour’s drive north of Port Douglas at Wonga Beach, it’s worth stopping when traveling the Great Barrier Reef Drive towards Cape Tribulation or the Daintree River.

You can find this hidden gem on a stunning 49-hectare property between Daintree and the sparkling Coral Sea. Hook A Barra is a locally run business, offering some of Queensland’s best land-based fishing activities.

While here, you can catch some impressive Barramundi, including the rare and beautiful Albino, the striking Speckled (Panda), and the golden-hued Gold Barramundi. The excitement of hooking one of these prized fish is an experience you won’t forget.

Plus, if you’re interested in learning more about the fish, they also offer Farm Tours that take you behind the scenes to explore how they raise their award-winning Daintree Saltwater Barramundi.

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

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18/07/2025
Coral Geographer Review | Ultimate Expedition Ship [2025]
For over three decades, Coral Expeditions has been a pioneer in small-ship cruising, offering adventurous travellers the chance to explore some of the most remote and pristine regions of Australia and the rest of the world.

Founded in 1983 to explore the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef, the Australian-owned-and-operated Coral Expeditions has grown from a single vessel operation to a renowned expedition cruise company, now boasting a fleet of purpose-built ships designed for intimate and immersive experiences.

The Coral Geographer, the latest addition to their fleet, continues the company’s tradition of delivering exceptional journeys to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

With a focus on exploring Australia’s Kimberley coast, the wilds of Papua New Guinea, and the idyllic islands of the Indian Ocean, Coral Expeditions offers itineraries that are rich in natural beauty, cultural encounters, and unique wildlife experiences.

What sets Coral Expeditions apart is their commitment to small group travel, typically with fewer than 120 passengers on board, ensuring a personalised and enriching experience.

We recently had the immense pleasure and privilege of working onboard the Coral Geographer as ‘Photographers-in-Residence’, spending 17 days navigating the remote atolls of Micronesia and rugged landscapes of West Papua on their Darwin to Yap expedition.

Having travelled the world on multiple expedition cruises, from Antarctica to the Arctic, the Galapagos Islands and now the Indo-Pacific, we have a huge amount of intricate experience on these types of ships, covering the most luxurious right down to rustic Russian research vessels.

And now with the Coral Geographer under our belt, we can confidently vouch for just how superb this purpose-built explorer is for travelling to the most remote regions in the tropics.

In our detailed and firsthand Coral Geographer review we dive deep into our thoughts and experiences of the entire ship, from the cabins and lounge areas to the dining and even safety, so you can make a decision on whether or not you think this vessel is right for you on your next adventure.

The Coral Geographer with one of its Xplorers alongside.

Introducing the Coral Geographer

The Coral Geographer was constructed at the Vard Vung Tau shipyard in Vietnam, renowned for building high-quality expedition vessels.

As the sister ship to the Coral Adventurer, which was launched in 2019, the Coral Geographer shares many design elements but incorporates enhancements based on feedback and experiences from its predecessor.

Both ships are part of Coral Expeditions’ new generation of expedition vessels, designed to offer an intimate and luxurious cruising experience while being capable of accessing some of the world’s most remote and hard-to-reach locations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOx61xSE5zY

The Coral Geographer is equipped with the latest technology and features that enhance exploration, including a fleet of Zodiacs, signature Xplorers, and the capability to venture into shallow bays and hidden inlets that larger ships cannot reach.

Onboard, guests are treated to the expertise of highly experienced expedition teams, who provide insightful commentary, guided excursions, and a deep understanding of the regions visited.

Whether you’re diving the reefs of Raja Ampat, sipping cocktails in ancient ruins, or engaging with local communities, a journey aboard the Coral Geographer is designed to inspire a sense of wonder and discovery, all while maintaining the comfort and elegance of a modern expedition ship.
Quickfire Coral Geographer Facts:

Length: 93.4 meters

Beam: 17.2m

Draught: 4.5m

Gross Tonnage: 5516GT

Passenger Capacity: 120 guests

Crew: 48

Cabins: 60 staterooms, all with ocean views

Launch Date: 2021

Shipyard: Vard Vung Tau, Vietnam

Sister Ship: Coral Adventurer

Tenders: Zodiacs, Xplorers

Activities: Snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, ship cruising, Zodiac/Xplorer cruising, landings

Eco-Friendly Features: Advanced wastewater treatment system

Specialty Areas: Explorer Lounge, Observation Decks

Cruising Speed: 13.8 knots

Main Engines: Caterpillar 3512C

Flag: Australian
The Coral Geographers’s capable Xplorer tenders are able to get into some pretty spectacular locations, like this cove in Misool, Raja Ampat.

The Cabins and Suites

The Coral Geographer offers a range of elegantly designed cabins and suites, each thoughtfully crafted to provide comfort and luxury while maintaining a connection to the stunning surroundings.

All staterooms feature:
- Ocean views
- Compact en suite bathrooms
- Comfortable bedding
- Ample storage space
- Climate control
- Writing desk
- Daily housekeeping
Cabin 413, our Promenade Deck Stateroom on the ship.

Personally we stayed in cabin 413, a Promenade Deck Stateroom with a large window, which stands out for its blend of space, style, and accessibility.

The stateroom is designed with a calming colour palette, hanging wall art and modern amenities, creating a welcoming retreat after a day of exploration.

The ship also features Coral Deck Staterooms with twin portholes, Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms and Bridge Deck Suites.

Each cabin type provides ample space, luxurious furnishings, and thoughtful, decorative touches.

The bed was enormous, room spacious and bathed with natural light thanks to the large window.

The Bridge Deck Suites in particular offer the ultimate indulgence with expansive private balconies and larger lounge area, perfect for those seeking extra comfort and privacy on their expedition.

The private balcony in these suites provide stunning views and comfortable seating. Additionally, the private balconies in various suite categories include an outdoor daybed, offering a luxurious space for guests to unwind while enjoying scenic views.

No matter which cabin you choose, the Coral Geographer ensures that every guest enjoys a luxurious and comfortable experience, complete with modern amenities and the convenience of a home away from home.

The bathroom is basic but equipped with everything you’d need.

The Explorer Lounge

The Explorer Lounge aboard the Coral Geographer is more than just a gathering space – it’s the ship’s social hub where drinks are shared, games are played and presentations excitedly listened to.

With its panoramic windows, the lounge offers stunning views that make you feel connected to the remote landscapes you’re exploring.

There are more than enough comfortable chairs, lounges and tables for all guests to sprawl out and relax, and a number of TVs to watch movies or the slideshows from the expedition crew.

Naturally there is a well-stocked bar as well which opens up in the afternoons, so you can enjoy a drink while hearing about what the plan is for the next day or while getting to know your fellow passengers.

The Explorer Lounge is a spacious, bright room with massive panorama windows and the social hub of the ship.

This is what it looks like most of the time – filled with smiling guests playing games, listening to presentations or simply enjoying a drink.

Library

Tucked next to the entrance to the Explorer Lounge is the ship’s library, with a collection of curated books that cover a wide variety of destinations, wildlife, history and culture that Coral Expeditions immerses their guests in.

There were books on Australian indigenous rock art, the birds of paradise found in Papua.

You are welcome to borrow any of the books you’d like for free. You’re just asked to return them to the library before you disembark.

The library is small but filled with fascinating books related to the cultures and regions that Coral Expeditions explore.

The Dining Room

The Dining Room aboard the Coral Geographer is a beautifully designed space that blends elegance with a sense of warmth.

Large windows offer stunning views, making every meal a visual feast as well as a culinary one.

The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, with seating arranged to foster a sense of community among guests.

Breakfast is served buffet style, fostering a communal dining experience where guests can choose from various options at their leisure.

This setting allows for a relaxed, casual atmosphere, contrasting with the more formal plated dinners offered in the evenings.

The Dining Room onboard the Coral Geographer.

You can choose to join large tables for multiple people, or grab a more intimate 2-person setup if you’d prefer a bit of tranquility with your meal.

Tables are also set for breakfast, lunch and dinner out on the aft deck for those that would like uninterrupted views and fresh air with their glass of wine.

The natural light during the day and the cozy ambiance in the evening create a perfect setting for guests to gather, share stories, and savour the journey.

READ MORE: Check out our article on our favourite travel photography tips to help you capture epic images on your next adventure.

If you’d prefer you can always enjoy a meal outside as well. With views like this, it doesn’t get much better.

Gym

Just because you’re on holiday doesn’t mean you need to let your fitness regime disappear, because there’s a small yet varied gym aboard Coral Geographer!

Located on the Explorer Deck, the gym features a couple of cardio machines and free weights.

Large windows allow natural light to flood the space, with inspiring views of the surrounding seascape as you work out.

The gym is small but has all you’d need to keep fit on the journey.

A variety of free weights are available as well.

The Bridge

The Bridge on the Coral Geographer is the heart and soul of the ship where all navigation and operations are conducted.

Thanks to the Coral Expeditions’ open bridge policy, guests are welcomed to visit during almost any time of the day, with it really only being closed during difficult navigation and when local pilots are onboard who prefer not to have guests in the room.

This unique access provides an inside look at how the crew navigates through remote waters, offering a chance to observe the advanced navigation systems and interact with the captain and officers.

Inside the bridge while navigating through a narrow channel on the way into Palau.

On every voyage an official bridge tour is offered where one of the officers will explain all of the tools they have at their disposal and how they sail the ship.

Having access to the bridge is one of the most interesting aspects of any journey with Coral Expeditions, and we would often wander in to chat with Captain Andrew, Josh, Mohammed and Brock and watch what was going on.

On a side note, the captain and his officers were also the most welcoming, friendly and chatty ship crew we’ve ever come across on an expedition vessel.

Keeping an eye on the weather inside the bridge.

Xplorer Bar and Vista Deck

The Xplorer Bar and Vista Deck on the Coral Geographer is found near the bow of the ship on Deck 7 and is one of the most picturesque and sought-after locations on the entire ship.

When the sun is rising or you’re entering a new destination, this is where you’ll find most guests with a drink in one hand and a camera in the other soaking up whatever is pouring out of the outdoor bars.

A key feature of the Xplorer Bar experience is enjoying sunset drinks while taking in the panoramic views during sunset.

The Vista Deck during a special drinks hour on the Coral Geographer as we leave Raja Ampat.

It offers sprawling 270-degree views, lots of seating areas and of course the Xplorer Bar that opens up for special occasions.

During our journey the Coral team organised a fantastic cocktail party on the upper deck as we sailed out of Raja Ampat.

With the drinks free-flowing and vistas that need to be seen to be believed it became one of the most enjoyable evenings on the entire trip.

While there isn’t always a party happening here though, it is still one of our personal favourite areas on the ship.

Alesha enjoying a delicious drink on the Vista Deck.

Bridge Deck Bar

Smaller, yet often busier, the Bridge Deck Bar on the Coral Geographer is constantly buzzing with guests who would like a book to read or drink to savour as they take in mind-blowing views.

Found at the stern of the Explorer Lounge, the bar is where afternoon drinks are prepared, always with a cocktail of the day designed by one of the talented bartenders.

There are speakers outside as well that project what is being said on the presentations, so if you’d lke to sit outside but don’t want to miss the talks, this is the spot to be.

Sunset photography sessions on the Bridge Deck.

Guests enjoying some fresh cocktails out on the Bridge Deck.

Reception and Shop

The Reception on the Coral Geographer is the central hub for guest services and information.

You can’t miss it, as it’s right at the entrance to the Dining Room, and you’ll usually find one of the friendly crew hanging out there answering questions.

If you need to put your name down for any daily activities, check to see what’s on the schedule or just have a query, this is where you’ll end up.

Adjacent to the reception area is the onboard shop, which offers a selection of travel essentials, souvenirs, and expedition gear.

There’s not a lot available, so you can’t rely on it to do all your expedition shopping before arrival or to pick up things like a decent camera, but if you’d like a shirt or something to take home you’ll find something suitable here.

The shop on the Coral Geographer isn’t huge, but has the essentials.

Outer Decks

The outer decks on the Coral Geographer provide guests with ample space to fully experience the surrounding environment during their expedition.

The fantastic wraparound deck on deck 4 allows you to walk pretty much the whole way around the ship (with the bow being closed during operations), making it perfect for photography, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying the sea breeze.

When operations aren’t underway guests can even walk out to the bow.

The front Coral Geographer decks allow for better views of what’s coming up ahead, while the rear upper deck provides a quieter space to relax and take in the scenery.

These outdoor areas are designed to enhance the overall journey, ensuring guests can fully immerse themselves in the landscapes they’re exploring.

Out on the deck, camera in hand, enjoying the views – where you’ll find us most of the time onboard the Coral Geographer.

The Coral Geographer Experience

The Coral Geographer experience offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort, with thoughtfully designed spaces, engaging excursions, and a focus on connecting guests to the incredible environments they explore.

The Staff

One thing we really loved about Coral Expeditions is that the entire team, from the officers to the expedition guides to the hotel and restaurant staff, are all part of the same company.

That might be a strange thing to say, but if you’ve ever travelled to the Arctic or Antarctica you know what we mean.

On those trips there are essentially three different crews – the expedition team, the ship crew and the hotel staff.

And while guests are friendly with them all, there is often a large disconnect amongst staff due to cultures, workloads and schedules.

This is not the case with Coral Expeditions, where every team member you meet is part of one big family.

Arron, the chief purser, hosting a wine tasting event in the Explorer Lounge.

The Expedition Team

As with any expedition cruise, the journey is only as good as the team. And luckily with Coral they have some of the most outstanding expedition staff in the industry.

The expedition guides on the Coral Geographer make the adventure truly special, combining professional expertise with a personal touch that resonates with every guest.

From the moment you step aboard you’re greeted with warm smiles and genuine interest in your experience.

In fact the first person we met at the top of the gangway was Captain Andrew, and he was so casual and engaged with all the guests coming onboard we thought he must have worked in customer service, not the boss!

Captain Andrew, one of the coolest captains we’ve ever sailed with.

The crew’s deep knowledge of the regions visited adds layers of insight to the trip, as they share stories and information that bring each destination to life.

The amount of experience held was truly remarkable, with the team consisting of certified dive instructors, Master Reef Guides, marine biologists and lifelong sailors.

Their attentiveness goes beyond the usual, making sure you feel comfortable and cared for throughout the voyage.

Finally what we loved most about the expedition team was how they were so engaging with the guests, and let their sense of humour shine through.

With Coral Expeditions being a premium, luxury product, you might think the team would be discouraged from joking around with the guests, but the opposite is true – they know how to read each person individually, and adjust their interactions accordingly.

The crew’s passion for what they do is evident in every interaction. They create an atmosphere that feels more like a family than typical large cruise ships.

Naomi, Dawn, Jacob, Katie and Chrissy – the incredible expedition guides onboard the Coral Geographer during our trip across to Micronesia.

The Ship Crew

The ship crew on the Coral Geographer are essential to creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for every guest.

The restaurant staff, with their attentive service and warm hospitality, ensure that each meal is a delightful occasion.

The pursers are always on hand to assist with any needs, providing a friendly and helpful presence throughout the voyage.

The housekeepers are respectful with a high attention to detail, and always seem to have a smile on their face.

Meanwhile, the sailors work hard behind the scenes, ensuring the ship’s smooth operation and safety, playing a vital role in the journey.

And they aren’t hidden away in the engine room – they are out on decks cracking jokes with the guests, driving the Xplorers back and forth to excursions and doing what they can to make sure everyone is having the legitimate best time ever.

Together, these dedicated professionals create an environment where guests feel genuinely cared for, making every moment aboard the Coral Geographer a memorable one.

The hotel staff serving up delicious drinks at the Belgica Fort in Banda Neira, Indonesia. These guys looked after us so well.

The Food

We never used to be ‘foodies’, but over time we’ve acquired a passion for enjoying the finer things in life (our previous backpacker selves would be shocked).

We’re clearly not alone either, because when we got chatting to guests who had been multiple Coral trips, they often said that the food was one of the core reasons they keep coming back.

The food aboard the Coral Geographer is a highlight of the journey, offering a diverse and high-quality dining experience that caters to all tastes and dietary requirements.

The kitchen team crafts a wide range of dishes, from fresh seafood and local specialties to international favourites, often inspired by the areas we’re travelling, ensuring that every meal is both delicious and thoughtfully prepared.

The wait staff are fantastic, remembering everyone’s names and special requests from day one and always being on hand to bring whatever you’d like.

Special dietary needs are attentively accommodated, with options available for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific preferences.

Breakfast is a buffet, with lunch and dinner being mostly a-la carte.

Drinks

The drinks packages onboard offer a variety of complimentary options that enhance the dining experience.

House wines, beers, and spirits are available at no extra cost during meal times, allowing guests to enjoy a beverage with their meals.

Non-alcoholic drinks such as soft drinks, zero-alcohol wine and beer (this made Alesha very happy, as they had a wide variety to choose from) and juice are available throughout the day, free of charge of course.

For the coffee lovers out there, which is us through and through, a proper coffee machine is on hand with the trained baristas delivering high-quality brews.

There’s also the automatic coffee machines in both the dining room and the Explorer Lounge that make up a decent batch as well.

For those seeking a bit more luxury, premium drink packages are available, complete with exceptional vintage Australian reds, offering an expanded selection of beverages, and cocktails are available to purchase in the evenings.

Yes, there is a full barista-style coffee machine onboard. Yes, we took full advantage of this.

The Xplorers

One thing that sets Coral Expeditions apart from their competitors are the use of their iconic Xplorer boats rather than the traditional zodiacs most expedition cruises rely on.

The Xplorers on the Coral Geographer are essential for off-ship excursions, designed to provide safe and comfortable access to remote locations with foul-weather protection.

These sturdy, purpose-built tenders are launched directly from the ship’s stern using dedicated platforms, allowing guests to board easily and efficiently, even if they have mobility issues.

Each Xplorer boat can carry 72 passengers and boasts two 300hp motors, making them well equipped to handle all kinds of conditions, from exploring secluded bays to rugged coastlines, and shallow waters.

The Xplorers are used as a floating adventure platform as well for snorkelling and diving activities.

This is one of the Xplorers – large, sturdy, fast and capable, perfect for any conditions.

Getting On and Off the Xplorers

The system that has been developed to board and disembark the Xplorers is very sophisticated, and we were genuinely impressed at the safety, speed and accessibility of how it all worked.

Guests step in and out of the Xplorer boats directly from the Coral Geographer’s specially designed launch platform at the stern of the ship.

A large platform lifts and lowers the Xplorers from the Coral Geographer deck to the water, so there’s no crawling in and out or risk of losing your balance like you find with zodiacs.

You’re scanned when you get on the Xplorers and again when you get back on, which guarantees guests aren’t left behind.

To exit the Xplorers on land (or directly into the sea if snorkelling and diving) there are three exit points; one at the bow and two on port and starboard.

There’s also large, angled step ladders at the stern to make climbing back in from the water very easy.

This setup is designed to accommodate all kinds of sea conditions, providing a safe and comfortable way for guests to explore remote shorelines and other off-ship locations during their expedition.

Beach landings with the Xplorers are safe and easy.

Presentations

Coral Expeditions prides itself on welcoming expert guest lecturers (and sometimes professional photographers too…*cough cough*) to enrich the passenger experience.

The presentations given on the Coral Geographer are an integral part of the expedition, designed to deepen guests’ understanding of the destinations they explore.

These talks cover a wide range of topics, including local history, wildlife, geology, and cultural insights.

The presentations are held in the Explorer Lounge, which provides a comfortable setting with modern audio-visual equipment.

Jarryd giving a photography workshop onboard the Coral Geographer as part of our roles working with Coral Expeditions as guest photographers.

Diving, Snorkelling and Kayaking with Coral Expeditions

A highlight of travelling with Coral Expeditions is the emphasis they place on water activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and even scuba diving.

It really adds an entirely fresh and exciting element to the trips, and with some of the destinations they visit such as the Great Barrier Reef and Raja Ampat being amongst the best marine destinations on the planet, the water activities quickly become the highlight of any departure.

Diving and snorkelling on the Coral Geographer are carefully planned to provide guests with a safe and enjoyable opportunity.

There’s high-quality gear, including masks, fins, snorkels, and wetsuits, available in a range of sizes, and you keep your equipment with you for the duration of the itinerary.

For the certified scuba divers out there, the dive operations are efficient and professional.

Diving the depths of Hatta Island in Indonesia.

A PADI dive instructor leads all dives with a small group (maximum 8 per instructor) and can also organise Discover Scuba sessions for those who want to try it out for the first time.

For our trip we had Jacob as our guide, who was simply phenomenal in looking after all the divers.

The gear were all fairly new ScubaPro BCDs and regulators with built-in dive computers, along with masks, weights and fins supplied.

Scuba diving must be pre-booked when signing up for a trip, and divers must complete a specific medical before coming onboard.

Kayaking is an optional activity at some of the locations, and are free to borrow for all guests.

If you feel like kayaking you can grab one during one of the excursions.

Technology, Sustainability and Environmental Practices

Coral Expeditions keeps sustainability at the forefront of their business principals, being ECO Certified and contributing to many scientific research programs.

The Coral Geographer is designed with a focus on modern technology and environmental stewardship, ensuring that every expedition is both safe and sustainable.

The ship’s navigation and communication systems are state-of-the-art, allowing for precise and reliable operations even in remote areas.

Have you ever seen an engine room this clean before?

Sustainability practices are integrated into daily operations, with an advanced wastewater treatment system and comprehensive waste management protocols to minimise the environmental footprint.

The ship adheres to strict environmental standards, including fuel-efficient engines that reduce emissions, and eco-friendly practices that protect the delicate ecosystems visited during expeditions.

Additionally, the ship’s design allows for minimal disruption to wildlife and habitats, with careful planning and execution of shore excursions to ensure that natural environments remain undisturbed.

Coral Expeditions is committed to responsible travel, and the Coral Geographer embodies this commitment, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious travellers.

A guests stares out at the Coral Geographer from atop the Belgica Fort in Banda Neira.

Final Thoughts – 9/10

That’s it for our Coral Geographer review, and we hope you now have a thorough understanding of what life is like onboard.

The Coral Geographer is a testament to the evolving world of expedition cruising, offering a harmonious blend of modern design, cutting-edge technology, and a strong commitment to sustainability.

With its spacious cabins, thoughtfully designed public areas, and exceptional dining, the ship provides a luxurious yet authentic platform for exploration.

The crew, with their expertise and genuine hospitality, plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience, making guests feel both welcomed and cared for throughout their journey.

While the Coral Geographer excels in many aspects, there are a few areas where improvements could elevate the guest experience even further.

The fitness facilities, though adequate, could be enhanced to offer more advanced options for guests looking to maintain a rigorous exercise routine during their voyage.

The CG in Raja Ampat.

Additionally, extending the selection of included beverages beyond meal times would add an extra layer of convenience and luxury to the overall experience.

Despite these very minor areas for improvement, our review of the Coral Geographer ship remains an outstanding choice for those seeking a blend of comfort, adventure, and environmental consciousness when exploring the most remote places on the planet.

Its ability to navigate isolated and pristine regions, combined with the quality of service and amenities onboard, makes it a top choice for intrepid travellers.

The ship’s dedication to sustainability, without compromising on luxury or guest experience, sets a new standard in expedition cruising.

For travellers looking to explore the world’s most offbeat and beautiful locations, the Coral Geographer offers an unforgettable journey that balances adventure with comfort in a truly unique way.

Thanks for reading our Coral Geographer ship review, and we hope to see you onboard one day soon.

When you book a trip with Coral Expeditions the world is at your fingertips.

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!
Coral Geographer Review

In this detailed Coral Geographer review we explore the features, cabins and amenities that make this one of the best expedition ships for small-group cruising.

Pros

World class food

Exceptional expedition guides

Luxurious cabins

Excellent social spaces

Fantastic outdoor viewing decks
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18/07/2025
Climbing Mount Kinabalu – The Ultimate Trekking Guide [2025]
There’s something deeply satisfying about standing on top of a mountain, watching the sun rise over the clouds after a tough hike.

Especially when that mountain is Mount Kinabalu; Malaysia’s highest peak and one of the most iconic climbs in Southeast Asia.

I’d wanted to tackle this beast for years, and when the chance came up to do it with two of our best mates, Hannah and Bertie, we locked it in.

We signed up with Amazing Borneo for their 2-day, 1-night summit and via ferrata package, and honestly, the entire experience was superb.

From start to finish, the adventure was smooth, fun, and a memorable challenge to tick off from the bucket list.

Here’s how our Mount Kinabalu climb went down.

Climbing down from the summit of Mount Kinabalu during a sensational sunrise.

A Bit of Background: The Story of Mount Kinabalu

Before we get into the trip itself, a quick bit of history because this mountain isn’t just a pretty rock.

Mount Kinabalu stands at 4,095 metres (13,435 feet) and dominates the skyline of Sabah, in Malaysian Borneo.

It’s the tallest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea, and it holds deep spiritual significance for the local Kadazan-Dusun people.

The name is thought to come from “Aki Nabalu,” meaning “the revered place of the dead,” and according to tradition, it’s where spirits go to rest after passing on.

The first recorded ascent happened in 1851 by British administrator Hugh Low, who made it to the summit plateau (the peak is now named Low’s Peak after him).

But it wasn’t until 1888 that someone – zoologist John Whitehead – actually reached the highest point. Since then, Kinabalu has become a magnet for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone chasing that feeling of standing on the roof of Borneo.

In 1964 Kinabalu Park was established to protect the area, and in 2000, it became Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its biodiversity. It is after all one of the most important ecological zones in the world.

So as you can see, it’s more than just a climb. It’s a journey into culture, nature, history and serious altitude.

Summit views on Mount Kinabalu.

Day 1: Kota Kinabalu to Panalaban Base Camp

Our alarm went off at 5am in Kota Kinabalu.

We dragged ourselves out of bed, zipped up our packs, met the Amazing Borneo team downstairs with a comfortable private van, and within moments we were ready to roll.

Coffee in hand and packs in the back, we hit the road toward Kinabalu Park HQ.

The drive took about two hours, winding through jungle hills and past misty ridgelines. When we arrived we signed in, got our permits and tags, met our mountain guide, and did the final prep at Timpohon Gate (1,866m) – the starting point of the climb.

Bertie, Hannah and myself at the starting point of the Mount Kinabalu trek.

Now, I’ll be honest, we weren’t sure how tough it was going to be.

The blogs we had read and friends we spoke with said “it’s not technical,” but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Right from the start, it’s a constant slug uphill. You’re on well-built trails, mostly stone steps and packed dirt, but it’s relentless.

We kept a good pace, stopping to rest and hydrate every now and then at the break station.

READ MORE: Check out our best hiking tips!

The higher we climbed, the more the landscape changed, from thick rainforest to cloud forest, then open alpine scrub.

The air got cooler, the mist rolled in, and soon we began to get the real sense of being at altitude.

Gaining altitude quickly on the climb up Mount Kinabalu.

Out of the mist.

After about 4 hours, we arrived at Panalaban Base Camp (3,270m), where climbers sleep before the summit push.

The heated lodge is well-built and surprisingly comfortable. We had expected something extremely basic, but were quite impressed with its standards.

We checked into our dorm beds (which admittedly were jampacked with over 20 people to a room), had a quick hot shower, which we had not anticipated, changed into, clean dry clothes, and poured ourselves a cup of tea while waiting for the mandatory summit briefing.

Arriving at Panalaban Lodge.

Our dorm room.

The lounge room.

Downstairs with the hot shower – a very pleasant surprise.

Once the rest of the hikers had made it to the lodge the mountain guides came and gave us a full breakdown on what the next morning would look like.

Afterwards we wandered down to the common room for a hot buffet dinner. Our timing was spot on and it started pouring just after we arrived. Huge drops hammering the roof, clouds swallowing the view and more impressively waterfalls poured down the huge granite rock faces.

Getting a briefing on the summit push and Via Ferrata the next morning.

Once we realised the rain was settling in for a while we braved the downpour and headed back up to the lodge to prepare for bed.

We sat inside sipping tea, playing cards, and chatting with the other hikers.

There’s a real sense of camaraderie up there. Everyone’s a little nervous, a little excited, and a bit in awe of what they’re doing.

Each person has their own reasons for being up there. For some, it’s just another fun activity to do during their travels. For others it was a lifelong goal. And for quite a few, it was the most extreme thing they had ever done.

The mountain attracts some special people.

By 8pm we crawled into bed, with our alarms set for 2am.

The full buffet spread.

Day 2: The Summit Push

I crashed out hard and managed to sleep right through the night. The provided sleeping bags were very warm and I ended up just wearing underwear to ensure I didn’t overheat.

The room stirred and in the dark we pulled on our thermals, jackets, gloves, headlamps, made ourselves a quick coffee to wake up, and headed out into the cold dark morning.

The climb to the summit is about 2.7km from base camp, but don’t let the distance fool you. It’s steep, rocky, slippery in sections and challenging after a full day of hiking the day before.

First light near the summit.

Guided by only the beams from our headlamps, we hiked through low trees before the trail quickly becomes more exposed.

You’re gripping ropes in some sections, climbing up smooth granite slabs with nothing but moonlight and headlamps to illuminate the way.

It’s not technical, nor dangerous if you pay attention, but it’s a grind.

One step at a time, slowly but surely.

The altitude kicks in hard above 3,500 metres. We were all feeling it in our breathing, but the Diamox we took seemed to help stave off any real symptoms.

We made good time and our guide soon suggested that we slow down and take more breaks in order to not spend the unnecessary time exposed on the summit.

With twilight approaching we reached Low’s Peak at 5am. 4,095 metres above sea level.

All rugged up at the summit of Mount Kinabalu.

The temperature was below freezing, our fingers were numb and noses red from the cold.

But the feeling of standing on Borneo’s highest summit was truly remarkable.

It was still pitch black at the summit and we could just make out the lights of Kota Kinabalu in the distance.

Once we had taken our photos we wandered down from the tiny summit to a protected ledge that had more room to sit.

Watching the sunrise from just below the summit was a spectacular experience.

We wrapped ourselves in all of our layers, snacked on muesli bars and chocolate, and waited for the sun to rise above the magical island.

High above the clouds we wateched the sky morph from pitch black to golden pink. The sky didn’t explode in a kaleidoscope of colour like we had hoped, but that didn’t matter.

Watching the sunrise from the highest point in Borneo with two of my best friends made it one of the most beautiful mornings I’ve ever had.

We stood there, hugged, took some photos, and soaked it all in. You don’t get many moments like that in life.

We made it!

The Descent and the Via Ferrata

Before the sun rose too high in the sky it was time to leave the summit and make our way back down the mountain.

From here there are 3 options that need to be pre-booked.

Either head straight back down to camp and then onwards to the base, or take one of the two Via Ferratas to descend.

A via ferrata is a protected climbing route with steel cables, rungs, and suspension bridges built into the mountain.

You clip in with a harness and two carabiners and make your way across the cliffs. It’s part scrambling, part adventure course.

Bertie coming across the Via Ferrata.

We signed up for the “Walk the Torq” which is the shorter of the two options offered, as the full Via Ferrata was fully booked.

But don’t let that fool you – it’s still a tonne of fun.

We left the track and met our Via Ferrata guides near the ranger’s hut. After a short safety briefing we clipped in and started our descent across sheer granite walls with nothing but 1,000 metres of air beneath us.

It was a fantastic experience. Enough of a rush to get the adrenaline pumping but safe and accessible for most people with moderate fitness.

The views were next-level. We were literally walking across a cliff with sweeping views of the jungle valleys below.

It took about 2 hours to complete the via ferrata, and then it was time to hike back to the Panalaban lodge to collect the rest of our gear and then navigate all the way back down to Timpohon Gate.

We loved the Via Ferrata.

The descent is relentless. Endless steps and switchbacks pounding your calves and knees for hours.

We were tired, sore, and soaked in sweat and rain by the end, but still buzzing from the experience.

At around 1pm we arrived to the gate and met our transfer. We were shutled back to the main base camp and then jumped in our private van to leave the mountain and enjoy the ride back to Kota Kinabalu.

At the bottom of the hike, wet, sore but incredibly happy.

Final Thoughts

Climbing Mount Kinabalu isn’t just a hike, it’s a full-blown adventure. The altitude, the early morning summit push, the changing ecosystems, the cultural significance, the camaraderie with fellow hikers – it all adds up to something truly special.

Amazing Borneo were fantastic throughout the whole experience. Professional, friendly, organised, and passionate about what they do.

Our awesome guide made the experience so much more enjoyable, and safe as well.

Our guide was knowledgeable and supportive, our driver was safe and on time, and the logistics all ran like clockwork.

Once we had made our booking all we had to worry about was the early wake up call on that first day, and they looked after the rest.

If you’re thinking about doing this climb, do it. Book early, train, pack smart, and go with an open mind. You’ll come down with sore legs and a big smile.

And trust me – the sunrise at the summit is worth every single step.

100% worth it for views like this!

Things to Know Before Climbing Mount Kinabalu

Planning to climb Mount Kinabalu? Whether you’re an experienced trekker or this is your first big mountain, there are a few essential things you need to know before lacing up your boots and heading into the clouds.

From when to go to what to pack, this guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

Step after step on the way to and from the summit.

1. How to Book Your Climb

Unlike many other hikes around the world, you can’t just show up at Mount Kinabalu and start walking. The mountain is tightly regulated with daily climbing permits capped to protect the environment and ensure safety.

You must book through an approved tour operator, and we highly recommend Amazing Borneo. They handle everything: permits, transport, meals, accommodation, guides, and even the optional via ferrata.

Book early: Ideally 2–3 months in advance, or longer during peak seasons (April to August). The climb often sells out quickly, especially with fewer permits available post-pandemic.

The markers on the climb let you know how far you’ve gone and what altitude you have reached.

2. Best Time of Year to Climb

Mount Kinabalu can be climbed year-round, but March to September is considered the best window. This is the dry season in Sabah, and you’ll have the best chance of clear skies and safe summit conditions.

October to January is wetter, and while it’s still possible to hike, you’ll face more rain, slippery trails, and a higher chance of summit closure due to storms.

Always check the weather forecast before your trek, but remember: on the mountain, conditions change fast. It can be sunny at base camp and stormy at the summit.

3. How Hard Is the Hike?

Mount Kinabalu is not a technical climb, but it is tough. You’ll ascend over 2,200 metres in elevation in just under 9km, and altitude affects everyone differently.

Expect sore legs, short breath, and a test of endurance. But if you’re moderately fit and pace yourself, it’s totally achievable. The key is mental resilience and steady movement, not speed.

The final push to the summit involves some scrambling over granite rock with ropes for support. It’s safe, but you’ll feel it.

In the days that follow you’ll likely be walking funny. Stairs will suck, getting out of bed will be slow and you’ll have a funny shuffle as you bounce around the rest of Borneo.

We highly recommend giving yourelf a few relaxing days after the climb to recover.

Hannah and Bertie enjoying the views.

4. What to Pack

Packing right is essential, especially since you’ll be going from steamy lowlands to freezing altitudes.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Essentials:

Clothing:
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece or insulated jacket
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Gloves and beanie
- Extra socks and underwear
- Comfortable clothes for sleeping at base camp
Other useful items:
- Altitude sickness tablets (we took Diamox bought in Kota Kinabalu -consult your doctor)
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Toiletries (toothbrush, wet wipes, etc.)
- Cash for tipping guides and buying snacks at camp
- Camera or phone with a power bank
Your operator may carry a porter bag or store overnight gear at base camp, but you’ll need to carry your own daypack during the hike.

You can also hire a porter for an additional fee.

Make sure whatever you take can fit inside a nice, comfortable daypack and doesn’t weigh too much.

5. What’s Included in a Tour

When you book with a reputable company like Amazing Borneo, you’ll typically get:
- Return transport from Kota Kinabalu (we opted for the package with the private van and it was well worth it)
- Climbing permit and park entrance fees
- Certified mountain guide
- Meals (dinner and breakfast, as well as a lunch at base camp)
- Accommodation at Panalaban Base Camp (shared dorms or private rooms)
- Certificate of completion
- Optional via ferrata experience (must be booked separately)
All meals are cooked at altitude and are hearty. Think rice, noodles, eggs, vegetables, and chicken. Dietary requirements can usually be catered for with notice.

A sandwich and snacks provided by Amazing Borneo, but we recommend bringing extra.

6. Altitude: How It Affects You

Mount Kinabalu is just over 4,000m high, and altitude sickness is a real risk. You’ll be sleeping at 3,270m and summiting early the next morning.

Symptoms can include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Most people are fine if they hydrate, pace themselves, and don’t overexert.

We took Diamox (acetazolamide) as a precaution and had no issues. You should speak with your doctor before your trip to see if it’s right for you.

7. The Via Ferrata: Should You Do It?

The via ferrata is a highlight of the Mount Kinabalu experience, and the highest one in the world! You clip into a series of steel cables and climb along cliff edges with incredible views.

There are two options:
- Walk the Torq: Easier, shorter, and perfect for beginners.
- Low’s Peak Circuit: Longer, more exposed, and better for confident adventurers.
You must book the via ferrata when you reserve your climb. You can’t add it on last-minute, trust me I tried to upgrade to Low’s Peak Circuit and couldn’t.

Safety briefings happen the day before at Panalaban, and you need to be at the summit by a certain time to participate, so don’t dawdle in the morning.

Definitely book one of the Via Ferratas!

8. Tips for a Successful Climb
- Train beforehand: You don’t need to be a marathon runner, but regular cardio and leg strength training will help.
- Take your time: Go slow and steady. The guides are used to all fitness levels.
- Layer up: It’s hot at the bottom and freezing at the top. Layers are your best friend and you’ll like strip down and dress up every hour.
- Start early: The summit push starts at 2am to catch the sunrise—get to bed early and pack everything the night before.
- Respect the mountain: It’s a sacred place for locals. Don’t litter, don’t blast music, and keep your voice down.
9. Staying in Kota Kinabalu

Most people base themselves in Kota Kinabalu (KK) before and after the hike. It’s a relaxed seaside city with good restaurants, a buzzing night market, and affordable accommodation.

We recommend arriving in KK at least a day before your climb to get organised, and spending another night after your descent to rest and recover.

Final Word

Climbing Mount Kinabalu is one of the best adventures in Southeast Asia. It’s tough, stunning, and unforgettable.

Go in with the right mindset, book with a trusted operator like Amazing Borneo, and prepare properly – and you’ll come away with sore legs, big smiles, and a sunrise memory you’ll never forget.

A sunrise view you’ll never forget.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!
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15/07/2025
The 22 Best Beaches In Australia (2025 Edition)
From the ever-popular East Coast to the dramatic landscapes of the West Coast, here are the best beaches in Australia!

Australia has so much to offer, from snowy mountains to arid deserts to ancient rainforests and more.

But what draws in the majority of travellers Down Under? Beaches!

No one can argue that the beaches in Australia are spectacular.

Most beaches are public domain, meaning there are no entry fees, no parking fees, and no exclusive memberships.

Anyone and everyone can enjoy the picture-perfect beaches in Australia, whether you want to surf and scuba dive or relax on the sand.

With such a gigantic and varied coastline, Australia has so many different types of beaches as well!

Head to the Gold Coast or Bondi Beach for glitz and glamour by the beach. Road trip down the South Coast of New South Wales for amazing surf and fewer crowds.

Or go to Tropical North Queensland to dive in the Great Barrier Reef and lounge on idyllic islands.

For some less touristy and wild beach landscapes, head to the remote coastlines of Tasmania or South Australia. Or go west for some iconic Western Australia experiences, like riding a camel across Cable Beach or seeing quokkas on Rottnest Island.

No matter what you want to do, Australian beaches have you covered.

Whitehaven Beach, Queensland
Table of Contents

22 Best Beaches In Australia

1. Whitehaven Beach, QLD

2. Lucky Bay, WA

3. Cable Beach, WA

4. Bondi Beach, NSW

5. Squeaky Beach, VIC

6. Horseshoe Bay, QLD

7. Wineglass Bay, TAS

8. Hyams Beach, NSW

9. Almonta Beach, SA

10. Burleigh Beach, QLD

11. Stokes Bay, SA

12. Little Salmon Bay, WA

13. Surfers Paradise, QLD

14. Bells Beach, VIC

15. Noosa Main Beach, QLD

16. Cottesloe Beach, WA

17. Byron Bay Main Beach, NSW

18. Turquoise Bay, WA

19. 75 Mile Beach, QLD

20. Vivonne Bay, SA

21. Nudey Beach, QLD

22. Binalong Bay, TAS
22 Best Beaches In Australia

Whether you want to surf in New South Wales, mingle with wildlife in Western Australia, seek out wild coastlines in South Australia, or embark on outdoor adventures in Tasmania, a beach holiday in Australia is always a good idea!

Here are our favourite Australian beaches. They are listed in no particular order – every single one is amazing in its own way.

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. Whitehaven Beach, QLD

Whitehaven Beach is truly one of the world’s most breathtaking places.

There are several components of Whitehaven Beach. There is the southern end, which consists of 7km of velvety soft, white silica sand. The northern end of Whitehaven Beach also has soft silica sand and a hiking trail that takes you up to Hill Inlet Lookout.

Nestled between the two ends of Whitehaven Beach is Hill Inlet. Here, the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea and the brilliant white sands swirl together and create a mesmerising scene.

Whitehaven Beach is located on Whitsunday Island, one of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays archipelago of Tropical North Queensland.

Because Whitehaven Beach is located on this remote island, you can only get here by booking a tour or a private charter from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island.

2. Lucky Bay, WA

Lucky Bay is one of the most pristine beaches in Western Australia. Its white sands and sapphire waters make it exceptionally photogenic.

But most visitors come to Lucky Bay for the wildlife! The beach is known for its resident kangaroos that love to frolic on the beach, particularly at dawn or dusk.

Lucky Bay is located within Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, Western Australia. It’s one of the most famous beaches in Australia’s south west, though there are tons of other less-popular beaches in the area that are just as beautiful.

We recommend an Esperance to Perth road trip for the best beach-hopping experience!

Kangaroos on the beach at Lucky Bay

3. Cable Beach, WA

Nestled on the edge of the remote Kimberley region in Western Australia, Cable Beach is truly iconic.

With the turquoise Indian Ocean on one side and the rough red cliffs of the Kimberley on the other, Cable Beach showcases the vibrant natural colours that Western Australia is famous for.

The beach itself is located in Broome, and consists of 22 kilometers of fine, powdery sand.

The best things to do at Cable Beach are watch the sunset over the ocean, or ride a camel across the sand.

Or, combine the two on a sunset camel ride – the ultimate way to experience Cable Beach!

4. Bondi Beach, NSW

As one of Australia’s most popular beaches, few travellers leave New South Wales without a stop in Bondi Beach! Just a short drive or train ride from Sydney Harbour, Bondi Beach is a Sydney hotspot that is full of fun things to do.

A busy esplanade lines Bondi Beach, with colourful murals adorning the concrete walls. There is a skate park, an outdoor gym, and lots of cafes and shops right next to the sand.

At the southern end of the Bondi Beach walking path, you’ll find the iconic Bondi Icebergs and the start of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.

Bondi Beach itself boasts refreshing waters, golden sands, and lots of space for sunbathing or swimming. Take your Bondi Beach adventures to the next level with scuba diving or surfing!

Just note that Bondi Beach can be crowded, as it is easily one of the most famous places in New South Wales and all of Australia.

5. Squeaky Beach, VIC

Another iconic beach to add to your Aussie bucket list is Squeaky Beach.

Located in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Squeaky Beach is renowned for its unique quartz sand that makes a distinctive squeaking sound underfoot.

In 2024, Squeaky Beach was honored as Australia’s best beach by Tourism Australia, marking the first time a Victorian beach ever received this title.

The beach is accessible via a scenic walk from Tidal River and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and photography. However, visitors should be cautious of sudden swells and strong currents, as the beach is open to the Bass Strait.

Read next: 19 Best Beaches In Victoria, Australia

6. Horseshoe Bay, QLD

Another beautiful beach to visit in Australia is Horseshoe Bay on the north shore of Magnetic Island.

Just a short ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island is a tropical island paradise where travellers can slow down and reconnect with nature.

Magnetic Island is home to many incredible beaches, but Horseshoe Bay is arguably the best.

Known for its expansive sandy beach and calm waters, Horseshoe Bay is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. There are water sport equipment rentals readily available, making it a hotspot for both relaxation and adventure.

Surrounding Horseshoe Bay, you can find a variety of cafes and restaurants, such as the Marlin Bar, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine with picturesque sunset views.

7. Wineglass Bay, TAS

Wineglass Bay is an iconic and beautiful beach in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania.

The beach is a long, curved strip of brilliant white sand framed by calm waters, dramatic mountains, and the lush forests of Freycinet National Park.

Not only is Wineglass Bay beautiful to look at, there are lots of fun things to do here and in the surrounding Freycinet National Park.

Take on the Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit Walk, or hike up Mount Amos to find sweeping panoramic lookout over the bay.

Or immerse yourself in nature by camping, abseiling, or rock climbing in Freycinet National Park just next to Wineglass Bay.

You can also experience Wineglass Bay on a day trip from Hobart, on a scenic flight, or on a sightseeing cruise. The calm waters of Wineglass Bay are stunning from every angle!

Wineglass Bay Beach

8. Hyams Beach, NSW

Situated about 2 hours south of Sydney on the gorgeous South Coast of New South Wales lies Jervis Bay. This coastal territory is like heaven for beach lovers!

Jervis Bay has many incredible beaches with glimmering white sands. The White Sands Walk is the best way to soak in the sights along the glamorous coastline.

Located at the southern end of the White Sands Walk is Hyams Beach, the crown jewel of Jervis Bay.

Hyams Beach has consistently been ranked one of the whitest beaches in Australia thanks to its brilliant sand.

The water is calm and shallow, making it a top spot in Jervis Bay for families. Surrounding Hyams Beach you can find campgrounds, rock climbing spots, scuba diving spots, and more.

You can easily visit Hyams Beach on a day trip from Sydney, or you can stay overnight! Overnight visitors may want to camp in the wilderness at Booderee National Park, or choose a hotel in the nearby town of Huskisson, New South Wales.

9. Almonta Beach, SA

Another one of Australia’s best beaches is Almonta Beach in South Australia. It’s a favoured spot among photographers and those seeking a peaceful retreat on the Eyre Peninsula.

Almonta Beach is located in Coffin Bay National Park, a remote area of South Australia. It’s a very secluded spot with expansive white sands, clear turquoise waters, and serene natural beauty.

Easily accessible via an unsealed road suitable for 2WD vehicles, Almonta Beach offers a tranquil setting ideal for swimming, beachcombing, and wildlife observation.

Other top things to do in this beautiful part of the Eyre Peninsula include 4WDing near the sand dunes in Coffin Bay National Park, swimming with sea lions or cage diving with sharks in Port Lincoln, or sampling fresh seafood at Coffin Bay Oyster Farm.

Read more: The 9 Best South Australia Road Trips

10. Burleigh Beach, QLD

Burleigh Beach is one of the most notable beaches on the Gold Coast. And that’s saying something, since the Gold Coast is a strip of Southeast Queensland coastline that is quite literally packed with incredible beaches.

Like most Gold Coast beaches, Burleigh Beach has amazing surf, soft sand, and ample space for swimming or sunbathing.

A standout feature of Burleigh is the nearby lush headland of Burleigh Head National Park, where you can enjoy scenic walking tracks with panoramic ocean views.

There is also a wide grassy park right behind the beach with outdoor BBQs and fresh water taps. This makes it a convenient spot for people who are camping or road tripping around the Gold Coast area.

Burleigh Heads Beach

11. Stokes Bay, SA

Kangaroo Island is a gorgeous destination just off the coast of Cape Jervis, South Australia.

Filled with national parks, wildlife, and dramatic cliffs, it’s a hotspot for day trips from Adelaide and multiday camping adventures.

A highlight of Kangaroo Island is Stokes Bay, a beautiful beach on the island’s north coast.

Stokes Bay is renowned for its unique access through a natural rock tunnel that opens onto a pristine stretch of white sand and clear turquoise waters. This hidden gem offers a tranquil scene with plenty of protected rock pools and abundant marine life.

Other nearby attractions to see on Kangaroo Island include Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, Seal Bay Conservation Park, and the Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park.

12. Little Salmon Bay, WA

A must-see destination in Western Australia is the famous Rottnest Island!

Located just a short ferry ride away from Perth, Rottnest Island has quaint biking trails, a gorgeous coastline, and a healthy popular of quokkas (often thought of as Australia’s happiest animals due to their adorable smiles).

While visiting Rottnest Island, exploring the coast is the best way to absorb the natural beauty here.

Little Salmon Bay is one of the top places on Rottnest Island, and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia.

This sheltered bay offers ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling, especially during easterly winds when the waters are calm and visibility is excellent. Little Salmon Bay features a designated snorkel trail, guiding visitors through a diverse underwater ecosystem teeming with colorful corals, fish, and other marine creatures.

Accessible by bike or the island’s shuttle bus, Little Salmon Bay provides a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts and beachgoers.

Explore more of the coastline with these amazing Perth beaches!

13. Surfers Paradise, QLD

Surfers Paradise is one of the most famous beaches and neighborhoods on the Gold Coast.

With its glittering skyline, bustling nightlife, and photo-worthy beach, Surfers Paradise is a popular spot for travellers on Australia’s East Coast.

While the beach is a major drawcard, it’s worth noting that it can be prone to strong rips and dumping waves, making it essential for swimmers to heed safety warnings. But experienced surfers and sunbathers should have no problem at this iconic beach.

Another fun idea while visiting the Gold Coast is to take a sunset cruise around Surfers Paradise. This is a lovely way to wind down after a big day of beach-going, and you’ll get the best views of the famous skyline at sunset!

14. Bells Beach, VIC

Bells Beach, situated along Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road near Torquay, is revered as one of Australia’s most legendary surf destinations.

Known for its powerful right-hand reef breaks and dramatic sandstone cliffs, it has been the spiritual heart of Australian surfing for decades.

Since 1961, it has hosted the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running professional surfing competition, drawing elite surfers and passionate crowds each Easter.

Bells Beach is not just a surfing icon, it’s also a beautiful beach to see before you hit the Great Ocean Road.

The surrounding area has scenic walking trails, Indigenous cultural heritage sites, and a vibrant local food scene, making Bells Beach a must-visit for both surf enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Bells Beach, Victoria

15. Noosa Main Beach, QLD

Noosa is a hotspot for travellers along the East Coast of Australia. And Noosa Main Beach is often the very first stop people make when they arrive at this beautiful part of the Sunshine Coast!

With crystal clear waters, amazing surf, and the nearby greenery of Noosa National Park, this patrolled beach is safe and stunning.

It’s conveniently located within walking distance of the town centre, making it easy to combine a beach day with your shopping, dining, and sightseeing activities in Noosa.

This beach has consistent waves that are great for beginner surfers. Try a surf lesson or opt for something more chill like a paddleboard rental. Noosa is the perfect place to frolic in the warm water of the Sunshine Coast!

Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Noosa Itinerary

16. Cottesloe Beach, WA

Perth’s Cottesloe Beach is another one of the top beaches in Australia.

A favorite among locals and tourists alike, Cottesloe Beach offers excellent conditions for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling, especially at North Cottesloe where marine life thrives.

Accessible via the Fremantle train line, it’s just a short walk from Cottesloe Station, making it convenient for visitors relying on public transport.

The surrounding area boasts a vibrant café and dining scene, perfect for enjoying sunsets over the Indian Ocean.

Every March, Cottesloe Beach transforms into an open-air gallery during the ‘Sculpture by the Sea’ exhibition, showcasing artworks from around the world.

17. Byron Bay Main Beach, NSW

The Main Beach in Byron Bay is another one of Australia’s best beaches! However, the entire Byron Bay area is filled with amazing beaches, and many would consider the quieter, less popular ones to be better than the Main Beach.

But if you’re just arriving in Byron Bay, New South Wales, head straight for the town’s Main Beach to swim, surf, snorkel, and soak up the sun.

If you have time, join a surf lesson and learn to ride the waves like the locals! Or stroll along the coastal path that winds along the hills and beaches around Byron Bay. You can walk up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, do some sightseeing, and get the best sunrise views.

Surrounding Byron Bay are the protected waters of Cape Byron Marine Park, where marine life is abundant. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seals year-round or whales in the winter months.

18. Turquoise Bay, WA

Many travellers flock to Western Australia to explore the vibrant marine life and coral gardens of Ningaloo Reef.

Ningaloo Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site with exceptional snorkeling opportunities. One of the top places to enjoy the rich biodiversity is Turquoise Bay.

This beautiful beach in Cape Range National Park near Exmouth, Western Australia, has crystal-clear waters where you can snorkel in Ningaloo Reef directly from the shore.

The bay’s famous “drift snorkel” allows visitors to effortlessly glide over vibrant coral gardens teeming with diverse marine life, including reef fish, sea turtles, and rays.

Turquoise Bay is a highlight of Western Australia, especially for marine life enthusiasts!

Find more amazing places to visit in Western Australia.

19. 75 Mile Beach, QLD

Another spot on our list of the best beaches in Australia is 75 Mile Beach on K’gari (Fraser Island).

This incredibly long strip of pristine golden sand lines almost the entire eastern side of K’gari, which is the world’s largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

75 Mile Beach is not a swimming beach, as the currents off K’gari are quite dangerous. But it still has to be on our list of these spectacular beaches, because it is absolutely breathtaking. It’s also one of the few places where you can drive or camp on the beach!

With a 4WD vehicle, you can cruise up and down this beautiful beach and admire the ancient sand dunes, lush forests, coloured sands, and wild dingos on K’gari.

So although 75 Mile Beach is an unpatrolled beach, it’s one of the many hidden gems on the glorious island of K’gari. Head here for wilderness camping and untouched natural beauty!

See the best of K’gari on a 3-day tour from Hervey Bay!

4WD driving across 75 Mile Beach, K’gari

20. Vivonne Bay, SA

Vivonne Bay is another one of the local favourite beaches on Kangaroo Island, South Australia.

With white sands and pristine waters, Vivonne Bay is a fabulous place for a refreshing swim while on the southern shore of Kangaroo Island.

Vivonne Bay offers excellent opportunities for swimming, surfing, and fishing, with Point Ellen nearby providing panoramic views of the rugged coastline.

If you are able to spend longer on Kangaroo Island than just a day trip, do it! You’ll have more time to explore Vivonne Bay, Stokes Bay, and the other beautiful places on this incredible island.

Spend more time here with our 3 day Kangaroo Island itinerary!

21. Nudey Beach, QLD

Another one of the most spectacular beaches in Australia is Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island.

This little slice of paradise on the Great Barrier Reef is known for its mountainous terrain and crystal clear waters.

Fitzroy Island is a quick and easy day trip from Cairns by boat. Once you arrive, spend the day exploring the lush rainforest hiking trails, snorkelling with the marine life offshore, and enjoying the beaches!

The #1 beach on Fitzroy Island is Nudey Beach. It has soft white sand, tranquil waters, amazing snorkelling, and overall picturesque views. The towering green forests behind the beach make for stunning photos as well!

Nudey Beach is definitely one of the best beaches in Tropical North Queensland!

22. Binalong Bay, TAS

Binalong Bay, situated at the southern end of Tasmania’s Bay of Fires, is renowned for its striking white sands, vibrant blue waters, and the iconic orange-lichen-covered granite boulders that dot its shoreline.

The area is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the numerous secluded coves along the coast.

Nearby, Cosy Corner and Jeanneret Beach provide additional scenic spots for beachgoers seeking serenity and natural beauty.

Binalong Bay serves as a gateway to the broader Bay of Fires region, and it’s an absolutely beautiful beach to add to your Tasmania itinerary!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!
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14/07/2025
26 Best Places To Visit In New South Wales, Australia

Whether you want surf, snow, or anything in between, you can find it all in our list of the best places to visit in New South Wales!

New South Wales is an incredibly beautiful and diverse state in Australia.

Many travellers head here first on their visit to the Australian continent, as most international flights arrive in Sydney.

Sydney itself is home to countless iconic places like Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour, or the Northern Beaches.

But outside Sydney, you’ll find so many amazing places to visit in this stunning state!

New South Wales has some of the world’s whitest sand beaches and Australia’s first Dark Sky Park. It has Outback deserts, snowy mountains, and more.

Whether you want a sleepy town, bustling city life, secluded wilderness, or prestigious wine regions, you can find it all in New South Wales!

Plan more adventures with our list of the best things to do in New South Wales.

26 Best Places To Visit In New South Wales, Australia

From famous places like Byron Bay, to lesser known towns, national parks, and beaches, there is no shortage of place to go in New South Wales.

Here is our list of the best places to visit in NSW, Australia!

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.

Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island is a pristine, UNESCO World Heritage-listed island located in the Tasman Sea, about 600 kilometers east of mainland Australia.

Renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and crystal-clear lagoons, the island offers a rare blend of unique natural scenery and tranquillity.

With visitor numbers capped at just 400 at a time, Lord Howe Island is able to remain unspoiled and peaceful.

Activities such as snorkelling on the world’s southernmost coral reef, hiking Mount Gower, and exploring the unique endemic flora and fauna showcase the island’s ecological significance and charm.

You can fly to Lord Howe Island on a two-hour flight from either Sydney or Port Macquarie in NSW.

Sydney

Of course, the capital city of Sydney has to be on this list!

Sydney is well worth all the hype it gets. Home to the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, this fabulous city has world-famous landmarks and a bustling energy.

Visitors to the Sydney CBD can check out Taronga Zoo, the Rocks Markets, Newtown, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and more. Stay in luxurious Sydney hotels or social backpacker hostels right in Sydney Harbour.

You can also venture to the coast and see gorgeous beaches that you wouldn’t even believe are in a massive city. With surf beaches, ocean pools, trendy cafes, and whale watching in winter, Sydney’s coastline is a dream year-round.

Head to Manly and Palm Beach in the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Bondi Beach and Bronte in the eastern suburbs, or Cronulla and the Royal National Park in the south.

There is no shortage of stunning vistas and beach spots around Sydney’s coastline!

Sydney is one of the world’s best cities!

Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in New South Wales.

Packed with scenic hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and quaint mountain towns, the Blue Mountains are the perfect place to escape into nature.

The Blue Mountains are only 1-2 hours west of Sydney, making them a super accessible day trip from the city.

Start your exploration in the charming town of Katoomba, where you can visit the Three Sisters rock formations and visit the family-friendly Scenic World.

You can also venture further outside the tourist centre of the Blue Mountains to discover hidden waterfalls and secluded gullys with world heritage listed rainforest and very few tourists around.

Whether you want a cosy mountain getaway or an off-grid camping experience, the Blue Mountains have it all!

Wollemi National Park

Wollemi National Park, located just a few hours northwest of Sydney in New South Wales, is a vast wilderness area known for its rugged sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and dense eucalyptus forests.

As part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, it offers spectacular scenery and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including the rare and ancient Wollemi Pine, a species once thought extinct and only rediscovered in 1994.

The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, canyoning, and canoeing. It’s a popular spot for family holidays near Sydney and Newcastle that is slightly less touristy than the Blue Mountains.

Its remote beauty and ecological significance make it one of Australia’s most treasured natural landscapes.

Orange

One of the best places to visit in the Central West of New South Wales is Orange.

Nestled in the Central Tablelands, this vibrant regional city has a cool climate, rich history, and thriving food and wine scene.

Orange boasts fertile volcanic soils that support an incredible viticulture industry, with over 30 cellar doors offering diverse wine experiences.

The city is also celebrated for its seasonal beauty, with parks like Cook Park and the Orange Botanic Gardens showcasing stunning displays throughout the year.

Cultural enthusiasts can explore the Orange Regional Gallery and the Orange Regional Museum, which delve into the area’s artistic and historical narratives.

Outdoor adventurers are drawn to Mount Canobolas, an extinct volcano offering panoramic views and hiking trails. There is lots to do in Orange, an underrated destination in New South Wales!

Read next: Sydney to Perth Road Trip Itinerary

Mudgee

Another top destination in the Central West of New South Wales is Mudgee. Whether you’re on a road trip into the Outback or you’re just hoping to explore more of rural NSW, Mudgee has much to offer!

The picturesque little town sits on the Cudgegong River Valley, approximately 270 km northwest of Sydney.

Mudgee is an iconic wine region in Australia, with over 35 wineries including historic estates like Robert Stein and Lowe Wines.

Beyond its vineyards, the town has heritage-listed buildings, charming cafes, and boutique shops that reflect its colonial past.

Anyone looking for an outdoor adventure can explore nearby attractions such as Windamere Dam and the Mudgee Observatory, or enjoy hot air balloon rides over the rolling hills.

Mudgee is the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

Dubbo

The vibrant regional city of Dubbo is one of the most popular towns on the edge of the NSW Outback.

It’s home to the world-renowned Taronga Western Plains Zoo, where visitors can see exotic and native animals in large, open-range habitats.

Dubbo also offers a glimpse into Australia’s colonial and convict history at the Old Dubbo Gaol, a well-preserved 19th-century prison.

With its thriving arts scene, riverside parks, and nearby Aboriginal cultural sites, Dubbo combines country charm with modern amenities, making it a key stop on any inland New South Wales journey.

Hunter Valley

One of the best wine regions in Australia, the Hunter Valley is another stunning destination in New South Wales.

It’s just a couple of hours from Sydney and Newcastle, making it easy location for day trips or weekend getaways.

With rolling vineyards, gourmet restaurants, and charming cellar doors, the Hunter Valley offers a beautiful escape for food and wine lovers. A full day wine tasting experience is the best way to sample all the best wines with a local expert!

Beyond the wine, the Hunter Valley features luxury retreats, hot air ballooning, golf courses, and scenic countryside dotted with kangaroos and historic towns like Pokolbin and Lovedale.

The Warrambungles

The Warrumbungles are a striking mountain range in central NSW. The relaxed town of Coonabarabran is the Gateway to Warrumbungle National Park, and the perfect place to start your wilderness adventure.

Warrumbungle National Park is Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, meaning there is some world-class stargazing to be done here after dark.

The World Heritage-listed mountain range is home to magnificent hikes and campgrounds, as well as iconic rock formations like the Breadknife.

Bushwalkers and rock climbers from across the country flock to the Warrambungles for a memorable experience surrounded by nature. Whether you want relaxed stargazing or epic rock climbing, this is an amazing place to visit in NSW!

Check out our guide to the best Warrumbungles Walks so you can plan your hikes!

Broken Hill

If you’re looking for a glimpse of regional Australia life, head to Broken Hill! This captivating Outback city in the far west of New South Wales has an important mining history that was essential to the early Australian economy.

Established in the 1880s, Broken Hill is the birthplace of BHP and has played a pivotal role in Australia’s industrial development.

Today, Broken Hill is celebrated as Australia’s first heritage-listed city, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, art, and natural beauty.

Engage with local artists at Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, the oldest regional gallery in New South Wales. Or immerse yourself in the mining history of Broken Hill at the Line of Lode Miners Memorial and the Living Desert Sculptures.

Broken Hill’s unique character has also made it a popular location for filmmakers, most notably serving as a backdrop for the cult classic The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Living Desert Sculptures in Broken Hill

Byron Bay

No list of the best places to visit in NSW is complete without mentioning Byron Bay!

This laid-back coastal town has skyrocketed to the top of many travellers’ Australia bucket lists, thanks to its trendy town and gorgeous coastline.

The Cape Byron Marine Park extends along the Byron Bay coast, offering diverse displays of marine life. Water sports like surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkelling are world-class up in Byron Bay!

If you don’t feel like getting wet, you can still enjoy the coastal beauty on the walk up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse. This walk showcases the best of the Byron Bay beaches, surf spots, and marine life.

You can also have a blast exploring the Byron Bay town centre, enjoying the nightlife, or checking out the local farmers market.

Many think that Byron Bay is too busy and popular nowadays, but it’s actually easy to escape the crowds! Also consider exploring the amazing areas on the outskirts of Byron Bay, such as Lennox Head or the nearby Hinterlands.

South West Rocks

South West Rocks is a picturesque coastal town on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.

It is known for its stunning beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and rich history, and is a popular weekend getaway for those who want some quiet, quality time with the ocean.

Located at the mouth of the Macleay River, South West Rocks is great for fishing, surfing, and diving. it’s home to the famous Fish Rock Cave, which is one of the best dive sites in the country.

The town is also home to the historic Trial Bay Gaol, a heritage-listed site offering panoramic views and insight into Australia’s colonial past.

Surrounded by national parks and pristine waterways, South West Rocks offers a blend of natural beauty and laid-back charm.

Explore more of the coast with a Sydney to Brisbane road trip.

Mungo National Park

Mungo National Park is a gem of the New South Wales Outback.

At the heart of the UNESCO-listed Willandra Lakes Region, this ancient landscape has been home to Aboriginal peoples for over 50,000 years.

It is actually where the remains of Mungo Lady and Mungo Man were discovered (some of the oldest known human remains outside Africa) providing valuable insights into early human history.

The landscape in Mungo National Park is absolutely incredible, with crazy sand, clay, and rock formations scattered across the desert. The striking “Walls of China,” are the most famous site in the park.

Mungo National Park also offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with Australia’s deep past through guided tours led by Aboriginal rangers, ensuring the preservation and respectful sharing of its rich heritage.

Crescent Head

Crescent Head is another amazing coastal destination on the Mid North Coast of NSW!

This vibrant surf town is celebrated for its iconic right-hand point break that draws surfers from around the globe. The waves are very consistent and great for surfers of all skill levels!

Beyond the waves, the area offers a blend of scenic headlands, tranquil beaches, and lush hinterlands ideal for bushwalking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting.

The township itself maintains a friendly, small-community vibe, with local cafés, markets, and seaside accommodation enhancing its laid-back appeal.

There are some lovely campgrounds, holiday homes, and beachfront cabins around Crescent Head where you can settle in for a lovely weekend of surfing, swimming, and beach-bumming!

Nambucca Heads

Nambucca Heads, also on the Mid North Coast, has similar coastal offerings as South West Rocks and Crescent Head, but it has a bit more to offer in terms of activities and culture.

The town’s name, derived from the Gumbaynggirr word “Ngambagabaga,” translates to “entrance to the waters” or “crooked river,” reflecting the area’s rich Indigenous heritage.

Nambucca Heads has pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and a vibrant arts scene, epitomized by the V-Wall Outdoor Gallery where visitors leave their mark on painted rocks.

Explore the Nyambaga Walking Trail, an interpretive path highlighting the region’s bio-cultural significance, or enjoy a round at the unique Island Golf Club situated in the middle of the river.

Snowy Mountains

Looking for something other than beaches and surf? Head inland to the Snowy Mountains!

This sprawling area of rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and ski slopes is located in the southeast of the state and offers a totally different environment than the coastal areas that many tourists frequent.

The Snowy Mountains form Australia’s highest mountain range and stretches through NSW, VIC, and ACT. In the New South Wales section of the Snowy Mountains, you can explore Kosciuszko National Park and hike to the country’s tallest peak (Mount Kosciuszko, 2,228m).

Renowned for their alpine beauty, the Snowy Mountains transform with the seasons. Visit in winter for snow-covered slopes, scenic drives, and skiing or snowboarding at resorts like Thredbo and Perisher.

Or head to the Snowy Mountains in summer for hiking, mountain biking, camping, and fishing. Nature lovers can have a blast exploring the local flora and fauna of Kosciuszko National Park and beyond year-round!

Hit the slopes in Thredbo, NSW!

Narooma

Another one of the best NSW destinations is Narooma. This relaxed beachside town on the NSW South Coast is known for its vibrant turquoise waters and abundant marine life.

The name “Narooma” is believed to derive from the local Aboriginal word meaning “clear blue waters,” reflecting the town’s stunning coastal vistas.

Situated along the Wagonga Inlet, Narooma has lots of fun activities, from snorkelling with seals at Montague Island to exploring the ancient Glasshouse Rocks.

The town is also celebrated for its fresh seafood, particularly its renowned rock oysters, which can be savoured at local establishments like The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter.

Read more: 13 Incredible Things to do in Sydney in Winter

Port Stephens

Right at the southern end of the Mid North Coast of NSW lies Port Stephens. This charming coastal town has much to offer in terms of amenities, fun outdoor activities, and natural beauty.

Visitors can dine on fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant in Nelson Bay, explore walking trails along the coast, go dolphin-spotting or whale watching, and surf at the many golden-sand beaches.

Port Stephens is also home to the incredible Stockton Sand Dunes, a vast array of golden dunes that overlook the ocean. Join a sandboarding tour for an epic day out on the dunes!

Another fun activity to try in Port Stephens is hiking Tomaree Mountain at sunrise. You get the best views of the Pacific Ocean, nearby beaches, and surrounding islands.

Bellingen

Bellingen, nestled in the lush Bellinger Valley on New South Wales’ Mid North Coast, is a lovely place with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.

Originally inhabited by the Gumbaynggirr people, Bellingen’s history includes a timber and dairy industry boom in the 19th century, with its Victorian-era architecture still adorning the town’s streets today.

Surrounded by ancient rainforests, waterfalls, and wild swimming spots like the Promised Land, Bellingen has lots of amazing places to explore nature.

The town’s vibrant arts scene, eclectic cafes, and community markets reflect its bohemian spirit, making it a unique destination for explorers in NSW.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a relatively well-known city on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. It’s a common stopping point for coastal road trips, mainly because it’s the home of the Big Banana!

The Big Banana is one of Australia’s original “big things,” which serves as both a tourist attraction and a reminder of the region’s rich banana-growing heritage.

Visitors to Coffs Harbour can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as surfing, fishing, whale watching, surfing at Emerald Beach, or snorkelling or diving in the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Beyond its natural beauty, Coffs Harbour offers a growing cultural scene with art galleries, local markets, and a range of dining options featuring fresh local produce and seafood.

The surrounding hinterland is dotted with rainforests, waterfalls, and national parks like Dorrigo National Park, providing plenty of opportunities for bushwalking, birdwatching, and camping.

Escape to the seaside in Coffs Harbour!

Jervis Bay

No list of the best places to visit in NSW is complete without Jervis Bay!

This stunning destination on the NSW South Coast is about 2 hours south of Sydney, making it easy for day trips or weekend trips from the city.

Jervis Bay consists of several charming towns like Huskisson and Vincentia, as well as a string of gorgeous beaches.

The most famous beach in Jervis Bay is Hyams Beach, which is consistently ranked as one of the world’s whitest sand beaches. With soft silica sand and calm turquoise waters, Hyams Beach looks like something out of a postcard.

But Hyams Beach is only one beautiful spot in Jervis Bay! Follow the White Sands Walk for equally stunning and less crowded beaches near Hyams, or head into Booderee National Park for beaches surrounded by bushland and campgrounds.

Besides beach hopping, visitors to Jervis Bay can enjoy water sports, enjoy the delights of town, or go whale watching in the winter months.

Kiama

Another gem of the NSW South Coast is Kiama, located about 1.5 hours south of Sydney.

The most famous landmark in Kiama is the Blowhole, a rocky crag on the coast where waves rush into a natural hole and burst up like a volcano erupting lava. The Kiama Blowhole only performs when the swell is big and the conditions are right, but it’s a cool sight to see!

Kiama also has a Little Blowhole a few minutes away that is equally impressive.

Other amazing things to do in Kiama include cafe-hopping in the charming town centre, enjoying family-friendly fun at the nearby Jamberoo Action Park, exploring the nearby rainforest at Minnamurra Falls, or soaking in the beautiful views along the Great Coastal Walk.

Read our guide to the best Kiama beaches!

Kangaroo Valley

Kangaroo Valley is located in the Southern Highlands, about 2 hours southwest of Sydney. This is a gorgeous place for a trip filled with nature and adventure!

Nestled between the Cambewarra and Barrengarry mountains in New South Wales, Kangaroo Valley is packed with stunning waterfalls, lush rainforests, and rolling pastures.

Visitors can canoe or kayak on the tranquil Kangaroo River, admire heritage-listed buildings, or hike through Morton National Park. A standout landmark is the historic Hampden Bridge, Australia’s last surviving wooden suspension bridge, which adds to the area’s old-world character.

Kangaroo Valley is also a bit of a foodie destination, with local artisan shops selling fresh produce from nearby farmlands.

Find more fun things to do in the Kangaroo Valley!

Southern Highlands

Located just north of Kangaroo Valley is another area rich in greenery and nature. The Southern Highlands are another waterfall hotspot, with places like Belmore Falls, Fitzroy Falls, and Carrington Falls impressing all who visit.

There are also more tranquil swimming spots like Nellies Glen, and several remote campgrounds for a night in the wilderness.

Known for its elegant gardens, antique stores, and heritage-listed architecture, towns like Bowral, Berrima, Mittagong, and Moss Vale offer a relaxed yet refined atmosphere in the Southern Highlands.

Bowral, the largest town, is famous for the annual Tulip Time Festival, cool-climate wineries, farm-to-table dining, and gourmet markets.

Fitzroy Falls is a must-see in the Southern Highlands.

Merimbula

This beautiful town on the Far South Coast of NSW is well worth a visit.

Merimbula has a thriving seafood industry where you can sample fresh oysters and dine at top-rated restaurants. The quaint town center has some cool shops, wellness centres, cafes, and bars to suit all types of tastes.

Golden sand beaches and lush national parks surround the town, giving visitors the chance to go surfing, diving, camping, hiking, and exploring nature.

Merimbula’s laid-back vibe makes it the perfect place for a bit of rest and relaxation as you explore the Sapphire Coast of NSW.

Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie is a popular place to stop on any road trips along the NSW coast.

Situated at the mouth of the Hastings River, the town has amazing beaches like Town Beach and Lighthouse Beach, ideal for surfing, swimming, and dolphin spotting.

Nature lovers can also explore the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, featuring a 1.3 km elevated boardwalk through lush subtropical rainforest, or visit the Koala Hospital, dedicated to the care and conservation of koalas.

Established as a penal settlement in 1821, Port Macquarie’s heritage is showcased through sites like the Port Macquarie Museum and the historic St Thomas’ Anglican Church.

The town also offers a thriving arts scene, with venues like The Glasshouse hosting performances and exhibitions.

Read next: The 6 BEST NSW Road Trips – Epic Drive Itineraries

Best Time to Travel to New South Wales

The best time to travel to New South Wales largely depends on what you want to experience, but overall, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are considered the ideal seasons for visiting.

Spring (September – November)

Spring has mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and lush greenery, making it perfect for outdoor adventures, beach visits, and national park hikes. It’s also whale-watching season along the coast.

Autumn (March – May)

If you want comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and stunning autumn foliage in regions like the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands, Autumn is for you! Prices are also more affordable at this time as opposed to summer.

Summer (December – February)

Summer is peak season in NSW! It’s great for beach lovers, especially along the North Coast and South Coast. Just note that summer can be hot and busy, especially around Sydney and during school holidays.

Winter (June – August)

Winter is dreamy in NSW! Temperatures are cool along the coast and very cold inland or in the mountains. But it’s the perfect time for snow sports in the Snowy Mountains and quieter sightseeing in cities and wine regions.

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

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10/07/2025
16 Best Gold Coast Day Trips, Queensland
Go beyond the iconic golden beaches and buzzing nightlife and explore more of Queensland with these incredible Gold Coast day trips!

One of the best things about using the Gold Coast as a base for a road trip is the diverse experiences nearby.

In barely an hour or two, you could find yourself standing in a lush World Heritage-listed rainforest, staring at 180 million-year-old trees that seem to touch the sky.

Or you might be soaking up the laid-back vibes of a tropical island, refreshing cocktail in hand, without a care in the world.

Feel like chasing waterfalls and hiking through ancient landscapes? Head to Lamington and Springbrook National Parks. Keen for a lazy afternoon sipping wine at a boutique vineyard or feasting on fresh produce straight from the paddock? Head to the charming towns of the Great Dividing Range and Hinterlands.

Or maybe you’re after a bit of culture, with art galleries, markets, and live music filling up your day — you’ll find that too!

So, if you’re ready to swap the surfboard for hiking boots or the bustling esplanade for a peaceful mountain view, read on.

Below, we’ll delve into the best Gold Coast day trips that make you fall even harder for this beautiful corner of Queensland.

All you need to do is pick your adventure, and ensure you have a camera on hand!

16 Best Day Trips From Gold Coast, Queensland

From enchanting island escapes with tropical fish and sand dunes like Moreton, South Stradbroke, and North Stradbroke, to seeing the iconic Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park, to indulging in incredible wine tastings at lush vineyards, the options for Gold Coast day trips are truly endless!

The easiest way to explore is by renting a car or using your own vehicle. Public transport isn’t the most convenient in this part of Queensland, especially if you want the freedom to chase waterfalls, beaches, and wineries at your own pace.

Luckily, plenty of rental options are available, making it easy to hit the road and make the most of your adventures.

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. Brisbane
- Distance from Gold Coast: 43 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour
Brisbane is an awesome pick for a day trip from the Gold Coast! Just over an hour’s drive and you’re in the heart of Queensland’s buzzing capital. It’s a place that feels big but still laid-back, perfect if you’re craving a change of scenery.

Cruise into the city and see the iconic Brisbane River winding through town. It’s not just scenic, it’s also where the action is. Think riverside walks on the South Bank, kayak tours, and cute ferry rides with killer views!

Don’t miss Eagle Street Pier, a vibrant spot along the river with great restaurants, bars, and stunning views of the Story Bridge.

Brisbane is also just a short drive from some of Australia’s top theme parks.

One standout is Dreamworld, the country’s largest theme park. It has adrenaline-pumping rides, a splash-worthy water park, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, making it an awesome destination for a fun, family outing.

Brisbane is one of Australia’s most iconic cities.

2. Moreton Island
- Distance from Gold Coast: 43 miles to Brisbane, plus ferry
- Driving time: 1 hour drive to Brisbane, then 75 to 90 minutes ferry ride
Moreton Island is an absolute gem. It’s got everything, from beautiful beaches to a laid-back vibe that makes it feel like you’re a world away.

Here’s the deal: you’ll need to drive up to Brisbane first. From there, hop on a ferry across Moreton Bay. The ride is scenic and sets the mood for a chilled-out island adventure.

Once you’re there, it’s all about beach time. Tangalooma Beach is a favorite for swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, and even dolphin spotting.

Want something a bit quieter? Check out Honeymoon Bay or the stunning stretch of sand at North Point Beach. They’re peaceful and ridiculously photogenic.

If you prefer convenience, book this awesome day tour that starts right in Brisbane: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip. It takes care of all the logistics, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy all the adventures!

3. South Stradbroke Island
- Distance from Gold Coast: 30-minute ferry
- Driving time: 30-minute ferry
Want a fun island escape without going too far? Check out South Stradbroke Island. It’s just a short ferry ride away, and it’s all about nature, beach time, and tranquillity. No busy roads—just sand, sea, and sunshine!

Once you arrive, head straight to the main beach. It’s wild, beautiful, and the waves are great if you’re into surfing. Coming here with the kids? No worries, there are patrolled beaches too, so it’s safe for swimming with your little ones.

Besides being a surfers paradise, South Stradbroke Island is a popular spot for kayaking, hiking, and spotting wallabies happily hopping through the bush.

You can even rent a bike and explore the trails. It’s got that off-the-grid feel, but you’re still close to everything.

Not to be confused with its bigger sibling, North Stradbroke Island, South Stradbroke Island is like your little island paradise.

Find more cool things to do with these day trips from Brisbane.

4. North Stradbroke Island
- Distance from Gold Coast: 43 miles to Toondah Harbour, plus ferry
- Driving time: 1 hour drive to Toondah Harbour, Cleveland, then 45 minutes ferry ride
North Stradbroke Island is another excellent choice for a day trip from the Gold Coast. It’s super scenic and full of beachy adventures.

Getting here requires driving up to Toondah Harbour in Cleveland, then hopping on a ferry.

Cylinder Beach is one of the most popular spots at North Stradbroke Island. It’s safe, patrolled, and perfect for a swim or a lazy day in the sun.

Want something a little more off the beaten path? Head to Flinders Beach. It’s quiet, wild, and great for 4WD adventures or beachfront camping.

North Stradbroke Island also has cool walking trails that take you to a stunning point lookout. There’s also the chance to spot dolphins and turtles, and even go whale watching in certain seasons!

North Stradbroke Island is stunning!

5. Noosa & the Sunshine Coast
- Distance from Gold Coast: 125 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Noosa is one of the most popular Gold Coast day trips. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive, but it’s 100% worth it!

You could stop by cool spots like Glass House Mountains or grab a bite in Caloundra. Stretch your legs, snap some pics, and keep cruising.

Once you hit Noosa, chill at Noosa Main Beach, stroll along Hastings Street, or hike through Noosa National Park with stunning views. You might even spot a koala, if you’re lucky!

Into water fun? Go kayaking on the river or take a canoe tour through the Everglades. Love food? There are plenty of cute cafés and beachside restaurants to stop by!

6. Tamborine Mountain
- Distance from Gold Coast: 40 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour
Tamborine Mountain is a charming mountain packed with cool things to do and beautiful spots to explore.

Spend your day exploring Tamborine National Park, with its lush rainforests and stunning walking trails. Conquer the Curtis Falls walk, leading to a gorgeous waterfall, where you can take fun selfies!

If you’re into a bit of fun, stop by the Tamborine Mountain Distillery for a taste of locally made spirits. You might even get a behind-the-scenes look at how the drinks are crafted.

Love thrilling adventures? Don’t miss this epic experience on Tamborine Mountain: Gold Coast Tamborine Mountain Canyon Flyer Zipline Tour. It’s an adrenaline-packed way to marvel at the stunning scenery while flying through the treetops.

Tamborine Mountain is also home to cool cafes, quirky shops, and art galleries, so there’s so much to keep you busy!

7. Scenic Rim Trail
- Distance from Gold Coast: 50 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
If you’re into hiking and epic views, the Scenic Rim Trail is one of the top day trips from Gold Coast. It’s about a 1-hour and 30-minute drive, but every mile is worth it for all the adventure that awaits!

This place is a haven for nature lovers. You’ll come across vibrant forests and rugged mountain peaks as you walk along the peaceful trails that go on for miles. It’s perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle and reconnecting with the wild.

There are trails for every kind of hiker in the Scenic Rim Trail, whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed stroll or ready to tackle a tough climb.

So whether you’re a casual walker or a seasoned adventurer, there’s something for you.

8. Lamington National Park
- Distance from Gold Coast: 66 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
As part of the Scenic Rim region in the Gold Coast Hinterland, Lamington National Park is known for its vibrant, towering trees, hiking trails, and local wildlife.

Think rugged mountain ranges, ancient volcanic landscapes, and lush greenery as far as the eye can see. Lamington National Park is easily one of the best places in Queensland to soak in breathtaking nature views.

Lamington National Park is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. The biodiversity here is incredible. It’s home to rare plant species, centuries-old trees, colorful birds, and curious critters you won’t find anywhere else.

And if you’re chasing waterfalls (literally), you’re in for a treat! There is plenty to discover at Lamington National Park, with Purling Brook Falls and Twin Falls being two of the most popular.

9. Springbrook National Park
- Distance from Gold Coast: 25 miles
- Driving time: 45 minutes
Springbrook National Park is just a 45-minute drive away and packed with jaw-dropping views. It’s one of the best day trips from the Gold if you want to explore rainforests instead of frolicking at the beach.

While in Springbrook National Park, discover gorgeous waterfalls, walking trails, and ancient trees. The famous Natural Bridge is a must-see. It’s a cave with a waterfall flowing through it, and truly Insta-worthy!

If you’re into lookouts, Springbrook National Park has some of the best! Head to Best of All Lookout (yes, that’s its real name!) for sweeping views of the hinterland and even across the border into New South Wales.

There’s so much natural beauty in Springbrook National Park. Think glow worm caves, cool mountain air, and lush green forests. It’s a peaceful day trip that still feels like an adventure.

Coming from Brisbane? Make your visit easy with this day tour to Springbrook and Mount Tamborine. It includes lunch, a glowworm tour, and entry to the skywalk.

Read next: The Best Springbrook National Park Walks, Queensland

10. O’Reilly’s Treetop Walk
- Distance from Gold Coast: 42 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
If you’re up for some adventures on your day trip, don’t miss O’Reilly’s Treetop Walk.

Here, you can walk high above the rainforest floor on a series of suspension bridges! It’s tranquil, lush, and in contrast to the beachy vibes of the coast.

As you explore, you’ll spot birds, ancient trees, and maybe even a shy wallaby if you’re lucky. The views are breathtaking, and the air feels super fresh up there.

There’s also a cool visitor centre, some walking trails, and picnic areas if you want to chill after your treetop stroll.

11. Currumbin Valley
- Distance from Gold Coast: 16 miles
- Driving time: 37 minutes
Currumbin Valley is perfect for quick day trips – a mere 37-minute drive away! This lush, green valley is full of hidden gems.

Start your adventure at the famous Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can feed kangaroos, cuddle koalas, and see Australian animals up close. Great for families with kids or anyone who loves wildlife and nature.

After that, head to the Currumbin Rock Pools. It’s a local favorite for cooling off on a hot day. Swim, relax, and enjoy the peaceful rainforest setting. There are picnic spots too, so bring some snacks and make a day of it.

Craving some high-flying fun? The Currumbin TreeTop Challenge Adventure Park is a must-try! Located within the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, this aerial adventure park offers over 100 challenges and 14 ziplines, including the thrilling “Croc Shock” where you zipline over crocodiles!

12. Canungra Valley
- Distance from Gold Coast: 20 miles
- Driving time: 40 minutes
Looking for a relaxed and scenic day trip? Consider Canungra Valley, a 40-minute drive away, known for its delicious wine and unique country charm.

One of the highlights is the Canungra Valley Vineyard, nestled beside a crystal-clear creek and surrounded by towering silky oak trees.

Here, you can enjoy wine tastings, tour cellar doors, explore the historic 165-year-old homestead, and even meet friendly alpacas roaming the grounds.

The valley is also a gateway to the Scenic Rim, where you can go hiking, birdwatching, and exploring heritage sites.

Plan your Gold Coast stay with our epic 7 Day Gold Coast Itinerary!

13. Mount Coot-tha
- Distance from Gold Coast: 74 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Mount Coot-tha is one of those day trips from the Gold Coast with peaceful nature walks and fun attractions all in one spot.

Once you’re there, head straight to the lookout. Marvel at the sweeping views of Brisbane and the coastline beyond. It’s a great spot for Insta-worthy photo-ops!

Enjoy a peaceful stroll at the Mount Coot-tha Botanical Gardens. Follow the paths that wind through the bushland.

Stop by the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium if you’re into starry skies. It’s a fun and educational place that’s entertaining for all ages.

Explore the Mount Coot-tha Botanical Gardens.

14. Mt Joyce and Lake Wyaralong
- Distance from Gold Coast: 45 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Mt Joyce and Lake Wyaralong are another awesome pick for a nature-filled day trip.

Mt Joyce is a hit with hikers and mountain bikers, with many scenic trails and lookout points that will have you snapping photos nonstop. It’s peaceful, quiet, and a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle.

Right next door is Lake Wyaralong, which is great if you’re into water sports, such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

15. Mount Warning
- Distance from Gold Coast: 50 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
If you’re up for a challenging hike, Mount Warning is one of the best day trips from the Gold Coast.

This ancient volcanic mountain is a local favourite for sunrise hikes. Climb to the top and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views that stretch from the coast to the hinterland. On a clear day, you can even spot the city skyline.

The hike is more challenging when you’re closer to the top, but it’s super rewarding! Along the way, you’ll pass through tropical greenery, hear birds singing, and maybe spot a wallaby.

Read next: The Ultimate Guide To Hiking In Australia

16. Byron Bay
- Distance from Gold Coast: 40 miles
- Driving time: 48 minutes
Another epic spot for a day trip is Byron Bay, the perfect destination for chilled-out vibes, stunning beaches, and epic surf.

Begin your day with a morning yoga by the ocean, then treat yourself to a delicious coffee at a cool little café. Byron Bay has that relaxed, boho feel that’s super welcoming.

Don’t miss a walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse for jaw-dropping views. You might even spot dolphins, whales, and other marine life! And don’t skip the local markets or boutiques, there’s always something cool to find.

Easy-going, full of character, and packed with natural beauty, Byron Bay is a place that might tempt you to stay longer.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!
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05/07/2025
Antarctica Vs Arctic Travel Guide (2025 Update)
What is the difference between Antarctica and the Arctic? Our Antarctica vs Arctic travel guide highlights the key points of each region!

A thick ice shelf, harsh winter, vast ice cover, whales breaching across the ocean surface – are we describing the Arctic or Antarctica? It could be either!

The Arctic and the Antarctic have much in common. They are both cold, remote regions at the end of the Earth. Both regions have incredible wildlife and endless opportunities for adventure.

Whichever polar region you visit, you are sure to walk away with incredible memories and photographs.

But there are some key differences between the Arctic and the Antarctic! Not only are they at opposite ends of the planet, they have different animals, landscapes, temperatures, cultures, governments, and tours.

This guide dives into the specifics of each region to help you better understand what your trip might look like.

You won’t find polar bears or human cultures down in the Antarctic Circle, and you won’t find penguins or an entire continent of ice up around the North Pole.

Let’s break down the differences between Antarctica and the Arctic!

The Arctic – a gorgeous part of our planet!

Antarctica vs Arctic Travel Guide

Our travel guide compares both the Arctic and Antarctic regions of the Earth. These two areas are absolutely stunning and a favourite destination for adventurous explorers.

Though the two polar regions have many similarities, they are also very different. Our Antarctica / Arctic Travel Guide compares both areas across key categories to help you decide which is best for your adventure.

We’ll also dive into some FAQs about Antarctica and the Arctic region.

Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.

Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads.

Overview of Antarctica

Antarctica is famous for penguin-spotting, whale watching, zodiac cruises, mountain ranges, massive icebergs, and wild landscapes of Antarctic sea ice.

Visitors generally explore by expedition cruise, which may visit places like the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands, and more.

Here is an overview of Antarctica and its key selling points for those looking to book a trip!

Cruise ship around the Lemaire Channel in Antarctica

Geography & Landscape

Antarctica is a continent surrounded by the Southern Ocean in the Southern Hemisphere. It covers around 14 million square kilometres and is the fifth-largest continent on Earth.

It is also the coldest place on Earth! Air temperatures range from -60°C (-76°F) in winter to around -2°C (28°F) in summer.

Most of the continent is covered in vast mountains and ice sheets. The continent itself is a massive Antarctic ice sheet that can be up to 4km thick.

Surrounding the main landmass of Antarctica, you’ll find giant icebergs, huge amounts of sea ice, and subantarctic islands with their own unique geographies.

Antarctica has minimal vegetation and no full-time human inhabitants.

Read these fun facts about Antarctica that will blow your mind!

Wildlife

Despite its harsh environment, Antarctica has a diverse range of wildlife! Most animals reside in the Southern Ocean surrounding the continent, with some making temporary stops on land or ice floes. There are no animals that permanently live on land in Antarctica.

Antarctica is most known for its incredible penguin colonies. Emperor, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins thrive around the Antarctic Peninsula.

Common bird species include albatrosses, skuas, and snow petrels.

For sea-dwelling creatures, visitors to Antarctica can often spot weddell seals, leopard seals, and elephant seals lounging on sea ice around Antarctica or South Georgia.

Humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales, fin whales, and orcas also frequent the waters of the Southern Ocean around the continent.

Kayaking with whales in Antarctica

Tourism

Antarctica is the most remote and wild place in the world. A trip here is generally very expensive and time-consuming, but the adventure is like nothing else you’ll ever experience.

Most tours to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, with alternate options departing from New Zealand, Australia, or South Africa. You can only visit between October and March, with December and January being peak travel season.

Guests have to visit Antarctica with a reputable tour operator. Most trips to the Antarctic continent are expedition cruises, or some sort of fly/cruise options.

Tours are pricey, with most costing $10,000 – $15,000 USD or more for 10-day expeditions. But the price tag includes the highest-quality ships, gear, food, accommodation, and expert tour guides. You wouldn’t want to skimp out on a trip to the South Pole, where the environment is one of the harshest on Earth.

Read next: Antarctica Trip Cost – The Ultimate Guide

Overview of the Arctic

The Arctic differs from Antarctica, mainly in that it’s a region and not a continent. It encompasses the Arctic Ocean and various islands and landmasses that are part of different countries.

The Arctic is more accessible than Antarctica. It has human civilization and unique wildlife such as polar bears and narwhals.

Here are the key factors that make the Arctic special!

Geography & Landscape

While Antarctica is a continent, the Arctic is a region. It encircles the north pole at the very top of the Northern Hemisphere, and includes parts of Canada, Alaska (USA), Greenland (Denmark), Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.

The Arctic region includes the Arctic Ocean surrounded by landmasses, islands, fjords, tundras, and Arctic sea ice. In total, the Arctic is about 16 million square kilometres.

With slightly warmer temperatures than Antarctica, the Arctic has more diversity in its landscape and human activities.

Coastal summer temperatures in the Arctic range from 0°C to 10°C (32°F–50°F). There are also several settlements of humans living around the Arctic Circle, including Indigenous groups that have lived around the North Pole for centuries.

Read next: The 16 Best Wildlife Experiences in Canada

Wildlife

The Arctic has its own variety of marine life that Antarctica does not, such as walruses, beluga whales, bowhead whales, and narwhals. There are killer whales and seals in both polar regions, though the Arctic is home to harp seals, harbor seals, ringed seals, and more.

The main difference between Antarctica and the Arctic’s wildlife is that the Arctic has an abundance of land animals. The climate and landscape is more conducive to life on land up in the Arctic!

Polar Bears are the most famous Arctic animal, and they share the snowy terrain with Arctic foxes, reindeer, snowy owls, Arctic hares, and more.

Polar bear in the Arctic

Tourism

The Arctic is more accessible than Antarctica in terms of tourism.

The Arctic Region is in closer proximity to Europe and North America, so guests can find a wider variety of tours, flights, and cruises departing from Scandinavia, Canada, Iceland, Alaska, and more.

There are more flexible itineraries to the Arctic as well, which makes the trip more affordable at around $3,000 – $10,000 USD.

Aside from cruises and touring the icy landscapes of the Arctic, tours may also have additional activities like seeing the Northern Lights or going dog-sledding.

You can also embark on cultural tours with Indigenous groups as there are thriving cultures in the area.

June to September is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, which is the best time to visit the Arctic. This is when the sea ice melts and you can see more wildlife like polar bears and Arctic foxes.

Read our review of the Quark Expeditions Greenland Arctic Cruise!

FAQs about the Arctic and Antarctic Regions

Now that we’ve given a brief overview of both polar regions, let’s cover some common questions that people may have.

Both polar regions are fascinating places to visit, but they offer different experiences that may be better suited to certain types of travellers.

What is the difference between the Arctic and Antarctic regions?

Though we’ve covered this in each location’s breakdown, here is a quick summary!

Antarctica is a continent surrounded by the Southern Ocean. It’s located at the South Pole and is home to vast mountains, penguin colonies, whale species, and subantarctic islands. Antarctica is very remote and expensive to visit!

The Arctic is a region that includes the Arctic Ocean and surrounding sea ice, islands, and continents. Its area extends into several different countries around the North Pole, and the Arctic is home to polar bears and numerous human settlements. The Arctic is slightly more accessible and affordable to visit than Antarctica.

So while the Arctic and the Antarctic are both cold, icy, and full of wildlife, they are vastly different.

Exploring the Arctic

Which is colder, the Arctic or the Antarctic?

Antarctica is colder than the Arctic! Both polar regions are some of the coldest places to visit on Earth, but Antarctica takes the cake for the coldest temperatures.

This is mainly because of geography. Antarctica is drier and more mountainous than the Arctic, allowing heat to escape into the air more quickly without a protective cloud cover.

Land also loses heat more quickly than water. Antarctica is a continent comprised of the Antarctic ice sheet, so it cools down more quickly than the ocean.

The Arctic, on the other hand, is mostly the Arctic Ocean and its surrounding islands. The Arctic Ocean actually regulates temperatures better in the region, keeping it a little warmer than Antarctica.

Winter temperatures in Antarctica can drop below −60°C (−76°F), and even in the coastal summer months, temperatures often remain below freezing. In contrast, Arctic winters typically range between −20°C and −40°C (−4°F to −40°F), and summer temperatures can climb to 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F).

The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 89.2°C (−128.6°F) at Vostok Station in Antarctica, far colder than any temperature recorded in the Arctic.

Read next: How to Travel to Antarctica Responsibly (Must Read)

Are polar bears in the Arctic or Antarctic?

Polar bears live in the Arctic! If you’re getting your polar regions confused, you’re not the first.

Polar bears are land-dwelling mammals that roam the Arctic Circle. They occasionally swim in the ocean to catch prey or to travel between floating ice shelves, but they mainly live on land.

Antarctica does not have any animals that permanently live on land. You won’t find any polar bears at the south pole!

Are penguins in the Arctic or Antarctic?

Penguins live in Antarctica. They are well adapted to the freezing coastal temperatures of Antarctica, the Southern Ocean, and the surrounding islands.

Common penguin species to see in Antarctica include emperor, chinstrap, gentoo, Adélie, macaroni, and more.

Emperor Penguins in Antarctica

Why do people live in the Arctic but not Antarctica?

There are several reasons why people live in the Arctic but not Antarctica, and it’s mostly due to climate and geography.

Antarctica is the coldest and most inhospitable place on Earth. There are no trees, agriculture, or permanent flowing water sources. It’s also extremely isolated, and wasn’t even discovered by humans until the 19th Century.

The Arctic better supports human life. It’s slightly warmer, has more resources, and is accessible from the northern countries such as Greenland, Canada, Alaska, Russia, and more.

Arctic areas have supported human life for thousands of years, with Indigenous peoples like the Inuit, Sámi, Nenets, and others adapting to the cold environment. Human settlements have their own tools and techniques for surviving around the Arctic Circle!

Read next: 11 AMAZING Things to Do in Iceland

Which countries govern the Arctic and Antarctica?

This is another interesting difference between the Arctic and Antarctica.

The Arctic is a region that belongs to several different sovereign nations. That means people live there just as they do in other regions of those countries, supported by infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and transport.

Antarctica, on the other hand, is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System. The Antarctic Treaty was created in 1959 by 12 countries that had scientists exploring the continent. The goal is to keep Antarctica as a reserve for peaceful scientific research.

Permanent settlements and governance from a single nation are prohibited in Antarctica. There are no cities or towns, only temporary research stations where scientists and support staff can live for short periods of time.

Why is Antarctica a continent but the Arctic isn’t?

Antarctica is considered a continent, but the Arctic is not, because of their fundamental differences in land and structure.

Antarctica is a massive landmass – a solid continent made of rock and mountains, covered by a thick ice sheet. It meets the definition of a continent: a large, continuous area of land surrounded by ocean.

The Arctic is not a landmass. It’s mostly sea ice floating on the Arctic Ocean, surrounded by landmasses like Russia, Canada, Greenland, and Norway.

Since there’s no central landmass, it doesn’t qualify as a continent. While it includes parts of other continents, the central Arctic itself is just ocean, not a separate continental landform.

When we visit Antarctica, it always blows our minds at just how interesting the ice covered continent is.

Should I visit the Arctic or Antarctica?

If you’re planning an epic getaway to either the North Pole or the South Pole, it’s important to understand the differences we’ve covered so you know what to expect!

An Antarctic or Arctic expedition will likely be the trip of a lifetime. Here is a quick comparison of trips to either location so you can choose the best adventure for you.

We’ll mention the fun experiences you can have in each place, as well as logistics for planning a trip such as cost, departure location, and time of year.

Reasons to visit Antarctica
- Visit one of the most untouched wilderness areas on the planet
- Visit research stations and learn about climate science
- Stand on the 7th continent—a bucket-list destination
- Experience vast ice sheets, blue glaciers, and surreal icebergs
- See penguin colonies, whales, seals, and more
- Ride Zodiac boats through iceberg-filled waters
- Try kayaking, hiking, or even polar plunges
- Disconnect completely in one of the most remote places on Earth
Logistics of visiting Antarctica

Aside from these amazing experiences, consider the logistics of visiting Antarctica.

Most trips depart from South America, with other options departing from New Zealand, Australia, or South Africa. Consider your travel to the starting point for the expedition cruise!

Antarctica expedition cruises tend to cost around $10,000 USD per person, with longer or more luxury cruises jumping up to $20,000 USD or more.

Also note that you can only travel to Antarctica between November and March, as these are the summer months for the South Pole.

NOMADasaurus Tour Group in Antarctica

Reasons to visit the Arctic
- Explore tundras, glaciers, fjords, and icebergs
- Try dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, hiking, or kayaking
- Visit remote islands like Svalbard, Greenland, and Arctic Canada
- See majestic polar bears, Arctic hares, narwhals, puffins, beluga whales, and more
- Enjoy vibrant wildflowers and stunning summer light
- Travel in shoulder seasons to see the Northern Lights
- Visit Indigenous communities and learn about traditional lifestyles
- Discover Viking ruins, whaling stations, and exploration history
Logistics of visiting the Arctic Circle

Traveling to the Arctic is more accessible than Antarctica. The visiting window is wider, costs are lower, and departure points are more varied.

There is easier access to the Arctic via Norway, Iceland, Northern Greenland, Canada, Alaska, or Russia, and you can combine it with other nearby land destinations.

Peak season is June through August. There is 24-hour daylight above the Arctic Circle, wildlife is more active across the Arctic tundra, and the Arctic environment is more alive.

You can also visit in shoulder seasons of May or September to get the best views of the Northern Lights. Costs for a tour tend to be around $3,000 – $10,000, which is more affordable than most Antarctic cruises.

See the Northern Lights in the Arctic!

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02/07/2025