Aside from attractions like Disneyland, Ngong Ping Cable Car, and Victoria Peak, one of the highlights of a trip to Hong Kong is the food. Its culinary scene offers a lot to food lovers. From traditional Cantonese food to Michelin-starred restaurants to international flavors, you’ll surely have a happy tummy during your trip. Whether you’re craving some siomai, a bowl of wonton noodles, or roasted duck, Hong Kong has something to satisfy your appetite.
We understand that a lot of us travel on a budget, especially those who are going to Hong Kong as their first international destination. Don’t worry — despite being an expensive city in general, there are still food places that are relatively affordable here. There are also some that are on the pricier side, but would be really worth to try. If you’re heading to Hong Kong soon, you might want to check out some of these restaurants and food spots that have earned a spot on our must-try list.
One of the most popular budget-friendly food spots in Hong Kong is Tsim Chai Kee, which has multiple branches across the city. The one on Wellington Street even holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, so expect the lines to get really long, especially during lunchtime. Fortunately, there are other branches to check out.
Tsim Chai Kee Wellington Street Branch
On our recent trip, we visited the Queens Road Central branch, which is located in a basement. Tsim Chai Kee is famous for its noodle soup, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Their freshly made egg noodles have the perfect springy texture. You can choose from a variety of toppings, including fish balls, sliced beef, and their signature pork and king prawn wontons. You can also opt for a combination of toppings, but the broth remains the same — simmered for at least five hours daily to develop deep shrimp and fish flavors with just the right level of saltiness.
Tsim Chai Kee Queens Road Central BranchWonton Noodle Soup
We tried the wonton noodle soup, and the prawns inside were outstanding. Despite the filling also containing pork, the prawn flavor still stood out. It’s easily one of the best noodle soups we’ve had, and at just HKD 40 (around P300) per bowl, it’s a great deal. In Hong Kong’s pricey restaurant scene, P300 is considered cheap, so don’t be too shocked by meal prices when dining out here!
TSIM CHAI KEE
Branches: Wellington Street and Queens Road Central in Central (Hong Kong Island); Temple Street in Jordan and Ivy Street in Tai Kok Tsui (Kowloon)
Opening Hours: Wellington Street, 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Daily); Queens Road Central, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily); Temple Street, 10:30 AM – 7:15 PM (Mon-Sat) & 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Sun); Ivy Street, 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM (Tue-Sat) & CLOSED (Sun-Mon)
What to Eat
Another Michelin-recognized spot in Central is What to Eat, a restaurant known for its Taiwanese-style beef noodle soup. As soon as we entered, we were greeted by walls adorned with newspaper and magazine clippings showcasing the restaurant’s features, along with the warm smiles of the staff.
The beef noodle soup is priced between HKD 85 to HKD 95, depending on the toppings you choose. We opted for the beef noodle soup with ribs (HKD 85) and the one with tendon and meat (HKD 89), and both dishes were fantastic! The beef chunks were large and braised to perfection, tender and full of flavor. The broth was rich and savory, not too oily, and reminded us of a memorable beef noodle soup we had in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Beef Noodle Soup with Ribs (left) and with Tendon and Meat (right)Egg Roll with Cheese
The noodles were thick and al dente, just the way we like them — chewy and satisfying. We also tried their egg roll with cheese (HKD 39), which was a delicious side. The eggs were thinly spread, folded, and cut. Inside, the eggs were soft and moist, with cheese that oozed out and even stretched with each bite, making it a perfect complement to the hearty soup.
WHAT TO EAT
Note: As of this writing, What to Eat is PERMANENTLY CLOSED. But we’re keeping it in this list in case they re-open in the future.
Dim Sum Square Kitchen
Packed with excellent food spots, Central is a go-to district for food tours, and we were lucky enough to join one. And Dim Sum Square Kitchen — another gem in the area — is one of our stops.
We had a wonderful experience here since we’re big fans of dim sum. It offers delicious dishes like har gao (shrimp dumplings) for HKD 37, siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings) for HKD 34, spring rolls with pork and shrimp for HKD 26, and crispy BBQ pork buns (fried siopao asado) for HKD 26. Each dish typically has three to four pieces, depending on the item.
Har Gao (Top Left), Siu Mai (Bottom Left), and Spring Rolls with Pork and Shrimp (Right)Crispy BBQ Pork Bun
While you can definitely visit Dim Sum Square Kitchen on your own, joining a food tour is a great idea if you’re looking to experience a full afternoon of eating. There are plenty of options in Hong Kong, and we went with Hong Kong Foodie Tours, which turned out to be an amazing experience. The tour includes six food stops, but in between, you also get a chance to explore local markets, temples, and more, giving you a nice break between each bite.
Hong Kong Foodie Tours Map
One of the best things about joining a food tour is the controlled portions, so you won’t get too full too quickly. Plus, there’s no pressure to order a lot, especially when the servings are quite generous!
DIM SUM SQUARE KITCHEN
Address: 78 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tim Ho Wan
You’re probably already familiar with Tim Ho Wan, especially since it’s also available in the Philippines. However, it originally started in Hong Kong back in 2009, so it’s definitely worth adding to this list. While the first store was in Mong Kok, the branch in Sham Shui Po holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.
Baked Bun with BBQ Pork (Left), Ha Kao (Top Right), and Siu Mai (Bottom Right)
During our visit, we dined at their branch in Central, which is conveniently near Hong Kong Station. We were on our way to the airport when hunger struck, so we decided to stop by. We tried their famous baked bun with BBQ pork (HKD 33), which reminded us of siopao asado. We also ordered siu mai and ha kao (HKD 40-42). While it was a bit more expensive than other dim sum we tried, the quality and taste definitely made it worth the price.
Rice Bowl Topped with Minced Beef and Fried Egg (Left) and Rice Noodle Rolls with Pig’s Liver (Right)
We also explored a few more dishes from the menu, including a rice bowl topped with minced beef and fried egg (HKD 42) and rice noodle rolls with pig’s liver (HKD 32). The rice noodle rolls were soft and not rubbery, with the pig’s liver having no unpleasant aftertaste. It paired wonderfully with the soy-based sauce. The texture was a bit unusual since the liver and noodle rolls were both soft, but it still made for a tasty dish.
TIM HO WAN
Branches: Sham Shui Po, Olympian City, Central, K11 Art Mall, Tseung Kwan O, West Kowloon, and Sha Tin
Opening Hours: For the operating hours of each branch, you can check out the official website here.
Mak Man Kee
Mak Man Kee is a well-known noodle restaurant consistently featured in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list. Located in the Jordan area on Kowloon side, this unassuming spot has been serving locals for over 60 years, and it has become an institution in the area. Despite its humble exterior, it has earned a strong following for its delicious and affordable offerings.
Dry Noodles with Pork and Hoisin Sauce
Though the restaurant is popular for its wonton noodle soup, which has garnered praise from Michelin, we were craving something different. After so much noodle soup on our trip, we decided to try its dry noodles with pork and hoisin sauce (HKD 50). The noodles were thin and firm — a good texture, but the dish itself was unlike anything we’d had before. It reminded us of a combination of menudo and pansit, an interesting fusion of flavors and textures.
If you decide to visit Mak Man Kee, we highly recommend trying their signature noodle soup. It’s the dish that made the restaurant famous and truly embodies what they do best.
MAK MAN KEE
Address: G/F, 51 Parkes Street, Jordan, Kowloon, Hong Kong Opening Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Samsen
Samsen is a Thai restaurant in Hong Kong that we found by chance in Central during a typhoon, and it turned out to be a welcome break from the usual Chinese cuisine we had been enjoying. While it’s on the pricier side, the food was incredibly good, and it has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. Even if it didn’t have that recognition, the flavors would still make it worth recommending.
Khao Soi (Left), Som Tam (Top Right), and Pad Thai (Bottom Right)
We started with som tam (HKD 112), a pounded papaya salad with toasted peanuts, dried shrimp, and tamarind sauce. It was delicious, but incredibly spicy! For the main courses, we had khao soi (HKD 158) and pad thai (HKD 158). The khao soi was a standout, with bouncy egg noodles swimming in a rich, curry-based broth, big tender pieces of curried chicken, and crispy fried noodles on top. It was also garnished with coriander, spring onions, and a slice of lime for a citrusy punch. The pad Thai was equally impressive, with perfectly cooked rice noodles and tiger prawns coated in a sweet tamarind sauce, topped with peanuts, bean sprouts, and served with fresh green mango on the side.
While the meal was amazing, it’s definitely on the expensive side, so we might not go back, to be honest. However, it’s absolutely worth trying, especially if you’re craving authentic Thai flavors while in Hong Kong.
SAMSEN
Branches: Central, Sheung Wan, and Wan Chai Opening Hours: For the operating hours per branch, you can check out the official website here.
Lin Heung Kui
Known for its delicious Cantonese dishes and traditional teahouse atmosphere, Lin Heung Kui is another well-loved restaurant in Hong Kong. We actually stumbled upon this place by accident during one of our recent trips. It was close to our hotel in Sheung Wan, and we discovered it while browsing the Michelin app. Aside from being a popular local spot, it also holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand citation.
The restaurant is located on the third floor of the building, and stepping inside feels like entering a classic Cantonese teahouse, complete with push carts. Most of the customers were elderly locals, and while the staff didn’t speak much English, they were incredibly warm and patient. Even the front desk staff was very friendly, making the entire experience enjoyable.
Out of all the restaurants we tried in Hong Kong, this was my favorite, even though we didn’t get to taste their most famous offering, which is dim sum. We arrived for dinner and were told that their dim sum sells out by lunchtime, which just goes to show how in-demand it is.
Since dinner service mainly features dishes meant for sharing, we ordered a barbecue platter that included soy chicken and roasted goose. It cost HKD 168 (around P1250) and is enough for a group. The meats were absolutely delicious! The chicken was juicy and tender, while the goose, which is often dry and bony in my experience, was surprisingly moist and fatty. It was a little greasy, but in the best, most indulgent way. We also tried its seafood and assorted vegetable claypot, another dish made for sharing. The squid, fish, and shrimp were incredibly fresh, but the Chinese cabbage in the broth slightly overpowered the seafood flavors.
Barbecue PlatterSeafood and Assorted Vegetable Claypot
If you visit earlier in the day, they offer rice toppings from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM for as low as HKD 55. From 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, they also serve noodle toppings starting at just HKD 39, making it a great option for an affordable yet satisfying meal.
LIN HEUNG KUI
Note: We last visited in October 2023, but as of June 2025, the business is marked “PERMANENTLY CLOSED”. If you have a more updated info, please let us know in the comment section. Thank you!
Where to Stay in Hong Kong
Hong Kong may be small, but it boasts plenty of accommodation options for tourists. It is divided into three main regions — Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, and the New Territories. Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui are located in Kowloon, the city center’s traditional side, while the Central Business District is found on the more modern Hong Kong Island. The New Territories region is home to Hong Kong Disneyland and Hong Kong International Airport.
The best area to stay depends on your itinerary, but you can check out our WHERE TO STAY IN HONG KONG article for a more in-depth explanation. For quick reference and recommendations, here are some of the top accommodations in Hong Kong based on online user reviews.
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For international destinations, consider PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance. You can GET IT HERE. Don’t forget to use WORTHIT for a special affordable rate.
From power outages in tropical storms to road-tripping across Canada with nothing but a cooler and a coffee maker, we’ve learned one thing: power matters. Whether we’re charging gear on a family camping trip or running a mini fridge during an overnight blackout, a reliable portable power station makes all the difference.
This guide walks you through what to look for in a portable power station, from wattage to charging speed, and explain why we think the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 hits the sweet spot for most travelers, campers, and backup power users.
From Campsites to Power Outages: The FlashSpeed 1500 Is Built for Real Life
With so many models out there (and more acronyms than a tax manual), how do you know what’s actually worth your money?
We wrote this guide to help you cut through the jargon. And spoiler alert: We think the price and features of the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 make it worth a permanent spot in your gear closet. Here’s what to look for, and why we think this model stands out.
Why We Care About Portable Power (And Why You Might Too)
Whether you’re road-tripping, off-grid camping, prepping for emergencies, working on a jobsite or just tired of your laptop dying during backyard work sessions, portable power stations have become an essential tool.
But with so many on the market, it can be tough to know what features actually matter. This guide breaks it down clearly, and shows why the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 is one of the best all-around options we’ve tested.
Power Output and Capacity: What Can It Actually Run?
When shopping for a portable power station, look at two key specs: wattage (how much power it can deliver at once) and capacity (how long it can run those devices).
The FlashSpeed 1500 strikes a solid balance with a 1500W continuous output, a 3000W surge/peak rating, and 1548Wh of capacity. That means it can comfortably run everything from laptops and phones to fridges, coffee makers, and even power tools. We even tested it boiling a kettle and running a microwave in a simulated power outage, and it powered both like a champ.
You can even jump-start your car in a pinch.The VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 portable power station includes a dedicated jump-start port specifically designed for this. You need to use the specific VTOMAN cables for this though, sold separately, linked here. They seem a bit short, but hey, it’s nice to have the option.
Need more juice? VTOMAN offers an optional 1548Wh expansion battery, doubling your capacity to 3096Wh without buying a second unit.
Charging Speed: Faster Than Most
This is where the FlashSpeed 1500 really stands out. Plug it into the wall and it charges from 0 to 100% in about 1 hour flat. No external power brick required, just a standard AC plug.
The fact that the FlashSpeed 1500 doen’t have a bulky power brick is huge for me, honestly. I find them annoying to transport, and I’m always worried I’ll forget mine at home, so not having to bother with one is a big perk for me with the FlashSpeed 1500.
Want solar flexibility? It supports up to 400W of solar input (double what most units this size permit) and 200W via DC. Better yet, you can combine wall, solar, and DC charging simultaneously to get a full recharge in as little as 45 minutes.
Port Selection: Versatility Built In
One of the most practical features of the FlashSpeed 1500 is the wide range of output options:
3 x AC outlets (110V, 1500W and up to 3000W surge)
2 x USB-C PD 100W
4 x USB-A (3 standard, 1 Quick Charge 3.0)
1 x 12V car outlet
2 x 12V DC5521 (for CPAP machines or DC appliances like powered coolers)
No adapters, no swapping out plugs. It can charge your laptop, phone, camera batteries, and power your cooler all at the same time.
Battery Type and Longevity: Built to Last
The FlashSpeed 1500 uses a LiFePO4 battery rated for over 3000 full cycles. That’s years of use without losing much capacity. It also includes VTOMAN’s SuperSafe™ LifeBMS system, which provides 10 layers of protection, including overcurrent, overcharge, and temperature protection.
Translation: It’s safer and more durable than many cheaper lithium-ion models.
Real-World Use: Camping, Emergencies, and More
We tested the FlashSpeed 1500 and it handled everything from powering LED lights and charging phones to running a portable coffee maker.
At just under 42 lbs (18.83 kg), it’s not a featherweight, but the dual non-slip handles and compact shape make it easy to carry and stow. The top also has built-in cable storage for quick grab-and-go.
Bonus points for the built-in LED light bar with multiple brightness levels, strobe, and SOS modes, which is a great feature for dark campsites or emergency use.
I used it to power our home microwave, and it easily ran for four minutes to heat up a bowl of veggies during a simulated power outage.
Noise Level and Build Quality
The FlashSpeed 1500 stays quiet when running most devices including charging things like phones and tablets, but the fans do kick in during heavy loads or fast charging, up to 70dB in our tests. Still, it’s way quieter than a gas generator and fine for use full time at a campsite or even indoors unlike a gas generator.
Build quality is solid. All ports are front-facing, the LCD is bright and easy to read, and there’s even pass-through charging support and a <20ms UPS switchover for keeping sensitive devices like computers or CPAPs powered during outages.
Downsides: What Could Be Better?
No Bluetooth or app control
Fan is loud during wall charging
Shuts off after 6 hours if no load is detected (which could be a problem for intermittently running devices or once a day timer based power needs)
Final Thoughts: A Feature-Rich, Fast-Charging Standout
If you’re looking for a power station that checks all the right boxes, including capacity, charging speed, port variety, expandability, and safety, then the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 delivers. It’s well-suited for camping, emergencies, remote work, or van life.
It’s also currently available for $579 USD (down from $1399), which is an excellent deal for a 1500Wh LiFePO4 unit with this many features.
Our Sydney to Melbourne drive itinerary is your new excuse to blast your guilty pleasure playlist and soak up dazzling views.
Between Australia’s two most famous cities, Sydney and Melbourne, are stunning beaches, quaint little towns, national parks, white sand beaches, and hidden pockets of paradise.
The best way to explore this stretch? On a road trip, of course!
We take you to some of the loveliest spots along the NSW South Coast and Victoria on this Sydney to Melbourne drive. It’s a road trip packed with pit stops, photo ops, and pure adventure.
It depends on which route you pick. There are two main ways to get from Sydney to Melbourne. You can take the inland route via Hume Highway or the coastal road via the Grand Pacific Drive.
If you follow the inland route, the distance from Sydney to Melbourne is 880 km. The coastal one is longer, 1030 km to be exact.
You can drive from Sydney to Melbourne in a day via the inland route. You should leave the city no later than 6 am and have at least two drivers. It will be a long trip (roughly 10 hours) with no more than two short stops.
As for the coastal route, you need to make at least one overnight stop. We don’t think covering over a thousand kilometres in one day (or around 13 to 14 hours of non-stop driving) is wise.
Besides, where’s the fun in rushing?
How many days should I spend on a Sydney to Melbourne road trip?
We recommend two to three days for the inland route. It should give you ample time to explore all the highlights and go on side trips to some less-travelled spots.
If you’re taking the coast road, allow four to five days. Make it seven or nine if you want to venture off the main highway and visit more attractions.
The beauty of road trips is that they’re flexible. This itinerary is just a recommendation, and you can tweak it to suit your schedule and preferences.
If you want a shorter trip, you can skip some stops. Conversely, you can add a few places to your itinerary for a longer journey.
Road tripping is an epic way to get from Sydney to Melbourne.
Which is the best driving route for a Sydney to Melbourne road trip?
Both the inland route and coastal route have their unique charm and attractions. Pick the one that best suits your interests, schedule, and budget.
The inland route is shorter and faster, making it ideal for a long weekend getaway.
On the other hand, the coastal route is perfect for beach lovers and leisure road trippers who don’t mind taking their time.
With that said, this Sydney to Melbourne road trip itinerary focuses on the coastal route.
What is along the inland route from Sydney to Melbourne?
Before we discuss the spots along the NSW South Coast, let’s take a peek at the highlights of the inland route.
Once you head inland, you will meander along the scenic Hume Highway and pass the capital, Canberra, and Goulburn, the country’s first inland city. Don’t forget to drop by the Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum.
You’ll also cruise by wineries and stop for local produce tastings in Yass and Beechworth. In Wagga Wagga, you’ll find art galleries and botanic gardens.
If you have time to spare, you can take a detour off Hume Highway to the Tarra Bulga National Park.
When is the best time of year for a Sydney to Melbourne drive?
For lovely weather and top-notch views, hit the road during spring (September-November) or early autumn (March-April).
These months bring milder temperatures, plenty of sunlight, fewer crowds, and likely more affordable rates.
If you plan to join a whale watching cruise, your chance of spotting these gentle giants off the far south coast is higher from September to November.
Spring and autumn have the ideal conditions for bush walking. The weather is pleasant and the scenery is surreal–red and gold in autumn and vibrant green with a sprinkling of bright wildflowers in spring.
Summer (December-February) is excellent for beach stops. But brace yourself for the holiday crowds and traffic queues. It also gets extremely humid, especially in the coastal areas.
Winter (June-August) is quieter and cheaper. But it’s the rainy season, which brings heavy rainfall and sometimes storms.
If you flew into New South Wales from another part of the country or the world, you will likely need to hire a car to travel from Sydney to Melbourne.
In such a case, start your road trip in the Sydney CBD. The city centre has many vehicle rentals. You can also fill up your gas tank and buy the supplies (sunscreen, toiletries, snacks) needed for your journey.
The road on the Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive is well-maintained, so you won’t need a 4WD. If you’re travelling with family or friends, you might want a bigger vehicle like a campervan or caravan.
Be sure to start your trip early to avoid the rush hour.
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.
Sydney to Melbourne Drive Itinerary
Ready to swap city buzz for salty breezes and stunning beaches? Let’s explore the wonders of New South Wales and the mesmerizing Melbourne road trip stops on this Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive.
Day 1: Sydney to Jervis Bay
Total distance: 199 Km
Driving time: 3 hours
Your first day on the road will be an easy ride, with lookout stops to admire the views along the New South Wales coastline.
Royal National Park
Just an hour south of Sydney is the world’s second-oldest national park. Boasting sandy beaches, lush forests, and a web of scenic trails, the park covers 15,000 hectares, quite a feat to explore in just one visit.
Because you’re on the road and there’s more to see along the way, spend just a few hours here. You can walk to Wattamolla and perhaps swim in the lagoon in good weather.
While not exactly a stop (it’s more of an experience), the Grand Pacific is one of the highlights of a Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive.
The 140-km scenic road begins at the entrance of the Royal National Park, passes the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, and ends in Shoalhaven.
Be sure to stop at Bald Hill Lookout in the village of Otford. The lookout, a popular hang-gliding point, offers gorgeous views of the ocean and the New South Wales coast.
The famous Sea Cliff Bridge
Kiama
Halfway through your drive to Jervis Bay, stop at Kiama, a quaint coastal town an hour from the Royal National Park.
Kiama is famous for its blowhole, which sprays water 30 metres into the sky. You can spot it from the road. But it’s more spectacular to see up close. It’s only a 5-minute drive (or 20-minute walk) from the town centre.
Another local attraction to keep an eye out for on your Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive is the Cathedral Rocks. You’ll find the best views of these ancient rock formations from Highway 179.
Detour: Consider visiting the historic Seven Mile Beach National Park for surfing, swimming, and strolling the secluded strip of white sand. Exit Princes Highway and follow the access road to Gerringong, then head south through Gerroa to Seven Mile Beach.
Tonight’s stop is Jervis Bay, an hour away from Kiama. The bay is a 102-square-kilometre sprawl of white sand beaches, sleepy seaside villages, and a network of walking tracks. It’s also known for its national parks, especially the Booderee National Park.
Explore Hyams Beach, famous for its powdery white sand. For something awe-inspiring and educational, go beach stargazing.
After a full day of adventure, you should be ready to spend the night in one of the bay’s cozy lodgings. Here are some suggestions:
Budget – Jervis Bay Holiday Park
The property features villas and apartments, with some having balconies with river views. Facilities include Wi-Fi, a solar-heated swimming pool, barbeque, and free parking.
Mid-Range – Jervis Bay Motel
Located in the heart of Huskisson, this motel has lovely vistas of the white sand bay and is within walking distance to the beach, cafes, and shops. There’s free off-street parking and an electric vehicle charging station.
Alternative Stay: If you’re driving a campervan or caravan, you might want to stay at a campsite. The bay has plenty of these, like Cave Beach Camping Ground and Green Patch Campsite. Be sure to book early as they get full quickly, especially during summer.
Don’t miss the stunning beaches of Jervis Bay!
Day 2: Jervis Bay to Batemans Bay
Total distance: 141.2 Km
Driving time: 2 hours
Today’s drive is short but full of interesting scenery. You can spend the morning exploring Jervis Bay before you proceed with your Sydney to Melbourne drive.
Stunning, serene, and surrounded by state forests, Murramarang fringes the NSW South Coastline. The strip includes sea cliffs, secluded beaches, rock pools, and hilly grasslands, where kangaroos graze.
You can spend two days or two weeks at the park. For now, two hours should be enough to see some of its highlights.
Hike a section of the 34-km Murramarang South Coast Walk. Or, go for the Depot Beach Walk, a 45-minute loop that takes you through a 50-million-year-old rainforest.
If you prefer to hit the waters, swim at Cookies Beach. For surfing, Pebbly Beach has consistent surfs and breaks.
Batemans Bay
We have one word for you: oysters. No, make it two words: fresh oysters!
In Batemans Bay, you can eat shucked oysters directly from the Clyde River. You can even do it while paddling across the glassy waters on a kayak and oyster-tasting tour.
Not a fan of seafood? Batemans Bay has much to offer. Snorkel at the Marine Park, lounge at Surf Beach, or stroll the 1.5km Sculpture Walk on the Clyde River shore.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Mogo Wildlife Park, a shelter for various exotic and endangered species, is just 10 minutes away.
Where to stay in Batemans Bay
Batemans Bay is one of those places that makes you think, “Yep, I could stay here a while.” Whether you’re staying overnight or longer, here are some accommodation options for you:
Budget – Zorba Waterfront Motel
This seaside property boasts newly refurbished rooms and lovely ocean views. It also offers free parking, Wi-Fi in all areas and a garden with outdoor seating.
Mid-Range – The Isla
Apart from the spacious rooms with sea views, this homey hotel offers an outdoor pool, sun terrace, garden, barbecue, and picnic areas. There’s also a shared kitchen, free on-site parking, Wi-Fi, and an electric charging station.
Day 3: Batemans Bay to Eden
Total distance: 196 Km
Driving time: 2 hours 30 mins
We enter the Sapphire Coast, named after its brilliant blue waters that sparkle like gemstones under the sun.
Spanning from Bermagui to Eden, the Sapphire Coast is the last stretch on the NSW side of the coastal route before reaching Victoria.
Make an early start. There’s much to see along the way!
Tilba
On your way to the Sapphire Coast, you’ll pass two historic villages, Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba, collectively known as just Tilba.
Both are spot-on snapshots of 19th-century Australia, with rows of well-preserved Victorian timber houses against the backdrop of a rolling countryside.
Tilba’s main claim to fame? Dairy. It’s the birthplace of the award-winning Tilba Real Dairy, celebrated its their high quality cheeses, yoghurts, and milkshakes. Be sure to visit the Tilba Dairy to sample their products.
To learn more about local history, join the 45-minute Heritage Walk around the village. Or, if you’re adventurous, hike the 2-km Bellbrook Farm Loop, which takes you to the sacred Mt Gulaga.
Bermagui
Bermagui is the first town on the Sapphire Coast. Fishing is the top activity here. But there are also opportunities for swimming, surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
Don’t miss the iconic Blue Pool, a 50-metre-long, ocean-fed rock pool a short walk from the town’s main street. Behind the cliffside pool is a viewing platform where you can spot seals and occasionally whales.
Detour: For jaw-dropping headland panoramas, escape to Mimosa Rocks National Park. Turn off the main highway and follow the Tathra-Bermagui Road. The park is popular among birdwatchers, anglers, hikers, and motorhome campers.
Gorgeous coastal views in Bermagui
Merimbula
We’ve arrived at the heart of the Sapphire Coast. Like its neighbors, Merimbula is a haven for water activities.
For something different, visit the Potoroo Palace. This small wildlife sanctuary shelters native Australian animals, including kangaroos and koalas.
If you’re after lake views, stroll the Merimbula Boardwalk. This 3.4-km (return) wooden path follows the Merimbula lakeshore, lined with eucalyptus, mangroves, and oyster farms.
Detour: Can’t get enough of the dramatic coastal scenery? Make a side trip to the Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd National Park).
To get to Ben Boyd National Park, drive south of Merimbula on the Princes Highway, then turn left (about 9 km) to Haycock Road.
Because the park is massive (the biggest coastal national park in NSW), it’ll take days to explore. But you can still enjoy the park with a scenic drive. Take some time to stop at viewpoints, beaches, and landmarks like the Green Cape Lighthouse.
Eden
Eden is the southernmost town on the NSW South Coast. From 1828 to 1930, it was a hub for the whaling industry, when fishermen hunted whales for oil.
Today, you can visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum or drive along the Killer Whale Trail.
While the town’s main draw is whale-watching, its breathtaking landscapes make it perfect for a sightseeing tour.
If you’re craving seafood or any mouthwatering food, check out Sapphire Smokehouse, famous for its smoked salmon, fresh mussels, seasonal maple bacon, and more.
Eden’s laid-back atmosphere makes it a great place to rest for the night. There aren’t many luxurious hotels around, but you’ll find plenty of comfy places to stay.
Budget – Discovery Parks
Stay in a camp, a cabin or a villa by the beach. The self-contained cabins and villas have furnished kitchens and patios with ocean views. On-site are a swimming pool, tennis court, camp kitchen, Wi-Fi, outdoor spa, and free parking.
Mid-Range – Eden Motel
Just a five-minute drive from the heart of the town, the Eden Motel features ground-floor rooms with a kitchenette, a balcony, and free parking outside your room door. Facilities include a fitness centre, picnic areas, and a heated indoor pool.
Day 4: Eden to Lakes Entrance
Total distance: 241.5 km
Driving time: 2 hours 45 mins
Next we leave NSW and enter Victoria on a long but smooth and scenic drive. Leave early to cover as much distance as necessary.
Croajingolong National Park
This national park is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, famous for its rich flora and fauna.
You’ll find some of the most stunning walking trails in Croajingolong, some of which will take several hours to explore.
You can spend a longer time in the park to enjoy it fully (think canoeing, bushwalking, and boating around the inlets).
But if you can’t wait to get back on the road, you can try a few quick activities. Check out the 4-km Thurra River Dunes Walk. Or, you can stroll along the shoreline, taking in the spectacular vistas of the wilderness coast.
Lakes Entrance
From the Croajingolong National Park, head to Lakes Entrance, the gateway to Gippsland Lakes. It sits on the rim of Ninety Mile Beach, the longest beach in Victoria.
Lakes Entrance is a delightful spot for a bite, sightseeing, and water activities.
Stroll the Lakes Entrance Esplanade, which meanders along the waterfront. You’ll pass floating eateries, fishing boats, and fascinating views.
Travel further to Gippsland Lakes, an intricate network of lakes, lagoons, and marshes covering an entire area of 400 square kilometres.
The Gippsland Lakes is a hotspot for watersports–boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. It also teems with diverse fauna, from wombats to dolphins and pelicans, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
The drive from Lakes Entrance to Gippsland Lakes is about 2 hours and 15 minutes, but you can get there quicker by ferry, water taxi, or boat.
Detour: For your daily dose of cuteness, sail to Raymond Island, home to a massive population of koalas. Hike the Koala Trail to spot these cuddly critters perched on a gum tree.
To get to Raymond Island, drive from Lakes Entrance to Paynesville, 42 minutes away. Then, take the 3-minute free ferry to the island.
Go dolphin-spotting in Lakes Entrance!
Day 5: Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory
Total distance: 281.6 km
Driving time: 3 hours 32 mins
To get to Wilsons Promontory, veer off the Princes Highway near Metung. The road traverses rainforests, rolling hills, and rugged coasts.
Tip: Gas up in Lakes Entrance or Yanakie, a village 30 minutes from the park entrance. There are no petrol stations in the park. For those with an EV, the Lakes Entrance Visitor Information Centre has a charging station.
Wilsons Promontory–a.k.a. The Prom–is a little off the Sydney to Melbourne route, but it’s worth the detour.
The Prom is all wild coastlines, rainforest trails, abundant wildlife, and spectacular beaches, including one so spotless it squeaks (hello, Squeaky Beach).
Many visitors, especially those who want to see the remote Refuge Cove, spend days in the Prom. But a day trip or an overnight stint can be as satisfying.
For avid hikers, the Wildlife Walk is an easy 2-km circuit across grassland, while the Lilly Pilly Link Walk takes you from the Tidal River to the depths of a rainforest.
Where to stay in Wilsons Promontory
There aren’t luxurious lodgings in the Prom. If you don’t mind roughing it up, you can stay at one of the campsites, like the Tidal River Campgrounds.
Get ready for some scenic views while driving through Wilsons Prom.
Day 6: Wilsons Promontory to Phillip Island
Total distance: 162 km
Driving time: 2 hours
Next stop is Phillip Island, which is one of the best places to visit in Victoria! You can also just head straight to Melbourne if you’re short on time. The island is also an easy day trip from Melbourne if you wanted to visit at a later date.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is big on wildlife, beaches, and laid-back vibes. But the real star here is the Penguin Parade.
Every evening, hundreds of penguins waddle up the beach. And you can experience it on a sunset tour.
There’s more! You can hang out with koalas at the Koala Conservation Reserve or go on a seal-watching cruise.
Hit the surf at Cape Woolamai or watch waves crash at The Nobbies. Swimming? Cowes Beach has calm waters for cooling off.
It may not seem like it, but Phillip Island has a vibrant food scene. Try seafood at seaside diners, sample local vintages at boutique wineries, or indulge your sweet tooth at a chocolaterie.
Where to stay in Phillip Island
Phillip Island has an impressive roster of accommodations to suit every road tripper’s taste and budget. Here are some places you can call home during your stay.
Budget – Seahorse Motel Cowes
Only five minutes from the Phillip Island Wildlife Park, this property offers a comfy stay with budget-friendly rates. On-site are barbecue facilities, a playground, a swimming pool, and free parking.
Mid-Range – Hilltop Apartments Phillip Island
Tucked on the outskirts of the Cowes town centre, this stylish, adult-only retreat offers privacy and relaxation. Relax in the landscaped gardens, stroll on the boardwalks, or enjoy the views from the shared balcony.
Luxury – Pleasant Point Cottage
Want to celebrate the end of your Sydney to Melbourne road trip? Consider staying in this elegant villa. Amenities include a sun terrace, gardens with seating area, Wi-Fi, and free parking.
Day 7: Phillip Island to Melbourne
Total distance: 141.9 km
Driving time: 2 hours
By the time you roll into Melbourne, you’ll have sandy shoes, a camera full of memories, and a serious craving to do it all over again.
But stay a while. The city is a fascinating place to explore. There’s much to do, from visiting Melbourne’s best beaches to delving into its rich coffee culture.
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Hong Kong is one of the most visited destinations for Pinoy tourists. It’s even the first-time international destination for many. Its accessibility is a huge reason since it’s only around two and a half hours away. There’s also no visa requirement in Hong Kong for Filipinos.
You’ll find a lot of things to do that you can include in your itinerary to make an incredible trip. Some of the most popular places to visit in Hong Kong are Mong Kok, Victoria Peak, and of course, Hong Kong Disneyland. You can even do a side trip to Macau!
We can all agree that every trip requires planning. While no trip is ever completely perfect, being prepared — especially if it’s your first time — can help things go more smoothly. Our team has been to Hong Kong several times, but on one of our recent trips, we were stopped by the police. They searched all our belongings, but it’s a good thing we’re prepared. What should you do in this situation? We’ll tell you more about that and other tips, including mistakes to avoid.
It’s true that Hong Kong can be pretty pricey, especially in terms of dining and accommodations. Even with its charm, the cost of living here has definitely increased over the years, making it one of the most expensive cities globally. Even we were shocked about this. We’ve been to Hong Kong multiple times before the pandemic, and as far as we can remember, it’s not that expensive. But on our last visit, we noticed how prices have skyrocketed, especially for hotels and restaurants.
Meals. To give you an idea and to make a comparison easily, let’s do the Big Mac test. Big Mac alone costs around HKD 28 (P200), but if you go for a full meal with fries and drink, it jumps to HKD 46 (P325). Meanwhile, their 2-piece chicken with fries and drink costs HKD 51.50 (P365).
Drinks/Beverages. Drinks aren’t cheap either. At a convenience store, a bottle of soda will cost around HKD 10.50 (P75), while a can of soda is slightly cheaper at HKD 8.50 (P60). As for bottled water, it can be anywhere from HKD 9-10 (P60-70), so be prepared to pay for hydration!
Accommodations. Mid-range hotels in the city center can go as high as P5000 per night, while budget options start from P3000 but tend to be farther from central attractions. If you’re staying closer to the city center, be ready for a more premium price tag, especially during peak travel seasons.
Attractions. If you plan to visit Disneyland, the basic entrance fee ranges from P4250 to P6066 per person, depending on the day and whether there are any promotions. Availing add-ons like early access would require a separate fee on top of the entrance fee.
NOTE: The HKD to PHP exchange rate used for this post is based on data from June 2025.
2. Picking the wrong area to stay.
Hong Kong’s geography is unique and somewhat complicated. Attractions are spread out across different districts and even separate islands, so choosing the right place to stay is crucial. Picking a hotel in the right area can save you both time and money on transportation, making your trip much more convenient.
Lantau Island Area. If your itinerary focuses on Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, or a day trip to Macau, it’s best to stay in Tung Chung or Hong Kong SkyCity. These areas provide easy access to Lantau Island’s major attractions, and many hotels offer free shuttle services to the airport and MTR stations. Staying in the city center, on the other hand, means longer commutes, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Shopping and Food Hubs. For those who love shopping and exploring night markets, Mong Kok is a great option. It’s home to some of Hong Kong’s most popular street markets, such as the Ladies Market and Sneaker Street. If food is a big part of your travel experience, Central and Sheung Wan are excellent choices. These areas are packed with authentic Hong Kong restaurants, local diners, and trendy cafés.
Affordable Accommodations. For budget-conscious travelers, Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) is worth considering. This district offers a mix of affordable and mid-range hotels while keeping you close to major attractions like the Avenue of Stars, Victoria Harbour, and Harbour City Mall.
The best area to stay really depends on your itinerary, but you can check out our Where to Stay in Hong Kong article for a more in-depth explanation.
For quick reference and recommendations, here are some of the top accommodations in Hong Kong based on online user reviews.
Hong Kong’s most urbanized areas — Kowloon Peninsula and Central on Hong Kong Island — are known for their limited space. Hotel rooms in these districts tend to be small and compact, with very little extra room to move around. While some hotels maximize their layouts with clever designs, most accommodations, especially budget guesthouses in places like Mirador Mansions or Chung King Mansion, can feel extremely cramped. In many cases, there isn’t even enough room to properly store luggage.
Victoria Inn at Mirador Mansion in Tsim Sha Tsui
If having more space is a priority, consider staying in other districts. The farther you go from the city center, the more spacious and affordable the accommodations tend to be. For example, while hotel rooms in Central are often quite small, nearby areas like Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay offer larger rooms at lower prices, providing a better balance between comfort and convenience.
4. Dismissing Central’s hilly terrain.
While Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok are relatively flat, Central is more hilly, with many areas featuring steep inclines and stairs. This is why it’s home to the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system — the Central Mid-level Escalators. However, not all areas have escalators, so getting around often involves uphill walks and numerous steps.
This can be challenging if you’re traveling with seniors or those with mobility issues, as walking in Central can be more physically demanding. A good example is the route from Central Station to the Peak Tram, the starting point for Victoria Peak, which involves an uphill trek. Even when a destination seems close on the map, it’s often best to take public transportation to save energy and avoid unnecessary strain.
5. Leaving your passport at the hotel.
Some travelers prefer to leave their passports at the hotel, fearing they might get lost or damaged, especially in bad weather. However, in most countries, it’s best practice to carry your passport when you’re out. In Hong Kong, it’s especially important.
Stop-and-search procedures are common in Hong Kong, where police officers may approach individuals and request identification. For foreigners, this means presenting a passport. According to the official Hong Kong Police website, Section 17C states: “A police officer has power to inspect the proof of identity of any person. Any person who fails to produce this for inspection as required by the law will commit an offense.”
We’ve seen this firsthand while walking in Central, and we also experienced it ourselves. While at Tung Chung Station, returning from Disneyland, four police officers stopped us and asked for our passports. One officer entered our information into a device, two thoroughly searched our bags, and another questioned us about our purpose in the area, where we were from, and where we were headed. One of them was polite and even apologetic once it became clear we were just tourists.
To avoid any issues, always carry your passport while exploring Hong Kong. If you’re worried about it getting wet, store it in a waterproof case for protection.
6. Ignoring the weather.
Hong Kong is one of those destinations where the weather can significantly impact your experience. While this is true for many places, it’s especially noticeable here. Take Victoria Peak, for example. The panoramic view from the top is absolutely stunning on a clear day, making the tram ride up well worth it. However, on foggy days, you might see nothing but a wall of white, which can be disappointing if you came for the skyline. Although there are other attractions at the Peak, the main draw is the breathtaking view, and bad weather can completely change that.
One of the viewing spots at Victoria Peak: Foggy Day vs Clear Day.
The same goes for Disneyland. We’ve visited four times under different conditions — sunny, cloudy, and rainy — and the experience varies dramatically. While you can still enjoy the park in the rain, it’s not quite the same as a bright, sunny day when everything feels more magical.
To make the most of your trip, we recommend keeping your itinerary flexible. That way, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can adjust your plans and save weather-dependent attractions for a better day.
7. Forgetting to bring cash and get Octopus Card.
Hong Kong is rapidly transitioning into a cashless city, and the most useful tool for travelers here is the Octopus Card. It’s incredibly convenient. You can use it for MTR trains, buses, convenience stores, and even in many other establishments. There’s also a mobile version available through an app, but having a physical card is still the better option since it won’t run out of battery like your phone might.
But, it’s still important to carry some cash. Many smaller shops and local eateries operate on a cash-only basis. Plus, as with any electronic system, technical issues can sometimes occur, and it’s always good to have a backup. If your Octopus Card runs out of credit, keep in mind that some top-up locations only accept cash, so having some Hong Kong dollars on hand will ensure you don’t get stuck.
Have Peace of Mind While Traveling!
Getting a travel insurance is optional, but we highly recommend this, especially when traveling abroad. Travel can be unpredictable, and though we hope we’ll never use it, having it gives us peace of mind in case of unexpected delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For international destinations, consider PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance. You can GET IT HERE. Don’t forget to use WORTHIT for a special affordable rate.
It’s no secret that Knoxville ranks high up on our list of must-visit destinations. Much of my family was born there, and I’m a proud graduate of University of Tennessee. But despite my extensive knowledge of East Tennessee’s largest city, the Knoxville arts scene is an ever-changing tapestry of color and innovation that keeps every trip fresh and exciting for even the most seasoned traveler.
If you’re planning a Knoxville weekend trip in the future, here’s everything you need to know about where to stay, eat, visit and get your art on.
Stay at Knoxville’s art hotel
Knoxville’s premier luxury hotel, the Tennessean, opened a few years back adjacent to World’s Fair Park. This hotel has long been a favorite of mine—it was my fourth stay here!—thanks to its well-appointed rooms and location just blocks off Market Square.
The 82 rooms have a distinct Tennessee design with carpeting meant to channel the flow of the Tennessee River and topographical maps hanging on the walls in all the rooms. Each of the floors are named after a river in Tennessee, and there’s even a special Pat Summitt Suite we got to tour on this Knoxville visit. A portion of proceeds from the booking of this suite are donated to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, which we also visited on this trip.
If you know me, you know how much the late Lady Vols coach impacted my life, so seeing an entire guest suite dedicated to her memory was truly something special. I also love the Drawing Room restaurant, which serves breakfast, dinner and a unique-to-the-area tea service daily. Request a room that faces World’s Fair Park.
The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a unique perspective of Knoxville art with the Sunsphere, museum and World’s Fair Park murals all in view depending on your position in the hotel. Request a corner suite for the most epic views, though really you can’t go wrong with any of the Tennessean’s rooms, which are a luxuriously spacious 470 square feet in size at minimum.
If the Tennessean is not available, you’ve got several options in the downtown, including:
The Oliver
Cumberland House
Hilton Knoxville
Marriott Knoxville Downtown
The Maker Exchange
Within the hotel’s common area, which it shares with the adjoining Marriott Hotel, Maker Exchange debuted just last year and is a game-changer in terms of how spaces can incorporate experiential art. You can feel the masterful craftsmanship of Megan Lingerfelt and Curtis Glover in all corners of this hotel lobby and the art gallery display space that is branded as the Maker Exchange.
Local artist Robin Easter designed all the patterned murals that adorn the walls both inside and outside the hotel, and Lingerfelt and Glover painted them over a three-month period last year. They’re truly remarkable, and the paint job is such a high level of perfection, you may be fooled into thinking they’re wallpaper, but rest assured, this pair of highly sought-after muralists hand-painted every last line.
The oversized great room makes for an opulent and classy display venue for locally crafted paintings, textile and ceramics while providing the hotel with an additional point of interest. An expansive fireplace with seating area, an attached bar, and the Tavern restaurant that overlooks the World’s Fair Park make it hard to beat as a one-stop shop for an afternoon of leisure and artistic absorption.
There’s also original art by local makers hanging on the walls throughout the lobby level. See something you like? Everything is for sale. The art gallery, the Curio, which is open to the public and free to peruse, features rotating exhibitions like the final products from the students of Lingerfelt’s recent mural workshops.
The Tennessean’s restaurants and bars
Located on the second floor of the Tennessean, The Drawing Room has a speakeasy-style bar with dapper tuxedoed staff, classic cocktails and a French inspired selection of appetizers and dinner plates. If you’re looking for an elevated place to have a cocktail, this is your place—so long as you promise us you’ll try the signature smoked old fashioned.
An elegant option for breakfast, as well, the Drawing Room whips up all the classics of an American-style diner plus avocado toast, lox bagels and shrimp and grits for those of us that seek out an easy brunch menu.
Need a quick pick-me-up before a day of exploring Knoxville’s art scene? Perk Up at Maker Exchange features specialty coffee drinks made from local roastery Vienna Coffee Company and enjoy it in any of the pleasant vignettes strategically placed throughout the Tennessean’s lobby level.
New to the Tennessean’s menu of activities is the addition of e-bikes, which includes a Pedals and Prosecco e-Biking Experience. The first of its kind locally, the concierge offers fat tire e-bikes to guests for tooling around downtown Knoxville.
Sunsphere Park is also a perfect spot to have a picnic with some bubbly, so take a basket with you and set up shop along the water in World’s Fair Park.
Eat your way through Knoxville’s food scene
Any night out with friends will be served up with a little bit of flair and artistry. Seeking out food options in a college town of more than 40,000 students and countless alumni is always a challenge, not because of lack of options but so many delicious restaurants. Knoxville dishes out some of the finest examples of mindfully curated cuisine we’ve experienced in the South, and these places will give you a taste of that most ancient of craftsmanship: food.
Potchke
It seems like the only place my Knoxville friends go for breakfast or lunch anymore is Potchke, an elevated Jewish bakery with a flair for the cheeky comments, and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Potchke thrums with the energy of a well-made lunch consumed in a brightly lit room. Every dish on the menu has a vegan or gluten-free option, and there’s always an interesting variation of house-made seltzers or tonics to try as an accompaniment.
This restaurant is a must-stop for breakfast or brunch and just oozes freshness and spice.
Vida
Located on the ground floor of the thoughtfully remodeled Holsten Building, Vida is one of the hottest destinations for artistic dining and fancy drinks. With a Latin-influenced menu that anchors back to French cuisine, the options for food are a delightful mix of eclectic tapas plates.
Carrots, fennel and ricotta are a popular starter as are the corn croquettes and empanadas; crab cakes, scallops or the pork belly are all wise choices for sharable dishes. The restaurant is also centered around a bar that shakes out a healthy selection of alcohol-forward drinks so it’s also a good spot for a special date or occasion. Be sure and take a peek in the Vault, a speakeasy-like subterranean bar, downstairs before you go.
Kaizen
When we travel, Asian cuisine is always top of our list, and Knoxville restaurants feature several options, our latest favorite of which is Kaizen, an izakaya-inspired Japanese-style pub serving up tapas-style small plates like pork bao buns, tamari-glazes potatoes and hot-and-sour duck noodles. The restaurant also stocks a deep well of whiskey, both Japanese and American varieties.
Simpl.
Situated in South Knoxville (aka SoKno) along one of the most vibrant and ever-changing street art neighborhoods, Simpl. is sandwiched between a couple of breweries and along a popular bicycle route that skirts the Tennessee River. An airy interior with fairly limited seating, it’s best to either arrive early or make reservations for this seasonally driven and Mexican-inspired restaurant.
Sleepy weekend breakfast at this Sevier Avenue joint is popular, and we quickly learned why. The brunch burgers with tomato jam and a sunny egg are fan favorites as is the extensive breakfast cocktail menu.
Other Knoxville restaurants we love:
J.C. Holdway
KOYO
A Dopo
Sweet P’s BBQ
Curious Dog
Brother Wolf
Osteria Stella
The Kennedy
Stock & Barrel
Lilou Brasserie
The French Market Creperie
Taste the art of brewing at these Knoxville breweries
One way Knoxville continues to up the ante is with its brewery scene, which is always booming and ever-growing. We’re constantly trying out new spots every time we visit Knoxville, and here are a few of our most recent favorites.
XUL
In the heart of the Fourth & Gill neighborhood just beyond the Old City, XUL is a classic indoor-outdoor space that smells like yeasty bread from the beer-brewing process and immediately sucked us in. With an IPA-, hazy- and sour-forward menu, their brand of fermented beverages are experimental and really, really good. Bonus: There are a significant number of gluten-free beers on tap, a rarity in the brewing world.
The vibe of the taproom—a former 1960’s car showroom—is low-key lounge and with a rotating cast of food trucks parked outside, it’s easy to make an afternoon of visit. Geezers Brewing is in the same development, and Crafty Bastard just a few blocks away.
Yee-Haw
We’ve been fans of this Johnson City-based brewery since it opened in 2015, and it’s been fun to watch it grow into new locations in Nashville and now Knoxville. The expansive indoor-outdoor space is outfitted with turfed areas, big screens for sporting events and game day viewing, booths inside and a Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack outpost for sustenance.
Pretentious Craft Co.
Another long-time favorite brewing company of ours, Pretentious epitomizes Knoxville’s art scene as being possibly the only place in the world where you can drink beer brewed on site from a glass hand-blown just next door, where you can also watch the process from start to finish.
Other Knoxville breweries we love:
Printshop Beer Co.
Crafty Bastard Brewery
Schulz Brau Brewing Company
Abridged Beer Co.
Hi-Wire Brewing Taproom
Alliance Brewing Company
Last Days of Autumn Brewing
Beer not your vibe? Right in the middle of bustling Jackson Avenue, PostModern Spirits is a craft distillery focusing on spirits like gin that it weaves into its many bar offerings.
Also nearby, Tern Club offers a wide range of rum- and mezcal-forward drinks artfully served up in a very tiki bar-style atmosphere.
Explore Knoxville museums and architecture
Knoxville’s most iconic landmark, the Sunsphere—a 26-story tower with 24-karat-gold glass panes—was built for the 1982 World’s Fair and is undoubtedly the most recognizable building in the city if not the state. For $5, you can now take an elevator to the observation deck during normal business hours on Tuesday through Sunday and see Knoxville from a new perspective.
Spring and summer are fun seasons to visit Knoxville as there seems to be a festival every weekend. Late April always brings the Dogwood Arts Festival, which has been around since 1961, and completely overtakes World’s Fair Park with fine art vendors, live music, entertainment, children’s activities, and food and beverage offerings galore. Early June is our dog Ella’s favorite event, Bike Boat Brew & Bark, alongside the Tennessee River.
Directly across World’s Fair Park from the Tennessean and the Sunsphere, Knoxville Museum of Art offers free admission daily and access to a collection spanning more than 1500 objects. A diverse array of art—paper, paintings, mixed media works, sculpture—the art museum’s primary focus is on mid-19th century to the present. The works are from a mix of regional names and international contemporary artists.
Shop these Knoxville arts mainstays
The south end of Gay Street where it intersects Jackson Avenue is where you’ll find some of Knoxville’s boutiques and artist shops. New to the area last summer is Paris Woodhull Illustrations, the brick and mortar of one of our favorite Knoxville artists who not only paints block-long murals but also turns her own designs into very Instagrammable T-shirts, dish towels, stickers and much, much more.
A few doors down, Jacks of Knoxville is a plant shop, cafe and home goods store all rolled into one. Across the street, Addison’s is a bi-level bookstore specializing in rare and old books with more contemporary pre-owned literature in the basement.
Down in the Old City, Rala—which stands for “regional and local artisans”—has been a favorite spot of mine ever since it opened. Directly across from Dogwood Arts Gallery, the boutique stocks an incredibly well-curated collection of goods made by local artists, from graphic Tees to wall art, posters to jewelry. If wearable art is more your forte, Honeymouth makes dopamine-rich leather goods.
See Knoxville’s urban art culture up close
If you make your base at Market Square for the afternoon, you’ll be able to easily walk to the many Knoxville murals and see a variety of urban art while you’re at it.
Krutch Park, for example, boasts more than a dozen sculptures—including our favorite, a dog fixated on a ball—throughout its acre domain, as well as water features and a pair of women’s suffrage monuments.
No matter the time of year you’re visiting Knoxville, there is bound to be something going on within Market Square’s perimeter, whether free jazz in the summer or the uber-cool Chalk Walk Knoxville held each April. We caught the tail end of the chalk paintings just before the spring rain washed them away.
Not even a block away toward Gay Street, you’ll find yourself in Strong Alley, the entrance of which is a rotating seasonal mural by Megan Lingerfelt, a fun whimsical painting by Paris Woodhull, a handful of other urban art vignettes. At the other end is, of course, a Dolly Parton mural.
If you dig a grittier art scene, SoKno is where you’ll find much of Knoxville’s graffiti, especially if you detour from Sevier Avenue onto Island Home where the walls are fortified with urban art. Also in South Knoxville is Paris Woodhull’s “Victoria” mural on the side of Printshop Beer Co. I may be a tad bit biased—our nonprofit spearheaded this mural as part of our Walls for Women project—but I think it’s the best art and beer in the city!
Peruse the many Knoxville art galleries
The Knoxville arts would be nothing without its richly diverse community of artists, patrons, styles and cultural institutions. A great time to visit Knoxville is on First Friday when many of the shops and art galleries along Gay Street, Market Square and the Old City have extended hours, as well as live music and food vendors.
Located in a nationally historic building built in 1890 in Emory Place, Pivot Point Gallery is a two-story art gallery highlighting the work of local artists, regional artists and national artists. Personally, I loved this mix of style and background; it made for an incredibly eclectic body of work. Next door, Lilienthal Gallery brings avant-garde international exhibitions to the Maker City. While we were there, this upscale Knoxville gallery housed the stunning three-dimensional work of female Israeli artists.
Be sure and check out these Knoxville galleries, too:
The Art Market
The Emporium
UT Downtown Gallery
Arrowmont Gallery
RED Gallery
Dogwood Arts Gallery
Have you been to the Maker City? Were you just as impressed by the Knoxville art scene as we were?
Wanna travel to the Middle East with Against the Compass?
Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kurdistan and more. We have group expeditions scheduled every month to the most exciting destinations in the Middle East.
The Middle East…
That enormous piece of territory often overlooked as a whole and, usually, only seen as the land of the greatest and most beautiful deserts, endless bazaars of spices and the warm welcome of the Bedouins.
Moreover, most of the time, the international media only likes to share images of disasters and bad things happening in the Middle East.
This distortion of reality changes people’s perception to the extent that the whole region of the Middle East becomes a dangerous place to travel to as if it was one single country.
But, you know what? The Middle East is composed of 14 different countries that differ massively from each other, have boundaries and share borders.
Which countries are part of the Middle East?
In my opinion, these are the countries that comprise the Middle East:
Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen
Officially, the Middle East also includes Turkey and Cyprus, but this is my blog, and I decided not to include them and, instead, I decided to include Libya in this list.
Anyways.
After many years of living and traveling around the region, based on my own experience and opinion, I have compiled a list of the 39 best places to travel in the Middle East.
These choices are based on their level of security, historical importance, and natural beauty.
My objective is to show you not only that the Middle East is a safe place to travel to, but I also want you to see the huge natural and cultural contrast between countries and the relevant role they have in our history.
Located in the north of Iraqi Kurdistan, only 10km away from the Turkish border, Amadiya is a lovely, very photogenic village located on the flat top of a mountain, which has no less than 5,000 years of history.
From the Assyrians to the Persians, as well as several Jewish and Christian communities, dozens of different civilizations and religions have left their footprint in this historical place.
Furthermore, Amadiya is believed to be the home of the Three Wise Man, who made a pilgrimage to Bethlehem to see Jesus Christ after his birth.
Today, Amadiya is a Muslim Kurdish village, surrounded by the most striking mountain scenery, characteristic from northern Iraq and one the most beautiful places to travel in the Middle East.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, Shibam is a 7000-inhabitant town, located in the middle of nowhere, composed of 9-story mud-brick buildings, which is why it’s often referred to as the ‘Manhattan of the desert’, even though I don’t really like these comparisons.
Unlike other sites of great interest in Yemen, Shibam is located in a region named Hadramut, a relatively safe in Yemen with direct flights from Cairo in Egypt.
Esfahan is Iran’s most amazing city and its mosques, composed of giant domes and mind-blowing ceilings with extravagant geometrical forms, are the most impressive buildings in the Middle East, without any doubt.
Being one of the most historical cities in the region, Esfahan has always been home to a large community of scholars and prestigious intellectuals and its importance and influence in this part of the world was often compared to Athens and Rome.
Today, as per Iranian standards, Esfahan is a surprisingly modern, clean and vibrant city where some of the most educated and brilliant people in the country live.
This is the first thing the hotel receptionist told me on the day I arrived in the city.
Damascus is indeed one of the most ancient cities in the world – probably the oldest country capital – established in the second millennium BC, and capital of the Umayyad Caliphate from 661 to 750, one of the most important caliphates ever, extending from Spain to Iran.
My favorite place in Damascus was Umayyad mosque, an outstanding mosque which passed from being a Jupiter Temple during the Roman era to a Christian basilica dedicated to John the Baptist and then one of the largest mosques in the world.
Today, Damascus is a safe city and, fortunately, the Old City has remained like that during most of the war.
I visited it at the beginning of 2019 and had a real blast.
Join a group of like-minded travelers to visit the wonders of Damascus, Aleppo, Palmyra and more.
Sept 23rd to 30th, 2025
The beautiful Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world and one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Middle East
Extending from Western Europe to North Africa and the Middle East, the Roman Empire was the greatest empire that has ever existed.
Today, most of its ruins, some of them in relatively good condition, are major tourist attractions that receive hundreds of visitors every day.
Outside of Rome, the ruins of Baalbek are among the most impressive, not only due to their dimensions and good preservation, but also because you are likely to have the ruins to yourself as, here, we are talking about Lebanon, one of the most off the beaten track destinations in the region, where you can experience the greatest Roman ruins like nowhere else, hence one of the best places to travel in the Middle East.
600km from the capital of Libya (Tripoli) and nestled right at the triple border between Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, Ghadames is an ancient caravan city, one of the most important caravan cities in all of Africa. The Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a massive, entangled maze of streets built in a refreshing oasis in the middle of the desert.
It does take one full day to reach Ghadames by car from the capital Tripoli, but the journey is worth the trip.
Stretching from south Oman all the way to the Yemeni border, Dhofar’s coastline may differ significantly from what you expect from an Omani beach.
Vertiginous cliffs, turquoise-blue waters, and empty, epic beaches characterize the beaches of southern Oman, barely discovered by the average traveler, who tends to stick to the northern part of the country.
If you are into wild, random camping and road trips, in the Middle East, it doesn’t really get better than this.
Unfortunately, very little is known about Saudi Arabia but, given that this is the home of Mecca, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Saudi is filled with ancient and historical places, and one of the best examples is Al Balad, the old part of Jeddah, established 1,300 years ago as the gateway for Muslims on their way to Mecca, mostly arriving by sea from Africa.
Today a UNESCO World Heritage site, Al Balad is a lively area filled with colorful facades and, by far, the most beautiful Old City from all the Gulf Monarchies.
Traveling to Saudi Arabia is getting easier than ever and here you read my tips for Saudi.
Jeddah Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site
11 – Jerusalem – The holiest place for the three main monotheist religions
Today, Jerusalem is part of Israel but, if Palestine ever becomes an independent state, East Jerusalem, which is mostly inhabited by Arabs, will be the capital of the country.
Being one of the most important places for Christians, Muslims, and Jews, Jerusalem is a city that has perfectly combined tradition and history with a 21st-century city, meaning that you can stroll around the old city and its historical sites for days and, at the same time, enjoy the endless nightlife, food scene, and modernity of the new part of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is one of those cities that are worth spending several days in.
What if I tell you that, in a very remote part of Iran, bordering the Turkmenistan border, there is a region with an unexpectedly mystical landscape, home to a large Turkmen community who have more similarities to people from Kyrgyzstan than other Iranians.
This region is called Golestan province, one of the least visited provinces in Iran, whose main peculiarity is that most of its inhabitants are ethnically Turkmen, a Central Asian ethnicity originally from Turkmenistan.
From Central Asian food, such as plov and kurut, to the way they dress, the Mongolian features in people’s faces and a very Central Asian nomadic life, visible in their love for horses and the yurts they live in, Golestan is a different world from the rest of the Middle East.
Mosul is exceptional, one of my favorite cities in all of the Middle East, and the reasons are as follow:
First of all, it is a very diverse city.
Prior to the war against the Islamic State, Mosul was inhabited by different types of Christians, Muslims and also Yazidis. It was ethnically mixed too, home to Armenians, Kurds, Arabs and Assyrians.
When ISIS took it over, however, most of them fled the city but today, many are coming back and the streets are becoming more lively than ever.
On the other hand, the Old City of Mosul is an open-air museum, packed with historical mosques and churches, all of them being in the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.
While it’s true that most of the buildings are today largely destroyed due to the recent war, there’s a big UNESCO team working on rebuilding all its wonders, allowing you to witness an exciting moment of living history.
Not many cities in the world have as much history as Erbil has.
With almost 30,000 years of history, according to historians, and, today a UNESCO World Heritage site, Erbil is the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, a city with plenty of tradition, filled with plenty of ancient bazaars, epic cafés, and historical sites.
Nevertheless, the awesomeness of Erbil doesn’t end up here and, in fact, what may surprise you is that, as well as a classic Middle Eastern Muslim city, this is also a real pro-Western metropolis and a regional business hub where a large expat community lives and, as a consequence, has some of the most awesome nightlife in the Middle East.
Even though this is likely the most touristic site in the region, it would be a sin not to consider one of the 7 wonders among one of the best places to visit in the Middle East.
Petra was founded in the VI century B.C. by the Edomites but, it didn’t prosper until the Nabateans (a group of nomadic Arabs) took over the place and built the city by carving it from the rock, making it become an important trading hub.
The architecture of Petra leaves you breathless and, besides admiring the Treasury and the Monastery, I recommend getting off the path, going hiking and taking the trails less traveled.
The Monastery, Petra – Things to do in the Middle East
Wadi Doa’n is a canyon-shaped valley located in the region of Hadramut and dotted with fairy-tale-like villages whose architecture is a real blessing to the eyes.
The canyon offers plenty of trekking opportunities with spectacular, vertiginous views, and there’s even a pretty cool resort on the top of a cliff where you can stay and which remains open despite the conflict.
Many of the people from these villages, especially young kids, have never seen foreigners, so the local life there is pretty raw. To make it even more exciting, there’s one village named Qarht Bahumaish, which is Usama Bin Laden’s hometown. He was born in Saudi but his family comes from there.
Beirut is the capital of Lebanon, a city that suffered one of the longest contemporary Civil Wars (25 years, ending in 1991). Today, among all the destroyed buildings, Beirut brags about being one of the safest cities in the region. With unbelievable economic growth and the rapid rise of the middle class, Beirut is the most liberal and westernized city in the Middle East (outside of Israel).
I love Beirut because of its deep, rich and contrasting history. It’s composed of dozens of districts that differ massively from each other: The hipster district of Gemmayzeh, Hezbollah areas like Bourj al-Barajneh, the student neighborhood of Hamra, old Palestinian refugee camps, the Armenian district of Bourj Hammoud, several Christian areas and much, much more! Beirut is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.
From the deepest underground parties to the most glamorous clubs, from local eateries to the best fine dining restaurants in the region, Beirut is a city adaptable to any kind of traveler and budget.
Saudi Arabia is a massive country and, as such, it has quite a few geographical areas, the most dramatically different being Jizan, a province bordering the country of Yemen.
Asian-like terraced fields, greenery, and monkeys comprise the mountain villages of Jizan, miles away from Saudi Arabia stereotypes, plus the people there are culturally Yemeni, from the food they eat to the way they traditionally dress.
Maaloula is a Christian town located north of Damascus (Syria) with an intriguing history, both ancient and contemporary.
On the one hand, this is one of the very few places in the world where they speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus, making it such a unique place.
Now that tourists are a rare thing to see, if you visit The Convent of Saint Serge and Bacchus, you are likely to meet the priest, who will certainly be more than happy to recite some words in Aramaic.
The recent history of Maaloula, however, isn’t so fortunate, since it was taken by Al Nusra (similar to ISIS) during the war, the legacy of which is still very visible in the many destroyed buildings. In fact, the nuns running the Monastery of Saint Tekla are the ones who were kidnapped by the Muslim extremists, a sad event in which even the Pope intervened.
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Occupying territory in both Israel & Palestine and Jordan, the Dead Sea is the lake with the highest salt density in the world and also, the lowest point on Earth, 430 meters below sea level.
Such is the high concentration of salt that animals and plants can’t live in it, hence the name.
Swimming in the Dead Sea is totally fine and, due to the high density of the water, sinking is almost impossible. I’ve only been to the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea and, along the coast, there are several hotels and resorts where you can chill on their beaches and have a mud bath.
The Dead Sea from Jordan side and Palestine at the other side – Best places to travel in the Middle East
21 – Liwa Oasis – The purest and wildest image of the Gulf
Around 500 years ago, a group of Bedouins tapped underground, freshwater recourses to cultivate dates and, as a result, several villages and settlements appeared in the area, which we currently call Liwa, the birthplace of the Nahyan family, the current ruling family of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Since then, and over the years, the cultivation of dates in Liwa has been a key factor in the region’s economic development.
Liwa is located in the south of UAE, next to Saudi Arabian border and on the edge of the Empty Quarter, a huge desert spread across UAE, Yemen, Oman, and Saudi Arabia and considered the largest (continuous) sea of dunes on Earth, whose end can’t even be seen from the furthest horizon.
In addition, in Liwa you can also find the only real Bedouins in the UAE and the Moreeb dune, one of the highest dunes in the world (300m).
Along with Damascus, I also visited Aleppo at the beginning of 2019.
Before the war, Aleppo used to be the largest and most touristic city in the country.
Being a few thousands years older than Damascus, the Citadel and Old City of Aleppo have been mostly destroyed by the Civil War but after the liberation of the city in 2017, the reconstruction has already begun, Syrians are moving back and shops are, very slowly, reopening.
I am pretty sure that, in a matter of years, the beautiful city of Aleppo will return to its maximum splendor.
Similar to Tabouk, have you ever been to Petra, in Jordan?
Imagine the wonders of Petra but in the desert of Saudi Arabia.
That’s Madain Saleh (or Hegra).
Hegra was an ancient city founded by local tribes in 3000 BC, but it was not until the 2nd century BC that the Nabateans made it a great city, in a fear of the Romans conquering Petra, so it could serve as the new capital.
Still, the Romans conquered both cities, Hegra and Petra, but the more than 100 tombs carved from the giant desert rocks remained, today found in the middle of nowhere.
Unlike Petra, however, the tombs of Madain Saleh are spread out across a vast desert but as part of the visit, you can tour around with a pretty cool Vintage Jeep.
Dahab is a lovely touristic beach town inhabited by Bedouins in the Sinai peninsula, which is considered the most backpacking-friendly place (and probably the only one) in the Middle East.
For decades, Dahab has attracted travelers from all over the world for having some of the best diving in the country. In Dahab, one comes for two things: either scuba diving or doing literally nothing, as it has this laid-back atmosphere that consists of going to the beach, smoking weed and eating at the several seafood restaurants.
Besides, due to the massive drop of the Egyptian Pound, in Dahab, you could easily rent a full apartment (2 beds with Wi-Fi) for less than 9USD a day.
If making a trip to Lebanon to visit the ruins of Baalbek sounds too hardcore for you but you still want to travel to the Middle East, perhaps you should consider visiting Jerash, another of the greatest Roman ruins outside of Italy, constructed in some of the most fertile valleys in the region, today comprising green, rolling hills filled with olive and fig trees.
The location, therefore, is not a coincidence because, when it was built around 2,000 years ago, the Romans wanted to make it a great city due to the richness of the land.
Jerash, one of the finest Roman ruins to travel in the Middle East
A rocky desert land composed of stunning fiords, cliffs and one of the largest varieties of wildlife in the Middle East, Musandam (often called the Norway of the Middle East) is a piece of territory within the UAE that belongs to Oman.
It’s located north of UAE, projecting into the Strait of Hormuz.
Musandam is a pretty common destination among expats living in Dubai but still, the area remains pretty untouched. Along the coast, you find several beaches only occupied by the local Omanis, who like to gather with their families for barbecues during the weekends. Expect several families to invite you to join them.
In Musandam, you could also rent an abra (a local traditional boat) to sail around the fiords and observe the wildlife. Meeting dolphins is almost guaranteed and, if you are into snorkeling, you can see that the deep and dark waters of Musandam are also home to coral, turtles and manta rays, among other things.
Hebron is the city where the Tomb of the Patriarchs stands, the place where Abraham, Jacob and Isaac are buried.
The Tomb of the Patriarchs is one of the holiest places for both Muslims and Jews.
This means that both religions are sharing an important holy place but, on top of that, Hebron also happens to be the only city in Palestine where Jewish settlements are within the city itself.
In the old part of the city, the local Palestinians have built a fence that serves as a roof to prevent the settlers who live in the upper floors throwing garbage to them.
To add more tension to the conflict, during the holy month of Ramadan in 1994, a Jew entered the Tomb of Patriarchs (in the mosque inside), opened fire and killed 29 Muslims during prayer time.
Since then, the area is strictly controlled and, both Jewish and Muslim prayer areas are strictly separated. Abraham is buried in the middle of the Tomb of the Patriarchs, right between the synagogue and the mosque, so the members of both religions can see his tomb from their prayer room.
If you either want just to relax, eat good food, visit beautiful Christian monasteries or to go hiking, the Kadisha Valley in Lebanon will always be the perfect place for you.
Kadisha means ”holy” and owes this name to the fact that this valley is home to some of the most ancient communities of monastic Christians in the Middle East.
In case you don’t know it, monasticism is a way of life for which the person (in this case the Christian monks) renounces to everything to devote himself completely to spiritual work. The valley is full of natural caves, difficult to access, that once served as places of isolation for the monks living lives devoted to Christ.
Kadisha is a really unique place to visit in the Middle East.
Qadisha Valley, located in the north of the country – Travel to the Middle East
30 – Leptis Magna, first league Roman ruins by the Mediterranean
Leptis Magna was a prominent city in Roman Libya, originally a Phoenician town (7th century BCE) that quickly expanded under the Roman Empire. The ruins are in excellent condition, and the whole complex is huge.
Its particular attraction is that the ruins are built right next to the shore, including the fantastic amphitheater.
Leptis Magna can easily be reached from Tripoli in around two hours, making it the perfect day trip from the capital and a default in all the group expeditions we organize.
Another great place to visit in the Middle East are the Arab Marshes, a wetland ecosystem located in south Iraq, sort of an aquatic landscape located in the Iraqi desert.
It occupies an area of 10,000km2, inhabited by water buffaloes and all sort of animals and plants.
The Marshes are also home to a distinct cultural group: the Marsh Arabs, who populate the different islands, living in their sarifas, a peculiar house entirely made of reed.
The Marshes can be visited from the southern city of Nasiriyah and the best way to experience it is on a boat tour.
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October 24th to November 3rd, 2025
A Marsh Arab
32 – Manama – Drugs and rock & roll
Country – Bahrain
In case you’ve never heard of it, Bahrain is a tiny country (one of tiniest in the world actually) located in the Persian Gulf, between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and Manama is its capital.
To make it short, Bahrain is the only Arab Gulf Monarchy that has run out of petrol, or at least, can’t rely on the petrol income anymore.
In desperation, looking at alternative ways of gaining income, Bahrain became the party place in the Middle East, where concerning prostitution, alcohol, and parties, in general, are more permissive than in any other Gulf country.
Connected to Saudi Arabia by a bridge, every week, thousands of Saudis cross the border to have fun and enjoy a relative level of freedom.
Besides, this is the only place in the Middle East where I’ve seen two homosexuals making out in the middle of the street.
Manama is also home to many Western expats, who hang out in a popular area called Adliya, which has plenty of bars and wall paintings and makes one forget that he or she is in the Middle East.
Bahrain is, unequivocally, one of the most surreal places to travel and visit in the Middle East.
A particular wall painting in Bahrain – Best places to visit in the middle east
Established on the shore of the great Nile river and surrounded by both mango plantations and desert, Luxor is the world’s greatest open-air museum.
This is the place where the most well-known pharaohs come from, like Tutankhamun for example, and most of the temples are either in excellent conditions or perfectly restored.
From large and epic tombs to temples constructed on a giant scale, all of them dating from between 3,200 B.C. and 1,500 B.C, Luxor is an unmissable place to travel in the Middle East.
Not so long ago, the Roman ruins of Palmyra used to receive hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.
Dating back to the second millennium BC, it has been inhabited for more than 4,000 years before becoming part of the Roman Empire during the first century AD.
It used to be an important trade caravan route and its wealth allowed them to build monuments such as the Temple of Bel and the Great Colonnade.
Nowadays, the city of Palmyra is a ghost town, a direct consequence of the battle against ISIS but the archaeological area has re-opened for tourists, always escorted by a member of the Syrian Army.
The Temple of Bell is practically all ruins but Palmyra is a big complex and many of its marvels are still standing.
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Sept 23rd to 30th, 2025
The remains of the Temple of bEL
35 – Salalah – Coconuts, pineapples, and tropical rain
What if I tell you that there’s a place in the Persian Gulf where it rains, which it’s full of green meadows and the locals sell coconuts and pineapples?
This place is called Salalah, a city found in the most southern part of Oman, very close to the Yemeni border.
Salalah, and the region of Dhofar, is an area that experiences a monsoon season.
This season is called Khareef and occurs from July till September. During this season, Salalah becomes a beautiful and lush green, which attracts visitors from all over the country, as well as Saudi Arabia and UAE, who want to run away from their disgustingly hot and humid weather.
However, unless you are an ardent Christian, the most interesting part of Bethlehem is to get a close feeling of the consequences of the Israeli occupation as, after the Second Intifada, in 2001, Israel built an 8-meter wall that would finally isolate the West Bank from Israel.
The wall, however, was built within Palestinian territory, hence the Israelis stole some of their land.
Literally, it passes by the center of the city and it is decorated with plenty of Pro-Palestinian paintings, including a real work from the famous Banksy, the white pigeon.
The Dragon Blood Tree is a tree native to Socotra (Yemen), named its blood-like sap. It’s also the national symbol of Socotra.
In the heart of Socotra island, you find Hutan Dara, a forest home to thousands of these trees, truly the one of the most magical places in all of Yemen and the Middle East.
Wild camping in Huta Dara is allowed and perfectly possible.
Located in the Persian Gulf, right in the Strait of Hormuz, between Oman and Iran, Qeshm is an island with amazing geological formations, as well as very rich wildlife.
This is what most travelers come here for but, in my opinion, the most interesting part of the island is to get immersed in the local culture, as this is the only place that has been able to preserve the fast-disappearing Persian Gulf culture, today only visible here and in a few other places in Oman.
Unlike the rest of Iran, people here are Sunnis, from the conservative branch actually, Wahabis, but, since they have a great Iranian influence, they are quite laid back.
Qeshm is a different world from the rest of Iran and it can be seen not only in the religion, the architecture and their food, which is mainly based on seafood but also in the way their women dress, in such colorful abayas and niqabs, like nowhere else you have ever seen.
The Wadi Rum is a beautiful, red-sand-dune desert that stretches across Jordan and north of Saudi Arabia too, in the region of Tabouk.
However, while in Jordan, Wadi Rum has become an extremely touristic place, on the Saudi side, the Saudi Bedouins living there are still genuine and authentic, allowing you to live witness what traditional life is like in Saudi.
Amazing rock formations and camel farms, all without a single tourist around.
That was my list of the best places to travel in the Middle East for next year. Have you been to any? If you have more recommendations or suggestions, feel free to post them in the comments section!
I don’t know what I expected Murray to be like, but a lake community with a college campus at its center and a thriving art scene anchoring it all was not it. A weekend in Murray, Kentucky combined so many different elements of what I look for in a three-day getaway: the outdoors, the public art and … free-roaming bison? Read on to explore why we loved Murray and the Land Between the Lakes.
This project was a partnership with the Murray, KY Convention & Visitors Bureau. All opinions are our own.
Kentucky is widely known for horse racing and bourbon, but interestingly Murray’s big selling points don’t have much to do with either of those—that said, the local university’s mascot is a much-beloved thoroughbred. Racer One, as he’s called, runs a celebratory lap around the field every time the football team scores a touchdown.
Instead, Murray’s superpower as a destination is its access to the outdoors and the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation area, a massive 170,000-acre peninsula bookended by the Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, both created by TVA in the 1940s to boost our nation’s electrical supply and create new navigable waterways. Its position near the borders of five states—Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Indiana and Missouri—and central location to so many Southern cities make it a great weekend destination. It’s less than three hours by car from Memphis, less than two hours from Nashville and under an hour from Paducah.
Looking to take a Kentucky vacation soon? Here’s why you need to plan a weekend in Murray.
Day 1 in Murray, Kentucky
With the Kentucky town just a three-hour drive from our Tennessee home, we arrived mid-morning and were ready to kickstart our weekend in Murray with a bite to eat. As luck would have it, two of our closest friends, Devry and Danny, happen to be from Murray and were more than willing to come up for a weekend in their hometown to make sure we got the full experience.
Have lunch at Hop Hound Brew Pub
To find the pulse of a town, we usually start with the local brewery or gastropub. In Murray, that’s Hop Hound Brew Pub, housed in a building that dates back to 1929 and specializes in flatbreads, burgers, quesadillas stuffed with fillings and street tacos. The pub also has a full bar and craft beer from around the region on tap.
Walk around the Murray State campus
Just a mile from the popular Murray pub is the town’s university, which adds 10,000 students to the population during the school year. Murray State spans an interesting mix of Gothic and brutalist-style buildings; as low-key architecture geeks, we drove multiple loops around the campus marveling at the different styles like the Lovett Auditorium, which is one of the four original structures still standing from 1926 and whose steps host the All Campus Sing each spring.
One of the most visited Murray State sites is the Shoe Tree, which is exactly what it sounds like: a monument comprising the shoes of alumni. This tradition dates back to the 1960s when students who had found their “sole mates” (partner or spouse) during their time at Murray State started nailing up shoes to cement their love; many of the kicks note their owner’s wedding date, and some alums even return with baby shoes once they’ve had a child.
On the west side of the Murray State quad across from the Shoe Tree, you’ll find a statue of Rainey T. Wells, the founder and former president of the university. The legend among Murray State students goes that if you rub his diploma, you’ll pass your finals. If you want to see the historic buildings in Murray, you can take a lap around the campus, making sure to drive by Pogue Library and down the photo-worthy Olive Boulevard, as well as Main Street and 9th and 10th streets.
Eat dinner on the Murray State campus
When it’s time to eat again, Murray State has a couple restaurants walkable from campus like the Willow Bistro, with its Greek-influenced menu, which is open for lunch every weekday with extended hours for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There’s also Stephano’s Trattoria, a fine-dining Italian restaurant with pastas, sharable plates, and filling entrees like ribeye and grouper. After dinner, walk next door for a cocktail at Tap 216, an iconic Murray neighborhood bar that has trivia every Tuesday and karaoke on Thursdays.
Have dessert at the famed Murray Dairy Queen
Before I’d ever visited Murray, I knew of it’s Dairy Queen. It’s not just a regular Dairy Queen, but one steeped in nostalgia for many of its residents who have been going here every summer since it opened in 1949. Today, it’s only open from March through October, and the tradition still holds: Carhops come and take your order from your parking space.
Day 2 in Murray, Kentucky
My favorite thing to do in any new town is find the local coffee shop and enjoy an iced latte among the regulars. And Shaffer Coffee Co. is the coffee shop in Murray. Even on a Saturday morning in the heat of summer, the place was humming with a mix of students and those like us just passing through. We met up with Danny and Devry for cinnamon rolls and coffee before moseying downtown to truly start our day.
Morning at the Downtown Farmers Market
On Saturday mornings in Murray, the Downtown Farmers Market is where all the action happens. This market pulls farmers and vendors from a three-hour radius every weekend from May through October, and the offerings are legit. Pickles, honey, meats, cheeses, heirloom tomatoes, and other farm-fresh produce mingle with the goods from makers like cutting boards, jewelry and pottery. Some weeks feature a band or yoga for all, and the market even has a Kids’ Club where the little ones get their own market money to spend.
Art class at Murray Art Guild
After the farmers market, we were in for a real treat: a clay class at Murray Art Guild. This nonprofit organization has been holding court in Murray for more than 55 years and is in a semi-temporary space on the courthouse square as their permanent dream facility gets built out. But despite having to downsize the studio in the meantime, it still brims with the creations by painters, potters, jewelers, fiber artists and other makers who sell their wares in the front store portion of the studio.
The back is reserved for the actual making, with looms and pottery implements. We were lucky enough to get in on an Empty Bowl class where we sculpted bowls out of clay then stamped them to be sold at the annual Fall Empty Bowls fundraiser. As part of the national Empty Bowls Project designed to combat hunger, the guild generously facilitates this bowl-making through group activities throughout the spring and summer in preparation to be given away with soup at the fall fundraiser.
The guild hosts more than just bowl-making, though. Classes and workshops include figure-drawing, watercolor, weaving, pet portraits, art journaling and plenty of messy activities for kids.
Lunch at Dumplin’s of Murray
With a menu jam packed with sandwiches, salads, burgers and vegan options, Dumplin’s of Murray is a long-time staple of the community that also dishes out a multitude of desserts and, of course, dumplings. This restaurant is also a great option for brunch, as it serves up mimosas, beer and mixed drinks every day but Sunday when it’s closed entirely. There are some cute boutiques like The Place in the same retail development for shopping after you’re done.
Shopping and art in downtown Murray
After lunch, it’s back to the square for more art and shopping. Downtown Murray has a colorful art alley and more than a half-dozen murals scattered throughout the streets flanking the courthouse square; much of the original art was created by Kentucky artist Elias Reynolds. Park on the square, then explore its arteries by foot; you’ll find plenty of hidden art, as well as local boutiques and shops worth popping into.
Without a doubt, my favorite discovery in Murray was the adorable independent bookstore Bolin Books, which sells a mix of used books and new releases. Whitney and Wesley Bolin opened downtown Murray’s independent bookstore in 2020 following the death of Wesley’s father, James Duane Bolin, an author, historian and educator at the local university. It had always been his dream to own a bowtie and books business, and after he passed, the husband-wife team moved forward with their plans of opening a bookstore.
Teeming with books across genres, including a well-stocked children’s room in the back, Bolin is one of those places you simply can’t leave empty-handed. The Bolins completely transformed this downtown historic building into a multi-room bookstore, laid out by genre, with plans to expand into the upstairs space eventually. As an avid reader, I was blown away by how comprehensive the book offerings are and wish every town were so lucky to have a shop full of heart like this one.
Dinner at Jasmine Thai Cuisine & Sushi Bar
Living in rural Tennessee, we miss having an abundance of Asian fusion cuisine at our disposal, so if there’s a good Thai and sushi restaurant in a town we’re visiting, 10 times out of 10 we are dining there. Jasmine serves up a novel-length menu of Japanese food and Thai favorites like fried rice, sushi rolls, stir fry platters and hibachi-cooked steaks. The cocktails, too, were on point with the ginger gin fizz my favorite.
A stroll through Doran Arboretum
Located on the 40-acre Pullen Farm, Doran Arboretum is an educational display garden run by Murray State University that is open to the public for free daily until 7pm, a great spot for a post-dinner walk if you’re dining on the earlier side. It was truly one of my favorite places in Murray with its butterfly gardens, walking paths and 0.8-mile track. Traveling with kids who need to burn off energy? Take them to the arboretum. Simply in need of a nature break? Go to the arboretum. It’s a magical little oasis in the heart of an oft-bustling college town.
Day 3 in Murray, Kentucky
Your final day of your weekend in Murray is dedicated to the outdoors, weather permitting. Many restaurants and coffee shops in Murray are closed on Sundays, but Murray Donuts is open and the perfect place to grab a maple bacon donut and a coffee and head east into the wilderness. Don’t like donuts? First, you’re crazy, and second, Murray Donuts also has pastries, breakfast sandwiches and more.
Spend the day on Kentucky Lake
Murray’s outdoors scene is unmatched: It’s the largest city along Kentucky Lake, which has over 2,000 miles of shoreline alone, but also connects to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a veritable wonderland of hiking, hunting, horseback riding and off-road riding opportunities. This waterway links to the Gulf of Mexico along the Great Loop, a series of interconnected rivers, dams, locks and lakes that allow boaters to explore vast portions of the southeastern United States, many of which are protected wetlands and watersheds.
Devry and Danny were kind enough to invite us out on a boat with their friends Frank and Debbie, and we had a glorious afternoon exploring all the nooks and crannies of Kentucky Lake, including the Rock Quarry, the party cove with rocks for jumping if you’re brave enough to do so. Many of the marinas like Kentucky Dam Marina rent out pontoon, fishing and ski boats, as well as paddleboards and kayaks.
If you’re the type who likes to travel with your horses, the Wranglers Camp has more than 200 sites equipped for large trailers and RVs, many with electrical hookups. The 100 miles of pristine horseback trails is open year-round, with services like blacksmithing and farriers available during the warmer months.
For the OHV enthusiasts among us, of which my husband is one, the Turkey Bay OHV Area is a mecca for off-roading. Jeeps, side-by-sides, four-wheelers and motorcycles have the ability to camp and ride on over 100 miles of trails that skirt the lake, dive deep into the woods and otherwise snake all through this gorgeous section of the LBL. If you get there early and snag a spot, it’s even possible to set up camp right on the shores of the lake.
Drive through the Elk & Bison Prairie
After you’re done with your lake day in Murray, venture on over to the Golden Pond Planetarium & Observatory for some A/C and a show among the stars. Open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm, the planetarium boasts live presentations that allow visitors to learn about all things space—and even see the constellations via the 360-degree, 40-foot domed theater that is outfitted with surround sound. You can also visit the Elk & Bison Prairie National Wildlife Sanctuary, a 700-acre piece of land that allows these majestic creatures to roam freely within its boundaries just next door.
A great place to take a car full of children to ogle at wildlife, the loop road that runs through the sanctuary is $5 for entrance and has a cash/credit card machine at the gate. The elk are best viewed at dusk during the warmer months.
Hike Eggner’s Ferry Bridge and Hematite Lake
If you’re up for a stroll, tackle the 3.5-mile walk over Eggner’s Ferry Bridge, a modern-looking and soaring structure that crosses the lake. It was originally built in 1932 and later replaced after a cargo ship accident in 2012. The bridge provides a walkway and bike path for runners and cyclists who want to enjoy the views across Kentucky Lake. Park at the Lakeside Trailhead if you’re on the western side of the span; if you’re in the east, stop at Fenton Campground and begin your journey there along the Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail, 11 miles of compacted stone or paved road perfect for mountain or gravel bikes.
Hematite Lake, a favorite spot for scenic photography or birdwatching, is an easy 2.5-mile hike around the 87-acre body of water and is filled with remnants from when it was mined for the iron ore hematite. Nearby is the Woodlands Nature Station that has a mini-zoo of locally rescued animals that couldn’t survive in the wild; it now serves as educational tools for youth groups and adults traveling through the region (entrance fee is $5). Honkey Lake is also very close to the nature station with 4.5 miles of hiking and access for light fishing boats and kayaks or SUPs.
Where to stay in Murray, Kentucky
Because Murray is a college town, there are numerous affordable hotels like a Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express that border the campus. We stayed in the SpringHill Suites, a Marriott property with very large family rooms that was perfect for how much we like to spread out when we’re traveling. While on the lake, we also stopped by Kentucky Lake Glamping, which has lakefront Airstream trailers, geodesic domes, and tiny cabins that would be very cool to rent if you wanted to stay outside of town and really take advantage of the outdoors.
If you love camping in Kentucky, Land Between the Lakes has many sites dispersed across the peninsula. Hillman Ferry has 368 individual campsites with six rustic cabins, access to a 59-mile mountain biking trail and an archery range, boat launches, showers and laundry facilities. Piney Campground has 384 sites, nine cabins for rent and is close to the Fort Henry Trail System, an interconnected 30-mile set of deep forest trails for both hikers and mountain bikes. Energy Lake Campground, a 35-site destination that offers 33 with electrical hookups, also has 13 primitive cabins with a beautiful beach swimming area.
If you’re not the camping type but still enjoy exploration of the outdoors, the region offers hundreds of options, from privately-run lake resorts, hotels and short-term rentals on Airbnb and VRBO.
For more tips on what to do in Murray, check out the local tourism site, or download our one-page itinerary if you need tips on the go.
From the sun-drenched streets of Perth to the dramatic landscapes of Kalbarri National Park, these are the best places to visit in Western Australia.
If you’re craving wide open spaces, jaw-dropping natural beauty, and the kind of road trip where you might go hours without seeing another soul, Western Australia should be on your bucket list!
As the country’s largest state, Western Australia (WA) takes up Australia’s entire western third. It spans nearly one-third of the continent’s total landmass, yet it’s home to only a small portion of the population.
While Australia’s East Coast often steals the spotlight with big-name cities and bustling beach towns, those who venture west are rewarded with a different experience.
Travelling to WA means discovering many untouched wilderness areas and fewer crowds, even at some of the most incredible spots!
Western Australia is where red deserts meet turquoise seas, where you can swim with whale sharks, hike through deep gorges, and kick back on some of the most pristine beaches on Earth, all without the hustle and bustle of the East Coast!
WA is the ultimate off-the-beaten-path destination, perfect for nature lovers, road trippers, and anyone who wants to discover a hidden part of the country.
Explore the remote landscapes of Western Australia!
25 Must-See Places To Visit In Western Australia
No matter which corner of Western Australia you plan to explore, you’re in for a treat!
Not sure where to begin? These 25 places to visit in Western Australia are the perfect starting point for planning an unforgettable adventure here.
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. Perth
Start your Western Australia adventure in the vibrant capital of Perth, where sunshine, surf, and good vibes set the tone for your road trip ahead.
Home to stunning beaches like Cottesloe and Scarborough, Perth is the perfect place to unwind and ease into holiday mode.
Spend a lazy morning swimming or sunbathing before grabbing a coffee from one of the city’s cool cafés.
Perth’s food and drink scene is impressive, with rooftop bars, trendy wine spots, and casual restaurants that showcase the best of WA’s delicious local produce.
For some of the most breathtaking views of Perth, head straight to Kings Park.
Perched on Mount Eliza just west of the city, this 400-hectare green space overlooks the Swan River, looking out to panoramic vistas of the Perth skyline and the distant Darling Ranges.
You’ll also find a maze of walking trails weaving through native bushland that makes up two-thirds of the park. The remaining third features playgrounds, open spaces, and the stunning Western Australia Botanic Garden, bursting with native blooms.
If you visit between late August and October, you’ll be treated to a wildflower wonderland, think everlastings, kangaroo paws, and bright WA acacias. All just a stone’s throw from the sparkling Swan River!
3. Rottnest Island
After a relaxing few days in Perth, it’s time to hit the road and take a day trip to Rottnest Island, a must-see destination famous for its adorable quokkas.
While these cheeky little creatures might steal the spotlight, the island offers far more than just the perfect selfie with its furry residents.
One of the best ways to explore Rottnest Island is on two wheels! Rent a bike from Pedal & Flipper, conveniently located near the ferry terminal, and enjoy the freedom to discover the island’s natural beauty at your own pace.
Hop between the island’s pristine beaches or cruise along the scenic coastline. If you’re into snorkelling, The Basin is a top spot to explore the underwater world, while Pinky Beach is the perfect place to kick back and soak up the sun.
Margaret River is another favourite local getaway in Western Australia for good reasons. Nestled in the heart of WA’s stunning South West, this charming region is a treasure trove of experiences.
From award-winning wineries and top-notch dining to world-class surf breaks, pristine beaches, and tranquil forests, Margaret River has plenty to keep you occupied.
Explore local organic farms, try your hand at glass-making workshops, or visit Australia’s largest collection of birds of prey.
And for wine enthusiasts, the famous vineyards of the Margaret River region are a must-visit. Treat yourself to a day of tasting world-class wines with a gourmet lunch on this Margaret River Wine Tour.
5. Ningaloo Reef Marine Park
Don’t forget to stop by the stunning Ningaloo Reef Marine Park when you visit Western Australia.
Stretching over 300km from Carnarvon’s Red Bluff to Exmouth Gulf’s Bundegi Beach, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed reef is the world’s largest fringing reef system, and much of it is accessible just off the mainland.
The Ningaloo Reef Marine Park is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, including the world’s biggest fish, the whale shark.
Hundreds of these gentle giants visit the reef annually, with the best chances of spotting them from mid-March through late July.
But the whale sharks aren’t the only visitors. Manta rays, turtles, and humpback whales also frequent the waters of Ningaloo, so you might get lucky and encounter them during your whale watching adventures.
The stunning Ningaloo Reef Marine Park from above
6. Broome
Nestled along the Indian Ocean, Broome is famous for its iconic Cable Beach, a breathtaking 22-km stretch of powdery white sand and sparkling turquoise waters. While it’s a paradise for swimmers, it’s perhaps best known for its unforgettable sunset camel rides!
But Broome isn’t just about its beaches – it also boasts dramatic landscapes and a rich pearl-diving history, making it an interesting place to explore in Western Australia.
As the western gateway to the Kimberley wilderness, Broome offers a range of experiences that showcase the beauty of the Indian Ocean.
Cruise along its turquoise waters, marvel at the red ochre cliffs, and embark on a camel ride at sunset.
For a truly breathtaking perspective, take to the skies on a scenic flight over Broome and the Kimberley coast. One of the best options is the Buccaneer Explorer Half-Day Scenic Flight, which flies over the Buccaneer Archipelago, Horizontal Falls, and Cape Leveque.
Karijini National Park is a desert oasis located 1,400km northeast of Perth, showcasing some of Western Australia’s most incredible landscapes.
With tranquil, fern-lined swimming holes, spectacular gorges, and deep rock chasms, it’s a place where nature’s beauty takes centre stage!
As one of WA’s most picturesque national parks, Karijini invites visitors to explore its breathtaking crevices and hidden swimming holes through its walking trails.
Are you in the mood for a hike? Popular routes like the serene Fern Pool and the stunning Hamersley Gorge’s Spa Pool are perfect. The latter, fed by a small waterfall and encircled by curved rock, has crystal-clear water.
8. Esperance
If you want to experience a coastal paradise that still feels wonderfully untouched, Esperance is worth checking out when you visit Western Australia.
With its impossibly white beaches and rounded islands dotting the horizon, this hidden gem would likely be overwhelmed with tourists if it were closer to a major city.
Thankfully, it remains a peaceful escape, luring visitors with unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
Take a stroll along the Esperance foreshore, where the views of the sparkling waters are simply breathtaking. For a true Robinson Crusoe-style adventure, hop on a boat to explore Woody Island, a serene retreat with pristine beaches and wildlife.
Don’t miss Lake Hillier, famous for its vibrant pink hue, and the Lucky Bay kangaroos that love to sunbathe on the beach!
Also be sure to visit Twilight Beach, just 8 kilometres west of the town. This stunning beach is celebrated for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sands, and striking granite rock formations. Known for its gentle surf, Twilight Beach is a safe and inviting destination, especially during summer when it’s patrolled for added safety.
Esperance has some of the best beaches in Australia.
9. Fremantle
Fremantle is hands down one of the coolest places to visit in Western Australia. Just a short drive or train ride from Perth, this laid-back port city is full of character and charm.
Wander through its historic streets of well-preserved 19th-century buildings, then pop into quirky boutiques, indie art galleries, and bustling weekend markets selling delicious local produce.
Fremantle’s got an incredible food and drink scene, too. You’ll find hip cafes, old-school pubs, and craft breweries.
History buffs should explore the eerie Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while beach lovers can unwind at South Beach or Bathers Beach.
Don’t miss Busselton, a vibrant coastal town just 30 minutes from Margaret River and 45 minutes south of Bunbury. It’s home to one of the region’s most iconic tourist attractions: the Busselton Jetty.
Stretching 1.841 km into the calm waters of Geographe Bay, the Busselton jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.
One of the best ways to experience the jetty? Hop aboard the 90-seat electric jetty train that glides over the Indian Ocean and takes you straight to the Busselton Underwater Observatory, one of the world’s only six natural underwater observatories.
If you’re keen on underwater adventures, try this guided snorkel tour at the Busselton Jetty. After a quick and scenic boat ride, you’ll dive into the clear waters to swim alongside vibrant schools of fish and explore a trail of fascinating underwater sculptures!
11. The Pinnacles
Drive to Nambung National Park, just 190km north of Perth, near the coastal town of Cervantes. Visiting this place feels like stepping onto another planet.
As one of the most surreal national parks in Western Australia, it is home to the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert, a vast expanse of golden sand scattered with thousands of limestone pillars.
These natural formations, known as The Pinnacles, were formed 25,000 to 30,000 years ago from ancient seashell deposits, then shaped by centuries of wind and sand erosion.
Some rise to 3.5 metres tall, sharp and jagged, while others are smoother and dome-like.
You can walk or drive the loop through the desert to get up close to these formations. Visit at sunrise or sunset to get the best lighting for photos.
12. Kalbarri National Park
Known for its jaw-dropping red cliffs that dramatically meet the Indian Ocean, Kalbarri National Park is one of the top attractions in Western Australia.
Thanks to the dramatic Kalbarri Skywalk, experiencing the park’s beauty has never been easier.
The cantilevered platforms stretch 25 meters over the edge of the Murchison River Gorge, giving you a dizzying and spectacular perspective of the 100-meter drop below.
For those who prefer a more thrilling way to explore, conquer the 9-kilometre Loop Walk. This Grade 4 trail hugs the gorge’s rim before descending to the riverbank and back to the park’s iconic Nature’s Window.
It’s one of the most rewarding hikes among Western Australia’s tourist attractions, but be warned: temperatures can soar to 50°C in summer!
The trail closes after 7:00 AM from November to March, so aim for spring or autumn when the weather is milder and the stunning wildflowers are in full bloom.
Nature’s Window in Kalbarri National Park
13. Shark Bay
Shark Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed region famed for its rich biodiversity, striking landscapes, and rare ecosystems.
This remote coastal wonderland is home to 28 species of sharks, the world’s largest seagrass meadows, and an impressive lineup of natural highlights.
Other cool sights in the area include Francois Peron National Park, Shell Beach, the ancient stromatolites of Hamelin Pool, and Monkey Mia, known for its wild dolphin watching encounters.
Shark Bay is also a place of historic significance. It was here, in 1616, that Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog made the first recorded European landing on Australia’s west coast, long before Captain Cook arrived on the east.
With only one 130km road in and out, visiting Shark Bay feels like entering a secluded world of wonders. Go on a day cruise, explore Big Lagoon with a cultural tour, or marvel at the otherworldly sights that make this one of the top places to visit in Western Australia.
14. Stirling Range and Bluff Knoll
While many thought snow wouldn’t fall in Western Australia, Bluff Knoll in Stirling Range National Park proves otherwise.
When conditions are right, a light blanket of snow covers Bluff Knoll, the tallest peak in Stirling Range National Park, creating one of the state’s most unexpected and magical natural attractions!
Bluff Knoll’s 6km return hike is a rewarding challenge, usually taking around three hours to complete. The trail winds through dramatic landscapes and offers breathtaking views across the ranges.
Not feeling like a hike? No worries. There’s also a 42km scenic drive through Stirling National Park, featuring plenty of lookout points to soak in the scenery.
You can also go mountain biking, but with some important considerations. The North Boundary Track is a 7.3-mile out-and-back trail near North Stirlings, considered moderately challenging and suitable for mountain biking.
Coral Bay is a great place to experience the beauty of the Coral Coast.
This charming little town sits on the edge of Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s most stunning fringing reefs.
With crystal-clear water and a vibrant underwater world, Coral Bay is also a popular place to dive into the wonders of marine life.
What makes Coral Bay so special is its easy access to Ningaloo Reef. You don’t need a boat to get to the reef, as it stretches right up to the shore, making it one of the few places in the world where you can snorkel directly off the beach.
Monkey Mia, a charming resort town nestled along the fringes of Francois Peron National Park on the Coral Coast, is known for offering close-up encounters with wild dolphins in their natural habitat!
Every morning, playful bottlenose dolphins would make their way into the bay, swimming past visitors standing in ankle-deep water, eager for a glimpse.
Anyone who has paid the reserve entry fee can join in the experience. However, spots are usually limited, so arrive early for the best chance to interact with these incredible creatures.
After your dolphin encounter in Monkey Mia, why not take a refreshing dip in the bay, enjoy a meal at a nearby restaurant, or explore the stunning hiking trails through the nearby national park?
Escape to paradise in Monkey Mia, Western Australia
16. Windjana Gorge National Park
If you head north along the legendary Gibb River Road, stop at Windjana Gorge National Park – it’s exactly what outback dreams are made of!
Carved into the Napier Range, this dramatic 3.5 km-long gorge was once part of an ancient coral reef, and the fossilised marine life in its limestone walls is proof.
In the wet season, the Lennard River flows through the gorge. When the weather is dry, it transforms into tranquil rock pools, fringed by shady trees and native shrubs.
Tempting as it may look, resist the urge for a swim! These calm waters are home to freshwater crocodiles, often seen basking along the edges.
Instead, explore the nearby trails, where you might spot fruit bats and corellas roosting by the water.
18. Tunnel Creek
As you continue your adventure along the Gibb River Road, not far from Windjana Gorge, you’ll come across one of Western Australia’s most fascinating natural and cultural landmarks, Tunnel Creek.
The remarkable site is home to the oldest known cave system in the state, carved through the limestone of the Napier Range over millions of years.
Walk directly through the 750-metre tunnel, wading through shallow freshwater pools and navigating by torchlight as bats flutter overhead. As you walk along this path, discover hidden rock formations, secret chambers, and even small waterfalls during the wet season.
Tunnel Creek also holds fascinating history, another reason why it’s a must-stop on your Gibb River Road journey.
It was once the hideout of Jandamarra, a Bunuba resistance fighter, and the site remains a powerful symbol of Aboriginal cultural heritage and resilience.
Hutt Lagoon is a stunning pink lake that looks even more vibrant in person than in photos. This bubblegum-colored beauty gets its unique hue from algae in the water, producing a red-orange pigment called carotene when exposed to sunlight.
Fun fact – this is the same pigment that gives flamingos their rosy glow!
The pink lake is a showstopper year-round, but the best time to visit is on a sunny day between 10 AM and 2 PM when the light hits just right for that perfect pop of pink.
If you’re more into golden hour vibes, sunset offers a different but equally magical experience.
While the main viewing areas of Hutt Lagoon near Port Gregory are accessible by regular vehicles, the surrounding region is best suited for four-wheel driving. Book this Pink Lake Buggy Tour and experience the vibrant hues of Hutt Lagoon like never before.
The crazy pink hues of Hutt Lagoon.
20. Wave Rock
Wave Rock, known as Katter Kitch to the Noongar people of South West Australia, is a place of deep cultural significance.
Located near the town of Hyden in Western Australia, this iconic site was once a keniny (dancing ground) for the Ballardong people and plays a role in their Dreamtime stories.
Shaped over an astonishing 270 million years, Wave Rock rises 15 metres high and stretches 100 metres.
Its striking, wave-like curve and multi-coloured granite surface make it one of WA’s most photographed natural attractions.
Snapping a playful “surf’s up” shot at the base is almost a rite of passage, even if you’re not into surfing.
Just 800 metres away lies the Wave Rock Salt Bath, a 6-metre-deep jade-coloured gypsum pool that’s saltier than the Dead Sea. Hop in for a relaxing, buoyant float and let the outback magic soak in.
21. Dunsborough
Dunsborough is one of those dreamy coastal towns that instantly makes you feel like you’re on holiday, even if you’re only passing through!
Located just 30 minutes north of Margaret River, this laid-back spot is a gem on Western Australia’s southwest coast.
What makes Dunsborough so special? For one, the beaches here are stunning. Meelup Beach is an absolute highlight, recognised for its calm turquoise waters, soft white sand, and shady trees where you can enjoy a picnic.
Dunsborough is also home to the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, which offers some of the best coastal views in the region.
It’s also a great starting point for those trails along the Cape to Cape Track, with wildflowers and whale sightings if you’re lucky and visiting in season.
Nestled just 40 minutes south of Margaret River, the charming coastal town of Augusta is another place worth stopping by on your adventure through South West Australia.
One of the town’s biggest draws is its proximity to the stunning Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in the region.
For those seeking even more natural wonders, the Jewel Cave is a must-visit attraction here. Just a short drive from Augusta, Jewel Cave is renowned for its stunning limestone formations, including massive stalagmites and stalactites.
Join guided tours that take you deep into the heart of Jewel Cave, where you can admire the sparkling crystal formations up close, which have been millions of years in the making.
23. Horizontal Falls
Western Australia boasts some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. But perhaps one of its most awe-inspiring natural wonders is its extraordinary tidal phenomenon.
Home to Australia’s largest tides, the tidal difference can reach a staggering 10 meters or more at its peak!
While these powerful tides can be observed throughout the Buccaneer Archipelago, the real spectacle happens in Talbot Bay, where the tide puts on a dramatic show.
As the water surges through the narrow gaps in the McLarty Range, it forms the stunning Horizontal Falls, or Garaanngaddim as it’s known to the Dambimangari people.
The best way to experience this phenomenon is on a thrilling jet boat tour or a scenic flight departing from Broome or Derby.
The unique phenomenon of Horizontal Falls
24. Valley of the Giants
For something unique, check out the Valley of the Giants near Walpole. This enchanting forest is home to some of the world’s tallest timber giants.
These ancient red tingle trees can only be found in this part of the state.
The highlight? The Treetop Walk. It’s a gentle, suspended walkway that lets you wander 40 metres above the forest floor, where you can marvel at stunning views from above the canopy.
Back on ground level, there’s also an easy interpretive trail that weaves among the massive trunks -some with hollowed-out bases you can stand inside!
The Valley of the Giants is one of those places that makes you feel small in the best way possible.
Albany is another gem of South West Australia. This historic town is the site of the first European settlement in WA and is home to a charming mix of heritage buildings, windswept beaches, and stunning coastal cliffs.
A must-visit while you’re here is the National Anzac Centre, located within the Princess Royal Fortress on Mount Adelaide.
Overlooking King George Sound, the museum tells the deeply moving story of over 41,000 Australian and New Zealand troops who departed from these shores in World War I.
While in Albany, make time to explore the raw beauty of the coastline at The Gap and Natural Bridge.
These dramatic rock formations showcase the sheer power of the Southern Ocean, with waves crashing against towering cliffs and into the deep crevice of The Gap.
There’s a cantilevered viewing platform that puts you right above it all, perfect for that wow-factor moment!
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Today, I want to talk about my favorite travel insurance company: SafetyWing.
Who is SafetyWing?
SafetyWing is an insurance company that focuses on affordable coverage for budget travelers and digital nomads (though you don’t have to be either to get coverage). It is run by nomads and expats who know exactly what such travelers need.
SafetyWing offers basic insurance plans (called “Nomad Essential”) for a fraction of what other companies charge, although they are also less comprehensive. To me, they are the best overall travel insurance company out there.
Their standard Nomad Insurance coverage costs just $56.28 USD for 4 weeks (for travelers aged 10-39). That’s one of the lowest prices out there for reliable travel insurance. They are super competitive when it comes to price.
Their coverage extends all the way to age 69, however, travelers aged 60-69 should expect to pay upwards of $196 USD per month for coverage. Still very reasonable, to be honest.
But is the coverage actually good? What about the customer service?
Today I want to review Safety Wing and talk about when it is — and isn’t — worth using so you can better prepare for your next trip and ensure you have the coverage you need.
What Does SafetyWing Cover?
SafetyWing’s standard Nomad Insurance plan is the Essential plan. It’s just $56.28 USD for four weeks of travel (outside the US). That works out to just $1.87 USD per day!
For travelers under age 64, that plan includes the following:
$250,000 USD in emergency medical coverage
$1,000 USD for emergency dental care
$100,000 USD for medical evacuation ($25,000 USD if the cause of medical evacuation is acute onset of pre-existing condition)
$10,000 USD for an evacuation due to political upheaval
$5,000 USD for a trip interruption
Up to $100 a day after a 12-hour delay period requiring an unplanned overnight stay. Subject to a maximum of 2 days.
$12,500–25,000 USD for death or dismemberment
$20,000 USD for repatriation of remains
Be sure to check the description of coverage for any conditions that apply.
Its $100,000 USD for medical evacuation is on the low end, but unless you’re heading out into the remote wilderness, that should be fine. (If you want higher coverage, get MedJet.)
Its travel-delay payout is pretty low, but airlines and most travel credit cards provide travel delay assistance too so you might not even need the coverage offered by SafetyWing. Additionally, it doesn’t really cover expensive electronics, which sucks if you have a pricey camera or video gear.
As with most standard travel insurance plans, this one doesn’t include pre-existing conditions or certain adventure sports, so it’s not a good policy if you’re going to do a lot of adventure activities on the road.
They do offer a couple helpful add-ons that I think a lot of travelers will appreciate, including coverage for adventure activities and electronics theft. That means that if you need the coverage, you can pay extra for it. However, if you don’t need it then you don’t have to pay for it, keeping your costs low. I appreciate that, as someone who always needs electronic coverage but who never needs adventure activity coverage (I’m not a big adrenaline junkie).
What’s Not Covered?
The Essential plan is primarily geared towards covering medical emergencies and basic travel mishaps (like delays and lost luggage). Here are some things that aren’t covered:
Alcohol- or drug-related incidents.
Extreme sports & adventure activities (unless you purchase the adventure sports add-on, which is available for non-US residents)
Pre-existing conditions or general check-ups
Trip cancellation
Lost or stolen cash
Nomad Complete: Coverage for Digital Nomads and Long-Term Travelers
In 2023, SafetyWing launched Nomad Health (now called their “Complete” plan). It’s insurance for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers. This new plan offers a mix of the standard emergency coverage that we’ve been discussing above along with “regular” health care coverage, such as routine visits and preventive care.
The Complete plan also offers coverage in 175 countries, includes wellness benefits, mental health care, and the ability for individuals to choose their own doctor while traveling. They will be expanding coverage too, including an add-on for “electronics theft” (which, as someone who has been robbed while traveling, I think is a great idea).
It’s like the kind of health insurance you’d find in your home country, ensuring that you’re looked after no matter what happens while you’re abroad.
If you’re just heading out for a couple weeks or a couple months, SafetyWing’s Essential plan is the option for you. It’s perfect for emergencies, is super affordable, and is designed for budget travelers. It’s the plan I use when I travel these days.
However, if you’re going to be working abroad or traveling for months (or years), then their new Complete plan is the better option. It offers much more coverage while still being affordable. In fact, it’s the plan I wish I had when I started traveling long-term!
SafetyWing makes it easy to file a claim through their online portal. You just upload all the required documents, screenshots, and photos, and wait to hear back. While claims can take up to 45 business days, most are handled in less than a week (as of writing, the average wait time is four days).
If you read the reviews online, most people who had a negative experience either didn’t know about the deductible (SafetyWing removed their deductible for non-US residents as of 2024) or hated the length of time it took to get paid. But that’s pretty normal for people to complain about.
On the plus side, SafetyWing’s average time to handle a claim is down to just four days. That’s way faster than most companies!
A Note About COVID
SafetyWing does include coverage for COVID-19. As long as the virus was not contracted before your plan starts, then it will be covered (as long as it is medically necessary).
SafetyWing also covers quarantine costs (outside your home country) for up to $50 USD/day for 10 days (provided that you’ve had your plan for at least 28 days).
Pros and Cons of SafetyWing
Here’s a look that the pros and cons of SafetyWing at a glance to help you decide if it’s the best insurance provider for you and your trip:
Most affordable travel insurance out there
Only covers up to age 69
Offers coverage for COVID-19
Limited coverage for gear/electronics
You can buy plans online even if you’re already on your trip
Limited coverage for adventure activities
Easy to submit claims online
No trip cancellation coverage
After being abroad for 90 days, you keep your medical coverage for 30 days in your home country (15 days if you’re from the U.S.)
Up to 2 children under 10 per family (1 per adult) can be included for free
No need to set an end date (subscription renews every 4 weeks)
Two different plans mean you can easily find one that works for you/your budget
Who is SafetyWing Good — and Not Good For?
SafetyWing is designed as mainly medical coverage. Since SafetyWing is designed for the budget-conscious digital nomad, it doesn’t cover some areas that might be more of a priority for a shorter-term traveler. Here’s a quick chart to help you decide if SafetyWing is right for you:
Budget travelers
People traveling with a TON of electronics
Someone looking for simple emergency coverage
Anyone needing comprehensive trip delay or cancellation
People without lots of expensive electronics
People doing excessive extreme sports/activities
Digital nomads who need medical coverage for long-term travel
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Travel insurance is something I never leave home without. I know it’s a boring topic to read about and research, but it can literally save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in bills! I never, ever leave home without it. You shouldn’t either.
So, the next time you’re on the road, consider SafetyWing. To me, they are the best travel insurance company out there for budget travelers.
You can use the booking widget below to get a quote (it’s free):
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
These South Australia road trips showcase natural wonders and rugged beauty, whether you want a day trip or a week-long adventure.
South Australia is seriously underrated when it comes to road tripping.
Compared to the East Coast, the West Coast, or even the Great Ocean Road down in Victoria, South Australia is often overlooked when it comes to coastal road trips.
But South Australia has so much to offer for those looking to explore by car. With dramatic coastlines, world-class wine regions, rugged outback landscapes, and white sandy beaches, South Australian road trips showcase the best of Australia.
Here are some amazing road trip routes to consider for your trip to South Australia.
Whether you want a quick road trip to be done in a few days, or a massive expedition around the mountains, these routes are packed with adventure and beauty.
We will also mention some interstate road trips for those with more time to spare. Road tripping from one Australian city or state to another is the perfect way to slow travel and see more Down Under.
Here are some of the best South Australian road trips.
Whether you want to stay in a historic town surrounded by vineyards or camp under the vast Outback stars in a national park, South Australia has a variety of landscapes and cultures that you can explore on a road trip.
Most travellers who visit South Australia will start their trip in Adelaide. Here you can pick up a rental car and explore South Australia at your own pace.
If you’re starting a road trip outside Adelaide, you should still be able to find car hire if the town is big enough.
With stunning scenery, rich Aboriginal culture, sprawling national parks, white sandy beaches, rolling hills, native wildlife, and more, any road trip through the state is sure to impress.
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.
Kangaroo Island
Recommended time frame: 3-5 days
Recommended route: Cape Jervis, Penneshaw, Kingscote, Flinders Chase National Park, Vivonne Bay, return to Cape Jervis
A road trip around Kangaroo Island is the ultimate escape into nature, where raw coastal beauty meets abundant wildlife and rustic charm.
Start with a ferry ride from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw, the second-biggest town on Kangaroo Island.
Then head west through rolling farmland and eucalyptus forests toward Kingscote, the island’s main town and a good spot to stock up on supplies or spend the night.
Nearby, you can meet sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park, stroll among the wildlife at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, or sample local honey and spirits from boutique producers.
If you want a break from driving, book a coastal safari or a dolphin, seal and swimming boat tour to get the best views of the rugged coastline and spot marine life around Kangaroo Island! Or hit the beach at the beautiful Stokes Bay.
The western end of Kangaroo Island is home to Flinders Chase National Park. This majestic area has dramatic rock formations like the sculptural Remarkable Rocks and the wave-carved Admirals Arch.
On your return loop back to the mainland, stop in Vivonne Bay for a swim, admire the sand dunes at Little Sahara, and stop in at the artisan producers around American River.
With 3–5 days, you can circle Kangaroo Island at a relaxed pace and see more than you would on a day trip.
Fleurieu Peninsula
Recommended time frame: 3-5 days
Recommended route: Adelaide, McLaren Vale, Victor Harbor, Deep Creek, Cape Jervis
Another one of the best South Australia road trips is the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula. With a mix of coastal scenery, food and wine, and relaxed countryside charm, it’s the perfect road trip for those with just a few days to spare from Adelaide.
Start your journey heading south to McLaren Vale, where rolling vineyards meet the sea. Here, you can spend wine tasting, dining at cellar door restaurants, cycling the Shiraz Trail, to soaking up the sun at Aldinga Beach.
As you continue toward the coast, the drive opens up to stunning beach views and quiet bays. Stop at Port Willunga for sunset over the famous beach pylons or enjoy a seafood lunch in the vibrant town of Aldinga.
From there, cruise further south to Victor Harbor, a seaside town known for its horse-drawn tram to Granite Island and excellent whale watching in winter.
To fully appreciate the beauty of the Victor Harbor coastline, get out on the water! Join a Seal Island cruise or a Southern Ocean adventure cruise to spot dolphins, seals, sea lions, and more marine life along the Fleurieu Peninsula.
For something wilder, head toward Deep Creek National Park. This rugged coastal reserve has hiking trails, waterfalls, and secluded campsites that are a perfect addition to any South Australian road trips!
End your loop at Cape Jervis, where you can take the ferry to Kangaroo Island or head back to Adelaide.
Coastal views in Victor Harbor
Flinders Ranges
Recommended time frame: 3-7 days
Recommended route: Port Augusta, Mount Little Station, Brachina Gorge, Wilpena Pound, Arkaroola
The Flinders Ranges are a rugged, timeless landscape rich in Aboriginal culture, geology, and wildlife.
Start the road trip in Port Augusta, a historic outback hub that acts as the gateway to both the Flinders Ranges and the Nullarbor.
One of the first epic places to stop once you enter the national park is Mount Little Station, where you can go camping, hiking, stargazing, and 4WDing.
Then take on the Moralana Scenic Drive, which runs from the Outback Highway to the Flinders Ranges Way. The route is about 30km and has some spectacular views, specifically of the southern edge of Wilpena Pound.
Head north up to Brachina Gorge via Bunyeroo Road, which has more spectacular lookouts of the Flinders Ranges mountains. Razorback Lookout and Bunyeroo Valley Lookout are one of the best viewpoints to visit!
Past Brachina Gorge, there are lots of wilderness campsites where you can spend the night under the Outback stars.
For those with a 4WD and a thirst for exploration, continue deeper into the ranges toward Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the northern Flinders. This remote, rocky outcrop is known for its rugged 4WD tracks, rich Indigenous heritage, and world-class stargazing in some of the darkest skies in Australia.
When you’re ready to drive back south towards civilization, take the Flinders Ranges way and stop at more Outback stations, historic homesteads, and hiking trails.
End your epic South Australia road trip around the mountains with a visit to Wilpena Pound, a massive natural amphitheatre ideal for hiking, scenic flights, or photography.
Driving through the Flingers Ranges is a treat!
Adelaide Wine Country
Recommended time frame: 1-4 days
Recommended route: Adelaide, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley
A road trip through the Barossa and Clare Valleys is a dream for wine lovers, foodies, and anyone who enjoys rolling countryside and charming heritage towns.
This is one of the few South Australia road trips on this list that can be done in one day! Though we recommend taking a few days to enjoy both wine regions fully before returning to Adelaide.
Start with a road trip from Adelaide to the Barossa Valley, which is only an hour. Spend your days sipping at iconic wineries like Penfolds, Seppeltsfield, and Yalumba, or discover smaller cellar doors tucked among the gum trees.
From the Barossa, continue north through picturesque farmland to reach the Clare Valley, a smaller but equally charming wine region known for its relaxed, historic town vibe.
One of the best ways to explore is by cycling the Riesling Trail, a 35 km path that winds through vineyards, cellar doors, and old railway stations between the towns of Clare, Sevenhill, and Auburn.
Don’t miss a visit to the historic Sevenhill Cellars, established by Jesuit priests in 1851, or a long lunch at one of the valley’s many gourmet pubs and winery restaurants.
Recommended route: Port Augusta, Whyalla, Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay, Elliston, Baird Bay, Ceduna
The Eyre Peninsula is an amazing South Australia road trip. It’s known for thrilling wildlife encounters, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and laid-back fishing towns. The Eyre Peninsula has even earned the nickname, “The Seafood Frontier”!
Starting from Port Augusta, you’ll head west toward Whyalla, where you can snorkel or dive with giant cuttlefish in the crystal-clear waters.
Continue south to Port Lincoln, known as the seafood capital of Australia. Here you can feast on freshly caught tuna, prawns, and oysters, or go full-throttle with once-in-a-lifetime experiences like cage diving with great white sharks or swimming with playful sea lions.
Or enjoy some land experiences like a 4WD tour across the sand dunes of Lincoln National Park at sunset, or an Aboriginal cultural tour.
Just west of Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay is another highlight of the Eyre Peninsula. Spend at least a full day in Coffin Bay, where you can explore stunning national park beaches and join an oyster farm boat tour to learn about the Seafood Frontier.
Coffin Bay National Park is a coastal wilderness of white sand dunes, turquoise waters, and rugged limestone cliffs, perfect for 4WD adventures, water sports, secluded beach hikes, and spotting kangaroos by the sea.
Next, road trip along the stunning west coast of the Eyre Peninsula through coastal gems like Elliston, Baird Bay, and Streaky Bay, where towering cliffs and blowholes meet secluded beaches and iconic surf breaks.
Don’t miss the Talia Caves, naturally carved sandstone formations perfect for a quick hike and photo stop. Finish your loop in Ceduna, a quiet coastal town that serves as the launch point for the Nullarbor if you’re continuing west.
Nullarbour Plain
Recommended time frame: 3-10 days, depending on how far you want to go
Recommended route: Ceduna, Nullarbor Roadhouse, Head of Bight, Bunda Cliffs, Eucla, then head west to Perth or south to Esperance
The Nullarbor Plain is an iconic South Australia road trip. This vast, remote adventure crosses the world’s largest limestone plain for roughly 1,200 km from Ceduna in South Australia to Norseman in Western Australia.
While this road trip isn’t packed with cool sights like some of the coastal drives, this route gives you a true sense of the isolation and desert scenery of the Australian Outback.
Start your drive in Ceduna, South Australia and head west. Along the way, you’ll drive the famous “90 Mile Straight,” Australia’s longest straight stretch of road.
Other highlights you’ll see on the way include Penong’s giant windmills and the Nullarbor Roadhouse. Next, visit the Head of Bight for spectacular whale watching in winter, and don’t miss the dramatic seaside cliffs of the Bunda Cliffs!
As you cross the border into Western Australia near Border Village, remember to ditch any fruit and veg (strict biosecurity rules apply), and stop at the windswept, sand-covered ruins of the old Eucla Telegraph Station.
Recommended route: Mount Gambier, Robe, Coorong National Park, Goolwa, Cape Jervis, Adelaide
The stunning Southern Ocean Drive is another top option for a South Australia road trip. Starting at the border of South Australia and Victoria, this gorgeous coastal route follows the Southern Ocean all the way up to Adelaide.
You can combine this road trip with our routes for Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula! Or add on the Great Ocean Road and drive all the way to Melbourne! There are many ways to tackle this road trip.
Most people start the Southern Ocean Drive in Mount Gambier on the Limestone Coast, where you can explore the stunning Blue Lake, Umpherston Sinkhole, and Engelbrecht Cave.
Then stop in Robe, one of the most picturesque seaside towns in South Australia. Relax at Long Beach, take the scenic Obelisk Walk, and grab lunch at a local seafood spot. Wine lovers can stop at Cape Jaffa Wines or Robe Town Brewery for a drink with a view.
Next you’ll road trip along the Coorong, a stunning chain of saltwater lagoons and wetlands known for birdwatching, Aboriginal heritage, and shifting sand dunes.
Stop at the Coorong National Park Visitor Centre, or walk the Loop Road boardwalk trail to see the dunes up close.
Further along the south coast, stop in Goolwa, a charming riverside town at the mouth of the Murray River. You’ll pass even more laid-back surf towns like Normanville, Port Elliot, and Middleton before reaching Cape Jervis.
From here, either take a detour to explore Kangaroo Island or head north along the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula towards Adelaide.
Recommended route: Adelaide, Hahndorf, Mount Lofty, Stirling
For a convenient road trip near Adelaide that you can do in a day, explore Adelaide Hills!
With cool-climate wines, lush forests, charming villages, and artisanal food, you can explore all of this in a day or stretch it out into an overnight stay.
Start your journey by heading straight to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German settlement, where you can stroll along the historic main street filled with bakeries, leather shops, galleries, and German pubs.
If you have time, swing by Beerenberg Farm for seasonal fruit picking or visit The Cedars, the former home and studio of artist Sir Hans Heysen.
After soaking up the village charm, continue to Mount Lofty Summit for sweeping views over Adelaide, and if you’re feeling active, go for a walk in nearby Cleland Conservation Park or meet native animals at Cleland Wildlife Park.
From there, cruise down to Stirling, a leafy, garden-filled town with quaint bookshops, cafes, and gift stores. Enjoy lunch at The Stirling Hotel or pack a picnic for the peaceful Woorabinda Lake Reserve.
If you plan to stay overnight, the surrounding villages like Crafers, Aldgate, or Bridgewater offer cozy B&Bs, boutique retreats, and romantic cottages.
If you’re a real foodie, we also recommend touring Adelaide Central Market before or after your road trip to Adelaide Hills!
Coober Pedy
Recommended time frame: 5-10 days
Recommended route: Adelaide, Port Augusta, Lake Hart, Coober Pedy, Breakaways Reserve
If you want to experience Australia’s wild interior, try an Outback road trip from Adelaide to Coober Pedy!
Heading north along the Stuart Highway, the scenery changes from fertile farmland around Port Augusta to the wide, flat salt lakes and plains of the Outback desert.
Stop at quirky rural towns like Woomera, a historic site for Australia’s space research. Or take a short detour to see the otherworldly shores of Lake Hart, a dazzling salt lake that’s especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Then spend at least a couple of days in Coober Pedy! Known as the “Opal Capital of the World,” Coober Pedy is famous for its mining industry and its underground infrastructure that is made to escape the desert heat.
Then you can either return to Adelaide or continue your Outback adventure! Coober Pedy is right on the way for an Adelaide to Darwin road trip, which is one of the most incredible ways to explore the desert of South Australia, the Red Centre of the Northern Territory, and Australia’s Top End.
If you decide to do the road trip to Darwin after Coober Pedy, don’t miss Uluru, Kings Canyon, Katherine Gorge, Litchfield National Park, and Kakadu National Park.
Driving through the Breakaways near Coober Pedy at sunset
Other Australia road trip ideas
Australia is full of natural beauty, white sand beaches, snow capped mountains, Outback scenery and more. Road trips are an amazing way to explore this vast continent.
Any of these South Australian road trips can be modified or extended to include more of Australia’s highlights. If you have a few weeks or months, you can take on some incredible adventures.
Road trip from Adelaide to the East Coast, where you can drive north and visit iconic locations like Sydney and the Sea Cliff Bridge, Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Noosa, and the Great Barrier Reef. New South Wales and Queensland both have much to offer!
Or road trip from Adelaide to Perth and head north along the West Coast. Plan your own itinerary in Australia and you’ll be amazed at what you can discover with some car hire and road trip maps!
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