After 35 flights, 21 cities and countless delays, my 2025 travel diary is officially closed.
In my role as Time Out Australia’s Travel Editor, I’ve had so many pinch-me moments this year. From swimming with whale sharks in the Ningaloo Reef to flying over The Whitsundays’ famous Heart Reef, I’ve ticked off epic experiences I didn’t even know existed. To provide you with some inspiration for your 2026 adventures, I’ve rounded up all the most incredible things I did in Australia this year. Do yourself a favour and add them to your own Aussie bucket list.
1. Flying over Heart Reef in The Whitsundays
Heart Reef is easily one of Australia’s most Instagram-worthy landmarks, and yes, it now has a permanent spot on my feed. As part of my stay at the Intercontinental Hayman Island Great Barrier Reef, I was lucky enough to go on a helicopter ride over the famous heart-shaped reef. Trust me: those aqua swirls of powder-blue sea and white silica sand are just as beautiful as you’d imagine. It’s a total blow-out experience, but it’s absolutely worth it.
2. Watching the sunset at Rainbow Valley near Alice Springs
Just outside of Alice Springs, Rainbow Valley is one of those rare places that truly took my breath away. Known as Wurre to the Upper Southern Arrernte Traditional Owners, this conservation area is home to many significant archaeological sites and ancient Aboriginal artefacts. I timed my visit for sunset and witnessed the entire spectacle, watching the ochre red walls transition into fiery orange and soft pink. It was nothing short of magic.
3. Swimming with whale sharks in the Ningaloo Reef
This might just be the coolest thing I’ve ever done. Ningaloo Reef is one of the world's largest fringing reefs and the most reliable spot to swim with whale sharks. The whole process is incredibly organised and ethical, strictly limiting the experience to only ten swimmers with the shark at a time. Yes, the sheer intensity left me physically winded after every swim, but I would sign up to do it again in an absolute heartbeat.
4. Running in the Sydney Marathon
On the most beautiful, sunny winter day, I hit the streets with 35,000 runners from across the globe for the Sydney Marathon – the Southern Hemisphere’s first-ever World Marathon Major. Crossing the finish line at the Sydney Opera House, I was reminded just how lucky I am – to live in this incredible city, to be part of a community that shows up for each other and to have a body that carried me every step of the way.
5. Foraging mushrooms at Tunnel Hill near Hobart
When I heard about an old railway tunnel turned fungi farm hiding in Tasmania, I knew I had to visit. This winter, founder Dean Smith finally started welcoming guests to explore the mycelial magic of his underground mushroom lair. I was one of the first to tour his self-built lab, which culminates in the ultimate pay-off: foraging for mushrooms in the dark tunnels, and then having them cooked on Smith’s one-of-a-kind ‘train barbecue’.
6. Meeting the animals at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast
Despite its legendary status, I never visited Australia Zoo as a kid – but if I’m lucky enough to have children, I’ll definitely be bringing them. Best known as the home of Steve Irwin (AKA: the Crocodile Hunter), this massive wildlife park is as Australian as it gets. It was surreal to see the saltwater croc feeding show in real life, and the kangaroos really do hop right up to say g’day (they’re completely unfenced). However, the best part was staying at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge – a luxe wilderness retreat just metres from the zoo.
7. Seeing the ‘Ken Done: No Rules’ exhibition on the Gold Coast
Ken Done is a household name in Australia, and for good reason. Since his first solo show in 1980, the ever-colourful Sydney-born artist has brought joy and vibrancy to everything he touches. His latest landmark exhibition, ‘Ken Done: No Rules’ at HOTA, brings his best works together in one gorgeous gallery, and it genuinely sparked so much joy.
8. Hiking to Goat House on Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island is famed for its breathtaking beaches and reefs, but what surprised me most was the beauty waiting on the mountaintops. If I could recommend only one thing to do on the island, it would be the Goat House hike. Fair warning: this one’s not for the faint-hearted. I climbed 533 metres above sea level, pulling myself up parts of the cliff face with the help of sturdy ropes. But it was worth every step for the sweeping views of the island’s croissant-shaped curve melting into the Tasman Sea.
9. Waking up with the sun at the Shangri-La Sydney
I know I live in one of the most beautiful harbourfront cities in the world, but sometimes it takes watching the sunset on the 36th floor of a famous hotel to remind me just how incredible Sydney really is. The real wow moment of my stay was being able to watch both the sunrise and sunset from the comfort of my incredibly bouncy bed.
10. Watching La Ronde at Adelaide Fringe
March is my favourite time of year to visit South Australia for Adelaide Fringe, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest arts festival. This year, more than 6,000 global artists performed across an impressive 1,400 shows – but there was one clear winner for me: La Ronde. This cabaret-comedy-concert hybrid by the Strut & Fret team (Blanc de Blanc, Limbo) gave a whole new meaning to the phrase “you gotta risk it for the biscuit”. It’s both risky and risqué, and the biscuit part will make sense once you’ve seen it. I had to pick my jaw up off the floor before leaving.
PS: If you missed it in Adelaide, La Ronde is currently on show at Sydney’s Grand Electric Theatre.