G’Day! The easy-going nature of the Aussie life has taken hold and there is something about Australia’s heart and soul that you can only truly understand once you’ve been there. I was incredibly fortunate to be one of 10 Canadian travel advisors to participate in a Tourism Australia Canada Famil Trip, to experience first-hand the best of the South Australia and Northern Territory areas as a part of the Certified Aussie Specialist Program.
Canadian Travel Agents at Uluru, Northern Territory, October 2025 for a Famil Trip
It was an intense and jam packed itinerary full of so many iconic locations and experiences of Australia. 9 flights in 10 days. A different hotel each night (with the exception of 2 nights spent in the Uluru area) and each day we were blown away with another “Wow” experience.
If the long journey may seem daunting at first, don’t let it overwhelm you. The flight from Vancouver to Sydney was about 16 hours. I didn’t know what to expect (especially sitting in a middle seat, no less!) but the time went by a lot of faster that I thought and it wasn’t before too long we arrived in Sydney. If that was our final destination, that would have been much easier but were had a layover before we boarded a Qantas flight to Adelaide.
ADELAIDE - the Cool Capital We Didn't Know About!
After checking into our hotel, we hit the ground running with a city tour of Adelaide with Flamboyance Tours.
After checking into our hotel, we hit the ground running with a city tour of Adelaide with Flamboyance Tours.
Adelaide way cooler than you think and we got a snippet of why it’s affectionately known as “Radelaide”! With a mix of the colonial architecture and Parliament House to the modern, urban street art, the eclectic mix of old and new blends together in a most unique way. It’s a city shaped by its history as a free settlement and thrives in a cool way just waiting to be explored!
The Spheres, Mall's Balls, Rundle Mall, Adelaide
I wish we had more time here though. Exhaustion sets in so after dinner, we called an early night because we head back to airport first thing in the morning to go to Mount Gambier to explore the Limestone Coast!
THE LIMESTONE COAST & COONAWARRA ADVENTURES:
Upon arrival in Mount Gambier, we were greeted by our guide, Simon Meares of Coonawarra Experiences, a premier boutique tour agency specializing in the Coonawarra and Limestone Coast area. Simon is such a gem and hosted us for 2 days with such pride and introduced us to some of the most interesting and passionate people I’ve ever met!
Upon arrival in Mount Gambier, we were greeted by our guide, Simon Meares of Coonawarra Experiences, a premier boutique tour agency specializing in the Coonawarra and Limestone Coast area. Simon is such a gem and hosted us for 2 days with such pride and introduced us to some of the most interesting and passionate people I’ve ever met!
Group A with our guide, Simon Meares of Coonawarra Experiences
Uncle Ken’s Bush Adventures
Uncle Ken is a Boandik Elder, sharing stories, experiences, history and culture of his land in the Limestone Coast. His family has a long history as indigenous hunters and gatherers in the region and he shared this history of Port MacDonnell’s role in crayfish/rock lobster farming. We enjoyed a fresh lobster snack with fresh-picked herbs and greenery, along with some lemon myrtle tea steeped from the leaves just picked. It doesn’t get any fresher than this!
Uncle Ken is a Boandik Elder, sharing stories, experiences, history and culture of his land in the Limestone Coast. His family has a long history as indigenous hunters and gatherers in the region and he shared this history of Port MacDonnell’s role in crayfish/rock lobster farming. We enjoyed a fresh lobster snack with fresh-picked herbs and greenery, along with some lemon myrtle tea steeped from the leaves just picked. It doesn’t get any fresher than this!
The Blue Lake
The Blue Lake in Mount Gambier is one of its most famous natural attractions because this stunning lake is a crater lake that sits within an extinct volcanic crater and its intense blue colour changes colour throughout the year into a vivid turquoise and/or bright cobalt blue colour in the summer. In the winter (April to May), the colour is a but more of a dull grey colour. As we are just heading into the beginning of the summer here, you can start to see the water colour changing ever so slightly by the edges. But more than just a pretty lake, this is also the town’s primary water supply as well. It’s a neat natural attraction to check out while in the Limestone Coast area.
The Blue Lake in Mount Gambier is one of its most famous natural attractions because this stunning lake is a crater lake that sits within an extinct volcanic crater and its intense blue colour changes colour throughout the year into a vivid turquoise and/or bright cobalt blue colour in the summer. In the winter (April to May), the colour is a but more of a dull grey colour. As we are just heading into the beginning of the summer here, you can start to see the water colour changing ever so slightly by the edges. But more than just a pretty lake, this is also the town’s primary water supply as well. It’s a neat natural attraction to check out while in the Limestone Coast area.
Umpherston Sinkhole
Umpherston Sinkhole is a beautiful and lush fern garden hidden in a collapsed limestone cave and is one of the most captivating and enchanting attractions in Mount Gambier and definitely one to check out as well. Often referred to as the “Sunken Garden”, the collapsed cave provides a valuable opportunity to study the limestone walls and how the whole area was created on this limestone rock. The beauty of the area now is a popular place to enjoy the beauty and a unique setting that makes it special and unique to the area. This magical area Is a perfect reminder of nature’s ability to transform and renew into something beautiful and absolutely amazing.
Umpherston Sinkhole is a beautiful and lush fern garden hidden in a collapsed limestone cave and is one of the most captivating and enchanting attractions in Mount Gambier and definitely one to check out as well. Often referred to as the “Sunken Garden”, the collapsed cave provides a valuable opportunity to study the limestone walls and how the whole area was created on this limestone rock. The beauty of the area now is a popular place to enjoy the beauty and a unique setting that makes it special and unique to the area. This magical area Is a perfect reminder of nature’s ability to transform and renew into something beautiful and absolutely amazing.
The Beaches of Robe
Robe is a charming coastal town popular as a local vacation spot with a laid-back vibe and known for its fresh seafood. We stayed here for a night, originally supposed to enjoy a coastal boat tour but the tour was cancelled due to the high winds.
We were still able to enjoy an early pre-sunset walk, and take a look at the iconic Obelisk. This marker holds an important part of the Chinese migrant history of the area, as this is the location where over 16,000 thousand Chinese migrants landed in the Victorian Gold Rush in the 1800's to avoid the hefty head tax upon arrival. Instead, they landed in Robe and walked over 320km to Victoria.
Robe is a charming coastal town popular as a local vacation spot with a laid-back vibe and known for its fresh seafood. We stayed here for a night, originally supposed to enjoy a coastal boat tour but the tour was cancelled due to the high winds.
We were still able to enjoy an early pre-sunset walk, and take a look at the iconic Obelisk. This marker holds an important part of the Chinese migrant history of the area, as this is the location where over 16,000 thousand Chinese migrants landed in the Victorian Gold Rush in the 1800's to avoid the hefty head tax upon arrival. Instead, they landed in Robe and walked over 320km to Victoria.
Confido Coonawarra
Our day through the Coonawarra region allowed us to meet the producers, growers and processors of the area for a firsthand witness of how they truly have so much passion for their land and the products they grow and produce. First, a tour of the Confido Coonawarra olive grove and olive oil tasting to experience the high-quality extra virgin olive oil this family-run business has created.
Our day through the Coonawarra region allowed us to meet the producers, growers and processors of the area for a firsthand witness of how they truly have so much passion for their land and the products they grow and produce. First, a tour of the Confido Coonawarra olive grove and olive oil tasting to experience the high-quality extra virgin olive oil this family-run business has created.
Warrawindi Farms & Warrawindi Escapes
Then onto a true farm-to-table experience where there is comfort in knowing where your food comes from. We dined in the Warrawindi Farms barn, elegantly decorated for an inviting lunch of roast lamb, hearty salads, homemade baked goods, all paired with premium Coonarwarra region wines. After lunch, we took our wine to watch sheep shearing!
Then onto a true farm-to-table experience where there is comfort in knowing where your food comes from. We dined in the Warrawindi Farms barn, elegantly decorated for an inviting lunch of roast lamb, hearty salads, homemade baked goods, all paired with premium Coonarwarra region wines. After lunch, we took our wine to watch sheep shearing!
For an immersive stay and luxurious getaway into the Aussie farm life, Warrawindi Farms has expanded to offer Warrawindi Escapes. These luxury eco-retreats offer a glimpse into what it means to truly unwind where the sounds of nature and the blanket of stars above create an unforgettable experience away from everything you know. Combined with local charm and open fields, you are welcomed into a space that is truly yours to enjoy with genuine hospitality of a long lost friend excited to welcome you into their home.
And then the best part comes.....
Kangaroo selfies and baby joey cuddles!
One of the experiences I was most looking forward to was a visit to a private Kangaroo Sanctuary, a place for rescued kangaroos. And they did not disappoint! We got to get up close and personal with the kangaroos (the ones who were not shy!) for selfies and photos galore! And it just so happened that there was also a baby joey who is being cared for and we enjoyed some baby joey cuddles.
Kangaroo selfies and baby joey cuddles!
One of the experiences I was most looking forward to was a visit to a private Kangaroo Sanctuary, a place for rescued kangaroos. And they did not disappoint! We got to get up close and personal with the kangaroos (the ones who were not shy!) for selfies and photos galore! And it just so happened that there was also a baby joey who is being cared for and we enjoyed some baby joey cuddles.
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Wine, wine and more wine!
We left Mount Gambier and flew back to Adelaide to enjoy a day touring the Barossa Valley wine region with See Adelaide and Beyond, tasting the infamous Australian premium wines, particularly Shiraz, that the area is primarily known for. From small boutique wine growers to full estate wineries, the area is filled with rolling vineyards surrounding you from all angles and there is so much history in each winery that is fascinating to hear. We have Rosenvale, a smaller fifth generation family-owned winery that aims to combine newer technologies with the classic traditional practices to a large estate winery like Seppeltsfield, who is planning on opening an onsite boutique hotel for a more immersive wine touring experience.
We left Mount Gambier and flew back to Adelaide to enjoy a day touring the Barossa Valley wine region with See Adelaide and Beyond, tasting the infamous Australian premium wines, particularly Shiraz, that the area is primarily known for. From small boutique wine growers to full estate wineries, the area is filled with rolling vineyards surrounding you from all angles and there is so much history in each winery that is fascinating to hear. We have Rosenvale, a smaller fifth generation family-owned winery that aims to combine newer technologies with the classic traditional practices to a large estate winery like Seppeltsfield, who is planning on opening an onsite boutique hotel for a more immersive wine touring experience.
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The Barossa Valley is an iconic wine region, popular with tourists in South Australia and known for its German influence and world-class Shiraz wines. Over in the Coonawarra region, it is a smaller region, not as well-known, but the cooler climate combined with the rich terra rossa soil, the distinctive red earth over the limestone, makes for the perfect environment for Cabernet Sauvignons. Where Barossa is bold and warm, Coonawarra is cool, elegant and structured. And their wines reflect that perfectly!
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After that, we say goodbye to South Australia as we head to the Northern Territory!
CHAPTER 2: THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
ALICE SPRINGS & THE RED CENTRE
We left Adelaide and flew to Alice Springs to the heart of the Australian Outback, the Red Centre! And it is HOT! I mean, I knew it would be but it is something else to be out and about during the day in this desert heat.
We left Adelaide and flew to Alice Springs to the heart of the Australian Outback, the Red Centre! And it is HOT! I mean, I knew it would be but it is something else to be out and about during the day in this desert heat.
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Royal Flying Doctor Service
Being in the remote desert, you don’t think about the services we take for granted – emergency medical services that are simply not as accessible if you are in the middle of nowhere. The Royal Flying Doctor Service is such an amazing organization providing a much needed service of emergency medical services and primary healthcare services to a large rural and remote but sparsely-populated area of Australia’s interior. Knowing this essential service exists makes us appreciate the experience of the Australian Outback even more. It’s not just for its beauty and vastness of the landscape, but also for the resilience, ingenuity and community spirit of the people that make living possible in this remote and isolated area.
Being in the remote desert, you don’t think about the services we take for granted – emergency medical services that are simply not as accessible if you are in the middle of nowhere. The Royal Flying Doctor Service is such an amazing organization providing a much needed service of emergency medical services and primary healthcare services to a large rural and remote but sparsely-populated area of Australia’s interior. Knowing this essential service exists makes us appreciate the experience of the Australian Outback even more. It’s not just for its beauty and vastness of the landscape, but also for the resilience, ingenuity and community spirit of the people that make living possible in this remote and isolated area.
ART TOURS of AUSTRALIA
One of the coolest experiences today was with Art Tours of Australia who took us to the beautiful Simpsons Gap, a natural wonder of the West MacDonnell Ranges providing a perfect backdrop to watercolour your own painting. This is one of the most unique tours I’ve been on, and it was absolutely meditative to sit in the beauty of the Outback, and paint with water colours, something I don’t even remember when I did last!
One of the coolest experiences today was with Art Tours of Australia who took us to the beautiful Simpsons Gap, a natural wonder of the West MacDonnell Ranges providing a perfect backdrop to watercolour your own painting. This is one of the most unique tours I’ve been on, and it was absolutely meditative to sit in the beauty of the Outback, and paint with water colours, something I don’t even remember when I did last!
Time seems to slow down, yet the time spent painting went by so quickly !t was a period of pure calm and creativity where we connect with nature in a way that is so grounding and inspiring. I really didn’t know what to expect when we came to Alice Springs and the Northern Territory but I can tell you I know that it is such a unique place that is a rare treasure.
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Hot Air Balloon Ride over Alice Springs with Outback Ballooning
I’m sure it’s on almost everyone’s bucket list to experience and definitely something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime – a hot air balloon ride!
Even with an early pick up time at 4:20am with the skies still dark and the stars were up and about we enjoyed a morning sunrise hot air balloon ride over Alice Springs! The brilliant colours of oranges and reds start to peek out over the horizon at the magic hour of sunrise. Up in the air overlooking the vast desert landscape of Alice Springs, you see the iconic rust-coloured earth, the backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges and the green vegetation patches ripe for the wildlife to graze.
I’m sure it’s on almost everyone’s bucket list to experience and definitely something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime – a hot air balloon ride!
Even with an early pick up time at 4:20am with the skies still dark and the stars were up and about we enjoyed a morning sunrise hot air balloon ride over Alice Springs! The brilliant colours of oranges and reds start to peek out over the horizon at the magic hour of sunrise. Up in the air overlooking the vast desert landscape of Alice Springs, you see the iconic rust-coloured earth, the backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges and the green vegetation patches ripe for the wildlife to graze.
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Up in the skies, the air is warm and the sounds of silence surround you with only the sounds of the flames as it fuels the balloon. You feel the vastness of the land and you look see signs of wildlife ever so small.
Afterwards, you enjoy a champagne toast, as is tradition after a successful aeriel flight, and help pack up the balloon for a fun and adventurous early morning tour!
These guys the best and completely made the experience exceptional. Thanks Outback Ballooning for a most unforgettable experience!
Afterwards, you enjoy a champagne toast, as is tradition after a successful aeriel flight, and help pack up the balloon for a fun and adventurous early morning tour!
These guys the best and completely made the experience exceptional. Thanks Outback Ballooning for a most unforgettable experience!
King's Canyon Rim Walk
Let’s do a 4 hour hike in the desert shall we? It’ll be fun, they say……it’s worth it for the view, they say…..They’re not wrong though but hiking in the desert in 35 degrees heat and sun is a completely different beast.
Let’s do a 4 hour hike in the desert shall we? It’ll be fun, they say……it’s worth it for the view, they say…..They’re not wrong though but hiking in the desert in 35 degrees heat and sun is a completely different beast.
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King’s Canyon Rim Walk is one of Australia’s most spectacular hiking experiences, located in Watarrka National Park, a 6km loop trail that can take about 3-4 hours. It starts off challenging, only 500 steep steps to get to the top! But once you get there, it becomes a gradual hike along the rim for gorgeous panoramic views of the canyon walls, gardens and rock formations.
Only 500 of these steps to go!
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A few things to note:
- The hike itself is a moderate challenge (once you overcome those steep 500 steps at the beginning!) but it’s more so the sun and the desert heat that will kick you! You need to start your hike early, especially if the day temperatures will be high. We started our hike around 7:30am in the morning and the temperature was already 32’C. By the time the hiked ended, it was already 41’C and it wasn’t even noon yet!
- There is an easier version, the King’s Creek Walk, which is a 2.6km walk for about 1-2 hours that takes you along the canyon floor. It is a much more family-friendly, easier walk where you can still enjoy the landscape of the canyon, from the bottom looking up, instead of the top looking down.
- There are no water stations or bathrooms once you have started your hike. You will need to bring your own water (suggested 1L per hour of hike) and ensure you also bring electrolytes to replenish your stores during your hike.
- Bug nets are essential! The flies are pretty relentless and having bug nets allow you to enjoy your hike and surroundings more without constantly swatting and worrying about the flies!
It definitely worked up an appetite for my camel burger lunch afterwards! Along with a few other unique Outback food items, I’m proud to share that I enjoyed delicacies such as green ants, kangaroo, wallaby and crocodile as a part of the Outback cuisine experience here!
Camel burger at King's Canyon Station
Onto Uluru.
Palya.(Pronounced Pahl-yah). In the Australian Indigenous language of the Pitjantjara and Yankunytjatjara people, it is a versatile world used for “hello”, “goodbye”, “thank you” and “welcome”.
This is Uluru. We are honoured to be in the spiritual heart of Australia and at the presence of one of Australia’s most sacred and culturally significant sites. To showcase the creation story of the Anangu peoples, the Wintjiriru Wiru Drone Show in Yulara, brought to life the ancestral story of the Mala people through music, narration, lights projections and choreographed drones that filled the skies.
Palya.(Pronounced Pahl-yah). In the Australian Indigenous language of the Pitjantjara and Yankunytjatjara people, it is a versatile world used for “hello”, “goodbye”, “thank you” and “welcome”.
This is Uluru. We are honoured to be in the spiritual heart of Australia and at the presence of one of Australia’s most sacred and culturally significant sites. To showcase the creation story of the Anangu peoples, the Wintjiriru Wiru Drone Show in Yulara, brought to life the ancestral story of the Mala people through music, narration, lights projections and choreographed drones that filled the skies.
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We had the privilege to explore the base of Uluru (also known by its colonized name, Ayers Rock) on our cycling tour with Outback Cycling. Uluru is a UNESCO Heritage Site in the traditional lands of the Anangu people, who have cared for this sacred place for countless generations.
There is something humbling about be this place and we were able to get close to the rock and absorb the energy, the stories and the history of this place. Cycling the base of the rocks allows us to see the rock up close and all its different colours, landscapes and neat rock formations telling us the stories of the Anangu people. It was a roughly 3 hour, 10.6 km bike ride around the base of Uluru. Some parts of the rock are incredibly sacred and no photos or videos can be taken so you are there to appreciate the moment in the present.
Each day we experience new things on this trip and each time I think it can’t get any more breathtaking, we are surprised again with yet another “wow” experience. This place is just “Wow.”
Each day we experience new things on this trip and each time I think it can’t get any more breathtaking, we are surprised again with yet another “wow” experience. This place is just “Wow.”
Sunrise at Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa, Walpa Gorge
Another super early morning for us but another one that is 100% worth the experience! Experiences in the Outback center around sunrise and sunset for unique experiences that are absolutely worth getting up early for.
Another super early morning for us but another one that is 100% worth the experience! Experiences in the Outback center around sunrise and sunset for unique experiences that are absolutely worth getting up early for.
We first went to the sunrise viewing area where we could view the sunrise with both Uluru and Kata Tjuta backdrops. Kata Tjuṯa means “many heads” in the Anangu language but you may be familiar with its colonized name “The Olgas or Mount Olgas”. The colours of the rock changes colours as the sun rises and the Outback “glow” becomes visible once the sun has risen.
We then enjoyed a mild hike through the Walpa Gorges, a place that really makes you see the awe of the landscape. And it was such a different experience where only two days ago, we were hiking in extreme desert heat of 41’C while this morning it was a very cool and cold maybe 11’C?? The weather in this area is very extreme and not what I expected.
Kata Tjuṯa is also another sacred site of the Ananagu people and again there is something about walking around in a space with such vast landscapes where you can literally feel its history and are reminded how small we really are. Photos and videos truly don’t do this place justice, and it simply cannot be captured on film the way it should be appreciated fully.
Spirit is strong here in the Red Centre and you simply embrace the respect and reverence of the land here.
Spirit is strong here in the Red Centre and you simply embrace the respect and reverence of the land here.
Weather
It was incredibly difficult to pack for this trip knowing what was in our itinerary. We had to be prepared for all weather types and while we had initial ideas of the weather beforehand, the weather still surprised me each time. Cold and windy in the Limestone Coast meant our coastal boat tour was cancelled because it was simply too windy to go out onto the water. A few days later, extreme desert heat in the morning on our 3-hour King’s Canyon Rim Walk had me crying for water too often. But then two days later after that, we are going for an early morning sunrise and hike through the Walpa Gorge where it was a cool 12’C, which was a nice change from the desert heat of the last few days. Moral of the story – pack everything. You will need it.
It was incredibly difficult to pack for this trip knowing what was in our itinerary. We had to be prepared for all weather types and while we had initial ideas of the weather beforehand, the weather still surprised me each time. Cold and windy in the Limestone Coast meant our coastal boat tour was cancelled because it was simply too windy to go out onto the water. A few days later, extreme desert heat in the morning on our 3-hour King’s Canyon Rim Walk had me crying for water too often. But then two days later after that, we are going for an early morning sunrise and hike through the Walpa Gorge where it was a cool 12’C, which was a nice change from the desert heat of the last few days. Moral of the story – pack everything. You will need it.
Flights
The only way we could see so much in such a short time frame is due to all the flights we took on this jet-setting trip. They are a necessary mode of transportation to get where we need to or want to but sometimes we forget to consider the important role they play in our travels.
Thanks to Air Canada for getting us to and from Australia safely and comfortably. They fly direct, nonstop flights from Vancouver to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and is our flagship national carrier to take us aboard. The flight to Sydney was a full flight but the return from Brisbane to Vancouver was a slightly smaller plane, and had a bit more breathing room to enjoy our flight home.
For domestic Australian carriers, we flew Qantas, Rex Express and Virgin Australia, and all were great flights to enjoy. Snacks and beverages on a 1 hour flight so no complaints there! Getting in and around Australia domestically was very easy and stress-free.
Thanks to Air Canada for getting us to and from Australia safely and comfortably. They fly direct, nonstop flights from Vancouver to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and is our flagship national carrier to take us aboard. The flight to Sydney was a full flight but the return from Brisbane to Vancouver was a slightly smaller plane, and had a bit more breathing room to enjoy our flight home.
For domestic Australian carriers, we flew Qantas, Rex Express and Virgin Australia, and all were great flights to enjoy. Snacks and beverages on a 1 hour flight so no complaints there! Getting in and around Australia domestically was very easy and stress-free.
9 flights in 10 days.
Certified Aussie Specialist
This trip provided such an incredible experience into the different facets of Australia, and ones that I would likely never had the chance to experience otherwise. I’m SUPER grateful for this educational opportunity to see Australia in a way that I never ever would be able to without Tourism Australia, who have put together the most amazing and stunning itinerary of South Australia AND the Northern Territory. It included some of the most unique and unforgettable destinations in the world and it’s been a life changing adventure Down Under! I've met so many wonderful individuals who are incredible passionate about their business, the love they have for their land and the genuine hospitality to showcase their world to us is an experience I will cherish.
This trip provided such an incredible experience into the different facets of Australia, and ones that I would likely never had the chance to experience otherwise. I’m SUPER grateful for this educational opportunity to see Australia in a way that I never ever would be able to without Tourism Australia, who have put together the most amazing and stunning itinerary of South Australia AND the Northern Territory. It included some of the most unique and unforgettable destinations in the world and it’s been a life changing adventure Down Under! I've met so many wonderful individuals who are incredible passionate about their business, the love they have for their land and the genuine hospitality to showcase their world to us is an experience I will cherish.
As each day passed on our trip, each stop revealed another layer of Australia’s raw beauty and spirit, and each experience felt more humbling and more unforgettable. I encourage you take a closer look at what you really want to see and do in Australia and let me know how I can help you craft the most amazing and perfect itinerary Down Under. It’s not just know where to go, where to stay and what to do, it’s about connecting you with the people, the experiences and the memories you want to make with your journey.
Interested in planning a trip to Australia? As a Certified Aussie Specialist now, I can help! Reach out to me to start planning the most amazing trip Down Under. I may know a few people who can help make it absolutely incredible!
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