WANDER LIST

CALLING ALL ADVENTURERS: EXERCISE THOSE ITCHY FEET WITH THESE FOUR AMAZING TRAVEL DEALS DOWN UNDER

1. WALK THIS WAY

Getting lost in nature but holding tight to all those holiday luxuries, is a mere 1.5 hours from Brisbane, in the Scenic Rim. A new fiveday guided walking experience is now open for departures from next month. The Scenic Rim Trail runs from Spicers Thornton View Nature Refuge to Spicers Peak Nature Refuge and through the Main Range National Park. As well as spectacular views and getting up close with the native flora and fauna, guests will experience ascending the Mistake Mountain range and the chance to visit an onsite koala monitoring centre. The 50km Scenic Rim Trail is one of Queensland’s biggest ever eco-tourism projects and allows hikers to experience the region’s majestic World Heritage Gondwana rainforests and sweeping volcanic plateaus. Hosted by Spicers, guests will stay in a variety of deluxe accommodation, including brand new ecocabins, and enjoy gourmet food and wine. The new five-day walk is priced at $3190pp twin share, all inclusive. MORE: Visit greatwalksofaustralia.com.au or spicersretreats.com/scenic-rim-trail

2. QUEENSLAND’S NEW CAMP SPOT

The Ipswich region’s newest campground and caravan park opens soon at Ivory’s Rock

Conventions and Events in the southern town of Peak Crossing. With wallabies hopping about and koalas to spot, it is a great place to take some time out surrounded by bush. Caravan clubs are welcome, as well as parents wanting to give the kids a taste of nature, yet still have creature comforts such as laundry facilities, Wi-Fi and even a number of private bathrooms. Stay in a rent-a-tent, where all the hard work is done for you, complete with beds and linen. The 600ha property backs on to Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate (Mt Flinders) and the Ipswich-Boonah Trail. For the first time, walking trails around Ivory’s Rock itself will be open to the general public. Guided Trail Walks of Ipswich has also opened up conservation estates to the public after hours with two new night-time walks, including the Starlight Trail at Mt Flinders. The caravan park opens on March 28, taking guests between Thursday and Sunday nights. MORE: Visit ivorysrock.org.au or DiscoverIpswich.com.au for guided trails.

3. KANGAROO ISLAND ADVENTURE

If you’re a spirited traveller who likes the intimacy of small groups and getting off the beaten track, a Kangaroo Island Adventure Tour will go down as an unforgettable one. Over two action-packed days, you’ll visit the popular attractions on Kangaroo Island as well as less known spots and get a deeper understanding of the island and how the locals live. Highlights include a visit to Rob’s Shearing and Sheep Dogs, the magic of Seal Bay as sea lions play in the waves, tour Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery and take a thrilling sandboard ride at Little Sahara. Sale prices start from $415 per person, including transfers and overnight dormitory accommodation. Upgrades are available. Valid until August 31 for travel from June 1 to August 31. MORE: Visit kiadventuretours.com.au

4. ESCAPE TO THE REEF

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Heron Island. Now from $655 per person twin share, the Ultimate Great Barrier Reef Escape package includes four nights in a ‘turtle room’ at Heron Island including one free night, breakfast daily, bonus $100 Marine Centre activity voucher, complimentary nightly sunset drinks, half price return launch transfers, daily snorkel equipment hire plus a guided island eco tour. Offer valid for sale until March 31 for travel between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. Surcharges and blackouts may apply. MORE: Visit travelonline.com/heron-island/ accommodation#packages or phone 1300 883 887 for details.