Just Back From … Australia with Denise Booth

In the words of Denise, this trip was all about “bucket list meets celebration travel.” Over the course of 10 days, Denise and TJ explored three of Australia’s most iconic regions—Sydney, the Whitsundays, and Melbourne—blending city energy, natural beauty, and wildlife encounters into one seamless itinerary. It’s a route Denise says was the perfect introduction to the country, balancing the must-see highlights with the kinds of in-between moments that often become the most memorable. Here, she shares 10 experiences that capture the best of their time in the land Down Under.

1. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

This is one of the most epic ways to discover the iconic Harbour Bridge. During the three-hour adventure, an expert guide leads you across the upper arch and to the summit of the bridge, where the city stretches in every direction with views of the Opera House, Circular Quay, and even the Blue Mountains in the distance. 

2. Take a Sunset Cruise Through Sydney Harbour
For a more leisurely side of Sydney Harbour, a private cruise offers a completely different perspective of the city. Glide past the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and waterfront neighborhoods, all with uninterrupted skyline views. Says Denise: “Taking it all in while sipping champagne was a next-level experience!”

3. Follow the Cliffside Path from Bondi to Coogee  

One of Sydney’s most celebrated coastal walks, this scenic route links a series of beaches along a continuous oceanfront path. Winding past cliff edges, rock pools, and golden stretches of sand, it showcases uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. Starting at Bondi and finishing at Coogee, it’s a quintessential Sydney adventure that blends natural beauty with laid-back beach culture.

4. Have lunch at the legendary Icebergs 

Perched above Bondi Beach, the saltwater ocean pool at Bondi Icebergs Club might just be the most Instagrammable site in Australia—and for good reason. “The views are absolutely amazing, as is lunch at the acclaimed Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, aka “Icebergs” or “IDRB” by those in the know,” says Denise. Reservations open three weeks in advance and securing a table early is key—especially for the sought-after seats with ocean views. 

5. Stay on a Private Island in the Whitsundays
Is it a splurge? Yes. Is it totally worth it? Absolutely! Denise and TJ  stayed at the luxurious InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef—known locally as “Hayman” because it’s the only resort on the private Hayman Island. Arriving by yacht transfer from Hamilton Island set the tone for the wow-worthy experience, with the property positioned along the Coral Sea and surrounded by rainforest. And with five property restaurants, incredible local cuisine is just steps away. Says Denise: “The fresh Mediterranean dishes and handmade pastas at Amici were excellent, as were the Australian-sourced wines.”

6. Explore the Great Barrier Reef

The Whitsundays are a stunning archipelago of 74 islands located off the central Queensland coast of Australia, right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. And one of the best ways to discover the reef is from Hayman Island, where water-based activities are a core part of the adventure. Denise and TJ snorkeled among coral formations, went sea kayaking at sunset, and spent time simply walking along the island’s shoreline. For a sweeping perspective, helicopter flights over the reef provide aerial views of the surrounding Coral Sea and island chain.

7. Witness the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island
Phillip Island, less than two hours south of Melbourne, is home to one of Australia’s most inspiring wildlife experiences, where little penguins return ashore each evening after a day at sea. Start the evening with an early pub dinner before heading to Seal Rocks for sunset views. At dusk, the penguins emerge from the surf and make their way across the sand to their burrows. “You just have to see and hear this truly remarkable ritual,” says Denise. Her pro tip? Work with WhirlAway to secure premier seating at the parade—with guaranteed exposure to the penguins.

8. Spend an Afternoon at a Mornington Peninsula Vineyard
South of Melbourne, this coastal region is known for its outstanding cool-climate wines (particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) and equally outstanding ocean views. Denise and TJ enjoyed a wine tasting and lunch at Pt. Leo Estate—a 50-acre vineyard punctuated by three exceptional restaurants and an outdoor sculpture park exhibiting massive works by artists including KAWS, Yayoi Kusama, Tomokazu Matsuyama, and more. 

9. Get Close to Australia’s Wildlife at Moonlit Sanctuary
If you want to see the region’s most iconic animals, this is the place. Located just outside Melbourne, Moonlit Sanctuary offers one of the most accessible ways to encounter Australia’s native wildlife in a naturalistic setting. The sanctuary is home to kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, dingoes, emus, and a wide range of native birds—Denise even spotted a Tasmanian devil during their visit. “Feeding the kangaroos and wallabies was definitely a highlight,” says Denise. “And koalas sleep up to 20 hours a day, but we were lucky to see a few of them awake!”

10. Make the Most of Favorable Exchange Rates
For U.S. travelers, Australia currently offers particularly favorable exchange conditions, which can make a noticeable difference in your overall trip value. As of April, the rate is approximately 1 USD to 1.40 AUD, allowing greater purchasing power on hotels, dining, and guided tours. Translation: Elevated travel choices at a lower relative cost compared to many European destinations.