Australia has a way of getting under your skin. Each time I go back, I think I know what to expect, yet it still manages to surprise and move me all over again. This latest trip was my fourth visit to Oz, and it reminded me exactly why I love sending clients there: the landscapes are dramatic, the wildlife encounters are unforgettable, and the experiences can be as wild, luxurious, laid-back, or adventurous as you want them to be.

This time, I was incredibly fortunate to be one of just 300 Aussie Specialists worldwide, selected from 1,300 applicants, invited to spend several days meeting suppliers and deepening my knowledge of this incredible country. Those conversations, site visits and first hand experiences are exactly what allow me to curate tailor-made trips that feel personal, thoughtful and truly special for my clients. Below is a little window into what I experienced on this trip, and how it can translate into unforgettable holidays for you and your clients.

Rottnest Island: Segways, Sea Life and Quokkas

Our adventure began on beautiful Rottnest Island, just off the coast of Perth. It was one of those days that feels like three holidays in one. We explored the island on a fantastic Segway tour, gliding along coastal paths with the ocean sparkling beside us. A high-energy powerboat trip gave us a different perspective of Rottnest from the water, with rugged coastline and hidden coves. Out at sea we were lucky enough to spot humpback whales and sea lions: a powerful reminder of just how rich Western Australia’s marine life is. And of course, no trip to Rottnest is complete without meeting the island’s most famous residents: the quokkas. These adorable little marsupials are as curious and photogenic as their reputation suggests. For clients who love wildlife, soft adventure and picture-perfect beaches, Rottnest makes a wonderful day trip or a short stay add-on to a Perth itinerary.

Karijini National Park & Karijini Eco Retreat

From coast to outback, we then headed inland to Karijini National Park, a place of deep gorges, rust-red rock and hidden waterholes. Staying at Karijini Eco Retreat allowed us to immerse ourselves in the landscape, while still enjoying comfort at the end of the day. A highlight was visiting Hamersley Gorge, with its folded rock formations, pools and dramatic colours. This is the Australia of big skies and ancient landscapes, ideal for clients who crave nature, hiking, photography and a real sense of escape. An eco-stay here pairs beautifully with more luxurious coastal or city experiences, creating a balanced, multi-centre journey.

The Mackerel Islands: Reef, Turtles and Big Skies

Next stop: The Mackerel Islands in the Indian Ocean. Remote, peaceful and utterly beautiful, this is the kind of place where the rhythm of your day is set by the tide, the sun and the stars.

Highlights included:

v  Snorkelling on the reef, with clear waters and colourful marine life right on the doorstep.

v  Boating around the islands, taking in pristine beaches and calm bays.

v  Turtle tracking on Turtle Beach, a magical experience for wildlife lovers and families.

v  Watching the sun sink into the ocean, followed by the moon rising above the water, all capped off with a classic Aussie BBQ.

For clients dreaming of a “castaway” feel without compromising on comfort, the Mackerel Islands offer an off-the-beaten-path escape that still feels safe, hosted and special.

Perth & Heirisson Island: Roo Encounters and Urban Culture

For our final day in Perth and Australia, we balanced nature with culture. The day started on Heirisson Island, where we met some of Australia’s most iconic residents… kangaroos. A trip to Oz really does feel incomplete without seeing these gentle, curious animals up close in a natural setting. We then joined a guided city tour around Perth, discovering vibrant street art, elegant historic buildings and the charming district often nicknamed “Little London”. The day ended in style with a tasting menu at Petition and a fabulous evening at Coast Perth, overlooking the water. Perth is a brilliant city for clients who enjoy food, wine, coffee culture and relaxed urban exploring, especially when combined with islands, national parks and coastal adventures nearby.

My Australian Story: Four Visits, Countless Memories

This trip was my fourth time in Australia and my third in-depth visit, each chapter adding another layer of understanding that I bring back to my clients.

First adventure: backpacking the length and breadth of Oz
Years ago, a friend and I travelled across Australia on a round-the-world ticket. Perth to Sydney, then to Melbourne, Adelaide and Uluru. Onto Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane and back to Sydney spread over a 10‑month journey. We backpacked, explored, and lived the classic “gap year” dream, with an unforgettable three-week side trip to New Zealand. That experience gave me a ground-level understanding of Australia’s scale, diversity and hidden corners.

Second visit: Melbourne Grand Prix & Hamilton Island
My second trip was an incredibly special one with my husband. We combined the buzz of the Melbourne Grand Prix (my second time at the GP) with the soft sands and turquoise waters of Hamilton Island. It showed me how Australia can blend high-energy sporting events with idyllic, luxury island escapes in one itinerary.

Third visit: Sydney & New Zealand’s North Island
The third time, I returned to Sydney, then hopped across the Tasman to Auckland. We hired a car and road-tripped around New Zealand’s North Island, taking in the glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves, the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the tranquil beauty of Lake Taupo. It reaffirmed how seamlessly Australia and New Zealand can be combined into one incredible holiday.

Each of these journeys, including this most recent specialist trip, means I do not just “know” Australia from brochures or websites. I have crossed it, driven it, sailed it, hiked it and experienced it at very different life stages and travel styles: from backpacker hostels to romantic island stays and now as an Aussie Specialist working closely with on-the-ground partners.