Australia: Wine, Spectacular Scenery In Land Down Under

In just a few months, when you’re wearing jackets and scarves, the summer will be sizzlin’ in the Land Down Under!

This year, beat the winter blues with a trip to Australia. Here, you’ll find it all: wine country, beaches, and scenic trains.

Australian Wine Country

If your only Australian wine drinking experience is YellowTail, it’s time to broaden your horizons with a visit to Australian wine country. Make it your mission to taste wine you can’t find at home!

The Barossa Valley, perhaps Australia’s most well-known wine region, is located in South Australia, just an hour from Adelaide. While the valley is home to well over a hundred wineries, only about 70 have tasting rooms and are open to the public.

You’ll need a few days in the region to really do it justice. Carefully plan the wineries you’ll want to visit or simply wait until you’re there for local recommendations.

If you love to walk, be sure to spend an afternoon on one of the many walking trails through wine country, hills, or forest. Don’t feel like hiking in the middle of the summer? No problem, the driving tours are scenic, historical, and overall spectacular.

The Beaches Down Under

Australia has some of the finest beaches in the world and Queensland, in particular, offers out-of-this-world beach adventure.

Sail over to the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef for sun-soaked days of diving, kayaking, or relaxing on pristine beach.

With a large number of islands to choose from, do your research before you go and decide on an island as well as accommodations that fit your budget and sense of adventure.

Scenic Train Travel

A great way to passively see Australia without having to drive is to discover the country by rail on one of the many scenic train routes.

There are a number of routes to choose from, each spectacular, ranging from several hours to several days. One of the most popular routes, The Ghan, takes tourists from Adelaide to Darwin traveling through the Outback with a stop in Alice Springs.

Overnight trains offer varying levels of privacy from Platinum Service to Red Sleeper Service Cabins and Daynighter Seats. Onboard chefs prepare fine food and the restaurant offers a selection of wines to pair with scenic views.

Take advantage of the amazing destinations and arrange for a Whistle Stop Tour when the train stops. Scheduled to fit with the train timetable, you can do anything from wine tours, camel treks, hiking, helicopter tours, canoeing, and boat cruises.

Now are you ready to visit Australia? Qantas and Air New Zealand have had some amazing deals in the past few months, so keep your eyes peeled!

(Images via Rovers, Barossa.com, WSJ)