Set in the picturesque upper reaches of the Blackwood River Valley, Balingup is an inspiration to many artisans, from artists and crafts people to wine makers and providors of gourmet produce. Follow one of Western Australia's top tourist drives, or take to the walking trails to sample the riches this region has to offer. Take the two hours and 40-minute drive south of Perth to reach the forests, winding rivers, rolling hills, vineyards and lush orchards of Balingup. Or, enjoy the journey at a slower pace, walking the Bibbulmun Track - one of the world's greatest long-distance trails, stretching almost 1,000 kilometres from Kalamunda in Perth to Albany on the south coast. The track meanders through Balingup's Golden Valley Tree Park - a six-hectare collection of trees from around the world that forms the largest arboretum in Western Australia. Here, you can find beauty in every season, from moody winter mists, to spring blossoms and the golden glow of autumn leaves. Venturing further afield, the top rated Blackwood River Tourist Drive takes in some of the region's most scenic landscapes, fascinating historical landmarks, top fishing spots and pretty picnic areas. The best of the Blackwood's art, craft, handcrafted pottery, jewellery, sculpture, alpaca knitwear, herbal products, antiques and collectables can all be discovered in and around the village, not to mention a tempting array of cafes, bakeries, restaurants, fresh produce and local wines. You'll be just as spoilt for choice if you decide to make Balingup your base for a country escape, with a wide range of family-friendly accommodation and romantic retreats to choose from.

Just an hour’s drive north-east of Adelaide, the Barossa is a feast for the senses. Steeped in European and Aboriginal history, today it is a thriving region for world-class wines, artisan food producers and a local tourism industry that flourishes on the mix of both. The food and wine philosophy in the Barossa is very much guided by the seasons, with passionate producers crafting award-winning products that celebrate the local region, fertile soil, agrarian culture and distinct climate. It is one of the oldest wine regions in the world and boasts around 150 wineries and cellar doors. Many of its wineries are household names, with Jacob’s Creek, Penfolds and Seppeltsfield all calling it home. The area is famous mostly for its hearty shiraz, thanks to its cool summers and rainy winters. Before the vignerons moved in, the Peramangk Aboriginal people roamed the region, sharing the northern section with the Ngadjuri people. The area was given its present-day name in the 1830s by Colonel William Light, who led the first European exploration party into the region. It was settled in the early 1840s by a Prussian community avoiding religious persecution in their own country and the Barossa’s heritage is evidenced almost everywhere you go. Many cellar doors are housed in historic buildings, beautiful Lutheran churches crown small but vibrant villages, and wineries like Seppeltsfield are steeped in tradition, such as releasing a 100-year-old wine every single year.

For outback scenery and Aboriginal culture, Mitchell River National Park in the rugged Kimberley region, is among the best in Australia. Spectacular landscapes including the Mitchell Plateau and the thundering Mitchell Falls. A bushwalking track leads to the falls where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. Take a plane or chopper ride over the falls to feel their majestic power. The Mitchell Plateau abounds in wildlife and plants. There’s rainforest, open woodlands of gum trees, and watercourses lined by pandanus palms and paperbark trees. The Mitchell River National Park is also home to another beautiful terrain including Merton Falls, Surveyors Pool, Mitchell and King Edward Rivers. The area is home to many ancient rock art sites, most of which have remained untouched for thousands of years. There are basic camping facilities throughout the park. Access is by four-wheel drive only from the Gibb River Road between Derby and Wyndham and may be limited during the wet season. Camping in Western Australia's natural areas is a special experience. Selected campgrounds from across the state are now bookable online for a trial period. Tourists are advised to check for alerts and road/park closures before commencing their travel on www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au

Small enough to be able to regularly reinvent itself, big enough to offer something for everyone, South Australia’s capital is at the forefront of culture, arts, food and events, and is leaving others behind. Blessed with beautiful beaches minutes away, world-class wine regions on its doorstep and a pioneering culture that keeps moving forward, the city has an immense sense of space surrounding its grand colonial architecture and expansive parklands. So, unlike other capital cities, you never feel the hustle and bustle here. Known as a city that loves to party, the capital is a great host, and lively festivals decorate the city’s calendar throughout the year, celebrating food, culture, sport and the arts. The locals are a proud lot, and enjoy healthy competition between other cities and states for recognition of their exports. The land on which Adelaide stands today was inhabited by the Kaurna Aboriginal tribe until Europeans arrived in 1836 and proclaimed the province of South Australia. Adelaide was planned as an easily navigable grid pattern and today consists of mostly wide streets around central Victoria Square. On the outskirts is a ring of parklands, keeping the city green. Its cultural mix ensures there is a plethora of diverse dining on offer, and passionate locals guarantee it is always matched with a drop from one of the regional wine districts, such as the Barossa or Adelaide Hills. You are spoiled for choice in this easy-to-visit city, where recreation is king and there is always something to celebrate.

Experience one of the country’s finest outback adventures along the Oodnadatta Track in northern South Australia and discover authentic outback hospitality, fascinating pioneering history and a true desert road trip. One of the greatest outback experiences in the country, the Oodnadatta Track traverses semi-desert country in northern South Australia, and is rich with history, culture and adventure. This iconic outback drive traces an Aboriginal trading route and was used by explorers such as John McDouall Stuart in the 19th century. Spanning 620 kilometres of unsealed road between Marree and Marla, it passes through the tiny outback settlements of William Creek and Oodnadatta, skirting Lake Eyre and Australia’s largest station (at nearly two million acres) on its way. The bumpy corrugations, natural potholes and rocky patches in the road add to the experience, but for the most part it is a wide and smooth red-earth track. Numerous artesian springs and waterholes lie along the track, supplying those who live above the Great Artesian Basin with water. This availability of water led to the track being chosen for the steam-powered Great Australian Railway and the original Ghan route, remains of which feature along the journey, as do relics of the Overland Telegraph Line, which was erected between 1870 and 1872. Today the Oodnadatta Track is mainly a tourist destination, providing the ultimate in outback adventure. Under a big blue sky, this golden track opens a window to the past and gives a real sense of outback history.