Pay and empower

Known as the “people of sharing”, the Gumbaynggirr have lived in harmony with the rivers, streams and forests of New South Wales for thousands of years. Discover their values ​​and their connection to nature on a stand-up paddle board tour with Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours (wajaanayaam.com.au), who can arrange 2.5-hour trips (from £41 per person). nobody) along Coffs Creek, Moonee Creek and Red Rock Creek – all part of the Lonely Islands Marine Park. The guides, who are direct descendants of the world’s first paddlers, will also demonstrate local plants used for food and medicine.

The details: Wexas Travel (020 7838 5892; wexas.com) can organize a bespoke 14-day self-guided trip to Australia’s east coast from £2,100 pp including flights.

Creatures of the Deep

Promising to stretch and bend the imagination, extraordinary scenes beneath Australia’s oceans are as wondrous as a sci-fi fantasy. The highest concentration of curious characters occurs along the Great Barrier Reef on the east coast. To sample the highlights, start north of Cairns in the Ribbon Reefs, explore on a liveaboard and dive with passing dwarf minke whale pods from June to July. Continue south to cooler waters around Lady Elliot Island and Hervey Bay to encounter migrating manta rays and humpback whales. Only an Open Water PADI certificate is required to dive.

The details: Dive Worldwide (01962 302 087; diveworldwide.com) can arrange a bespoke 22-day trip from £6,345 pp including flights.

let it rain

Don’t be put off by the wet weather. Although controversial, the rainy season is arguably one of the best – and by far the most adventurous – times to experience the tropical Top End. Between November and April, expect soaring waterfalls, dramatic skies, and thunderstorms so electrifying they’ll blow your mind. Plugging into the highlights, a new Best in the Wet tour includes a trip to secluded swimming spots in Litchfield National Park, a stay at a backcountry hideaway at Mount Bundy Station, and cruises with wildlife in the wilderness of Kakadu national park.

The details: Ethical Adventures (00 61 4 8844 2269; ethicaladventures.com.au) offers a three-day trip from £1,242 pp. Various departures from March 6, 2023. Flights not included.

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