Australia Travel Guide with @rileys_travels
To celebrate the launch of our newest Made in Australia collection, Haven, we've asked a few of our favourite travellers to share their must-see Australian destinations.
First up, our girl Ashley took us to Tasmania so for the next stop on our Australia Travel Guide series, we reached out to our long-time love Kirianna of @rileys_travels. A creative mind and prolific wanderer, it seemed only natural for Kirianna to share her incredible travel experiences around Oz, seeing as her whole family (husband & 2 kids) are on their second lap of Australia in their Kombi ‘Izzie’!
To indulge in some escapism, find those must-have Australian experiences to add to the bucket list, and for some family friendly travel tips, read on…
Must explore…
When I think of Australia I am drawn to the textures and colours of the Kimberlys. A place with deep history, rawness and beauty. I believe every child and person should see Uluru, and the Bungle Bungles. There is a feeling and connection made when you visit and admire these wondrous natural formations. Nothing beats seeing it to learn.
Favourite beaches…
Cable Beach, Broome. Now that I have children, I search for beaches to relax. This is where my two built sandcastles while camels casually bumped on past. This is the best sunset beach in Australia.
Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand. Can anything be more iconic than a hopping kangaroo on a pristine beach? I doubt it! You can take vehicles onto the beach, so pop your brolly and BBQ in and unwind right there in the company of baby roos.
Whitehaven, Airlie Beach. It's the most romantic beach in Australia, Being so remote you can also have it to yourself. Access via tours, seaplane or charter. We struggled to leave. Take some bubbles and enjoy.
Turquoise Beach, Exmouth. The home to the whale sharks, Exmouth clearly holds the throne for most pristine waters and saline here in Australia and its beaches are none the less. SUP around the clear seas of Turquoise beach while the kids snorkel with thousands of friendly fish and turtles.
Hutt Lagoon, Yallabatharra. A pink lake is a must see, the children couldn’t believe their eyes. Pull in and have a picnic right there as the crystals of salt sparkle away.
Best places to stay…
Yacht, Queensland. Onboard a yacht is always nice, Queensland Yacht Charters offer catamaran’s for hire. We sailed the Whitsundays for 4 glorious days. As a family this couldn’t have been a more fun idea, snorkeling, whale watching and sunsets on deck.
Tiwi Island Retreat, Darwin. The entire stay is an unforgettable experience. Fish, crabbing swimming and local crocs pop past to say hi.
Zoofari, Dubbo. Wake up to giraffes at your door - say no more. Experience Africa right here in Australia, followed by authentic safari prepared dinners.
Albury, NSW. Free camp the Murray River, have a fire under the stars and enjoy the sound of the slow river passing by.
Eco Cabins, VIC. Tiny homes are a way to feel closer to nature without leaving an imprint; composting loos and luxury views are the idea behind these very low impact stays. We enjoyed Larnook in the Dandenong Ranges where you can see the peninsular.
Monkey Mia, WA. If I told you, you can camp on the water’s edge where dolphins skip past would your jaw drop? Because mine did. This National Park cares for the local dolphins and they are so friendly you can literally be in the water as they sneak past.
Have to taste…
Bicheno Lobster Shack their lobster brioche is return worthy - Tasmania
Burst open those taste buds with a Laksa from Mary’s at Mindil Markets - Darwin
I will never forget the Breakfast tacos and mushrooms on toast from The Little Larder - Port Douglas.
Cheese will be the death of me, and Yarra Valley Dairy sent me straight to heaven. Enjoy a variety of cheeses spread out onto a platter with a perfect backdrop, while they take the kids to feed the goats.
Best coffee…
Allpress
☕️ I love Sparrow (who use Allpress) located in both Bryon, Bangalow, Burleigh Heads, Nobbys Beach and Port Douglas. 
Do in a day…
Every day the kids and I pack lunch boxes, it’s about the only thing I am organised with. Then we head for a morning swim; Riley and Alba love the ocean and it’s a great way to free your mind for the day.
My children love maps and giving directions, they search our destinations and help find the way.
For a weekend trip…
We absolutely love the mid north coast from Yamba to Scotts Head, NSW.
Bellingen has cute cafes and secret swimming holes. Hyde Store has THE BEST caramel slice of my life — also a must eat from above.
Sawtell is a fun summer town with wicked fish and chips.
Valla Beach is a place for peace and blue water; I recommend a nutty slice from The Nourish cafe and grocer.
Scotts Head, we love to stop into Macksville for an old school milkshake from The River Cafe before hitting the surf at Scotts Head.
For weekends in Yallingup, WA, camp seaside and enjoy watching the surfers as the kids have breakfast. It’s a place for relaxation, and perfect beaches.
We also love weekends in Denmark, WA. This quiet and resourceful town is quietly becoming a favourite. The beaches here are mind-blowing with rock pools to paddle in and larger Elephant looking rocks to admire. A great weekend escape. 
What to pack…(essentials!)
Good sunscreen and lip balm is always first into the bag, and large reusable water bottles. Haribo gummies for hikes and kiddies. Wandering Folk rug, wet buckets and a good book.
Plus your fave easy to wear Arnhem dresses
Insider’s tip…
- Packing cubes are your best friend, keeping everything organised and safe.
- Fire cooking is the most rewarding style of feeding family and friends.
Don’t miss…
Chasing waterfalls in, Karinjini, WA. Hot days and long hikes call for a dip in the glorious waterfalls.
Yarra Valley, VIC. Discover a whole new world of rolling hills and organic produce.
Kangaroo Island, SA. A place for healing and where you will discover sea lions in caves.
Magnetic Island, QLD. Its magic and Maggie will be etched in your heart. Check out the kangaroo sanctuary and enjoy Horseshoe Bay.
Kalbari, WA. Sunrise can be hard but with kids it’s pretty inevitable, so we decided to go for a drive and discovered the beauty of Murchison Gorge. Watch the sunlight slowly open the gorge.
Life's busy, so whilst you may not be able to be at these amazing Australian destinations right now, you can still live life vicariously by following Kirianna's adventures on Instagram @rileys_travels
You can also read some of our previous journal posts with Kirianna:
Sustainable Travel Tips with @rileys_travels
Family Travels with @rileys_travels
Shop our new Made in Australia collection, Haven, as seen on @rileys_travels online here.
