The broad-backed giants of the ocean, mighty Southern Right whales, come within meters of the shore during their annual migration off this seafaring city in Victoria. Venture to nearby Cape Bridgewater to also spot the powerful blows of blue whales as they feast on this coast's abundant krill, as well as hundreds of long-nosed fur seals nonchalantly lolling on rocks. There are many layers of history to be unearthed, too: the ding-ding-dinging cable tram rolls from the maritime discovery center to a clutch of museums; while inland, Budj Bim national park – in a dormant volcano – is central to the culture of the Gunditjmara people, who are the traditional owners of the land.

Few places in the world have more diverse flora and fauna than this epic outcrop off South Australia. From bottlenose dolphins, black cockatoos, echidnas and goannas to kangaroos, koalas, sea lions and wallabies, it's an A-Z of Antipodean zoology. As soon as a nearby leaf rustles, you'll want your binoculars at the ready. But if the adrenalin of a wildlife sighting isn't enough, there are more full-throttle experiences on offer: quad-biking in the bush; sandboarding down the dunes; and exploring a two-kilometer-long subterranean labyrinth of sinkholes and caverns. Lower your pulse once more in the boutique vineyards that craft cool-climate wines with minimal intervention.

South Australia's capital has it all – coast, culture, and a thriving culinary scene. One of the city's biggest draws is its proximity to world-class wine regions, such as the Barossa Valley, home to more than 170 wineries, and McLaren Vale, famous for its warmer climate reds. Closer to town, discover the city's charming laneway restaurants and bars, stroll through the tranquil Adelaide Botanic Gardens, and shop for souvenirs at the open-air Rundle Mall. Whether you're looking for urban delights or outdoor adventures, you never have to travel far – Adelaide is known as the “20-minute city” for a reason.

South Australia's capital has it all – coast, culture, and a thriving culinary scene. One of the city's biggest draws is its proximity to world-class wine regions, such as the Barossa Valley, home to more than 170 wineries, and McLaren Vale, famous for its warmer climate reds. Closer to town, discover the city's charming laneway restaurants and bars, stroll through the tranquil Adelaide Botanic Gardens, and shop for souvenirs at the open-air Rundle Mall. Whether you're looking for urban delights or outdoor adventures, you never have to travel far – Adelaide is known as the “20-minute city” for a reason.

On the south-west coast of Australia, Esperance captivates with its striking natural beauty – from the bubblegum-pink-hued Lake Hillier, best seen from above on a scenic flight, to the blindingly white sands of Lucky Bay, where inquisitive kangaroos hop along the shore. This is a nature-lover's paradise: hike the rugged coastal trails of Cape Le Grand National Park, stopping for ocean swims along the way; cast a fishing line at Bandy Creek Harbour; and snorkel the pristine waters around the Archipelago of the Recherche, off the coast of Esperance. Along the waterfront, refuel with specialty coffee or fish and chips washed down with a crisp craft lager.

Nature at its most wild and rugged is the wondrous spectacle on offer in this corner of Western Australia. To take it all in, impressively engineered lookouts are cantilevered over towering cliffs as the sapphire ocean foams and froths below, while hikes to a granite skywalk scale rocky outcrops that were millions of years in the making. This area also has some of the country's most incredible beaches: green pools sheltered by giant boulders; scoops of squeaky white sand and rolling surf. Even the eerie Historic Whaling Station seems in awe of the natural world, with its huge sperm whale skeleton reminding us of the powerful creatures of the deep.

An picturesque coastal haven in Western Australia, where you will find pristine beaches, the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere, and a vibrant local community. In addition to its dreamy seascape, Busselton also offers vibrant urban art, street performers and diverse cultural events.

Despite its proximity to Western Australia's capital Perth, Fremantle, or “Freo” to the locals, has an identity all its own. This eclectic port city is renowned for its creative spirit, and a lively arts scene means there's always something to see. Visit the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre, housed in a historic gothic revival building, for events and exhibitions that showcase local artists and performers, or meander through the historic West End to discover independent galleries and studios. Foodies should make a beeline for South Terrace, also known as Cappuccino Strip, where you'll find outdoor restaurants, artisanal coffee shops, and bustling pubs and craft breweries.

Despite its proximity to Western Australia's capital Perth, Fremantle, or “Freo” to the locals, has an identity all its own. This eclectic port city is renowned for its creative spirit, and a lively arts scene means there's always something to see. Visit the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre, housed in a historic gothic revival building, for events and exhibitions that showcase local artists and performers, or meander through the historic West End to discover independent galleries and studios. Foodies should make a beeline for South Terrace, also known as Cappuccino Strip, where you'll find outdoor restaurants, artisanal coffee shops, and bustling pubs and craft breweries.

The rugged Indonesian island of Rinca is smaller and lesser known than its famous neighbor Komodo, making it an ideal destination to spot the world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon, in its natural habitat. You'll find the magnificent creature – endemic to a small pocket of southeast Indonesia – amongst golden grasslands, dense mangrove forests, rocky valleys, and even sandy beaches. As you explore the island, be sure to also keep an eye out for macaques, water buffalo, and Timor deer.

Deep-rooted Hindu spirituality meets an easy-going surfer mentality on the heavenly Indonesian island of Bali. Ancient temples stand alongside vegan cafés and yoga studios; sleek villas and boutique hotels are shrouded in lush, tropical jungle; and the pristine coastline is peppered with cliffside beach bars. A day spent lolling under a beach umbrella is a day well-spent, but should you wish to ramp up the activity there's plenty to do, from cooking lessons to kitesurfing.