Getting back to nature

Need a rebalance? A deep dive into nature will bring a big dose of calm to both body and soul. Whether it is the gentle wash of ocean waves or the heady hit of oxygen that comes from being surrounded by bush, letting yourself relax outdoors is a guaranteed mood booster. These are some of our favourite destinations for wilderness immersion.

How do you like your oceanic experiences: wild and exhilarating, or calm and tranquil? On Kangaroo Island, you can enjoy both on the same day. Just a 45-minute ferry ride from the mainland, Kangaroo Island is a place of many moods. On the windswept western side of the island, Admirals Arch is a natural rock arch carved out by the relentless force of the roaring Southern Ocean. Feel the elation when you stand behind the arch, sea spray on your face as you watch New Zealand fur seals frolicking in the rock pools below. Seeking a more Zen state of mind? Head for the sheltered Vivonne Bay, where you can sink your toes into the powdery white sand as you walk down to the rolling waves.

Watched over by the rugged Flinders Ranges, towering spurs of jagged rock that glow red and orange in the sun, Arkaba Conservancy is dedicated to healing the land. Just by staying at this former sheep station you are helping regenerate the land; if you want to get your hands dirty, you can join staff in activities from conducting land surveys to setting up cameras to monitor key sites. Apart from enjoying the glow of making a difference, this striking landscape is a place that lifts your mood. As a guest you get to choose your comfort level: opt for a soft landing at the luxury Arkaba Homestead, or sleep in a swag under a sea of stars as part of the four-day Arkaba Walk.

If you have ever been snorkelling you know the thrill that comes from getting a glimpse into the underwater world. At Whyalla, dial that feeling up to 11 with one of Australia’s most inspiring, but little-known, marine experiences. Every winter, snorkellers get the chance to get up close to giant cuttlefish. These incredible creatures – some as large as a medium-sized dog – congregate in their thousands, producing an incredible display of patterns and colours that flash iridescently across their skin as part of their mating rituals. It’s a jaw-dropping display that will leave you with a healthy sense of wonder – and couldn’t we all do with a bit more of that?

Flowing slowly through an ever-changing landscape where ochre cliffs are interspersed with mighty river red gums, the Murray is our greatest river, and a prime spot for a touch of slow travel. Learn more about the river, its wildlife and its place in Indigenous cultures on one of the guided walks offered by low-impact operator Murray River Trails. Certified by Ecotourism Australia, Murray River Trails offers a range of itineraries which include the chance to sleep on a houseboat. What they all share: the chance to slow down and let the landscape work its magic on you.