Travelling is all about uncovering authentic experiences, from hole-in-the-wall coffee spot recommendations all the way to admiring Indigenous rock art from the world's oldest living culture. Whether you’re digging into the red dirt or wandering through heritage towns, Australia is bursting with stories waiting to be told. Ready for yours? Book a getaway today on the G’day Parks app or online.
Here are our tips for soaking up local culture and history on your travel journey.
- Know before you go. Search for blogs, vlogs, reviews, and social media reels from people in the know (psst … check out G’day Parks) who can provide suggestions about things to see and do in the region. Keep tabs on whether there are nearby heritage listings (a National Trust membership could be handy, if you want to visit a bunch) or annual festivals happening on your arrival date.
- Go where the locals hang out. At check-in, ask our friendly Reception staff to share their must-see sights and favourite spots to eat and drink. They can point you towards hidden gems and tourist attractions that are worth the hype.
- Join walking or cultural tours. Pop into the nearest visitor information centre for a map to take a self-guided walk (whether for street art, heritage, or foodie trails) or ask for a tour recommendation—ones that give back to the local community are top-notch.
- Browse local shops and markets. Where possible, swap supermarkets and national chains for artisan shops, weekend markets, and makers collectives. You’re bound to love the regional goodies, unique treasures, and quality souvenirs.
- Taste the region. Local markets equal local flavours, so bring plenty of reusable bags to carry your fresh produce and artisanal treats. Ask at cafés and restaurants about their signature dish or local delicacy—we’re thinking fresh oysters in Coffin Bay or bush tucker in Kakadu.
- Learn about the traditional owners of the land. Aboriginal art galleries, museums, and cultural centres often offer tours, workshops, and experiences to deepen your understanding of local Indigenous history. If you’re keeping a travel journal, jot down the words and place names you learn along the way.
- Read a book set in the location. Whether it’s Storm Boy by Colin Thiele before heading to The Coorong or The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland for your trip to the red centre, books – fiction or non-fiction – can paint a vivid picture of your destination through storytelling.
- Respectfully, get lost! Head out on foot or bicycle to see where the roads lead you. Take it slow and be open to stop and chat, whether it’s at the pub, library, run club, or a local sporting match.
Now that you’re inspired to hit the road and explore, check out our top 10 destinations where you can fully immerse yourself in local culture and history experiences—plus G’day Parks that make for a cracking stay.
Bourke, NSW
About this regional town on the banks of the Darling River, Henry Lawson once said, ‘If you know Bourke, you know Australia’. The Back O Bourke Exhibition Centre is your ticket to the outback, sharing tales of poets, bushrangers, grazers, and outback legends. In town, you’ll witness several heritage-listed sites like the Old London Bank Building and post office. Gundabooka National Park is located on the outskirts of Bourke, where you’ll find the ancient Mulgowan (Yapa) Aboriginal Art Site. Mitchell Caravan Park is just off the highway, where you can play in the pool, lounge in sunny picnic spots, and visit their on-site aviary. After a day of outback adventures, kick back at your site (powered or unpowered) or cabin with all the comforts you need.
Canberra, ACT
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Canberra may be the country’s political centre, but it’s also a treasure trove of Aussie culture and history. The National Gallery of Australia has the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, while the National Museum of Australia is a time capsule of Aussie history—and both are free to enter! Step back in time at the Australian War Memorial and reflect on wartime stories; don’t miss the stirring Last Post Ceremony each afternoon. Capital Country Holiday Park is the perfect launching pad, just 20 minutes from the city.
Ballarat, VIC
Ballarat is a goldmine (pun intended) of art, history, and culture. Start at Sovereign Hill, a living museum which recreates life in the gold rush, including gold panning, mine tours, shows and reenactments, and a model 19th century streetscape. Explore medieval history at Kryal Castle theme park, spend time at Australia’s oldest regional gallery at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, or ride past local scenery and historical gold mining sites on the Ballarat–Skipton Rail Trail. Eureka Stockade Holiday Park is planted in the heart of the Goldfields, less than 10 minutes from all the key attractions.
Hobart, TAS
Hobart is famous for the world-class Port Arthur Historic Site, which breathes new life into the 1800s former convict settlement. Tours are a must, whether it’s the Escape From Port Arthur experience, Port Arthur Essentials Tour, or a night-time Ghost Tour. In Richmond, you’ll find historic sites including the post office, gaol, Catholic church, and the country’s oldest convict bridge. Relax at the nearby Discovery Parks - Mornington, Hobart, where reaching the city centre for the Salamanca Markets is as easy as crossing the Tasman Bridge. Plus, the weird and wonderful art museum of MONA is less than 20 minutes away.
Wilpena Pound, SA
The land tells the story in the Flinders Ranges, and Wilpena Pound’s cultural significance can’t be understated. The best way to learn about its importance is joining a tour, from the Yura Udnyu – Our Culture, Your Cultural Walk to the Yura Mulka Sacred Canyon Tour. As a Yura guide leads you past natural wonders while telling stories passed down by their ancestors, you’ll see some of the most spectacular scenery in Australia – and the world – with a new perspective. Get back to nature in a Safari Tent at Discovery Resorts - Wilpena Pound.
Hay, NSW
As you roam Hay’s country plains, Shear Outback will introduce you to sheep shearing culture. Hear the stories of those who shaped the industry at The Australian Shearers Hall of Fame, test your own shearing knowledge from the machinery to the lingo, and head to the Murray Downs Woolshed to view a live demonstration. It’s not the only museum in town, from Hay Gaol Museum (once a prison and World War II internment camp) to the Dunera Museum located at the old railway station. There’s also the Hay War Memorial High School Museum and Bishop’s Lodge Historic House. Hay Caravan Park has you covered with sites, cabins, and cottages, plus a saltwater swimming pool to beat the outback heat.
Fremantle, WA
Go behind bars at Fremantle Prison. Enter the Gatehouse (including the Prison Gallery, Convict Depot, and Museum) free of charge, then grab a ticket to one of their experiences. A top pick is the Tunnels Tour, where you’ll descend into an underground labyrinth, guided by torchlight. If you prefer fresh air over caves, take a Two Feet and a Heartbeat walking tour to truly step into the essence of Fremantle, from its culture and street art to foodie heaven. The WA Maritime Museum is all about seafaring stories, the Fremantle Markets are a must-visit, and its historic wharf is the spot to catch a ferry to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) and fall in love with the iconic quokkas. Book your stay in a chalet, park cabin, or pet-friendly site at Fremantle Village.
Uluru, NT
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
When it comes to Australia’s cultural experiences, there’s nowhere more iconic than Uluru. Tour the base with a local guide or admire this feat of nature from the viewing platforms. The domes of Kata Tjuta are unmissable, and the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre showcases cultural talks and art galleries where you can learn about the Dreamtime stories (the Tjukkurpa) of the Aṉangu people and their connection to the land. Why not book a glamping tent at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon to wake up with a view, dive into the swimming pool, complete the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, and enjoy sunset hour on your deck?
Hahndorf, SA
Hahndorf serves up two slices of history. On one hand, it’s Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement with a quaint, European-style streetscape featuring Germanic gastropubs and shops. On the other, it’s located in the heart of the Adelaide Hills, meaning local produce is everywhere you look, from the Fruchocs shop to Beerenberg Farm. The two blend perfectly to create a must-visit South Australian destination. Discovery Parks - Hahndorf is just around the corner from the main street to soak up all the action.
Echuca–Moama, VIC/NSW
Delving into Echuca–Moama’s history is as easy as one, two, three. One, take a paddle steamer cruise down the Murray River. Two, head to the Port of Echuca Wharf, built in 1865, to view historic sawmill and steam displays and explore the interpretive Discovery Centre. Three, follow the Echuca Heritage Walk. Weekend markets, wineries, and restaurants plate up sumptuous regional produce to satisfy the senses, and you could even head to The Great Aussie Beer Shed and Heritage Farm Museum for a collection unlike any other! Discovery Parks - Maidens Inn, Moama is the best spot to start your Echuca–Moama adventures.
