Our Destinations

Welcome to our Destinations page! Here at Unshackled Adventures, we're passionate about exploring Australia and sharing our experiences with you. Our goal is to keep you informed about the diverse and incredible places this country has to offer, from coast to coast and everywhere in between.

Lower Glenelg National Park Victoria 

Overview

Unshackled Adventures would describe Lower Glenelg National Park as a truly secluded gem. Carved over thousands of years, the Glenelg River winds its way through a spectacular limestone gorge, forming the heart of this remarkable park in Victoria’s far southwest. The result is a landscape rich in natural beauty, tranquillity, and wildlife.

Nature & Wildlife

Towering river gums line the riverbanks, providing vital habitat for koalas, while dense scrubland and bracken-covered forest floors shelter an abundance of native species. During our stay at Pritchard’s Campground, we were fortunate to encounter koalas, wallabies, and even a cheeky echidna — a highlight of our time in the park.

Things to Do

The park’s riverside campgrounds make an excellent base for outdoor adventures, particularly:

  • Fishing along the Glenelg River

  • Canoeing or kayaking sections of the Glenelg River Canoe Trail

For hikers, the area also connects to the renowned Great Southwest Walk — an epic 250km circuit that begins and ends in Portland, Victoria, weaving through coastal cliffs, river systems, and forested landscapes.

Another standout attraction is Princess Margaret Rose Cave, widely regarded as one of Australia’s most spectacular limestone caves. Unfortunately, during our visit in November 2025, the caves were closed for assessment and upgrade works.

Nearby Towns & Supplies

From our campsite, it was an easy 15-minute drive to Nelson, Victoria, a charming riverside town offering basic supplies and services. For more comprehensive amenities, the main regional centres are Portland and Mount Gambier, both within comfortable driving distance.

Camping & Accommodation

Lower Glenelg National Park offers seven paid campgrounds scattered along the Glenelg River. These campgrounds cater to a variety of camping styles, including:

  • Hikers and tent campers

  • Camper trailers

  • Selected sites suitable for larger caravans

Facilities are generally basic, with most campgrounds providing pit toilets. Some sites also include camp tables and designated fire or cooking pits. Campers must be fully self-contained for drinking water and showers, and all rubbish must be taken when departing.

Bookings and campground information are available through the Lower Glenelg National Park website.

Unshackled Verdict

Lower Glenelg National Park delivers a rare blend of river adventures, rich wildlife encounters, and peaceful bush camping. Remote, unspoilt, and quietly spectacular, it’s a destination that rewards travellers willing to slow down and truly immerse themselves in nature.

 

Limestone Coast South Australia 

Why Visit

For Unshackled Adventures, the Limestone Coast was a much-loved pre-Christmas escape for several years before transitioning to life on the road — and for good reason. This diverse region in southeast South Australia offers a perfect blend of rugged coastline, turquoise waters, world-class food and wine, and laid-back seaside charm.

The Landscape

The Limestone Coast is renowned for its striking geology, shaped by millions of years of limestone erosion. The region is dotted with caves, sinkholes, and vibrant crater lakes, including the iconic Blue Lake in Mount Gambier. A temperate climate and dramatic coastline of white sandy beaches and rugged cliffs make it a year-round destination.

Beaches & Outdoor Adventures

The turquoise bays and sweeping sandy beaches are a magnet for:

  • Swimming
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • 4WD enthusiasts

For those keen to venture further, adventurous 4WD tracks lead along beaches, through soft sand dunes, and to some truly spectacular and remote stretches of coastline. It’s a playground for those who enjoy getting off the beaten track.

Towns & Places to Stay

While Unshackled Adventures enjoy exploring popular tourist towns like Robe, we’re equally drawn to the quieter, lesser-known seaside hollows scattered along the coast.

One of our recent favourites was Southend Beach Campground — a fantastic spot offering:

  • Private, sheltered campsites
  • Easy beach access just over the dunes
  • A peaceful coastal setting

Accommodation options across the Limestone Coast are plentiful, ranging from campgrounds to holiday homes and seaside resorts. During peak periods, especially around school holidays, booking well in advance is highly recommended.

Food & Wine

The Limestone Coast is a standout destination for food and wine lovers. With six of Australia’s finest wine regions spread across the fertile plains, cellar doors are never far away.

Pair your wine discoveries with some of the country’s best seafood — especially fresh South Australian crayfish, often available straight from the sea daily. It’s coastal dining at its finest.

Unshackled Verdict

From dramatic landscapes and adventure-filled beaches to exceptional food, wine, and relaxed coastal camping, the Limestone Coast continues to be one of our favourite regions to return to — time and time again.

Grampians National Park (Gariwerd), Victoria  

Why Visit

Grampians National Park is a long-time favourite of Unshackled Adventures — and it’s easy to see why. Covering more than 167,000 hectares, this iconic Victorian park is famed for its dramatic sandstone mountain ranges, rich Aboriginal heritage, abundant wildlife, and some of the state’s most spectacular hiking and lookout experiences. Located around three hours from Melbourne, the Grampians is both accessible and endlessly rewarding, with Halls Gap serving as the main township and gateway to the park.

 

The Landscape

The Grampians are defined by rugged mountain ranges running north to south, with towering sandstone cliffs, deep sandy gullies, and sweeping valleys. The ever-changing terrain creates countless vantage points, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the landscape truly comes alive.

Top Attractions

Some of the park’s standout highlights include:

• The Pinnacle – accessed via the Grand Canyon walk, offering iconic panoramic views

• Boroka Lookout – an easily accessible viewpoint with sweeping vistas over Halls Gap

• MacKenzie Falls – one of Victoria’s largest and most reliable waterfalls

• Bunjil Shelter – a significant cultural site featuring ancient rock art

Indigenous Heritage

Known traditionally as Gariwerd, the Grampians holds immense cultural significance for Aboriginal peoples. The region is home to more than 80% of Victoria’s known rock art sites, including Gulgurn Manja (Shelter of Hands) and Ngamadjidj (Cave of Ghosts). These sites offer a powerful connection to the world’s oldest continuing culture.

Things to Do

The Grampians offers activities for every level of adventurer:

• Hiking – from short, family-friendly walks to the multi-day Grampians Peaks Trail

• Rock climbing and abseiling on world-class sandstone faces

• Wildlife spotting – kangaroos, emus, and colourful parrots are often seen around Halls Gap

• Photography and scenic drives showcasing the park’s dramatic landscapes

Where to Stay

Accommodation options are plentiful and varied, making the Grampians ideal for extended stays:

• National Park campgrounds

• Caravan parks

• Motels, cottages, cabins, and holiday houses

Whether you prefer camping under the stars or a comfortable base after a long day of exploring, there’s something to suit every travel style.

Best Time to Visit

The Grampians can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and flowing waterfalls, while summer often offers a drier, warmer climate ideal for hiking and exploring lookouts. Autumn and winter provide cooler temperatures, dramatic skies, and quieter trails.

Unshackled Verdict

With its dramatic scenery, deep cultural roots, abundant wildlife, and endless outdoor adventures, Grampians National Park remains one of Victoria’s must-visit destinations — and one we return to time and time again.

The Snowy Mountains, NSW

 

Why Visit

The Snowy Mountains — the Snowies — are one of Australia’s most iconic and diverse regions. Steeped in history and blessed with spectacular landscapes, the area stretches from rugged alpine peaks to sweeping grassy plains. Whether you’re chasing adventure or slowing the pace, there’s something here for everyone.

Top Experiences

  • Climb Australia’s highest peak – Mt Kosciuszko
  • World-class mountain biking – downhill and cross-country trails
  • Horse riding through untouched high-country bushland
  • Fishing in crystal-clear alpine rivers and streams
  • Wildflower spotting and scenic alpine walks in warmer months

The Snowy Mountains Scheme

One of the great civil engineering wonders of the modern world, the Snowy Mountains Scheme is a vast renewable energy project made up of two major developments — Snowy–Murray and Snowy–Tumut.

Unshackled Adventures followed the scheme while travelling the Snowy Mountains Highway from Tumut through to Jindabyne, gaining a deeper appreciation for the scale, ambition, and ongoing importance of this iconic project.

Caravanning & Camping

Caravanning and camping in the Snowy Mountains is an adventure-packed escape into Australia’s alpine heartland. Crisp mountain air, sparkling rivers, and towering peaks provide an unforgettable backdrop.

  • Select sites are suitable for large rigs
  • Clean, well-maintained campgrounds
  • Affordable NSW Parks booking fees
  • Options ranging from holiday parks with stunning views to secluded bush camps under the stars

All campgrounds we stayed at were well worth the visit.

Culture & History

Throughout our journey, we took time to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this remarkable landscape, while also learning about the region’s early European settlement and pioneering history.

Animal and Wildlife Encounters

The Snowies are rich in wildlife, and we were fortunate to experience several close encounters. From kangaroos grazing across open plains to beautiful wedge tailed eagles soaring above alpine valleys, the Snowy Mountains offer wildlife encounters at every turn. The changing landscapes create a constantly evolving backdrop for nature lovers.  And one of the most memorable was seeing wild brumbies in their natural environment. While their presence remains controversial, witnessing these beautiful animals surviving and thriving in such a dynamic and often harsh landscape was a truly special experience.

Unshackled Verdict

The Snowy Mountains are a must-visit for adventurers, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re hiking, riding, camping, or simply soaking up the alpine scenery, the Snowies deliver — and then some.

 

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