After almost nine years, I found myself heading back to Australia – this time with a special reason. Sydney was hosting the World Major Marathon on 31st August 2025, having officially become the seventh city in the World Majors circuit. For marathoners and travelers alike, this is reason enough to plan a visit. But beyond the run, Australia itself is a vast, fascinating destination that deserves repeated exploration.
With the current geo-political climate in the Middle East and parts of Europe, Australia is emerging as a safe and exciting option. It’s not just about Sydney or Melbourne – think Tasmania’s raw coastal beauty, the sheer size of Western Australia with its capital Perth or the endless landscapes in between. Add to that a tourist visa that can be issued for up to three years (for those with proper documentation) and you have every excuse to return multiple times to discover different regions of this continent-sized country.
Connectivity is also excellent. Non-stop flights from Delhi and Bangalore or seamless connections via Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, make the journey manageable. Once you hold an Australian visa, many transit countries along the way are easier to pass through, so you can even break the journey with a stopover.
Sydney: Tap On, Tap Off
Sydney is a city that’s both iconic and easy to navigate. Its public transport system runs on the simple “tap on, tap off” concept – whether you use the local Opal card or just your credit card, hopping on trains, buses or light rail is seamless.
The city’s landmarks are world-famous – Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Sydney Harbour Bridge and of course, the Opera House. For marathoners, these sites form part of the unforgettable race course. For travelers, they’re essential stops that showcase Sydney’s charm.
Though I had visited many of these before, this trip gave me the chance to explore the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the first time. Most visitors tend to prioritize the MCG in Melbourne, but SCG is no less historic. Cricket fans will love that it’s where Sachin Tendulkar scored many of his career-defining runs and even non-cricket fans can enjoy the 2–3 hour tour through the ground’s rich sporting legacy. The best part – unlike other tourist hotspots, it’s less crowded, making the experience more immersive. With Namaste Tourism curating your travel logistics, experiences like these unfold seamlessly.
Nearby, Circular Quay opens the door to ferries, harbor cruises and attractions like SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, one of the best aquariums globally. On a rainy day, it’s the perfect indoor adventure, equally fascinating for adults and children. For a bird’s-eye view, the Sydney Tower Eye is a must, offering panoramic city views and even an adventure walk (booked in advance).
The Marathon Spirit
The marathon itself was spectacular – over 35,000 participants from more than 90 countries filled Sydney with energy. Our runners performed exceptionally well, some achieving personal bests and the weather couldn’t have been better. After a celebratory weekend, it was time to bid Sydney farewell. But instead of flying back home, I chose to explore another corner of the continent – Perth.
Perth : The Most Isolated City in Australia
Here’s a fun fact: flying from Sydney to Perth takes around 5 hours 15 minutes, which is longer than flying from Singapore to Perth (just under 5 hours). Western Australia also sits in a similar time zone to Singapore, making it a popular entry and exit point for international travelers.
Perth has an intriguing reputation – it’s often called the “loneliest city in the world” due to its isolation from other major hubs. Yet, this solitude adds to its appeal. Western Australia itself is massive; to explore it fully, you would need at least two weeks. From the world-class Margaret River wine region to the wild landscapes of the north, it’s a paradise for those who love space, scenery and slower travel.
With just four days in hand, I focused on destinations within a 3-hour drive from Perth:
- Yanchep National Park – Home to kangaroos, vibrant birdlife and picnic spots, it’s a great half-day trip just an hour from the city.
- The Pinnacles Desert (Nambung National Park) – A surreal landscape of limestone formations, perfect for photography.
- Cervantes – A seafood haven, where lobsters are fresh and surprisingly affordable.
- Swan Valley – A compact wine region only 30 minutes from Perth, dotted with vineyards, artisanal honey, cheese and jam producers. The nearby Perth Hills offer sweeping city views and hiking trails.
- Fremantle – A historic port town with great food and a laid-back vibe. Travel one way by car, the other by ferry for contrasting perspectives of Perth’s skyline.
Rottnest Island: The Highlight
Just off the coast lies Rottnest Island, car-free and best explored by bicycle or segway. Its beaches, hiking trails and relaxed charm make it a gem. It’s also famous for its quokkas – adorable marsupials often (wrongly) mistaken for giant rats.
The island offers everything from budget camping to luxury villas (ranging from AUD 200 to AUD 2000 per night). Weather plays a big role here, so plan ahead if you want to try activities like skydiving, snorkeling or trekking. For me, Rottnest was the standout experience of Western Australia.
Perth City: Green, Scenic & Slow
Perth itself is a green and spacious city. Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, particularly stunning in spring and autumn when wildflowers bloom. For sports fans, Perth has two impressive stadiums – Optus and the WACA.
Evenings in Perth are calm, as most shops and restaurants close by 7 pm. But if you want nightlife, Crown Perth offers fine dining, entertainment and a 24-hour casino within a cluster of three hotels. By night, the city transforms with beautiful illuminated bridges and riverside reflections along the Swan and Avon Rivers. Cycling and walking trails add to the city’s outdoor appeal.
Australia & The Art of Slow Travel
Australia is not a place to be rushed. Its distances are vast, its landscapes diverse and its cities strike a rare balance between vibrancy and relaxation. Sydney dazzles with iconic sights and cultural energy, while Perth offers space, nature and quiet beauty.
If there’s one takeaway from my trip, it’s this: Australia rewards slow tourism. Whether it’s running a marathon through Sydney’s streets, sipping wine in Margaret River or exploring Rottnest Island on a segway, the best experiences come when you take your time to truly absorb them.