No journey to Namibia is complete without a substantial amount of time dedicated to the ancient desert lands of the Namib, known for its dramatic sand dunes and wondrous, arid landscapes. Within the park, two adjoining valleys of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are a major tourist draw (dead trees rising dramatically from the white clay earth of the latter have been the subject of much photographic exploration), and standing at 80m tall Dune 45 is the one easiest to reach from Sesriem gate.

The Spikeri quarter with former warehouses renovated and brought back to life by local art and design enthusiasts is the new hangout spot for the hip young crowd. An alternative area with stores, coffee shops, and bars. Spikeri is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This is the premier trout fishing region in New South Wales and it takes over as the most popular sporting activity come the spring melt. Brown, rainbow and brook trout, as well as Atlantic salmon, breed and prosper here. It's possible to go fishing in winter, but only on lakes and reservoirs, as most streams are closed from late June until the first weekend of October. You can also fish at Lake Eucumbene, Lake Jindabyne and Khancoban Pondage to enjoy the best fishing in the region. A licence is required – so obtain it online or at one of the many fishing retailers in the area. Online licence: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee

These magnificent limestone caves feature delicate shawls, grand columns, underground pools and amazing chambers. You can explore five caves created from a belt of limestone laid down about 440 million years ago. The caves are set inside the deep gorges and rugged bluffs of the Yarrangobilly River Valley at the north of Kosciuszko National Park. Bring bathers to enjoy the natural thermal pool which is a constant 27°C.