We might not be able to freely travel the world, but when you realise parts of it can be experienced right on your doorstep, you don’t need to. Enter Australia’s South West.

This little slither of Western Australia can whisk you away further afield to far-flung famous world destinations all within an easy drive.

Trade Italy’s Cinque Terre Coastal Walk for: Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River Region

Get your comfy walking shoes strapped on tight as Cape to Cape Track stretches from Cape Naturaliste (Dunsborough) to Cape Leeuwin (Augusta). This 140-kilometre coastal walk is the longest track in the Margaret River region, traversing through stunning Indian Ocean beaches, ridges, bush and springtime wildflower scenery that will leave you all but breathless without uttering the words, “Che Bello!” Choose to conquer the entirety of the track (five to six days to complete) or make a day trip of seeing the highlights of one of Australia’s most famous coastal journeys.

Local tourism operator Cape to Cape Explorer Tours offers eco-friendly guided tours hike along the incredible coastline. Worried about your level of fitness? Parts of the track are boardwalk or paved to suit those with prams or wheelchair users.

Plan your trip: Cape to Cape Track

Trade California’s Sequoia and Kings National Park for: Valley of the Giants

Stand amongst Australia’s largest woodland behemoths at the Valley of the Giants. Walpole’s great tourist attraction is home to ancient trees of epic portions, tingle trees (big enough to fit a car at the base!) and Australia’s tallest tree, karri trees. That is not the area’s only unique factor: the rare ancient forest can be best observed 40 metres high above the lush canopy along the famous 600-metre-long, Tree Top Walk. 

Whether you experience the forest from a bird’s eye view above or roam the forest floor to inspect extraordinary tree trunks for hidden faces, you will be mesmerised.

Plan your trip: Valley of the Giants