travel
Larapinta Trail, MacDonnell Ranges.
New trek reframes the Red Centre
For the first time, Intrepid Travel is offering an immersive Larapinta Trail trip guided by First Nations leaders.
The seven-day trip, which launched in May, offers hikers a powerful new perspective while exploring Central Australia.
The 9-16km per day trek culminates at the summit of Mount Sonder, offering panoramic views of the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges.
There’ll be 11 tours offered in 2026, with the first departing in May.
Developed in partnership with Indigenous-owned tour operator 100% Finke River Culture & Adventure, the tour is guided by two First Nations leaders alongside an Intrepid trip leader.
Travellers walk arguably one of the best desert trails in the world, with exclusive nightly access to 100% Finke River Culture & Adventure’s private campsites.
Benjamin Kenny, 100% Finke River Culture & Adventure trip leader, says the collaboration brings together the two organisations’ expertise.
“Together, we are committed to delivering unforgettable experiences in Central Australia, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes, rich Indigenous heritage, and the spirit of the outback like never before,” he says.
Speak to an RAA Travel agent on 8202 4589 or visit travel.raa.com.au to book your adventure of a lifetime.
3 best Perth day trips
Must-visit locations near Australia’s sunniest capital city.
Rottnest Island
Home to the ever-smiling quokka, Rottnest Island is a short ferry ride from the city. You’ll find pristine beaches perfect for snorkelling, historical museums, and walking and biking trails.
Fremantle
This waterfront precinct boasts hip microbreweries and gastropubs, freshly caught local seafood and the Fremantle Market – a bustling hub of local produce, handmade gifts and art.
Swan Valley
Join a tour to visit some of the 40-plus wineries in the region just 25 minutes from Perth. Swan Valley is also home to breweries, distilleries, cideries, a meadery, and cheese and chocolateries.
Book your next holiday with RAA Travel.
Visit travel.raa.com.au for details.
Meet the travel agent
Trent Vine
RAA Shop West Lakes
Get the inside scoop from Japan travel specialist Trent Vine, who spent more than 10 years living in Japan, curating unforgettable journeys across the country.
What’s your area of expertise?
I first visited Japan more than a decade ago and was instantly hooked.
Since then, I’ve returned more than 20 times, exploring everywhere from the neon streets of Tokyo to the serene countryside of Tohoku.
Japan’s incredible mix of tradition and innovation draws me back, along with the powder in the snowfields, its deep-rooted culture and of course, the food.
What are your top suggestions for people travelling to Japan for the first time?
First-timers should start with the Golden Route as it offers a perfect introduction: Tokyo’s vibrant energy, Kyoto’s temples and geisha culture, and Osaka’s street food and nightlife.
For seasoned travellers, I’d recommend Shikoki’s 88-temple pilgrimage route and Tohoku’s hot springs, which has fewer tourists, and seasonal events like the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri summer festival.
Where can we see Japan’s famous cherry blossoms?
Spring in Japan is pure magic, and cherry blossom viewing events (sakurami) can be enjoyed all over Japan. My top picks are Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, a classic walk under tunnels of blossoms with temples along the way, the lesser-known Hirosaki Castle with its moat lined with pink petals, and Mount Yoshino, one of Japan’s most iconic hanami (flower viewing) spots.
Keen to learn more? Read this story for more of Trent’s favourite Japanese eateries, tours and must-do activities.
Adelaide expands its global reach
South Australia is entering a new era of international connectivity as direct international routes from Qantas, Emirates, Cathay Pacific and United Airlines are added to the schedule.
Qantas will resume its first international flights from Adelaide since 2013, flying a non-stop route to Auckland in New Zealand. The inaugural service is set to take off in October 2025, and will open up connections to New York via Auckland.
Air New Zealand, which already offers direct flights from Adelaide to Auckland, will also begin offering seasonal direct flights from the South Australian capital to Christchurch from October.
Emirates, which started offering direct flights to Dubai in 2024 after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will replace its current aircraft with the new Airbus A350 in December. The new aircraft will see weekly seats between the two cities increase to almost 4370. The A350 will also include premium economy seats.
Cathay Pacific will seasonally connect Adelaide with Hong Kong using their modern Airbus A350, featuring fully lie-flat beds in business class and spacious recliners in premium economy.
From December this year, United Airlines will commence direct flights between Adelaide and San Francisco, heralding the first ever direct route between SA and the United States.
RAA Travel General Manager Gina Norman says it’s an exciting time for South Australia.
“The addition of more direct international flights supports our visitor economy and improves access to all South Australia has to offer,” she says.
“In turn, this helps more South Australians explore the world, more easily.”
Visit travel.raa.com.au and let our RAA travel agents help you take to the skies.
IMAGES: Getty, Tourism Australia.
