No end to wonder
You’ve seen all of Australia? Don’t be too sure. Philip Lee brings you on a grand tour of unexpected Australia

The mean machine throbbed into life at the push of a button, emitting a low growl like a caged animal impatient to be freed.

“Okay, hop on, mate,” said Perry, inviting me to ride pillion on his 1,450cc Harley-Davidson. Gripping the bike handles with his tanned and muscular arms, he revved the machine to life and we shot off to see Sydney in a most unexpected way.

I could feel the wind in my face and sense a palpable communion with the road and the scenery. Harley rider Parry was no road demon. He is a licensed tour operator for Blue Thunder Down-Under (www.bluethunderdownunder.com.au).

Along the way, he pointed out the homes of actress Nicole Kidman and the late actor Heath Ledger. At Bondi Beach, I had a sumptuous seafood lunch at the famous seafront Nicks Seafood Restaurant (www.nicks-seafood.com.au) and watched people frolicking on the blinding white sands of this seaside resort.

This was a side of Sydney I had never experienced and I was to have more such surprising delights during the time I stayed in New South Wales, South Australia and other states and territories in this huge island continent of diverse climates and landscapes.

If you visit Canberra, go for a “Weird Canberra Ghost and History Tour” (www.destinytours.com.au/canberra.htm). Listen to Tim the Yowie Man narrate eerie stories of murder, sex and haunted places as he takes you to old buildings spooked by restless souls.

One of the most memorable moments during my visit to Adelaide in South Australia was an alfresco lunch with native Australian Haydyn Bromley of Bookabee Tours (www.bookabee.com.au).

We were at the Botanic Gardens when he took out a foldable table and two chairs from his 4WD and got the lunch ready in minutes. In the deep shade of a huge eucalyptus tree, he served an indigenous meal prepared from berries, fruits, leaves, roots and the meat of animals, such as the kangaroo, found in the arid outback.

From this humble meal, I moved to what can be described as luxury living. I was taken in a vintage Daimler limousine to the Penfolds Winery in the Barossa Valley where I had the chance to blend my own red wine and take it away with me. The tour was arranged by Barossa Daimler Tours (www.barossadaimlertours.com.au).

My journeys opened my eyes to many exciting places waiting to be explored. To those who have visited Australia many times already and think there is no more to see, I say, think again.

Take Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, Australia’s smallest state. There is much to see beyond this elegant city, which exudes a modern cosmopolitan air and an old-world allure. One very lovely thrill is to hire a 4WD and drive along the 300km Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most scenic stretches. Start from Torquay along the state’s south-west coastline to Peterborough up along cliff tops across river estuaries and through rainforests. Stop at vantage points to enjoy the view or at cafes and restaurants to recharge.

And if you want some serious pampering, a stay in the five-star Chateau Yering Historic House Hotel in the Yarra Valley promises to be a memorable experience. This Victorian mansion that borders the Yarra River is heritage property.

There are thrills and spills awaiting you in Queensland, where its capital Brisbane sits between the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

One unusual thrill is to get into a Commodore V8 super car and go for a zip around the 2km circuit of the Holden Performance Driving Centre (www.performancedriving.com.au). An experienced driver will take you on four sizzling laps at dizzying speeds but if you like, he will sit beside you while you take over the wheel.

For sun and surf lovers, this state is paradise as the Sunshine Coast is just the spot to ride the waves or learn how to do it.

Another activity you should not miss is a helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef (www.gbrhelicopters.com.au).

Yes, the air adventure continues. This time, a really heart-thumping one awaits you as you move over to Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. Fancy yourself to be like Tom Cruise in the movie Top Gun? You can do what he did by taking a Top Gun Flight (www.topguntasmania.com.au) with a real ace fighter pilot. But this is not for those who fear flying or heights as you will be introduced to G-forces, bombing attack manoeuvres and aerial combat moves. And of course, you will be togged up just like Cruise in the movie with helmets, oxygen mask and all.

Western Australia, like elsewhere in this country, offers one exhilarating attraction: Helicopter rides. Scenic chopper flights by Heli West (www.heliwest.com.au) starts at A$60 (S$77) per person. Children under 25kg in weight pay half this price.

Aloft, you can see Perth, the state’s capital and its beautiful countryside. You will fly over the white beaches of Fremantle, observe meandering waterways and enjoy a bird’s eye view of King’s Park, the Swan River and the Sunset Coast. You can also be taught how to fly a helicopter.