Hollywood’s Chris Hemsworth Talks Australia Holidays
Hollywood actor; heart-throb; Home & Away star. Australian native Chris Hemsworth is all of these things, but most importantly he’s a family man. That’s why he’s been busy touring Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef and The Kimberley with his family. He’s also been chatting to our friends at Tourism Australia – for which he is an ambassador – sharing his favourite experiences from his family holiday Down Under. Here we reveal all…
You’ve spent 10 days exploring Australia with your family: how are you feeling now?
It has been the most incredible experience and one I will never forget. Growing up in Australia, you can sometimes take it all for granted. But after being away for 10 years and coming back, exploring some of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, reminded me how unique and impressive Australia is and how lucky we are.
What appealed to you about these destinations when planning your trip?
I wanted to experience the diversity of our landscapes, from the warm tropical sunshine of the Great Barrier Reef to the rugged waterholes of The Kimberley and the Australian Outback. I was really surprised by how vastly different each place was; that’s the amazing thing about Australia.
What were your top three experiences in The Kimberley?
We went fishing in one particular spot that could've rivalled Jurassic Park: crocodiles, snakes, buffalo and an abundance of other amazing native wildlife. Being in a place like that, where very few people have been, and feeling completely off the grid is a pretty special feeling.
Sunset dinners in The Kimberley is another absolute must. The colours of the skyline there are as rich and vibrant as anywhere I've seen, and it is pretty special to see the millions of stars of the Australian Outback night sky. We stayed at a beautiful place called Berkeley River Lodge; having dinner each night on a sand dune, barefoot in the desert sand was pretty cool.
One of the best afternoons in The Kimberley was swimming in a secluded waterhole at the base of a waterfall. Another place where very few people have been. We helicoptered down along the winding Berkeley River and then boated across to this really private spot. It was amazing to spend the whole day there with the kids swimming and fishing.
And what did you love most about the Great Barrier Reef?
On the Great Barrier Reef, I went scuba diving for the first time which was amazing. There was more sea life and vibrant colours of coral than I’ve ever seen. It’s like visiting another planet. Flying over the reef and seeing the changing blues and greens was also incredible. Such intense colours and contrast to the white sand of the beaches.
We also had an afternoon at Whitehaven Beach which was absolutely stunning. The most pristine white sand, crystal-clear water. The perfect spot to just unwind surrounded by the reef. The next day we took the kids for a picnic and a bit of beach cricket on Langford Island, just off Hayman Island. The kids loved running along the sand and playing in the shallows.
This was your first trip to Uluru – what was it like seeing the national park for the first time?
Really awesome. We had the very special experience of meeting Sammy Wilson, a local Anangu Traditional Owner. Listening to the Indigenous people speaking with us about the cultural and spiritual significance of Uluru was fascinating and inspiring. The kids loved running around the base of the rock and exploring all the little caves and trails. And there was a really cool art installation on called Field of Light, the colours at sunrise were amazing.
What are your top tips for traveling with kids around Australia?
Travelling with kids in Australia is actually really easy, but finding places that have activities that you can all do together is the key.
What did the kids enjoy the most?
My kids love the water and that's where we spent most days. I'd have to say the waterfall in The Kimberley was probably the highlight. Watching them explore the waterfall and even try some fishing was so special.
And did you and Elsa manage to squeeze some romance into the trip?
The most romantic part of the trip was being dropped off by helicopter on Whitehaven Beach, with my wife, a picnic basket and bottle of Champagne.
Speaking of picnics, what was the best thing you ate?
In Australia we are so lucky to have access to some incredible fresh produce and native ingredients. Eating fresh fish we had caught that morning in The Kimberley was incredible. We just cut it up right on the beach and it was delicious sashimi style. I love being outdoors and having sunset dinners on the beach, under the Outback sky, was awesome too.
What would you say to people wanting to visit Australia?
I didn’t expect so much diversity of landscapes from the Outback of Uluru, the remote wilderness of The Kimberley and the beautiful beaches of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands. If I had one bit of advice for people thinking about Australia, I’d just say hurry up and book. You won’t regret it. A truly unique experience!
Want to holiday in Australia like a celebrity? Check out our Sydney, Rock and Reef Journey to follow a similar itinerary to Chris Hemsworth, or make an appointment with one of our Travel Experts to start planning your tailor-made Australia holiday.
