That was the afternoon after a morning of jumping off canyon walls and rappelling down a 50-meter waterfall on a rope. By lunch I was floating in water the color of a tropical beach, cold to the bone, in the shadow of the Julian Alps, happier than I’d been in a long time.

That’s the thing about Slovenia. You can throw yourself down a waterfall before breakfast and be lying in a hammock by dinner. It’s a small country, and it packs serious adrenaline and slow, scenic days into the same week. Often the same valley.

I came home from 10 days here wanting more of this kind of travel. The kind where you feel a place in your body instead of just photographing it.

So here’s the adventure menu, sorted by what each one actually asks of you. Some of it put me right at the edge of my comfort zone. Some I’d hand to my most nervous friend without a second thought. I’ll tell you which is which and where to read the full story on each.

One thing to sort out before you plan. If adventure is your reason for coming, base yourself in the Soča Valley around Bovec. It’s the adventure capital of the country and most of the wild stuff on this list happens there. You’ll want a car.

Canyoning

This was the one that scared me.

You spend the morning working down a gorge by whatever means the rock gives you. You slide down natural chutes and jump off ledges into the pools below. Near the end you rappel down a waterfall with the water washing over your face. We did the Fratarica route with Soča Adventure, our guide Sam moving us through fast so the fear didn’t have time to sit. On one jump I had to clear a rocky ledge below, and I hesitated at the top the way you do when the drop looks twice as high as it is. Sam just said, firmly, “Be confident.” He could say it because he’d already decided I could do it. Three, two, one, and I was in the water.

What stayed with me wasn’t my own jump. It was watching two of the women who’d started the day sliding down the rocks instead of leaping, breathe deep, lean on Sam, and take the jump anyway. Then the whole group turning around to cheer the next one off the ledge. I’ve thought about that a lot since. → This is what a Your Limitless Adventures women’s trip actually looks like

There are two routes, and the choice matters. Sušec is the family-friendly one, jumps of 1 to 3 meters and a 12-meter rappel to finish. Fratarica is the adrenaline version, 6-meter jumps and a 50-meter waterfall descent at the end. Some of our group did the gentler route and had every bit as much fun, especially the surprise drop the guide dropped them into at the bottom.

You wear a thick wetsuit because the water sits around 10°C, and they give you boots. Guides film the whole thing on GoPros, so leave your own camera behind and use your hands for the rock. Click here for rates and availability.

The full story, the spider-crawl I got stuck on and the 30-minute hike in, is in the Soča post. → The Soča Valley, my favorite part of the whole trip

White-water rafting and kayaking

If canyoning is the deep end, this is the one I’d send almost anyone on.

We ran the kayaks and the rafts back-to-back one morning, 15 of us on the emerald water with Mount Triglav standing behind us, the mountain we’d hiked two days before. The rafting rapids on the Soča sit around Grade 2 to 3, enough to tip you out if you hit a rock wrong, gentle enough that tipping out is mostly just funny. On the kayaking section (smaller rapids), I did great right up until the last and biggest rapid, clipped a rock, and went in. Plenty of us did. Nobody got hurt, and falling out of a raft when you can’t get hurt is half the fun.

Our guides were Camilla and Guillermo, both from Chile. Guillermo had the calm voice you want when you’re about to hit fast water. Camilla was loud and fierce and, I think, the only woman guiding on the river that day. There’s an optional 7-meter jump off a rock called Manhattan partway down. I skipped it. I’d hiked Triglav two days earlier and was saving my nerve for the canyoning. You may also want to book through Get Your Guide (they sometimes have discounts and free cancellation) Soca River kayaking and Soca River whitewater rafting.

I’ve rafted the Nile, which throws you out for sport. The Soča won’t do that to you. It’s the most beautiful river I’ve ever paddled, which slots it as my second favorite rafting experience in the world. → Read the full Soča Valley guide

Ziplining

This one’s on my list for next time, so I’ll be straight that I watched rather than flew.

Two of the women looked at it on our free day and came back sold, and the research made me wish I’d gone. There are two setups near Bovec. The Krnica Valley zipline is a 3-kilometer descent across five steel cables strung 200 meters above the ground, with the Bovec basin and the two-thousand-meter peaks laid out under you. The Učja Canyon park is the largest zipline in Europe, 4.5 kilometers across ten cables over a protected gorge.

If you’ve got a free afternoon in the valley and a head for heights, do the thing I didn’t. Then come back and tell me what it was like.

Wild swimming and cold plunging

I detest winter. I’ll complain about a cold morning for hours. And I’ve become completely addicted to sitting in freezing water.

The Soča runs about 10°C all summer, and near our accommodation there’s a stretch by the Great Soča Gorge where local families and kids line the rocks and jump in. One afternoon four of us swam there after a morning hike, without swimsuits, because we’d come straight from the trail and didn’t have them. One of the women hesitated. Getting changed meant driving back to the hotel and losing the moment, and underneath that was the older, quieter worry about what people would think. Christina just said, “Jump in with your clothes on. We’re doing it.” And she did and had a wonderful time. I jumped in after her, mostly because she’d made it look easy, and the four of us swam around fully dressed in water the color of the Andaman Sea.

The lakes give you the same reward at different temperatures. Bohinj is cool and bracing, the one I actually dove into. Lake Bled is warmer than a glacial lake has any right to be, because thermal springs feed it on one side and it holds 23 to 26°C through July and August. Nobody in our group swam it, but we trailed our hands over the side of the boat crossing to the island and the whole boat was surprised by how warm it was. → Lake Bohinj, and why I’d send you there before Bled

New to newsletter readers: if you like the sound of this kind of travel, my newsletter, is where I send the stories and updates that don’t make it onto the blog.

Stand-up paddleboarding

The softest water activity on the list, and the site of the most peaceful hour of my whole trip.

On Lake Bohinj I led the women through a short meditation out on the boards, in a quiet bay away from the little wooden boats. The water was dead still. I guided them into it for five or ten minutes and expected everyone to sit up when they were ready. They lay out there so long I eventually had to call time, because I’m fairly sure a few of them had fallen asleep on the water.

We paddled with Super Duper SUP, who deliver boards to three points around the lake, minimum two hours. Bohinj is the place I’d choose for it, calm and uncrowded. If you’re in the capital and want a gentler version, people paddleboard right through the middle of Ljubljana on the river. I watched them go past from a bar chair with an Aperol spritz in my hand and put it straight on my list.

→ The full Lake Bohinj guide, including the hike to Savica Waterfall!

Biking, three ways

You can bike Slovenia at any speed you like, and I did three very different versions of it.

The gentle one, Ljubljana on two wheels. I found a bike tour on Airbnb Experiences led by a local guide called Klemen before I even left home. Three hours, about $41, bikes provided, only two other people on mine. He fed us the country’s history in pieces as we rode, from the pink church on Prešeren Square to the beehives in the botanical gardens to a rooftop bar in a 1933 skyscraper. It’s the softest thing on this list, sightseeing with a breeze on your face, and the best way I know to get the shape of a city in an afternoon. → My full 2 days in Ljubljana, built around this bike tour

The scenic one, lake to lake. There’s a 28-kilometer cycling route between Bled and Bohinj, mostly separated from traffic, running alongside the Sava Bohinjka river. You can ride it one way and catch the bus back. They carry the bikes. It’s flat, it’s beautiful, and it links the two lakes without a car.

The one with the vineyards, Goriška Brda. Our half-day e-bike tour through the wine country was one of my favorite days of the whole trip. We rode about 17 miles with the San Martín agency, guide Petra stopping us for the views, including the lookout tower at Mejnik above the village of Gonjače. E-bikes because the region is properly hilly, and lunch at a biodynamic winery in the middle of it. One of our group came off her bike on a narrow stretch when a car tailgated us too close. She was fine, shaken and grazed, back on for the ride to lunch. The roads here are narrow and shared with cars, so take them slowly.

→ Best places to visit in Slovenia, including the wine country

Gorge walking at Vintgar

This one’s a walk suspended over water, and one of the most photographed spots in the country for good reason.

The Vintgar Gorge is a 1.6-kilometer boardwalk pinned to the rock wall, the green Radovna river rushing underneath you the whole way, ending at the Šum waterfall. It takes about 45 minutes. Here’s the catch that trips people up: it’s one-way. You can’t walk back through, so the walk out is longer than most people plan for.

One more thing worth knowing before you go. Since 2026 there are timed-entry tickets with daily caps, and in July and August the slots sell out days ahead, so book about 48 hours out. There’s a shuttle bus from Bled if you don’t want to drive.

→ Vintgar Gorge: everything you need to know before you book

Hiking, from a gentle waterfall walk to the mountain that broke me

Hiking in Slovenia runs the full range, and you can pick your level down to the meter.

At the easy end, the walk to the Kozjak waterfall in the Soča Valley is flat, short, and strung with suspension bridges over that emerald water of the Soca River. The path to the Savica waterfall above Lake Bohinj is a set of roughly 550 steps, about a mile, 20 minutes up, to a 78-meter fall that splits into an A shape against the rock. And you can skip the climbing altogether at Vogel, where a cable car lifts you to 1,535 meters in under five minutes and hands you the view without the work. The flat loops around both lakes, 6 kilometers at Bled and 11 at Bohinj, are the gentlest way to spend a morning on foot.

At the other end there’s Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the country, and the reason I came home turning something over about myself. I’m giving Triglav its own piece. What happened up there was the afternoon I stood at the bottom of a via ferrata and said no. And ended up on a far greater adventure!

→ TRIGLAV: the day I said no on Mount Triglav. Coming soon. Subscribe to the newsletter and I’ll send it to you when it’s live.

So, which one’s for you?

If you’re nervous and want to feel active without the fear, take Klemen’s Ljubljana bike tour, walk the Vintgar boardwalk, and do the family-friendly canyoning route. You’ll come home with stories and no bruises.

If you came for the adrenaline, the Fratarica canyon, the rafting, and a zipline over the Učja gorge will give you your money’s worth.

And if you’re somewhere in the middle, which is where most of us live, the beauty of Slovenia is that you don’t have to choose just one. I did the whole spread in 10 days and the gentlest afternoon, six women asleep on paddleboards, sits right alongside the scariest.

How I did this trip to Slovenia

I went to Slovenia with Your Limitless Adventures, a women’s adventure travel company run by my friend Christina McEvoy. I’ve since become a trip leader with them (along with Drea above), and I’m leading three:

• Morocco, October 2026
• Thailand, February 2027
• Vietnam, March 2027

→ Here’s the honest story of what one of these trips is actually like

More Slovenia

• Best places to visit in Slovenia
• The Soča Valley, my favorite part of the whole trip
• Lake Bohinj, and why I’d send you there before Bled
• Lake Bled: the island, the castle, the cake and the 5am hike
• Vintgar Gorge: everything you need to know
• 2 days in Ljubljana
• TRIGLAV: the day I said no on Mount Triglav. Coming soon.

Which of these would you actually do, and which would you talk yourself out of? Tell me in the comments. I want to know if I’m the only one who’ll happily jump off a canyon wall but needs a nudge to get into cold water with my clothes on.

Cancelled flight out of Raleigh, then a delayed one, then an overnight reroute through London that ate the extra day I’d deliberately built into the front of the trip. My airport shuttle broke down on the way in, and we sat waiting for a replacement. I finally reached the hotel mid-afternoon with two days of travel on me and one thought in my head, which was coffee.

So, I walked. Two blocks down to the river. And I stood there thinking, oh no. I’m going to love Ljubljana and I’ve got no time.

I ended up with one evening at the start of my Slovenia trip and one full day and evening at the end. That’s what this post is built on, plus the things I ran out of time for and would put straight into a second day. If you’re planning one or two days in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia in Central Europe, this is the shape I’d give it.

What Ljubljana is actually like

The Ljubljana River runs right through the middle and it’s narrower than you expect. Still, quiet, green, with trees leaning over it and boats going up and down and cobblestone walls on either side. Restaurants have seating on little platforms down at water level. I watched paddleboarders go past while I was drinking an Aperol Spritz.

Both banks are pedestrian and the streets on either side of it form part of the historic district. Cobblestones, market stalls, rainbow-colored buildings, church steeples, and above all of it the castle sitting on its hill. It’s small enough to walk end to end and big enough to keep turning up something.

I’d call it laid-back and social. Everybody’s outside, everybody’s eating, and the whole place gets better after dark rather than winding down.

One thing worth knowing before you plan: Ljubljana is not particularly touristy. I never once felt like I was queuing behind a tour group. In July.

Day 1: The Bike Tour

I love seeing a city on foot or on a bike, and I’d found a bike tour on Airbnb Experiences led by a local before I even left home. I’d never used Airbnb Experiences. I was impressed. The listings are small, local and specific in a way the big tour platforms usually aren’t.

I was supposed to do this on my first day. I had to cancel because of the flights, and Klemen refunded me without me having to ask. When the last day of the trip came free, I booked it again.

The details: 3 hours, about $41, bikes provided. Small group, and there were only 2 other people on mine. We met at the pink church on Prešeren Square, which is the landmark everyone in Ljubljana gives directions from. It’s the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, and yes, it really is pink.

Klemen started us at a scale model of the city and pointed out how the whole thing fits together, where the castle sits, which bit came first. Then the history: Austro-Hungarian Empire, then Yugoslavia, then independence in 1991. He kept feeding it to us in pieces as we rode, which is a much better way to take in a country’s history than standing in one spot listening to it.

What we stopped at

The bronze door of the Cathedral of St Nicholas. It was made in 1996 for Pope John Paul II’s visit and it tells Slovenia’s story down its whole length. At the bottom there’s a face of the artist (his signature move), and it’s rubbed gold and shiny because everybody who walks past rubs its nose for luck. Rub it with your left hand.

A water fountain hidden in Locksmith Alley. Down a side street in the middle of the downtown, so tucked away I’d have walked past the entrance a hundred times. Klemen challenged us to figure out how to get the water to come out of the hand. In case you can’t, turn it.

The Monument to Edvard Kocbek in Park Tivoli. Kocbek was a Slovenian writer and he’s sitting on a park bench, life-size. On the armrest opposite him is a tiny second version of himself. Klemen said it’s his conscience, sitting across from him. I stood looking at that for a while. Slovenians put a lot of thought into their public art.

Dragon Bridge. I found it a bit boring, if I’m being straight with you. Four copper dragons on a bridge, everyone stops for the photo. What I liked was the story underneath it. The legend goes that Jason, of Jason and the Argonauts, sailed up the Ljubljanica with the Golden Fleece, found a dragon living in the marshes, and killed it. The dragon became the city’s emblem and it’s now on the flag, the coat of arms and about half the souvenirs in town. The bridge itself went up in 1901 as part of rebuilding the city after the 1895 earthquake, and the original plans had winged lions on it. They swapped them for dragons.

The botanical gardens, and the beehives. This is where I fell for the country properly. Klemen stopped us at a couple of hives and started talking about beekeeping, which in Slovenia is not a hobby so much as a national characteristic. About 1 in every 200 Slovenians keeps bees. Ljubljana alone has around 300 beekeepers and more than 4,500 hives inside the city limits. The city was named European Green Capital in 2016, roughly 75% of it is green space, and close to 60% of the whole country is forest, which puts Slovenia third in Europe behind Sweden and Finland.

I biked away from that stop liking Slovenia about 30% more than I had 10 minutes earlier.

Križanke. A cultural center with an outdoor amphitheater that was being set up for a concert, so we could only look through the glass doors. It looked like a wonderful place to see something. The Ljubljana Festival was running while we were there.

You get a very quick sense of how much this city is built around its culture. One of the other 2 people on my tour was a pianist, a professor at a university in Kansas City, in Ljubljana on his way home from teaching in Italy. He’d come specifically to hear one of the world’s best pianists play the following night. That’s who else is on a Tuesday afternoon bike tour here.

The rooftop

Klemen took us up Nebotičnik, which means “skyscraper” and which was, when it opened in 1933, the tallest building in the Balkans and the 9th tallest in Europe. It’s 70 meters. The rooftop cafe bar at the top gives you a full 360, the colored buildings, the castle, and the Julian Alps stacked up behind everything.

He’d arranged Slovenian cake for the group. I’m gluten free so I couldn’t have it, and without me saying much about it he went and got me a flat white instead. Small thing. It’s the kind of small thing that tells you what a guide is like.

We sat up there for 20 minutes and talked. Before leaving Klemen took us to check out the cool spiral staircase in the building. Don’t miss it!

Metelkova, and the moment

Then we rode to AKC Metelkova mesto, and this was my favorite part of the day.

It’s a block of run-down buildings covered wall to ceiling in murals, sculptures made of scrap, and work by local artists who come in and keep adding to it. There are small studios inside that you can wander through when they’re open. One rule Klemen gave us: don’t photograph the artists. It isn’t appreciated. Photograph the walls all you like.

The buildings were an Austro-Hungarian army barracks, finished in 1911, used by the Yugoslav army until 1991. The city decided to demolish them in 1993, and a network of artists and activists squatted the site instead. It’s been a self-governing autonomous zone ever since, seven buildings and 12,500 square meters of it. There’s a skate park. There were kids hanging about on it while we were there.

From roughly midnight until 8am it turns into the nightlife district, bands playing in the street and in the buildings. Way past my bedtime. If dancing until 8am is your thing, this is where it happens.

We finished at Center Rog, an old bicycle factory now converted into a makerspace with 9 workshops, project studios, a library branch, a cafe and a park out the front. Then back to the riverfront to drop the bikes, with Klemen giving us his dinner recommendations on the way.

He was quirky and funny and completely in love with his city. That’s the whole thing you’re paying for. Book your bike your here.

Worth knowing: Klemen also runs a walking tour that includes a river cruise, 2 hours, about $34. He came straight off it onto our bike tour. Do both. They cover different ground and between them you’d have the city and the water in a single day for under $80.

Day 1 evening: the riverfront

Go down to the river at night and just walk.

Every table is full. Nobody has a phone out. People are eating and talking and laughing and it builds as the evening goes rather than thinning out.

Cross the river and go down one of the smaller cobblestone side streets. I did that on my last night looking for a gelato place I’d found on a map, and what opened up was row after row of alfresco dining, hidden squares with restaurants and bars in them, no cars. It reminded me of Rome. That’s where I’d eat if I had my time again. I picked a restaurant on the main riverfront instead, went for Indian because I wanted to see how Slovenia handled a different cuisine, and it was a miss.

A few of us went for gelato and ended up standing in the square talking to strangers for the best part of an hour. It started because we asked a group of men where they’d gotten theirs. Some were locals, one was from Turkey. They gave us advice about our Mount Triglav hike, told us stories about Slovenia, and we stood there in the warm dark with our gelato like we’d all known each other for years.

That happens more easily when you’re traveling. I’ve noticed it happens far less often at home in the States, though Raleigh is getting better at it.

→ This is what a Your Limitless Adventures women’s trip looks like from the inside

Day 2: the castle, the cruise and the market

This is the day I had planned and then lost to a cancelled flight out of Raleigh. I’d researched it before I left, I heard about most of it from the women on my trip who did get to it, and Klemen filled in the rest. So, I’m giving it to you the way I’d have run it, with the sources named as I go.

Start at the market (produce and artisan)

The fruit and vegetable market runs along the river under Plečnik’s colonnade and it’s a morning thing. I only ever saw it shut, because I arrived too late on my first afternoon and the coffee trailer I’d come for was the last thing still trading. Go early, eat there, then walk.

We walked along on last morning in Slovenia, and the market was bustling. There was also a row of local artisan stores lining the riverfront. It’s the place you want to be if you like gift / souvenir shopping or just want to peer into the local arts culture.

The part I loved most was the beehive panels. Slovenians paint the front board of the hive, and it’s a folk art that exists nowhere else in the world.

The oldest surviving one is dated 1758 and the tradition ran hardest through the 1800s. Around 3,000 panels are still around, carrying more than 600 different motifs between them. Some are biblical. Plenty are scenes out of folk tales, and a good number are straight village satire, which is where they get funny.

They’re historical records as much as decoration. Somebody’s beliefs and somebody’s joke about the neighbors, painted onto the front of a beehive and still readable 200 years later. If you want to see a proper collection of them, the Museum of Apiculture is in Radovljica, about 10 minutes from Lake Bled.

Ljubljana Castle, mid-morning

Walk up through the old town or take the funicular from the base, right by where our group ate on the first night. The funicular is around €6 return and takes about a minute. The castle opens daily from 9am, until 8pm in summer, and the funicular runs later than that. There’s a restaurant at the top that people kept telling me about.

Here’s my one piece of first-hand advice on the castle. It’s a warning. My bike tour finished at 6 and I had dinner at 7:30. I looked up at the hill, decided 90 minutes wasn’t enough, and went and had a mediocre meal instead. It was enough. Take the funicular, give it an hour, come down for dinner. I’m still annoyed with myself. Especially after seeing that image above (Sourced Yay Images) Sunset is the time to be up there!

Book your Castle Entry Ticket with Optional Funicular Ride

Ljubljana Walking Tour & River Cruse

Klemen’s walking tour with the river cruise, afternoon. 2 hours, about $34. It goes into the sites and the history at a pace the bike tour rides past, and the cruise is the answer to the thing I sat wishing for every time I looked at that river. Book it alongside the bike tour and you’ve covered the city properly for under $80.

Here are a few other Ljubljana River cruise options: An electric boat tour, a Boat & Craft Beer Tasting Tour, and a Wine Tasting Boat Cruise

Explore the river district slowly

Then the river, slowly. Cross to the far bank, get lost in the side streets, and have dinner in one of the hidden squares rather than on the main riverfront. More on that below, including the mistake I made.

One to write down for next time

People paddleboard on the Ljubljana. I watched them go past from a bar chair with an Aperol spritz in my hand and put it straight on the list. If I get back here, I’m on that river. You may even want to squeeze it into your two-day Ljubljana itinerary. Just be sure to report back to me what it was like. Here is a stand-up paddleboarding tour of Ljubljana River.

Swap an hour for a Thai massage, if your legs are ruined

After 8 days of hiking, canyoning, paddleboarding and e-biking, our bodies were wrecked. I found a Thai massage place, Bee Thai Massage, and booked myself, Sena and Mel in. €45 for the hour, and one of the best massages I’ve had in years.

Thai massage is my favorite kind. Firm, deep, lots of stretching and rolling. Lying there getting my legs pulled around, I worked out why I’ve never liked a Swedish massage. Thai was my first ever massage, decades ago, so that’s the baseline I set. A Swedish massage feels to me like somebody politely declining to touch me.

I’ve come home wondering why I haven’t been chasing this down in Raleigh. And I cannot wait to get to Thailand next year, where I plan to have one every single day.

If you’ve only got two days and you’re choosing, go up the castle. If you’ve come to Ljubljana off the back of a week of hiking, book the massage.

Day trips, if you’d rather get out of the city

Slovenia is small, so Ljubljana works well as a base. Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle are the classic pairing and 2 of the women on my trip did them as an afternoon while I was on the bike tour. They came back full of it.

Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj are also doable in a day. One of the men on my bike tour was heading out to do exactly that the next morning because he had 24 hours to spare, though I’d give those lakes far longer if you can. This tour also includes Savica Waterfall, which I recommend. You may also want to combine Lake Bled with Vintgar Gorge, which I loved!

Where to eat and drink in Ljubljana

Coffee in Ljubljana

Tri Marije is a coffee trailer down by the fruit and vegetable market and it was the first thing I did in Slovenia. I could tell from the care the barista was taking that the flat white was going to be good, and it was. He also tried to teach me to say thank you in Slovenian. Took me a few goes before he said “much better,” and I used hvala for the rest of the trip because of him.

Afrika v Ledini is a couple of streets back from the river. Chris and I sat there for an hour while the others were having their massages, and the flat white was very good. Time it with a massage if you’re doing both.

Stow Specialty Coffee Roasters was another I had noted down but did not get a chance to experience. They are known for high-quality beans and sustainable practices! They have several locations but one is right near the pink church!

Gluten free in Ljubljana

Zrno do zrna is a small organic supermarket with a case of gluten free pastries, savory and sweet. I had an apple strudel on my first afternoon and went back on my last day for a pesto pastry that was a twisted knot. Slovenia in general was excellent for gluten free. Menus flag allergens with a numbering system that’s consistent across restaurants, so I mostly didn’t have to ask, and every piece of gluten free bread I ate in 10 days was good. That does not happen to me in America.

Gelato in Ljublijana

Gelateria Romantika is down a back street, a tiny shopfront between the alfresco restaurants, decorated in pink. Artisan flavors like sour cherry, banana sorbet, bourbon and vanilla pumpkin. I had pistachio and hazelnut chocolate, and it might have been the best gelato of the trip. Under €4 for a big cup, and they do gluten free cones.

Cacao is the one on the riverfront everyone knows, with a big terrace and a queue out the door. Huge servings, very good, priced like the popular place it is.

Dinner Restaurants in Ljubljana

There are so many restaurants in the river district and the many streets that meander through the historic area near it. Research beforehand or just wander and choose one that looks good! Here are a couple of suggestions:

Restavracija Vodnikov Hram is where our group of 15 ate on the first night. It sits at the base of the funicular under a clock that works like the astronomical clock in Prague, little characters coming out to dance on the hour. In Prague there are 300 people watching that. Here there was nobody, and we sat and ate and watched it on our own. Lots of Slovenian dishes with local ingredients, most of which I couldn’t eat, so I had the salmon on the waiter’s recommendation, and it was excellent.

Klemen’s 2 picks, which I’d take next time. Baščaršija on Trubarjeva for Slovenian barbecue, which he said is where locals go and is well priced. And Restavracija Breg on the riverfront, more elevated, Michelin recommended, and when I looked at the prices afterwards they were very reasonable. I wish I’d gone.

Where to stay in Ljubljana

I stayed in two places, one at each end of the trip. Both of these hotels in Ljubljana are good. Heritage is the one I’d book again.

City Hotel

City Hotel was our group hotel on the first night. Modern and comfortable. The rooms are small, which matters very little in a city where you’re barely inside them. Great location, easy walk to the old town, 2 blocks back from the river.

There’s an outdoor terrace where we all met each other for the first time, which you can drink on while watching the street below. The breakfast buffet was outstanding, hot and cold, pastries, oats, yogurt, and more gluten free options than I’m used to getting anywhere. Check prices and reviews on Expedia

Hotel Heritage

Hotel Heritage is where I booked myself for the last night, on Sena’s recommendation after she’d done the research. Boutique, more character, more design, steps from the river in the pedestrian zone. Stylish room, very comfortable, excellent shower.

We had a 4:30am airport run so we missed the breakfast that other women on the trip had raved about, and the hotel packed us breakfast to go instead. They made me a gluten free sandwich, and the bread was so good I’m still wondering if they bake it themselves. Check rates and reviews on Expedia. That’s where I booked from!

Here are some Airbnb options, plus you can check out the list below for more hotels in Ljubljana.

Practical things worth knowing

• From the airport. About 30 minutes by taxi or shuttle, and roughly €15 per person if you share. There’s also a bus. Christina organized our shuttle through the hotel, which was easy.
• How long to visit Ljubljana for. 2 days is workable and 3 is better. The city is small and you’ll see it quickly, and then you’ll want the other kind of time, the sitting in a coffee shop watching people kind, which is how you actually work out what a place is like.
• Walkability. Very. You can walk to the parks and gardens I biked to. Bike rentals are everywhere if you’d rather ride.
• Base yourself here. Slovenia is small enough that you can stay put in Ljubljana and day-trip out rather than changing hotels every two nights. See the day trips above.
• Best time of day. Night. It comes alive after dark and that’s when you should be wandering.
• Getting around Slovenia. Check rental rates and availability through Discover Cars (who we personally use for best rates)

The bit I keep coming back to

Cycling through that art district is the moment that stuck.

Up to then I’d had a beautiful riverfront, good coffee, an alfresco dinner. Lovely, and I could have got a version of that in a dozen European cities. Metelkova gave me the other side. Urban and rough at the edges, with an underground music and theater scene that takes over the streets at midnight. Then the view from the top of a 1933 skyscraper, then a park full of beehives.

That’s a lot of personality for a capital city of fewer than 300,000 people. And all of it moving at a pace that never once felt hurried. I got the shape of Ljubljana in a day. I want the depth of it. I’ll be back for that.

Would I add days on either side of a group trip again?

Always. Especially somewhere I’ve never been.

I’m already doing it. I’m arriving earlier to Fez for my Morocco trip, and I’m adding days in Bangkok before Thailand even though I’ve lived there and know it well, purely to wander and eat and get a Thai massage every day.

Ljubljana taught me that lesson the expensive way, by taking the day back off me before I arrived.

How I did this trip to Slovenia

I went to Slovenia with Your Limitless Adventures, a women’s adventure travel company run by my friend Christina McEvoy. I’ve since become a trip leader with them, and I’m leading 3:

• Morocco, October 2026
• Thailand, February 2027
• Vietnam, March 2027

→ What a Your Limitless Adventures trip is actually like

More Slovenia

• Best places to visit in Slovenia
• The Soča Valley, my favorite part of the whole trip
• Lake Bohinj, and why I’d send you there before Bled
• Lake Bled: the island, the castle, the cake and the 5am hike
• Vintgar Gorge: everything you need to know
• What are the best adventures to have in Slovenia?
• TRIGLAV: the day I said no on Mount Triglav – coming soon

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Did you go up to the castle? Tell me what I missed. I’m still annoyed about it. Boo Hoo to cancelled flights. BTW, Airhelp is a service I only just learned about that can help you get reimbursed for cancelled flights. And make sure you have travel insurance – it covered the costs I incurred because of my delays!

It’s a beautiful walk. The boardwalks are pinned into the rock, the water underneath runs a green you’d assume had been edited, and the whole thing is over in about 45 minutes. What we hadn’t understood was that those 45 minutes were the easy half.

When we asked, locals told us they know. People get caught by this constantly.

What was meant to be a short morning turned into roughly 5 miles on foot, and we weren’t dressed for it or fed for it. The walk out goes through lovely farmland with views back toward the mountains, so it wasn’t a punishment. It was just a lot more day than we’d allowed.

I’ve since worked out exactly why it happens, and it’s simple enough that two minutes of reading will save you the whole problem.

What Vintgar Gorge actually is

The Radovna river cut the gorge, and it took its time. The rock is Triassic limestone, sitting between two hills called Hom and Boršt. During the ice age a shield of ice and moraine dammed the river into a lake and the water kept working anyway. What’s left is 1.6 km of gorge with walls rising 50 to 100 m on either side of you and slopes running up to 250 m above the water.

You walk it on boardwalks bolted into the rock face. Sometimes the river is directly under your feet through the slats. Sometimes you’re out on a bridge over the middle of it. Where the gorge pinches to its narrowest, the walkways are called the Žumer galleries, and they exist because there’s no other way a person gets through that section.

The river changes character every hundred meters. Deep still pools where you can count the stones on the bottom, then a stretch of rapids going white and loud enough that you stop trying to talk, then quiet again.

The fact I liked most: this is not a new discovery. Jakob Žumer, the mayor of nearby Gorje, and a photographer called Benedikt Lergetporer found the way through in 1891. A committee formed, money was raised, and the walkways went up over the next two summers. The gorge opened to the public on 26 August 1893. People have been walking this in bad shoes and worse hats for over 130 years.

Look up about halfway along and there’s a stone railway bridge crossing 33 m above you. 65 m of cut stone, built between 1904 and 1906 for the Bohinj Railway, the line Austria-Hungary put in so it could reach the port of Trieste without crossing Italian territory. An empire’s supply problem, solved with a viaduct over a beauty spot. The line still runs.

At the far end is the Šum waterfall, around 13 m, and it’s a rarity. Most Slovenian waterfalls come out of the rock as karst springs, the way Savica does over at Bohinj. Šum is an actual river falling off a ledge, which there are very few of in this country. And I found it quite humorous that Slap is the Slovenian word for waterfall, so this waterfall is called Slap Sum.

Vintgar Gorge is a one-way route

That’s the thing. You can’t walk back the way you came.

You enter at Podhom, walk 1.6 km of boardwalk through the gorge, and come out at the Šum waterfall at the other end. The boardwalk only runs in one direction, which is what keeps it from turning into a bottleneck of people trying to pass each other on a walkway a meter wide.

So, the exit puts you a couple of kilometers from the entrance on foot, with no way back through. Everyone we met on the trail were as confused as us. The ladies we stopped to ask in a small village on the hill confirmed that yes that path going through farmland was correct, and most people stop to ask. And then the shuttle bus driver laughed and said, “very confusing. I did it once and now I just drive the shuttle”

Your two ways back

There are two marked return paths from the Šum exit, and picking one before you set off is the entire fix.

• The Path of the River of Trees. About 2.7 km, roughly 1.5 hours. Shorter, more shaded, and the one to take if you’re tired, warm, or with kids.
• The Path of King Triglav. About 4.1 km, roughly 2 hours. Longer, historically themed, and the more interesting walk of the two if you have the legs for it.

Basically, when you reach the end of the gorge trail, there is a little hut where you return your helmets (and grab an ice cream if you want). Facing the hut, there is a path on the right leading up – that is what we took. It is the Path of King Triglav. Moving to the left of the hut is a bridge, and that way is where you will find the Path of the River of Trees.

For families with children, there is the Children’s Vintgar – a playful adventure with a passport, which takes place along the route of the King of Triglav and turns the visit into an exploratory experience for the youngest.

I’ve only just figured out writing this post that we took the Path of the Triglav. Nothing felt clearly marked at the time, so we followed what looked like the way and kept going and going and going. You will not have that problem now as you’ll know in advance. And I have shared the map above to help you.

The trail first takes you through the forest, past pastures and views of One exciting thing i that the trail is one of the most easily accessible trails on the outskirts of the Triglav National Park.

We emerged out of the forest to the church of St Catherine, which gives you panoramic views over the valley, the Julian Alps and out to and the idyllic villages of Gorenje.. From there, the path was open on the edge of the hill where we had views of the countryside, including herds of sheep and cattle, and views back over to Lake Bled and Bled Castle. You can actually walk from there back into Bled center which would not have taken us all that much more than what we walked, according to a map we saw out the front of the church.

Both of the trails bring you back to the visitor center where you started. Shuttles will be waiting to take you back to the parking lot where your car is, or where you will get the bus back to Bled.

Decide which trail you’re taking while you’re still at the entrance to the gorge. Look at the map, look at your group, and be honest about how far everyone actually wants to walk after 45 minutes of stairs and boardwalk.

Book your tickets before you go, because they sell out

Vintgar moved to timed entry tickets in 2026, and the number of people let in each day is capped.

This is not a queue-up-and-pay situation any more. We wanted to go on a particular day and the slots were gone, so we swapped our whole itinerary around it and went to Savica Waterfall instead. That worked out fine, but it was luck rather than planning.

Book at least 48 hours ahead in July and August. Slots go days in advance in summer. You can book online through the official site, at the central Vintgar parking, or at the Bled bus station. There is also a guided tour available every afternoon. (from 1 June to 20 September at 16:00, and at 15:00 on the remaining dates) Don’t forget the audio guide if desired.

The gorge is open roughly April to November, from early morning to early evening, with hours shifting through the season. As of 2026, tickets are €15.00 for adults and €5.00 for kids under 15. Book your tickets here. If you arrive without a ticket or miss your appointment, you must wait for a free seat. You can only purchase tickets at the VINTGAR LIP Central Car Park (P1), before entering the VINTGAR Shuttle.

You will have to wear hardhats on the trail through the gorge. We’re guessing to protect against falling rocks. You return them at the other end of the gorge trail; you do not have to wear them on the return hike back to the shuttle.

How long to actually allow

Give it half a day.

The gorge itself is about 45 minutes. Then add 1.5 to 2 hours for whichever return path you take, plus getting there and back from Bled. That’s 3 hours minimum on the ground and comfortably more if you stop for photos, which you will.

The Vintgar Gorge is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon hours, not only because of the beautiful light, but to avoid crowds.

What to bring

Water and something to eat. That’s the whole list, and it’s the one we got wrong.

Also, proper shoes. The boardwalk is fine in anything, but the return paths are real trails through farmland and forest.

Getting there from Lake Bled

The VINTGAR e-bus takes 15 minutes from the Bled Central Bus Station (next to the Bled Rose Hotel) to the VINTGAR LIP Central Car Park. There you change to the VINTGAR Shuttle, which takes about 7 minutes to the VINTGAR Entry Centre. It’s a separate ticket from your gorge entry, so budget for both. We caught the shuttle from Bled Center as it was so easy, and we did not want to risk a full parking lot.

Driving is the other option. The free VINTGAR LIP Central Parking Lot is the central HUB of the destination. From there jump on the shuttle from to the entrance (7 minutes). Motorcycles can go direct to the gorge entrance.

The other option, which I think if you have time, is to rent and ride ebikes from Bled Center passing through villages and the countryside on the way. It’s 4km and you can bypass the shuttle and go direct to gorge entrance. You can rent them here.

From the center of Bled, it is about 4 km or 50 minutes’ walk to the Vintgar Gorge. Pedestrian signs lead to the VINTGAR Entrance Centre. 

If you are visiting just for the day from Ljubljana. While its possible, I don’t recommend it, just because this area is beautiful and deserves more of your time! However, I know schedules may not always allow for it. You can either pick up a rental car (see options here). It’s about 40 miles (around an hour). Or join a day tour from Ljubljana. This full day tour from Ljublijana includes Vintgar Gorge 

If you’re basing yourself at Bled, Vintgar, Savica Waterfall and Lake Bohinj all work as day trips from one place, which is how we did it.

Where to stay and what to do at Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, and why I’d send you there before Bled

So is it worth it

Yes. Emphatically.

I went in with low expectations, which I’m slightly embarrassed about now. Vintgar was a box on the itinerary between two lakes, and it turned into one of the most beautiful hours I had in Slovenia. When I sat down afterwards and ranked everywhere I’d been in the country, Vintgar came in third. Above both lakes.

Go. Just go having booked your ticket, chosen your way back, and packed a sandwich.

How I did this trip

I was in Slovenia for 10 days with Your Limitless Adventures, a women’s adventure travel company run by my friend Christina McEvoy. I’ve since become a trip leader with them, and I’m leading three:

• Morocco, October 2026
• Thailand, February 2027
• Vietnam, March 2027

What a Your Limitless Adventures trip is actually like →

More Slovenia

• Best places to visit in Slovenia
• Lake Bled: What to do and where to stay
• Lake Bohinj and Savica Waterfall
• The Soča Valley
• 2 Days in Ljubljana: The bike tour, Art District, and river front
• Best adventures to have in Slovenia
• TRIGLAV: The day I said no on Mount Triglav – coming soon

Did Vintgar catch you out on the way back too? Tell me in the comments, because I’d like to know it wasn’t just us.

A local band, singing in Slovenian, playing to a crowd on the grass with the water going dark behind them. People were up dancing. Friends, couples, a few kids running around the edges. Not one person I could see was filming it.

I stood there for a while. I didn’t understand a word, and it made no difference at all, because it was the same scene I’ve watched a hundred times in Australia and in North Carolina. People finishing a workday and deciding to enjoy themselves.

Lake Bled gave me the iconic photograph. It also gave me that. I visited Bled in July for 2 nights on a 10-day women’s adventure trip through Slovenia and Lake Bled was our base. Two nights is tight. Some of what we did I’d repeat exactly. Some of it I’d give twice the time.

Where Lake Bled is and what it’s like

Bled sits in northwestern Slovenia at the edge of the Julian Alps, about 35 km from Ljubljana airport. That’s a 30-to-40-minute drive, or roughly half an hour on the bus, which makes it the easiest first stop in the country. We came in from Ljubljana on day 1.

A glacier carved the lake out. There’s an island in the middle of it with a church on top, the only natural island in Slovenia, and the castle sits on a cliff above the northern shore. The whole arrangement looks staged, and it isn’t.

Halfway across to the island I had a hand trailing over the side of the boat, and the water was warm. Properly warm, the kind you’d get into without any negotiating with yourself first. Several of us noticed at the same time and spent a minute being surprised about it together.

Bled is glacial in origin, but thermal springs come up through the lakebed on the northeastern side and take the chill out of it. Through July and August, it holds somewhere between 23 and 26°C. Bohinj, 30 minutes away, runs cooler. Still swimmable, and more refreshing than punishing, but you feel the difference.

It’s a small lake. You can walk the whole way around it in under two hours. My first impression from our hotel grounds was a cobbled square, an old church, and water sitting there being an unreasonable color. And for the most famous place in the country, I never found it overwhelming.

Taking a Pletna boat to Bled Island

Taking a traditional pletna boat to the island is probably the thing you came to Lake Bled for, so do it first and do it early.

We walked around a stretch of the lake to the dock from our accommodation, stopping to take photos along the way, our favorite being the view back to our hotel and connected church and the heart sculpture. It was our first day, we barely knew each other yet, and there’s something about walking side by side that makes strangers talk faster than sitting across a table does.

Now to enjoying Lake Bled’s top attraction – the pletna boat ride to Bled Island. The pletna is a flat-bottomed wooden boat rowed standing up by one man with two long oars, and the design goes back to the 1590s. The craftsmanship of the boat and the physical effort of the pletnar make this a a unique cultural encounter and worth doing. It reminded me of the gondolas in Venice; except we were crossing open water with the Julian Alps behind us instead of drifting down a canal.

The crossing to Bled Island takes about 30 minutes. Your oarsman waits while you’re on the island and brings you back. So, plan your time on the island well, as you don’t want to get left there and have to swim back! Apparently, people do swim over to the island, so you have options.

For the pletna boats, you cannot book in advance. Payment is strictly cash-in-hand directly to your rower. In 2026, the standard round-trip ticket price is €20 for adults and €10 for children. Pletnas leave from

• Mlino Pier: Closest point to the island (10–15-minute row time)
• Kazina (Bled Center): Located near the Park Hotel (longest and most scenic route 30 mins) Where we left from!
• Velika Zaka: (near the rowing center on the western side of the lake)

Go early. I’ll say it again because it’s the single most useful thing in this post. For one of Slovenia’s biggest attractions I never found Bled crowded, but the island fills up as the day goes on and the boats queue. It is best to beat the midday rush – that is when a lot of the tour buses from Ljubljana arrive.

What’s actually on Bled Island

Bled island is small, and there isn’t a lot on it. That’s fine and part of its unique charm. It’s a lovely, quiet place to sit for about 40 minutes. Just know what you’re getting so you can plan the rest of your day around it.

We landed on the back side of the church and went up the narrow small staircase there, but we came down the famous staircase – some boats are dropped off at the bottom of this baroque stone staircase instead. Built in 1655, there are 99 steps, made of breccia, a local rock. Tradition says a groom should carry his bride up all 99 before the wedding, which explains the couples you’ll see attempting it in formal wear.

At the top is the Church of the Assumption, 17th century baroque, standing where a Slavic pagan temple stood before it. A couple of the women in our group went inside and climbed the bell tower. The church is beautiful.

The bell up there is a wishing bell, and it’s been in place since 1534. The story goes that a widow called Poliksena, who lived at Bled Castle, had it cast in memory of her husband. Ring it and make a wish (be prepared to wait). Couples who ring it are supposed to get a long and happy marriage out of the deal.

There’s a café. Some of the women tried potica, the walnut cake this region is known for, traditionally baked in a potičnica, a hand-shaped pot meant to look like Christ’s crown. Reviews at our table were mixed, but they all enjoyed it more than the Slovenia cake they had in Ljubljana the night before. My flat white was fine. Not one I’d cross a lake for, though I’d already crossed a lake for it.

Sitting in that café with the windows open onto the water was the best part of the island for me. We grabbed a gelato from the stand on the way out and walked down the stairs and around the small trail around the back to the boat. (Psst. Slovenia is next door to Italy so expect a lot of gelato. How terrible!!) Leave some time for photos, especially on the shoreline looking back over Bled Castle.

Mala Osojnica at Sunrise

I contemplated sleeping through this early morning hike to a view of Lake Bled.

I was still wrecked from the flight over and I lay there at 5am doing the arithmetic every jetlagged traveler does, working out exactly how much sleep I’d get if I stayed put. What got me up was my roommate Ali bouncing out of bed like the day owed her something, and a couple of the other women enthusiastic for it. I’m so glad they did.

The Mala Osojnica trail is about a mile and it’s steep. Properly steep, the kind where you stop talking about halfway up. It is also the best way I know to wake up. I didn’t need coffee afterwards, which for me is close to a miracle.

The view at the top is the one you’ve seen. The whole lake, the island sitting in the middle of it with the church spire up, the castle on its cliff, all of it going soft and pink in the first light.

Things I wish I’d known:

• There’s a higher viewpoint further up. The trail isn’t well marked and we missed it entirely, and only found out from a hiking couple when we were already heading down. Look at the map before you go.
• We arrived just after sunrise rather than before it, so we got the colors and the soft light without seeing the sun actually come up. We knew we’d miss it as a summer sunrise was early and it was at least a 40 min journey to the top.
• For photographs, late afternoon is probably better. In the morning the light is behind the lake rather than on it.
• And parking at the trailhead is expensive. Walking around from town is the alternative if you’ve got the time in your morning, which at 5am we didn’t.

That hour is the reason I’d tell anyone to do Bled with people rather than alone. I’d have slept in. Somebody else got me up a mountain, and it turned into my favorite morning of the trip.

→ This is what a Your Limitless Adventures women’s trip actually looks like and best adventures to have in Slovenia.

Bled Castle

Bled castle sits on a cliff above the lake and it’s the other half of every photograph of this place. It’s the oldest castle in Slovenia (11th Century) and a real part of Bled’s history. I loved seeing Bled Castle from almost everywhere we went in the region. It was the perfect landmark, especially on our walk home from Vintgar Gorge when we got disorientated by the confusing return trail. More on that soon!

There’s a steep 10-minute climb up to it from the Old Parish House, and I’d take that path over driving. It’s pretty the whole way and the views open up as you go.

Now my honest experience. We had 5 minutes. We ran up, took a photo, and ran back down, and we weren’t even on the good side. The view of the island with the church on it is from the far side, and we didn’t have time to walk around it. We also didn’t pay to go inside, because paying an entry fee to spend two minutes in a castle made no sense on that particular morning.

That’s a verdict on our schedule rather than on the castle. If you’ve got an hour or two, go in and learn the history properly, walk the full way around the walls, and get the angle we missed. If you’ve got 5 minutes, do what we did and don’t pay.

To discover inside the castle grounds:

• a museum provides insights into medieval life and the significance of the castle in Slovenian history
• a beautifully preserved Gothic chapel built in the 16th century, adorned with frescoes
• breathtaking panoramic views of the lake, the island, and the surrounding Julian Alps
• restaurant that offers Slovenian dishes with a modern twist, along with a wine cellar that visitors can explore

The Bled cream cake, and whether you’ll actually like it

Kremšnita, or Bled cream cake is a famous Slovenian dessert. You’ll see it in every window in town, and it’s a genuine local institution rather than a tourist invention. A pastry chef at the Park Hotel created the modern version in 1953, and they’ve been cutting it into the same 7 by 7-centimeter square ever since. Puff pastry, vanilla custard, cream, more pastry.

The women I was with grabbed a piece from the little café at our hotel and ate it walking to Vintgar Gorge. The verdict around the group was about a 7 out of 10.

I’m gluten free so I scooped out a bit of the cream filling, which is a sad way to eat a famous cake but it’s the way I eat most famous cakes. It reminded me of a vanilla slice back home in Australia, except a vanilla slice is sweeter and better.

Here’s the useful part. If you’re American and used to American desserts, you may find it a little bland. It’s a much gentler thing than what you’re expecting. Try it anyway, because it’s part of being here, and adjust your expectations rather than your plans. I’m not a sweet tooth person at all (I grew up on vegemite), and even I found it a little too unsweet.

Walking around the lake

The full loop around Lake Bled is 6 km, about 3.7 miles, and it’s flat. Most people take 1.5 to 2 hours at a pace that lets them stop. That’s a surprising distance to me as it felt so much bigger. I know because a local Raleigh lake I walk around is close to the same size and feels much smaller.

We ran out of time and I regret it. If you have a spare morning, this is what I’d do with it. It’s the way to see the island from every angle and to find the quieter side of the water away from town.

Vintgar Gorge

You will, without a doubt, want to visit Vintgar Gorge while in Lake Bled. It’s one of my favorite places in Slovenia, and something I was not really expecting to be much more than a short easy hike.

Firstly, it was stunning, with its high, narrow canyon walls, and transparent green river making its way through, sometimes slowly, and sometimes more mostly through rapids over the rocks or spilling over as small waterfalls and even at the end with the larger Sum Waterfall,

t also involved a much longer hike than we anticipated getting out of the gorge, which I have written all about in my guide to Vintgar Gorge and everything you need to know before you visit. Plus more photos that are going to inspire you to book the ticket now.

Where to eat at Lake Bled

Pizzeria Rustika

Pizzeria Rustika, around the corner from where we stayed. Book it, and time it. We had a reservation and sadly, because of our large group couldn’t sit on the outside patio, which is where you want to be. We ate downstairs inside instead, in a smaller room that was fine for a group our size. When we drove past later that afternoon there was a long line out the door, and there had been nothing like that at lunchtime.

The woodfired pizza is the reason to come. Several of the women said it was the best they’d had, and a couple said better than Italy, which caused an argument. There are toppings you don’t see much, like peach and mozzarella. The most popular for our group was the signature rustika. I had the Rikli Solata – mozzarella salad with grilled chicken instead and it was excellent.

We came back here after our Triglav hike to collect our stored bags and grabbed pizza and salad to eat in the van on the way to the Soča Valley.

Old Cellar Bled

Old Cellar Bled, the Lake View one for dinner. Check which one you’re booking, because there are two. The original has been in the old part of town since 2009. The lakeside one on Cesta Svobode only opened in 2025, and that’s the one you want.

A view over the lake with the island in front of you and the castle standing watch above it, and we timed it for sunset. Watching that sky go pink and purple over the water while we all sat at one long table was one of my favorite hours in Bled.

The menu runs traditional Slovenian done in a modern way with local ingredients, and the wine list is properly Slovenian. They brought me gluten free bread for the olive oil without being asked twice, which I appreciated more than it probably sounds. I took the waiter’s recommendation and had pork cheek in prosciutto. Very good.

This restaurant also had a rather large, contemporary inside dining room, that was just as busy as the patio. If you can (reserve in advance) definitely sit outside, those views are unbeatable.

Restavracija Sova

Restavracija Sova, down on the lake shore. We were in a small room at the back, though there’s a covered outdoor area with lake views that looks like the place to sit. I had local trout, grilled, with the chef’s potato salad, and it might have been my favorite meal in Slovenia. We split a crème brûlée for dessert. The table next to me had the chocolate brownie with raspberries and vanilla ice cream and I have thought about it since.

Where to stay at Lake Bled

We stayed at The Old Parish House Hotel sitting under Castle Hill next to the church of St Martin, and it’s the best accommodation decision available in Bled.

It’s one of the oldest buildings in the town. The rooms are simple in the way an old parish house should be, natural materials and nothing shouting at you. There are 10 double rooms, so it never feels like a hotel. Breakfast is homemade and you can take it in the garden: cheeses, cured meats, pastries, fruit, and a chia pudding I’d eat again. Good coffee, which I do not take for granted.

The staff made the difference. When we left at an unspeakable hour for the Mount Triglav hike they packed us breakfast to take. That included a gluten free sandwich for me, which I appreciated, especially given how delicious the bread was. The other ladies had some banana cake treats as well.

While here you can pop into the Church of St Martin, it’s quite beautiful inside and there are views of the lake from up here. It’s very easy to walk down the stairs and along the lake to the pletna jetty, the lake trail, the town and restaurants.

There’s a small café attached that does coffee, honey desserts and homemade ice cream in summer, and where the cream cake situation described above took place. Free private parking, which matters in Bled.

The practical case for it: Bled, Bohinj, Savica Waterfall and Vintgar Gorge are all easy day trips from here. One base, four destinations, no repacking. Anyone can book it. It isn’t a private house or a group-only thing, which surprised me when I found out.

Click here for rates and availability for the Old Parish House, here are some Airbnb rental options, and check the widget below for other Lake Bled accommodation options.

Tour Options in Lake Bled

Here are some tour options I found that you may like. I would add it to my itinerary if I returned to Lake Bled or had longer.

• Paddle a transparent kayak with a local guide, enjoy castle and island views, and capture unforgettable moments on calm alpine water. We did clear kayaks at Moreton Island in Australia and loved them.
• Bled eBike Tour: Pedal through scenic villages and around Lake Bled on comfortable electric bikes. A great way to experience Bled beyond the lake. The surrounding villages looked beautiful from our vantage point walking back from Vintgar Gorge.
• Lake Bled: Award-Winning SUP Tour to the Island & Castle – good one if you want to skip any pletna crowds, enjoy a swim and immerse yourself more on the lake.
• Day trip from Ljubljana: Lake Bled and Bohinj with Savica waterfall: If you are short on time, this full day tour may be an option, although we recommend spending more time in both places. A fellow tour participant of my bike tour in Ljubljana was doing a full day tour like this as he was short on time in Slovenia.
• This full day tour from Ljublijana includes Vintgar Gorge instead of Savica. If you had to choose, I would suggest, Vintgar Gorge – it made my list of top places in Slovenia.

Bled or Bohinj

Short version: Bled for the town, Bohinj for the nature. Bled has the restaurants, the evening buzz, the island and the castle. Bohinj has the quiet, the paddleboarding and the national park.

Bled wins on one thing I didn’t expect. Those thermal springs make it the warmer of the two by a clear margin. I jumped into Bohinj and it was cool and bracing and I was ready to get out again before long. At Bled I had my hand in the water off the side of a boat and would happily have stayed in for an hour. If a long afternoon in the water is your idea of a good day, Bled is your lake.

I still liked Bohinj more and I’d send you there first. You don’t have to choose, because they’re 30 minutes apart and one base covers both.

→The full case for Lake Bohinj, and why I picked the quiet one

Practical things worth knowing

• How long to give it. 3 days for Bled and Bohinj together, 4 if you want swimming time and a slow morning walking the lake. We had 2 nights at Bled and it was tight.
• Swimming. June through August, when the water stays above 20°C and peaks around 26. Pack a swimsuit even for a short stay.
• Crowds. For somewhere this famous, I never found Bled overwhelming, even in July. The island is the exception. Go in the morning.
• Parking. Not an issue for us, because we stayed on the lake and walked everywhere. It could be an issue if you stay in Bled. The Mala Osojnica trailhead lot is the expensive one. Leave your car at one of the cheaper park-and-ride lots in Lesce or Zirovnica and take a quick local shuttle or taxi in. Make sure you check if it’s paid parking, we didn’t at Bohinj and got a fine – for both our vans! If you stay in Bohinj and visit Bend for the day, consider riding the bus.
• Getting to Bohinj. 30 minutes by car on a scenic road, or a bus that takes roughly the same, tickets €3 to €14.  Check rental cars and availability here. You could rent an ebike, and/or cycle there and catch the bus back (or vice versa). They can transport bikes! Here is a package that includes ebike rental and bus) There may be traffic getting in and out the one road and roads here are narrow (in most of Slovenia) Check rentals here.
• Vintgar Gorge. 20 minutes away and worth a half day. Book ahead, because timed tickets sell out. Ours did, and we had to rearrange the whole itinerary around it.

Post coming soon→ Vintgar Gorge, and why getting back out takes longer than you think

How I did this trip

I went with Your Limitless Adventures, a women’s adventure travel company run by my friend Christina McEvoy. I’ve since become a trip leader with them and I’m leading three:

• Morocco, October 2026
• Thailand, February 2027
• Vietnam, March 2027

What a Your Limitless Adventures trip is actually like →

More Slovenia

• Best places to visit in Slovenia
• Lake Bohinj: what to do and why I preferred it to Bled.
• Vintgar Gorge – what to know and why to go
• The Soča Valley – what to do and the most beautiful river I’ve seen
• How to spend 1-2 days in Ljubljana
• Don’t miss these epic adventures in Slovenia
• TRIGLAV: The day I said no on Mount Triglav

Have you been to Lake Bled, and did you get up for the sunrise? Tell me in the comments. I want to know if anyone found the higher viewpoint.

She picked the NY vs. Dallas game because her idol is Paige Bueckers from Uconn, who now plays for Dallas. New York is a lot closer to Raleigh than Dallas, and obviously a way better city to visit! So, tickets secured, flights and accommodation organized, we packed our bags and headed to Brooklyn for a fun daddy and daughter getaway!

If you’ve never been to a New York Liberty game at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn before, below is a guide on what you can expect, how to get there, where to stay, getting tickets, and what else we did with 3-days in NYC. We have visited NYC many times, but never for a sporting event, and combining an event with a getaway is an awesome way to travel.

About the New York Liberty

Founded in 1997, they are a member of the Eastern Conference and one of the eight original WNBA’s original franchises. They have qualified for the playoffs in 19 of its 28 years, and their current Overall Record is 509-469, and current Playoffs Record is 43-48. In 2024, New York defeated the Minnesota Lynx 3-2 in the WNBA Finals to win its first ever WNBA championship and the first in New York City professional basketball history in over 50 years – way to go, ladies!

Currently on the NY Liberty roster are big name stars such as the team’s first-ever No.1 overall draft pick, Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Courtney Vandersloot, and Jonquel Jones. And being Australians, we were excited to watch fellow Aussie, Rebecca Allen. See their full roster.

The Liberty have built one of the most passionate fan bases in the league and a young, loud, and diverse crowd with a genuine “big city” sports atmosphere. They wear the green and black colors, and in 2021 introduced their mascot, Ellie the Elephant – The NY Liberty represent culture and community, and Elephants represent strength, power, wisdom, and determination. 

The Liberty are owned by Joseph Tsai, co-founder of the Alibaba Group (and majority owner of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets), and Clara Wu Tsai, an American businesswoman. Over the years, the Liberty have played at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, Prudential Center in Newark, Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, and Westchester County Center in White Plains. For the 2020 season, the Tsais relocated the Liberty to Brooklyn on a full-time basis.

About Barclays Center

The Liberty play at Barclays Center (Barclays is a bank out of the UK), which opened in 2012 and is a major sports and entertainment venue and has become a Brooklyn landmark in its own right. Its instantly recognizable for its weathered-steel, oculus-shaped exterior. Besides being home to the Liberty and the NBA ‘s Brooklyn Nets, it also hosts concerts, boxing, and college basketball.

Seating & Tickets

The capacity is 17,553 seats for basketball and up to 19,000 seats for concerts. The venue has one of the most intimate seating configurations ever designed into a modern multi-purpose arena, with unparalleled sightlines and first-class amenities. See seating map for Liberty games.

Getting to Barclays Center

Barclays Center is located at 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn and is easily accessible from J.F.K. International Airport and LaGuardia Airport and is adjacent to one of the largest transit hubs in New York, the Atlantic Terminal-Barclays Center Station and is served by the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, and R trains. I found simply using Google maps an easy way to navigate the subway system. From anywhere in Manhattan or Brooklyn, you’re looking at a direct or one-transfer ride, usually 20-40 minutes depending on where you start.

Other Subway stations include Lafayette Avenue Station (located on Fulton Street and South Portland Avenue) and Fulton Street Station (located on Fulton Street and Fort Greene Place).

PRO TIP: we stayed at the Tru by Hilton Hotel in Park Slope, Brooklyn, which is one of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn and our hotel was an easy 10-minute walk from Barclays Center along 5th Ave. If you’d rather base yourself in Manhattan, it’s an easy subway ride either way — most Midtown or Lower Manhattan hotels put you 20-35 minutes from the arena door to door.

Where to Stay

In Brooklyn

• Tru by Hilton, Park Slope — clean, good value, roughly 10-minute walk to the arena, around the corner from Union Station subway stop and all the restaurants/bars on 5th ave.
• Other good options in Brooklyn include Aloft by Marriott and the Hotel Indigo.

In Manhattan

Staying in Manhattan keeps you closer to the rest of the top NYC city attractions, with the tradeoff being a short subway ride to games. But a practical option if you’re combining this with a broader NYC sightseeing trip rather than a Brooklyn-focused one. See list of Midtown Manhattan hotels.

Buying Tickets

Tickets are available through the Liberty’s official site and Ticketmaster. Like all sports, prices vary widely by section, opponent, day of the week etc. Upper-level seats can be found relatively affordably, while lower-bowl seats near the court cost significantly more. Keep in mind that WNBA ticket demand have grown substantially, so buying earlier than you might expect is recommended, especially for a marquee matchup or a Saturday night game.

Know Before You Go

Security & Bag Policy

Barclays Center runs a strict bag policy that are limited to roughly 10″ x 6″ x 2″, which means backpacks, purses, and diaper bags larger than a small clutch aren’t allowed in (medical and diaper-bag exceptions apply, subject to search). NOTE: Guests without bags can use Express Lanes to enter the arena faster. See full prohibited list here.

Arrival Timing

For New York Liberty games, doors open 90-minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Savannah loves to watch the players warm up so we were there early. Aim to arrive 45-60 minutes before tip-off. That gives you time to clear security without a line, catch warmups, and grab merch before the popular items sell out.

Food & Beverage

No outside food or beverage items can be brought into Barclays. Exceptions are made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs (contact Guest Services by calling 917-618-6111 or by emailing guestservices@barclayscenter.com prior to attending).

Barclays Center’s Brooklyn Taste program brings authentic neighborhood staples into the arena. The diverse culinary options include Italian, Caribbean, fried chicken, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, wings, BBQ, tacos, and more. Yes, they do offer gluten-free food options. Barclays Center also offers several clubs & bars for fans to enjoy. See list. NOTE: Barclays Center offers concessions locations that are cash-free!

In-Game Entertainment

The Liberty do a great job of entertaining the crowd from pre-game entertainment to during all breaks and timeouts. There was always something to look at or listen to. Ellie the Elephant and his dance crew are very talented and engaging with the crowd. And The Timeless Torches are a dynamic group of dancers representing four decades of talent, ranging in age from 40 to 89 years young.

There are fun contests, t-shirt canons, singing, you name it, they have it. And the crowd gets into it. And of course, this is NY, there is always the chance to spot celebs courtside – we had Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso) and Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick in attendance who were shown on the jumbotron.

Merchandise

Liberty merchandise can be purchased from the Official Team Store located on the Main Concourse: 185 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY.  The Official Team Store is open from 12pm-5pm daily and during all Liberty games. The team store at the arena was busy when we were there, plan accordingly. Fans can also purchase merchandise online at NYLibertyStore.com.

The Game

Savannah LOVED the game of course. In fact, she loved the whole experience and before the game was even over was plotting her next attendance! Dallas ended up winning this one 88-77 and it was competitive and entertaining throughout. Savannah’s idol, Bueckers, finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists for Dallas. Breanna Stewart had 29 points and nine rebounds for New York.

The woman are talented and fun to watch and really play as a team. In fact, I prefer watching them over the men in the NBA which is often a three-point shooting contest these days! NOTE: we attended the Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 game. See their schedule here.

What Else We Did in NYC

Attractions

• Went to the top of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
• Walked around Central Park
• Walked across Brooklyn Bridge
• Grand Central Station
• Explored Greenwich & West Village & SOHO
• Walked along 5th Ave
• Times Square
• Views of NYC from DUMBO in Brooklyn
• Washington Square Park
• Shopped at Brandy Melville
• See our guide to New York with Teens

Eat & Drink

• Lunch at Din Tai Fung
• Liberty bagels
• Cookies at Levain Bakery (all over)
• Zuckers Bagels (Bryant Park)
• Coffees from InCommon, Bluestone Lane, and Culture Espresso
• Breakfast at Black Fox Coffee
• Breakfast at Fishs Eddy Cafe in Brooklyn
• List of iconic places to eat in NYC
• 8 best food tours in NYC

If you’re thinking about attending a New York Liberty game, we highly recommend it. It’s high energy and entertaining and it’s easy to get to the Barclays Center from Manhattan or base yourself in Brooklyn. We love supporting women’s sports and New York City speaks for itself as a travel destination.

As well as being more budget-friendly, they are also kitted out like mini resorts, with many on-site amenities such as BBQ areas, laundry facilities, and outdoor swimming pools. But since South West Rocks has become a booming destination, more caravan sites have opened up in the area, making it difficult to figure out which one to stay at. To help you out, we’ve listed the best caravan sites in South West Rocks and also listed some top things to do in the area, so you can plan your trip with ease.

Why stay in a Caravan Park in South West Rocks?

One of the best ways to see Australia is to travel by car and stay in caravan parks around the country. This is really popular with Australians, which makes it a perfect opportunity for international tourists to get to know the Australian culture. It also means you get to discover beautiful, serene natural places and off-the-beaten-path experiences that aren’t on the usual tourist trail. If you are looking for natural beauty, the opportunity to get up close to our native animals, and nice beaches, then make your way to one of the caravan parks in South West Rocks NSW.

South West Rocks is on the mid-north coast of NSW. It’s just a 20-minute detour off the Legendary Pacific Coast Drive to get there, but the detour is well worth it. It’s surrounded by National Parks and beaches, which means this small town of 4,000 does not have room to grow. The developers can’t really get in, so there are no high-rises and only a small offering of cafes and restaurants. Instead, you’re going to get a whole lot of beauty and relaxation. The drive into South West Rocks goes through farmlands and coastal forest, and the drives around town. It’s also a well-known hot spot for scuba diving and surfing.

Caravan Parks at South West Rocks

South West Rocks hasn’t got a lot of Caravan Parks, mostly holiday resorts where you can stay in a little cabin or lodge, but you can always find a classic caravan vibe at…

NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Park (Formerly Big 4 Caravan Park)

We stayed at the NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Park back when it was called Big 4 Trial Bay Caravan Park in the Hat Head National Park and would highly recommend it. The park is well catered to for families with plenty of great playground areas, a jumping pillow, games room and entertainment area. You can bring your own motorhome, or you can enjoy the luxury of your own cabin. This is what we did.

Our cabin also came set up with toys for the girls as well as an activity pack for them to record their experiences through pictures and words. It was cosy and had perfect breakfast and afternoon views out to the bushland. We had kitchen facilities and a comfortable lounge area which I enjoyed while drinking a glass of red wine and watching the Olympics’ closing ceremony. It also comes with free WiFi. Honestly, we forgot we were supposed to be camping!

You can easily walk to the town of South West Rocks or to the beach from the park and it is close to all the nature trails around the Hat Head National Park. The owner is really friendly and has plenty of insider local tips on the South West Rocks area.

The accommodation at the caravan park ranges from campsites to caravan sites, cabins and luxury cabins. Apart from the standard caravan park facilities like outdoor barbeques, pools and playgrounds, the NRMA South West Rocks also welcomes you to come together each day for morning tea; they have real coffees available every day, lots of games to entertain the family and the ultimate parent-sanity saver – kids club!!

During the summer months, it has a fun children’s water park called Shipwreck Island Waterpark, which features water slides and an outdoor pool to enjoy. There’s also a tennis court and mini golf course. If that’s not enough, it’s just a 12-minute walk to the beach and backs onto the Saltwater Lagoon, which you can explore by kayak or canoe.

Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks

Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks is a great holiday park for surfers and beachgoers, since it sits right on the banks of Back Creek, a scenic tidal waterway in South West Rocks. Guests get the option to park their caravan or motorhome, trailer, or sleep in a tent under the stars. It has both powered and unpowered sites. Some sites have the luxury of being right on the water, and you can stay in waterfront cabins, too! If you don’t have a caravan, no worries, you can also stay in a cabin or villa, which includes private en suites, a kitchen area and living space. Cabins range from studios up to three bedrooms.

The resort also has several activities to choose from, such as surfing lessons, SUP rentals and snorkel rentals, and you can also book fishing boat charters. The Macleay River Boat Ramp is just two kilometres from the campgrounds.

Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park

Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park is in a great location, just a 5-minute walk from Trial Bay Front Beach. Visitors can choose to stay in one of the one- or two-bedroom cabins or stay in the great outdoors at one of their powered or unpowered campsites. The cabins are homely and are kitted out like a little home, with a private bathroom with free toiletries, and a small kitchen with fridge (in some cabins). If you choose to stay in an unpowered site, you can make use of the camp kitchen grill, which is available for all guests to use.

The holiday park also features free wifi and has laundry facilities. The only drawback is that it doesn’t have a huge amount of activities. It has a public barbecue, playground, kiosk serving snacks, and a small restaurant. If you’re travelling with kids, you will need to leave the park to find activities to do (aside from the playground).

Things to do at South West Rocks

If it’s your first time visiting South West Rocks, here are some unmissable things to do in South West Rocks to help you map out your itinerary.

1. See Wild kangaroos by the beach in Little Bay

They will let you get close for photos but don’t try to pat or feed. When driving out to the lighthouse, we met this Skippy by the side of the road. He was massive and happy to let us film him having a good scratch

2. Check Out the Smoky Cape Lighthouse For Incredible Views

The Smoky Cape Lighthouse in South West Rocks is the perfect place to stop and admire the views. And perhaps see some passing whales playing in the ocean if you are there at the right time (June to November).

3. Check Out the Historic Trial Bay Gaol

German internees imprisoned here during World War II had the best views of anyone in South West Rocks or any gaol in the world. The building is slowly being restored, but for now you can wander through the historic, roofless structure, see a few kangas jumping around, and admire the views and the gorgeous structure of the gaol.

4. Enjoy Coastal Nature Walks

You can walk from the lighthouse around to Trial Bay Gaol through the Arakoon National Park and along the coast, which takes about four hours. It’s up and down hills, but it’s not too strenuous as it’s possible to walk with children.

5. Wander around the small town

Head into town and enjoy a coffee and soak up the amazing small town atmosphere. There isn’t much in the town of South West Rocks; it barely has any stores or attractions, only a bookstore and The Shell Shop Museum, which is a great place to get shell crafts for souvenirs.

There are a lot of cafes and restaurants, and even guest houses with beer gardens and terraces where you can sit and enjoy a refreshing drink. After exploring the town, take some photos of the lovely main beach and South West Rocks creek area.

6. See the Kookaburras

This kookaburra was happy to sit on our cabin deck and let us get up close for a photo. Savannah was fascinated and quickly reached out to see what would happen if she pulled the kookaburra’s tail. He turned sharply with a stern look, but continued sitting happily.

7. Scuba Dive at Fish Rock

One of the top reasons to visit South West Rocks is to go diving. When it comes to dive sites, there is no better place than Fish Rock, an underwater cave that runs for 125 metres, which is located just two kilometres south-east of Smoky Cape. The unique ecosystem attracts a variety of marine life, including nurse sharks and hammerhead sharks during October to January.

When it comes to picking dive centres, the South West Rocks Dive Centre has been taking divers out to Fish Rock daily for more than 40 years. They are a family-owned business and know the area well.

Final thoughts

So there you have it, there’s an overview of the campgrounds in South West Rocks, and as you can see, they each have something special and unique to offer. We hope this guide helped you figure out which campsite is right for you and also figure out what things to do in South West Rocks. Wherever you choose to stay, we’re sure you’ll enjoy the peace and solitude of this quaint oceanside town!

More North Coast NSW Travel Tips

• Guide To Visiting Yamba NSW: Is this Australia’s best kept secret?
• Things to Do in Port Macquarie
• Best Things to Do in Coffs Harbour
• Weekend Getaway in a Historic Lighthouse Cottage – Seal Rocks, NSW
• Things to do in Newcastle NSW with kids
• Best Things to Do in Coffs Harbour

I’d told them it would take 5 minutes. It ran closer to 10, because when I opened my eyes, nobody had moved. They were flat out on their boards with their arms trailing in the water and I’m fairly sure a couple of them had fallen asleep. I let it run. Then I had to wake them up, because the boards were due back.

That’s Lake Bohinj. It’s the lake where nobody’s in a hurry.

I spent 10 days in Slovenia in July on a women’s adventure trip, and we based at Lake Bled like most people do. Lake Bohinj is 30 minutes further west, deeper into Triglav National Park, and it’s the one I’d send you to first.

Which brings us to the question everybody types into Google before they book. Lake Bled or Bohinj? I’ll get to that. (Difficult choice btw as both are wonderful)

Where Lake Bohinj is and what it’s like

Bohinj is Slovenia’s largest permanent lake, and it sits inside Triglav National Park, which means the mountains come right down to the water on three sides. From the surface you get the whole bowl at once, peaks and forest stacked up around a lake that goes glass-flat the moment the wind drops.

It’s about 30 minutes by car from Lake Bled on a pretty road. There’s a bus that takes roughly the same time, with tickets somewhere between €3 and €14 depending on the route you take.

If you love adventure, you can also bike from Lake Bled to Lake Bohinj. There is a 28-kilometre-long continuous cycling connection between Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj. Most of the route is separated from motor traffic and runs alongside the Sava Bohinjka River, passing through one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Slovenia. You could rent an ebike, and/or cycle there and catch the bus back (or vice versa). They can transport bikes! Here is a package that includes ebike rental and bus)

The lake was not busy while we were there… In July. So, unlike many other European destinations. If it’s tranquility, adventure, and outdoor beauty you want, you’ve got it here. It’s the place that will cause your doctor to say on your return home, “What have you been doing differently?”

Stand up paddleboarding on Lake Bohinj

Paddleboarding is the right way to see Bohinj lake, and I’d say that even if I didn’t already love it. It’s my favorite thing to do on any water anywhere. It’s the most peaceful way I know to be somewhere.

We rented from Super Duper, and the thing that makes them worth booking is that they bring the boards to you. They deliver to three points around the lake: St John’s Bridge at the eastern end, the Pit Stop at Naklova glava on the south shore, and Ukanc at the far western end. You can start at one and finish at another, which no other rental on the lake seems to offer. Minimum rental is 2 hours.

We met them at the Pit Stop, a little wooden shack on the edge of the water with a few tables outside. We had a coffee before we launched. My flat white looked like it was going to be excellent and then wasn’t quite. Order an Americano.

One practical warning. Use the bathroom before you get there. The portable toilet at the Pit Stop was grim.

The Pit Stop is also a popular swimming beach. It was quiet when we arrived and much busier by the time we came off the water a couple of hours later, so come early if swimming is the point of your day.

We paddled across to a quieter bay on the far side. The surface there went completely still. Every so often one of the old wooden sightseeing boats would go past with a handful of tourists on it, and a group of kayakers came through, and that was the entire traffic of the morning. We paddled, sat on the boards and talked, and some practiced yoga and headstands on the boards. And a few of us dived off the boards to enjoy a refreshing swim in the cooler waters. That was also one of my favorite parts.

After all of that fun, the quieter bay is where we stopped and floated, and where I led the meditation.

I’ve been using an “I am” practice for years, the one I picked up from Dr. Wayne Dyer. You choose the thing you want to be. Strong. Calm. Brave. Then you breathe it in, say it, and breathe out “I am that.” We had the Mount Triglav hike the next day, and several of the women told me afterwards that they’d held onto their word the whole way up the mountain.

Six women on paddleboards in the middle of an alpine lake, saying quiet things to themselves about who they wanted to be. Then not getting up. This is what a Your Limitless Adventures trip actually looks like

Their local tip, which I’d take next time: paddle from St John’s Bridge all the way down to Ukanc at the far end, then walk back along the lakeside trail. Stop and swim when you feel like it. A whole slow day on the lake instead of 2 hours.

Standup paddleboarding is one of the best Zen adventure activities you can do in Slovenia.

Savica Waterfall

Savica sits at the western end of Lake Bohinj, past Ukanc, and it’s an easy add-on to a Bohinj day. We actually did it after lunch at Bled, which works too, though Bohinj is the more natural pairing because it’s right there.

It’s about a mile up to the viewing platform and roughly 550 steps through the trees. After the pizza we’d just eaten, that was the correct amount of penance. A double rainbow came out over the valley on our way up, which felt like being told we’d made the right call.

The waterfall itself is worth the climb. The river runs underground and comes straight out of the middle of the mountain wall, splits into two streams that fall in an A shape, and lands in a deep green pool so clear you can see the rocks and the sand on the bottom.

Every single one of us wanted to get in it. There’s a fence, and the fence means no. It’s a looking place.

The information panel at the top says the falls are high in negative ions. That made me laugh out loud, because the day before I’d had the whole group standing barefoot on the grass to soak up the earth’s negative ions and shake the jet lag out. The mountain agreed with me in writing. Stand there for a minute with your eyes closed anyway. Whatever it’s doing, it’s doing something.

Worth knowing: it’s inside Triglav National Park, so there’s a minimal entry fee and a separate parking fee. The steps are steep and get slippery, so it’s not a walk for anyone unsteady on their feet.

The Vogel cable car, which I’d go back for

From the middle of the lake, we looked up and spotted a gondola running up the mountainside, which sent us all reaching for our phones to work out what it was.

It’s the Vogel cable car. It climbs to 1,535 m in under 5 minutes and puts you on a viewpoint looking straight back down over the whole Bohinj basin. In winter it’s a ski resort. In summer it’s a viewpoint with trails running out of it, and I believe you can eat lunch up there.

We didn’t have time. I’ve filed it under things I’d do first if I came back, and if you have a spare half day at Lake Bohinj I’d put it above almost anything else, because the perspective from up there is the one thing the lake can’t give you from the water.

Swimming and walking the lake

The full loop around Lake Bohinj is about 11 km and it’s almost entirely flat, which surprised me for a place ringed by mountains. Give it 3 to 4 hours at a pace that lets you stop.

I’d combine it with the Super Duper tip above: paddle one way, walk back. That’s a full day and probably the best day you can have here.

For swimming, the beaches on the south shore near the Pit Stop are the easy option, with shallow shingle you can walk straight in from. Come in the morning if you want it quiet.

Where to eat at Lake Bohinj

Restavracija Kramar, at the head of the lake in Stara Fužina. We came here straight off the water, and it was one of the better lunches of the trip. Local trout burgers, pizza, big salads, and a view worth sitting in.

I had a burrata salad with grilled chicken on top that I’m still thinking about, and the risotto and the burgers went down well with everyone else. Sunsets here are supposed to be excellent.

The Pit Stop, on the south shore, for a coffee before you get on the water. Skip the flat white.

Lake Bled or Lake Bohinj: which one to choose?

My answer, after doing both in the same week:

Go to Bohinj if you want the nature. It’s quieter, it’s less developed, and it sits inside the national park, which gives you the trails and the water and the mountain access that Bled can’t. The lake never felt crowded. Savica is right there. Vogel is right there. You can paddle for 2 hours and see almost nobody.

Go to Bled if you want the town. More restaurants, more places to stay, more to do in the evening, and the island church and the castle, which are famous for a reason. Bled is easier if you’re traveling with people who want a coffee and a view rather than a full day outdoors. It’s also closer to Vintgar Gorge, while Bohinj is closer to Savica. The other thing worth mentioning is that the water was warmer here in Bled, thanks to the thermal waters warming up the glacial ones!

I loved Bohinj more. I’d send you there first.

The good news is you don’t have to pick. They’re 30 minutes apart and one base covers both.

More posts: Lake Bled: what’s worth your time and what isn’t and Vintgar Gorge, includng the part about getting back out that nobody warns you about. Subscribe to our travel newsletter so you don’t miss our travel updates and stories.

Practical things worth knowing

• How long to give the area. At least 3 days for Bled and Bohinj together. Make it 4 if you want swimming time and a slow day on the water rather than a checklist.
• Getting between the lakes. Car is easiest and the drive is scenic. About 30 minutes. The bus takes roughly the same and tickets run €3 to €14. Check rental cars and availability here. Adventurers will want to bike! Package that includes ebike rental and bus
• Parking. Pay for it. We didn’t notice the signs at Bohinj and picked up a fine for it. Same applies at Savica and at Vintgar Gorge.
• When to go. May through October. We were there in July with perfect weather and it still never felt crowded, which is not something I get to say about European lakes in summer.
• Where to stay. We based at The Old Parish House Hotel at Bled, the old parish house under the castle, and Bohinj, Savica and Vintgar are all easy from there. If you’d rather wake up on this side, Hotel Bohinj sits on a hill above the lake and looks lovely. You may prefer an Airbnb rental in Bohinj

The bit I keep coming back to

I’ve paddled on oceans and I’ve paddled on lakes and I keep doing it because it’s the only activity I know where the point is to slow down. You can’t rush a paddleboard. You stand on the water and the place has to come to you.

Bohinj gave me that, and then it gave me a bay quiet enough to put six women flat on their backs in the middle of an alpine lake in Slovenia, breathing. That’s the whole reason I’d send you here before Bled.

How I did this trip

I went to Slovenia with Your Limitless Adventures, a women’s adventure travel company run by my friend Christina McEvoy. I’ve since become a trip leader with them, and I’m leading three:

• Morocco, October 2026
• Thailand, February 2027
• Vietnam, March 2027

→ What a Your Limitless Adventures trip is actually like

More Slovenia

• Best places to visit in Slovenia
• Lake Bled in 2 Days: The Island, the Castle, the Cake, and the 5am Hike
• Vintgar Gorge: everything you need to know
• The Soča Valley – my favorite of my Slovenia trip
• Things to do in Ljubljana in two days
• TRIGLAV: The day I said no on Mount Triglav – coming soon

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Have you been to Bohinj, or is Bled the one on your list? Tell me in the comments. I want to know if anyone else picked the quiet one.

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I’ll let you into a little secret. I love food. I love good food. I love fresh, good food that leaves a lasting impression, long after the taste buds have dined out on a new sensation. And when I travel, that doesn’t change. I’m always on the hunt for something new, delicious and exciting to tantalise my taste buds.

On our trips to New York City, we have discovered a plethora of great food options, largely thanks to some of the food tours we’ve taken over the years. We always try to do a food tour when we visit a city; they are such a fun way to connect with the locals and learn more about what makes a city tick. Fortunately, in NYC, there are so many food tours to choose from – from Little Italy food tours, Chinatown food tours, street food tours, and more. So to help you decide which is right for you, we’ve prepared this guide on the best food tours in NYC so you can satisfy your hunger quicker.

Little Italy & Chinatown Food Tour

My holiday in New York may be over, but if I close my eyes, I can still taste the mozzarella that had only been made that morning. Cheese that my mouth would never have bitten into except for joining this New York walking food tour of Little Italy and Chinatown. That first stop on the tour is Chinatown, a neighborhood that’s a feast of the senses. What an ideal place to set the foodie scene for the following three hours as we walked through the oldest streets of Little Italy and Chinatown.

Before setting out, I had a pretty good idea that we’d be sampling some amazing NYC food. What I hadn’t anticipated were the historical and cultural lessons learned along the way. These two neighbourhoods in New York are steeped in history and have grown personalities indicative of their immigrant beginnings. With food being so much a part of each of these cultures, it’s no wonder it’s impossible to talk about one without the other. And that’s just what our NYC food tours guide Laura did. Her enthusiasm for this area of New York City is infectious.

Whether describing the original way the traditional Sicilian dessert, Cannolis, were rolled (using a broomstick!) or explaining how a New York park is like a living room for the families living in small tenements – it’s this intertwining of food and history that made each of the little mom and pop shops we visited all the sweeter. To be honest, as a mom travelling with a seven-year-old, we might not have even attempted negotiating our way around Little Italy and Chinatown without this insider knowledge.

You certainly cannot judge a potentially good dining experience by its cover. By day, a rusting roller door on a shopfront gives no clue to the fact that it’s an uber cool nighttime cocktail bar. Want to take a peek at some of the other yummies that went in our bellies? Thought so. Food porn alert ahead.

If you’re into food and heading to the Big Apple, I’d recommend doing this NYC food tour early on in your trip. It’s three hours well spent – yes, you’re on your feet for most of that time – but you’re not covering a massive area. Wear comfortable shoes (Ha! You should see my New York blisters … I call them badges of honour!); and bring a hat or raincoat depending on the weather.

Oh, and don’t eat too much for breakfast beforehand … you won’t end the tour bloated and feeling like you’ve visited Sizzler for a buffet, but you will be full. As for what you’ll see and find out? Not only will you visit places you will want to come back to – to dine in or take out – but you’ll also be given a list of dining recommendations that you can work your way through during your stay. It’s this insider foodie knowledge that can’t always be found in a guidebook – the type of knowledge that can create food memories which last a lifetime.

2. Greenwich Village Food Tour

Perhaps the biggest foodie neighborhood in NYC for locals is Greenwich Village, which is famous for its top-notch restaurants and eateries, serving tasty treats from bagels to artisan chocolate. If you’re looking for the best pizza in NYC, then you’re going to want to check out this NYC food tour as it has three pizza stops!

The tour begins at Molly’s Cupcakes, an award-winning cupcake shop that’s also known for its quirky interior styling. Grab a few selfies with your cupcakes before moving on to the best falafel in NYC! Mamoun’s Falafel is a New Yorker’s favorite falafel shop in Manhattan and has been operating in NYC since 1971, making it the longest Middle Eastern restaurant in the city.

After trying falafel, head over to Bleeker Street Pizza, who serve up some of the best pizza in the city! Have a slice of pizza with double-crust and artichoke. Leave room though, because you’ll also be heading to Pommes Frites for some incredible authentic Belgian fries, double-cooked and topped with one of 30 sauces to choose from.

The tour also passes by the Friends Apartment used to film the iconic TV series, and some other notable landmarks. The final stop is Faicco’s Italian Specialties, where you can sample their arancini (rice ball) and sopressata (salami). A walking tour of Greenwich with cupcakes was one of our teens’ favorite things to do in NYC.

3. New York City Food Cart Walking Tour

New York may be famous for its pizza joints and rooftop bars, but if you’re strapped for cash or just want something quick, then a visit to one of NYC’s food carts is the best way to eat cheaply and quickly. On this food tour, you’ll discover the best food carts for those looking for delicious food on the go. The most famous street food in Manhattan is the basic hot dog, which can cost as little as $1 in some places, and let’s not forget the pretzel carts scattered across the city.

As you walk through Midtown Manhattan and the Financial District, your local foodie guide will point out the best curbside carts and allow you to taste multicultural dishes. You can try more than just pretzels and hot dogs; there’s falafel, Korean short ribs, souvlaki, Pakistani curry, Belgian waffles, and even Mexican chocolate brownies. Come hungry! You’ll want to try all the dishes on this tour.

4. The High Line, Chelsea Market, and Meatpacking District Food Tour

When it comes to hip places to eat in New York City, you will find the trendiest places in these districts. On this small-group tour, you will wander the High Line park, be introduced to artisanal specialities at Chelsea Market, and find secret gems in the Meatpacking District. The tour begins in Chelsea Market, an old residential and market area that has now been transformed into a place full of boutique bars and hipster joints, but there are still a few classic eateries in the area that you can enjoy.

You’ll be taken to try hot dogs made in-house at Dickson’s Farmstand, pan-fried dumplings at Nom Wah, fresh donuts from Doughnuttery Doughnut, Japanese-Mexican fusion tacos at Takumi, and many more hot spots. This is a fun and all-around food tour in NYC showcasing some of the finer places to eat.

5. Lower East Side Food Tour

The Lower East Side of Manhattan has some of the oldest and most famous places to eat in all of NYC. Those who are looking for a combination of food and culture tour should definitely consider taking the Lower East Side food tour, which is a part food, part historical tour that takes you through the tenements of Lower East Side NYC and tells of how immigrants shaped the culinary scene of NYC.

Whether you’re looking to try a classic cream cheese bagel or you want to have a world-famous pastrami sandwich, this tour will take you to all the hot spots – as well as a few hidden gems. On this small-group walking tour, your knowledgeable tour guides will take you to markets, bakeries, and restaurants, where you can sample the cuisine of NYC’s most diverse neighborhoods.

On top of that, you’ll also visit the African Burial Ground National Monument, the New York City Supreme Court, Columbus Park, Chinatown, Little Italy, Nolita, St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, Sara D Roosevelt Park, M’Finda Kalunga Garden, and end near the Tenement Museum. This tour aims to be as informative and educational as it is delicious!

6. West Village Food Tour

Another foodie neighborhood to check out is West Village. This food tour takes you to six top-rated eateries in the neighborhood, where you can sample the cultural diversity of New York’s foodie scene – from trying NYC’s famous bagels to the best-rated pizza in the city. As you walk, you’ll learn about the history of the West Village’s artistic legacy and wander past Bob Dylan’s former home. You’ll also get to try delicious pizza, bagels, rice balls, Thai food, cupcakes and tacos! The tour lasts around 3 hours and is on foot, so dress appropriately. You’ll want to come hungry and wear your most elasticated waistband for this tour!

7. Brooklyn Food Tour; Flavors of Williamsburg

On this 3-hour food tour, you’ll be taken through the foodie neighborhood of Williamsburg. The tour covers about 2 miles, so make sure to wear comfy shoes! This tour features some of the best culinary delights of Brooklyn, where you’ll not only sample some of the tastiest food but learn about the area’s rich culinary history.

You’ll visit the Northside Bakery Step, a traditional Polish bakery, as well as Mable’s Smokehouse & Banquet Hall, where you can sample delicious Oklahoma-style BBQ. After that, head over to the former auto body shop, Tacombi, for excellent corn esquires and sandia (watermelon aqua fresca), before heading to Vice Munchies to meet Frank Pinello, the owner of this award-winning pizza joint. Round things off at Kahkow Taste, a chocolate company known for their bean-to-bar chocolate factory!

8. Hell’s Kitchen Food Tour

Last but not least, uncover the secrets of New York’s Central Park on a four-hour walking food tour. You’ll begin at Hell’s Kitchen, just west of Times Square, where your local foodie guide will be waiting to point out all the top food, culture, and nightlife places to enjoy in the Big Apple. The tour takes you to snack on hush puppies, sample baba ghanoush, and try a doughnut and ice cream sandwich. While you eat yourself until you’re full, you can burn it all off with a stroll around Central Park. The tour covers around 3 miles, so wear comfy shoes!

Final thoughts

One of the best ways to experience the history and culture of New York is on a food tour. By taking a food tour of NYC, you not only get to hear about the culinary history of the city’s cuisines, but you also get to learn about the best eateries and restaurants, explore the quieter neighborhoods and marvel at the architecture, and stroll through places you wouldn’t normally see. Gift yourself with a unique experience in NYC; we have no doubt that a food tour will be the highlight of anyone’s trip! Click if you’re looking for good coffee in NYC, Aussie style coffee in New York, great bars in NYC, and more iconic NYC food to try,

More Food Tours of NYC

More New York Travel Tips?

Are you in need of more NYC travel ideas and tips? Then these resources may be useful!

• How to Save Money on NYC Attractions: New York Sightseeing Pass
• Things to do in NYC at Christmas
• Places to eat in NYC for iconic New York food
• 3 Day NYC Itinerary to Experience the Best New York Attractions
• Coffee shops in NYC the locals love!
• How to save time and money in New York

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It passes through the hinterland and also vast stretches of coast, as well as stops through sleepy towns where you can kick off your shoes and let your worries slip away. There are so many beautiful places to enjoy on this drive that we felt it was only right to share them with you. In this guide, we’ll be sharing the ultimate New South Wales road trip itinerary from Lennox Head to the Gold Coast and all the top spots to check out along the way.

About a Lennox Head to Gold Coast Road Trip

The Lennox Head to Gold Coast road trip is a scenic drive that takes you along the coast of New South Wales, Australia. The whole drive takes only an hour and 30 minutes, but you will want to stop off at several locations along the way. We recommend you start from Lennox Head and head north towards the Gold Coast, but you can easily reverse this itinerary and drive the other way, extending the trip onto Yamba, South West Rocks and even on towards Sydney.

To help you navigate this itinerary, see the map below, which has routes for Lennox Head to the Gold Coast, plus an additional route which extends from Lennox Head down towards Sydney.

How long do you need for a North Coast NSW Road Trip?

How long you spend doing this road trip will largely depend on how much time you have available, as some stops can be skipped if you’re short on time. However, if time is at your disposal, we recommend you spend at least 3-4 days to a week driving from Lennox Head to the Gold Coast. If you have longer, then you can easily use it. It’s worth spending a day or two at each destination we mention in the itinerary below so you can really explore the area, although we don’t recommend anywhere that you would need to spend over a week at.

Now you know how long to set aside for your trip, it’s time to show you a few of our favourite spots on the North Coast of NSW to include in your Lennox Head to Gold Coast road trip. We’ve incorporated places to stay at each stop on the trip. But you can easily base yourself in the central Byron Bay area and explore from there if you did not want to move around too much.

Stop 1: Lennox Head

The first stop is, of course, Lennox Head. You could easily spend a day or two enjoying this town and all it has to offer before heading out on the road trip. If you’re a keen surfer, the long right-hand break at Lennox is pretty famous. Rumour has it Jack Johnson and Ben Harper like to surf here! After a day out on the waves, drive up to the headland to the Port Morton Lookout for some stunning views back down the Lennox Coastline and Seven Mile Beach.

Take the stairs at the top and turn right. Follow the track through the farmland and along the cliff top, and you’ll be met with stunning views – it’s a stunning and peaceful walk. If you enjoy a peaceful and scenic walk, you can walk all the way around to Skennars Head; we made it just to Boulders Beach.

Stop 2: Broken Head

Broken Head is only a 10-minute drive from Lennox Head, which makes it the perfect place to camp if you want a holiday focused on relaxing on the beach. There are several really beautiful and secluded beaches near Broken Head, such as Whites Beach and Brays Beach, which are accessible via a dirt track and require a bit of hiking to get to. For that reason, not many people go there, which means you can (most likely) have the beach to yourself!

You should aim to spend a day or so in Broken Head and explore all the beautiful beaches in the area. It’s only about 7 km from Byron Bay, so if you don’t want to hang around at the beaches, you can continue on. It also means you can stay in Byron Bay and have a bit of vibrancy, but there isn’t much else to do at Broken Head but chill out at the pretty beach areas.

Stop 3: Tallows Beach

I love watching the surf at Tallows Beach from the Byron Bay Lighthouse. Tallows is a huge stretch of white sand and thunderous surf at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach. We actually watched a surfer rescued by Jet Ski who was caught in a rip and taken way out around the lighthouse headland. It’s the surfing place for those who know what they are doing. If you don’t, just get a cold bevvy and sit back and watch like we did.

Stop 4: Byron Bay Lighthouse

Sunset is the time to visit the Byron lighthouse. It sits on top of a cliff looking over the ocean, which, if you visit during June to November, is usually filled with dolphins and humpback whales on their annual migration. It’s the perfect spot for whale watching from the shore. Here’s a tip: don’t park in the lighthouse car park. They close it right on sunset, so you miss the afterglow of colours. Park just below, or walk up from Wategos Beach. The lighthouse is good at any time to visit, but sunset is especially beautiful.

We also highly recommend walking from Byron Bay to the lighthouse. It’s only a short 3.7 km loop, but the views are beautiful, and it’s easy to do – we’ve done it twice with the kids. Just bribe them with an ice-cream at the Lighthouse Cafe.

Stop 5: Byron Bay

I could easily never leave Byron. It’s one of the most iconic destinations in Australia, and for good reason. It has this wonderful Asian feel to the energy and lifestyle – it’s eclectic, alternative, accepting, and slow-paced. There’s also a bit of an “up-market vibe” if that’s what you like. It’s on a crystal bed AND has been a sacred healing ground for over 20,000 years. It has always been a place for ceremony, dancing circles, birthing rituals, spiritual respite, and dreaming.

Can you see the effect this place has on people then? We love Byron, as you can see from the many guides we have on Byron Bay, so for now all we recommend you do is enjoy the beach lifestyle, try out some of the amazing cafes, do a little shopping, and soak up every magnificent sunset on the beach. We recommend you stay at least 3 days enjoying all the attractions that Byron has to offer. Check out these top Byron Bay beaches and things to do with kids in Byron Bay.

Stop 6: Belongil Beach

The next beach along from Byron Bay is Belongil Beach, which we only discovered on the day we left. We got a hot tip from a local who said stop for breakfast at Belongil Bistro. In all honesty, there’s not much here in this charming one-street village, which is all the more reason to soak up the serenity. This is a quick coffee or breakfast stop on the way to the next destination on this NSW road trip, which is somewhere you’re going to want to give plenty of time…

Stop 7: The Byron Bay Hinterland

Take a detour into the sub-tropical hinterland in the Northern Rivers, where you’ll find rolling hills, pristine rainforest, secluded waterfalls and spectacular views. The Byron Bay hinterland a stunning area to visit. It’s a huge area of 12,406 km² and is well known for its stunning natural beauty, making it the perfect place to do some hiking or soak up the energy of the rainforests and waterfalls.

Our top tips are to head to the Crystal Castle at Mullumbimby, where you’ll get beautiful views, awesome food, and some crystal healing. Tell me you don’t walk out of here feeling calm and happy… Also visit Bangalow, a small town outside Byron Bay for lunch, or when the Sunday market is on (fourth Sunday of every month).

Stop 8: Cabarita Beach

Cabarita is a place I want to return to explore more. We only stopped in on a short morning drive, but we could see it had so much more to offer. The Cudgen Nature Reserve is one of the top attractions in Cabarita (aside from the beach, of course) and is the perfect place to take a kayak or canoe out onto the lake. The surf here was amazing, and there is a lovely short walk to Norries Headland for spectacular views of Diamond Beach. Cabarita is a 40-minute drive from Byron Bay, passing through Brunswick Heads (a place you should stop for a day if you have extra time to use) and Hastings Point.

Stop 9: Salt Beach, Kingscliff

Salt Beach is only a short drive from Cabarita. We love Salt Beach and always stay at the Mantra when we visit. We could easily spend a couple of weeks relaxing here. The sunrises are some of the best I’ve seen. We definitely recommend walking from Salt Beach around to Kingscliff through the bush track and around the creek. It only took us 40 minutes with the girls.

Stop 10: Kingscliff

Kingscliff is another sleepy town that you could find yourself kicking back in for a while. It has only one main street, but you wouldn’t think it because there’s quite a vibrant atmosphere here. Like all beaches along the East Coast, Kingscliff attracts a surfer crowd, and is a great place to do some watersports such as kayaking, snorkelling or scuba diving. Cudgen Creek is the highlight of this lovely small town close to the border. The water is crystal clear and perfect for stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and swimming, especially for families. You’ll find there are so many things to do in Kingscliff, you’ll want to stay for a couple of days.

Stop 11: Fingal Head

Fingal Head is only a 15-minute drive from Kingscliff and is the perfect stop-off point on the way to the Gold Coast. There’s a short walk-through remnant coastal rainforest to the headland and lighthouse in Fingal. Here you’ll find some great views of Fingal Beach and Dreamtime Beach. You can also take a river cruise along the Tweed River, or take a boat tour over to Cook Island to snorkel with turtles. After a day at Fingal Beach, you’re crossing over the border into Queensland.

Stop 12: The Gold Coast

The last stop is the Gold Coast. It’s famous for its long, sandy beaches, epic surf and the Lamington National Park, which is home to mountains, valleys, rainforest and plenty of wildlife. It’s also the theme park capital of Australia, so if you’re travelling with kids, you’d better make sure to stop off at Wet ‘n’ Wild or DreamWorld! There are so many things to do in the Gold Coast for families, you could easily spend a full week here at the end of your trip. But if you’re not blessed with time, we recommend staying at least 3 days. Here is our 48-hour itinerary for the Gold Coast, and here are some top free things to do on the Gold Coast.

How to extend this NSW Road Trip

If you have more time at your disposal and want to see more of New South Wales, you could turn this itinerary on it’s head and drive from the Gold Coast to Sydney. To drive from the Gold Coast to Sydney, we would say you need to allocate 2 weeks (including the stops to Lennox Head above). The entire drive is 526 mi (847 km), which takes 8 hrs and 21 mins. You could easily skip some places and keep going if time is of the essence, or stop and spend longer. Here are the stops we recommend you stop off at for a day or two:

• Yamba
• Coffs Harbour
• From Coffs Harbour, drive along the scenic Waterfall Way towards South West Rocks
• South West Rocks
• Port Macquarie
• Hunter Valley, which is one of the top wine regions in Australia and famous for its vineyards
• Port Stephens
• Sydney
• Blue Mountains to see the iconic Three Sisters Rock Formations.

If you want to extend it even further, head down towards Royal National Park and take the Grand Pacific Highway past Sea Cliff Bridge, Wollongong, Kiama Blowhole, and the Shoalhaven.

Final thoughts

We love this route from Lennox Head to the Gold Coast; it has everything you could possibly want and more. Nature? Check! Beaches? Check, Check! Serenity? Check, check and check! We hope this guide helped you plan your route and gave you some ideas for what to see and do. The North Coast NSW region is spectacular and deserves a devotion of your time exploring!