'We went fishing in a spot that could've rivalled Jurassic Park': Thor actor Chris Hemsworth reels out the highlights of an epic 10-day holiday across his Australian homeland with his family

  • Chris Hemsworth is Tourism Australia’s global brand ambassador and has explored the highlights of his homeland
  • He set off with his wife Elsa Pataky and three young children to explore the Kimberley, the Whitsundays and beyond
  • The actor admitted he had taken his country's hotspots for granted, but has been reminded of its irresistible beauty

Irresistible Australia already magnetises millions of tourists to its shores each year but the breath-taking country now has a superhero- sized seal of approval.

Thor star, Chris Hemsworth took a grand tour of his homeland with his stunning wife Elsa Pataky and three young children, to hammer out the otherwordly highlights he'd recommend, even to visitors from another planet. Sharing his holiday snaps, from romantic shots of the heart-throb and his wife wandering hand-in-hand along Whitehaven Beach, to smiling family pictures taken in front of Uluru, Hemsworth's collection showcases the natural wonders of the country. 

Speaking in his latest role as an ambassador for the Australian Tourism Board, Hemsworth has shared his favourite hotspots from the ten-day trip including the colourful Great Barrier Reef and the remote waterholes of the Kimberley.

Scroll down for video 

Chris Hemsworth is Tourism Australia’s global brand ambassador and recently explored his homeland with his wife, Elsa Pataky, and three kids. The couple are pictured here walking barefoot by a remote waterhole in the Kimberley

Chris Hemsworth is Tourism Australia’s global brand ambassador and recently explored his homeland with his wife, Elsa Pataky, and three kids. The couple are pictured here walking barefoot by a remote waterhole in the Kimberley

The Hollywood actor said that listening to the local Indigenous people speaking about the cultural and spiritual significance of Uluru was fascinating and inspiring. Pictured is Hemsworth posing next to the rock with a snake
Start of the trip: An excited Elsa Pataky also got in on the photo fun, suiting up in a long cardigan and Akubra hat as she stretched her arm out in close-up shot next to the rock

The Hollywood actor said that listening to the local Indigenous people speaking about the cultural and spiritual significance of Uluru was fascinating and inspiring. Pictured is Hemsworth posing next to the rock with a snake (left) and Pataky in a close-up shot (right)

Describe how you are feeling coming off a trip like this?

Spending the past ten days exploring Australia with my family has been the most incredible experience and one I will never forget. 

Growing up in Australia, you can sometimes take it all for granted. 

But after being away for ten years and coming back, exploring some of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, reminded me how unique and impressive Australia is and how lucky we are.

What appealed to you about these locations when planning the trip?

When we started planning the trip, I wanted to experience the diversity of our landscapes, from warm tropical sunshine of the Great Barrier Reef to the rugged waterholes of the Kimberley and the Australian outback. 

I was really surprised by how vastly different each place was, that’s the amazing thing about Australia.

According to Hemsworth, after being away for ten years and coming back to explore some of the most beautiful places he's ever seen, he is reminded of him how unique and impressive Australia is. Pictured is the Hemsworth family at Uluru

According to Hemsworth, after being away for ten years and coming back to explore some of the most beautiful places he's ever seen, he is reminded of him how unique and impressive Australia is. Pictured is the Hemsworth family at Uluru

Family naptime: The star was secretly snapped adorably cuddling his daughter India, four, and one of his two-year-old twin boys on a plane as part of the adventure
Hemsworth said that after growing up in Australia, he can sometimes take it all for granted

Family nap time: The star was snapped cuddling his daughter India, four, and one of his two-year-old twin boys on a plane (left) during the adventure

What are your three top experiences in the Kimberley?

In the Kimberley, we went fishing in one particular spot that could've rivalled Jurassic Park, crocodiles, snakes, buffalo and an abundance of other amazing native wildlife. 

Being in a place like that where very few people have been and feeling completely off the grid is a pretty special feeling.

Sunset dinners in the Kimberley is another absolute must. The colours of the skyline there are as rich and vibrant as anywhere I've seen, and it is pretty special to see the millions of stars of the Australian outback night sky. 

We stayed at a beautiful place called Berkeley River Lodge, having dinner each night on a sand dune, barefoot in the desert sand was pretty cool.

One of the best afternoons in the Kimberley was swimming in a secluded waterhole at the base of a waterfall. 

Another place where very few people have been. We helicoptered down along the winding Berkeley River and then boated across to this really private spot. 

It was amazing to spend the whole day there with the kids swimming and fishing. It's something I'll never forget.

The couple spent an afternoon at Whitehaven Beach which Hemsworth said was absolutely stunning with its pristine white sand and crystal clean water

The couple spent an afternoon at Whitehaven Beach which Hemsworth said was absolutely stunning with its pristine white sand and crystal clean water

One of the best things about Uluru. the Thor-actor revealed, was the fact the kids could run around the base of the rock and explore the little caves and trails
One of the best things about Uluru. the Thor-actor revealed, was the fact the kids could run around the base of the rock and explore the little caves and trails

One of the best things about Uluru. the Thor-actor revealed, was the fact the kids could run around the base of the rock and explore the little caves and trails

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a Unesco World Heritage site and is one of Australia's most recognisable natural landmarks

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a Unesco World Heritage site and is one of Australia's most recognisable natural landmarks

And three top experiences in Hayman?

On the Great Barrier Reef, I went scuba diving for the first time which was amazing. There is more sea life and vibrant colours of the coral than I’ve ever seen. 

It’s like visiting another planet. Flying over the reef and seeing the changing blues and greens was also incredible. 

Such intense colours and contrast to the white sand of the beaches.

We also had an afternoon at Whitehaven Beach which was absolutely stunning. The most pristine white sand, crystal clean water. 

The perfect spot to just unwind surrounded by the reef. The next day we took the kids for a picnic and a bit of beach cricket on Langford Island, just off Hayman Island. The kids loved running along the sand and playing in the shallows.

We stayed at One&Only Hayman Island, which was a real highlight. 

Amazing food and wine, overlooking the reef, plus they have an awesome kids club. Face painting, fish feeding, jewellery making, and some great swimming pools for us to chill out as a family.

One of the highlights on the trip was a visit to the Kimberley in Western Australia, which has rugged mountains and dramatic gorges

One of the highlights on the trip was a visit to the Kimberley in Western Australia, which has rugged mountains and dramatic gorges

Hemsworth said the most romantic part of the trip was being dropped off by helicopter on Whitehaven Beach, with his wife, a picnic basket and bottle of champagne

Hemsworth said the most romantic part of the trip was being dropped off by helicopter on Whitehaven Beach, with his wife, a picnic basket and bottle of champagne

This was your first trip to Uluru – what was it like seeing the national park for the first time?

Seeing Uluru for the first time was really awesome. We had the very special experience of meeting with Sammy Wilson, a local Anangu Traditional Owner. 

Listening to the local Indigenous people speaking with us about the cultural and spiritual significance of Uluru was fascinating and inspiring. 

The kids loved running around the base of the rock and exploring all the little caves and trails. And there was a really cool art installation on called Field of Light, the colours at sunrise were amazing.

What are your top tips for travelling with kids around Australia? What did the kids enjoy the most?

Travelling with kids in Australia is actually really easy, but finding places that have activities that you can all do together is the key. 

My kids love the water and that's where we spent most days. 

I'd have to say the waterfall in the Kimberley was probably the highlight for the kids. Watching the kids explore the waterfall and even try some fishing was so special.

Hemsworth and wife Pataky explore the Berkeley River in The Kimberley as part of their epic journey around Australia

Hemsworth and wife Pataky explore the Berkeley River in The Kimberley as part of their epic journey around Australia

One of the most surprising things Hemsworth experienced was the diversity of landscapes from the outback of Uluru, the remote wilderness of The Kimberley and the beautiful beaches of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands (pictured) 

One of the most surprising things Hemsworth experienced was the diversity of landscapes from the outback of Uluru, the remote wilderness of The Kimberley and the beautiful beaches of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands (pictured) 

What were some of the culinary highlights of the trip?

In Australia we are so lucky to have access to some incredible fresh produce and native ingredients. 

Eating fresh fish we had caught that morning in the Kimberley was incredible. We just cut it up right on the beach and it was delicious sashimi style.

I love being outdoors and having sunset dinners on the beach and under the outback sky was awesome too. 

On Hayman Island we were really spoilt with an outdoor Teppanyaki night and also a really intimate Chef’s Table. Awesome French food but with the best Australian ingredients.

What advice would you give to people wanting to come here?

I didn’t expect so much diversity of landscapes from the outback of Uluru, the remote wilderness of the Kimberley and the beautiful beaches of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands. 

If I had one bit of advice for people thinking about Australia, I’d just say hurry up and book. You won’t regret it. A truly unique experience!

Sunset dinners in the Kimberley are an absolute must, said Hemsworth. The colours of the skyline there are as rich and vibrant as anywhere he has seen

Sunset dinners in the Kimberley are an absolute must, said Hemsworth. The colours of the skyline there are as rich and vibrant as anywhere he has seen

For food, the 32-year-old said that eating fresh fish in the Kimberley was incredible. The couple cut it up right on the beach after catching it and ate it sashimi style

For food, the 32-year-old said that eating fresh fish in the Kimberley was incredible. The couple cut it up right on the beach after catching it and ate it sashimi style

Most romantic part of the trip?

The most romantic part of the trip was being dropped off by helicopter on Whitehaven Beach, with my wife, a picnic basket and bottle of champagne. It was pretty special.

How did you keep fit while travelling?

There is a great gym at One&Only Hayman Island, so I could justify letting the diet slip as long as I put some quality time in there!

What surprised you the most about these destinations?

The natural beauty of Australia is what always surprises me. 

From the Red Centre and Uluru with rich desert landscapes, to stunning gorges and remote waterholes of the Kimberley, to vibrant islands like Hayman Island where you have crystal clear water and white sand beaches. 

Australia really does have it all.

 

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now