Back Country Bliss Adventures, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland © Tourism Australia
Australia Recommends: Feeling restored
Soak up the natural beauty and calming serenity of Australia and take home a more balanced you. If you’re ready to feed your mind, body and spirit, these destinations are the ones to watch in 2024.
Daintree Rainforest
In a way for me, the Daintree connects me to the First Nations people of Australia and imagining what Australia looked like before there was much there.
What sets it apart: more than 180 million years of history
There’s nowhere like the Daintree Rainforest to make you feel grounded. Located next to the Great Barrier Reef in northern Queensland, the Daintree is ancient – one of the world’s oldest rainforests – and you can feel its energy as you walk below its vines and palm leaves. The experiences hidden within the forest are ones designed to heal you – body and spirit. Learn how to live in harmony with nature from a Kuku Yalanji guide, a Traditional Custodian of the land, and indulge in a massage beneath the forest canopy. Book into Silky Oaks Lodge, where a dip in the clear Mossman River that runs through the property is a must.
Esperance
There are over 105 islands in the archipelago off Esperance… Getting up close to them and experiencing wildlife in their natural environment is very special.
What sets it apart: 400km (248mi) of wild, windswept coastline
Esperance, a 90-minute flight from Perth, has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Your feet are bound to be sandy, and the pace is perhaps slower than you’re used to – but it’s the slow pace that gives you time to connect with the white sand and blue water. The relaxed nature of Esperance doesn’t take away from those ‘pinch me’ moments. A visit to this idyllic part of Australia is guaranteed to give you moments of awe, like sunbathing with wild kangaroos and flying over pink and rainbow lakes. Head inland to explore the laidback lifestyle of the Golden Outback, where you will discover the world’s largest outdoor gallery and the epic Wave Rock.
The Great Ocean Road
From swimming with dolphins and coastal walks to hot springs and a sensational foodie scene that celebrates local produce, the Great Ocean Road ticks every fun box.
What sets it apart: a road made for escaping the everyday
The wind whipping in your hair, the coast unfurling before you...that’s the kind of freedom that only comes from an epic road trip. And Australia has the perfect one. The Great Ocean Road, which starts just outside of Melbourne, offers one jaw-dropping view after another. Wind your way past the towering stone pillars of the 12 Apostles and caves that roar with the sound of crashing ocean waves. Don't worry – there are plenty of ways to take a break from driving. Geothermic hot springs and hidden waterfalls welcome you to completely unwind.
Hobart
The city is surrounded by natural landscapes that are jaw dropping; and the locals have a charm about them that makes you want to come back.
What sets it apart: unexpected creativity in both food and art
In Hobart, neighbourhood charm is everywhere, and wilderness lies just beyond the mountain that watches over the city. Artisan markets, wildlife sanctuaries and fresh seafood make this the perfect place to connect with the present moment and enjoy the simple things. Tasmania's pure air invites you to breathe deep and take moments to be mindful – like plunging into an icy river before warming up by a riverside fire. It’s these moments that connect you to yourself.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is one of those rare, beautiful places that still feels sleepy and untouched, which makes it an ideal place for restoration and connection with the good things in life - nature, ocean, friends and food!
What sets it apart: natural beauty so rich, it doesn’t need a filter
Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia, offers a different kind of island life. You won’t find tropical cocktails or coconut-clad palm trees. What will you find? Unbelievable wildlife, beautiful landscapes, the magnificent Southern Ocean Lodge and friendly locals that invite you to truly disconnect from the outside world. Walk among sea lions, taste the honey from local bees and explore rock formations carved over 500 million years; it’s the wholesome nature of this island that will leave you restored.
