How to choose your perfect Australian destination

For the ‘foodie’

From beer-battered fish to kingfish tartare, every foodie knows that the destination to visit for a spectacular culinary experience is Melbourne. The city’s best restaurants are known for their inspired and innovative edge, coupled with a passion for local produce and seasonal menus. On the way to your reservation, wander through Melbourne’s world famous laneways and explore it’s vibrant culture and arts scene, or make a detour via the markets and pick up a souvenir. 

No matter if this is your first time visiting or you are returning again, there is always something new to discover.

Explore Melbourne

For the wine connoisseur

Located just one hour north of Adelaide, the rolling hills of the Barossa Valley will captivate with their seemingly endless spread of Australian wineries. You’ll be impressed with the region’s unique varietals available to taste at exquisite cellar doors. 

When you’re not indulging in some of the world’s finest wine and food pairings, reside in a luxury hotel, or explore the picturesque cluster of villages, rolling hills, stone churches and vineyards by bike, vintage car, hot air balloon or even a helicopter.

Read more about the Barossa Valley

For the beach babe

Stroll along crisp white-sand beaches and swim amongst coral reefs as you spend your days in the sun exploring one of Australia’s most famous archipelagos. The Whitsundays is a world-class getaway located just 55 kilometres (34 miles) off the Queensland coast, perfect for those looking to make the most of the beaming Australian sunshine. 

Dive below sea level into the clear waters of The Great Barrier Reef and get to know the local marine life, some of which can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. If you prefer to stay dry, get a bird’s eye view of the turquoise waters via seaplane, or hire a boat to spend a day on Whitehaven Beach. No matter how you absorb the surreal view, the Whitsundays is a location for all budgets and occasions.

Read our Whitsundays guide

For the luxury lovers

Lord Howe Island is the perfect holiday destination for those seeking the ultimate luxury escape. Immerse yourself in Lord Howe Island’s spectacular World Heritage-listed natural surroundings and experience incredible day hikes, snorkel in the coral reefs, swim with the local fish and wander along secluded beaches. Indulge in the gourmet, locally-sourced food and wine available on the island, and with only 400 guests welcomed onto the island at any time, you’re sure to take in the view from the best seat in the house.

Read more about Lord Howe Island

For the one wanting a reset

Featuring luxury accommodation, yoga retreats and natural spas, the Margaret River region in Western Australia offers the perfect getaway to recharge and reconnect. Slow down the pace and sign up for a private yoga class or a soul restoring spa treatment. Then glide into your choice of wineries to indulge in the blends that this famous wine region has to offer.

Reconnect with nature as you embark on a short drive to find the Wyadup Spa (also known as the Injidup Natural Spa). As the waves cascade through narrow gaps and over rocks into a clear rock pool, it forms just the right amount of bubbles and foam to make you feel like you’re in the world’s most spectacular jacuzzi, all entirely natural – and unforgettable.

Read more about Margaret River

For the wild ones

If you are an adventure seeker and you haven’t visited Tasmania yet, you will want to add this to your bucket list! Tasmania is home to extreme experiences that are not for the faint-hearted but, if you're game, there are thrills that you'll find only in Australia.

Here you will witness the grandeur of Cradle Mountain’s canyons, and if visiting waterfalls isn’t enough for you, why not launch yourself off one? This cool-climate utopia is bound to be a trip of a lifetime as you abseil or jump off waterfalls and float through the rainforest. Or experience the world’s highest dam abseil at Gordon Dam in south-west Tasmania (about 2.5 hours from Hobart). Standing several metres higher than the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this abseiling adventure will have you descending 140 metres (459 feet) in one continuous drop.

Discover more about Tasmania

For the animal obsessed

Australia is home to more than one million species of plants and animals, a number of which are found nowhere else in the world. Many of these special creatures call South Australia’s Kangaroo Island home, making it a great destination for wildlife lovers.

Here you can walk amongst sunbaking sea lions, swim beside dolphins or get to know the local kangaroos. Join an expert guide on an escorted day tour to discover wild koalas, quirky echidnas and wallabies, birds and maybe even a shy platypus. 

Now read our Guide to Kangaroo Island

For those looking to be inspired

Australia’s capital is worth a visit for any culture buff. Canberra is a vibrant hub of arts, history, politics and science, and is only a three-hour drive from Sydney. Explore the city’s cultural precinct, stopping in at Parliament House to wander the Marble Foyer and Great Hall or watch the House of Representatives and Senate from the galleries. Canberra also offers you the opportunity to commemorate the Australian soldiers at the Australian War Memorial. Or if you are a fine art enthusiast, witness some of the world’s most prestigious works and exhibitions at the National Gallery of Australia.

Like this? Read more about Canberra

For those wanting to explore deeper

Enriched with a history dating back tens of thousands of years, Kakadu is a must-visit place for those interested in learning more about Australia’s First Nations history and traditions. Here you will witness some of the oldest Aboriginal rock art dating back over 20,000 years, depicting themes of cultural identity and connection to Country. 

Discover the many archaeological sites in Kakadu that reflect how the Bininj/Mungguy people have managed the landscape over time. With locally run tours operating year round, you can go beyond the main experiences to see restricted-access billabongs, secret art sites and living floodplains.

Explore Kakadu

For the eco-conscious traveller

Port Douglas is a popular holiday spot, but did you know it’s also an eco-friendly destination? Since being awarded the Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination Certification, Port Douglas has remained committed to sustainable tourism practices. 

Voyage on a carbon-neutral sailing vessel and become a citizen scientist on the Great Barrier Reef, discovering marine life unique to the rest of the world. Or sleep beneath the stars near significant rock art sites, and retire to eco‑friendly lodging with a clear mind when you holiday in Port Douglas.

Discover more about Port Douglas