Relax with Australia's natural shades of blue

By Amy Fraser

From wispy blue skies, to the glistening waters that lap laid-back beaches, Australia has no shortage of stunning sapphire horizons. While you dream of your next adventure, take a deep breath and let these calming images of Australian blue hues whisk you away.

Where Broome’s red rocks meet the aqua Coral Sea

Feast your eyes on this technicolour dream; where Broome's striking red rocks meet the Coral Sea's cerulean blue waters, the spectacle is nothing less than extraordinary. Located on the coast of Western Australia, the colourful town of Broome encapsulates two of Australia's iconic landscapes; the outback and the beach. When the time is right, soak up these aquamarine waters, wide-open beaches and surreal landscapes on a 3-day road trip around Broome. You can fly direct to Broome from Perth, Melbourne or Sydney. 

Watch gentle giants off Queensland’s coast

Spotted in Queensland’s deep blue ocean waters; a gentle giant peeking. Every year between May and November, numerous whale species are seen flaunting their majestic beauty in Australian waters. Plan a trip to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) off the coast of Hervey Bay and be awed by the site of mums and baby humpback whales travelling south in September. In the Whitsundays, enjoy a mesmerising show of whales, or for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, dive with dwarf minke whales during June and July; this is the only place in the world where you can dive with these beautiful beings.

See the Milky Way glistening above Uluru 

While Uluru is famous for its remarkable red landscapes, come nightfall this iconic landmark sleeps beneath a breathtaking midnight blue sky. If there's any place on earth to watch the stars glisten, it's here at the spiritual heart of Australia. Get a glimpse of the Northern Territory's magic from your living room, and start planning your future outback adventure.

Soak up a new perspective in Port Lincoln

Nothing is more serene than watching furry sea lion friends dance beneath the crystal-clear waters of South Australia’s Port Lincoln. Swim with sea lions, test your nerve in a shark cage, or watch the ocean flicker with colour during the annual gathering of 250,000 giant Australian cuttlefish between May and August each year. Whatever fuels your fancy, the Eyre Peninsula has a one-of-a-kind underwater adventure waiting for you.

Explore the azure waters of Ningaloo Marine Park 

Take a moment to soak up the dazzling hue of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. The dreamy shades of blue of the Ningaloo Marine Park are home to unique coral gardens bursting with majestic marine life. Step off the white sandy shores and enter an underwater wonderland. If swimming with turtles, humpback whales, tropical fish, manta rays and whale sharks is on your bucket list, be sure to add the Ningaloo Reef to your next itinerary.

Where river meets ocean in Noosa

Find swirling shades of turquoise blue water intertwined with the squeaky white sand of the Noosa Spit; here, the colours of the river, ocean and sands collide. Noosa, located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, has bountiful serene scenery and ocean activities, making for an ideal getaway. Surf across the sapphire swell, glide over the pristine waters on a stand-up paddle board, or soak up the beautiful blue waters of the Noosa everglades.

Swim in natural pools in New South Wales

Wild waves and salty rocks pools makes for a stunning turquoise hue along the rugged New South Wales coastline. Start dreaming of your next dip in Sydney's best ocean pools; known for their Insta-famous ocean views, these pools are perfect for sun-bakers and swimmers alike. Wake up early and watch and sunrise glisten over the ocean's horizon — the view will be well worth the alarm.

Candy floss clouds in clear blue skies in Victoria 

There’s nothing more relaxing than imagining yourself on the Great Ocean Road gazing at an azure blue-sky and feather-like clouds, and feeling the warm afternoon sun as it shines down on Victoria's magnificent 12 Apostles. Add some adventure to your future travel plans by planning a scenic helicopter flight over the iconic rock stacks. You can take in the wonders of the Great Ocean Road on a 4.5-hour scenic drive (return trip) from Melbourne, or embark on a 5-day road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide when the time is right. 

 Turquoise waters in Tassie

When it comes to crystal clear waters and striking colour contrasts, Tasmania won't disappoint. For nature-lovers, add a trip to Freycinet National Park to your list, where you'll discover pink granite mountains meeting aquamarine bays. If you have little ones, take a drive to the family-friendly town of Bicheno where you have the chance of coming face-to-face with native wildlife, including Tasmanian devils, koalas and parrots, before cooling off in a beautiful blue bay.