Pumphouse Bar and Restaurant, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW
Australia Recommends: Exploring deeper
Discover an Australia that will get under your skin; that doesn’t only need to be seen to be believed, but felt. If you’re eager to be inspired, these are some of the best places to visit in 2024.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
To see Uluru in real life is really something else. It gives you goosebumps thinking about how sacred and special this place is and has been for thousands of years.
What sets it apart: an unmistakable spiritual energy
The simple act of walking on the red earth of Australia’s outback is a special one. You’ll feel the grounding energy immediately. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, located in the centre of the country, is the spiritual heartbeat of Australia. This is Anangu land, and it holds the culture of its Traditional Custodians who have lived here for more than 30,000 years. You’re invited to embrace this culture, this way of viewing life. Days here are all about connection through food, stories and art. Walk around the sacred monolith with an Aboriginal guide and hear stories of how they connect with their country. Create a dot painting piece of art, eat native ingredients at an al fresco dinner under the stars and appreciate the beauty of this incredible place.
Sydney
We’re spoilt for choice with some of the best food in the world, and our art and culture scene means you’re spoilt for choice for things to do and see.
What sets it apart: the meeting of relaxed beach culture and buzzing urban centres
Sydney is a city of inspiration, and belongs on your travel bucket list. A sparkling skyline meets golden sand beaches and verdant green foreshore. Sunny weekends bring locals out to dine al fresco and enjoy a cold drink on a rooftop. Everything from sunrises where the dolphins play to innovative art galleries make you want to dig a little bit deeper into what this city has to offer. And while its icons (like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge) are not to be missed, there’s a whole lot more this city can do. Sip a handcrafted cocktail in a bar hidden behind a butchery, dive into a saltwater pool where ocean waves crash over the edge and uncover public art where birdcages hang overhead.
Canberra
You don’t have to go far to find a fierce hospitality scene, some of Australia’s most prestigious galleries and museums, plenty of fun outdoor activities, and all surrounded by beautiful Australian nature.
What sets it apart: a compact city that churns out incredible food and events
As Australia’s capital city, Canberra is known for its political ties. But the city – just three hours from Sydney – is ever-evolving, with a few surprises up its sleeve. Huge community festivals invite locals and visitors alike to appreciate good vibes and great views. Annual events drape the city in blooms and illuminate the night with light shows, and celebrated chefs have made their way to Australia’s capital to bring the dining scene to new heights. Whether you wander the easy-to-stroll streets or venture a little further to taste the local wines, Canberra will have you feeling the city’s buzz.
The Kimberley
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.
What sets it apart: ancient nature that will make your jaw drop
The Kimberley is one of the world’s most precious wilderness frontiers. Located in the northwest corner of the country, the Kimberley is rare, ancient and untouched. The colours are more vibrant, the landscapes more dramatic and the scenery more beautiful than can ever be captured on camera. Because of its remote location and sparse population, this is a place where the chatter of the world – and maybe even the chatter of your mind – goes quiet. If the views don’t inspire you, the experiences surely will. Fly over thundering waterfalls and follow an Indigenous guide through the mangroves. Put simply, the Kimberley is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and that feeling of awe is something you’ll never forget.
Melbourne
The annual event calendar is brimming with sporting, cultural and food events that activate the city, creating an atmosphere that’s not to be missed.
What sets it apart: an edgy, electric atmosphere and worth-the-trip events
Melbourne isn’t just one of Australia’s largest cities, it’s also one of its most magnetic. With events that bring in people from all over the globe and an incredible number of innovative chefs, Melbourne often feels larger than life. On every street corner, you’ll find a museum, gallery, live music venue or rooftop bar. Events take over the city’s precincts, from the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival to the Australian Open tennis. Mornings bring the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and evenings bring dimly lit dinners and trips to the theatre. Every day in Melbourne leaves you feeling different and makes you want to know more.
