Pumphouse Point, Lake St Clair, Tasmania © Emilie Ristevski
9 of the most relaxing holiday destinations in Australia
Holidays are about turning off and slowing down. Here are just a few of our favourite places in Australia to relax and recharge.
Mirror-like lakes, ancient rainforests and rugged mountains meet in Tasmania's Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Spend a few nights in premium accommodation at Pumphouse Point, a converted 1940s hydroelectric pump house suspended over the water. Each room has a larder stocked with local cheeses, cured meats and wines. The national park has incredible hiking trails where you can spot wildlife and see brilliant wildflowers in late spring and summer.
Australia's largest concentration of mineral springs can be found in Daylesford. Start your day at Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, where you can recline on underwater couches, swim in a salt therapy pool and be pampered with a signature massage. Dine at Sault overlooking fields of lavender, then stroll through town to Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, situated on an extinct volcano. Stay at Lake House in a luxurious waterfront suite.
Want to kick back on some of the world's whitest sand? Make your way to Jervis Bay. The clear, turquoise waters in this area are some of Australia's most beautiful and home to playful dolphins and migrating whales. If you can drag yourself away from the water, hire bikes to explore the historic township of Huskisson or follow one of the walking trails through the tranquil Booderee National Park. Spend the night in safari-style tents at Paperbark Camp and enjoy a delicious dinner in its treetop dining room.
A tiny town with a whole lot of charm, Exmouth holds a big place in its visitors’ hearts. Once you’ve laid eyes on the bright blue fringing ocean, it’s easy to see why. Wake up to World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef in an eco-luxe safari tent at Sal Salis, swim with giant whale sharks and discover the outback’s serenity at nearby Bullara Station.
The coastal town of Byron Bay is usually a hive of activity. But five minutes away lies the sleepy beach of Wategos. Stay on the water's edge at Rae's, an intimate boutique hotel with just seven suites. Or, stay at Elements of Byron and participate in free yoga at sunrise. Take the coastal walk to the lighthouse, keeping your eyes peeled for migrating humpback whales between April to August and September to November.
Kangaroo Island sits 15km (9.3mi) off mainland South Australia and can be reached on a 30-minute flight from Adelaide or on the SeaLink ferry from Cape Jervis. It's a place of unspoiled wilderness, with sheer limestone cliffs, deserted stretches of white sand and an abundance of wildlife like sea lions, fur seals and kangaroos. Lay back and relax at one of the luxurious properties on the island, like Southern Ocean Lodge and One Kangaroo Island.
This relaxing seaside village provides the perfect base to explore the Daintree Rainforest, island-hop through the Great Barrier Reef or simply unwind on "Spa Street," named for its concentration of luxury day spas. Palm Cove boasts palm-fringed beaches, lush golf courses and a vibrant dining scene. The Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore offers beachfront accommodation with three swimming pools, a day spa and the multi-award-winning Nu Nu Restaurant.
The Ghan train wasn’t named one of the world’s greatest passenger trains for nothing. In fact, it’s always held a legendary title, originally named the Afghan Express due to its impressive engineering status. These days, the Ghan journey is all about relaxation. From the moment you sit down onboard, regionally-inspired menus, world-class wines and serene views of the outback are yours. Over three days, you’ll get to explore the wonders of Australia’s vast interior.
Relaxation comes easy in Mudgee, a flourishing wine region nestled in the mountains of country New South Wales. Mudgee is peppered with charming family-run wineries, innovative farm-to-fork restaurants and artisans producing everything from cheese to chocolate. Unwind with a tasting (or several) overlooking the vines, then sink into your private bathtub at the luxury glamping accommodation, Sierra Escape.
