Aussie holidays to rival your international bucket list

Each year, millions of people make the trip to Australia for a holiday they’ll never forget. Lucky for Aussies, the country's striking beauty and memorable experiences are all right on your doorstep. 

Whether it’s island-hopping through the Whitsundays, sipping on world-class wine in South Australia or spotting only-in-Australia wildlife, many of the world’s bucket list experiences can be found right here at home. 

So forget the rest and swap out international destinations for the true-blue Australian versions. Here’s how.

Dreaming of Mexico?

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Marvel at South Australia’s iconic pink lakes

If you've been dreaming about Mexico's brightly coloured lakes, you'll be pleased to know that Australia puts on a pink lake show of its own. With almost unbelievable shades of pink, blue and green, Lake MacDonnell on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula is a breathtaking sight. Snap a few Instagram photos along ‘Watermelon Avenue,’ named for the area’s intense colour palette, then drive to Cactus Beach at the end of the road.

More dreamy pastel waters can be found at Lake Eyre, located in outback South Australia, and at Lake Bumbunga, which is less than a two-hour drive from Adelaide. You can view Lake Hart, once a prized salt deposit, along the Indian Pacific train journey or the Explorer’s Way road trip.

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Keen to visit the Galapagos Islands?

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Journey to another world on Lord Howe Island

A visit to Lord Howe Island in springtime is like a journey into another world. Like the Galapagos, it has incredible island wildlife and epic nature. With aqua shallows neighbouring lush, mountainous terrain and plentiful wildlife, the island offers an Aussie experience like no other.

Walk to panoramic lookouts and play a round of golf on the picturesque Lord Howe Island Golf Course. Snorkel through a clear lagoon straight from the beach (or take a glass-bottom boat tour), and feed wild fish by hand at Neds Beach. Keen hikers can climb Mount Gower, which rises 852 metres above the sea. Rated one of the world’s 10 best hikes, the walk takes around eight hours and provides incredible views of this World Heritage-listed island.

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Had plans for California?

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Get your glam on the Gold Coast

Like Los Angeles, the Gold Coast is an eclectic mix of seaside glamour and laid back surfer vibes. Take your pick of golden stretches of sand, including the famous suburb of Surfers Paradise. Soak up the sun by day and bar hop along the beach by night. If you’re more drawn to poolside relaxation, stay in the eclectic new Pink Hotel in Coolangatta, or head to a day spa for a full day of pampering.

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Want to recreate Route 66?

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Hit the road and cross the famous Nullarbor Plain

Many are drawn to Route 66 for its expansive landscapes. If you want to experience the beauty of Australia’s wide-open spaces, there’s no better road trip than crossing the Nullarbor Plain from Perth to Adelaide (or vice-versa). This route offers an abundance of wildlife – including kangaroos, emus, dingoes and wedge-tailed eagles – and many interesting little towns, roadhouses and restaurants to visit along the way.

Just a short detour from the highway are the awe-inspiring sea cliffs of the Great Australian Bight, where you can go fishing from cliff tops or watch whales migrating along the coast. Hop back in the car to drive the iconic ‘90-Mile Straight’ – Australia’s longest straight road. Expect the trip to take you three to four days.

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Grand Canyon on your bucket list?

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Be awed by Uluru and Kings Canyon

If you aspire to visit the Grand Canyon for its wondrous rock formations, then its time to add Australia’s very own Uluru to the top of your list. Watching Uluru change colours at sunrise or sunset is one of outback Australia's most unmissable experiences.

And the iconic monolith isn’t the only jaw-dropping sight in the Red Centre. Explore the towering escarpments of Kings Canyon, a three-hour drive from Ayers Rock Resort. If you’re an early riser, trek to the rim of Kings Canyon for breathtaking views across the rugged bluffs and gorges of Watarrka National Park at sunrise. You can stay in the nearby Kings Canyon Resort and enjoy gourmet meals served by firelight.

Longing for Scotland?

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Enjoy a tour of Australia’s southernmost whisky distilleries

Whisky-lovers flock to Scotland for its spirits, but Australia has some top-notch distilleries of its own. With crisp air and crystal-clear waters, Tasmania is ideal for whisky production, so it’s no wonder that you’ll find some of Australia’s best distillers calling Tassie home. Located in the rugged wilderness of the Tasman Peninsula, the cosy McHenry Distillery produces a range of smooth, uniquely Australian spirits. Don’t miss the Sloe Gin, crafted using berries foraged from the hedgerows around northern Tasmania.

Meanwhile, in the heart of Hobart is Lark Distillery, which has grown to be one of the top malt whisky distillers in the country, creating premium spirits with time-honoured methods. You can visit both cellar doors for a taste of their pure Tasmanian whisky and gin, including more than 150 malt whiskies at Lark.

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Craving the quiet of the English countryside?

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Escape to the mountains in Katoomba

The English countryside is famous for its old-world charm – something the Blue Mountains knows a bit about. The town of Katoomba combines ancient nature with quaint shops and Art Deco architecture. Meander down Katoomba Street to browse the antique stores, vintage emporiums and quirky thrift stores, then take the five-minute drive to Leura. You’ll find a selection of Instagrammable cafés lining the main street, including local-favourite Leura Garage, which does a fantastic cheese board. 

Return to Katoomba via the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company, where you can make your own hot drink from silky smooth couverture chocolate. Have dinner or cocktails at the luxe Carrington Hotel, and stay in style at the Victorian-era Lilianfels Resort & Spa or in the stunning surrounds of the Hydro Majestic.

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Dreamt of driving Northern Ireland’s coastline?

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Journey down Tasmania’s Wild Western coastline 

Like Ireland, Tasmania is home to some epic nature. Drenched in natural beauty and carved by glaciers, Tasmania’s spectacular western region is rugged, remote and ready to be explored. Head out of Hobart as you embark on your Western Wilds journey, taking in the landscapes of Mount Field National Park, Russell Falls and Lake Dobson.

Don’t miss the unique wilderness of the national parks on offer, including the craggy peaks of Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park and the dense greenery of Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

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Keen to explore South-East Asia’s jungles?

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Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tropical North Queensland

Jungles may seem foreign to many Australians, but Queensland proves that lush forests are closer than you may think. From aqua lagoons to vast deserts, Queensland is home to diverse landscapes. One of its most impressive is the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics. In the Daintree Rainforest – the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth – you can reconnect with nature in ancient ways with Walkabout Cultural Adventures, where Kuku Yalanji guides will lead you through their traditional land.

Eager to go fishing in Asia?

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Catch a ‘barra’ in the Top End

There’s nothing more thrilling for an angler than reeling in a big catch, and the tidal estuaries of the Northern Territory’s Top End are some of the most promising fishing spots anywhere in the world. Not only will you find barramundi here, but longtail tuna, queenfish and Spanish mackerel too.

Be sure to go with a local operator to seek out the hot spots, like Cobourg Fishing Safaris in Arnhem Land. You can even hop into a helicopter to fly over wetlands teeming with wildlife before being dropped in the fishing spots only locals know.

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Wanted to sail the Greek Islands?

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Experience luxury by sailing through the Whitsunday Islands 

If you're dreaming of island-hopping in Greece, it's time to turn to Australia's most famous collection of islands. Swirling white sand, aqua blue waters and some of the best sunsets in Australia – it’s easy to feel romantic as you sail through the Whitsunday Islands. By day, you’ll sail through bays and lagoons, stopping to snorkel and swim. By night, you’ll marvel at a sky alight with stars.

There are several cruise companies to choose from, including Sailing Whitsundays and Prosail, who will provide you with everything you need. Alternatively, you can captain your own boat after a thorough briefing. A “bareboating” holiday is a great way to set your own schedule, but be sure you arrange your food and equipment before you leave.

Hungry for a European food adventure?

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Eat and drink along the Epicurean Way

Europe's classic cuisines and established wine regions made it a popular culinary holiday, but Australia's delicious mixture of old and innovative makes it an exciting proposition. South Australia is famous for its food and wine regions, and you can visit four of them on the four-day Epicurean Way road trip. Weave your way through McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley, pausing to savour exciting wines and locally sourced meals. Be sure to stop by some of the state’s most renowned wineries including d'Arenberg, Seppeltsfield and The Lane Vineyard. 

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Want to see the Northern Lights?

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Head south for the magnificent Aurora Australis 

Like the Northern Lights, the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) are as elusive as they are beautiful, and are most commonly seen during winter and the spring equinox in September.

Head down to Tassie for your best chance of seeing the shades of blue, red, green and purple ripple across the night sky. Bruny Island, Satellite Island, Bathurst Harbour and Cradle Mountain all have the low-light conditions necessary to spot the natural light show.

Seeking an African safari?

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Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kakadu National Park 

Africa's safaris are all about seeing incredible animals, and luckily, Australia has wildlife that's one-of-a-kind. Home to some of the Northern Territory’s most breathtaking nature, it’s no wonder countless native animals flock to Kakadu National Park. Atop the wetlands, tidal flats and floodplains fly at least 60 different bird species including whistling ducks, magpie geese, eagles, jabirus and brolgas.

Hop on a sunrise or sunset tour with Yellow Water Cruises to watch the sky speckled with birdlife. You might also catch some of Kakadu’s other residents, like crocodiles and buffaloes, grazing in the billabongs.

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Dreaming of New Zealand?

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Indulge in Aussie hot springs 

New Zealand may be known for its hot springs, but Australia has some beautiful springs of its own. Head down to the Mornington Peninsula to experience the steamy, cascading waters of Peninsula Hot Springs or the bubble-free, turquoise rock pools at Blairgowrie Back Beach.

Victoria’s Daylesford and Hepburn Springs also boast relaxing mineral spring experiences. Try the Lake House Daylesford or the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa to combine a soak with some more indulgent therapies.

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