Australians are always ready for a getaway, seizing any opportunity from school holidays to long weekends to explore their vast and beautiful country. This eagerness to travel leads to cities emptying and highways filling as locals embark on their annual pilgrimages to cherished destinations, whether it’s a nostalgic beach house echoing with summer memories or a peaceful country retreat.
For Australians, holidays are often about reconnecting with nature, and Australia, the “Lucky Country,” boasts an incredible array of landscapes for year-round exploration. From vibrant coral reefs and ochre deserts to majestic mountains, there’s a diverse beauty waiting to be discovered. Combine this natural splendor with a love for good food and a perfect road trip playlist, and you’re set to experience Australia like a true local.
Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, New South Wales
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Australia’s stunning coastline is world-renowned, and a visit to Sydney isn’t complete without experiencing its iconic beaches. Begin your journey at Bondi Beach, Australia’s most famous stretch of sand, and head south towards Bronte along the scenic coastal walk. Make sure to pause at the various viewpoints and public parks to fully appreciate the breathtaking ocean views. For a longer exploration, continue the path to Coogee Beach, passing oceanfront saltwater pools, the historic Waverley Cemetery, and a series of beautiful golden beaches.
The walk from Ben Buckler Point past Bronte Beach to Waverley Cemetery typically takes around 90 minutes. However, to truly savor the experience, consider making it a half-day outing, allowing time to relax, take photos, and enjoy refreshments at one of the many cafes along the way.
Bright, Victoria
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Nestled within the mountainous region of Victoria’s high country, a scenic four-hour drive northeast of Melbourne, Bright is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Set in a picturesque pine forest valley on the banks of the Ovens River, this charming small town is a beloved year-round destination for Australian vacationers.
During summer, the riverfront comes alive with families enjoying the water playground, while history enthusiasts try their luck at gold panning along the riverbanks, seeking remnants of the region’s gold rush past. Adventure seekers can explore hiking and mountain biking trails on nearby Mount Feathertop and Mount Beauty. Food lovers can indulge in local produce at weekend markets or cycle between cellar doors, sampling regional wines.
As the weather cools, Bright transforms into an autumnal paradise, with tree-lined streets displaying vibrant fall colors and food festivals celebrating the harvest season. In winter, snow enthusiasts flock to Bright as a base for skiing and snowboarding at Mount Hotham or Falls Creek, enjoying après-ski drinks at local breweries and distilleries like Bright Brewery or Reed & Co. Distillery.
Bruny Island, Tasmania
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Located just off the coast of mainland Tasmania, rugged Bruny Island is a destination that offers more than its size suggests. Blessed with fertile land and pristine waters, Bruny Island has significantly contributed to Tasmania’s reputation as a food lover’s paradise. A collection of wineries, chocolatiers, and oyster farms draw in food-focused travelers eager to sample local delicacies.
Adventure seekers can explore the island’s extensive network of hiking trails and scenic lookouts, such as The Neck and South Bruny National Park. Wildlife enthusiasts should keep an eye out for fur seals basking on the beaches and humpback whales migrating to and from Antarctica. For a truly unique experience, visit during a clear winter night for a chance to witness the aurora australis, the Southern Lights, painting the horizon with shimmering colors.
Katoomba, New South Wales
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Just a 90-minute drive west of Sydney, Katoomba is the heart of the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage area. This eucalyptus-rich region is a popular escape for Australians seeking a bushland retreat with the comforts of luxury accommodation.
Hiking and outdoor activities are the main attractions, particularly the iconic Three Sisters rock formation and the Jenolan Caves, a vast network of underground caves known for their stunning formations and even monthly cave concerts due to their acoustics. The Blue Mountains also hold significant cultural importance for the Gundungurra people, with songline storytelling trails and ancient cave paintings dating back 1,600 years. The region is also a well-known wellness destination, offering day spas and yoga retreats like the Kurrara Historic Guest House.
In winter, the Blue Mountains occasionally receive snowfall, creating a magical setting for “Christmas in July” festivals, complete with cozy log fires, sing-alongs, and festive menus in Katoomba’s restaurants.
Esperance, Western Australia
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Esperance, with its kangaroos lounging on pristine white-sand beaches, might initially seem like a scene from Queensland. However, this coastal paradise is located on Western Australia’s southern coastline, still relatively untouched due to its remote location. It’s about a day’s drive or a 90-minute flight from Perth, the nearest major city.
This isolation has allowed locals to enjoy Esperance’s beauty almost exclusively, sharing the beaches mainly with sunbathing kangaroos. Children grow up exploring rock pools on the hundreds of uninhabited islands nearby and spending days surfing before enjoying sunset barbecues. Esperance is known for its unique attractions, including the striking pink Lake Hillier, remnants of a NASA space station, and a full-scale replica of Stonehenge.
McLaren Vale, South Australia
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Located just outside Adelaide, McLaren Vale is easily accessible and stands out as one of Australia’s premier wine regions. While international tourists often continue to Kangaroo Island, Australians in the know appreciate this part of the Fleurieu Peninsula as a perfect staycation destination.
The region’s Mediterranean climate significantly influences its wine production, with a focus on Italian grape varieties. Wine is deeply intertwined with art here, as evidenced by the d’Arenberg Cube, a giant glass Rubik’s Cube where you can enjoy wine tasting. Many wineries also function as art galleries. The Fleurieu Arthouse is another great place to see local artists at work.
Beyond wine, McLaren Vale is also known for its cheese, olive oil, and fresh seafood. Coastal cafes offer delicious fish and chips, making it a delightful place to combine gourmet experiences with beachside relaxation.
Alice Springs, Northern Territory
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Alice Springs and the vast Outback hold a special place in the Australian psyche. Uluru, the iconic sandstone monolith, is just a glimpse into the wonders of the Outback. Alice Springs serves as a gateway to many Outback adventures, from hot-air ballooning to hiking to hidden watering holes.
Recently, Alice Springs has transformed into a vibrant arts hub. Events like Parrtjima, a festival of light and sound that illuminates the MacDonnell Ranges, and FabAlice, a drag festival, add a contemporary cultural layer. The Araluen Arts Centre showcases significant works by contemporary Aboriginal artists and hosts events celebrating Aboriginal culture, offering deep insights into the region’s heritage. Even the quirky Henley-on-Todd Regatta, a “boat race” in a dry riverbed, shows the town’s unique character.
Seventeen Seventy, Queensland
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Seventeen Seventy, named after the year Captain Cook landed in Australia, is located on a striking headland jutting into the Coral Sea. This town attracts Australians with its relaxed atmosphere and its distance from Queensland’s more crowded tourist destinations.
Surrounded by the Coral Sea and Bustard Bay, Seventeen Seventy offers calm, warm waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing. Its location at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef makes it perfect for exploring less crowded sections of this natural wonder. Snorkeling tours and fishing charters regularly depart for Lady Musgrave Island, a coral cay famous for its coral reefs and pisonia forests. Camping is also available on the island via ferry service.
Between November and March, visitors can witness loggerhead and hawksbill turtles coming ashore to lay eggs, followed by the incredible sight of baby turtles returning to the sea.
Lorne, Victoria
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For many young Australians, Lorne, a surfing town on the Great Ocean Road, is synonymous with summer road trips and the Falls Music and Arts Festival. However, Lorne’s appeal existed long before the festival began.
Located two hours southwest of Melbourne, between Bass Strait and Great Otway National Park, Lorne offers the best of both coast and forest. Surfers of all levels can enjoy the waves at Lorne Point, while the pier is popular for fishing. Inland, temperate rainforests boast over ten waterfalls within six miles of town, along with zip-lining, treetop walks, and glowworm displays at night.
Yamba, New South Wales
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Often described as Byron Bay or Noosa “before the boom,” Yamba is a quieter coastal town, about 62 miles south of Byron Bay, offering similar attractions without the large crowds. It features trendy cafes serving excellent coffee and restaurants offering fresh, locally caught seafood, especially prawns. The historic Pacific Hotel provides live music, a dance floor, and stunning ocean views.
Yamba boasts four beaches, each with unique conditions suitable for surfers of all levels. The Yamba Farmers & Producers Market, held on Wednesdays, is a local favorite for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and more. Just outside of town, Iluka Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Gondwana rainforest, offers a two-mile walking track through ancient strangler figs and vines, culminating at Bluff Lookout, a great spot for whale watching and sea eagle sightings.
These destinations represent just a glimpse of the incredible places Australia has to offer. From coastal paradises to outback adventures, Australia provides a diverse range of travel experiences that cater to every interest, making it truly one of the best places to travel in the world.
