WHERE TO SPOT STARS IN 2020
The hot Aussie destinations you should stalk to see your favourite celebs in the new year
1 CENTRAL COAST
New South Wales
Make like Matthew Mcconaughey and go off the grid in 2020. Along with Aussie travel start-up Unyoked, the Gold actor has designed an eco-friendly cabin on the NSW Central Coast as part of bourbon brand Wild Turkey’s “With Thanks” mission. “I’ve always been in awe of Australia’s natural beauty,” says Matthew. “My hope now is [the cabin] will inspire Australians to reconnect with nature.” The solar-powered hut has no wi-fi and was built with totally sustainable material. Here’s hoping Matthew returns for a site inspection throughout the new year. Accommodation starts from $293 per night. Visit unyoked.co
2 BAROSSA VALLEY
South Australia
Having launched more than $3 million worth of South Australian wine tourism campaigns designed to attract international visitors, no doubt Adelaide is going to be experiencing some foot traffic in 2020! Top-notch wineries dot the six wine regions – including the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and Mclaren Vale. As for celeb sightings, you only have to head into Adelaide’s CBD food scene. Sean’s Kitchen at the Adelaide Casino has hosted the likes of Ed Sheeran and Jessica Mauboy. Head beachside to Star of Greece restaurant at Port Willunga for your chance to spot Kylie Minogue! Get more info at southaustralia.com
3 MAKEPEACE ISLAND
Queensland
It hasn’t sn’t been too tricky to catch a glimpse of the chiselled god that is Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky in their adopted Byron Bay hood. But it seems the couple and Chris’ brother Liam’s new fave hangout is the heart-shaped Makepeace Island on the Sunshine Coast.
Yep, the genetically blessed brothers were spotted on the oasis (owned by Virgin magnates Richard Branson and Brett Godfrey) with family and friends, so you can probably expect another visit soon. Learn more at makepeaceisland.com or call 07 5447 1196
4 LORD HOWE ISLAND
New South Wales
It’s been ranked number five on Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions for 2020, and with an accolade like that, there’s no doubt the stars will be adding it to their travel diary. Actor Ryan Reynolds, along with his then 10-month old daughter James, touched down on the heritage-listed island back in 2015 to visit his wife Blake Lively on set of her film The Shallows. “It was pristine and amazing,” the actress boasted of the hotspot that’s less than a two-hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane. Snorkel the southernmost coral reef in the world, try a spot of fishing or challenge yourself to one of the 12 walking trails. There are only 400 guest beds on Lord Howe, but still a variety of options to suit everyone’s budget. Visit lordhoweisland.info
5 HOBART
Tasmania
Tassie has seen a 15 per cent increase in tourism in the past year, so get ready to watch that statistic rise again in the new year! With unforgettable experiences like the one-of-a-kind MONA gallery, shopping Salamanca markets or trekking up Mount Wellington, Hobart is full of activities suited to all traveller types – including the celeb kind! Martha Stewart is a Tassie fan, visiting Hobart in January to watch the finalists of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race cross the finish line. She also enjoyed breakfast with her kids at popular spot Small Fry on Bathurst Street. “The service was sensational, the coffee spot-on and the breakfast top-notch,” she penned on her website themarthablog.com. If it’s Martha approved, you know it’s gotta be good! discovertasmania.com.au
6 DARWIN
Northern N Territory
Make like Margot Robbie and visit the stunning Northern Territory. The Aussie actress recently took a well-deserved break in the NT, sharing happy holiday snaps of her time at Uluru, as she spent days trekking and evenings on The Ghan, the famous train trip to and from Adelaide and Darwin. Along with Margot’s activities, Darwin boasts other unforgettable experiences, like dinner under the stars by Uluru and camel riding tours. From February 19 to April 25 you can visit the Territory Tribute event that commemorates and acknowledges NT’S military history, including the Bombing of Darwin in 1942. If you’re ready for a road trip, take just over an hour’s drive to nearby Kakadu and jump on the Gulutambi Cultural Cruise down the East Alligator River like Pippa Middleton and hubby James Matthews did on their 2017 honeymoon! For more details, head to northernterritory.com
7 THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN MELBOURNE
Victoria
It’s an oldie but a goodie! The Australian Open has become somewhat of a Hollywood Walk of Fame, with stars scattered through its rows year on year. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, Eric Bana, Rose Byrne and Baz Luhrmann attended last year – with 2020 set to be just as popular among the celeb crowd. If you’re after more A-list sightings, simply head to some of the incredible restaurants around the city. Japanese eatery Mr Miyagi on the famous Chapel Street is frequented by local stars like former Bachelor contestant Keira Maguire and model Kris Smith. Meanwhile, you might catch former Married At First Sight stars Troy Delmege, Nick Furphy and Nadia Stamp down the road at Morris Jones. Plan your trip at visitmelbourne.com
8 SUTTON FORREST
New South Wales
With a population of just 477 people, we can see why actress Nicole Kidman and her hubby Keith Urban own a stunning retreat in Sutton Forest, a small village nestled in the NSW Southern Highlands. Just because it’s a quiet town doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things to do. Sip a crisp riesling at Cherry Tree Hill Vineyard, get lost in the gardens at Red Cow Farm or tee off at Mt Broughton Golf & Country Club. Come in February (exact date to be confirmed), and you can even take a 14-minute drive to Berrima for the Summer Harvest Festival and enjoy the seven-course long lunch at The Loch Farm. Who knows, you could be sitting next to Nicole! Head to visitnsw.com
9 THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Queensland
The Great Barrier Reef has had a resurgence, particularly over the past 12 months, with people encouraged to come and learn more about the reef, regeneration efforts and how to safely enjoy it. Orpheus Island – one of the reef’s whopping 900 islands – has been visite visited by many celebs, including Elton John. It’s no wonder, given t there’s only accommodation for 28 people. Talk about VIP! A And given he’s bringing his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour Down Under in 2020, he could very well revisit this tropical haven, which you can reach via helicopter from Townsville. Head to orpheus.com.au for more info