50 Must-Visit Australia Destinations
From the outback to the city and everything in-between, these are the 50 Australian destinations that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
1 Sydney Harbour, NSW
No list of must-visit Australian destinations would be complete without the inclusion of Sydney Harbour. The majestic spires of the Opera House, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the stunning blue waters that frame the city tops our list for the pure spectacular beauty of it all. Wander through the historic Rocks and enjoy the old-world atmosphere of the area or head across the bridge to harbourside suburb Kirribilli and look back on the beauty of this one-of-a kind city. We love to catch a ferry and explore the pretty suburbs that hug the coastline or walk up to the Sydney Observatory and enjoy the view of the stars as they settle over the twinkling city lights.
2 The Great Ocean Road, VIC
A worldwide attraction, the Great Ocean Road is 234km of road that hugs one of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic coastlines. Start at Torquay and head west taking in the sites along the way - spot koalas lounging around in Kennett River, discover isolated beaches and pretty seaside towns, see the majestic sites of the 12 Apostles rock formations, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge before finishing up at Allansford. Better still you can do a walking tour, which takes in 100km of coastline and starts at Apollo Bay. The 8-day hike on the beautiful coastal paths is one of the most rewarding ways to see this stunning part of the world.
3 Perth, WA
One of the most isolated cities in the world and thousands of miles away from the East Coast, it may not have the sophistication of Melbourne or the glitz of Sydney but to miss this city would mean missing out on almost permanent blue skies, unspoilt beaches a temperate climate and a booming bar and art scene. The beauty of Perth lies in its 80km of natural coastline and beachside suburbs that serve up a slow paced coastal lifetsyle without missing out on any of the attractions a big city has to offer. Head to Cottlesloe or Scarborough Beach for people watching or take a day trip to stunning Rottnest Island (pg 58) and enjoy its 63 pristine beaches, snorkelling, surfing and the chance to see a Quakko, the cute mini marsupial the island is renowned for.
4 Daylesford, VIC
The gem of Victoria’s spa country region, the town of Daylesford is the perfect escape from the city grind. Wander around pretty Lake Daylesford, spend a relaxing afternoon soaking in the theraputic mineral waters of the nearby Hepburn Spa and Bathhouse or walk through the botanical gardens. There are plenty of excellent restaurants and wineries in town, make sure you stop for a mimosa and brunch at Cliffy’s or enjoy fine dining at the Lake House and Sault. Head out to the Lavendula Swiss Italian Farm for a rustic fragrance-filled experience and make sure you try the lavender scones. There is alot to do and see in this region so plan to spend a few days exploring everything on offer, including the nearby towns of Kyneton, Woodend and Trentham. Visit during autumn and winter when cosy open fires, hearty stews and therapeutic hot springs will restore cold-weary bodies and remind you that Australia isn’t all about beaches and the outback.
5 Noosa, QLD
A Queensland institution, Nooo-sah, has been a go-to for southern holiday makers for decades. The resort style town is framed by the stunning Main Beach with its turquoise water and golden sand backed by cafes and shops. Wander along Hastings Street and enjoy boutiques, restaurants and cafes that wouldn’t be out of place in a big city or if nature is more your thing, explore the coastal tracks in the beautiful Noosa National Park - ocean views, native wildlife and nature will reward you. Noosaville, about a 5 minute drive from Hastings Street, should also be on your list, wander along Noosa River and enjoy the sheltered swimming spots. The whole Sunshine Coast is a great region to explore, add the Glasshouse Mountain, Australia Zoo, Maleny and Maroochydore on to your itinerary. Our tip is to visit out of season, when the town quietens down a little and you can enjoy the delights without the crowds.
6 Bruny Island, TAS
A southern foodie paradise off the coast of Tasmania, Bruny Island packs a seriously tasty punch. Located about 2 hours from the capital Hobart, the island is all about food experiences set in a stunning natural location on D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Oysters, crayfish, whiskey, wine and berries - eat your way around the island on a day trip or stay a few nights and spend a little more time to truly experience eveything it has to offer. With Antarctica being the next land mass to the south, come prepared for cool weather and getting cosy in front of log fires.
7 Icebergs, Sydney
A Sydney icon, nothing says Bondi like a dip in the Icebergs Club pool followed by lunch at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar. The pool blends seamlessly into the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, and makes for a dramatic way to start the day. For a true eastern suburbs experience, follow your dip with a 6km walk on the Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk or learn to surf at world famous Bondi Beach.
8 Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park, TAS
1614 square kilometres of national park with arguably Tassie’s most famous mountain at its peak, the Cradle Mountain region is truly spectacular and showcases the magnificence of Tasmania’s wilderness. Isolated, wild and a hiker’s paradise, summit to the top of the mountain (about a 6-7 hour hike), enjoy the natural serenity and marvel and just how incredible this island state is.
9 Rottnest Island, WA
Sitting just offshore from Perth, Rottnest Island is home to 63 beaches, excellent surf and of course the famous mini Marsupial, the Quokka. Packed full of natural beauty, the island is the perfect spot to snorkel, swim, fish, surf and dive. Underlying the sunshine and sparkling clear water is a tragic past which saw 3700 Aboroginal men incarcerated on the island throughout the 1800s. Our tip is to enjoy what the island has to offer but to also spend some time to find out more about the island’s history and importance to the Indigenous community.
10 Queen Victoria Markets, VIC
Perched on the edge of the CBD, the ‘Queen Vic’ markets cover 17 acres of prime city real estate and are the largest open air markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Donuts, cheese, fresh produce, flowers, coffee, seafood, salami and souvenirs, no trip to Melbourne is complete without a visit to the markets to see the traders plying their delicious wares. Go hungry and leave full, enjoying all that multicultural Melbourne has to offer.
11 Port Fairy, Victoria
Voted the world’s most livable town this historic gem on the south-west coast of Victoria deserves a place on this list dominated by some heavy hitting destinations. It has everything - a stunning coastline, wild ocean beaches, hidden coves, a food and coffee scene to rival the best, friendly locals and a pretty river flowing through its centre. Watch surfers take on local surfing spot, ‘The Passage’, spot whales frolicking in the Southern Ocean in late winter, see shearwater birds nesting on Griffiths Island or take a boat trip out to Lady Julia Island to see the colony of seals sunning themselves on the island’s rocks. Port Fairy combines the best of lifestyle with natural beauty that will make you reconsider your busy city life for a life by the sea.
12 Cabarita Beach, NSW
Just 20 minutes from the Gold Coast airport you’ll find the Tweed Coast village of Cabarita Beach. More laid back than the more well known tourist spots of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, Caba, as it’s known to the locals, ticks all the boxes for a relaxing holiday on one of Australia’s best beaches. Aside from the crystal waters and golden sands of the beaches, Norries Headland gives you a majestic place to walk or picnic with 360 degree views over the Pacific Ocean and west towards Mt. Warning. If you have your 4 legged friends with you, take them for a run along the dog friendly beach south of the headland. Your foodie requirements are well catered for from casual to chefs hatted. Stay at Halcyon House and dine at the hatted restaurant, Paper Daisy, for a luxurious experience or come barefoot straight from the beach for a delicious egg and bacon roll and the best coffee in town at Caba Social, Seaside fish and chips from the Stunned Mullet never fails to please. There are plenty of interesting places to explore in the area surrounding Cabarita including Fingal Head and Dreamtime Beach, Casaurina, Pottsville, Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby, the list goes on.
13 Melbourne CBD, VIC
No one can deny that Melbourne is the hippest and most elegant of Australia’s cities and its thriving laneway culture is testament to that. Whether it is the beauty of the ‘Paris End’ of Collins Street, grafitti art of Hosier Lane, the restaurants and cafes of Degraves Street, Centre Place and Hardware Lane or the insta-photo opportunity at AC/DC Lane, there is something to be discovered all over the city. Do your research before you head out, restaurants and bars are hidden behind unassuming doors, little gems can be found all over the city and the coolest of the cool coffe shops are often squirrelled away in a hidden laneway location.
14 Berry, NSW
The NSW south coast isn’t short of beautiful places to visit and Berry, the pretty town on the Shoalhaven Coast is one of the best. With its wonderful antiques and market, arts and crafts, excellent cafe and food options and proximity to the stunning coastline a visit to this region will have you thinking about packing your bags for a more permanent move to the countryside by the sea.
15 Beechworth, Victoria
This gold rush town in Victoria’s north is home to beautifully preserved historic buildings, speciality shops, restaurants and the sweetest lolly store. The Beechworth Brewery is a must-visit (try the pretzels!) but what makes Beechworth a perfect country destination is not only the prettiness of the town itself but its proximity to some great walking spots and winery regions including Rutherglen and Milawa. There are plenty of antique stores to explore and cafes to visit. Try the Beechworth Bakery for a delicious home baked pie and Beechworth Honey for 100% Australian honey and all things related to this sweet, golden nectar.
16 Hobart, Tasmania
Tasmania has enjoyed somthing of a renaissance with visitors from the mainland finally understanding just how much the isoltaed state has to offer. Its enviable island position, abundant natural beauty and food scene make the whole island a ‘must-visit’. Hobart is a standout, with its big country town feel, pretty harbour area and the famous Salamanca markets showcasing the best of local produce and products. A visit to this island city should be on everyone’s list. The beauty about Hobart is that it is in reach of some of the most spectaular natural regions of the State meaning it is a perfect spot to base yourself on your Tassie stay.
17 Mount Macedon, VIC
Originally the summer escape for Melbourne’s elite, Mount Macedon is a cool mountain gem unlike any other in Australia. Surrounded by natural beauty, excellent wineries, pretty towns and some of the most spectacular changing Autumn leaves in Australia, this elegant country escape is under an hour from Melbourne, yet is another world entirely. Extravagant large private estates, 19th century gardens and snowfalls that turn the landscape into a winter wonderland, Mount Macedon wouldn’t be out of place in the heart of Europe. Every season brings such beauty, but in Autumn it really shines. Visit the open gardens of Tieve Tara and Forest Glade or simply drive the winding main road up the mountain and view the spectacular autumn show. Want to defy physics and see your car roll up hill? Find Anti-Gravity hill on Straws Lane and see what all of the fuss is about.
18 Cape Byron Lighthouse, NSW
No matter what you think about celebrity haven Byron Bay itself, there is no denying that it is located on a beautiful slice of the northern NSW coast. The Cape Byron Lighthouse, built at the turn of the 19th century, is an east coast icon that sits majestically above the sea and has been guiding ships safely along the coast for hunders of years. On our visit we spotted a specatular and unexpected whale and dolphin show as they frolicked in the sea. Unmissable.
19 Lord Howe Island, NSW
Towering cliffs, crystal clear water, sandy beaches and an ‘effort to get to destination’ make Lord Howe one of our favourite island picks in the country. Located in the Tasman Sea about two hours from Sydney and Brisbane by plane, Lord Howe is just 11 km long and 2.8 km wide. Life on the island is slow and peaceful with many of the modern day stresses ceasing to exist in this paradise. Capella Lodge is one of the island’s standout 5 star accommodation properties, however other options on the island means there is something to suit most budgets. Cliff face walking trails including the guided 14 kilometre hike to the summit of Mount Gower is a must for outdoor lovers. The true beauty of this island is just how much of an escape it is from every day life. A few weeks on Lord Howe will have you feeling like a true castaway.
20 Wilson Island, QLD
Dreaming of a secluded coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef? Look no further than beautiful Wilson Island. Located off the coast of Gladstone, Wilson Island is an adults-only experience, offering true peace and tranquillity amongst the stunning natural beauty of the The Great Barrier Reef. If you want to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can book the entire island t0 yourself and guarantee your own slice of island privacy. The island is also super low tech with no TV or phones, making it the perfect place to fully unwind from modern life. Snorkel, swim, or simply laze in a hammock and soak up the beauty of a hidden island escape.
21 Uluru, NT
Majestic, iconic, historic and dramatic, Uluru is one of the most recognisable natural locations in the country. The red centre heart of Australia, the sandstone pre-historic rock is thought to have started formation about 550 million years ago. Located within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru is 450km away from the nearest large town Alice Springs. It is a sacred site to Indigenous Australians and of great importance to the historic culture of Australia. Stay at Longitude 131 for a luxury glamping experience and witness the setting sun on the rock for a truly moving experience.
22 Horizontal Falls, Kimberley WA
Nicknamed the ‘Horries’ by locals, the Horizontal Falls in the Kimberly region of WA are a natural phenonemon where tidal flows cause waterfalls to flow horizontally through two narrow gorges. It truly is a spectacular natural experience but don’t just listen to us, David Attenborough has described the falls as ‘one of the greatest wonders of the natural world’. Intriguing, beautiful and a ‘not-to-be missed’ WA experience.
23 King Island, TAS
Cheese, lobster, beef and pristine water. Kind Island, located in Bass Strait between Tasmania and Victoria, is a laid-back cool island escape. Surfers come here for one of the world’s best surf breaks and golfer’s for one of the top golf courses in the country. The weather is wild and untamed and the island is a foodie paradise, our tip is to book accommodation with ocean views and soak up all that this island has to offer.
24 Currumbin Beach & Valley, QLD
Visiting the Gold Coast? Take the opportunity to stay at Currumbin Beach, a mere 10 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport. This jewel of a beachside suburb is packed with things to do so you can be as active or as tranquil as you please. Swim in the dazzling crystal clear waters of the patrolled beach or inlet, surf the Alley, kayak or SUP the calm waters of Currumbin Creek or learn to surf at the Currumbin Alley Surf School. When you need a break from the water, eat at Vikings Surf Club next to Elephant Rock or at one of the delightful beach cafes along Pacific Parade. Whilst there, climb Elephant Rock for a breathtaking view of the Coast. Visits to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctury and Surf Museum, Currumbin Rock Pools, Sanctury Night Markets and September’s Swell Sculpture Exhibition are all a must do. This is an amazing, naturally beautiful and diverse area you will want to visit again and again.
25 Hahndorf, SA
An aesthetically dreamlike Germanstyle village, located just 25 minutes from Adelaide, the storybook town of Handhorf is a must-visit on any SA trip. Artisnal food and shops, great pubs and cafes and a location in the heart of the Adelaide Hills wine region, Hahndof serves up a delicious serve of sweetness. 100 year old elms and plane trees line the streets accenting the restored Fachwerk buildings. Try the local beer on offer before wandering through the main street taking in the beautiful old buildings and historic atmosphere.
26 Metung, Victoria
A pretty boating and fishing town located in the heart of the Gippsland Lakes, Metung is a picturesque location that is far enough off the beaten track to be truly relaxing. The village is located on the curve of pretty Bancroft Bay and edges Lake King. It is a water sports paradise and a great location to be based to explore all that the Gippsland Lakes area has to offer. Hire a boat and head to the Barrier Landing for access to the pristine Ninety Mile Beach or head over to another pretty lakeside town, Paynesville for fish and chips and a wander around Raymond Island to spot native koalas. The area is all about boating, fishing, swimming and enjoying the calm waters, inlet coves and hidden secrets of the lakes region.
27 Mollymook, NSW
Three hours south of Sydney, Mollymook has become a getaway for those seeking a peaceful haven with all the trimmings. With some of the most spectacular beaches in Australia and easy access to places such as Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay and Milton, Mollymook is the ideal place to base yourself. Book into Bannisters by the Sea and watch whales frolic from your balcony then finish the night with a sumptuous dinner at Rick Stein’s iconic seafood restaurant. For coffee aficionados, Native in Ulladulla is a must.
28 Barron Falls, QLD
The Barron Falls on the Barron River in Queensland are a wet season sight to behold. Standing at 125 metres tall these incredible natural waterfalls are some of the most incredible in Australia. In the 1890s the falls were one of Queensland’s most popular tourist attractions and their natural beauty has not diminished over 130 years later. The trick is to visit at the height of the rainy season, for much of the rest of the year the falls are barely a trickle.
29 Palm Cove, QLD
Swaying palm tress, aquamarine water and a tropical northern climate, it is no wonder that relaxing Palm Cove attracts visitors from all over world. It is laidback, casual and relaxed and has the feel of an Pacific island escape while only being 30 minutes north of Cairns. It is also a well located spot to base yourself to enjoy all that is on offer in the region, from the thriving Port Douglas, beautiful Mossman Gorge, the Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation and the Great Barrier Reef. Feel like a more relaxing break? Simply laze by the pool or beach marvelling that such rich beauty exists in the world.
30 Bridestowe Lavender Estate, TAS
Transport yourself to Provence amongst the fields of lavender at Tasmania’s Bridestowe Lavender Estate. The estate was originally created when Londoner CK Denny migrated to Tasmania in 1921 with a packet of lavender seeds from the southern French Alps. Since then it has gone on to be one of the largest lavender farms in the country. Wander through the purple fields inhaling the heavenly scent, but be sure to visit in December and January if you want to see the flowers in full bloom.
31 Kangaroo Island, SA
Following recent devastating bushfires. Kangaroo Island or, KI to the locals, is rebuilding and rejuvenating, Rugged coastlines, crystal clear water, abundant native wildlife and delicuous local food, KI is one of our favourite island southern island escapes. From 5 star lodgings to glamping and beachfront houses, ther is an accommodation option for everyone. Our advise is to choose somewhere a little remote and enjoy the stunning peace and privacy that being on an island at the bottom of the world brings.
32 Store Beach, NSW
Store Beach lies within Sydney Harbour National Park on North Head near Manly, but it is only accessible by water which means it is usually deserted apart from weekends where you might find some local boaties moored up, or the occasional kayaker. We asked My Sydney Boat founder, Mark Dagleish about this hidden secret.
“Arriving at Store Beach is like stepping back in time thousands of years ago when local Indigenous Australians fished and collected local rock oysters, which are still in abundance and very tasty! There’s a small rainforest and some incredible rock formations with inscriptions dating back to the early settlers, some of whom were quarantined at Store Beach in the mid 1800s. It’s also home to NSW’s only colony of Little Penguins, who sleep in burrows here at night and spend the day out in the harbour and ocean. It’s the perfect place to take our guests to see a truly unique and special part of Sydney and there’s nowhere better to swim and snorkel in safe and pristine waters, or we’ll give them a gourmet picnic basket and bottle of bubbly to enjoy a private picnic on the beach.”
If you don’t own a boat to get there then you can take a kayak from Manly or try My Sydney Boat, Sydney’s only charter operator able to land right on the beach.
mysydneyboat.com.au
33 The Whitsunday Islands, QLD
Warm waters, calming sea breezes and an archipeligo of jewel-like islands amongst the stunning blue sea, the Whitsunday Islands are like no other part of Australia. Most of the 74 islands are unihabited, with luxurious resorts and family focused stays available of the main islands of Hayman, Hamilton and Daydream. Hiring a yacht and crusing the islands, stopping to snorkel and swim the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most lovliest way to spend a holiday in the region. Or head out by seaplane or helicopter to the aptly named Heart Reef and witness the beautiful heart shaped coral reef from the air. Whether you are travelling with family, as a couple or solo there is something for everyone in the Whitsundays, just make sure you take enough time to explore these truly unique and beautiful islands.
34 Wineglass Bay, TAS
One of the jewels in the Tasmanian crown, Wineglass Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula is a must-vitit on any Tassie itinerary. A powder white beach, framed by national park with sparkling azure water, hiking down to the Bay is a breathtaking experience. The entire region has so much to offer, from the pink granite mountains to the Friendly Beaches north of Coles Bay, it is a hikers and nature lovers paradise. For the adventurous try the 30km Freycinet Peninsula Circuit climb, pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it.
35 Blue Mountains, NSW
Rugged cliff faces, dramatic scenery, pretty villages and majestic waterfalls, the Blue Mountains, 1 hour east of Sydney, are a part of Australia that shouldn’t be missed. With natural sites such as the Three Sisters, Jenolan Caves and the Grand Canyon, the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains region is undeniable, and combined with the pretty towns of Leura and Katoomba there is more than enough to keep you entertained for an extra, extra long weekend. Bushwalking, art gallery visits, delicious afternoon tea and dining and wine tours are just some of the delights on offer. Accommodation is plentiful from the luxurious Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley (pictured) to scenic camp spots, every type of traveller is catered for.
36 Ningaloo Reef, WA
Incredible natural beauty, 500 species of tropical fish and giant but gentle whale sharks, true nature lovers should head to world heritage listed Ningaloo Marine Park at least once in their lifetime. With the cheeky title of Humpback Highway, if you time your visit at the right time of year (July to October) you will be rewarded with the chance to swim with the whales. At all times of the year though, you can see manta rays, dugongs, dolphins and tropical fish. It truly is a spectacular slice of Australian nature that reaffirms what it is to be alive.
37 Mount Buffalo, VIC
Hikers rejoice, this striking mountain in Victoria’s High Country is a walker’s paradise. Don’t miss the Eurobin Falls Track (1.5km), The Ladies Bath Falls and Crystal Creek or if you are feeling a little more adventurous attempt the The Big Walk, an 11.3km hike that takes you up the mountain and will test even the serious walker. Once you are at the top, watch the paragliders and hand gliders take off over the stunning valley or visit the historic abondoned chalet that is like something out of a movie scene. In winter come prepared for a snowy white wonderland. In summer you can fish, swim and canoe on Lake Catani. Nearby is beautful Bright, with the sparkling Owens River running through it, a great brewery, cafe and shops. Mount Beauty, Falls Creek and Mount Bogong are all in the region so take your time and enjoy all that it has to offer.
38 Esperance, WA
Home to one of Australia’s and indeed the world’s best beaches, the beautiful coast in the Esperance region of Western Australia is home to wide bays, crystal clear waters and stunning national parks. Blue Haven, West Beach and nearby Lucky Bay shouldn’t be missed, the dreamy white sands are almost too perfect to be believed (Lucky Bay reportedly has Australia’s whitest sand, though this is up for hot debate!). Whether you are after surf waves or calm waters there is something for every ocean and nature lover in Esperance.
39 West MacDonnell Ranges, NT
About 1 hour west of Alice Springs you will find the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges. If bush walking is your thing, you will enjoy hiking to picturesque spots such as Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ochre Pits and Ormiston Gorge, a few of the destinations along the 223 kilometre trail. A visit to these ranges will not be complete without a visit to Ellery Creek Big Hole. With the sun shining on the stunning cliff faces and rock formations it is easy to see why this area is renowned as a Red Centre must visit. Finish off with a refreshing swim in the creek after a hike.
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Town of 1770, QLD
Sleepy best describes the Town of 1770 but do not mistake this for boring. Seeped in history (Captain Cook famously landed here in May 1770), with pristine waterways, this largely untouched paradise is great for those looking for a low key, no fuss break. Great for camping, four wheel driving and deep-sea fishing, there’s plenty to do. It’s well worth the near six hour drive north of Brisbane, and the perfect stop when road tripping up the east coast of Queensland.
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Mt Gambier, SA
A lake that changes colour with the seasons, a hidden garden in a sinkhole, 800+ limestone caves and a full sized replica 18th-century ship, Mount Gambier is a natural wonderland to behold. The region is in the southeast corner of South Australia, about 377km from the capital Adelaide, and is known for its volcanic landscape and crater lakes. Don’t miss the Umpherston Sinkhole, a sunken modern day Garden of Eden. At dusk, the possum colony living in the gardens come out to play and can be fed fresh fruit, or simply enjoy the wonder of the hanging vines, native and exotic vegetaion and ivy draped walls that are reminiscent of a fantasy world. Another spectacular natural attraction in Mount Gambier is Blue Lake which in the summer months turns the most stunning cobalt blue colour.
42 Bermagui, NSW
The seaside town of Bermagui is situated on the south coast of New South Wales, a little jewel in the Sapphire Coast crown. Its known for its stunning beaches, abundance of fresh seafood and water sports. Surfing, kayaking, fishing and swimming opportunities abound. Night snorkelling at the ocean pool, Blue Pool is a must. For a little town the food and coffee choices pack a punch. Visit Honorbread bakery (make it a Friday when they sell their range of delicious bagels) or pop next door to Mister Hope and decide whether its coffee or gin that tickles your fancy.
43 Broome, WA
Perched on the Indian Ocean, in the far north west of the country, Broome is isolated, remote and a world away from the hustle and bustle of the East Coast. Sunsets and camel rides on famous Cable Beach, endless deserted beaches, gleaming white pearls and a warm tropical climate, Broome is a must-visit WA destination. Eat fresh mangoes and smoked barramundi alongside an icy cold beer al fresco, under a canopy of scented frangiapani trees.
44 Tathra, NSW
Located on the Sapphire Coast in southern New South Wales, Tathra’s natural beauty is rich is history and sea traditions. Fur seals and fairy penguins are likely to be your beach companions, alongside whale sharks and whales in the spring. Dolphins are also home in these waters and can be seen in most of the Tathra beach areas. Enjoy the local seafood, swim in the sheltered Mogareeka Inlet where the Bega River flows into the sea or launch a boat and head out into the sea to try your luck at fishing or catching fresh prawns. The area surrounding Tathra is also packed with plenty to do and see, with Batemans Bay, Eden, Merimbula, Narooma and Mallacoota all nearby.
45 Orpheus Island, Qld
Traditional homeland of the Manbarra people, dreamy Orpheus Island off the Queensland coast is a diving and snorkelling paradise. The island is fringed by a reef that is home to clear turquoise waters, 1100 species of fish, and hard and soft corals. The island’s only resort Orpheus Island Lodge, is a laidback luxury escape and the perfect spot to fully unwind from the pressures of everyday life.
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Robe, SA
A fishing port on South Australia’s Limestone Coast and one of the state’s oldest towns, Robe is one of the most historic seaside spots in the south of the country. With a population of just under 1000, this tiny town swells in size in the peak holiday periods when Adelaideites and Melbournians seek out a seaside summer escape. In true ‘fishing-villagecome-tourist-town’, Robe’s appeal lies in its remoteness, its location on the wild Limestone Coast, and its feeling of stepping back in time to a simpler holiday destination when all you needed was the beach, an ice-cream and a great fish and chip shop.
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Mudgee, NSW
Perfect for a weekend escape filled with great food, excellent local wine and beautiful countryside, Mudgee on the mid-NSW coast, is a food and wine lovers paradise. Spend your days wine tasting at cellar doors, shopping in the local boutiques and dining at restaurants that are worthy of a city address. Come for a cosy escape in the winter with its cool frosty mornings and cosy evenings by the fire, or in summer when you can picnic on the Cudgegong River enjoying local wine and produce.
48 Jervis Bay, NSW
102 square kilometres of ocean bay, and some of the whitest powder sand in the world, Jervis Bay is a southern NSW paradise. With relatively shallow water and sandy bays, it has some of the safest swimming spots in the country. Hyams Beach, Huskisson Beach and Pebbly Beach are all great spots to spend a day lazing oceanside. If you are lucky you may get a chance to swim with the humpback whales or experience the bioluminescence ‘sea sparkles’ formed by a microscopic algae that makes the ocean glow blue in the dark of the night.
49 Tiwi Islands, NT
80km north of Darwin lie the archipeligo of inhabited and unihabited Tiwi Islands. Melville and Bathurst are the main inhabited islands and are home to the Tiwi Aboriginal people. Visiting the islands is a cultural experience that should be on your Top End to-do list. View traditional local art and learn more about the island and its history. Tourism is restricted so you will need to join a day tour in order to visit the Tiwis.
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Mataranka, NT
Warm thermal springs set amongst lush tropical palms and vegetation, Elsey National Park and one of Australia’s most enduring outback tales, We of the Never Never, Mataranka is beautiful and remote and . Mataranka is south of Katherine and tourists stop to bathe in the crystal clear waters of the thermal pools and Bitter Springs which are a naturally heated to a perfect 34 degrees Celcius year round. The other worldy beauty of this spot summs up just how magical Australia really is.