Return to OZ
Fully vaccinated tourists can again enjoy a holiday Down Under, says SARAH MARSHALL
IT feels like it’s been off-limits for an eternity, but at last, fully vaccinated tourists can travel to Australia without needing to quarantine.
Pre-Covid, more than 700,000 Brits headed Down Under every year – and many will be eager to go back soon as soon as possible.
But even though doors have been closed, the country hasn’t been standing still. From adventurous new walking trails to glamorous hotel launches, there are plenty of new things to see
Sydney’s first six-star hotel
Live life large in the city’s most extravagant hotel to date, housed in a building that tickles the skyline.
Featuring a vast spa, harbour views and a combination of rooms and villas, Crown Sydney will also host a selection of top food and drink venues – including Oncore by Clare Smyth and Nobu.
Rooms from £541 per night with breakfast. Visit crownsydney.com.au
New tours to connect with Australia’s first peoples
The history of Australia’s indigenous communities is long and rich.
In the last few years, land has been returned to its original custodians: in 1993, Uluru, below, was officially recognised by its First Nations name, while Daintree Rainforest in northern Queensland was returned to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people in 2021.
Focussed on engaging with local communities and ensuring they benefit directly from tourism, Intrepid Travel has launched a new collection of Aussie adventures, with tours led by local storytellers, artists and experts.
The five-day Larapinta Trail explores a hiking route through the Red Centre’s West MacDonnell Ranges, while the guides share Dreamtime stories.
Swag camping under the stars. From £1,350 per person, excluding flights. Visit intrepidtravel.com
Eat, sleep and drink in some of South Australia’s quirkiest spots
Adelaide has been busy opening new hotels during lockdown. Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, Eos by SkyCity and Sofitel have launched, along with several quirkier options out of town.
Most striking of all is Kapunda’s regional train station, built in 1860 and transformed into a seven-bedroom Airbnb.
Cook in the former ticket office, or book a private chef and dine on the 100 metrelong platform, pictured. Kapunda is less than an hour’s drive from some of the world’s best wineries in the Barossa and Clare Valley.
From £789 per night (two night minimum). Visit airbnb.co.uk
Take a guided hike through centuries of rock art
Winding through The Grampians, one of the country’s most important indigenous sites, the new 160km Grampians Peaks Trail launched at the end of 2021. Spend 13 days trekking through mountains, abseiling down rocky outcrops or canoeing along rivers. More than 80% of Victoria’s rock paintings can be found in this area.
Visit visitgrampians.com.au