How many of these domestic bucket-list places have you seen?
With so many desirable holiday spots across the country, prestigious travel magazine Conde Naste named Australia as the ‘Top Destination of 2016’. So if you’re planning a trip, it might be worth swapping your next overseas holiday for an adventure closer to home.
These Aussie destinations are great additions to your ‘must-see’ list.
1 Uluru
World-heritage listed and an icon of Australia, Uluru in Northern Territory is a must. You can visit this natural wonder by foot, camel, hot air balloon, on a Harley Davidson or in a helicopter. Sunrise and sunset are the best times, whichever method of transport you choose.
2 Tasmania
Fast becoming a cultural and foodies’ mecca, as well as a place to explore rustic landscape, Tasmania has earned its place on ‘must-see’ lists for travellers. From the Museum of Old and New Art in the south to Cradle Mountain in the north, Tasmania offers cultural charm and is a haven for those wanting to explore stunning natural beauty.
3 Great Barrier Reef
The world’s largest coral reef stretches for more than 2,000 kilometres off Queensland’s coastline, and can be experienced on a budget, or in high-end luxury. After taking in the Reef’s vivid colours by snorkelling, diving or sailing, you can visit the Daintree Rainforest or explore the Whitsunday islands.
4 Kakadu National Park
Covering more than 20,000 square kilometres of extraordinary, ancient landscape, Kakadu is a spiritual place. Generations of Indigenous Australians, the Bininj Mungguy, have been connected to this area for tens of thousands of years. Aboriginal art and cultural experiences are a key drawcard for visitors.
5 Kangaroo Island
Famous for its art, wine and food festivals, Kangaroo Island – off the cost of South Australia – has a lot more to offer than pristine beaches. Home to artisan food and wine producers, this island is a ‘happy place’ for foodies.
6 Margaret River
After taking a wine tour of Australia’s more revered wine regions, there’s plenty more to see and do around Margaret River. Enjoy some downtime at the beach, check out the remarkable beach caves, or go whale watching along some of Australia’s most stunning coastline.
7 RACV Royal Pines golf course
If golf is more your scene, you may like to visit the RACV Royal Pines golf course on Queensland’s Gold Coast. It’s the home of the Australian PGA Championship. And if you need a break from the fairway, long and sandy beaches are not far away.
8 Great Ocean Road
Widely touted as Australia’s most scenic stretch of road, you’ll see stunning cliff tops, rivers, rainforests and beaches. As you wind through the centre of the Great Otway National Park, you’ll see spectacular views of the rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles.
9 Byron Bay
A great place to wind down and chill out, Byron Bay is where lush green hinterland meets the beach. Check out the famous Wategos Beach, take a whale watching tour and wander your way through the region’s many markets.
10 The Kimberley
One of the world’s most sparsely populated areas, the Kimberley region has fewer people per square kilometre than almost any other place on Earth. This ancient landscape includes rugged gorges and spectacular waterfalls, and from here you can make your way to Cable Beach.
Any advice in this post is of a general nature only and has not been tailored to your personal circumstances. Please see personal advice prior to acting on this information.