In just a little over a month I head to Australia, specifically Melbourne. I am long overdue a visit and this is a quick reunion with my brother and his family. I wish I had more time with them, but other trips and commitments prevent that this year. Meanwhile, Australia is proving a very popular destination with our clients, and bookings for the country are up around 400% over 2023.
Australia is of course huge, so deciding on the locations for a 2-week or longer trip is not easy at all. Here are destinations and experiences that often just miss the cut with so many iconic destinations to choose from (ie. Sydney, Melbourne and Great Barrier Reef).
Enjoy!
Top 5 - Undercover Australia
1. The Gold Coast (above and below)
Australia's premier coastal destination, the Gold Coast captivates with its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and thrilling attractions. Its pristine coastline stretches along sparkling blue waters, offering endless opportunities for surfing, swimming, and relaxation. Surrounded by lush hinterland, it provides a perfect balance of natural beauty and urban excitement. From the iconic Surfers Paradise to the lush rainforest of Lamington National Park, the Gold Coast promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, luxury, and relaxation, making it a top choice for travelers seeking the ultimate Australian experience.
2. Byron Bay (above and below)
Byron Bay is a coastal gem nestled in New South Wales. It exudes an irresistible charm with its bohemian vibe and breathtaking natural beauty. Surfers flock to its legendary waves, while hippie markets and eclectic cafes line its streets. The iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse stands sentinel atop rugged cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Its laid-back atmosphere and lush hinterland hinterland create a haven for wellness seekers and nature lovers alike. Byron Bay's magnetic allure lies in its fusion of surf culture, alternative spirit, and idyllic coastal scenery.
3. Canberra (above and below)
There may be no capital city in the whole world less visited by tourism than Canberra. And yet...
it's just a three-hour drive south from Sydney. We think it's worth it to discover such a culture-packed capital city. Art galleries and museums are around every leafy corner, while bars and restaurants pepper side streets from the CBD to Ainslie. Plus, the Canberra District wine region is known for excellent cool-climate wines, especially riesling and shiraz.
4. Go West (above and below)
A five-hour flight from Sydney, Perth (Boorloo) can seem like another world even to east coast Australians, which is all the more reason to visit. The landscape hits different – the water is clearer, the beaches are wilder and more pristine, and the sunsets spread out over the Indian Ocean.
Take the 30-minute ferry to protected nature reserve Rottnest Island to meet funny, furry, free-roaming quokkas. Rottnest is also home to some of Western Australia’s most untouched beaches, an amazing 63 in total. Travel among them on foot or bicycle, or by shuttle bus.
5. Kimberley to Pilbara - NW Australia (above and below)
Kimberley and Pilbara are like nowhere else on Earth – special, soulful places that stop you in your tracks and forge a reconnection with yourself and the land. Feel the remarkable power of nature in its two and a half billion-year-old gorges and 350 million-year-old ranges, in its surging tides, horizontal waterfalls and staircase to the moon.
The Pilbara region in Western Australia has some of the world’s most stunning ancient natural landscapes, dating back 3.5 -4.3 billion years. With over 700 historic Indigenous archaeological sites and 1,000,000 rock engravings, many dating back some 30,000 years, the Burrup Peninsula is the perfect place to discover the unique art, history and culture of the Aboriginal people of the Pilbara.
Hidden in the region’s heart, remarkable landscapes, spectacular gorges and thundering waterfalls provide the perfect backdrop for a Kimberley holiday adventure in Western Australia’s north. Then on its coast lie some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, untouched coral atolls and rugged islands with an amazing variety of marine life.
If you're ready to start planning a memorable, undiscovered side of Australia we are here to plan your trip every step of the way. Click the button below to get started.
I love travel and I love travel planning just as much and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
