Whether you’re keen for a winter getaway or already looking ahead to spring and summer, now’s the time to lock in your travel plans for the second half of the year.
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. Here are 9 ideas for your next holiday based on the things you love best!
IF YOU LOVE: ESCAPING THE COLD WEATHER
TRY: Darwin (NT)
Credit: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught
If escaping to warmer climes is high on your agenda, Darwin will tick all your boxes. Our most tropical capital city, Darwin is all about fun in the Top End. Explore the thriving city centre and waterfront, find out more about the local history at the WW2 museum, and eat your fill of great food including incredible local seafood. Flanked by national parks, there are plenty of tour options to soak up the NT environment, and don’t miss the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets to cap off your day’s adventures.
GO FURTHER: Katherine (NT)
Double down on Top End adventure by adding a few extra days and heading south to Katherine. Known as the place where the outback meets the tropics, you can cruise, canoe or hike your way through incredible gorges and trails, take a scenic flight, or float in the must-visit thermal springs.
IF YOU LOVE: FAMILY GETAWAYS
TRY: Byron Bay (NSW)
Keeping the little ones entertained is top of the list for family holidays, but there needs to be plenty for mum and dad too. That’s why we love Byron Bay! After exploring the chilled-out town centre, add kayaking or surfing to your family beach day, walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, ride a solar powered train, or head out to explore the incredible rainforests and national parks . Plus, Discovery Parks – Byron Bay is the ultimate home base for the whole family, with waterpark, bouncing pillow, onsite cafe, pool, tennis court and heaps more.
GO FURTHER: Ballina (NSW)
Head down the road to Ballina, just 30 minutes from Byron Bay, to explore national parks and more pristine coast, and to tick the Big Prawn off your ‘big things’ bucket list. Kids will love a tour of the local sea turtle hospital to learn about seabirds and marine rescue.
IF YOU LOVE: GETTING LOST IN NATURE
TRY: Cradle Mountain (TAS)
The Tasmanian wilderness has to be seen to be believed, and stunning Cradle Mountain is quite literally at its pinnacle. Bask in the beauty of the world heritage Cradle Mountain – St Clair National Park with its incomparable scenery and seek out some of our favourite native animals such as wombats, echidnas and the elusive Tassie Devil. From leafy forests and dramatic gorges to snowy peaks and pretty lakes, nature lovers will be in heaven with a trip to the Apple Isle.
GO FURTHER: Hobart (TAS)
Nestled on the banks of the Derwent River with Mount Wellington as a backdrop, Hobart is a must-visit on your Tasmanian adventure. Absorb all the sights and sounds of the vibrant city and then drive the Huon Trail to take in the best of this region’s scenery.
IF YOU LOVE: CLASSIC ROAD TRIPS
TRY: Warrnambool (VIC)
Who doesn’t love a road trip? The Great Ocean Road is a fantastic option at any time of the year, with rugged coastline, quant townships and plenty to see and do. Warrnambool is a well-known stop along this iconic driving route, but it’s a fantastic destination in its own right and well worth taking the time to explore. Bordered on one side by dairy country and the other by the Southern Ocean, Warrnambool has a bustling city vibe with great dining, a growing arts scene and heaps of natural beauty to explore. From June to September you’ll see calving southern right whales frolicking close to the beach – a must!
GO FURTHER: Robe (SA)
Carry on further up the Great Ocean Road, hop the border into South Australia and get yourself to Robe. Holidaymakers love this haven on the Limestone Coast for its picturesque seaside charm and its famous local crayfish. Delicious!
Known as the gateway to the Kimberley, Broome in WA’s north-west is a place everyone should go at least once. With red dirt hitting turquoise ocean, a multicultural history and tours of mangrove, pearling farms or fishing cruises, our bet is you’ll want to go back for more. Whether you’re in 4WD-ing, fishing, or soaking up a tropical atmosphere, Broome is for you. Our pick? Take in a magnificent Cable Beach sunset or time your visit to coincide with the incredible natural phenomenon, the Staircase to the Moon.
GO FURTHER: Kununurra (WA)
You’ll want more time to explore northern WA and heading along the Savannah Way from Broome to Kununurra is a fantastic way to see this incredible part of the country. In Kununurra you can explore rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Our pick is a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles.
One of South Australia’s most famous wine regions, the Barossa Valley is best known for bold Shiraz, with over 80 cellar doors plus a growing contingent of distilleries and breweries. Take some time to explore the charming townships and sample the best of the foodie scene, with dreamy degustation menus and other gourmet delights on offer – something to suit every taste. Don’t miss the Barossa Farmers Market in Angaston every Saturday, for the best local produce to complete your visit.
GO FURTHER: Clare (SA)
Extend your regional wine tour from the Barossa with a few days in Clare. While it’s a favourite for lovers of cool-climate whites like Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, there are plenty of world-class reds on offer too. Tackling the famous Riesling Trail by bike is a must!
Queensland’s Whitsundays are the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and home to pristine beaches, tropical islands and lush rainforests just waiting to be discovered. Beach lovers will love to swim, paddle and snorkel on the sandy local beaches, and there’s great diving for people who like to go a little deeper! Book a cruise to explore the Whitsunday islands in style, whether it’s by yacht, sailing boat or catamaran, and if you can tear yourself away from the water, head into Conway National Park for rainforest bushwalking and adventure.
GO FURTHER: Makay (QLD)
Journey further along the Queensland coastline to Mackay to continue your tropical odyssey. There are plenty of secluded beaches but Mackay is famous for its sultry rainforest hinterland, so get ready to explore untouched nature at its best!
IF YOU LOVE: UNIQUELY AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCES
TRY: Kings Canyon (NT)
There’s nothing like experiencing the magic of the rugged Red Centre. From the towering red dome of Uluru and the drama of Kings Canyon, to shady waterholes and springs, this is a region as diverse and unexpected as you can get. Soak up the incredible history and spectacular landscapes, and be rewarded after a long day’s outback exploring with a stay at Discovery Kings Canyon. With newly refurbished rooms and a brand new bar and grill, experiencing the outback doesn’t mean compromising on creature comforts.
Read also: Things to see and do near Kings Canyon
GO FURTHER: Glen Helen (NT)
Discover more of the Red Centre by visiting Glen Helen and the Tjoritja-West MacDonnell National Park. Nature lovers and 4W-drivers will love the rugged scenery, and a swim in Glen Helen Gorge is an absolute must.
IF YOU LOVE: REDISCOVERING YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES
TRY: Rottnest Island (WA)
Trips to Rotto are a rite of passage for West Australians and if you haven’t been since you were a kid, it’s time to have another look! There’s plenty to do on foot or by bike, with beautiful trails, nature and history, as well as stunning lighthouses and friendly quokkas. Once you’ve worked up an appetite exploring, grab a bite at the newly renovated Pinky’s Beach Club, with delicious food and drink options to make your mouth water. Finally, settle into a glamping tent at Discovery Rottnest Island for the ultimate in island comfort.
Read also: A quick guide to Rottnest Island
GO FURTHER: Busselton (WA)
Explore more of south-west WA with a trip down to Busso! Another favourite for WA locals and tourists alike, explore the beauty of Geographe Bay and, of course, the iconic Busselton Jetty – the longest timber jetty in the world!
