The Land Down Under is united with nations across the globe to fight against corona virus. This isolation time might have you reflecting, pondering and possibly dreaming. What does that look like for you?  Has it made you wonder if you should have spent more time travelling before this? Perhaps pondering if exploring the world needs to move higher on your priority list? Reflecting whether it’s time to review that bucket list? 

Australia shall be here waiting for you with welcome arms after this is all over. Explore with me:

Let me share 9 Australian Destinations Guaranteed to make your heart soar.

1.     Sydney and Surrounds 

One Australian destination that you must put on your bucket list and escape to is Sydney.  It is one city that truly exudes boundless energy and excitement.  It is home to the iconic Opera House (an architectural masterpiece) and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

It is lined by one of the most majestic Harbours in the world and surrounded by incredibly picturesque beaches (like Bondi Beach and Manly) and quaint coves/inlets.

The fun options are plenty in Sydney – Taronga Zoo and the historic Luna Park (Theme Park).

There is of course – The Rocks – the first site of European settlement in Australia. The Rocks is home to the markets where you can find yourself walking the cobblestoned walkways, moving with the rhythm and sounds of music, devouring the mouth-watering international food specialities and shopping for unique wares.  

 Visit a roof-top bar, dine at world class restaurants, hit the crazy fun nightlife at Kings Cross or Oxford St, wander aimlessly through the city to admire the grand architecture such as the Queen Victoria Building.

Head to the heart at Circular Quay and jump on a ferry or boat to immerse yourself in the highlights of the grand Sydney Harbour. 

Simply lose yourself in Sydney’s thriving metropolis, you will love everything about this stunning city.  Check out my blog on 'Tips for an Exciting Sydney getaway’

2.     Melbourne and the Twelve Apostles

Melbourne is another Australian destination you need to include on your visit. It too has an exciting energy, known for its cultural diversity, grand street art, and glorious dining options for all budgets. 

If you are in the mood for a bagel, slice, cake or devine pastry, then head to the bayside bakeries at St Kilda. Take a leisurely stroll along the strip to take in the visual display of the yummiest desserts!

Head a little bit further in St Kilda and you shall find the historic amusement Park - Luna Park. A super fun day out with the family.  

Melbourne is known as the style and fashion capital, so you shall find the shopping is incredible, worth visiting for the shopping options alone. Make time to visit Queen Victoria Market – an inner-city bustling market in the heart of Melbourne.  A Foodie’s paradise and market goer’s dream. 

If you are an art-lover, then Melbourne is calling your name. There are over 100 art galleries, however also home to some of the most incredible street art. Grab a map and discover the creative pleasures as you get gloriously lost in the streets.  

 The city is known for its exquisite and culturally diverse food options – quaint cafes and eateries, wine bars, world class restaurants – a delight for the Gourmet Traveller.

Always remember to include a visit to Lygon St to discover ‘Little Italy’, wander the length of the street, be drawn to the aromas and enticing offers – the birthplace of Melbourne’s café culture.  The food in Melbourne is amazing – a true gastronomic delight. 

Melbourne is more than majestic – it’s marvellous!

If you have the time, take a short detour out of Melbourne (4.25 hours) to hit the Great Ocean Road. Why do you want to take this journey? Simply 12 reasons – the Twelve Apostles.

A truly stunning display of Limestone stack rock formations that erupt from the sea and hug the rugged coastline of Australia.  A panoramic view across our great shoreline.  Breath taking.   Be sure to include a visit to Melbourne and the Twelve Apostles.

3.     Gold Coast Hinterland

Whilst the Gorgeous Gold Coast itself is home to some of the prettiest beaches in the world, just a short drive will immerse you in the heart of the Gold Coast hinterland.  

A landscape of lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, glorious mountain ranges, outlooks and national parks bursting with flora and fauna. There are so many places that are a part of the Gold Coast Hinterland, all unique in their own special way.  

It includes the Lamington National Park, Tweed Range, Numinbah Valley and Tamborine Mountain.

The hinterland is home to wine-tasting, eco-tourism and nature walks.  Mt Tamborine is the ultimate hide-away, a true escape to fresh mountain air and country atmosphere.  

You will find anything from fudge, to luscious ice-creams, cafes, restaurants, unique crafts and gifts, cheese and beer tasting (Fortitude Brewery Co.) along the infamous Gallery Walk.  If you want to know more about the hinterland check out my blog ‘Discover why your Gold Coast Hinterland Trip must include O’Reillys’.

4.     Blue Mountains

If you can, take a short 1-hour drive from Western Sydney (or 2.5 hours by train from Sydney) and head to the Blue Mountains.

This world heritage region West of Sydney is known for its stunning and dramatic scenery – home to The Three Sisters – an unusual Sandstone rock formation that commands the views of the valley and canyons below.  Aim to stay for at least a few days.

Include a trip to the Jenolan Caves, a short drive from the Blue Mountains. The Jenolan Caves are some of the world’s most stunningly beautiful caves - a magical escape.      

5.     Byron Bay and Northern New South Wales

There are so many incredible places that line the New South Wales coastline it is hard to pick just one destination along this coastal postcard setting.  Byron Bay is probably the most famous Northern NSW destination – known for its pristine beaches, laid-back lifestyle, unique shopping, exquisite dining experiences and in 2020, for its celebrity spotting!  

Kind of like, beating life to a different drum. Whilst Bryon Bay is a super popular tourist destination, its neighbours are also picture perfect holiday destinations - check them out!

Make some time to visit Kingscliff, Moonee Beach, Crescent Heads and further down south the beautiful rock pools and dramatic coastline of Yamba.   

Anywhere along this stretch will feed your mind, body and spirit. If you want to know more about these stunning destinations check out my blog ‘5 Stunning Northern NSW Destinations’

6.     Sunshine Coast

Whilst there are many picturesque beaches in the Northern NSW region, there are also plentiful beaches that line the Sunshine Coastal strip across the border in Queensland that are abound with rolling surf, glorious white sand and eternal blazing sunshine (as the name implies!).

The coastal beaches are laced by a hub of alfresco dining options, wine bars, luxury and budget accommodation, nature reserves and water sports/activities.

They are the likes of Noosa Heads, Mooloolaba , Caloundra and my very favourite – the humble Cotton Tree.  The Sunshine Coast is a very popular destination for Australians and a beach holiday is always the best kind of holiday. 

7.     Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays

Heading further north you shall find yourself in the truly Grandiose location of the Whitsundays.  

Situated in the gorgeous tropical Queensland coastline, the Whitsundays is made up of 74 islands. The Whitsundays are a mix of wonder and stunning beauty – pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise warm waters and constant rays of Sunshine. I always feel that my soul shifts gears when I am in this part of the world.  The best way to experience the Whitsundays is to sail through it. If you have the opportunity, get up close and personal - live it, breath it – its natural beauty is truly exhilarating.  

The Whitsundays is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef – a natural wonder, the world’s largest coral reef. The reef canvas is abundant with marine life, a kaleidoscope of coral colours in which you can swim, dive or snorkel. 

The beauty of the reef is almost surreal.   You can find more about Whitsundays and Hamilton island here.

8.     Uluru

How can I talk of other places without mentioning the true ancestral heart of  Australia. Uluru (otherwise known as Ayers Rock) is a massive sandstone rock formation. It is one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks and commands the skyline of the desert in the remote outback.

It is a stunning landmark, with many wanting to see its changing colours at dawn or dusk. Choose to see Uluru from many angles by taking a Segway tour around its base. (about 12 kms/5 hour tour). For a more outback experience, choose a camel ride! If you have the opportunity, take it all in with a bird’s eye view by helicopter or chartered flight. You only need a few days here to embrace the magic of Uluru. An unmissable destination!

9.     Snowy Mountains

Is an adventure wonderland (in New South Wales) – either in the Summer or Winter! Whether it is horse riding, trekking, camping, mountain biking, fishing during the Summer to skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and just having fun in the snow in the Winter – the Snowies has something for everyone.

Australia’s gentle rolling hills dotted with Eucalyptus trees become blanketed in snow with many of the Ski Resorts allowing you to ski in/ski out. Ski Fields such as Thredo Village, Perisher Valley and Smiggins Holes are popular destinations. My fav thing to do is ski during the day, ski into the hotel, grab a schnapps, sit in the hot tub and get a massage - perfect! (I am sadly lacking on photo’s from the Snowy Mountains!)

Remember this tip! - Australia is an ernomous country. It may be more realistic to travel over 3 - 4 weeks from Melbourne to the top of Queensland mixing a balance of flights and road trips to cover these destinations. Uluru is located in the outback, in the middle of the desert, so that will most likely be a flight for you inland. Most of these other destinations are along the east coast of Australia.

There are many other wonderful destinations in Australia that will equally make your heart soar and I am yet to explore them myself! Many tourists come to our beautiful shores and simply fall in love. Keep your dream alive, stay well, stay safe. I hope you enjoyed the screen dive and plan to make a visit to Australia a reality in your future.

Please leave a comment about which destination tugs on your heartstrings!