If you want to get away from it all for a few days, but don’t have the time or inclination to fly internationally, there are plenty of incredible places to choose from in Australia, and they’re just waiting to be explored.
Australia is a diverse country, with the sea, mountains, lakes and snow just a few hours drive or flight for most people. Here are some of the best vacation spots to choose from:
The Great Barrier Reef
There are many different ways that you can explore the reef, with a holiday to Cairns or by jumping on a liveaboard for a few days so that you can get right out into the best parts of the reef. Many smaller cruise ships will take you to the ribbon reefs, Lizard Island, and other must-visit spots, or you can stay in Cairns and have access to great restaurants, nightlife and beaches.
Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island features rare fauna and flora, incredible marine life, pristine beaches and subtropical forests. This destination is perfect if you’re looking for a warm climate, dramatic scenery and also want to meet a vibrant community of locals while enjoying the many activities on offer. If you’re going to stay at Lord Howe Island, choose Pinetrees Lodge which is famous for its food, service, excellent spa treatments and its location right on the Lord Howe Lagoon.
Melbourne
If you’re more of a city person, Melbourne is an excellent choice. With some of the best cafes in Australia, alley upon alley waiting to be explored, amazing shopping, great public transport, incredible restaurants and stunning scenery, Melbourne really does have it all. Be sure to take a camera with you, as the architecture is definitely snap-worthy!
The Gold Coast
There’s a reason why the Gold Coast is such a famous holiday destination. With some of the best beaches in Australia, an incredible nightlife, and all of those theme parks, this is a destination that appeals to a wide range of visitors, including couples, families, teenagers and friends. The Gold Coast has everything you need to have a good time, whether you plan to ignore the theme parks and take advantage of the excellent restaurants and lie on the beach, or you want to get out and about, get active and then scream your way through your favourite rollercoaster.
The Coral Coast
Located on the opposite side of Australia to the Gold Coast, the Coral Coast is the perfect destination for anyone who is based in Perth or elsewhere in Western Australia. Here you’ll find some of the most diverse marine habitats in the world, including the Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay- both on the World Heritage list and where you can swim with whale sharks.
If you love dolphins you’ll be sure to meet them up close at Monkey Mia, or you can take a hike in Kalbarri where you’ll see dramatic landscapes waiting to be photographed.
