The travel opportunities that lay at our doorstep are often taken for granted. While we dream of extravagant getaways to faraway countries, a stream of endless and unique Australian travel experiences are waiting to be explored right here.
The beauty of the Australian landscape is that it offers every type of experience – from pristine waters, to exotic bushland riddled with unique flora and fauna and rainforests that feel otherworldly. With international travel currently on pause, get your holiday-fix by acquainting yourself with some of our country's most unique travel experiences and destinations. No matter what type of traveller you are, there's a domestic holiday perfect for you. If you're a lover of luxury, indulge in a trip to Queensland's Whitsunday Islands, or if you're the type of person who sees the beauty in hidden moments, you'll want to pay a visit to South Australia's Sunken Garden.
Below, we've rounded up 10 unique Australian travel experiences you should be adding to your bucket list.
The Villas at Barossa
Image: Courtesy of The Villas at Barossa
Internationally renowned for its wine-making heritage, the Barossa Valley's landscape is just as rich as its Shiraz history. The sprawling lush hills of the northeast Adelaide region are filled with endless opportunities, but for an experience that will truly make its mark, you can't go past a stay at The Villas at Barossa. Located in the village of Marananga in the Barossa’s iconic Seppeltsfield Road precinct, The Villas offer their own unique location, set along a ridgeline with elevated views.
An experience that truly offers the best of both worlds, you’ll be walking distance from cellar doors, premium dining experiences and a local gin distillery, while still waking to the sounds of the Australian bush. Be sure to plan a vineyard tour at the iconic Penfolds Barossa Valley Cellar Door, where you'll have the chance to taste the winery's most renowned drop, Grange.
For an intimate, relaxing trip away with a significant other, it's difficult to look past the comfy lounges, luxurious CULTIVER linen sheets and soak tub on offer at The Villas at Barossa.
To find out more about The Villas Barossa, click here.
Pink Salt Lake
Image: Pinterest
A site that has since taken over the Instagram feeds of travel-enthusiasts the world over, the Pink Salt Lake located in Western Australia is a moment that truly needs to be seen to be believed. Formally known as Lake Hillier, the pink body of water neighbours the dark blue waters of the Indian Ocean – the two separated by the contrast of lush green forest.
Located near the coastal town of Esperance, Lake Hillier can be accessed by boat, but is best appreciated from the sky with a scenic flight tour with Goldfields Air Services. After you've taken in the incredible view, there's plenty of things to see and do. A beach and nature-lover's ideal destination, Esperance is home to squeaky-clean white sand, turquoise waters, untouched islands and colour-filled wildflower country. A must see, Lucky Beach – Australia's whitest sand beach – is set against a stunning seascape of 110 untouched islands of the Recherche Archipelago.
Our pick for accomodation is unquestionably the Esperance Chalet Village for a re-imagined and refreshed holiday experience. Set across private and peaceful grounds and surrounded by nature, immerse yourself in the village's relaxed and hassle-free accomodation.
An hour and a half flight from Perth, Esperance is the ideal escapist holiday. To find out more about the Pink Salt Lake and the town of Esperance, click here.
Mona Farm
Image: Instagram
In recent years, travel within rural New South Wales has increased by ten-fold, with luxury farm stays becoming the go-to travel destination during the autumn and winter months. If you've already exhausted the more conventional hotspots, Mona Farm, located in Braidwood is the latest destination to add to your bucket list.
The stunning multi-property estate offers a country escape that marries contemporary art and Australian history wrapped within acres of magnificent, award-winning gardens. As you walk the grounds, you'll be greeted by a diverse collection of modern Australian and International art and sculpture, creating a unique collision of art, nature and luxury unlike anywhere else.
Mona Farm's guest houses are available to book individually, or can be hired exclusively as the entire Estate. To find out more, click here.
Satellite Island
Image: Instagram
Nothing says luxury quite like your own private island – which is exactly what Tasmania's Satellite Island offers. An exclusive retreat in the heart of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel in the south of Tasmania, the island offers an escape from the rest of the world, and an opportunity to explore the unspoilt nature of Tasmania.
The destination only recently opened to the public, and with only one booking being offered at a time, you truly do have the island completely to yourself. Take pleasure in slowing down – a bonfire on the top of the island at sunset; a long lunch at the Boathouse on the water’s edge; cooking freshly caught fish over a fire on the pebble beach; watching the sunset across the Southern Ocean at Last Glimpse Point.
Everything you need to enjoy your stay will be ready on arrival, including gourmet breakfast provisions, kayaks and snorkel equipment and access to boat transport to and from the island.
Satellite Island offers a seaside escape that is anything but ordinary. To find out more and to book your stay, click here.
Ningaloo Reef
Image: Pinterest
Tick a World Heritage-listed site off your list with a trip to Ningaloo Reef. Located half way up the West Australian coastline, the 260 kilometre fringing reef is the largest in the world, and is swarming with turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, humpback whales and the elusive whale shark.
Beyond the reef, there's plenty to explore. Make a trip to Cape Range National Park, an iconic Western Australian landmark, that boasts breath-taking limestone ranges home to many Australian wildlife – think emus, red kangaroos, echidnas and birds. While you're there, cool off in the pristine waters of Turquoise Bay.
For accomodation that places you in the thick of it all, Sal Salis is a luxury, eco-friendly camp that lies nestled in the dunes of the Cape Range National Park. Wake up to views of the Ningaloo coast courtesy of the ultimate outback-meets-the-reef experience.
For a treat that's truly Australian, head to Coral Resort Bakery – a major attraction for a traditional meat pie. Finish your day off with one of their delicious pastries and head back to the beach to watch the sun set.
To find out more about planning a trip to Ningaloo Reef, click here.
Mile End Glamping
Image: Instagram
Listed as one of the best, off-the-grid spots in Western Australian, Mile End Glamping is perfect for travellers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city destinations, but still appreciate a touch of luxury.
Set in a futuristic dome and perched on a private estate in the Margaret River, this secluded haven is designed for two and is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. Spend your days exploring the quaint town that is Margaret River, making your way through local breweries, boutiques and local wineries. Come end of day, head back to your dome to enjoy your delectable treats, as you watch the sunset and breathtaking views the region has to offer.
Your own private dome comes fully equipped with a private bathroom, kitchen, king bed and adjacent deck with private spa bath and BBQ.
To find out more about Mile End Glamping, click here.
The Whitsundays
Image: Pinterest
If you're in desperate need of a beachside holiday coupled with a touch of luxury, make a trip to The Whitsundays your next holiday destination. Placed in the heart of The Great Barrier Reef, there are a plethora of islands to explore, from Airlie Beach to the exclusive Hayman Island – home to the newly renovated (and extremely luxe) InterContinental Resort.
Regardless of where you choose to base yourself, exploring every part of The Whitsundays is simply a boat, or helicopter ride away. While there's no right or wrong way to build your travel itinerary, there are a few experiences that can't go un-missed. One of Australia's most famous beaches, a trip to The Whitsundays isn't complete without visiting Whitehaven Beach. Covered in sand so white, that even on the warmest of days it remains cool, it's hardly difficult to spend a whole day swimming in the crystal blue waters of this magnificent beach.
A trip to The Whitsundays is a holiday that should be done right. For everything you need to know and to start planning your trip, click here.
The Sunken Garden
Image: Pinterest
While you may have visited South Australia before, chances are you have never come across the Umpherston Sinkhole. This incredible sunken garden is 20 metres deep and 50 metres wide, and was once a cave formed through the dissolution of limestone, eventually collapsing to create the perfect garden environment.
You can appreciate the garden's grandeur from the viewing platforms above the sinkhole, before delving within to explore all the intricate details. While it's most common to visit the Umpherston Sinkhole during the day, the attraction remains open until 1am, so you can enjoy the garden floor at all times of the day.
To find out more, click here.
The Pillars Mount Martha
Image: Pinterest
If a European summer isn't in your immediate future, a trip to Mount Martha Pillars is just as good. Only a 45 minute drive from Melbourne CBD, this slice of heaven on the Mornington Peninsula reminds us of dreamy Italian coastlines. Crystal clear water, steep cliffs and pebble beaches characterise this hidden spot where adventurous tourists and locals go to cliff-dive, explore small caves, rocks and tiny marine life.
Spend the rest of your trip exploring the incredible sites along the Mornington Peninsula. Book a stay at the iconic Jackalope Hotel and explore the ground's beautiful vineyards – then head to the Peninsula Hot Springs for a spa experience like no other.
To find out more about the Mornington Peninsula and all it offers, click here.
One Kangaroo Island
Image: Instagram
Located on Brown's Beach, One offers Kangaroo Island's best private luxury beachfront accommodation and wildlife experiences. Both spacious and sustainable, this incredible property offers two seperate, exclusive all-inclusive retreats – One KI and Walcowrie – complete with three course dinners, prepared by a private chef, full breakfast and refreshments, including the best fresh, local produce and premium Kangaroo Island and South Australian wines.
One of the properties many draw-cards is its outdoor bath and shower, set against the backdrop of a long, white-sand beach.
One Kangaroo Island offers an experience like no other; but if you're wanting to venture out from the property, one of Australia's top restaurants, Sunset Food & Wine, along with local wineries, Pennington Bay, Prospect Hill and Pelican Lagoon are just nearby.
To book your stay at One, click here.
Image: Pinterest
