9 Australian Holidays That Are As Good As An Overseas Vacay
We all love a trip overseas, right? There’s nothing like turning on your out-of-office, grabbing a coffee after you’ve battled your way through border security, and settling into your seat knowing that, in just a few (or…a lot) hours in the sky, you’ll be in full holiday mode somewhere totally exotic.
Heaven.
Of course, right now, we don’t have too many options in the far-off-destinations arena thanks to coronavirus, but on the plus side, our little ol’ part of the world has plenty to offer that’s – dare I say it – just as good.
I’m definitely not trying to dispute the joy of visiting a new country — I love exploring the far corners of the globe, believe me, and I’m gagging for the day we can back to it. But in the meantime, you can absolutely get a big serve of all you’re looking for while staycationing in our little corner of the world...
Let’s go! (Case by AWAY Travel; Bag by Louenhide)
1. We have our own version of the Grand Canyon (yes, really)
Yes, there really is a geological marvel barely a stone’s throw from one of Australia’s major cities: NSW’s Capertee Valley in Lithgow, just 2.5 hours' drive out of Sydney.
It’s actually 1km wider than the US’s infamous Grand Canyon. Okay, it’s not as deep or as long, but still pretty darn impressive, n’est pas?
In fact, Capertee is the world's second largest canyon, and surrounded by World Heritage listed wilderness, it can definitely give the US’s prized ravine a run for its money.
(Instagram/@lithgowtourismandevents)
2. If you missed out on your 2020 croatia, cruise…
So you’ve been dreaming of boat season in the popular Eastern European country, and now you’re stuck in the southern hemisphere – but don’t stress. You can get sunshiney yacht-side action in Queensland’s Whitsundays, with smaller crowds and easily-as-’Grammable content potential.
The 74 incredible islands that make up the Whitsundays are home to some of the most pristine coral reefs and white-sand beaches in the country, and you can swim, snorkel and just plain old chill out to your heart’s content.
(Instagram/@whitsundaysqld)
3. If you’re looking for centuries-old artefacts and culture…
Thought England’s Stonehenge and Egypt’s pyramids were old? Well, you’re not wrong… But at around 4000 years old, they’re the babies of the world of historic sites compared to Australia’s cave paintings – some of which are some thought date back more than 40,000 years.
Now that’s old.
Uluru in the Northern Territory is an incredible place to visit to get a glimpse of not only indigenous rock art dating back several millennia, but also some unbelievable scenery (those rock formations, wow!). And a midwest-US desert vibe floats your boat, all that vibrant ochre sand set against a stunning, vivid blue sky will definitely meet your expectations.
(Just remember to pack a hat and a coat – the days are scorching, but when you get up for sunrise over Uluru – which you must – the chill factor is real.)
4. Tassie delivers provincial french vibes
If you can't get enough of the rolling lavender fields of Provence, put Tasmania on your must-visit Aussie holiday hit list. You’ll find delicious wine, delectable cheeses, and rolling hills of France’s favourite flower – along with a certain je ne sais quoi – all in our southernmost state.
The Bridestowe Lavender Fields outside of Launceston, up in Tassie’s north, are worth travelling for, with row upon row of the delicate purple blooms making for a très-chic photo opp. (And Bridestowe’s famous lavender ice-cream with take your trip to the next level.)
5. And a glimpse of Georgian England
Further south in the country’s island state is Richmond, about half-an-hour's drive from Tassie’s capital Hobart, where you grab a slice of ye olde Britain. The Richmond Bridge is a convict-era landmark, and Australia's oldest stone bridge, dating back to 1825. It was around this time that the aristocracy in Britain were ‘taking the waters’ in Bath, while the convicts were being shipped Down Under to, um… build bridges.
5. Head north-east for Hawaii-style scenery
Lush green mountain-scapes framing white sandy beaches might have you thinking you’ve landed on Oahu, but, my friends, this tropical paradise is quick a two-hour plane ride from both Brisbane and Sydney (when, you know, us NSWers are allowedover the border again).
With thriving, lush rainforest to explore, mountaintops to climb (seriously, the views), porcelain-white sand to recline on, and unimaginably sparkly, crystal-clear waters absolutely overflowing with colourful tropical creatures to swim with (or even hand-feed!), Lord Howe Island is the stuff dreams are made of.
(Instagram/@visitlordhoweisland)
6. You want wine Country? we've got wine country...
I admit, Australia's famous wine hotspots are no replacement for the vineyards of Tuscany and Sicily in Italy, or France's Bordeaux or Beaujolais regions. But if you like a tipple with a gorgeous view of a grapevine and perhaps some friendly kangaroos, well, here it is.
From NSW's Hunter Valley, not far from Newcastle (Australia’s seventh-biggest city), to Margaret River in WA and the Yarra Valley in Victoria, vino-drinkers can get their fix in several Aussie states. But with some of the oldest vineyards not only in Australia but the world, South Australia's Barossa Valley is a do-not-miss for local vino lovers.
Hang out with locals in the Hunter Valley
7. We can Bratwurst with the best of 'em
If Oktoberfest is your Mecca and you can't think of a better final meal than currywurst, you needn't go all the way to Germany. Hahndorf, in the foothills of Adelaide, is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement and offers up plenty of Bavarian charm without the round-the-world price tag.
Come to check out the original German-style architecture, then stay for the incredible food: from Australia's largest German hotdog at the Hahndorf Inn to the artisan cheese stores, old-school sweets shops and expert coffee brewers dotted around town.
HOT TIP: The small town even holds its very own Oktoberfest, coming alive in (surprise, surprise) October. Think: all the pretzels, steins and lederhosen you can poke a stick at...
Hey, Hahndorf, you’re kinda cute
8. We’ve got miami-style coastal hustle & bustle
Love a luxury penthouse apartment overlooking sunshine-soaked beaches for daytime, paired with a pumping club scene when the sun goes down? You could head to Miami... OR you could simply sashay up the east coast of Australia to Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast.
It's the perfect place for anyone who loves nightlife with their seaside sojourn, with clean, patrolled beaches, shopping to satisfy all tastes from luxe to less, and tranquil rainforests to explore (when the hangover wears off).
(Nico Smit/Unsplash)
HOT TIP: This party playground is probably best known for being schoolies central, but if you avoid peak season (roughly three weeks from mid-November), you should be able to avoid the brunt of the Spring Break vibes and enjoy the glitz of the beachside city.