Every travel writer has a bucket list – a list that probably keeps growing thanks to Australia's incredible scrapbook of otherworldly destinations. isolated pools And majestic waterfalls at the regional level jewels of gastronomy And picturesque vineyardsThere is simply too much to see, eat, drink and explore.
Want to know which holiday destinations are topping our bucket list? We've rounded up the Australian holiday destinations our Time Out editors can't wait to visit. Warning: your personal bucket list is about to get longer.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
If you’ve never heard of the ‘Cocos’, you’re not alone. This remote tropical island, located just a five-hour flight from Perth, only hosts 144 visitors at any one time, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. I can already picture myself diving into the crystal-clear water, stretching out on the sugar-white sand and sampling the local Cocos Malaysian cuisine. Island time, here I come.
Melissa WoodleyTravel and News Editor
Tasmania
I had a little taste of Tasmania earlier in the year – I'm talking eight hours Hobart to crush a visit to MONAeat a dozen oysters and have a glass of wine Son (you know, the gist) – but all it did was whet my appetite for an even longer trip. I desperately want to gorge myself on cheese, chocolate and wine Bruny Islandtake an (icy) bath in Wineglass Bay and hike to the top of Cradle Mountain. Oh, and I wouldn't mind spending a cheeky night at Pumping station tipSo who is interested in joining me?
Lea GlynnMelbourne Editor
Kakadu National Park
I only visited the NT once as a child, but have dreamed of making another trip ever since, as I would love to witness the majesty of these incredible landscapes Again, I would also love to learn more about the rich history of the area and how Aboriginal people have cared for the land as traditional owners for thousands of years. Having lived on the other side of Australia my entire life, it would be magical to immerse myself in this unique part of the country.
Liv CondousMelbourne Lifestyle Writer
Ningaloo Reef
The ocean in Australia is my happy place, and I can't imagine anything more magical than watching the sun set over this ridiculously beautiful reef. I would love to wake up in the dunes here and spend days hiking along the coastline and swimming with turtles in the turquoise water. There are so many beautiful beaches in Australia, but Ningaloo seems out of this world.
Winnie StubbsSydney Lifestyle Writer
South Australia
As a professional adult eater, drinker and connoisseur of grape juice, it's almost a sin that I haven't yet explored South Australia's many excellent wineries. Barossa Valley! Clare Valley! And don't even get me started on Eden Valley and McLaren Vale! I have also heard a lot about the capital of South Australia, Best restaurants in Adelaide And bars to his colorful art scene. So, if you're wondering where the next destination on my bucket list is, I'm looking at you, SA. Now I just need to find a travel buddy who appreciates adventure and snacks above all else.
April TreasureSydney Food and Drink Editor
The Kimberley
Spectacular and rugged, this vast region of Western Australia is known as one of the world’s most treasured wilderness areas. I’d love to swim under a waterfall, have a picnic with the magnificent mountains as a backdrop, ride a horse or camel and see dinosaur footprints in Broome. Even from a distance, it feels like a sacred place.
Lauren DinseMelbourne Food Writer
The Red Center
It’s crazy to think that I’ve lived in Australia for 25 years and I still haven’t laid eyes on Uluru. While it’s the symbol of many famous Australian advertisements, I think I need to see this colossal rock in person to truly appreciate its grandeur. I’d like my visit to coincide with the launch of the stunning Uluru new experience of indigenous art, light and sound in August, which will highlight the three First Nations artists' rich cultural connection to the land.
Melissa WoodleyTravel and News Editor
Cradle Mountain
I still haven't managed to get to Tasmania. When the borders opened again, I started planning a Cradle Mountain I did a walking trip, but international borders had opened and the urge for an adventure in the Greek islands was too strong to resist. But I still dream of hiking through untouched rainforests, past rocky outcrops and river valleys. Before treating myself at the end of the trip to a cabin overlooking the water and drinking wine in a steaming outdoor bath.
Alice EllisSydney Editor
Palm Cove
I dream of flying to Palm Cove in tropical north Queensland. It’s a world away from Melbourne’s local climate, but the flight is only a few hours. I can imagine walking barefoot beneath coconut palms and 500-year-old tea trees, from a dip in the ocean to a soak in one of the village’s many day spas.
Ashleigh HastingsEditor of Melbourne Arts & Culture
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