7 Australian destinations that always blow us away

Every issue of Australian Traveller we scour the length and breadth of this continent-country of  ours to bring you its very best; here are some of the places in Australia that we’ve been utterly captivated by over the past year that you should add to your list.

1. Arnhem Land, NT

A trip to Arnhem Land is a re-education in Australian indigenous lore that no book could come close to replicating. Inspiring, proud people(s) share their culture wholeheartedly in perplexingly beautiful country so raw that it feels like another, far off land. It’s certainly not the easiest or cheapest place to travel through, but it’s the most rewarding journey I have experienced in Australia thus far – hands down!”

Steve Madgwick, digital editor

2. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland

Knowing that a trip out to Whitehaven Beach is a must-do Australian travel experience, I thought it should be done in style. After a short but very scenic seaplane flight over the Whitsundays (taking off from Hamilton Island) I landed just offshore and pulled up to Whitehaven Beach feeling like James Bond. What could be better than a couple of hours swimming and lazing around on the sand enjoying a bottle of bubbles? #sorrynotsorry”

Elliott Barsby, sales manager

3. Bell Gorge, WA

Slipping into the dark and refreshing water at Bell Gorge off the Gibb River Road after a hot scramble down the cliff was an experience I will never forget. It’s a true desert oasis with glistening pink rocks, cool, silky water and scenery so jaw-dropping it feels almost spiritual. You have to work to get there, but the pay-off is more than worth it.

Lara Picone, editor

4. Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach, NSW

I have been telling anyone who will listen that they absolutely have to stay at Halcyon House in Cabarita Beach for the totally gorgeous aesthetic (rendered by Brissy-based interior designer Anna Spiro), the laid-back beachfront town, and the wide, pristine beaches.

Leigh-Ann Pow, editorial director

5. Eyre Peninsula, SA

On a long drive down the Eyre Peninsula’s spectacular coast, I needed a pit-stop. Fortunately, a sign for Coffin Bay directed me straight to the pretty seaside town and 1802 Oyster Bar and Bistro. After a dozen of the bay’s world-famous offerings, looking out at the oyster farms, and a cold beer, I was ready to hit the road again. Seafood doesn’t come fresher.

Daniel Down, chief sub editor

6. Mount Wilson, NSW

A truly magical place for garden-lovers, Mount Wilson is something of a hidden treasure in the Blue Mountains, as it’s tucked away just off the Old Bells Line Of Road and not the main highway. Less a village and more a collection of some of Australia’s most beautiful open gardens, the best time to visit is in autumn or spring, when colour is at its peak.

Louise Marshall, art director

7. Satellite Island, Tasmania

Satellite Island, a tiny private whale-shaped oasis off Tasmania’s east coast, is simply enchanting. With wild deer for friends and oysters to forage, it’s a very civilised version of Castaway – minus Wilson, plus a lush Scandinavian-styled house, crackling fireplace, glass of Tassie wine and sparkling views of the D’entrecasteaux Channel. This is raw luxe at its finest.

Megan Arkinstall, deputy editor