Australia's best travel destinations

The best holiday destinations in Australia – what to expect, where to go and what to see in Australia during the year ahead

1. The Kimberley

She’s rugged, wild and isolated in Australia’s far north-west corner; and the Kimberley is also, without doubt, the country’s number one hot spot – taking the title of ‘Ultimate Dream Destination’ for the past two years. Plenty of the region’s accommodation is getting rave reviews, such as El Questro and Kimberley Coastal Camp, though we’d like to see local secret, Mornington Wilderness Camp, gain more attention. If you haven’t seen the Kimberley yet, now is the time… quick, before someone decides to asphalt the Gibb River Road.

2. The Top End

Often overshadowed by the famous Red Centre, the Top End is set to shine in 2014. Already famed for its spectacular Kakadu National Park and increasingly-cosmopolitan Darwin, there have been a few new additions of late set to give the region an edge, like new luxe stay Cicada Lodge in Nitmiluk National Park (just outside of Katherine). But it’s the far north-east Arnhem Land that has us spellbound, and the area is set to soar in popularity, with Venture North starting some very exclusive trips here in 2014. Watch this space…

3. Armidale, NSW

Quietly sitting 475 kilometres north of Sydney in the NSW Northern Tablelands, Armidale is the dark horse of 2014. With a rich pastoral history, Armidale balances a city-esque vibe amid a country landscape. This seemingly sleepy country town is in fact a buzzing urban centre with an impressive catalogue of galleries, museums, music gigs and theatre performances. There’s a bounty of cafés and restaurants, many of which focus on local ingredients, as well as picturesque national parks, majestic waterfalls and plenty of walking trails to get your fill of country air. Suffice to say, its cover has been blown.

4. The Gold Coast

Despite a somewhat tainted reputation in recent years, with talk of an unfulfilling restaurant scene and a, ahem, rather unrestrained local dress code, the Goldie is making a comeback with a polished new look and a host of new openings. Having been open barely 12 months, The Fish House has already won many awards for its top-notch seafood with a wine list to match. There’s also the swanky new QT Gold Coast , where “nostalgic surfer chic meets Miami cool", and the even swankier Bazaar Restaurant downstairs, not to mention Justin Lane’s Pizzeria & Bar down the road. Oh Goldie, we’ve missed you…

5. Victoria’s food regions

If there’s one thing we learnt from your responses, it’s that you love Victoria’s foodie destinations. From the Yarra Valley’s bounty of berries and stonefruit, salmon and game meats; the Mornington Peninsula’s many vineyards, olive groves and chocolate makers; to the High Country’s famed Milawa Cheese and Prosecco Road wine route… not to mention the boutique stays. Joining the company of three-hatted Royal Mail in Dunkeld and Lake House in Daylesford is The Provenance B&B in Beechworth, with a restaurant that’s already turning heads with its two-hat status. Best not pack anything fitted.

6. Adelaide

The City of Churches has already been tipped one of the top-10 cities to visit in the world according to Lonely Planet’s 2014 travel guide, and we’re inclined to agree. Thanks to a calendar-full of increasingly popular events such as Adelaide Fringe Festival, WOMADelaide and Adelaide Fest, Radelaide has finally shaken off its quiet reputation for a thoughtfully cool image, and it’s well-deserved. The new year will also see newly refurbed Adelaide Oval open, as well as a growing catalogue of impressive eateries and bars.

7. One&Only Hayman

The word is out; Whitsundays institution Hayman Island Resort is undergoing a multi-million dollar revamp before relaunching as One&Only Hayman in April. And piquing interest even more than its promised new pool area, restaurants, health spa and revamped accommodation is the new name. Only seven other One&Only properties exist around the globe, including Reethi Rah in the Maldives and Palmilla in Mexico – a regular haunt for holidaying A-listers – so we’re expecting big things.

8. Tasmania

Tassie topped our last two travel trend countdowns, and there’s no slowing down for the Apple Isle. MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) remains a major attraction for travellers, pushing boundaries (and stomachs) with its displays centred around death, sex and the human form. Meanwhile Hobart continues to add to its impressive menu of restaurants and bars, gaining interest from industry bigwigs across Bass Strait. And Tassie’s wilderness walks are just getting better, from the endangered Tarkine Wilderness in the west, the award-winning Bay of Fires Lodge Walk in the east, plus the new Bruny Island Long Weekend experience.

9. Fleurieu Peninsula

Just south of Adelaide, jutting out into the Great Australian Bite, lies this unassuming and underrated quiet achiever. But for all its stellar beaches and award-winning wines, the Fleurieu is finally on the cusp of getting the recognition it deserves – particularly at little seaside town, Port Willunga. Famed for white-sand beaches, chilled-out vibes and foodie institutions like the eclectic Star of Greece Café, the town has been described as the laidback key to the good life. Although largely crowd-free, it’s become a popular holiday destination for winemakers from nearby McLaren Vale… with more of us to soon join them.

MORE: 2014’s ‘on trend’ travel experiences’

Traipse Jurassic cliffs and wander secluded beaches on Australia’s most enchanting walks.

Australia’s landscapes are made for hiking. Take the Red Centre, dusted in shifting sands and dotted with miraculous geological formations. Or our rainforests, left behind as the sole souvenir from continents that no longer exist. Down south, mottled night skies hang above crashing seas and unwavering cliffs. It makes sense, then, that hiking holidays are rising in popularity. No wi fi, no traffic. Just you and the path less travelled on the Great Walks of Australia in remote and iconic destinations.

What are the Great Walks of Australia?

If nature is your happy place, you’ve likely heard of the Great Walks of Australia, part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences program since 2013 – a curated collection of 15 all-inclusive, eco-luxury journeys showcasing the country’s most spectacular landscapes with expert guides and incredible meals. GWOA launching in 2013 as

From exploring the peaks of a World Heritage listed island, to journeying through the heart of Australia, and the gentle pull of the majestic Murray – there’s a walking holiday to suit walkers of all experience levels (and interests).

Joining a Great Walks of Australia hike means the pressure is off with all meals, guides and eco-luxury accommodation included.

Where can you hike?

1. Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland

great walks of australia tour group on Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland — Enjoy incredible food along the way.

Around 23 million years ago, volcanoes spewed magma across Queensland’s Scenic Rim . Now, what’s left of the fiery landscape takes the form of the UNESCO-listed Gondwana rainforest.

The Scenic Rim Trail is a four-day guided hike that takes you through the ancient rainforest. You’ll venture out into breathtaking viewpoints across the Main Range National Park. Enjoy a packed lunch, listen out for the duplicitous calls of the lyrebird and enjoy the silence.

You’ll spend your nights in boutique eco-cabins and incredible hospitality.

2. Murray River Walk, South Australia

great walks of australia tour group on — Walk through vibrant wildflower fields.

Murray River Walk pairs easy hiking with blissful evenings cruising the Murray River. Over four days and nights, you’ll follow kangaroo trails through red dirt dusted with vivid patches of wildflowers.

Each day ends on a solar-powered, custom-built houseboat. Watch towering, red sandstone cliffs float by from the top deck spa. Then, it’s three-course meals sourced from local produce and served alongside the region’s best wines.

The entire region you’ll be traversing is within the Riverland Ramsar site. Watch as spoonbills forage for food in the tranquil wetlands, emus parade through the wildflowers, and regent parrots flit above.

3. Maria Island Walk, Tasmania

wombat along the Maria Island Walk tasmania — Spot adorable locals.

Your Maria Island walk begins with a private boat transfer to an untouched, white sand beach. Barefoot in the sand, you’ll quickly realise – aside from your guide and group – you’re completely alone. Spot countless wombats and hear the distant calls of Tasmanian Devils as you spend four days leisurely traversing the island.

Nights are split between private, comfortable wilderness camps and queen-size beds in a historic cottage from the island’s convict history. Meals are built around fresh-caught seafood and served with East Coast Tasmanian wine.

4. Seven Peaks Walk, New South Wales

hiker on Seven Peaks Walks on Lord Howe Island — Explore the incredible Lord Howe Island. (Image: Luke Hanson)

Lord Howe Island feels like another world. With its patchwork blue coral lagoons and magma-honed peaks, it’s easy to forget you’re in New South Wales.

This walk has the highest level of elevation in the Great Walks of Australia’s collection. It’s because of this that you’ll witness nature like never before. UNESCO-listed volcanic peaks and coral reefs that grew out of solidified lava will become your daily norm.

Along the way, step onto beaches that lie undisturbed for weeks at a time. Then, snorkel the southernmost reef in the Pacific Ocean.

5. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, Northern Territory

This five-day, fully guided, premium hiking experience inside Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park was developed in partnership with Aṉangu Traditional Owners. Begin your walk dwarfed by the shade of Kata Tjuṯa’s towering dome formations. Following remote desert trails through the red sands, crest dunes and traverse mulga woodlands as you draw closer to the monolithic walls of Uluṟu.

Each night, dine under the lamp light of the Milky Way in the warm desert air and sleep in new flagship, environmentally sensitive private camps and lodge. This is the first time that travellers have ever been allowed to spend the night inside the national park.

6. The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria

great walks of australia tour group on The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria — See the Twelve Apostles in a new way. (Image: Ken Luke)

The Great Ocean Road’s rugged splendour is best experienced on this signature four-day, 44-kilometre guided walk . You’ll follow the rugged limestone stacks of the shipwreck coastline: wild, crashing waves, curious wildlife, and two national parks.

Finish each day at your luxurious lodge, where you’ll sit with your feet soaking and a glass of wine in hand. You’ll have a single lodge to call home on this walk, meaning you’ll only need to set out with a day pack.

7. Three Capes Signature Walk, Tasmania

On Tasmania’s Three Capes Signature Walk , you’ll feel like you’re walking along the edge of the world. From your boat landing on a remote beach, climb slowly upward for spectacular views and wildlife encounters with pods of dolphins, fur seals and echidnas. Spend days walking Jurassic dolerite cliffs with the wild Southern Ocean as your only constant.

Stay in architecturally designed eco-lodges nestled at the very edge of the world. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, a plunge pool and even an on-site spa to tend to ailments from the hike.

Discover more Great Walks of Australia and start planning your next adventure at greatwalksofaustralia.com.au.

Australia’s best travel destinations