Australia’s hottest travel destinations in 2015

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Georgia Rickard shares her picks of the coming year’s top destinations. If you’re not going to any of these in 2015, well, you should…

Tasmania
Everything about this state, to be honest – they don’t come any better. Why Tasmania?

The Kimberley, WA
It’s still the place to go, especially via expedition cruise and/or Broome. Kununurra will explode next. AT’s Kimberley in focus.

High Country, Vic
No doubt about it, this is our next big foodie region, within our next big foodie state. A sublime spot for gourmet cycling from Beechworth to Rutherglen, gourmet alpine hiking or 24 hours in beautiful, bountiful Bright.

Uluru, NT
The rock is back on the national agenda, and more beautiful than ever – as are its nearby (newly spruced) accommodation offerings. See Uluru any way you like…

NSW’s Central Coast
Firstly, it’s stunning. Secondly, there are two major developments (worth a combined $880 million) happening here, while local luxury lodge Pretty Beach House is set to reopen in April. Want to know five more reasons why the Central Coast is not boring?

Canberra, ACT
No more boring trips to The Mint – Canberra’s restaurant scene is booming. Actually, the entire ACT is heating up; watch this space. See Australian Traveller’s guide to Cool Canberra.

NT’s Top End – all of it
But keep an eye on Arnhem Land specifically. New tours are opening up the region from intrepid travellers only, to the next level of traveller: the early adopters among us.

Adelaide
Adelaide – and Brisbane and Perth – are all graduating to their respective next levels of development. Expect more cool bars and hot events. Also see 5 reasons why Brisbane is the new cool capital and Perth’s Top 5 niche bars.

The Gold Coast, Qld
There’s so much more here than Surfer’s Paradise, particularly if you’re in the mood for a road trip… See Ultimate Escapes – Byron Bay to the Gold Coast

The Dandenongs, Vic
Two words: Shannon Bennett. The next stages of his new development here, Burnham Beeches are set to open soon, and boy are they going to pull the crowds.

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A must-visit list of Victoria’s most iconic spots

    Megan ArkinstallBy Megan Arkinstall
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    From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

    Mount William peak in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
    Mount William is the highest peak in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. (Image: Matt Donovan)

    From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

    Murray River

    A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca
    The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

    Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

    the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road
    The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

    These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon . After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

    You Yangs, Geelong

    kangaroos in You Yangs
    Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

    Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

    Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley
    Yarra Valley’s soaring Redwood Forest. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

    Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

    the Wilsons Promontory
    Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

    Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

    the Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges
    Enigmatic Hanging Rock. (Image: Visit Victoria/ Rob Blackburn)

    This six-million-year-old volcanic rock  was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

    Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

    exploring Sovereign Hill
    Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill , a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

    The Great Stupa, Bendigo

    Great Stupa, Bendigo
    The Great Stupa in Bendigo. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

    Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

    the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above
    Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

    Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.