Australia's hot travel destinations

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.

Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

surfers at Bells Beach in Australia — Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach — Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

surfers out at Bells Beach — Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay — The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum — The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum — The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

surfing at Bells Beach — The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)

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The iconic Victorian beach where true Aussie surf culture was born

Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland