Find all 100 ways to holiday here this year

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Discover the 100 ways to holiday here this year.

Start planning your next Australian holiday by reading our 100 by experience.

Coast

Here is one to eight of the best coast holidays.

 

1. Be revitalised on the Sapphire Coast, NSW

2. Sleep in style at Bon Sol in Burleigh Heads, Qld

3. Stay at the Ship Inn Stanley, Tas

4. Have a vintage summer holiday on the Tweed Coast, NSW

5. Explore the legacy of Cooktown, Qld

6. Do an empty Esky tour of Shoalhaven, NSW

7. Swim with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef, WA

8. Hike the Cape to Cape Track, WA

Cities

Here is nine to 20 of the best city holidays.

 

9. Discover a different side of Cairns, Qld

10. Take the perfect short break in Canberra, ACT

11. Plan a weekend in Brisbane, Qld

12. Stay at Moss Hotel in Hobart, Tas

13. Check into a neighbourhood hotel

14. Have a staycation in your city

15. Eat, drink and stay in Coogee, NSW

16. Go wild in the city at Taronga Zoo Sydney, NSW

17. Experience Perth’s cool new arrivals, WA

18. Find out what’s hip in Newcastle, NSW

19. Explore Melbourne’s hidden gems, Vic

20. Do a festival (or five) in Adelaide, SA

Islands

Here is 21 to 28 of the best island holidays.

 

21. Escape to private Picnic Island, Tas

22. Revisit Kangaroo Island, SA

23. Discover Fraser Island’s many surprises, Qld

24. Unwind at Kittawa Lodge on King Island, Tas

25. Have an eco-friendly holiday on Rottnest Island, WA

26. Seek out the foodie secrets of Flinders Island, Tas

27. Get acquainted with Australia’s island paradises

28. Cruise to the intriguing Abrolhos Islands, WA

Outback

Here is 29 to 40 of the best outback holidays.

 

29. Find outback luxury at Mt Mulligan Lodge, Qld

30. Feel remote at Berkeley River Lodge on the Kimberley Coast, WA

31. Explore Alice Springs in an unexpected way, NT

32. Ride the Savannahlander train through outback Queensland, Qld

33. Tour the incredible landscape of the Coral Coast, WA

34. Make it your mission to see Australia’s most amazing rocks

35. Set out on a multi-day outback hike

36. Experience wild glamping in the outback

37. Be surprised in the Top End, NT

38. See the wildflowers of WA and beyond

39. Visit Australia’s gorgeous gorges

40. Stay on an outback station

Icons

Here is 41 to 48 of the iconic holidays.

 

41. Find island bliss in the Whitsundays, Qld

42. Plug into Uluru and Kings Canyon, NT

43. Jump aboard Australia’s new iconic train journey, Qld–SA

44. Seek out the best wild swimming spots in Kakadu, NT

45. Spend time at a secret beach

46. Explore the red-rock wilderness of the East Kimberley, WA

47. Discover the other side of Byron Bay, NSW

48. Rediscover Cradle Mountain Lodge, Tas

Indigenous

Here is 49 to 57 of the best Indigenous experiences.

 

49. Buy art from Australia’s best Indigenous artists, NT

50. Trace an ancient songline on the Dampier Peninsula, WA

51. Join a women’s only tour in Arnhem Land, NT

52. Do Geraldton’s Yamaji Drive Trail, WA

53. Explore the Flinders Ranges from a traditional perspective, SA

54. Catch an Indigenous festival

55. Join a rock art tour in Quinkan Country, Qld

56. Find Tasmania’s (not so) hidden Indigenous culture, Tas

57. Have an urban Indigenous experience

Regional

Here is 58 to 67 of the best regional holidays.

 

58. Take your pick in Bilpin, NSW

59. See Townsville in a whole new light, Qld

60. Escape to the country in Bathurst, NSW

61. Discover coffee and culture in Murwillumbah, NSW

62. Go on tour in Bendigo, Vic

63. Embrace the natural wonders of Wolgan Valley, NSW

64. The first-class appeals of five second cities

65. Discover old-school charm and new ideas in Northam, WA

66. Rock on in the Granite Belt, Qld

67. Go off-grid in a tiny house

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Food and Wine

Here is 68 to 81 of the best food and wine holidays.

 

68. Sample the dynamic food and wine scene in Orange, NSW

69. Unearth the surprises of the Scenic Rim, Qld

70. Have a long weekend on Bruny Island, Tas

71. The sites and culinary delights of the Southern Highlands, NSW

72. Tour the wineries and distilleries of McLaren Vale, SA

73. Go luxe in the Barossa Valley, SA

74. Road trip through the Yass Valley, NSW

75. Explore the hip highlights of the Adelaide Hills, SA

76. Catch the ferry to Geelong, Vic

77. Tour the Mornington Peninsula’s hinterland, Vic

78. The sights and baked delights of Musk, Morpeth and more

79. Hit the road to Mudgee, NSW

80. Upgrade your next cellar door visit with Ultimate Winery Experiences

81. Enjoy the earthy spoils of the Margaret River region, WA

Family

Here is 82 to 89 of the best family holidays.

 

82. Go houseboat hiking on the Murray River, SA

83. Have a winter escape in the Aussie ski fields, NSW + Vic

84. Encounter Australia’s unique wildlife

85. Camp out in the Grampians, Vic

86. Revisit Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill, Vic

87. Have an adventure on the Eyre Peninsula, SA

88. Sleep over on the Great Barrier Reef, Qld

89. Take a family-friendly rail trip

Road Trips

Here is 90 to 100 of the best road trip holidays.

 

90. Eat your way around the Murray River Valley, NSW

91. Visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and towns of the Mid North Coast, NSW

92. Journey through the Greater Blue Mountains, NSW

93. Cross the Nullarbor and other iconic road trips

94. Do the Great Barrier Reef Drive, Qld

95. Discover Tassie’s Deep South, Tas

96. Stay in style in Daylesford, Vic

97. Tour the towns of the Great Alpine Road, Vic

98. Road trip through East Gippsland, Vic

99. See the world’s second largest canyon, NSW

100. Drive the Limestone Coast, SA

 

You can also explore the top 100 ways to holiday here by state.

New South Wales

Here is the best ways to holiday here this year in NSW.

 

1. Be revitalised on the Sapphire Coast, NSW

2. Have a vintage summer holiday on the Tweed Coast, NSW

3. Do an empty Esky tour of Shoalhaven, NSW

4. Eat, drink and stay in Coogee, NSW

5. Go wild in the city at Taronga Zoo Sydney, NSW

6. Find out what’s hip in Newcastle, NSW

7. Discover the other side of Byron Bay, NSW

8. Take your pick in Bilpin, NSW

9. Escape to the country in Bathurst, NSW

10. Discover coffee and culture in Murwillumbah, NSW

11. Embrace the natural wonders of Wolgan Valley, NSW

12. Sample the dynamic food and wine scene in Orange, NSW

13. The sites and culinary delights of the Southern Highlands, NSW

14. Road trip through the Yass Valley, NSW

15. Hit the road to Mudgee, NSW

16. Eat your way around the Murray River Valley, NSW

17. Visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and towns of the Mid North Coast, NSW

18. Journey through the Greater Blue Mountains, NSW

19. See the world’s second largest canyon, NSW

Victoria

Here is the best ways to holiday here this year in Victoria.

 

20. Explore Melbourne’s hidden gems, Vic

21. Go on tour in Bendigo, Vic

22. Catch the ferry to Geelong, Vic

23. Tour the Mornington Peninsula’s hinterland, Vic

24. Camp out in the Grampians, Vic

25. Revisit Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill, Vic

26. Stay in style in Daylesford, Vic

27. Tour the towns of the Great Alpine Road, Vic

28. Road trip through East Gippsland, Vic

Tasmania

Here is the best ways to holiday here this year in Tasmania.

 

29. Stay at the Ship Inn Stanley, Tas

30. Stay at Moss Hotel in Hobart, Tas

31. Escape to private Picnic Island, Tas

32. Unwind at Kittawa Lodge on King Island, Tas

33. Seek out the foodie secrets of Flinders Island, Tas

34. Rediscover Cradle Mountain Lodge, Tas

35. Find Tasmania’s (not so) hidden Indigenous culture, Tas

36. Have a long weekend on Bruny Island, Tas

37. Discover Tassie’s Deep South, Tas

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insider tips, offers, and more.

South Australia

Here is the best ways to holiday here this year in South Australia.

 

38. Do a festival (or five) in Adelaide, SA

39. Revisit Kangaroo Island, SA

40. Explore the Flinders Ranges from a traditional perspective, SA

41. Tour the wineries and distilleries of McLaren Vale, SA

42. Go luxe in the Barossa Valley, SA

43. Explore the hip highlights of the Adelaide Hills, SA

44. Go houseboat hiking on the Murray River, SA

45. Have an adventure on the Eyre Peninsula, SA

46. Drive the Limestone Coast

Western Australia

Here is the best ways to holiday here this year in Western Australia.

 

47. Swim with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef, WA

48. Hike the Cape to Cape Track, WA

49. Experience Perth’s cool new arrivals, WA

50. Have an eco-friendly holiday on Rottnest Island, WA

51. Cruise to the intriguing Abrolhos Islands, WA

52. Feel remote at Berkeley River Lodge on the Kimberley Coast, WA

53. Tour the incredible landscape of the Coral Coast, WA

54. See the wildflowers of WA and beyond

55. Explore the red-rock wilderness of the East Kimberley, WA

56. Trace an ancient songline along the Dampier Peninsula, WA

57. Do Geraldton’s Yamaji Drive Trail, WA

58. Discover old-school charm and new ideas in Northam, WA

59. Enjoy the earthy spoils of the Margaret River region, WA

Northern Territory

Here is the best ways to holiday here this year in the Northern Territory.

 

60. Explore Alice Springs in an unexpected way, NT

61. Be surprised in the Top End, NT

62. Plug into Uluru and Kings Canyon, NT

63. Buy art from Australia’s best Indigenous artists, NT

64. Join a women’s only tour in Arnhem Land, NT

Queensland

Here is the best ways to holiday here this year in Queensland.

 

65. Sleep in style at Bon Sol in Burleigh Heads, Qld

66. Explore the legacy of Cooktown, Qld

67. Discover a different side of Cairns, Qld

68. Plan a weekend in Brisbane, Qld

69. Discover Fraser Island’s many surprises, Qld

70. Find outback luxury at Mt Mulligan Lodge, Qld

71. Ride the Savannahlander train through outback Queensland, Qld

72. Find island bliss in the Whitsundays, Qld

73. Join a rock art tour in Quinkan Country, Qld

74. See Townsville in a whole new light, Qld

75. Rock on in the Granite Belt, Qld

76. Unearth the surprises of the Scenic Rim, Qld

77. Sleep over on the Great Barrier Reef, Qld

78. Do the Great Barrier Reef Drive, Qld

Across multiple states

Here is the best ways to holiday here this year across Australia.

79. Take the perfect short break in Canberra, ACT

80. Check into a neighbourhood hotel

81. Have a staycation in your city

82. Get acquainted with Australia’s island paradises

83. Make it your mission to see Australia’s most amazing rocks

84. Set out on a multi-day outback hike

85. Experience wild glamping in the outback

86. Visit Australia’s gorgeous gorges

87. Stay on an outback station

88. Jump aboard Australia’s new iconic train journey, Qld–SA

89. Seek out the best wild swimming spots from Kakadu to the Kimberley

90. Spend time at a secret beach

91. Catch an Indigenous festival

92. Have an urban Indigenous experience

93. The first-class appeals of five second cities

94. Go off-grid in a tiny house

95. The sights and baked delights of Musk, Morpeth and more

96. Upgrade your next cellar door visit with Ultimate Winery Experiences

97. Have a winter escape in the Aussie ski fields, NSW + Vic

98. Encounter Australia’s unique wildlife

99. Take a family-friendly rail trip

100. Cross the Nullarbor and other iconic road trips

 

Discover more on the 100 ways to holiday here this year hub.

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How to spend three romantic days on Hamilton Island

(Image: Sharyn Cairns)

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
    Continue
    From barefoot beach walks to moonlit dinners, this three-day Hamilton Island itinerary will have lovebirds swooning.

    Few Aussie destinations do romance quite like Hamilton Island. Set in the dreamy Whitsunday Islands, this popular honeymoon destination combines luxury retreats, palm-fringed reefs and spectacular dining with the easy rhythm of tropical living. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary or spontaneous couples’ weekend, here’s how to spend a loved-up three days on Hamilton Island.

    Day 1

    Morning

    A serene ocean-view room overlooking endless blue horizons.
    Let picturesque ocean views welcome you the moment you check in. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Nothing kills the holiday buzz faster than waiting at the baggage carousel. Luckily, our arrival couldn’t have been smoother. Staying at the boutique, adults-only Beach Club Hotel means VIP transfers are included, so the moment we land, a staff member greets us and whisks our bags straight from the baggage claim to our room. We don’t have to lift a finger.

    Occupying a prime piece of real estate on Catseye Beach, Beach Club is a peaceful retreat just steps from sugar-white sand and a turquoise lagoon. Within 10 minutes of stepping off the plane, we’ve arrived and are switched into holiday mode.

    We check into our room, immediately delighted by the sight of several wallabies grazing in the garden just in front of our private terrace. Beyond, picturesque ocean vistas stretch across the horizon. The room’s mini bar is stocked with bespoke sweet treats; the bathroom with premium Aesop amenities that add to the luxury.

    After we’ve checked out the resort’s beachside infinity pool – plotting the lounge chairs we’ll no doubt return to later – we head out to explore the island. Families glide by on hire bikes and chirping rainbow lorikeets dot the foliage. We decide to hike up to Passage Peak – one of the most scenic walks on Hamilton Island – which takes about 40 minutes one way and boasts panoramic Whitsundays views that will stick with you for long after you leave.

    Afternoon

    A romantic beachside lunch as champagne is served.
    Recharge with a laid-back lunch at Beach Club Restaurant. (Image: Nikki To)

    After working up an appetite, Beach Club Restaurant is the perfect place to snap up a light lunch. Think barramundi, nourish bowls, Wagyu beef burgers, brown butter toasties and Queensland chilli prawns. For those who don’t want to move from their prime perch on the beach or by the pool, there’s also the option to order bites via QR code from the resort’s lounge chairs.

    After our fill, we plunge into the hotel’s incredible infinity pool, its surface blending near seamlessly into the blues of Catseye Beach. Quiet and tucked away from the island’s hum, it feels illegal to do anything but relax here.

    Evening

    A curated flatlay of dishes from Catseye Pool Club.
    Celebrate your first evening over beautifully plated coral trout. (Image: Nikki To)

    There’s truly nothing more satisfying than a little R&R (rest & robe) time in your hotel room after spending the day in the sun. Fresh from a shower, we watch the ripe tangerine sun slowly dip below the palm-framed horizon from our plush terrace daybed. Two wallabies are still grazing on the grass. It’s a magical setting; I find it hard to believe I am only a few hours away from home.

    Come dinnertime, we zip over to nearby Catseye Pool Club, which is a short buggy ride from the hotel or a five-minute walk. A chic new haunt from Sydney-based pair Josh and Julie Niland, the restaurant is all about reconnecting over flavour-rich share plates using high-quality Aussie ingredients.

    We sit in a corner overlooking Catseye Beach – arguably the best seat in the house – with mini table lamps casting a soft glow about the contemporary indoor-outdoor setting. What comes next is pure delight; grilled prawns served with tumeric and lemongrass marinade, macadamia satay sauce and a Thai-leaning sour green mango salad. Then, elegantly plated coral trout served with kasundi and zucchini. We savour it all slowly, the conversation flowing easily between bites and sips while the moonlight transforms the ocean into molten silver.

    Day 2

    Morning

    An 18-hole golf course set against sweeping ocean views.
    Tee off side by side against a backdrop of sweeping ocean views. (Image: Andrea Francolini)

    A la carte breakfast is complimentary for guests of Beach Club, and we take full advantage of the fact. Barista-quality coffee and pressed juice – today it’s carrot, melon, orange and pineapple – arrive alongside pastries baked fresh this morning. For the larger meal, I treat myself to the buttermilk pancakes with praline butter.

    If you prefer an active start to the morning rather than lying in, you’ll find plenty of options. Perhaps tee off at the 18-hole golf course, where the views are as much of a drawcard as the sport itself. Designed by five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson, the course is integrated into the ridged landscape of Dent Island.

    Afternoon

    Artfully paired wines and bites from the Talk & Taste experience.
    Uncover new favourite wines together. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

    For wine-curious couples, Beach Club’s new Talk & Taste experience is a must. Held several times a week for up to eight guests, it’s an intimate tasting of Aussie drops paired with curated bites – all guided by Bommie Assistant Manager and wine enthusiast Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher.

    We opt for the white wine and seafood option, enjoying pours from Eden Valley to Launceston while Courtenay shares her knowledge and passion for the intricacies of wine making.

    Later, we drive our golf buggy up to One Tree Hill. This is one of the most popular spots on the island for sunset, but we chose to come a little earlier so we have more space to ourselves. We enjoy afternoon wine and cheese, admiring the 360-degree views of the island and its impossibly blue waters.

    Evening

    The moody, atmospheric interiors of Bommie Deck.
    Dress up for a romantic evening at Bommie Restaurant. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Since we are, after all, on holiday, we continue the tipples at Bommie Deck. Suspended above Hamilton Island’s marina, this architectural monument is a fabulous place for a sunset spritz.

    Just a few steps inside is Bommie Restaurant, the contemporary Australian fine dining establishment headed by chef Ryan Locke. Of anywhere on the island, this is the place to frock up and celebrate a special occasion – especially if theatrical culinary experiences take your fancy. The tasting set menu is a whirlwind of native Australian flavours and creative plating – with highlights including the cured venison wrapped in wattle seed seasoning. For dessert, a clever take on white chocolate and lemonade ends the night on a high.

    Day 3

    Morning

    A couple gliding across calm waters on SUP boards together.
    Ease into the morning with a paddleboarding adventure. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Another low-key morning means another blissful breakfast at Beach Club. This time, it’s smashed avo toast topped with Persian fetta, dukkah and poached eggs – a deliciously fueling start to the day.

    The weather today is perfect for a paddle, so we walk straight from our room onto the sand of Catseye Beach to pick up some SUP boards. Guests of Beach Club receive complimentary non-motorised water sports equipment, spanning everything from mini catamarans to snorkel gear and kayaks. Finding our balance on the boards is a fun challenge at first, but before long, we’re gliding across the glassy water like naturals.

    Afternoon

    A helicopter soaring above the iconic Heart Reef.
    Add the ultimate highlight with a Heart Reef flight together. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    No couples’ retreat is complete without a touch of pampering. Located in the resort area, Spa Wumurdaylin offers everything from body wraps and facials to de-stress massages using natural Australian products. The Soul Temple treatment begins with a heavenly feeling sugar scrub, followed by a Vichy vertical shower and underwater massage. I leave in a daze.

    If you prefer adventure to relaxation, there is an abundance of day trips from Hamilton Island, from snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef to Whitsundays helicopter tours – all of which make for unforgettable experiences that will bring you and your partner closer.

    Evening

    A couple standing at qualia, gazing out over the endless ocean horizon.
    Close your journey over a beautiful dinner by the sea. (Image: Sharyn Cains)

    Enjoy an elevated evening at qualia’s tranquil Pebble Beach restaurant, where a private beach setting complements the thoughtful, seasonal menu. Or perhaps continue relaxing at Beach Club, feasting on roast lamb and seafood at the poolside restaurant or soaking in ocean views from your room with in-house room delivery. And don’t forget the champagne – a weekend of love, fun and restoration is worth toasting.

    Getting there

    Hamilton Island has its own airport called the Great Barrier Reef Airport, which makes it fuss-free to get to. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar offer short, direct flights from most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. This means you’ll spend less time travelling and more time enjoying each other’s company.

    Visit hamitlonisland.com.au for more couples’ retreat ideas.