Where the Australian Traveller team think you should travel in 2025

Buckle up for an unforgettable Aussie adventure.

The Australian Traveller team has, unsurprisingly, travelled all around Australia. From sun-drenched coastal havens to the rugged outback, the team has traversed the continent and been in awe of the diverse destinations. There are so many beautiful places to discover, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming. So where should you put on your map for 2025?

Below, the team are using their expert knowledge to highlight where we think you should head this year—the special spots that embody Australia’s beauty and spirit.

Adelaide, SA

Quentin Long, Co-founder

Adelaide Fringe Festival — Adelaide Fringe transforms the city into a cultural playground (Image: joeyjoenes)

Adelaide is the forgotten, overlooked and flown-over Australian city no more. The place that has quietly promised so much for so long is tweaking my antennae as the next Tassie. Known for its embarrassing abundance of food and wine, it’s the kind of place where every pub has a wine list the envy of any Sydney or Melbourne restaurant but a lot is going on beyond just the plethora of gluttony opportunities.

With the incredible success of events like Gather Round, LIV Golf, and the Adelaide Fringe regaining its mojo, Adelaide is just one MONA away from becoming the top destination for Aussies seeking a great, indulgent long weekend away. I want to be part of this before the chattering classes of Melbourne and Sydney arrive and inflate prices by an extra 10-15 per cent.

Sunvale Lodge, Capertee, NSW

Katie Carlin, Head of Content

I’m continuing to lean into off-grid getaways in 2025 and a standout from my travels last year was a couple of nights spent just beyond the Blue Mountains in Capertee at Sunvale – a luxe eco-retreat nestled within the 2428-hectare Turon Gates property.

It’s perfect for group getaways (it sleeps eight people) and is nearly 100 per cent solar-powered (except for the gas stove) and features a large deck with a wood-fired hot tub.

I find being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Aussie bush such a refreshing experience and the bifold doors in the living area, bedrooms and main bathroom made it so easy to bring the outside in.

Aside from the gorgeous accommodation you get to spend your time kayaking, horse riding and hiking – it’s truly the mid-year refresher you need! I recommend booking in autumn so you can take full advantage of the fireplace and hot tub.

Kakadu National Park, NT

Imogen Eveson, Print Editor

Yellow Water Cruises sunset Kakadu — Join a sunset cruise with Yellow Water Cruises.

A vast living landscape in the Northern Territory’s Top End, Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park. Here, waterfalls tumble over soaring escarpments, floodplains stretch to the horizon, wildlife proliferates and at least 65,000 years of First Nations culture is felt vividly through age-old rock art and contemporary storytelling. It’s a bucket-list-worthy destination in our own backyard. And many of us don’t even realise it.

A cruise of the Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) wetlands encapsulates all that is magical here: water birds dance in a choreographed ballet. Buffaloes pad along the banks of the billabong. Saltwater crocs lurk in the shallows.

And, with Territory fresh in our minds (scenes from the Netflix hit were filmed here) and ever-expanding ways to experience Kakadu (from new cultural tours to accommodation), now is the time to go. Opt for a dry season adventure (May–October), when most of the top attractions are accessible, or a tropical summer sojourn (November–April), when rains turn the landscape lush and green and scenic flights offer windows over thundering cascades.

The icing on the cake? Kakadu is easily accessible from Darwin – which we’ve recently pegged as Australia’s coolest capital. Get there before the rest of the country cottons on.

Kangaroo Island, SA

Lauren de Sousa, Art Director

If getting back to nature and travelling slowly is high on your list for 2025, a trip to Kangaroo Island is a must for anyone seeking pristine landscape and an abundance of wildlife. Over a third of the island is protected national park, so be prepared for rolling green hills, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and plenty of koalas, kangaroos, and sea lions. In fact, it’s the most I’ve seen in the wild anywhere in Australia.

Looking to experience a more adventurous stay? I recommend trying out one of the many great walking trails and hikes on the island (we checked out Remarkable Rocks on the south-west coast of the island). If a little luxury is more your pace, why not stay, dine or relax at the Southern Ocean Lodge, which celebrates local and native products and ingredients.

Be prepared to end each day with a vibrant sunset, enjoying a drink around an outdoor fire pit and sleeping to the sounds of the wild. Overall, total serenity.

Broome, WA

Kassia Byrnes, Native Content Editor

Before heading to Broome, all I really knew about the place was its small size, affinity with camels and pearling history – but there’s so much more to discover. Don’t get me wrong, Cable Beach at sunset is truly magical with classic reds, whites and blues of the land. But add to that actual dinosaur footprints, an ever-growing number of delicious cafes and restaurants, a unique Indigenous history (and a vibrant town that is very open about it) and, of course, a Matso’s Mango Beer and this is hands down the best place in Australia.

The Tweed, NSW

Rachael Thompson, Evergreen Editor

If you’re a foodie, I can’t recommend heading to The Tweed enough. Lush green valleys meet the sparkling coastline in this underrated region, also a culinary destination thanks to its subtropical climate and fertile soils.

There is an abundance of brilliant places to eat and drink, but a few highlights are: Husk Distillery, known for its colour-changing Ink gin; Harvey Cheese, a dairy lover’s dream; and Bistro Livi, which has been recognised as one of Australia’s best regional restaurants. For something special, book an Indigenous Lunch Cruise where you will cruise down the Tweed River while tucking into a two-course bush foods-inspired lunch with local Indigenous flavours.

It’s also worth heading to the region for the Savour The Tweed festival which is slated to run during October/November and will celebrate local produce, chefs, distillers, brewers, and First Nations storytellers.

K’gari, Qld

Emily Murphy, Social Media Manager & Writer

Illumina uses cutting-edge light and sound technology to illuminate the island’s landscape. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

K’gari has always been a favourite destination of mine, with visits in both 2023 and 2024 igniting my love for this special place. But 2025 is the perfect year to rediscover this World Heritage-listed paradise. The launch of Illumina last year has reimagined the island, inviting both first-timers and past visitors to see it in a whole new light – much like Uluṟu after Field of Light. This immersive, storytelling installation, paired with the island’s Butchulla heritage, feels like stepping into a living legend. Add to that the magic of swimming with humpback whales and spotting marine life along its pristine shores, and K’gari is an adventure I can’t wait to revisit.

Red Centre, NT

Elizabeth Whitehead, Senior Writer

At Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, 550 million years of geological history meet the spiritual landscape of the Anangu people. (Image: Tourism NT)

Most Australians I speak to have travelled all over the world, but comparatively few have been to the Red Centre! I was in this demographic until last year when a last-minute trip to Uluṟu and the Red Centre completely blew me away. This journey to Australia’s spiritual heart was a truly transformative experience and I regret not taking it sooner. I know all the excuses. Yes, it’s far away and remote, but if you can get to Fiji or Bali, you can get to the Red Centre. If you haven’t been yet, no more excuses in 2025!

The Tarkine, Tas

Taylah Darnell, Editorial Assistant

The spectacular Trowutta Arch. (Image: Sean Scott Photography)

If you’re looking for somewhere to rest and recharge amongst nature, you should definitely be heading down to Tassie – particularly the stunning (and mostly crowdless) Tarkine/Takanya region in the state’s north-west. It’s around a three-hour drive from Launceston, which is an adventure in itself thanks to the pit stops along the way. I’d recommend dropping by the Ashgrove Cheese Dairy Door (think a winery, but for cheese). It’s 100 per cent Tasmanian-owned and run by a local family – truly the definition of fresh, hyperlocal produce.

Step out of the car once you reach the Tarkine and you’ll immediately understand why I love this place. With its ancient rainforests, crisp fresh air, craggy coastline and peaceful solitude, it’s a soul-healing kind of place. During my time in the Tarkine, I based myself in the tiny town of Stanley, known for its famed seafood restaurant , cosy BnBs and millennia-old rocky bluff called The Nut. Whether you trek it solo or go with a guide, I can almost guarantee you’ll leave a little piece of your heart here.

A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating.

Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned.

Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world.

Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria — Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves.

The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.

Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions.

Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.

Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed — Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)

As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene.

Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure.

The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po , where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls.

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed , the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles.

Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

pink Lake Tyrrel, Wimmera Mallee, Victoria Australia — Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)

Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes.

Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell , which turns pink during wet and warm conditions.

The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden.

And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic.

Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

border inn in the Wimmera Mallee — Meet the locals at Border Inn.

As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area.

The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality.

The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green. For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.

A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times.

Wimmera Mallee accommodation

Fulham Homestead in wimmera mallee — Escape to Fulham Homestead.

If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest. After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge , also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway.

For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning.

The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike.

If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre.

Annual events

Wimmera Mallee Nhill Aviation Museum — Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.

You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again.

Each year, the Lake Chalegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark.

Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival , a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show , which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj , a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community.

From the quirky to the tasty, start planning at visitwimmeramallee.com.au