6 Amazing Australian Travel Destinations
to Help you Switch Off and Relax
Australia is a continent that is home to some of the most breathtaking sights you’ll ever encounter. Its rugged beauty, exotic wildlife, warm and welcoming people and amazing dining experiences are just some of the reasons why you should plan your next vacation to visit the Land Down Under.
Out of all the numerous places you can see, we have included some of the best, in our opinion. These places can offer both much needed relaxation, and some adrenaline-packed adventure not for the faint of heart.
The Beach Town Torquay
Said to be the surfing capital of Australia, and the starting point of the Great Ocean Road, this charming beach town has a lot to offer for those seeking adventure. From surfing, kayaking, skydiving, and cycling, Torquay is perfect for outdoor activity enthusiasts.
Not to mention the breathtaking landscape, and the view is even better from a Tiger Moth plane, if you enjoy flying. There is even something for those who prefer a good drop, since Torquay has a lot of wineries where you can go wine tasting.
Dunsborough, Western Australia
What are some things to do in Dunsborough? Whale watching of course! The town is a hotspot for whale enthusiasts and anybody looking to experience something a little different. Daily boat tours take you off the coast of Dunsborough to see the biggest animal in the world.
The area is also home to some of the nicest beaches in the country and to hiking trails with breathtaking views. If you are an adventurous person, Dunsborough will have everything you are looking for.
The Twelve Apostles
Another mind-boggling nature’s wonder is the Twelve Apostles, alongside Australia’s famous Great Ocean Road. You’ll see twelve limestone pillars that were once connected to the shore, but were separated by wind and water erosion – first they were carved into caves, then arches, and eventually battered them down into 45-meter (150-foot) tall columns. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the location via a helicopter ride that is available for tourists.
Depending on the length of your ride, you may also see some other natural formations in the area, like Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, the Grotto, the Bay of Islands, and the entire Shipwreck Coast all the way to Cape Otway, where the oldest lighthouse in Australia still stands.
Apollo Bay
Another unforgettable beach you ought to visit on your next road trip is undoubtedly the Apollo Bay Beach. Voted repeatedly as one of the best beaches in Australia, and by no surprise – it’s perfect for swimming and surfing, with big steady waves that grow in size as you head north. If you head slightly west of Apollo Bay, you’ll come across Marengo Beach, with endless rock pools to explore as well as the opportunity to kayak towards a local colony of Australian fur seals.
And that isn’t the end of wildlife exploration here in Apollo Bay; one could say that this place is koala Disneyland. Since there is so much to see and do, we recommend you stay a bit longer. Here are some ideas for a Great Ocean Road accommodation, depending on the rest of your trip. Make sure that you also stop by the Mackenzie Falls in the Grampians, one of Victoria’s largest waterfalls that flows generously all year round, they will surely photograph well.
Magnetic Island, Townsville
All these fun adventures are great for adrenaline junkies, but there are places to visit in Australia if your only goal is to de-stress and relax with a drink in your hand. An easy 20-minute-long ferry ride from Townsville will take you to the aptly named Magnetic Island, home to breathtaking views and adorable koala bears.
Five-star resorts, kilometers of beaches surrounded by palm trees, an abundance of wildlife to see – what’s not to love? Just make sure that you plan ahead where you want to stay and how you will move across the island.
Bay of Fires, Tasmania
Turquoise water, white sand and boulders covered in fiery-orange lichen; you can only imagine what a sight that would be. Well, if you visit the Bay of Fires, you’ll no longer have to imagine it, you can go and see it yourself. One of the hottest travel destinations, especially if you’re a newbie and have never been there, this tranquil place will give you the chance to relax and take in scenery you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
Here you can have a relaxing day of swimming, snorkeling, exploring the region’s crystal-clear lagoons, inlets and bays or leaving your footprints along the endless stretches of perfectly white sand.
Maria Island, Tasmania
Those who seek to explore the nature of Tasmania are in for a treat – Maria Island is home to some of the most unique and breathtaking views on the planet. After arriving on the Maria Island ferry, start your exploration at Darlington Probation Station – a World Heritage Australian Convict Site. From Darlington, continue your Maria Island discovery by weaving along the numerous trails on foot or by bike and leave your ordinary life behind.
Spectacular cliffs wrap around the eastern side of Maria Island, providing a perfect vantage point for watching birds dive and swoop into the ocean. And you may even be lucky to spot some whales during their annual migration.
Wrapping up
Undoubtedly all the places alongside the Great Ocean Road are worth visiting, as well as Tasmania, Melbourne, and many, many more locations scattered across the continent. Here we included a handful for which we believe are definitely worth your time.
The raw beauty of nature, incredible dining experiences and plenty of well-organized activities are at your disposal, all you have to do is pack and open yourself up to new exciting experiences.
Written by Derek Lotts