This week, it was announced that Qantas and Jetstar would begin reopening domestic flight routes this month as travel restrictions slowly ease, and Australian holiday destinations open back up.
Qantas officials announced the airline would be doubling its existing domestic schedule, with more than 300 return flights restarting by the end of June.
It’s great news for the suffering Australian tourism industry, and it’s equally-as-exciting for us Aussies stuck in isolation and craving a seachange.
Here are a handful of incredible Australian holiday destinations to inspire your post-pandemic holiday:
NSW
Blue Mountains
Just 50km North West of Sydney you’ll find the Blue Mountains. With rugged scenery, steep cliffs, eucalyptus forests, waterfalls and countless bushwalking trails, it’s the perfect weekend out of the big smoke.
South Coast
NSW’s South Coast is full of gems. Travel down the spectacular coastline and stop in at the famous Kiama Blowhole, see Shoalhaven’s White Sands walk and the dolphins of Jervis Bay or go whale watching at NSW’s southern tip, the Sapphire Coast.
Southern Highlands
If you’re a fan of wining and dining, NSW’s Southern Highlands is a must-visit Australian holiday destination. Eat in style at one of Bowral’s many elegant eateries, visit the picturesque villages of Berrima and Robertson, and take in the jaw-dropping views of Fitzroy Falls.
VIC
Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley is just 25km from Melbourne’s CBD, and it’s a food and wine lover’s dream. Here, you can take early morning balloon flights, spend the afternoon winery hopping, and meet the country’s furry friends at Healesville Sanctuary.
Mornington Peninsula
At Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula you can visit fragrant lavender farms and hedge mazes, dive, fish and swim with the dolphins, and gorge on fresh seafood and beautiful wine.
Great Ocean Road
They don’t call it the ‘Great’ Ocean Road for nothing. Here you’ll find the 12 Apostles, get up close and personal with Victorian wildlife, breathe in the fresh ocean air and enjoy misty rainforest walks. Not to mention the incredible galleries and museums on offer.
QLD
Fraser Island
Did you know that Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island? It’s a World Heritage-listed island featuring ancient sand dunes and crystal clear freshwater lakes and creeks. Lush rainforests are home to native flora and fauna, just a 40-minute boat ride from Hervey Bay.
Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba boasts white sands, blue waters, and breathtaking natural beauty only made more magnificent by The Wharf’s precinct of endless food, drink, entertainment and adventure activities.
Coolangatta
In Queensland’s iconic Gold Coast, you’ll find Coolangatta, a trendy coastal town where you can enjoy beach sunsets, take in the surfing comps of Snapper Rocks, shop at the Sanctuary Markets and swim in pristine waters at the Currumbin Rock Pools.
NT
Litchfield National Park
If you’re the outdoorsy type, pop Northern Territory’s Litchfield National Park on your bucket list. It’s home to stunning waterfalls, relaxing waterholes and magnificent termite mounds, perfect for camping, hiking and four-wheel drives.
Tiwi Islands
Tiwi Islands or the ‘Island of Smiles,’ comprises of both Bathurst and Melville islands located 80km North of Darwin. Here you can learn about Aboriginal arts culture, see fishing lodges, and take in coastal landscapes and breathtaking sunsets.
Alice Springs
Alice Springs is the personification of the Australian outback. It features stunning landscapes, remote communities and a rich history. Here you can enjoy camel riding, hiking, cycling, hot air ballooning and more.
SA
Barossa Valley
Another one for the wannabe wine experts out there, South Australia’s Barossa Valley is the perfect big city escape. 60km Northeast of Adelaide’s City Centre, the Barossa Valley is one of the world’s great wine growing areas with more than 150 winners and 80 cellar doors. It’s also absolutely stunning.
Adelaide Hills
This Winter, Adelaide Hills is all about snuggling up by the fire at a cosy B&B, cycling or walking one of the region’s many trails, gazing at the stars on a camping trip, or enjoying all the local produce, beer, wine, cider and spirits on offer.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is home to 509km of coastline, native bushland, wildlife, adventure and exploring. Here, you’ll see adorable sea-lions basking on white beaches, stay in beautiful seaside accommodation, discover unique island delights and soak up the serenity.
WA
Rottnest Island
18km west of Fremantle you’ll find Rottnest Island, an island getaway featuring some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and bays.
Margaret River
Margaret River is full of towering forests, pristine coastlines and rugged granite outcrops, making it the perfect Western Australian getaway.
Exmouth
Fancy snorkelling alongside whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales? You need to check Exmouth, situated at the northern gateway to the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area.
TAS
Mt Wellington
Wellington Park is a natural reserve located on the doorstep of Tassie’s capital city, Hobart, and features cool forested gullies, historic walking tracks, horse riding, mountain biking and four-wheel driving.
Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain is located in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and is home to ancient rainforests, deep river gorges, snow-covered mountain peaks, glacial lakes and breathtaking views.
Freycinet National Park
Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park will stun you with its pink granite peaks, secluded bays and white sandy beaches. For budding photographers, you won’t want to miss the breathtaking views from Wineglass Bay, the Hazards Range, Cooks Beach, Bryans Beach and more.
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