Byron Bay is bordered on one side by beautiful coastline and the other by magnificent rainforests and is ideally positioned as a centre for relaxation and activity. Situated at the easternmost point in Australia, this stylish coastal village enjoys a subtropical climate with clean air, crystal clear water and pristine beaches. In today’s hectic world it also offers a chance to escape from the mundane and immerse yourself in wellness activities such as yoga and meditation or simply chill out on the beach. Those wanting to experience the natural surroundings can partake in activities such as kayaking with the dolphins, snorkelling and scuba diving or head inland to discover world heritage national parks and lush rainforests. While the adventurous can try tandem skydiving, horse riding along the beach, hang gliding or windsurfing. Surfing is also popular and the beaches in Byron Bay offer some excellent options, even for beginners.
The local cuisine is superb and cafes, bistros and award winning restaurants abound. The retail experience is uniquely Byron, with local artisans, and crafts people supported in a diverse range of outlets alongside internationally renowned brands. You can browse the local markets or visit one of the surrounding villages, such as Bangalow, which has a sophisticated yet rustic vibe. The area truly does offer something for everyone from great surf to peaceful rainforests and luxury experiences to spiritual development.
Kangaroo Island (“Ki” to the locals) is Australia’s third largest island and a well-known haven for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a retreat. The island lies around 112 km southwest of Adelaide and is almost two thirds protected by reserves and national parks. There are also many cafés and restaurants that serve fresh local fare. The island’s main focus is on eco-tourism and you’ll find flawless beaches along the coastline such as Vivonne Bay, which was crowned Australia’s best beach in 2003. Island Beach is another remote oasis, where kangaroos, seals, dolphins and various birds are found in abundance, while the west coast of Flinders Chase National Park is home to the iconic granite boulders known as Remarkable Rocks.
Once known as the ‘City of Churches’, Adelaide is today better recognised for its sophistication, charm and cosmopolitan feel. South Australia’s capital is a hub of festivals and art galleries. It enjoys a vibrant night life and live-music scene plus there’s plenty of shopping (including gorgeous opals) to be done, and gastronomic delights to be enjoyed. Pop into the Art Gallery of South Australia to view indigenous art, or the South Australian Museum devoted to natural history, take an amble in the Adelaide Botanic Garden, or if you’re up for a hike, find out about the trails on the Mount Lofty Ranges.
A sleepy fishing village in the 60s, Port Douglas has evolved into a sophisticated modern town and a more serene alternative to nearby Cairns for exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Hailed as a scuba-diving and snorkelling paradise, this resort destination on the Coral Sea in North Queensland offers miles of pristine palm-lined beaches, and plenty of shopping, wining and dining experiences. A short distance out of town, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge are not to be missed.
Idyllically located off the northern coast of Queensland in the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus Island is a national park boasting some of the best diving on earth, as well as world-class restaurants at its resort, and easy access to the nearby Hinchinbrook Island. The remote island's top dive sites are home to thousands of fish species, and visitors can also enjoy the marine life by going snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, or simply swimming in the calm, warm, turquoise waters. Housing a single resort that only takes around 25 people at a time, the island presents a unique experience of feeling remote and private while offering a five-star luxury experience, including outstanding cuisine and excellent spa services. There are several beautiful walking paths on Orpheus Island, and day trips to the magnificent Hinchirenbrook Island provide guests with further breathtaking nature trails to explore.
Set along Australia's southeastern coast, Sydney is one of Australia's largest cities and serves as the capital of New South Wales. No matter what you fancy – shopping, the arts, the outdoors – you’re likely to be bewildered by the scope of choice available here. First up, there are the must-sees – iconic Sydney Opera House; Harbour Bridge, where visitors can climb while hearing about Sydney history; and the Sydney Tower which provides spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Explore the photogenic waterside hubs of Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, and the Rocks district; or delve into the larger-than-life music and food scenes of the metropolis after dark. For more laid-back diversions, head down to the beach or hop on a ferry for an extensive tour of Sydney Harbour and the gorgeous Parramatta River.
