Oz bucket list destinations that will rock your world in 2015
When I think of my ultimate holiday, I go straight to two things; adventure and the beach!
I consider myself a savvy traveller; hunting down luxe for less and exploring ways to squeeze the most out of my time on holidays. But when the top two results from our recent Bucket List destination survey reveal everything I want in a holiday I’ve got to ask ‘Why haven’t I been smart enough to explore the best of my own backyard yet?
Speaking of these results, with Australia Day around the bend, we’re celebrating and revealing our very own countdown, the top 10 ‘ Aussie bucket list’ destinations.
The top 10 destinations that Australian’s haven’t visited yet, but hope to one day are:
1. Uluru, NT:
Ride a camel, sip champagne while watching The Rock’s sunset glow, explore the mystical Kata Tjuta, a visit to Uluru is all about adventure and outback escapism. Ayers Rock Resort has a variety of accommodation options from budget to luxe offerings.
2. Great Barrier Reef, QLD:
This world heritage listed destination is home to thousands of tropical fish, turtles and dolphins. Opt to stay at one of the tropical North’s main towns, Port Douglas or Cairns for easy access to the reef.
3. The Kimberley, WA
The location to many of the scenes of Baz Lurhman’s romantic outback film, Australia, The Kimberley is home to incredible water holes, a crocodile or two, breathtaking gorges and of course the aqua coastal waters of the Indian Ocean. Stay in coastal Broome or outback Kununurra.
4. The Whitsundays, QLD
If your idea of a bucket list holiday equals tropical cocktails by the pool, picnics on secluded beaches and sunsets to die for, then The Whitsundays is for you. Stay at world famous Hamilton Island or one of the regions smaller island resorts, such as Daydream Island.
5. Kakadu National Park
Ditch the big city smoke and head for Kakadu in 2015, Australia’s largest national park. Just a few hours from Darwin lies croc-spotting adventures, incredible indigienous history and outback waterfalls and swim holes (safe from the crocs!). Get into the local wildlife spirit and stay at the croc shaped Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel.
6. Margaret River Region, WA
What’s the time? Wine time! Margaret River sits high on the list of our foodie and wine lovers, with hundreds of world class wineries and resturants in this little pocket of the world. The best part is that this is one of the few Australian wine regions which leads straight from the grape vine to the ocean line, spend your mornings at the beach and afternoons wine tasting and nomming on local produce – bliss!
7. Lord Howe Island, NSW
This tiny little island offers a VIP feel to it’s visitors, only allowing 400 holiday makers on the island at one time. Spend your days hiking, scuba diving, fishing, paddleboarding or just relaxing on the beach with a good book.
8. Wineglass Bay, TAS
Located on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula, this little piece of paradise has been named one of the top ten beaches in the world. Soak up the deserted beaches, colourful rocks, and delish local seafood.
Tasteful tip: don’t miss the local regions oysters! LML Nicole shows us how it’s done by showing off her shucking skills here.
9. Great Ocean Road, VIC
Aussies love a good old fashioned road trip and the Great Ocean Road is well-known as one of the best. Wind through the long coastal roads, stop off at cute seaside villages and rise early to see the beautiful 12 Apostles at sunrise. Stay along the way at any of the cute B&B’s, guesthouses or boutique hotels.
Task the back seat in LML Shauna’s car on her recent trip here.
10. Kangaroo Island, SA
Nestled off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island (aka KI) is a sweet destination for a digital detox , a place to get back to nature and enjoy the ‘real Australia’. Home to plenty of local wildlife, from sea lions, to penguins, echidnas and koalas, Kangaroo Island has a range of budget, mid range and luxury accommodation options on offer.
* Results based on to lastminute.com.au’s 2015, which surveyed 4100+ Australians.
Great post Bec. The locations are amazing, I am sure even the hotels in Townsville must be interesting too that offer accommodations with spectacular views.