If you have moved from the UK, it’s probably only after you’ve lived in Australia for some time that you start to appreciate the sheer vastness of the country.
After all, if it were overlaid on a map of Europe, it would stretch from Portugal to Finland, and from the north of Scotland to Turkey.
Given the size of the country, it’s understandable that there is an incredible range of places to visit when it comes to taking holidays. All with the big advantage that you won’t need your passport!
With so many potential destinations on offer, it can be hard to decide where to go, so here are some ideas for you to consider.
1. Cairns, Queensland
If you have a “things to see” bucket list, the Great Barrier Reef is likely near the top of it.
From a holiday perspective, one of the best destinations to access it is the coastal town of Cairns in north Queensland.
As well as using it as a base to explore the amazing underwater scenery, either by scuba diving, snorkelling, or from a glass-bottomed boat, it’s also a great resort for a family holiday.
The adventures can continue inland, as well as out at sea, with a tour around the Daintree Rainforest.
There’s also the Wildlife Dome, where, as the name suggests, you can encounter local wildlife as well as test your fitness and nerve on rope courses and zip lines.
On top of all that, it’s a great traditional holiday resort with loads to do if you have children.
2. Gold Coast, Queensland
Further down the Queensland coast, the endless beaches and laid-back lifestyle of the Gold Coast provide a typical Australian holiday for British expats.
It’s the perfect location for families with a choice of beaches spread over almost 70 km of coastline.
As well as the beaches, there are a range of US-style theme parks, such as Dreamworld, Movie World, and Sea World, where you can enjoy thrilling rides, animal encounters, and live shows.
As with Cairns, there’s plenty to do when you’re tired of the beach, with bushwalks, waterfalls, and stunning scenery a few miles inland.
3. Byron Bay, New South Wales
Continuing less than two hours drive down the east coast you’ll find Byron Bay.
This is very different to the commercial hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast, as it offers a far more laid-back coastal vibe which has been compared to Brighton and Devon.
Having said that, there is no lack of family-friendly activities, with plenty of excellent restaurants and cafes as well as sandy beaches. There are also plenty of markets where you can spend ages browsing the local produce.
As with the Gold Coast and Cairns, you’ll find plenty to do inland including wildlife sanctuaries, and the popular Cape Byron Track that goes through rainforest, beaches, and grassland.
4. Rottnest Island, Western Australia
On the other side of the country, you’ll find Rottnest Island, which is as big favourite of colleagues in our Perth office, along with many expats who have made Western Australia their home.
It’s one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia with thousands of families visiting every year.
It’s just a half-hour ferry ride from the mainland and offers a great range of beaches and bays for snorkelling and swimming.
If you’re seeking activity and a bit of excitement with your sunshine and beaches, there are a range options including skydiving and kayaking.
In addition to all that, you can’t visit “Rotto” without getting up close and personal with the most famous residents, the quokkas -small marsupials known for their ‘permanent smiles’!
Quokkas are only found on Rottnest Island. The island got its name from Dutch explorers as they believed the quokkas to be big rats, so “Rattenest” or rat’s nest.
5. Kalbarri, Western Australia
As we were putting this list together we asked our colleagues for suggestions and Ané Lindenbaum in our Perth office recommended Kalbarri.
It’s a resort town at the mouth of the Murchison River, about six hours drive from Perth. It’s renowned for its seaside cliffs, estuary beach, and wild pelicans.
Ané went there with her family recently and has said that it’s like a real getaway from reality. There’s fishing and swimming, then playing cards and board games to escape the midday sun!
Kalbarri National Park is a short drive out of town. The coastline there is home to resident dolphins and seasonal humpback whales. It also has great walking trails where, as Ané suggests, you can really escape and switch off from your busy work routine.
6. Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
For the final destination on this list, we head back east to Queensland’s central coast.
The Whitsundays are nothing less than a tropical paradise. Furthermore, they are actually set amid the Great Barrier Reef, so you’ll find a world of colour and wonder amongst the coral as you scuba or snorkel in the area.
As you would expect, there are plenty of secluded beaches and a great range of top-class restaurants where you can relax after a day on the water or on the beach.
As well as diving, there are also other potential bucket-list items you can indulge in including flying over the Heart Reef and swimming with turtles, or taking an island cruise. Why not check out this useful podcast about choosing the best cruise, put together by our friends at SmartSteps to Australia.
This just highlights a few of the many places to visit in Australia. We’re sure you’ll also find your own favourites as you start to explore this vast and varied country.
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