Australia is a country brimming with contrasts. Where old meets new, desert shoulders jungle, wildlife thrives and people welcome you with open arms. A holiday to Australia as a traveller over 50, whether you’re travelling as a couple or with your family, is an unforgettable experience. Here we round up just some of Australia’s destination highlights:
Destination highlights for holidays to Australia for over 50s, couples & families:
New South Wales
Endless coasts, cosmopolitan cities, lush bushland; you can find all of this and more in New South Wales. The jewel in the crown is Sydney, where you can feast in some of Australia’s finest restaurants and be dazzled by the iconic harbour. All around Sydney, you’ll find beautiful beaches; from bohemian Byron Bay to the North of the state to Bondi Beach in Sydney. There’s also Palm Beach located on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and further South, you’ll find Jervis Bay, where you can find excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. Other stops you should consider for your New South Wales itinerary include the Blue Mountains, where you can explore rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and eucalyptus forests and the Hunter Valley, a beautiful region that produces some of the most delicious wines in the world.
Queensland
Queensland is a diverse and vast state with a whole cornucopia of things to see and do. Start in the north and visit the Great Barrier Reef. One of the world’s natural wonders, you can take a boat trip, snorkel, or scuba dive to see the incredible coral formations and marine life. Also in the North, you’ll find the Daintree Rainforest, home to an incredible array of flora and fauna. Queensland is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, including Surfers Paradise, Noosa, and the Whitsunday Islands. Also worth factoring into any trip to Australia is the Great Sunshine Way, a scenic drive that takes you from Brisbane to Cairns, passing through quaint coastal towns and national parks.
Victoria
Any family holiday to Australia should involve a trip to Melbourne. This vibrant city is awash with spectacular graffiti art, great restaurants, and shopping. Don’t miss Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Melbourne Museum. Victoria is where you’ll also find the Great Ocean Road which is one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, passing by stunning ocean views, rock formations, and quaint seaside towns. Visit the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Otway National Park. Not far from Melbourne is the Yarra Valley, a wine region known for its cool climate wines and stunning scenery. Also within driving distance from Melbourne is Phillip Island, where you can watch the Penguin Parade and visit the Koala Conservation Centre.
South Australia
South Australia is a fantastic destination for a family holiday to Australia. If you’re basing yourself in Adelaide be sure to visit Adelaide Zoo, where you’ll find over 1,800 animals from around the world. Grandparents and grandchildren won’t want to miss the daily zookeeper talks and animal education. In the heart of the city is the Adelaide Botanic Garden with a range of gardens and green spaces to explore. Beyond Adelaide, South Australia has some of the best beaches in Australia, including Glenelg, Semaphore, and Aldinga Beach for a day of swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Travellers of all ages are sure to enjoy the wealth of outdoor activities the Adelaide Hills has to offer. Spend a day driving through the beautiful landscape and take in stops at Hahndorf, the Beerenberg Farm, or the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden along the way. The Barossa Valley is a great destination for families with plenty of wineries, food experiences, and outdoor fun. Visit the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, the Maggie Beer Farm Shop, or go off-grid on a family bike ride.
Western Australia
From sunset cruises through pearl farms to exploring the Nambung National Park, Western Australia has a lot to offer couples over 50 and families looking for a fulfilling holiday in Australia. Take a wine tour in Margaret River or go on a food trail to sample some of the many delights the region has to offer. Take a whale-watching tour from Perth, Augusta or Albany, and see these magnificent creatures up close. To really appreciate the scale and grandeur of Western Australia, take to the skies on a flight over the Kimberley where you’ll be able to see the region’s rugged landscapes and remote communities from a bird’s eye view.
Northern Territory
With its rich indigenous culture and stunning natural landscapes, the Northern Territory is popular for holidays for over 50s, touring holidays as well as holidays to Australia for families. Start by visiting Uluru. This is an iconic natural landmark in the heart of the Northern Territory. Take a guided tour, watch the sunrise or sunset, or go on a walk around the base with an indigenous local guide. Explore Arnhem Land, a remote wilderness area in the Northern Territory, known for its rich indigenous culture and stunning landscapes. Take a guided tour, visit the Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre, or go fishing or camping in the area. If you’re looking for a city fix, Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, with a rich multicultural heritage and vibrant arts scene.
Tasmania
Tasmania is a unique and beautiful island state of Australia, known for its windswept natural beauty, rich history, and delicious food and wine. Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, with a rich colonial history and stunning waterfront. Visit the Salamanca Market, go on a walking tour of the historic Battery Point area, or explore the waterfront and take a ferry to the nearby MONA museum. In the heart of Tasmania is Cradle Mountain, an area of natural beauty with alpine landscapes, diverse wildlife, and great hiking opportunities. Foodies won’t be disappointed in Tasmania as it’s known for its delicious local produce and world-class wines. Take a tour of the Coal River Valley wine region, visit the Bruny Island Cheese Company, or go on a food tour of Hobart’s local markets and restaurants.
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