10 worldly travel destinations to explore in Australia

ARTICLE

09 November 2023

3 min read

Want to scratch your travel itch but can’t justify the cost of an overseas adventure? Here are 10 spots in Australia to rival those you can find at the end of a long-haul flight.

With burgeoning costs of living, an overseas trip might sit a little outside of the budget right now. After all, if you’re focusing your money and resources on eating well, living well and being well, overseas travel might move further down the list of essentials.

Holidays bring benefits to our wellbeing¹, so the good news is you don’t have to travel far to get your dose of different scenery. Despite being closer to home, these 10 Australian destinations measure up to their popular international counterparts.

Don’t forget, AIA Vitality members can receive a status-based cashback of up to 50% on two Virgin Australia flight bookings (one international and one domestic) each membership year. There are also simple steps you can take to improve your financial wellbeing so you can get more out of life (and your budget).

Sydney instead of New York City

Forget the High Line. Discover the Goods Line, a similar elevated urban walkway with leafy seating zones, workout spaces and table tennis tables, right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. In fact, the entire city of Sydney – with its enviable beach-side location, world-class food scene and picturesque harbour – holds its own among the world’s best metropolises, including the Big Apple.

Barossa Valley instead of Burgundy

Burgundy in France is known for its world-class red wine, and so is the Barossa Valley, just an hour north of Adelaide. Explore rolling vineyards, picturesque lookouts, and gorgeous gardens, as well as a fantastic food scene. As a bonus, stop in at Hahndorf (an hour south of Barossa) for a taste of German village life.

The Gold Coast instead of California

California’s Venice Beach is famous for its bronzed bodybuilders, racy rollerbladers and other colourful characters. Well, we have a similar scene here in Australia – Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast. Where else will you find Meter Maids dressed in tiaras helping unsuspecting drivers avoid parking fines? You’ll also find palm trees, movie lots and theme parks to rival Disneyland.

Tasmania instead of Norway

Are the Northern Lights on your bucket list? If so, consider their Southern alternative: Aurora Australis. Commonly seen during winter, this magnificent natural light show can be observed from any clear vantage point in Tasmania. Like Norway, Tasmania also has impressive mountainous coastlines, a cool climate and plenty of breathtaking spots for a hike.

Melbourne instead of Berlin

If you’re looking for an artistic hub where you can cycle around the city and dance until dawn, make your way to Melbourne. Like Berlin, Melbourne is brimming with culture, creativity, and culinary delights. Spend days getting lost in the city’s laneways and tasting some of the best coffee in the world.

Lord Howe Island instead of Hawaii

Lord Howe Island is a tiny outcrop in the Tasman Sea, characterised by sandy beaches, verdant forests, and clear, coral-rich waters. Unlike Hawaii, the island welcomes only 400 visitors at a time, so rest assured this is an adventure with plenty of elbow room.

Darwin instead of Southeast Asia

If you’re craving Southeast Asia’s humid climate, book the next flight to Darwin. The city’s dining scene draws on its proximity to Asia, with an abundance of fresh seafood from the neighbouring Arafura Sea. Our pick is the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, which features over 200 unique stalls, including plenty of Asian food options.

Rottnest Island instead of the Greek islands

If you’re craving a swim in pristine turquoise waters that will rival any Greek island, catch the ferry from Perth to Rottnest Island, a sandy nature reserve that’s perfect for all forms of water-based activities. Keep an eye out for quokkas, the small marsupials that call the island home.

NSW Southern Highlands instead of the English countryside

With rolling green hills, quaint villages and charming shops, you could be forgiven for thinking the Southern Highlands of NSW were plucked from an English storybook. There are also plenty of wineries to enjoy and bushlands to explore. The best part? It’s only two hours from Sydney.

Footnotes

^{1 https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/holidays-are-heaving-with-health-benefits-be-sure-to-make-the-most-of-yours-20211215-p59hyw.html}

Staff Writer

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial adviser, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

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