With international travel now on the horizon for many, some of us may still want to enjoy what our beautiful country has to offer! With so many magical places to visit, now is the time to explore the wonders in your own backyard!

We’ve put together a list of 7 must-see destinations across all states and territories… except ACT. Sorry Canberrans. 

Freycinet National Park, Tasmania 

The Freycinet National Park is home to the stunning Wineglass Bay. With inviting crystal-clear waters and white sands, the bay is a sight not to be missed! 

Freycinet National Park is also home to the Freycinet Peninsula and the Hazards - the mountain range that can be seen rising from the bays of the park. There are also many old mine shafts, farmers’ huts, and abandoned whalers’ camps. With many animals calling the park home, you may be lucky enough to spot a pademelon, Bennett’s wallaby, or even an echidna snuffling about! 

The area is within the territory of the Oyster Bay nation and significant Aboriginal sites can be found along the coastlines, dunes, and estuaries. Don’t forget to get your parks pass before entering!

Image - discovertasmania.com.au 

Norfolk Island, New South Wales (Kind of…) 

Norfolk Island has many pristine beaches to enjoy, providing the perfect escape for those who love the tranquillity that the ocean brings. While not technically in New South Wales, Norfolk Island is serviced by the NSW Government and is located a 2.5-hour flight away from Sydney. 

Go for a dip at Emily Bay Lagoon or snorkel off Slaughter Bay. Watch the sunset from the cliffs above Anson Bay, or take in the 360° views at Mount Pitt. 

One hundred sixteen species of birds can be found on the island, with many exclusive to it. Norfolk Island has a rich history, from the first Polynesian settlers to the British convicts through to the current day, and there are plenty of museums on the island where you can learn all about it!

Image: Holidaysforcouples.travel 

The Daintree Rainforest, Queensland 

Can’t decide between the rainforest and the beach for your next holiday destination?! Why not choose them both and head to the gorgeous Daintree Rainforest?! This rainforest is situated along the coastline of far north Queensland, allowing you to walk through the densely treelined paths to the ocean. The Daintree is the largest rainforest in the country, comprising more than 1200 square kilometres. It is almost more than 135 million years old and home to many animals, including tree kangaroos, cassowaries, goannas, and kingfishers. Walk the rainforest trails, or take a guided cruise along the Daintree River to see what this beautiful natural wonder has to offer.

Image - tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au 

Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory 

This World Heritage-listed site spans almost 20,000 square kilometres and is home to the oldest known Indigenous rock art in the world. Kakadu National Park has been the home of the Bininj/Mungguy people for around 65,000 years, and there are more than 5,000 rock art sites within the park. The park is also the home of many migratory birds, crocodiles, flatback turtles, northern quolls, and the eye-catching Leichhardt’s grasshopper. Take a dip in the Gunlom Plunge Pool, go for a scenic bushwalk on one of the 30+ walking trails, or marvel at the spectacular Twin Falls gorge.

Image – viator.com 

The Kimberley, Western Australia 

The Kimberley spreads across the entire north-western corner of the country. It’s such a vast and expansive attraction that we’re just going to focus on a few of its features! Three great sites in The Kimberley include King George Falls, Broome, and Cable Beach. The spectacular King George Falls are the tallest twin waterfalls in Western Australia. Take a cruise along the river and view the falls. For the Balanggarra people, the falls are Rainbow Serpents, the male and female Wunkurr. 

Love tropical beaches and the outback? The marvellous city of Broome combines these features with open-air markets, whale watching, and scenic flight opportunities. Featuring 22 kilometres of white sands, Cable Beach is a mesmerising location in Broome. Famous for its camel train tours, visitors can hop on a camel and go for a sunset ride along the beach!

Image - australia.com 

Lake MacDonnell, South Australia 

If you’ve always dreamed of fairy tale pink lakes, check out Lake MacDonnell in South Australia. The salmon pink colour of Pink Lake is caused by high salt concentration and salt-loving algae and bacteria that secret red pigments. 

Located 15 kilometres south of Penong, Lake MacDonnell is also home to Blue Lake and Green Lake, creating a multicoloured array of water. This location was previously a salt and gypsum mine. Lake MacDonnell is free to visit, and can make for an incredible photo opportunity!

Image – traveller.com.au 

Daylesford & The Macedon Ranges, Victoria 

Daylesford & The Macedon Ranges region is home to an array of historic villages, mineral water, and delicious, award-winning foods. Some notable sites include The Goldfield Tracks, Hanging Rock, Sanatorium Lake, and The Daylesford Macedon Flower Farm Trail. 

The Goldfield Tracks span 210 kilometres from point to point, covering a selection of towns, old mining sites, and geological wonders in the region. You may have heard of this location from the classic book Picnic at Hanging Rock. This iconic volcanic feature has much native wildlife and has even hosted concerts such as Elton John, Paul Kelly, John Farnham, Vampire Weekend, and the Out of Bounds Festival. 

The peaceful Sanatorium Lake is ideal for a family stroll looking at the lush vegetation and zooming dragonflies. This lake is also home to a range of wildlife, including kookaburras, koalas, and rosellas. 

The Daylesford Macedon Flower Farm Trail is perfect for those who are flower-obsessed! A collaboration between sustainable flower farmers, this trail is a great place to tour a flower farm or buy a fresh bunch of flowers!

Image - racv.com.au