As we venture further into 2021, international travel remains a concept that sits in the distant future for Aussies. With this in mind, it’s time for us to start looking within our home country for the dreamy travel destinations we so eagerly crave.
What we’ll discover in this vast land is a wealth of destinations that are reminiscent of the big-ticket destinations further afield. With state borders beginning to open, the opportunity to explore our own backyard arises.
Forget hefty long-haul flights, visas and tricky arrangements; domestic travel will cost less both physically and mentally, but give you more than you ever imagined.
We’re here to show you exactly where to head to feel like you’re abroad! After all, who needs the world when you have Australia on your doorstep?
Post Contents
- If You’re Craving an Adventure in the Amazon, Try the Daintree Rainforest, Queensland!
- If You’re Looking for a Foodie Paradise to Rival Southeast Asia, Try Darwin in the Northern Territory!
- If Spain’s Andalusia Wine Region Calls Your Name, Then South Australia’s Barossa Valley Will Make a More Than Suitable Alternative!
- Seeking a Sailing Trip Around the Greek Islands? Head to the Whitsundays in Queensland!
- If You’re All About Wildlife Experiences on Your Trips, Kangaroo Island Is the Place for You This Year!
- If Your Plans for a Summer in France Were Written off This Year, Look No Further Than Margaret River as an Alternative!
- If Your Grumbling Belly Guides Your Travels, Melbourne Is the Place for You!
- Did We Mention All of Those Trips Come With Free Cancellation?
If You’re Craving an Adventure in the Amazon, Try the Daintree Rainforest, Queensland!
Estimated to be over 135 million years old, the Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest in the world. Many moons ago, Australia and South America were part of the same landmass so exploring the Daintree puts you closer to the Amazon that you may think!
The World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest sits on the northeast coast of Queensland. Home to ancient ferns, miles of dangling green vines and species that are not found anywhere else in the world, Daintree is a nature lover’s dream getaway.
Jungle treks, flying over the canopy on zip-lines, cruising the waterways and watching out for resident crocs are just a handful of the activities on offer here. Even the great Sir David Attenborough called the Daintree Rainforest ‘“the most extraordinary place on Earth,” so you know it’s going to be spectacular!
This 5-day best of Cairns and surrounds trip takes you to some of the best spots on Queensland’s coast including the mighty Daintree Rainforest.
If You’re Looking for a Foodie Paradise to Rival Southeast Asia, Try Darwin in the Northern Territory!
Closer to Southeast Asia than it is to Australia’s capital, Darwin developed with a multi-cultural population and an abundance of Asian influences.
The vibe here is youthful, tropical and centred around its ever-developing food culture. With markets reminiscent of Singapore’s hawker stalls and it’s very own Laksa Festival celebrating the dish which originated in Peranakan culture, Darwin is where you’ll find all the flavours!
With the option to extend your trip to include a visit to Ayers Rock, this 3-day Northern Territory’s Darwin trip takes you to the centre of the action at the open-air Parap Village market!
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If Spain’s Andalusia Wine Region Calls Your Name, Then South Australia’s Barossa Valley Will Make a More Than Suitable Alternative!
Just over an hour’s drive from South Australia’s capital, Adelaide, the fertile soils of Barossa Valley have earned it the reputation of one of the world’s best wine-producing regions.
Closer than you think; Barossa Valley was actually named after the Barossa Ridge in the Spanish wine-producing region Andalusia when it was first settled by German immigrants. Dating back to 1842, the Barossa Valley is not only one of the most historic wine-producing regions in Australia but it’s made even more special by the methods passed from generation to generation of over 550 grape growers.
Over 250 wineries and 80 cellar doors are sure to keep you busy on a 7-day experience South Australia trip. Hopping from winery to winery, dining al fresco on gourmet local produce and sleeping in luxury amongst the vines will transport you to Europe in no time!
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Seeking a Sailing Trip Around the Greek Islands? Head to the Whitsundays in Queensland!
Aussies are lucky enough to not need to jump halfway across the world to experience Mediterranean vibes, incredible food and jaw-dropping beaches; it’s all here in Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands!
Queensland alone is home to over 2,000 islands, 74 of which sit within the Whitsunday Islands protected by the Great Barrier Reef. To truly explore this region, you can charter your own boat, take a multi-day sailing trip or even base yourself in the laid-back, adventure-filled coastal town of Airlie Beach!
A three-day tour of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach allows you to enjoy palm-fringed beaches, tropical al fresco bars and all the delights of the Queensland coast.
If You’re All About Wildlife Experiences on Your Trips, Kangaroo Island Is the Place for You This Year!
It’s easy to take the abundant native wildlife on our doorstep in Australia for granted. Koalas, kangaroos, wombats and more are such a common sight for most of us that it’s easy to forget what a spectacular sight it is!
Instead of seeking experiences beyond the international borders this year, you can get back in touch with the wonder that shares your home on a trip to Kangaroo Island. A nature-based adventure with the perfect dose of relaxation could be just what you need after the year we’ve had.
Not only is the wildlife incredible here but the island itself is also stunning and is one of the best places to experience Australia’s most memorable seafood and wineries which scatter the island.
If Your Plans for a Summer in France Were Written off This Year, Look No Further Than Margaret River as an Alternative!
In terms of supply, Margaret River produces less than three percent of Australia’s wine. However -and it’s a big however- the region accounts for more than a fifth of Australia’s premium wine! If that fact is not reason enough to head here, continue reading.
Whilst it may only be a speck on the map of Australia, the Margaret River region is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, stunning coastline and decadent food. Ancient native Karri forests, craft breweries, chic cafes and some of the finest wine you’ll taste are just a few more of the reasons to visit.
When you’re wined and dined out, the multi-chambered caves and unique underwater observatory at the Busselton Jetty make for an exciting day trip on this 4-day Margaret River adventure!
If Your Grumbling Belly Guides Your Travels, Melbourne Is the Place for You!
Mirroring its ever vibrant and diverse population, Melbourne’s food scene has shaped the city into the culinary capital of Australia. Beneath the veil of hipster cafes and avocado toast, you’ll find gastronomic treasures around every corner.
From mouth-watering Korean dishes in the Central Business District to Ethiopian and Sudanese food in Footscray, Melbourne blends east and west with old and new; accommodating to every palate is something this city exceeds at.
On this six-day tour of Melbourne, you can deep dive into its culinary delights, iconic landmarks and beautiful coastline.
Did We Mention All of Those Trips Come With Free Cancellation?
Post-COVID travel? We’ve got you covered.
Besides the trips mentioned here, we have a gallery of over 230 free cancellation trips including many extraordinary trips to Australia and New Zealand with free cancellation*.
Booking a trip after the pandemic doesn’t have to be a headache; it can be stress-free and risk-free with Designer Journeys enabling you to not only book with confidence but travel with confidence in 2021 and beyond!
Browse all of the trips in our Free Cancellation* Gallery here!
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