Prioritising a sense of ease and rejuvenation is easy down under. Rest assured, this doesn’t simply mean basing yourself at an unimaginative beach resort and lying supine on the sand for two weeks. You can holiday in Australia and ignite your sense of adventure without sacrificing that crucial sense of chill.
A unique and epic destination on many of our bucket lists, Australia offers a range of standout opportunities to nurture your sense of wellness, whether that involves a rejuvenating massage in a state-of-the-art spa, an invigorating hike through awe-inspiring landscapes or unforgettable dining experiences unlike anywhere else in the world.
The laid-back vibes start before you arrive, and are maintained on every leg of your journey when you fly with Qantas, Australia’s national carrier. Brimming with Australia’s signature warmth and hospitality, cabin crew are keen to help ensure your flight feels part of your broader holiday experience.
As for exploiting the breadth of R&R opportunities sprinkled through the vibrant landscape, Qantas’s extensive network and schedule across Australia make it easier to hop between different gateways than you might have realised. Booking your whole trip as a single itinerary with Qantas Explorer unlocks discounted domestic flights to more than 45 destinations across the country, making multi-destination travel so much more straightforward. Who says an expansive escapade on the other side of the world can’t be restorative?
Start your tour in Brisbane
Queensland’s capital is one of the greenest cities in Australia, peppered with parks and botanical gardens. Brissie, as it’s affectionately known, also has its fair share of galleries and museums if you prefer a more cultured start to your getaway.
If you’re in the mood for a swim with a difference, downtown you’ll find Streets beach – a manmade, crystal blue lagoon on the edge of the Brisbane River, right in the heart of the city’s South Bank district. Perfect for a dip if you’ve spent the morning taking in the impressive Mount Coot-tha, which is just a few miles away and offers a range of hiking trails and the chance to set your own (leisurely) pace as you explore this famous mountain.
afternoon
In just under two hours, a Qantas flight can land you in Hamilton Island, which serves as the gateway to the stunning Whitsundays – a collection of 74 islands and islets located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Here you can really slow the tempo, lounging beside the crystal-clear turquoise water.
Take a day trip to Whitehaven beach – accessible only by boat, seaplane or helicopter from Hamilton Island to feel its pure, fine silica sand between your toes, and take a walk to the Hill Inlet Lookout during low tide to observe the swirling sand patterns. There are incredible snorkelling opportunities – spot vibrant fish in every colour of the rainbow before returning to your hotel for a relaxing spa treatment overlooking the ocean. A scenic flight over Heart Reef, an extraordinary heart-shaped coral formation best viewed from the air, is also an option for anyone seeking a breathtaking romantic moment.
Head back south to Melbourne
Melbourne is often billed as Australia’s European city – and it’s not hard to see why when you can hop on the tram to experience outstanding dining, galleries and theatres. The city is also known for its intriguing network of laneways. These narrow pedestrian alleys and streets were used as service routes in the 19th century for deliveries, waste collection and more. Now they’re vibrant hubs famous for colourful street art, independent boutiques and hip nightlife – a walking tour is the ideal way to take in their unique atmosphere.
Learn about First Nations Australian medicine at the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, or soak up contemporary and local art at NGV Melbourne – Australia’s oldest and most visited gallery.
