Where the Australian Traveller team think you should travel in 2025

Buckle up for an unforgettable Aussie adventure.

The Australian Traveller team has, unsurprisingly, travelled all around Australia. From sun-drenched coastal havens to the rugged outback, the team has traversed the continent and been in awe of the diverse destinations. There are so many beautiful places to discover, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming. So where should you put on your map for 2025?

Below, the team are using their expert knowledge to highlight where we think you should head this year—the special spots that embody Australia’s beauty and spirit.

Adelaide, SA

Quentin Long, Co-founder

Adelaide Fringe Festival — Adelaide Fringe transforms the city into a cultural playground (Image: joeyjoenes)

Adelaide is the forgotten, overlooked and flown-over Australian city no more. The place that has quietly promised so much for so long is tweaking my antennae as the next Tassie. Known for its embarrassing abundance of food and wine, it’s the kind of place where every pub has a wine list the envy of any Sydney or Melbourne restaurant but a lot is going on beyond just the plethora of gluttony opportunities.

With the incredible success of events like Gather Round, LIV Golf, and the Adelaide Fringe regaining its mojo, Adelaide is just one MONA away from becoming the top destination for Aussies seeking a great, indulgent long weekend away. I want to be part of this before the chattering classes of Melbourne and Sydney arrive and inflate prices by an extra 10-15 per cent.

Sunvale Lodge, Capertee, NSW

Katie Carlin, Head of Content

I’m continuing to lean into off-grid getaways in 2025 and a standout from my travels last year was a couple of nights spent just beyond the Blue Mountains in Capertee at Sunvale – a luxe eco-retreat nestled within the 2428-hectare Turon Gates property.

It’s perfect for group getaways (it sleeps eight people) and is nearly 100 per cent solar-powered (except for the gas stove) and features a large deck with a wood-fired hot tub.

I find being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Aussie bush such a refreshing experience and the bifold doors in the living area, bedrooms and main bathroom made it so easy to bring the outside in.

Aside from the gorgeous accommodation you get to spend your time kayaking, horse riding and hiking – it’s truly the mid-year refresher you need! I recommend booking in autumn so you can take full advantage of the fireplace and hot tub.

Kakadu National Park, NT

Imogen Eveson, Print Editor

Yellow Water Cruises sunset Kakadu — Join a sunset cruise with Yellow Water Cruises.

A vast living landscape in the Northern Territory’s Top End, Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park. Here, waterfalls tumble over soaring escarpments, floodplains stretch to the horizon, wildlife proliferates and at least 65,000 years of First Nations culture is felt vividly through age-old rock art and contemporary storytelling. It’s a bucket-list-worthy destination in our own backyard. And many of us don’t even realise it.

A cruise of the Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) wetlands encapsulates all that is magical here: water birds dance in a choreographed ballet. Buffaloes pad along the banks of the billabong. Saltwater crocs lurk in the shallows.

And, with Territory fresh in our minds (scenes from the Netflix hit were filmed here) and ever-expanding ways to experience Kakadu (from new cultural tours to accommodation), now is the time to go. Opt for a dry season adventure (May–October), when most of the top attractions are accessible, or a tropical summer sojourn (November–April), when rains turn the landscape lush and green and scenic flights offer windows over thundering cascades.

The icing on the cake? Kakadu is easily accessible from Darwin – which we’ve recently pegged as Australia’s coolest capital. Get there before the rest of the country cottons on.

Kangaroo Island, SA

Lauren de Sousa, Art Director

If getting back to nature and travelling slowly is high on your list for 2025, a trip to Kangaroo Island is a must for anyone seeking pristine landscape and an abundance of wildlife. Over a third of the island is protected national park, so be prepared for rolling green hills, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and plenty of koalas, kangaroos, and sea lions. In fact, it’s the most I’ve seen in the wild anywhere in Australia.

Looking to experience a more adventurous stay? I recommend trying out one of the many great walking trails and hikes on the island (we checked out Remarkable Rocks on the south-west coast of the island). If a little luxury is more your pace, why not stay, dine or relax at the Southern Ocean Lodge, which celebrates local and native products and ingredients.

Be prepared to end each day with a vibrant sunset, enjoying a drink around an outdoor fire pit and sleeping to the sounds of the wild. Overall, total serenity.

Broome, WA

Kassia Byrnes, Native Content Editor

Before heading to Broome, all I really knew about the place was its small size, affinity with camels and pearling history – but there’s so much more to discover. Don’t get me wrong, Cable Beach at sunset is truly magical with classic reds, whites and blues of the land. But add to that actual dinosaur footprints, an ever-growing number of delicious cafes and restaurants, a unique Indigenous history (and a vibrant town that is very open about it) and, of course, a Matso’s Mango Beer and this is hands down the best place in Australia.

The Tweed, NSW

Rachael Thompson, Evergreen Editor

If you’re a foodie, I can’t recommend heading to The Tweed enough. Lush green valleys meet the sparkling coastline in this underrated region, also a culinary destination thanks to its subtropical climate and fertile soils.

There is an abundance of brilliant places to eat and drink, but a few highlights are: Husk Distillery, known for its colour-changing Ink gin; Harvey Cheese, a dairy lover’s dream; and Bistro Livi, which has been recognised as one of Australia’s best regional restaurants. For something special, book an Indigenous Lunch Cruise where you will cruise down the Tweed River while tucking into a two-course bush foods-inspired lunch with local Indigenous flavours.

It’s also worth heading to the region for the Savour The Tweed festival which is slated to run during October/November and will celebrate local produce, chefs, distillers, brewers, and First Nations storytellers.

K’gari, Qld

Emily Murphy, Social Media Manager & Writer

Illumina uses cutting-edge light and sound technology to illuminate the island’s landscape. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

K’gari has always been a favourite destination of mine, with visits in both 2023 and 2024 igniting my love for this special place. But 2025 is the perfect year to rediscover this World Heritage-listed paradise. The launch of Illumina last year has reimagined the island, inviting both first-timers and past visitors to see it in a whole new light – much like Uluṟu after Field of Light. This immersive, storytelling installation, paired with the island’s Butchulla heritage, feels like stepping into a living legend. Add to that the magic of swimming with humpback whales and spotting marine life along its pristine shores, and K’gari is an adventure I can’t wait to revisit.

Red Centre, NT

Elizabeth Whitehead, Senior Writer

At Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, 550 million years of geological history meet the spiritual landscape of the Anangu people. (Image: Tourism NT)

Most Australians I speak to have travelled all over the world, but comparatively few have been to the Red Centre! I was in this demographic until last year when a last-minute trip to Uluṟu and the Red Centre completely blew me away. This journey to Australia’s spiritual heart was a truly transformative experience and I regret not taking it sooner. I know all the excuses. Yes, it’s far away and remote, but if you can get to Fiji or Bali, you can get to the Red Centre. If you haven’t been yet, no more excuses in 2025!

The Tarkine, Tas

Taylah Darnell, Editorial Assistant

The spectacular Trowutta Arch. (Image: Sean Scott Photography)

If you’re looking for somewhere to rest and recharge amongst nature, you should definitely be heading down to Tassie – particularly the stunning (and mostly crowdless) Tarkine/Takanya region in the state’s north-west. It’s around a three-hour drive from Launceston, which is an adventure in itself thanks to the pit stops along the way. I’d recommend dropping by the Ashgrove Cheese Dairy Door (think a winery, but for cheese). It’s 100 per cent Tasmanian-owned and run by a local family – truly the definition of fresh, hyperlocal produce.

Step out of the car once you reach the Tarkine and you’ll immediately understand why I love this place. With its ancient rainforests, crisp fresh air, craggy coastline and peaceful solitude, it’s a soul-healing kind of place. During my time in the Tarkine, I based myself in the tiny town of Stanley, known for its famed seafood restaurant , cosy BnBs and millennia-old rocky bluff called The Nut. Whether you trek it solo or go with a guide, I can almost guarantee you’ll leave a little piece of your heart here.

Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour. — Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

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3. The city as a canvas

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art. — Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

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5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background. — Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW. — Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor. Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection. — Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra. — Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.