Australian Holidays and Travel Guide

Rachael Thompson

Travel Journalist

Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love, Bed Threads and Australian Traveller/International Traveller. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.

The historic white facade and garden of Littlebourne

Bathurst

Inside the 195-year-old home that has become Bathurst’s most exciting stay

Littlebourne Guest House is reason enough to make a beeline for this underrated country city.

Uluru

The world’s oldest walk just launched in Australia, and we tested it out

Australian Traveller was part of the first group to join the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, which delivers an experience like no other.

A render of the swimming pool area at Hotel Sebatikel

Coral Coast and Ningaloo

Exmouth is getting a new off-grid luxury resort

Eco-conscious Hotel Sebatikel has been approved for development on the Ningaloo Coast.

Blue Mountains

This iconic heritage rail journey in the Blue Mountains has expanded its daily services

The iconic Zig Zag Railway is going full steam ahead by increasing its service to four times a day.

Living area in the Manly Pacific Infinity Residence

Sydney

This coastal hotel proves you don’t need to leave Sydney for a proper escape

Welcome to Hotel Addict, a monthly column where I check into Australia’s best hotels and share what makes them worthy of your wishlist.

Australia

Why you shouldn’t bother looking for a pink moon tonight

Despite the name, the moon won’t, in fact, be pink.

A tram in Melbourne's CBD on Princes Bridge

Australia

The states giving free public transport this month (and the ones ruling it out)

Tasmania and Victoria have confirmed they will help alleviate financial pressure amid increasing fuel prices.

Tweed

The boutique coastal stay worth skipping Byron Bay for

Welcome to Hotel Addict, a monthly column where I check into Australia’s best hotels and share what makes them worthy of your wishlist.

Aerial view of the Big Red Bash festival

Australia

The Birdsville Big Red Bash festival has been cancelled

The iconic Outback music festival won’t go ahead in 2026.