Packed with honest reviews and inspiring travel stories, Australian Traveller is the most authoritative and trusted guide to travelling this great country. It's no wonder that it's Australia's best-selling travel magazine.
THE AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLER team is starting the year as we mean to continue: by locking in adventures and looking forward to exploring all corners of the country in 2024. Our head of content Katie Carlin kicked things off with a blast of fresh air by hiking Flinders Island in Tasmania, the newest addition to the Great Walks of Australia portfolio. We’ve got writers heading to islands on the east and west extremes of the continent, cycling rail trails, cruising the coast and checking out outback station stays. I’m just back from a weekend in the Byron hinterland and have a journey to Kangaroo Island on the horizon, where I’ll get to experience the newly relaunched Southern Ocean Lodge. I stayed at its original iteration in July 2019, just six months…
Prettiest autumn towns Farewell summer and welcome the cooler months by seeking out the cutest, cosiest towns across the country to visit when the seasons change and autumn arrives in a blaze of glory. BEST SECRET AUSSIE BEACHES Cooling down at the beach is a non-negotiable during an Aussie summer. But they can oft be packed with people and add to our stress rather than relieve it. Our guide to Australia’s secret beaches allows you to beat the heat and crowds. SLEEPY BARRINGTON COAST TOWNS The Barrington Coast in NSW is a lesser-known getaway full of sleepy towns perfect for a staycation. From the more familiar shores of Seal Rocks to the hidden beauty of inland Gloucester, find your new favourite escape on this stretch of coast between Port Stephens…
WHILE THE RESURRECTED Southern Ocean Lodge is in the same position as its predecessor, the airy Ocean Pavilion is something else entirely: a new addition purpose-built for even more of an ultimate getaway. The sprawling four-bedroom Ocean Pavilion is on the western edge of the main eco lodge, which has risen from the ashes after the ‘Black Summer of 2020’ bushfires and is once again etched into the landscape on the southwest side of Kangaroo Island. The new-look SOL 2.0 remains oriented above the craggy coastal cliffs and wild waves that pound the Kangaroo Island coastline. The off-grid Luxury Lodges of Australia retreat was rebuilt by its original architect, Max Pritchard, for a cool $55 million with cutting-edge infrastructure to protect it from any future bushfires. And it is, by…
AIM FOR THE SKY Sydney's largest open-air rooftop bar is now open on Level 7 of Kimpton Margot Sydney. The sprawling Harper Rooftop Bar conceived by FiveFootOne Design features buttery-hued booths, a pastel-pink mosaic bar, moveable drink stations and DJs. There’s also a pool exclusive for in-house guests of the pet-friendly hotel. The lush urban oasis is right in position on Pitt Street. harperrooftopbar.com.au AT loves.... Lorne Theatre Moviegoers can now catch the best flicks of the summer at regional Australia’s most beloved Art Deco cinema. Lorne Theatre, on Victoria’s Surf Coast, has undergone a considered refurbishment and opened its doors for a pop-up season that runs until Easter. The resplendent picture house is built in Moderne style, complete with terrazzo tiling, geometric ceiling panels and a classically plush red…
ROLL WITH IT Rolling Seas is a chic shack mere steps from the sand at Bilinga Beach on the sun-drenched Gold Coast. Bring your entourage to stay in the sprawling beachside mansion, which includes two spacious villas and accommodates up to 12 guests. The property includes beach-chic dining and lounging spaces, a ping-pong table, infinity pool and wellness room. rollingseas.com.au Glamp and sip Award-winning winery Bellarine Estate has launched its new glamping accommodation on the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula. Soak up the sunshine at Coastal Glamp, which looks out over the vineyards and is just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD. Each luxury tent is just steps from the onsite distillery, cellar door, restaurant and beer garden. bellarineestate.com.au TOWNSVILLE LUXE Grab your beach towel, floppy hat and sunscreen, Townsville’s only rooftop…
AMALFI DREAMING Diners are in for a treat at Nico, tucked away amid an unassuming strip of shops in Sydney’s Cammeray. To take your seat in the dining room, all terracotta, saffron and rich blue hues, is to be transported to Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Expect intelligent takes on unpretentious dishes such as the sfogliatella filled with avocado and caviar from chef Nicola ‘Nico’ Ronconi (ex-exec chef Urban Purveyor Group). nicorestaurant.com.au Calypso magic Start dreaming of a long lost afternoon in Cairns at Calypso Club, the new specialty rum and seafood bar at Crystalbrook Riley. The concept at the breezy 100-seater venue is to marry a mostly rum-soaked list of cocktails with fresh signature seafood dishes such as the lobster-filled Calypso roll and good ol’ fish and chips. The focus at…
