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.
WELCOME TO OUR ANNUAL flagship edition of Australian Traveller. This year, we have chosen to round up Australia’s 100 Greatest Getaways. Because everyone needs to get away from it all sometimes. A great getaway can be of the truly epic variety: a cross-country train journey, embarking on the Big Lap or even cruising to Antarctica from Australian shores. It can also be perspective shifting, such as a cultural gathering in the outback, or something simply indulgent and fun, like a beachside foodie festival. It can be a slow and restorative holiday in your backyard or the perfect weekend city break. You’ll find all of the above and more in this issue. And whether you’re a long-time reader or have picked up the magazine for the first time, I want you…
AN INSIDER GUIDE TO WHALE-WATCHING SEASON From May to November each year, more than 40,000 whales slowly migrate along Aussie coastlines to reach warmer waters. Choosing a prime position to spot these magnificent creatures of the deep can be difficult, but our inclusive guide to the best whale-watching locations around the country is your best bet. The best bathhouse is in Byron Bay With wellness-based travel on the rise, steamy spas and heavenly hot springs have surged in popularity. But if you’re seeking more than just a soothing soak, book into The Byron Bathhouse nestled on the NSW North Coast. As the country’s first medical-grade bathhouse, it’s inducing some serious zen. AUSTRALIA’S TOP 10 TOWNS OF 2025 From a dreamy destination in south-west WA to a charming pocket of Victoria’s…
A former postmaster’s house in south-east Tasmania/ Lutruwita built more than a century ago has been reimagined into a romantic escape for two. Past meets present at the colonial cottage, which sits on a crook of the Carlton River outside Hobart/ Nipaluna. The owners have put their own stamp on the lodging, which features the original convict-built walls and rustic timber beams, yet is a haven of contemporary design. Turn to page 34 for more.…
PATRICIA PICCININI’S Skywhales will blimp back into view as part of the National Gallery of Australia’s new nationwide tour. The hot air balloon sculptures will sail through the big, quiet light of the Australian sky like cartoon animals in formation. One day, they might be spotted soaring above the golden plains of Northam, WA. Next, the inflatable artworks will fill the cobalt-blue skies over Townsville, Queensland. Don’t forget to look up, as this elevated exhibition is all about connecting to community across regional Australia. nga.gov.au…
Mildura magic Following on from his landmark Field of Light installation at Uluru and Light-Towers at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon, British-Australian artist Bruce Munro has launched Trail of Lights in Mildura. The installation on Lock Island on the Murray River is made up of two components – Fireflies, featuring 12,500 ‘fireflies’ planted in the earth, and Gone Fishing – both of which invite visitors to immerse themselves in the magical environment. “Like with all natural landscapes, you get this lovely opportunity to lose yourself and just unwind,” says Munro. The meditative installation is expected to attract streams of visitors to the regional Victorian city and will be complemented by a second work from Munro, Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, across the river in Wentworth later in the year. mildura.com Island…
Barangaroo banger The reputation of Annamese as a place to wine and dine has quickly grown since it opened in January. The 98-seat restaurant in Barangaroo flows outdoors onto a terrace overlooking Sydney Harbour. It’s led by executive chef Andy Pruksa (ex-Muum Maam) whose menu marries the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam with broader Asian influences. Kick off with a pho cocktail followed by lemongrass chicken skewers, dumplings, and roasted duck and banana blossom salad. annamese.com.au JOIN THE CLUB The signature restaurant at Hamilton Island’s new boutique hotel, The Sundays, is to be led by Josh and Julie Niland of Saint Peter at The Grand National Hotel. And while not everything on the menu at Catseye Pool Club contains seafood, there are definite threads that tie the siblings together. Tack…
