The greatest regions to visit
From the majestic Kimberley to the hatted restaurants of Orange, NSW, and the family-friendly beaches of the Bellarine Peninsula, these much-loved Australian destinations embody the best that life has to offer.
This feature is part of Traveler’s overall “top 100 Australian destinations of all time” list, which includes our favorite cities and towns, natural attractions, regions and arts and heritage sites.
Best choice: Kimberley, WA
Vast, brutal and seductive, the Kimberley is one of Australia’s last true wildernesses; a collage of burnt orange cliffs, forested plateaus, picture-perfect beaches and turquoise seas featuring some of Australia’s best Indigenous rock art. Whether you’re exploring the intricate coastline on an expedition, taking a scenic flight over the dramatic Bungle Bungle Range, or traversing the epic 660-kilometre Gibb River Trail, you’ll be immersed in an epic vista of unrivaled magnificence. To see westernaustralia.com
Barossa Valley, SA
The Barossa Valley is unlike any other wine region. Where else can you visit family-owned wineries now managed by the sixth generation, taste 100-year-old tawny wine straight from the barrel, dine at some of the state’s best restaurants, and embrace a warm community atmosphere? Impressive wineries such as Penfolds, Seppeltsfield and Hentley Farm each include many notable new winemakers such as Mirus Wines, David Franz and Tscharke Wines. To see barossa.com
Tamar Valley, Stone
The sparkling Tamar River flows north through Launceston and into some of Australia’s best wine country; This region is a land of rolling hills covered with vineyards and riverside restaurants. The east coast features premium sparkling wines from brands like House of Arras and Clover Hill, while the west coast features classic pinot noir and chardonnay from Stoney Rise and Utzinger. It is impossible to be satisfied when you visit one of the classy restaurants in the seaside villages or in Launceston. To see discovertasmania.com.au
Orange zone, NSW
If you’re after good food it’s hard to beat a Victorian country town: places like Kyneton, Daylesford and Beechworth are great dining destinations. But if there’s one country charmer in NSW who can hold his own in these Victorian castles, both regional and city, it’s Orange. Not only is it a place of historic homes and country charm, Orange also has many high-end restaurants (Hey Rosey, Printhie Dining, Lucetta, Union Bank) as well as some underrated wineries. To see visitnsw.com
Huon Valley, Stone
The emerald green twists and turns of the fertile Huon Valley and the jagged peaks of the Tasmanian Wildlife World Heritage Area towering in the distance make the Huon Valley feel supremely remote, despite being less than an hour from Hobart. Apple orchards and ciders abound but allow time to visit other producers; Saying hello to the cows at Fat Pig Farm, tasting raw honey varieties at The Honey Pot and cooking Pugliano dishes at The Farmhouse Kitchen. To see huonvalleytas.com
Wimmera Mallee, Vic
Victoria’s farming region is full of secrets if you care to look. Three hours northwest of Melbourne, the outback begins here, with pink salt lakes that resemble inland seas surrounded by red gum forests. Embark on a journey along the lake route, stopping at some of Australia’s largest salt lakes and picturesque freshwater lakes, nestled between quaint, art-loving towns and the Silo Art Trail. To see Visit Victoria.com
Oberon district, NSW
Everything is cooler in the Oberon region, thanks to its elevated location at 1,113 meters above sea level above NSW’s Central Highlands. Summers are fresh; The nearby Jenolan Caves are a magical labyrinth of cold limestone caves, and winters are often snow-covered. Other attractions include Mayfield Garden, a stunning 65-hectare estate of cool-climate gardens (don’t miss the secret grotto), and Essington Park, which offers luxury accommodation and creative workshops and cooking classes in the refurbished cutters’ neighbourhood. To see visitoberon.com
Bruny Island, Stone
If you’re an oyster lover who hasn’t experienced the salty delights of Bruny Island, you’re in for a delicious surprise. Turn your wheels towards Get Shucked from the car ferry and order a plateful of Pacifics. Foodies may also enjoy the island’s trio of bread cabinets, honey, cheese and beer joints, raspberry farm and winery, then work off the indulgence with a challenging hike or two. To see discovertasmania.com.au
Bellarine Peninsula, Vic
Straddling the Great Ocean Road, the Bellarine’s ‘other peninsula’ status has been reversed with the reopening of Diver Dan’s Boat Shed (sorry, At The Heads restaurant) for the best seaside tables since TV. sea ​​change He gave us romance in 1998. Add the glitz of the mighty Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff (spoiling cold drinks since 1879), a breakfast of sourdough croissants from Ket Baker, and the new giant water drop slides at the juicy kid magnet Adventure Park, and you’ll have every reason to head west. To see Visit visitgeelongbellarine.com.au
Margaret River, WA
Both a county and a town, Margaret River is almost undeservedly beautiful, with windswept beaches, ancient karri forests and rolling farmland covered in vines. The town would make the list purely for its natural beauty. But there’s so much more to the Margs: some of the world’s best surfing, long-distance walks on the Cape to Cape circuit, one of Australia’s leading wine regions, world-class craft breweries and a range of high-quality restaurants you wouldn’t expect to find in a small country town. What a nice place. To see westernaustralia.com
Bellinger Valley, NSW
Also known as the Promised Land and located about 30 minutes south of coastal Coffs Harbour, this fertile and creative hinterland is dotted with swimming holes, excellent forest walks in Dorrigo National Park and the crystalline Never Never River. Hands down, the best martini in NSW awaits you at Bruno’s restaurant at the end of the day in the riverside town of Bellingen. To see visitnsw.com
Credits: Andrew Bain, Anthony Dennis, Ben Groundwater, Kerry van der Jagt, Brian Johnston, Ute Junker, Nina Karnikowski, Katrina Lobley, Catherine Marshall, Rob McFarland, Justin Meneguzzi, Tim Richards, Craig Tansley and Sue Williams.
Traveler has 10 copies of Lonely Planet The Ultimate Australia Travel List We’re giving away a coffee table book of the best Australian travel experiences to our readers, valued at $39.99. Send us your picks of the best Australian destinations Negative It was listed in Traveler’s “top 100 Australian destinations of all time” list. We will publish the most interesting and inspiring answers at a later date.
