Feel like a quick trip to the sunkissed Sardinian coast in Italy, or perhaps a long lunch in a Tuscan winery? Why not experience a balmy Asian evening with a spicy beachside delicacy? Well, you don't always need a passport to travel the world. From France’s Champagne region to the English countryside, Australia is filled with so much diversity that it’s easy to feel like you’re relaxing in some of the world’s most famous and unique locations. So here’s our list of Australian destinations that will make you feel like you’re overseas!
Yarra Valley – A Tuscan wineries experience
Tuscany vibes from the back doorstep of the Yarra Valley. Image from Pietro Gallus Estate.
Beautiful Tuscany vineyards at sunset. Photo by Johny Goerend on Unsplash.
Romantic rolling hills, abundant grapevines and rustic wine estates. The Yarra Valley, located just a short drive from Melbourne, is renowned for its picturesque vineyards. But it also effortlessly evokes the ambience of Italy’s famous Tuscan wine region. The region's passionate winemakers and chefs also capture the famed epicurean wonders of Tuscany in Yarra Valley wineries such as Pietro Gallus Estate. As you sip on a pinot and overlook the vine-covered hills, you might momentarily forget that you're still in Australia. Saluti!
Where to stay
Econo Lodge Lilydale is a stylish colonial property situated at the gateway to the Yarra Valley, and the ideal location for a Tuscan styled wine tour. You’ll also find a range of other accommodation options in and around Melbourne to suit all tastes and budgets, from boutique hotels and heritage-style apartments to family friendly hotels.
Esperance - A Sardinian experience
Wharton Beach, Cape Le Grand National Park. Image from Tourism Western Australia.
Wharton Beach, Cape Le Grand National Park. Image from Tourism Western Australia.
For a rival to the sun-kissed coast of Sardinia, Western Australia captures the beauty of the Mediterranean with gorgeous white Esperance beaches, hidden rocky coves and beautiful islands. Esperance is also famous for having some of the world’s clearest water, making it a world-class coastal escape in its own right. Experience swimming in some of the crystal-blue water on an island cruise near dolphins and seals or enjoy a view of the big blue from Frenchman Peak - you’ll also meet some resident kangaroos on the gorgeous white sands of Lucky Bay Beach.
Accommodation in Esperance
Enjoy a slice of the Mediterranean coast - and maybe a taste of some of the beaches in Sardinia Italy - in Esperance WA, with views of the Recherche Archipelago (or Bay of Isles) when you stay at Comfort Inn Bay of Isles.
Launceston – Vibrant lavender fields of Provence
A purple haze at the Bridestowe Lavender Estate. Image from Luke Tscharke.
Stunning Lavender Fields in Provence, France. Image from Antony Bec from Unsplash.
Captured in the vivid colours of Van Gogh and Cezanne, Provence has long been famed for its vibrant lavender hills. So it’s no surprise that the summertime blooms of Launceston’s stunning landscapes evoke a strikingly similar feel. The Bridestowe Lavender Farm creates an unmistakable French countryside feel during the warmer months, with purple lavender fields providing a stunning backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Where to stay
Enjoy the Provence style lavender farms in Launceston with accommodation options ranging from stylish colonial comfort to modern elegance - all close to the unique old world experience that perfectly matches some lavender fields Provence ambience.
Adelaide Hills - Australia’s French Champagne region
The Lane Vineyard, Adelaide Hills. Image courtesy of Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission.
Karrawatta, Adelaide Hills. Image courtesy of South Australian Tourism Commission.
Australia’s answer to France's famous Champagne region, the Adelaide Hills wine region offers old-world European charm just a short drive from Adelaide. Dotted with rustic cellar doors and vineyards, this cool-climate wine region mirrors French terroir to produce exceptional ‘Methode Traditionnelle’ sparkling wines alongside elegant chardonnay and pinot noir. Visit Deviation Road Winery, one of the region’s premier sparkling houses, or drop into The Lane Vineyard for some sweeping vineyard views. You’ll also find artisanal food trails to enjoy throughout the hills.
Accommodation in Adelaide
Only around 15 from the Adelaide Hills, there are plenty of accommodation options in Adelaide that are perfect for exploring the Adelaide Hills wineries - with charms similar to those the Champagne region France is famous for - from comfortable inns and suites to stylish and historic boutique hotels.
Darwin - Doorway to Asia
CHOW! Restaurant. Image courtesy of Tourism & Events NT.
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Image courtesy of Tourism and Events NT.
Perched on the edge of the Timor Sea, the dynamic city of Darwin is Australia’s tropical gateway to South East Asia. With the climate in Darwin producing a warm tropical savanna like its Asian counterparts, the balmy Darwin waterfront offers plenty of spice right by the sea, and restaurants such as Chow Darwin serve some delicious Asian fusion. Settle in by enjoying a relaxed picnic overlooking the Arafura Sea in Cullen Bay, or browse the popular Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, held from May to October. In the heart of the city, Crocosaurus Cove is home to some of the largest saltwater crocodiles in Australia.
Accommodation in Darwin
Enjoy a South East Asian tropical lifestyle with beachside markets and warm balmy evenings by staying close by in one of Darwin’s great accommodation options.
Leura (The Blue Mountains) NSW - An English countryside
Everglades Historic House and Gardens, Leura. Image courtesy of Destination NSW.
Everglades Historic House and Gardens, Leura. Image courtesy of Destination NSW.
Home to a garden village that would feel right at home in the England countryside, Leura is famous for its manicured Edwardian-style estates, cold-climate English gardens, vintage teahouses and antique shops. For a bit of English charm, stop by Everglades Historic House and Gardens and explore its winding paths. There’s also plenty of gorgeous Blue Mountains scenery to enjoy. For a moderately challenging walk the Leura Cascades Fern Bower trail is an exhilarating excursion overlooking spectacular waterfalls and views of the Jamison Valley.
Accommodation in Leura
You can stay right in the heart of the village at the Comfort Resort Leura Gardens. Set within expansive, historic 1920s gardens, this getaway features wide lawns and beautiful seasonal colours that give a classic British country estate vibe.