5 minute read
Best destinations for an Autumn getaway
Photography by Jai Hail
If you need a break this autumn, look no further – we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best Australian destinations to inspire your next getaway.
Victoria
YARRA VALLEY | GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Victoria’s Yarra Valley is situated at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges and is home to some of the best cool climate wines in the country. The region offers various food and wine festivals, including the popular Yarra Valley Harvest Festival, and there are boundless accommodation options for an autumn holiday break. Also situated in this southern state is the Great Ocean Road, 243km of heritage-listed road stretching from Torquay to Allansford. Here, you will find pristine beaches, wildlife spots and museums filled with local history. Don’t miss the stretch from Lorne to Apollo Bay and Great Otway National Park, arguably the most picturesque part of the drive, and the world-famous rock formations, The Twelve Apostles, along the coastline of Port Campbell National Park.
Queensland
BRISBANE | GOLD COAST | SUNSHINE COAST | WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
There’s so much to explore in Queensland this autumn, from bustling cityscapes, pictureperfect beaches and tranquil hinterlands. Starting with the capital, Brisbane offers as much as any large Australian city, with great shopping, fantastic dining, a thriving performing arts precinct, rooftop bars, a beach-style lagoon at the river’s South Bank, and the luscious Botanic Gardens. Further south, you can escape to the Gold Coast, a metropolis of holiday accommodation, shopping, nightlife, a casino and 42km of golden sandy beaches, perfect for a short break or longer stay. Further north, you could explore the state’s Sunshine Coast, made up of nine regions boasting 211km of spectacular coastline, 100 sun-drenched beaches, and a vast, luscious hinterland. With a laid-back vibe and near-perfect climate, this beautiful part of the country is a great spot to stop this autumn. Lastly, nothing tops a visit to the pristine paradise that is the Whitsunday Islands, an archipelago of 74 islands said to have the country’s best beaches, some often voted among the world’s finest. Only a few islands offer accommodation, including Hamilton, South Molle, Daydream and Hayman.
South Australia
Mount Gambier
South Australia’s Mount Gambier is located on the slopes of an extinct volcano, making it a fascinating spot for an autumn break. Here, you’ll find four crater lakes set in a popular recreation spot with walking trails, a wildlife park and several caves. The area’s biggest drawcard is the 75m-deep Blue Lake, which changes its colour to an intense shade of blue throughout autumn. While visiting, take a stroll through the beautiful Sunken Garden, also known as the Umpherston Sinkhole, once a typical limestone cave that collapsed and was then transformed into a botanically rich garden in 1886.
Tasmania
FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK | CRADLE MOUNTAIN-LAKE ST CLAIR NATIONAL PARK
The Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast is home to some remarkable ocean beaches, the Hazards Mountain Range, and numerous walking trails peppered across its peninsula, one of the most popular being the track to the superb Wineglass Bay. A drive along the east coast is a highlight for any visitor, and be sure to stop at the cute towns of Ordford, Swansea and St Helens on your journey. If you’re close to Hobart, take a break at the charming Georgian town of Richmond, nestled in the heart of the Coal River Valley region where food, wine and culture are abundant. If you’re keen to explore Tasmania’s beautiful inland – and possibly go on one of Australia’s most iconic hikes – then head to Cradle MountainLake St Clair National Park, a Tasmanian wilderness area that includes Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. The Tasmania Walking Company offers guided hikes here.
Western Australia
MARGARET RIVER | BUSSELTON
This autumn, head to Margaret River, a large town in the state’s southwest set in a thriving region that is home to some of Australia’s most remarkable wines and spectacular vineyards. The area also attracts surfers to its many beaches, the coastline known as one of the world’s best big-wave surfing locations. There’s also plenty to see in town with art galleries, cafes, restaurants, shopping, boutique breweries and gourmet produce at your fingertips. If you can, try to make the 50km trip to Busselton, which is popular for its pristine beaches and waterbased activities, including fishing, whalewatching and scuba diving. Here, you’ll find the Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere, stretching out to a whopping 1.841 kilometres.
New South Wales Blue Mountains
If you haven’t made it to the Blue Mountains yet, then put this destination at the top of your list this autumn. The Blue Mountains National Park is a sight for sore eyes –expect breathtaking views of rocky peaks, sheer cliff faces, canyons and striking waterfalls, then wander along some of the best hiking trails in the country or try your hand at some epic rock climbing, caving or abseiling. The town of Katoomba is the tourism hub of the area, home to the Scenic Skyway, the Scenic Railway, and Echo Point lookout, where you can admire the sacred Three Sisters sandstone formation. Nearby, you’ll find the quieter towns of Leura and Blackheath, all which offer great shopping, galleries, restaurants, accommodation and local markets.
