Make it your resolution this year to try out new adventures in Australia. - Tourism Australia
Looking back at 2020, don’t you wish that you could just do over the year? Well, there’s always the brand new year to look forward to!
Although international borders remained closed for most of the year, many dreamt of a dream vacation -- especially to a country as diverse and exciting as Australia.
There are many great new experiences that await visitors to Australia for when it’s time to travel again. And this year, there are many more new openings that promise to make your Australian holiday a fabulous one.
Here’s a little teaser: A thrilling climb at an iconic beach, an outdoor rooftop bar overlooking lush rainforests and an underwater art museum.
Have we gotten you excited yet? Since we weren’t able to go on a holiday for most of last year, 2021 is a good time to do-over the many new adventures that Australia has to offer. So start locking down the dates and plan your trip for a taste of all these novel experiences.
It’s all about quality and the freshest ingredients when you’re dining in Australia. Some typical Aussie favourites include avocado on toast, bacon and egg roll, lamington, meat pie, salt and pepper squid and of course, super fresh seafood.
Northern Territory's Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tours introduces native foods such as bush tomato. - Tourism Australia
If you’ve never savoured unique indigenous recipes, how about participating in Aboriginal food experiences on your next trip to Australia? Northern Territory's Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tours introduces native foods such as bush tomato.
Another unique culinary experience to try out can be found at Longitude 131 in Uluru. Enjoy a creative, contemporary Australian at Table 131°’s menu over a view of Uluru, the nation’s spiritual heart.
Meanwhile, Flames of the Forest’s Aboriginal Cultural Experience in Cairns, Queensland serves a banquet dinner as your Kuku Yalanji hosts share music, ceremony and storytelling.
Located about an hour’s drive from Adelaide, Seppeltsfield offers more spectacular experiences for visitors including a cellar door, a range of wine tastings and tours as well as heritage tours.
Go on the ‘Cooper for a Day’ and ‘The Food Wine Legacy’ experiences at Seppeltsfield in South Australia's Barossa Valley. The former explores the winery’s tradition of fashioning oak timbers into barrels for wine and spirits maturation. Seppeltsfield’s events executive chef Owen Andrews hosts ‘The Food Wine Legacy’ experience that gives guests insight into the influence of food on the historic winery.
In the Northern Territory, Darwin’s first gin distillery recently opened its doors. Charlie’s come complete with an outdoor rooftop bar overlooking Raintree Park! Sign up for a gin tasting or try their newest drop with botanicals infusing Kakadu plum, spinifex, flowers and seeds.
For some great wines, take a day trip to Western Australia’s Margaret River from Perth. Guests of The Icon Experience at Vasse Felix will be whisked away on a private helicopter transfer to the region’s founding wine estate. After the winery tour, feast on a five-course degustation long lunch, before a leisurely helicopter transfer back to Perth.
The Osteria Tedesca & Graceburn House in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula offers a farm stay with Osteria style eating. - Graceburn
Elsewhere, the Osteria Tedesca & Graceburn House in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula offers a farm stay with Osteria style eating, based on the Italian term ‘Agriturismo’. With a menu inspired by the local produce, you can bet on hearty meals during your stay
When it comes to the great outdoors, a variety of new tours will bring you into the vast wilderness. Many innovative tour companies have come up with itineraries that combine nature with comfortable stays.
The new Saltwater Eco Tours allows travellers to experience traditional sailing along the Mooloolah River. - Saltwater Eco Tours
A new experience that forges a deeper connection to Australia’s ancient culture and the sea has opened in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, 90 minutes away from Brisbane. The new Saltwater Eco Tours allows travellers to experience traditional sailing along the Mooloolah River, the traditional waters of the local Kabi Kabi or “Saltwater People”. Operating on a 100-year-old sailing vessel, travellers will learn traditional sailing techniques, spot wildlife, enjoy local bush tucker and hear of the stories and traditions of the Sunshine Coast's first eco-custodians. Behind the wheel is Indigenous Young Tourism Leader Simon Thornally, a man with the ability to trace his lineage back hundreds of generations to Malu (Sea) in the Torres Straits.
Over at Cradle Mountain National Park, check out Premier Travel Tasmania's 5 Day Tasmanian Wildlife and Wilderness Encounter. The tour will bring you through Central Highlands, Maria Island and Mount Field National Park.
Be surrounded by beautiful nature at Cradle Mountain National Park. - Unique Charters
For more breathtaking views of nature, head over to Western Australia’s Kalbarri National Park where the much-anticipated Kalbarri Skywalk has opened. The 100m high Skywalk offers uninterrupted views of the park.
The Light to Light Walking Track in New South Wales’ Sapphire Coast is set to open in 2021, following extensive bushfire damage. Begin the multi-day walk at Boyds Tower and take in ever changing views along the way.
If you’re looking to do some good while on holiday, consider joining tours that weave in conservation efforts. Travellers will be able to help to set up a wild koala research project at Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours' East Gippsland Wildlife Journey.
The four-day conservation journey in Victoria features intriguing fauna such as the Gippsland water dragons, goannas and swamp wallabies. While in Victoria, check-in to Sky Pods along the Great Ocean Road. The pod houses offer a luxurious off-grid eco accommodation’ with a beautiful view.
Another eco-conscious accommodation is the Cooloola Great Walk Eco Cabins in Queensland. Eco-friendly tiny homes pepper the iconic 102-kilometre Cooloola Great Walk, located on the Sunshine Coast.
More conservation opportunities await in South Australia. Exceptional Kangaroo Island has introduced a full-day tour that lets travellers take part in conservation efforts to regenerate the island’s vast wilderness, which was affected by the bushfires.
Sign up for the Ultimate Climb by BridgeClimb Sydney that will bring you to new heights. This is the first time where climbers can conquer the entire breadth of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Sign up for the Ultimate Climb by BridgeClimb Sydney that will bring you to new heights. - BridgeClimb
Escape from the hustle and bustle of Sydney city with a stay at Lord Howe Island’s Island House. The newest lodge on the island comprises two private architect-designed houses set amongst a landscape of native Banyan trees. It’s worth noting that only 400 visitors are allowed at any time on Lord Howe Island. You will need to catch a flight and upon arrival, bikes are the mode of transportation.
The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) features a series of installations by underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. - Jason deCaires Taylor
Over in Queensland, the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) features a series of installations by underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor that highlight reef conservation, restoration, and education. The first stage of MOUA – the ‘Ocean Siren’ at The Strand and the ‘Coral Greenhouse’ at John Brewer Reef in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – is already up.
Another culture-fuelled day awaits at the Art Gallery of Western Australia’s new rooftop venue. Set to open in early 2021, Elevate will feature an open-air sculpture walk, a new internal gallery space and two outdoor multi-purpose spaces with sweeping views of Perth’s skyline.
Origins Market is also an exciting novelty in Western Australia. Opening in spring 2021, the market lets visitors engage with farmers, producers, winemakers, artisans and creators at over 100 stalls – all under one roof. Origins will also include a microbrewery, tastings, long-table dining, demonstrations, edible gardens and more.
In 2021, you will also get to experience amazing Aboriginal tours. The Women’s Tour at East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory will unveil Yolŋu culture. Learn all about weaving, painting, astrology, cooking and so much more from the Yolŋu women.
While you’re in the Northern Territory, experience the world’s oldest living culture on a remote journey into the Top End. The Australian Geographic & Venture North Arnhem Land Package offers an intimate glimpse into local Aboriginal people while experiencing picturesque scenery in Australia.
Click here for more holiday inspiration to help you plan your next adventure in Australia, when the time is right.
