Top five places in Australia travellers are looking up right now
In case you haven't heard, Australia is the coolest place to travel right now.
With critics claiming the Euro summer is over, more and more Aussies are ditching overseas travel in favour of staying here and exploring our own backyard.
From the ski slopes of the south to the warm winter sun up north, Australia has a lot to offer. Here are five destinations Aussie travellers are interested in right now.
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Aussies are heading to the NT to explore all its national parks. Tourism Australia
Things to do in Katherine
Katherine, an inland town in the Northern Territory, is touted as the place where the Outback meets the tropics, and is an incredible spot to visit in winter.
It's often overlooked in favour of Queensland or WA destinations, but is one of the best places to experience the real Australia.
Just three hours from Darwin, it's a great place to base yourself before exploring everything the NT has to offer - rocky gorges, dramatic waterfalls, secluded swimming spots, and ancient Aboriginal culture.
Many travellers just pass through while doing an NT road trip, but we reckon it's worth spending a couple of days here to really enjoy everything the town has to offer.
The thermal springs are a must-visit: swim through clear pools surrounded by native vegetation in surprisingly buoyant water that always hovers around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.
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Turquoise Bay in Exmouth has to be seen to be believed. Tourism Western Australia
Things to do in Exmouth
We're smack bang in the middle of Western Australia's whale season, which runs from about June to November.
Though swimming with whale sharks is one of Exmouth's main drawcards, there are plenty of other things to do while you're here. Dive or snorkel the reef, explore Yardie Creek Gorge, and visit Cape Range National Park, home to Australia's best beach for 2025.
Whatever you do, don't miss sunset at the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse.
Here's our in-depth guide to Exmouth.
Beach camping on K'gari is a must-do. Tourism and Events Queensland
Fraser Island accommodation
Now known as K'gari, this sand island is just off Queensland's coast, easily accessible by ferry.
It's an ideal place for a mid-winter getaway, when it's quiet but still warm. Travellers can choose from campgrounds, holiday rentals, and luxe resorts: there's something for everyone.
Listed as a world heritage site, it's got a lot going on, from sandy white beaches to inland lakes and lush forest.
Lake McKenzie is a must-see: filled with turquoise water and natural tea tree oil, nestled among the rainforest and a stunning place for a dip.
Glenelg is a short tram ride from the Adelaide CBD. Getty
Glenelg accommmodation
Adelaide is one of our favourite cities in Australia, and if you're visiting the city, it makes sense to stay in Glenelg. There are a bunch of hotels to choose from right on the beach if you'd like to be among the action.
Otherwise, the Discovery Parks at West Beach has campsites and cabins, and is right on the beach just north of Glenelg.
This beachside suburb is a short tram ride from the CBD, and is full of trendy cafes, beloved eateries, and laid-back pubs. The beach itself is wide and sandy, stretching far down the coast. There's a great walking path that stretches alongside it, perfect for morning strolls.
Keep an eye out for the dolphins that often hang out around the end of Glenelg Jetty!
Here's more about planning a trip to Adelaide.
Kingscliff is a laid-back beachside town. Visit The Tweed
Kingscliff accommodation
Kingscliff is a coastal town just south of Tweed Heads, in northern NSW. Perfect for families, it's rife with holiday rentals and caravan parks. There are also some high-end resorts, like a Mantra and a Peppers, for a luxe stay.
It's recently become a beloved family holiday destination, offering a more laid-back alternative to the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Expect beautiful beaches, delicious local produce, surf breaks and great local cafes.
Kingscliff is the best of both worlds - it's chilled out and peaceful, but it's close to Surfers Paradise, to beautiful national parks in the hinterland, and to all the watersports that the Tweed River has to offer.
