In light of the recent release of the Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2017, I thought I would share my own travel bucket list with you all… and hopefully hold myself accountable for getting to as many of the destinations as I can!

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Over the years I have been lucky enough to travel to a number of beautiful destinations, both nationally and internationally. Of course, there are still a million and one places around the world that I desperately want to see, but one thing that has been bugging me of late, is how little of my own country I have seen. Now, I know I am not alone in this (in fact, I was just discussing it with my class mates in aerials on Saturday morning). It seems that, for some reason, when we have the time and the money, we immediately go to book something abroad. It isn’t that we aren’t interested in seeing our own country, so perhaps it is just habit, or a subconscious idea that a ‘holiday’ is a trip to somewhere ‘different’ and exotic.

With that being said, I have decided that I owe it to myself to see a little more of my own country.

The first step in seeing more of my country? The creation of this list – a separate ‘Australian bucket list’ to refer back to when I need holiday inspiration. Pulling these destinations out of my general travel bucket list prevents them from being overshadowed by places like the Bahamas and Japan, and gives me a whole new set of travel goals to get working on. So, without further ado…

My Australian Travel Bucket List

 

 Tasmania

Full of fantastic local produce, boutique distilleries and spectacular scenery, Tasmania is emerging as quite the cultural and travel hotspot. I had always wanted to see Tasmania, but I think it was the opening of Mona Gallery in 2011 that had me put the trip towards the top of my ‘must visit’ list. Plus, who hasn’t thought about frolicking in the endless fields of lavender in the summer, sampling their way around the whisky distilleries, or escaping to Bruny Island to feast on cheese and beer?!

If everything goes to plan, I should already have Tasmania ticked off the bucket list by early next year. So, if anyone has any suggestions on where we should go, where we should stay, and what we should see, I will be needing them soon!

Port Douglas

I am so damn keen to see the Great Barrier Reef! So much so, that I have already started looking at accommodation in Port Douglas! OK, so that may be a slight exaggeration, but I have definitely been thinking long and hard about making the trip. Known as a base for visitors to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park, Port Douglas is the ultimate destination for nature lovers… and a great place to begin ticking off the 7 natural wonders of the world. With the degeneration of the reef that has happened over the last tens of years, it is scary to think that one day it could no longer be there.

I would never forgive myself if I didn’t get to see the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef before we ruined it (please human kind, I beg you to take care of this beautiful natural habitat!)…

Uluru

While it isn’t one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, Uluru is most definitely one of Australia’s most impressive natural wonders! I don’t think photos will ever show the true scale and beauty of Uluru, it is something you can only experience by being there. I have always wanted to camp (well, glamp) out under the monolith, at Longitude 131 – it looks so peaceful!

Hayman Island

Just off the coast of central Queensland, Hayman Island is the most northerly island of the Whitsunday’s. My favourite destinations are island destinations (I have been to Mauritius, Bali, Langkawi and Phuket), so it is no wonder that Hayman Island makes it onto my bucket list. I have seen many photos of the gorgeous view from the Hayman Island Resort, and quite a few of the friendly little cockatoos that come to visit guests on their balcony. It looks like my kind of holiday!

Exmouth/Coral Bay

I have been to both of these spots a number of times before, but never as an adult. I have dreams of diving with the whale sharks, scuba diving the Ningaloo Reef properly (I only got to spend 5 minutes down there last time… but I did see a sea turtle!) and finding a deserted beach to fish from/cook up our catch. If you have never seen photos of these gorgeous spots, I highly recommend Googling! Ocean, sea life, sunshine and endless sand dunes… what more could I want?!

South Australia

Named as one of Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2017’ destinations, South Australia is another destination that has long been on my radar. I have always been intrigued by what Adelaide – ‘the city of churches’ – has to offer. Being just a 3 hour flight from Perth (that is the same flight time as Perth – Bali), I am appalled that I haven’t yet been! I would love nothing more than to visit some of my favourite wineries in the Barossa Valley, or spend a day shopping at the famous Rundle Mall. If I could time the trip right, I would most definitely immerse myself in all things WOMAdelaide, the Adelaide Fringe Festival or Adelaide Cabaret Festival (of which I have heard many great things from Jenelle).

One day I will drive across to South Australia too, so I can take in the sights of the phenomenal Great Australian Bight.

But that isn’t all… I also want to see:

Byron Bay

Valley of the giants in Denmark

Broome

Darwin

Cairns

Sunshine Coast

The Pinnacles – Cervantes/Jurien Bay

Where in Australia do you really want to see? I would love more suggestions as, like I said, I owe it to myself to see my country!