6 Must-Visit Spots in Australia Right Now

Over the past six months, I’ve been planning a month-long adventure in Australia and New Zealand with my family, sparked by the FIFA Women’s World Cup happening from late July until the finals in Sydney on August 20. This global event spans across five cities in Australia and four in New Zealand, and while we won’t hit every location, we’ll explore a great deal of both countries.

Here, I share parts of my actual itinerary along with timely insights into the latest happenings across Australia and New Zealand.

What are the best destinations for a first-time visitor to Australia?

Sydney

It’s tough to resist starting your journey in Sydney, home to iconic Australian landmarks like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Garden, and Bondi Beach with its scenic rock pools. However, make sure to venture beyond the Central Business District (CBD) and the heavily frequented Circular Quay, as Sydney's true charm unfolds in its neighborhoods. One of my recent favorites is Surry Hills, a lovely suburb just southeast of the CBD featuring picturesque streets adorned with terraced homes. Check in at the Paramount House Hotel, housed in a former Paramount film studio, boasting a specialty coffee shop at the front and the spicy, jet lag–relieving restaurant Chin Chin across the street. For a memorable experience with kids, consider a night or two at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo—a luxurious lodge-like accommodation with animal sightings right from your room (proceeds benefit the Taronga Conservation Society).

Where to stay

Check out Dinogo’s guide to the best hotels in Sydney, or be among the first to experience the striking new Capella Sydney, located in a historic building within the Sandstone Precinct (late 1800s/early 1900s architecture).

Dining options

Venture into the Paddington neighborhood to experience some of Sydney’s finest bars and eateries, including Ursula’s, Saint Peter, and 10 William Street. Enjoy a food crawl at the Carriageworks farmers’ market, and don’t miss grabbing an espresso and pastry at the original Bourke Street Bakery in Surry Hills.

Activities to explore

Try to secure tickets for the FIFA Women’s World Cup final on August 20. Take a ferry ride to Bondi or Manly, dive into a rock pool, and visit the new North building at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, a modern architectural wonder hailed as “the most significant cultural building in the city since the Opera House.” Solange will headline Volume, a music, film, and performance festival at the Art Gallery of NSW from September 22 to October 8. Be sure to catch a performance at the Opera House (with a pre- or post-show cocktail overlooking the harbor).

I’m here for the ultimate Aussie surf adventure.

Byron Bay

The last time I visited Byron Bay, around 2001, this coastal gem in far-north New South Wales was a backpacker’s paradise, with an unpretentious hippie vibe and warm hospitality. I cherished that experience back then. Now, having matured (a little), Byron has evolved too, embracing a boho chic aesthetic with five-star eco-resorts and Instagram influencer surf moms gracing the pages of Vanity Fair. Despite these changes, the surf town remains rooted in its original spirit, emphasizing sustainability and supporting small businesses. Buildings rise no higher than two or three stories, and resorts like Elements are thoughtfully integrated into the lush semi-tropical landscape—wild brushturkeys wander around the pool and two-bedroom villas. (“I actually said, ‘I’m basking in birdsong’ yesterday.)

The highlight is the Farm, a charming working farm situated about 10 minutes from the surf break. Here, you can effortlessly come for dinner at Three Blue Ducks—a now-iconic eatery that popularized hyper-local Australian cuisine—and return for breakfast 12 hours later. Indulge in mini Dutch pancakes topped with vanilla ice cream at 9 a.m.

Accommodation options

Reserve a room at Elements of Byron Bay or The Sunseeker.

Dining recommendations

Try The Farm; Bang Bang for comforting Southeast Asian dishes (available for dine-in or takeaway); and Tones at Sōko for a flat white and avocado crumpet after a yoga session at Creature Yoga.

Activities to enjoy

Surf. Explore Byron's boutiques, featuring independent, women-led brands like Rowie, Spell, Mister Zimi, and Kivari. On a rainy day, take the kids to learn at Circus Arts. Meet Manda the wombat and Arnie the koala at the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Venture into the Byron Hinterland to dine at Harvest, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

All I need is rolling hills and fantastic food and wine...

Tasmania

“My last trip to Tasmania was all about the food,” shares Sydneysider and travel writer Krisanne Fordham, who visited twice in 2022. “It’s truly a food lover’s paradise. Honestly, the finest oysters I’ve ever tasted come from the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s east coast—specifically from Freycinet Marine Farm. They’re rich and creamy, perfectly paired with Tasmanian bubbles.

“What draws me back is the variety available,” Fordham enthuses. “If you love nature, nearly half of Tasmania's land is designated as national parks and World Heritage areas, featuring stunning alpine lakes, rivers, and remarkable snow-capped peaks like Cradle Mountain and Mount Wellington. For culture enthusiasts, MONA [Museum of Old and New Art] offers fascinating exhibits, and there’s always a music, film, or art festival happening throughout the year.” Read on for the full story on why Tasmania should be on your travel list in Australia.

Accommodation options

Stay at The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott (Hobart), which beautifully blends an 1840s former hospital at its core, a 1940s art deco wing, and a brand-new glass structure; MONA pavilions, which allow guests to stay on-site at one of the world's most extraordinary art museums; or Saffire Freycinet, a luxury lodge in Freycinet National Park with breathtaking views of the Hazards Mountains. For families, Freycinet Lodge offers stylish cabins overlooking the bush.

Dining recommendations

Freycinet Marine Farm for the freshest oysters around. Don’t miss The Lounge by Frogmore Creek, where the wine pairings are a must. Visit Fico, where the menu showcases Tasmanian ingredients like cheese, sea urchins, and truffles.

Activities to explore

Dive into the mind-blowing private art collection at MONA. Food enthusiasts will appreciate Mic Giuliani’s foraging tours. Discover the island’s rugged northeast coast and learn about Australia’s Aboriginal heritage on the wukalina walk.

I want it all: urban life, rainforest, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Brisbane and Tropical Northern Queensland

This year, United Airlines introduced new direct flights between Los Angeles and Brisbane, along with daily services from San Francisco, making Queensland’s somewhat reserved business hub accessible for international leisure travelers. The art scene is vibrant, featuring Underground Opera and large-scale Australian Aboriginal and Asian pieces at the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art.

Spend a few days in Brisbane before heading north for diving in the Great Barrier Reef and exploring the Daintree Rainforest. Avoid the usual giant tour bus catamaran to view the GBR; instead, opt for a guided snorkel tour with Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel. This experience honors various Aboriginal cultures while showcasing the reef and its ecosystem through an Indigenous perspective.

Accommodation options

Crystalbrook Vincent (Brisbane); Silky Oaks Lodge (Daintree Rainforest); Crystalbrook Riley (Cairns); Lizard Island (Great Barrier Reef). Arriving in November 2023: Pelorus Private Island, an ultra-exclusive retreat accessible only by helicopter or private yacht.

Where to enjoy a drink

At the Brisbane Distillery and Gin School, you can select from over 130 botanicals to craft your own bottle of gin.

Activities to experience

Witness conservation efforts at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Take a day trip to Fitzroy Island or Green Island (ideal for younger children). Enjoy a ride on the heritage-listed Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns to Kuranda, which is home to Australia’s largest butterfly sanctuary.

I want to visit a place where most of my friends haven’t gone.

Perth and Rottnest Island

As one of the host cities for the FIFA Women’s World Cup this August, often overlooked Perth finally takes center stage. This Western Australia hub is closer to Bali, Indonesia, than it is to Sydney and boasts more sunny days than any other Australian city, creating a unique atmosphere: a beach-and-brew destination with a dash of culture. Choose to stay in the heart of the city near Perth’s Elizabeth Quay or just outside in Fremantle (or Freo), making it a perfect base for exploring WA further—whether it's taking a ferry to Rottnest Island (home to the adorable quokka), heading to Margaret River for wine tasting, diving at Ningaloo Reef, or visiting the beautiful beaches of Broome.

Accommodation options

The Adnate–Art Series Hotel (Perth–Elizabeth Quay); Ritz-Carlton Perth (Perth–Elizabeth Quay); Warders Hotel (Fremantle, or Freo); Samphire Rottnest (Rottnest Island).

Dining recommendations

Start your day at Cooee with a flat white, followed by a leisurely stroll through Kings Park. For lunch, try Emily Taylor for lobster truffle dumplings, or visit Tonic & Ginger, Mother, and Bread in Common. Don’t miss the trendy Gage Roads Freo Brewery for a laid-back surfer atmosphere and delicious food. Enjoy ocean views at Indigo Oscar.

Activities to explore

Maalinup Aboriginal is an Indigenous-owned gallery where you can purchase art, enjoy cultural performances and discussions, and taste bush tucker. Visit Caversham Wildlife Park to feed kangaroos. Take a ferry to Rottnest and rent bikes to explore the island. Drive an hour to Mandurah to see Thomas Dambo’s Giants of Mandurah sculptures. Stroll through the Fremantle Markets and relax at Bathers Beach.

I just want to unwind—nothing else.

Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula

Melbourne has a special place in my heart. It’s one of my happy places and my former home; it’s also among Australia’s trendier cities (though I might have just made it less cool by saying that). On my next visit, I’m eager to explore Mornington Peninsula, just a 90-minute drive south of Melbourne, where exciting developments are happening in the wine and wellness sectors. New in 2022 is Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, a luxurious wellness retreat featuring Vichy showers, a hammam, aroma baths, and an extensive list of massages and facials. It pairs beautifully with the acclaimed Peninsula Hot Springs, known for its natural thermal pools and private baths by the coast. While the wine scene is still emerging (Yarra Valley to the north boasts some of Australia’s finest wines), it features family-run vineyards with welcoming dining options.

Where to stay

Check out the Jackalope Hotel for its quirky Donnie Darko-inspired bunny sculpture alone.

Where to eat and drink

Make sure to book a table right away at Doot Doot Doot. Enjoy a glass of pinot noir while wandering through the sculpture garden at Montalto. Sample the sparkling pink moscato and margherita pizza at T’Gallant Vineyard. Let the kids explore the playground at Green Olive at Red Hill, a family-owned restaurant and winery celebrated for its communal-style dishes.

What to do

Join for a rejuvenating spa weekend or embark on a thrilling Great Alpine and Lakes Adventure with B Corp-certified Wild Adventures Melbourne. This new five-day journey begins in the Mornington Peninsula, where you can ski, snowboard, snowshoe, and kayak across Gippsland in the High Country.

Start planning for 2024: Kangaroo Island

Once one of Australia’s premier luxury lodges, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island was tragically lost to the 2020 wildfires that ravaged nearly half the island. It has since risen anew, symbolizing resilience for the tight-knit community, set to reopen in December 2023.

Continue reading to discover more about “Kangaroo Island, the Galápagos of Australia.”