The Sky is the Limit! Must-See International Getaway Locations for Australians
Our beloved national anthem tells us about Australia being ‘girt by sea’ and truly does highlight the isolation of a country that is an entire continent separated from the rest of the world geographically speaking.
We are surrounded by water on all sides and sit far down in the Southern Hemisphere. Australia sits closer to Antarctica than it does the USA or Europe, so you can imagine just how different our travelling habits are. However, just because we live quite a distance from others in the Northern Hemisphere, doesn’t mean we don’t have exciting holiday options. In fact, Australia is lucky to be so close to some of the planet’s most beautiful and exotic locations, where you will have more of an opportunity than ever to experience something magical. Australia is lucky to have overnight flights to some incredible destinations, as well as direct long-distance flights and cruise liners to get you where you want to be.
Here are our top international holiday destinations that you must visit whilst living in Australia.
Temple in Bali, Indonesia
Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash
Bali, Indonesia
Undoubtedly one of those most popular destination for Australians, Bali in the Indonesian islands is the perfect blend of vibrant culture, friendly people, and breathtaking nature.
For those seeking exciting nightlife, Bali is no stranger to wild and colourful nightclubs and parties, with waves of Australians visiting all year round. For travellers seeking a quiet escape from the daily grind, they are often found living for long periods in Bali, proving to be a wonderful location for remote workers, and those with lifestyles surrounding nature, spiritualism, and low-maintenance living. Flights leave for Bali regularly from around the country, with the easiest travel from Perth and Western Australia.
For all information you could ever need about travelling to Bali, head over to Bali Buddies and checkout their complete insider’s guide.
New Zealand
Only a hop, skip, and a jump from Sydney, Brisbane, and Australia’s east coast, New Zealand is one of our closest neighbours – not only geographically speaking, but also in culture, language, and lifestyles.
New Zealand is bursting with natural beauty and adventure-filled locations. From magical snowy mountains to vast coastlines of beaches that are a surfer’s dream, New Zealand is a haven for adventure seekers, and only a short flight away.
Photo by Tyler Lastovich
Hawaii
For such an isolated continent, it’s incredible just how popular holidays to the Hawaiian Islands really are. With direct flights from Australia to Honolulu, Hawaii is another tropical location where Australians flock to the luxurious hotels and stunning beaches to indulge in Luaus, local food, volcanic adventures, and a little taste of North American culture.
Cherry blossom trees in Osaka, Japan
Photo by Bagus Pangestu
Japan
It’s not only because Australians drive on the same side of the road – Japan is a popular destination for Australians seeking a taste of vibrant culture and intriguing lifestyle that is unmatched elsewhere in the world. The uniqueness of the language, the food, and the general lives of people in Japan, has tourists flocking there every year. From the stunning mount Fuji to Osaka Castle, the world-famous Harajuku girls, and authentic Japanese cuisine, everything unique about Japan seems to have an irresistible allure. So, when you get a craving for sushi and a capsule hotel room, then simply jump on one of our many direct flights to Tokyo.
New Caledonia
You already know that Europe is on the other side of the world to Australia, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a little taste of Europe close to home. Short flights to Noumea in New Caledonia mean Australians can experience the perfect blend of tropical holiday destination and authentic European culture and cuisine. The unique position of this French territory makes it an ideal destination from Australia, being a mix of local Kanak culture and French language and cuisine, with a touch of adventure and wild nature including giant coconut crabs, green turtles, oversized snails, and unique bird and aquatic life.
Coconut Crab found throughout the Pacific and New Caledonia
Singapore
As if being transported to another world, Singapore offers an unbelievably exciting culture and lifestyle. Such a wealthy and bustling city-state, Singapore is famous for its clean streets, family-friendly attractions, and stunning displays of fashion, cuisine, and luxury living. Singapore is known for its multiculturalism and diverse characteristics visible in everything from the architectural skyline to the culinary masterpieces that can only ever be found locally. Being so close to Australia, Singapore is one of the most popular destinations in Asia when travelling from Australia.\
Fiji
For family-friendly holidays in tropical paradise, you can’t go past Fiji. Only a short flight from Australia’s east coast, Fiji is known for its crystal-blue waters, white sands, and incredibly friendly people. Tropical fruits, exotic seafood, and unique flavours, coupled with stays in the luxurious resorts, make this a tempting destination for Australians. The comforts of knowing that your children will be welcome and catered to, as well as the ability to enjoy a romantic getaway or an island adventure, mean everyone can enjoy this almost local paradise.
Locals singing on a beach in Nadi, Fiji
Photo by Josh Withers
Thailand
A fan favourite around the world, Thailand remains a popular choice for Australians too. Particularly famous for partygoers and fun-seekers, Thailand welcomes many Australians to their country who are looking for a good time. For those more interested in what the daylight hours have to offer, Australians can never get enough of the Thai beaches, with famous locations even having waitlists to visit. Tourists love the sense of peace and tranquillity that surrounds them in Thailand and offers a very different type of Asian culture, language, and cuisine to other popular Asian destinations.
Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
Photo by Robin Noguier
With so many incredible destinations on offer, there really is no way to fit them all into one list. All of the pristine island systems in the Pacific, the cultural beauty throughout Asia, even the vast and freezing Antarctic region, demonstrate just how easy it is to experience international travel when you are based in Australia. You may even get the opportunity to discover somewhere you never even dreamed could exist, all because you are now starting from somewhere just as unique – Australia.
Wherever the winds take you, you are guaranteed to explore some of the world’s most spectacular and entertaining destinations and have a taste of Australia’s everlasting love of adventure.
