8 Australian Destinations to Put On Your Bucket List if You Can’t Make a European Summer

Summer in Europe might be beautiful, but there are plenty of stunning destinations at home to enjoy.

Flights to Europe in 2023 are eye-wateringly expensive at the moment, so we totally understand why some people might not want to have a European summer holiday this year. Or perhaps you got excited last year and planned a trip then. Whatever the reason, skipping winter and heading somewhere warm is a lovely luxury.

Don’t worry, though, there are plenty of locations within Australia that are crying out for visitors, and that will be just as beautiful as your dream trip to the French Riviera or the Amalfi Coast.

From the stunning beaches at Esperance to the bountiful realms of Cygnet, here are some of the places we’ve put on our Australian travel bucket list in lieu of a European summer.

1. Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

If you’re dreaming of beautiful water and ocean sports, look no further than Ningaloo Reef. Though Margaret River is another popular destination in Western Australia for surfers, swimmers – and wine lovers – alike, Ningaloo Reef offers some of the most incredible snorkelling in the country. The water is crystal clear and the opportunity to swim with whale sharks and see an untouched coral reef is unparalleled.

2. The Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

You’ll get the best of both worlds at the Fleurieu Peninsula, about two hours south of Adelaide. Beautiful beaches – our favourite are along Port Willunga, where you’ll also find a shipwreck and the opportunity for whale and dolphin spotting – and then the incredible wine-making region of McLaren Vale. This couldn’t be more of a perfect holiday, especially if you were dreaming of making it to Sicily this year – another perfect combination of vineyards and coastal scenery.

3. Cygnet, Tasmania

Okay, this might be a change in temperature from a European summer holiday, but if you’re looking for something that will delight your tastebuds this year, plan a holiday to Cygnet. Sure, maybe you were planning on dining your way through France, Italy or Spain, but we guarantee you’ll find plenty to love in the Apple Isle. Cygnet is one of the most produce bountiful realms of Tassie, offering everything from apples to grapes, blueberries and juicy cherries. Go in the middle of the year and rent a cosy airbnb, wrap up by fire and enjoy some mulled wine and apple pie. Delicious.

4. Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

Just two hours from Sydney by plane and you’ll be able to set foot in this lush, tropical paradise, more reminiscent of Hawaii or the pacific islands than Australia. Lord Howe Island, off the coast of New South Wales, has long been a best-kept travel secret, but with luxury resorts opening up – including the gorgeous Capella Lodge – and celebrities including the Hemsworths and Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake touching down for family holidays, the time to plan your visit is now. There’s plenty to do when you’re there: hiking, snorkelling, bird watching and more, all in the verdant green surrounds of the island. But there are also stunning beaches perfect for relaxing on. Who needs Europe when you have this!

5. Ballarat, Victoria

Not making it to Europe for a summer of culture? Plan a trip to Ballarat this August instead. This year, the town is hosting its 10th Ballarat International Foto Biennale, the most respected and beloved photographic art celebration in the whole country and a major event on the calendar. The program is yet to be announced but judging by the last time the biennale took place two years ago, with a program that included an exclusive exhibition of Linda McCartney’s arresting photography, it’s going to be epic.

6. Lizard Island, Queensland

If luxury coastal destination is what you’re after – and you’re not going to quite make it to Europe this summer – try Lizard Island. This exclusive enclave accessible only by charter plane from Cairns is the height of extravagance. The northernmost island resort in Australia, you’ll be blessed with breathtaking access to the Great Barrier Reef along with blissful privacy and isolation at your resort of choice. It really doesn’t get better than this. Who needs Greece or Croatia when you could go to Lizard Island instead?

Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory

Just a short ferry ride away from Darwin and you’ll find yourself in the secluded Tiwi Islands, one of the most culturally rich destinations in Australia. You can experience all of that on a holiday in the islands, where you can learn about the history of the Tiwi Islanders, who have lived on their land since before the Ice Age. On your holiday, you can also visit the pristine beaches, art centres, get a deeper understanding of Australia's Aboriginal culture, and experience a local footy game. This will be a holiday you’ll never forget. Keep in mind that visitors to the Tiwi Islands require a permit. If you aren't visiting with a tour, you will need to apply for a permit.

8. Esperance, Western Australia

Located on the south coast of WA, Esperance has some of the whitest sand beaches in the world, so if you’re feeling sad for missing out on European beaches, we've got good news. Whether it's seeing the kangaroos on the beach at Lucky Bay, take a flight over the bubble-gum pink lake, or sample the delicious local produce, this area of Australia is one of the most beautiful and hard to beat as far as getting your summer fix,

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Summer in Europe might be beautiful, but there are plenty of stunning destinations at home to enjoy.

8 Australian Destinations to Put On Your Bucket List if You Can’t Make a European Summer

Summer in Europe might be beautiful, but there are plenty of stunning destinations at home to enjoy.

1. Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

2. The Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

3. Cygnet, Tasmania

4. Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

5. Ballarat, Victoria

6. Lizard Island, Queensland

Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory

8. Esperance, Western Australia

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