12 AUSSIE DESTINATIONS
to visit in 2025
Joffre Gorge, Western Australia.
Whatever the time of year, the weather’s just right somewhere.
Words: John Pedler
Australia is the world’s sixth-largest country, stretching across a wide range of climates and landscapes. If you’re looking to explore our remarkably diverse continent in 2025, we’ve put together some suggested destinations and the best seasons to visit.
Best time to visit
SUMMER
AUTUMN
WINTER
SPRING
PILBARA
Western Australia
In the heart of iron-ore country, the Pilbara region showcases some of Australia’s most dramatic natural features. Remote Karijini National Park is packed with spectacular gorges, rockpools and scenic lookouts. After a hike among the rust-red rocks at Dales Gorge, reward yourself with a swim at spring-fed Fortescue Falls.
Keen adventurers can scramble along rock ledges and wade through the waters of the super narrow Hancock Gorge to Kermit’s Pool, tucked in a hollow, deep beneath the cliffs. For big trains, big ships and the world’s largest bulk export harbour, it’s off to Port Hedland.
KANGAROO ISLAND
South Australia
When you first arrive at Stokes Bay car park, you could think you’re at the wrong place. The rubble-strewn beach ahead isn’t particularly appealing, but stroll to the adjacent bay via the narrow rocky canyon to the right and all will be revealed – you’ll see.
Vivonne Bay, on the island’s remote south coast, is renowned for its clear turquoise waters and clean sandy beach. There are no resorts here – just the sea, the sand, the bush, and a jetty if you’re keen to drop a line. These two beaches have featured high on lists of Australia’s best beaches, and there are plenty of other seaside stunners to explore on KI.
Stokes Bay, South Australia.
GIPPSLAND
Victoria
Sheltered from the sea by the sand dunes fringing Ninety Mile Beach, Gippsland Lakes is an extensive waterworld of lakes, marshland and lagoons. For fisherfolk, kayakers, swimmers, sailors and anybody else who enjoys the water, this is about as good as it gets.
Much of the area is protected by a network of parks and reserves, so there are plenty of places for bushwalking, camping and wildlife spotting. For a koala fix, take the short ferry ride from the charming lakeside village of Paynesville to the Koala Walk on Raymond Island.
Gippsland Lakes, Victoria.
Echuca discovery centre, Victoria.
ECHUCA
Victoria
During the heyday of Murray River trade in the late 19th century, Echuca was the largest inland port in Australia. Among the historic displays at the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre is the mighty red gum wharf where docked paddle-steamers were once a regular sight. Step back in time on an hour-long paddle-steamer tour along the river.
Fans of the fizzy amber brew can visit the Great Aussie Beer Shed and Heritage Farm Museum, where more than 20,000 local and international beer cans, 4000 steins and an impressive collection of farming artefacts and vehicles are on display.
SOUTHERN FLINDERS RANGES
South Australia
Nestled at the foot of Mount Remarkable, the charming town of Melrose is the starting point for thrilling mountain bike trails, and hikes into rugged Mount Remarkable National Park.
A massive, 300-year-old gum tree in the middle of Brewery Street is listed on the National Trust Tree Register. For an exciting hike through the narrow canyon of Alligator Gorge, head to the gorge car park 12km south of Wilmington, before descending the steep stairway into the ravine.
Alligator Gorge, South Australia.
TASMANIA'S NORTH-WEST COAST
Tasmania
Take a road trip to explore towns and beaches along Tasmania’s north west shore. At Stanley, a massive volcanic plug known as The Nut rises high above the pretty seaside town. A heart-pumping walk or relaxing chairlift ride will get you to the top for stunning views of the coast and surrounding farmland.
The tiny settlement of Boat Harbour is home to a similarly tiny beach. Sheltered between two headlands, it’s just the spot for a summer dip. Wynyard celebrates its colourful springtime tulip fields with a festival each October, while the town of Penguin has fully embraced its namesake and star attraction. The 3m-high penguin statue and penguin-themed rubbish bins and bollards are a nod to the little penguins that waddle ashore each night.
The Nut, Tasmania.
K'GARI (FRASER ISLAND)
Queensland
Noted for its exceptional beauty, UNESCO World Heritage-listed K’gari is the world’s largest sand island. The beach is the main road on this 122km-long tropical paradise, while rough bush tracks provide access to the island’s interior. This is true wilderness, so four-wheel-drives are the only vehicles permitted on K’gari.
The hinterland is a mixture of pristine rainforest and picturesque freshwater lakes. Fringed by dense forest and the whitest of sandy beaches, crystal-clear Lake Mackenzie (Boorangoora) is an idyllic spot for a dip. Energetic travellers can hike into emerald-green Lake Wabby, a remote lake trapped between the forest and a monster dune. To get to K’gari, catch a ferry from the mainland.
CANBERRA
ACT
On the shores of artificial Lake Burley Griffin is artificial Canberra. The city was built as a compromise to settle the Melbourne versus Sydney rivalry over which city should be the nation’s capital.
Celebrating its 38th year in 2025, the Floriade festival in Commonwealth Park will announce the arrival of spring with a riot of colourful blooms. While you’re in town for Floriade, be sure to visit the National War Memorial – a moving tribute to those who fell in conflicts around the world.
For a dazzling view of the city lights, take the short trip to the summit of Mount Ainslie. Remember to pack a jumper – it’s Canberra.
Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra.
AUSTRALIAN ALPS
New South Wales
Pack your skis, boots and gaudy jumper and head for the slopes as winter turns the Australian Alps into a snowy wonderland.
Whether you’re a black diamond expert, cross-country trekker or a coffee-in-a-café observer, the New South Wales snowfields will fit the bill.
In summer, the cool of the high country is ideal for bushwalking, including the 18.6km-return trek from Charlotte Pass to the summit of Mount Kosciusko – Australia’s highest peak.
Snowy Mountains, New South Wales.
ATHERTON TABLELANDS
Queensland
The Atherton Tablelands, in the Cairns hinterland, is renowned for picture-perfect waterfalls, ancient rainforest and unique landforms. A hit on Instagram, curtain-like Millaa Millaa Falls plunges 18m against a backdrop of vivid green ferns. Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters that fill Lake Eacham volcanic crater, surrounded by lush rainforest.
Journey on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway from the coast to Kuranda hilltop village. While you’re in town, check out the colourful local markets, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Birdworld, before descending from the tableland via the thrilling Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Millaa Millaa Falls, Queensland.
NEW ENGLAND HIGH COUNTRY
New South Wales
Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Inverell and Australia’s highest city, Armidale, are the major towns in the New England high country, which is part of the Great Dividing Range. Giant rock enthusiasts can head north of Tenterfield to Bald Rock, one of the largest slabs of exposed granite in the country – some say the largest. The vast Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, south east of Armidale, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. This is a place of deep gorges, precipitous waterfalls and mountain wilderness. New England is also a productive farming region, and there are plenty of country markets and cool-climate wineries where you can sample local produce.
Tenterfield, NSW.
DARWIN
Northern Territory
Tropical Darwin provides an ideal escape from the southern winter. Chase barramundi, queenfish and golden trevally on a Darwin Harbour fishing tour, learn about the city’s front-line role in World War II, and take a day trip to the waterfalls and cool swimming holes at Litchfield Park.
In the evening, head for the bars and eateries along buzzing Mitchell Street or Darwin Waterfront, see eclectic arts and crafts at Mindil Beach Sunset Market, or catch a flick at the outdoor Deckchair Cinema while bats flit about overhead.
IMAGES: Canberra Tourism; Destination NSW; SATC/Angus Mountjoy; Tourism & Events Queensland; Tourism Australia; Tourism TAS/Emilie Ristevski; Tourism Western Australia; Visit Victoria.
