While seeing the electrifyingly bright lights of Tokyo and smooth ski slopes of Aspen may have to wait a while longer, Australia is home to its own gems, ready to be explored.
Come summer, we’ll hopefully be able to explore our beautiful country again, so we’ve rounded up the top 5 regional destinations for you to kick off your bucket list!
Please ensure you keep up with all relevant government COVID-19 regulations and rules and partake in social distancing measures!
1) Ballarat, Victoria
Renowned for its rich gold mining history, Ballarat makes a perfect outing for history buffs and those who simply wish to explore the beautiful region and its offerings alike.
The regional town is quaint and cosy; you’ll find yourself wandering the tree lined streets, and ducking into little independent cafes brewing pots of tea and serving up delicious homemade cakes. There are plenty of museums to visit too, making Ballarat one of Victoria’s most cultural towns to explore, and plenty of leafy parks to relax in, perhaps with a takeaway coffee or a nice book in hand.
2) Blue Mountains, NSW
There’s a reason the Blue Mountains are so well known; not only is the regional area strikingly beautiful (think rugged steep cliffs, lush green eucalyptus forests and impressive waterfalls), but its multiple charismatic towns dotted throughout the region provide visitors (and locals) with some culture and fun, too.
The region is just an hour away from Sydney, and with plenty to do, makes for the perfect getaway. You may find yourselves exploring the natural beauty of the region on one of the multiple bushwalking trails (complete with multiple lookout areas showcasing sweeping panoramic views of the mammoth mountains), or wandering the quaint main street of a leafy neighbouring town, coffee in hand.
3) Tamborine Mountain, Queensland
If ever there were a lush, green, tropical region reminiscent of a Jurassic Park movie, Tamborine Mountain would be it. Just a 50 minute drive from the Gold Coast, this tranquil oasis provides visitors and locals alike with a healthy dose of clean fresh air, and plenty to do.
While you may lean towards spending the entire day exploring the natural beauty of Tamborine Mountain (and with its multiple rainforest trails, glistening waterfalls and scenic lookout areas, why wouldn’t you?), make sure you visit the town itself as well. There, quaint cafes, galleries, and boutique stores selling handmade local crafts await you.
Seeking an adventure to do on the day? Check out AmazingCo’s Tamborine Mountain Mystery Picnic, where you’ll be solving a number of clues and riddles that lead you to local food stores in the region, collecting gourmet picnic food as you go!
4) Chittering, WA
Just an hour away from Perth, Chittering makes for the perfect city getaway- and an excellent spot to rejuvenate with some clean, fresh air. Renowned for its rolling green hills, working vineyards and scenic bush walking trails, the Chittering region well and truly provides visitors seeking a city escape with a quintessential Australian country experience.
Dusty, red, and oh-so-Australian walking trails lead visitors through barren bushland, making way for sweeping views of rolling hills and vineyards in the distant. The town of Chittering is quaint; here you’ll find boutique arts and crafts stores (selling local and handmade goods), a heritage museum, as well as independent cafes serving up freshly brewed coffee and handmade pastries.
5) Bendigo, Victoria
Like Ballarat, the regional Victorian town of Bendigo is stooped in gold mining history, making museums and galleries showcasing the historical era one of the town’s main attractions.
Bendigo is situated a two hour drive from Melbourne (so those visiting from the city may want to stay overnight or leave early in the morning) and makes the perfect city escape for families, couples and friends alike. You’ll find yourselves wandering along the quaint town centre, visiting the boutique stores and quirky cafes lining the main street, and filling your lungs with some much needed fresh air in one of the lush, green parks.
So there you have it, our top 5 regional destinations to explore in Australia during the holidays - just because we can’t travel overseas, doesn’t mean we can’t travel at all (and we’re lucky enough to have a plethora of beautiful regions in our own backyard).
Wondering what to do after seeing the sights on your trip away? Check out AmazingCo’s Mystery Picnics for a fast paced (and delicious) activity, where you’ll need to solve a number of clues and riddles in order to pick up gourmet picnic food from local boutique stores in your chosen region!
