Prioritising a sense of ease and rejuvenation is easy down under. Rest assured, this doesn’t simply mean basing yourself at an unimaginative beach resort and lying supine on the sand for two weeks. You can holiday in Australia and ignite your sense of adventure without sacrificing that crucial sense of chill.
A unique and epic destination on many of our bucket lists, Australia offers a range of standout opportunities to nurture your sense of wellness, whether that involves a rejuvenating massage in a state-of-the-art spa, an invigorating hike through awe-inspiring landscapes or unforgettable dining experiences unlike anywhere else in the world.
The laid-back vibes start before you arrive, and are maintained on every leg of your journey when you fly with Qantas, Australia’s national carrier. Brimming with Australia’s signature warmth and hospitality, cabin crew are keen to help ensure your flight feels part of your broader holiday experience.
As for exploiting the breadth of R&R opportunities sprinkled through the vibrant landscape, Qantas’s extensive network and schedule across Australia make it easier to hop between different gateways than you might have realised. Booking your whole trip as a single itinerary with Qantas Explorer unlocks discounted domestic flights to more than 45 destinations across the country, making multi-destination travel so much more straightforward. Who says an expansive escapade on the other side of the world can’t be restorative?
Start your tour in Brisbane
Queensland’s capital is one of the greenest cities in Australia, peppered with parks and botanical gardens. Brissie, as it’s affectionately known, also has its fair share of galleries and museums if you prefer a more cultured start to your getaway.
If you’re in the mood for a swim with a difference, downtown you’ll find Streets beach – a manmade, crystal blue lagoon on the edge of the Brisbane River, right in the heart of the city’s South Bank district. Perfect for a dip if you’ve spent the morning taking in the impressive Mount Coot-tha, which is just a few miles away and offers a range of hiking trails and the chance to set your own (leisurely) pace as you explore this famous mountain.
Arrive in the Whitsundays in an afternoon
In just under two hours, a Qantas flight can land you in Hamilton Island, which serves as the gateway to the stunning Whitsundays – a collection of 74 islands and islets located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Here you can really slow the tempo, lounging beside the crystal-clear turquoise water.
Take a day trip to Whitehaven beach – accessible only by boat, seaplane or helicopter from Hamilton Island to feel its pure, fine silica sand between your toes, and take a walk to the Hill Inlet Lookout during low tide to observe the swirling sand patterns. There are incredible snorkelling opportunities – spot vibrant fish in every colour of the rainbow before returning to your hotel for a relaxing spa treatment overlooking the ocean. A scenic flight over Heart Reef, an extraordinary heart-shaped coral formation best viewed from the air, is also an option for anyone seeking a breathtaking romantic moment.
Head back south to Melbourne
Melbourne is often billed as Australia’s European city – and it’s not hard to see why when you can hop on the tram to experience outstanding dining, galleries and theatres. The city is also known for its intriguing network of laneways. These narrow pedestrian alleys and streets were used as service routes in the 19th century for deliveries, waste collection and more. Now they’re vibrant hubs famous for colourful street art, independent boutiques and hip nightlife – a walking tour is the ideal way to take in their unique atmosphere.
Learn about First Nations Australian medicine at the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, or soak up contemporary and local art at NGV Melbourne – Australia’s oldest and most visited gallery.
When you’re ready to reset your nervous system and take a step away from city sights, consider forest bathing on a deliberately gentle and sensory stroll through the fern forests in Dandenong Ranges National Park, less than an hour’s drive away, tuning into the calming melodies of birdsong as you wander through the cool, misty atmosphere.
For a truly special wellness experience, try mineral bathing at the historic Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa where Australia’s first bathhouse was opened in 1895. Soak and soothe any tensions away in water that comes straight from nearby springs. They’ve been long-recognised by the Dja Dja Wurrung people, the traditional owners of the land, for their healing properties as the water is naturally high in minerals including sulphur, magnesium and calcium.
Jet to the west coast to experience Perth
Consider this your opportunity to indulge (even more) before heading home. Not only a convenient destination to fly from courtesy of the daily, non-stop Qantas flights to London, Perth is also a wonderfully eclectic destination – just what you’d expect from an urban oasis facing the Indian Ocean on one side and Australia’s vast interior on the other. After taking in its sparkling city centre, head to bohemian Fremantle to get a dose of the ample charm Perth has to offer. This former port town is now home to Unesco-listed heritage streets, buzzing cafes, galleries, pubs, live music venues, as well as a clutch of world-famous breweries. Or, take advantage of your Qantas Passenger Perks to secure 20% off a Luxe Island seafood cruise: think lobster lunch washed down by cocktails and premium Margaret River wines.
For a beachside fix, Cottesloe is a particularly picturesque stretch of sand popular for swimming, snorkelling and sumptuous sunsets. But don’t jump on your return flight without taking the ferry down the Swan River over to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) – a serene, car-free nature reserve known for its many beautiful beaches and scenic cycling trails. Enjoy long stretches of uninterrupted calm before flying home feeling rejuvenated, and full with unmatched memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Book now at qantas.com or your preferred travel agent.
