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The beautiful country of Australia is a place that cannot be pinned down by any mere one characteristic. With many different pockets of culture across an expansive and varied piece of land, all the places to visit and things to do could not possibly be experienced in a single lifetime.

When planning a getaway, soaking in the best of what the country has to offer, it’s important that you choose the right holiday packages so that you can get the most value for money. With that in mind, here are some of Australia’s best getaway locations.

1. The Great Barrier Reef

A majestic and sprawling reef system (the largest in the world, in fact), the Great Barrier Reef stretches on for over 2,000km, spanning much of the coast of Queensland. The Great Barrier reef accounts for a whopping 10 per cent of the world’s coral reef ecosystems and contains over a thousand types of fish alone.

Consider visiting Green Island, off the coast of Cairns, a tropical paradise where leisure will be the emphasis of each moment you spend there. You’ll be able to go scuba diving or snorkelling to witness the diverse marine life up close, or you can hike through the Green Island National Park, where you’ll be able to see over fifty species of bird.

2. Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley has its history as a world-famous wine-producing region dating back to the 1840s when it was founded by George Fife Angas. For a low-key, laid-back experience of what Australia has to offer, whilst giving you a chance to get off your feet, there’s nothing better than indulging in the region’s premium wine and fresh cuisine.

However, for those who are not interested in the wine, it’s certainly not all that the Barossa Valley has to offer. Consider taking a hot air balloon ride to enjoy the stunning views below, soaking in the calm and serene air while up above. You could explore a farmer’s market for some fresh produce, to then cook your own meals at your accommodation, or to take home.

3. The Great Ocean Road

A 240km stretch of road along Victoria’s south-eastern coast, the Great Ocean Road includes a diverse range of activities and sights to see. From gorgeous walks through the Otways, to the incredibly picture-worthy Twelve Apostles, there is no surprise that it’s Victoria’s quintessential road trip.

This stretch of road includes some of the state’s best beaches – one highlight is Lorne, a popular beach town at a midpoint along the road. Visit the nearby Airey’s lighthouse, with views of the coast below from its top. Gear up for adventure at Live Wire Park, which features zip lines and obstacle courses through the beautiful treetops of the Otways forest.

4. Uluru / Ayers Rock

Uluru, as it was traditionally named in the Pitjantjatjara language, is one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks. Uluru is a monolithic sandstone structure with immense sacred significance to the Australian Aboriginal people and is certainly a wonder to behold.

There are several walking tours around the base of Uluru, as well as opportunities to see it from a helicopter, camelback, or even while skydiving! Experience the Field of Light by artist Bruno Munro; 50,000 solar-powered globes sprawl along the base of Uluru to create the image of a field of glowing flowers.

Kings Canyon is relatively nearby, a chasm that travels over 300 feet into the ground. The Rim Walk, while recommended for fitter adventurers, is a great way to get the best of what Kings Canyon has to offer – it is also punctuated by stunning views at its highest point.

5. The Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains seems to exist to emphasise that Australia isn’t just all about the beaches. A mountainous region of NSW with myriad opportunities to bushwalk, sightsee, and explore, the Blue Mountains will satisfy the heart of the wanderer and the thrill-seeker alike.

Explore the Jamison Valley via the Scenic Cableway, then continue your journey on foot along the Scenic Walkway. You’ll have beautiful views within this World Heritage Site, including of the Three Sisters sandstone formation, one of Australia’s most photographed landmarks. In Lithgow, you can walk through the mesmerising glow worm tunnel, lit by thousands of glow worms.

The Blue Mountains have plenty of opportunities for blood-pumping adventures, too. These activities include cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, and 4WD adventures, among others.

Summary

Australia is truly a country that is packed with places that are ready to visit. From beaches to hikes and from cuisine to comfort, there really is something for everyone. Consider the kind of getaway that appeals most to you, and there is certain to be somewhere in the country that’s ready to fulfil your needs. There are a great many other places in the country that haven’t been covered in this list – so if nowhere has caught your attention yet, know that there is somewhere in Australia still waiting to facilitate your perfect getaway occasion.