Australia is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, with over two million visiting every year. Travellers very much love the country due to its natural diversity, including many types of landscapes and species of animals. From forested areas to the desert, lofty mountain peaks, and glimmering metropolises, there’s no way to get bored in this eclectic country.
But where do the Australians themselves travel? What are the destinations they enjoy best? Check your school holiday dates and get the kids excited for some of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations!
New Zealand
It should come as no surprise that Australia’s neighbour, New Zealand, is at the top of the list. One of the things that makes it such a popular spot for tourists is its unspoiled, pristine wilderness. If you love natural environments and want to spend time hiking, camping or rock climbing in the great outdoors, New Zealand is the best place for you.
Known in Maori as Aotearoa, which loosely translates into “land of the long white cloud”, the New Zealand scenery includes green hills, volcanoes, glaciers and snow-capped mountains. You can discover the honoured traditions of the indigenous Maori in the traditional village of Tamaki, sheltered within the confines of a centuries-old tawa forest.
And, of course, if you’re a fan of Tolkien’s legendarium, you already know that New Zealand features the real-life filming location of Hobbiton and The Shire, featured in both The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. You can also join a tour to discover more behind-the-scenes information about the location.
Indonesia
If you’re considering visiting Indonesia, you must think about airport parking before you set off, as it is among the most popular destinations for Australians. The country can boast some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world, such as tropical forests and mountains. If you love the beach, you’ll find many of them, including in Bali, Nusa Dua and the Gili Islands.
About 6,000 of Indonesia’s over 18,000 are inhabited as part of the largest archipelago in the world. That makes island hopping a popular way of vacationing in the country. This is mainly because Indonesia has something for every traveller, so whether you want to enjoy the nightlife and party or just want to relax and unwind, you’re bound to find a spot perfect for that.
Indonesia is an excellent place for surfing, which is good news for Australians who famously love the activity. Estimates show that nearly 3.5 million Aussies are active surfers, with one out of ten counting it among their favourite recreational activities. Indonesia is home to extensive coral reefs, with about 20% of their global population located here, so scuba diving is a must.
Some of the traditional dishes you must try in the country include:
- Nasi timber.
- Rice wrapped in banana leaves.
- Charcoal-grilled fish and seafood.
- Soups such as soto and sayur asem.
- Satay, seasoned meat cooked on skewers.
If you love history and traditional customs, you must visit at least a couple of Indonesia’s famous temples, built in the country’s time-honoured architectural style. Some of the most remarkable are Pura Besakih, Goa Gajah, Ratu Boko and Sewu Temple.
Japan
Since Japan is a top-rated destination for Australian tourists, you must plan your trip in advance. Check Parkos.com.au for the best parking spots available so your vehicle can be safe throughout your journey.
There are many reasons why Australians enjoy visiting Japan, the most important arguably being its charming mix of the ancient with the ultramodern. Japanese politeness is also well-known, meaning the locals will always try to be as helpful and courteous as possible. The country is home to numerous World Heritage Sites, and its cuisine is recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Japan is home to many traditional castles, mainly constructed of wood and stone and mostly as strategic sites near important roads, harbours or rivers rather than places of leisure. Most of the castles have remained intact since they were built several centuries ago, such as Kochi Castle. One notable example is Hiroshima Castle, destroyed during the atomic bombing of 1945, then rebuilt in 1958 to serve as a museum.
Japan is also home to several Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines that are open to visitors. Among the most famous are the Ise Grand Shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess of traditional Japanese beliefs, the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha located in Kyoto; the Meiji in Kyoto; the Heian-Jingu Shrine, which hosts the Jidai Matsuri every year in October 22nd, one of the three most important festivals in Kyoto, and the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine. For Buddhist temples, your best bet is to visit the Seven Great Temples of Nara, the city where deer are known to roam freely. Shinto shrines have torii paths as a distinctive feature, while Buddhist ones have stunning pagodas.
And of course, you can’t miss the opportunity to sample some of the traditional cuisine. While Japanese food has steadily become more popular all over the globe, trying it in Japan will be a unique experience. Since Japanese food is based on seasonality, there are specific dishes you can try depending on the time of the year when you’re in Japan. During the summer, you can try kakigori, a shaved ice dessert with syrup and condensed milk; Hiyashi chuka, a dish of cold noodles, pork, egg omelette, veggies and ginger; chilled soba, takoyaki or kuzumochi.
Fiji
The natural landscapes of Fiji are second-to-none. If you enjoy snorkelling, it is one of the best destinations in the world, as its marine life is so diverse, and it also has numerous canyons and caves, many of which are covered in corals. Fiji is ideal for those looking to enjoy a luxury gateway with posh accommodation choices, including over-water villas. Celebrities or royals have visited some resorts, and many alternatives are entirely eco-friendly.
However, if you’d like to go a little off the grid, there are many options available as well. For example, you can try the traditional treehouse bureau or visit more remote or isolated islands to enjoy your privacy. The local cuisine focuses on seafood, green vegetables, sweet potatoes, breadfruit and coconuts. Fiji is also home to spas of world-renown that include relaxing skin treatments and massages that include banana leaves, honey, sugar cane and other locally-sourced ingredients.
When it comes to vacationing, Australians look for comfort, exhilarating experience and beautiful sights.
