10 Reasons to Visit Australia in 2020

The only living thing on Earth visible from space, the Great Barrier Reef was born 25 million years ago. Stretching across 2000km of coastline, this marine wonderland is surrounded by lush cliffs, crescent-shaped beaches and celestial-blue sea. If looking for a private island experience, InterContinental Hayman Island Resort guarantees to immerse you in the breathtaking beauty of the Whitsundays. From the moment you step off your seaplane, enjoy basking in your private pool, sailing the Coral sea and indulging in culinary artistry.

Laidback beaches, spectacular gardens, immaculate dining—Sydney has a little bit of everything. But it’s the city’s icons that really allow this cosmopolitan hot spot to shine. From the Opera House to the Bondi Beach Icebergs, Sydney is home to some of the world’s most recognizable sights. Nestled between it all is Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, the perfect place for travelers to relax after a busy day of exploring. Wine and dine in style at Blu Bar on 36 where dishes are served with a side of spectacular scenery or head to CHI Spa where Australian healing techniques are used in treatments.

When thinking about Tasmania, Australia’s island state, one might first think of its isolation or its unofficial mascot, the Tasmanian Devil. But this far-flung destination is also home to some of the country’s most spectacular contemporary artworks and architectural pieces. Just north of Hobart’s city center is MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), and while guests can’t actually spend a night at the museum, they can get pretty close to it. MONA The Pavilions is a hotel where natural beauty, amazing art and fantastic dining come together in harmony. Its eight luxury dens on the River Derwent named after Australian architects and artists allow guests to experience the cultural hub Hobert is building a reputation for.

About 90 minutes west of Sydney are the marvelous Blue Mountains. A World Heritage region filled with natural beauty, this dramatic scenery encompasses steep cliffs, eucalyptus forest and pristine waters. For the traveler looking for bushwalking trails, look no further. Match your wilderness escape with a stay at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, a luxury boutique tucked in a valley of the Blue Mountains. Here, each environmentally sustainable suite features a private pool, deck and cozy fireplace. If bushwalking isn’t your thing, the Wolgan Valley is also the perfect countryside for horseback riding and bike adventures.

You haven’t done brunch right until you’ve had a flat white, smoothie bowl and avo toast in Melbourne. The diverse city is packed with coffee shops and brunch spots that would make any Instagrammer stop for a picture. But better than the stylish-looking cafes is the food itself.  If looking to eat and drink your way through Melbourne, Lyall Hotel and Spa is just a stroll away from it all. This metropolitan hideaway will ensure guests have an authentic Melbourne experience, both inside the hotel and out. Local art is featured throughout the hotel and in-room freezers are packed with locally-based Jock’s ice cream. Melbourne’s only privately owned five-star hotel, Lyall elegant residential address in South Yarra means world-class restaurants and wonderful cafes are right at your fingertips.

Watch out Sydney and Melbourne, little brother Brisbane is on the rise. Capital of the Sunshine State, Brisbane is thriving with its abundance of microbreweries, cocktail bars and art galleries. Home to Australia’s largest public gallery of modern art (GOMA), it’s no wonder nearby Ovolo Inchcolm reflects the city’s booming avant-garde scene. Housed in a heritage building that was originally a hospital, this youthful property’s Art Deco architecture shines and its trailblazing gourmet food and wine list are sure to please guests.

Home to sea lions, birds, dolphins, koalas, and of course, kangaroos, Kangaroo Island is a flourishing destination for wildlife. Often referred to as “Australia’s Galapagos,” this destination is for adventure seekers looking to get away from it all. The place to be is Southern Ocean Lodge, an eco-chic accommodation that features incredible views, furnished outdoor terraces and a dining room with a menu that changes daily based on the freshest local ingredients available. The lodge allows guests to get up close and personal with the island’s wildlife through guided excursions to far-flung destinations like Kelly Hill Caves—complete with champagne and canapes if needed.

The rugged and beautiful landscape of Northern Australia is unlike any other. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, courageous travelers can make the trek up to the Australian wilderness. Just three hours from Darwin, Bamurru Plains offers a safari experience with some of Oz’s most exotic wildlife. The is lodge is known as “wild bush luxury,” providing the kind of creature comforts you just don’t expect in the middle of the savannah bush. Get ready to see wallabies, water buffalo, wild brumbies and crocodiles.

Located in the Southwest corner of Western Australia is Margaret River, a region that has built a reputation as one of the foremost provinces for fine wine. If looking to indulge in an Australian getaway full of wine and relaxation, Injidup Spa Retreat is just the place. Escape to a private villa on the secluded coast where massages, champagne and quiet sunsets are the order of the day.

Queensland’s Daintree Forest is the oldest tropical rainforest on earth, housing some of the most biologically diverse flora and fauna in the world. If looking to get up close and personal with it all, stay at Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa. Likely to spot possums, bandicoots and lizards more often than your fellow humans, the living rainforest is at your doorstep, on the edge of the Mossman Gorge. The resort offers canoeing, mountain biking and naturally, sunbathing.