From brand-new hotels and hot restaurant openings to under-the-radar places that are finally getting the attention they deserve, here are 23 places and experiences around Australia that we think are the next big thing.
Having our finger on the pulse of all that’s happening in the domestic travel landscape is what Australian Traveller does best. We get excited by the shiny and new – whether that be a luxury hotel opening such as Ardo in Townsville or a restaurant by an acclaimed chef such as Luke Mangan’s new Melbourne diner – but we also love to revisit old favourites that have been reimagined. Iconic rail journey The Ghan has a fresh new look; Darwin has become a cool and creative city of contrasts; and a long list of regional towns and cities have been given a ‘glow up’. We also explore some incredible new experiences, such as the country’s latest Great Walk in Tassie and a repurposed abandoned railway in the Northern Rivers. Start planning your next big holiday around these next big things.
1. Darwin’s cool change
Australia’s hottest capital city is having a cool change. Darwin is a city of contrast; the wet and the dry, the old and the new, the gritty and the glorious. A city of ancient Larrakia songlines and modern street art; of spicy laksa and ice-cold mango daiquiris; of dramatic sunsets and storms and laid-back locals.
House of Darwin is a cutting-edge label with a cult following. (Image: Jeremy Simons)
And of late, an influx of local creatives is igniting the art, fashion and foodie scenes, such as Nina Fitzgerald, who runs the game-changing Laundry Gallery in Parap, and Larrakia man and former AFL-player Shauny Edwards, who founded cult label House of Darwin – just two of many adding grit and glory to this tropical city.
Laundry Gallery is a multidisciplinary creative hub in Parap. (Image: Jeremy Simons)
2. Flinders Island – Australia’s latest Great Walk
North-east of Lutruwita/Tasmania, Flinders Island is one of 52 in the Furneaux group of islands scattered across the Bass Strait. Boasting a landscape of untamed beauty, from the coastal delights of Castle Rock and Red Bluff to the rugged heights of Mt Killiecrankie and Mt Strzelecki, this island is best explored on foot.
The guided six-day walk takes you to the most breathtaking locations around the island.
Tasmanian Expeditions’ six-day small-group walking tour has just been inducted into the Great Walks of Australia collection – the first new addition in seven years.
Stargaze through the see-through roof of your tent of an evening.
3. The Ghan: Evolution of an icon
Our country’s greatest railway icon is celebrating its 95th birthday with a contemporary new look that draws from the Australian landscapes it travels through.
The Ghan has been travelling through the heart of Australia for almost a century. (Image: Journey Beyond/Hip Photography)
With redesigned Gold Premium suites, communal lounge and restaurant carriages by homegrown design studio Woods Bagot, The Ghan’s aesthetic brings transcontinental train travel into the modern era while paying homage to its incredible history.
The Gold Premium Suite is converted for sleeping. (Image: Journey Beyond)
Soft luxury with Art Deco leanings, in tribute to the train’s original 1930s carriages, the pared-back design lets the landscapes and experiences throughout outback South Australia and the Red Centre sing.
Menus onboard are influenced by local produce. (Image: Journey Beyond/Christopher Morrison)
4. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail
Repurposing an abandoned railway corridor that was, for two decades, mooched over by livestock, graffitied by bored teenagers and overgrown with pine trees, is a boon for the Northern Rivers region.
Northern Rivers Rail Trail The rail trail opens up The Tweed and beyond to travellers.
First opening in the Tweed Shire 2023, the cycling trail – which connects Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek – is just the beginning of what will ultimately be 132 kilometres of trail, unfurling through the Byron Shire, out to Eltham, Lismore and Bentley before terminating at Casino.
Burringbar’s Natural Wine Shop is one of many highlights to be found.
Showcasing this adorable string of rural towns and bucolic landscapes is a win-win for avid pedal-pushers, tourists and locals alike – and it is just one of many rail trails across Australia taking centre stage.
Basq House is a 32-room hotel hideaway in Byron.(Image: Elise Hassey)
5. Swimming holidays
Move over hiking holidays, culinary adventures and photography trips – aquatic escapes are one of 2024’s coolest trends.
Soak in the saturated colours of Margaret River. (Image: Jarrad Seng)
It’s a basic concept, in which you sign up to explore a dreamy destination with others, only you do it in the water, wearing goggles and a swimming cap.
A women’s only swimming adventure is the ultimate immersive therapy. (Image: Jarrad Seng)
Escorted swim groups in the ocean and wild waterholes have popped up all over the country: Heron Island, Lord Howe Island, Nitmiluk National Park, the Mornington Peninsula, and Margaret River, to name a few – usually accompanied by a post-swim coffee, picnic or wine tasting. It’s time to dive in.
A picturesque picnic adds to the magic of a swim holiday. (Image: Jarrad Seng)
6. Astrotourism Towns
In a world that glows brighter every day, Western Australia is working hard to keep its night sky as dark as possible – to allow for some of the world’s best stargazing.
Beautiful Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge). (Image: Alamy/ Brad Leue)
Many of the state’s regional communities have been declared Astrotourism Towns, with reduced artificial lighting and dedicated observation sites. And from Geraldton, star-seekers can join an astronomer-led, five-night Astro Cruise with Eco Abrolhos, for modern and ancient Aboriginal stargazing sessions at sea and on land.
Eco Abrolhos is expanding the galaxy of astrotourism.
Elsewhere in the country, Siding Spring Observatory in NSW; the Cosmos Centre in Charleville, Queensland; and River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve in South Australia also put on a night show.
7. Melbourne’s Italian restaurant revival
Melbourne has long loved its Italian restaurants. But recently the Italian scene has upped its game, with new openings and many old favourites reinventing their offerings.
Expect seasonal favourites from Al Dente in Carlton.
From inner city to the outer ’burbs, cacio e pepe is popping up everywhere, regional cuisine is having a moment and negroni sbagliato is on repeat order – we find some of the city’s best restaurants to make a booking.
8. Stays with saunas
Saunas are one of the wellness industry’s latest hot trends, with recovery clinics and bathhouses popping up all over the place (including Victoria’s bathing trail). But they’re also making their way into holiday home across the country, with almost a 40 per cent increase of Australian listings with a sauna booked on Airbnb. We explore some stylish and steamy stays across the country, from Salty Brush on Kangaroo Island to Tassie’s Still at Freycinet.
The traditional Finnish barrel sauna at Salty Brush. (Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)
9. The Pilbara’s new hotspots
A region known for its blazing red earth and industrial prowess – where colossal iron ore ships fill its horizon and cargo trains snake the desolate landscape – the Pilbara is being held under the spotlight for an entirely different reason.
One of the Pilbara’s spectacular sunsets near Port Hedlund. (Image: Greg Snell/ Tourism Western Australia)
Notably, Port Hedland’s 1960s hotel has undergone a multi-million-dollar redevelopment, becoming a lush Palm Springs-inspired bar and restaurant that clasps the Indian Ocean.
Views of the Indian Ocean from the verandah of The Hedlund Hotel.
It comes with a new, world-class marina, cycling paths and a smattering of new bars and restaurants across town, while west at Karratha a desert oasis is found at the refurbed Karratha International Hotel.
Ray’s is a Palm Springs-inspired restaurant in Port Hedlund.
10. Townsville goes luxe
Sitting between the reef and the rainforest, the North Queensland city of Townsville has often been overlooked for the more famous Great Barrier Reef gateway, Cairns. But things are heating up in Townsville.
Ardo has front-row seats to views of the Coral Sea. (Image: Simon Shiff)
Namely, the newly opened Ardo, a five-star hotel on the edge of the Coral Sea, has become the city’s most luxurious accommodation. Adjacent to sister property, resort-casino The Ville, Ardo is a sleek stay with first-class dining.
The vibrancy of the tropics comes to life when dining and drinking at Ardo, the epitome of North Queensland luxury. (Image: Simon Shiff)
Nurture mind, body and soul at the Ardo Day Spa. (Image: Simon Shiff)
Upping the ante, though, is another Morris Group property: Pelorus Private Island, the single most luxurious lodging to grace the Great Barrier Reef in years.
Try paddleboarding off Pelorus Island. (Image: Jason Ierace)
11. Culinary capers in Tassie’s Huon Valley
Both Conde Nast Traveler and The New York Times have declared Tasmania’s quaint Huon Valley as one of the top places to visit in 2024.
Tasmania’s Huon Valley has been touted as a top place to visit this year. (Image: Adam Gibson)
Indeed, a suite of newcomers is luring in gourmands to this bucolic region, namely an intimate 10-seat farmhouse restaurant by lauded chef Analiese Gregory.
Inside Analiese Gregory’s cosy farmhouse, which will be the setting for her new diner. (Image: Adam Gibson)
Wines and sourdough pizzas at Kate Hill’s cellar door, fresh Bruny Island oysters with local brews at riverside Lost Captain, and a stay in a sleek cabin at Hunter round out a delectable weekend in this flourishing food bowl.
The Hunter cabins are nestled among bushland. (Image: Dearna Bond)
12. Bangalow’s ultra-chic ranch stay
Cut from a different cloth to others in a region known for its breezy, rustic-luxe aesthetic, Sun Ranch – 15 minutes’ drive from Byron Bay – is a place to commune with nature and like-minded people.
Stay in one of six, two-bedroom, off-grid barns. (Image: Anson Smart)
Set on 22 hectares of former farmland in Bangalow, the ultra-chic yet offbeat retreat has been inspired by the ranch houses of 1970s California. It acts as a hub for the local creative community, where workshops and music gatherings are held with a healthy dose of hedonism to boot.
The interiors are a visual feast of warm colours. (Image: Anson Smart)
The Lair is a vibrant sunken lounge located within The Rambler Long House. (Image: Anson Smart)
13. Regional glow-ups
Regional towns and cities across the country are having their moment in the sun, welcoming trendy eateries and upmarket hotels that rival those in big cities.
Just across the road from Kirra Beach, Kirra Hotel is the Gold Coast’s hottest new stay. (Image: Elise Hassey)
Dubbed the ‘regional glow-up’, once-sleepy regions such as Kirra in Queensland, Newcastle in NSW and Lorne in Victoria are being roused with multi-million-dollar makeovers of their humble watering holes, newly built accommodation options and an influx of tastemakers from hospitality bigwigs and celebrated chefs making their mark.
Totti’s Lorne bowls over visitors to the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Steven Woodburn)
14. Illumina comes to K’Gari
Kingfisher Bay Resort has announced a new permanent light show installation on K’gari.
Choose one of four packages to experience Illumina.
Melbourne/Naarm-based artist and creator of Uluru’s hugely successful Wintjiri Wiru, Bruce Ramus (of RAMUS Illumination) says the installation allows the landscape – from the ripples of the lake to the shifting sands – to tell an interpretative story. The installation will launch in September 2024 at the ecotourism retreat.
Bask in the ethereal glow of the K’gari’s new light show.
15. New foodie fests
The focus is firmly on food and wine festivities in 2024. Savour The Tweed, an inaugural five-day event curated by local restaurateurs, producers and agritourism businesses, is a taste of NSW’s Northern Rivers, from 30 October.
Savour the Tweed is a five-day event curated by local restauranteurs like Ben Devlin of Pipit.
NSW’s South Coast will host Coastal Forage between 14–15 September, showcasing produce from the Shoalhaven during a walking feast that stretches between Moona Moona Beach Creek Reserve and Plantation Point.
Coastal Forage will showcase produce from the Shoalhaven.
And the Margaret River region will welcome Pair’d in November, a program of premium events in iconic destinations on Wadandi (Saltwater) Country.
Pair’d will arrive in the Margaret River region come November.
16. Outdoor pursuits of the Eyre Peninsula
The Eyre Peninsula is an intoxicating blend of nature-based experiences and culinary delights, drawing in visitors for its ample outdoor pursuits.
Swim with sea lions on the Eyre Peninsula. (Image: Anita Jokovich)
In Coffin Bay, sample oysters that you’ve plucked straight from the salty waters; go swimming with playful sea lions in Baird Bay; forage for bush tucker and enjoy live music under the stars at Yarnbala; spot wild koalas at Mikkira Station; and fly down the dunes on a sandboard in Lincoln National Park.
Koalas at Mikkira Station. (Image: Anita Jokovich)
17. A cool new stay for Hamilton Island
At the northern end of Catseye Beach, nestled among palm and gum trees, Sundays is Hamilton Island’s newest stay, set to open mid-2025. The boutique hotel has been conceived with families in mind, with 59 guestrooms that all gaze out to the Coral Sea. Boasting cabanas and a water’s-edge restaurant, the hotel pool will be the place to while away hours in the sunshine, making every day on this holiday-favourite island feel like a beloved lazy Sunday.
Sundays is set to open in mid-2025. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)
18. A walk through Shoalhaven’s Indigenous history
The South Coast of NSW has more than 60,000 years of Aboriginal history, which small group tour operator Djiriba Waagura, which means ‘two crows’ in Dhurga language, wants to share with visitors. During a two-hour walk around the Shoalhaven River, co-founder and Wandi Wandian man Matt Simms points out native plants and trees used in bush tucker and medicine, tells Dreamtime stories and leads visitors to sacred sites with 6000-year-old rock carvings, in a bid to revitalise and strengthen local Aboriginal culture and foster education.
Djiriba Waagura co-founder and Wandi Wandian man Matt Simms offers a two-hour tour around the Shoalhaven River. (Image: Trent Micallef)
19. Bistrot Bisou, Melbourne
Luke Mangan’s first Melbourne/Naarm venue in more than a decade has opened within Hotel Indigo, commanding views over busy Flinders Lane where the city’s iconic trams trundle past.
Flinders Lane is on full display from Bistro Bisou. (Image: Jana Langhorst)
The interiors of Bistrot Bisou – which means kiss in French – are simple yet elegant. The sumptuous menu designed by Mangan and head chef Rory Kennedy flirts with French classics such as wood-roasted poussin and decadent lobster thermidor.
Dine on steak tartare and charcuterie. (Image: Jana Langhorst)
20. Jam Record Bar, Sydney
JAM Record Bar is named after Sydney/Warrane’s hospitality pioneers John and Merivale Hemmes. For the record, JAM is also somewhat of ‘a passion project’ for Merivale CEO Justin and sister Bettina Hemmes, who has flipped the colour wheel to pink for the little but loud venue. Expect Japanese-inspired snacks and a soundtrack of records from a 15,000-strong collection of vinyl.
JAM Record Bar is Merivale’s new Japanese-inspired bar, featuring an impressive 15,000-strong vinyl collection on rotation. (Image: Chad Konik)
21. Gibney, Perth
Clutching the ritzy South Cottesloe shoreline, Gibney opened at the base of a bone-hued apartment block earlier this year with a novel concept for WA: coastal fine dining.
Sage umbrellas by the ritzy Cottesloe Beach on the terrace. (Image: Joel Barbitta)
Hints of maximalism – checkered prints, geometric velvet, rippled steel – add a subtle yet offbeat theme that runs throughout. The European menu bears surprise Asian influences, with a side of theatrics – including tableside trolley service by waiters and shirts and ties. This is special-occasion, high-end dining that you must experience at least once.
Watch chefs prepare culinary showstoppers backstage in the dining room. (Image: Joel Barbitta)
22. Money-can-buy experiences
Cultural Attractions of Australia – which curates exclusive experiences at some of the country’s most iconic cultural attractions – has added two new experiences aimed at those seeking more meaningful adventures.
A new 3.5-hour tour offered by the Art Gallery of NSW invites participants to become the Artist. (Image: Brett Hemming)
Become the Artist is the new 3.5-hour tour offered by the Art Gallery of NSW that includes a gourmet three-course lunch and drawing class. There’s also the exclusive Keepers’ Collection Tour designed for cricket tragics who will appreciate ogling 25,000-odd sporting treasures dating back to the 1800s at the MCG.
23. Mexican fare
Tacos and tequila are on the menu across the country, including Sydney/Warrane’s Double Bay, with the arrival of upscale Mexican bar and eatery Gitano. Head chef Alvaro Valenzuela (ex-Chula) is from Mexico City and his focus is on honouring flavours favoured by his abuelita.
The flavours of Mexico City are on full display at the upscale Mexican bar and eatery Gitano. (Image: Kitti Gould)
While in the Quay Quarter, Cancun Boat Club recreates the vibe from 1980s Cancun. Retro music turned up to full volume. Pickled jalapeño for days. Neon signs. And a killer Mex-American menu.
Cancun Boat Club’s version of DoriLocos. (Image: Jason Loucas)
And in Melbourne/Naarm, hacienda-style Bar Mexico has brought a vibrant fiesta vibe to the former High Street Northside Food Hall, where tequila, Latin beats and street food are on order.
