Australia

Australia is a land of impossible scale and ancient soul. In 2026, the world’s largest island has become the ultimate playground for the “Glowmad”—travelers seeking wellness-led, high-altitude alpine escapes in the summer and pristine, isolated reef retreats in the winter. From the neon-lit, sophisticated laneways of Melbourne to the scorched red heart of the Outback, Australia offers a luxury that is as rugged as it is refined.

Whether you are dining under a canopy of stars at Uluru, diving into the “Last Frontier” of Ningaloo Reef, or exploring the burgeoning art scene of the “Quiet Achiever,” Adelaide, Australia is an invitation to experience life at its most vivid.

Why we love Australia

We love Australia for its “Made-for-Me” spirit. In 2026, the focus has shifted from mere sightseeing to personal curation. We love the “Destination Check-in” trend, where the lodge is the main event—think treehouses in the Daintree or tented pavilions overlooking the Red Centre. It is a country that honors 65,000 years of Indigenous culture while leading the world in sustainable, all-inclusive adventure. It is the coffee, the wine, the “terroir,” and that unmistakable, laid-back Aussie elegance.

The Most Beautiful Places in Australia

From the “Harbour City” to the ancient wilderness of the west:

1. Sydney & New South Wales

Sydney remains the glittering gateway. In 2026, the focus is on “Heritage Grandeur,” with Capella Sydney setting a new standard for urban luxury. Beyond the Opera House, escape to the Blue Mountains for mist-shrouded canyons or head north to Lord Howe Island—a UNESCO-listed paradise where only 400 guests are allowed at any time, ensuring total seclusion.

2. The Great Barrier Reef & Tropical North Queensland

The world’s largest coral reef is more vibrant than ever. For 2026, “Reef-Conservation Luxury” is the trend. Stay at the exclusive Lizard Island Resort or qualia on Hamilton Island for a front-row seat to the reef. On the mainland, the newly refurbished Silky Oaks Lodge offers a high-design treehouse experience deep within the 180-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest.

3. Uluru & The Red Centre

The spiritual heart of the nation. Longitude 131° continues to offer the most iconic Outback experience, with luxury tents facing the majestic monolith of Uluru. In 2026, the “Tali Wiru” dining experience—a private, four-course dinner on a remote sand dune—remains the ultimate way to experience the desert’s profound silence and ancient stories.

4. Adelaide & South Australia

Recently dubbed the “Quiet Achiever,” Adelaide is the blockbuster destination of 2026. With the completion of the Adelaide Central Market expansion and the opening of the Treehouse Hotel, the city is a food and design hub. Nearby, Kangaroo Island has seen the triumphant return of Southern Ocean Lodge, offering clifftop luxury and close encounters with endemic wildlife.

5. The Kimberley & Western Australia

Australia’s “Last Frontier.” This is a land of dramatic gorges, vertical waterfalls, and ancient rock art. In 2026, “Expedition Cruising” through the Kimberley is the pinnacle of adventure. On the coast, Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef offers a “coolcation” experience where the outback meets the reef, allowing you to swim with whale sharks just meters from your luxury tent.

Highlights of a Tour Through Australia

  • The Ghan & Indian Pacific: In 2026, Australia’s iconic transcontinental trains have unveiled their most decadent chapters yet with the Australis and Aurora suites, featuring private butler service and a premium “bush-to-table” wine list.
  • The Australian Open (AO Reserve): Experience the 2026 Grand Slam in Melbourne with “AO Reserve”—an elevated hospitality package that blends world-class tennis with Michelin-starred dining and exclusive court-side access.
  • The “Glowmad” Wellness Trail: From the thermal pools of Sequoia Lodge in the Adelaide Hills to the spa retreats of Daylesford, Australia is a global leader in structure-led wellness and holistic health.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: For the Red Centre and Great Barrier Reef, visit during the dry season (April to October). For Sydney, Melbourne, and Tasmania, the summer months (December to February) offer vibrant festival energy and perfect beach weather.
  • Getting around: Australia is massive. To save time, utilize the extensive network of private charters and domestic “bush flights.” For a slower pace, the Great Ocean Road or the Kimberley are world-class road-tripping territories.
  • Indigenous Etiquette: Many of Australia’s natural wonders are sacred sites. Always follow local guidance and participate in “Welcome to Country” ceremonies when offered—it is the key to understanding the land’s deep history.
  • Language: English is the official language, though “Strine” (Aussie slang) is an art form. A “No worries” is the standard response to almost anything.