Best celebrity holidays in Australia from Chris Hemsworth to Zac Efron
From South Australia to the Blue Mountains, here are the top holiday spots where A-list stars are riding out the pandemic in Australia.
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With international travel restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic travel is now more popular than ever.
As the world awaits the return of long-haul flights to exotic holiday locations, travellers are booking local trips instead.
Even A-list stars have had to adjust, with the likes of Nicole Kidman, Chris Hemsworth and Zac Efron opting to ride out the pandemic in various parts of Australia.
Here are the top holiday destinations for celebrities:
KANGAROO ISLAND: DYLAN AND ZAC EFRON
South Australia’s hidden gem, Kangaroo Island, is a popular holiday spot for domestic travellers.
With a small population of roughly 5,000, the stunning island features pristine beaches surrounded by bushland and native animals.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including swimming, quad biking, kayaking, hiking at Flinders Chase National Park or a visit to The Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, which is home to more than 800 animals.
Rodney Harrex, Chief Executive of the South Australian Tourism Commission said part of the appeal is that it has so much to offer.
“Kangaroo Island is a fabulous destination that really epitomises what’s great about South Australia,” Harrex said.
“It’s got beautiful beaches, stunning walks, friendly locals, world-class food and wine, and is teeming with native wildlife.
“It’s no surprise that it’s on the bucket list for so many. After the bushfires last year, the island has really bounced back in terms of regeneration of the native flora and fauna, and it’s terrific to see visitors once again exploring the island and supporting the community.”
Hollywood actor Zac Efron and his brother Dylan recently took time out to explore the area located southwest of Adelaide.
The duo swam with dolphins and fed kangaroos during their stay, which was organised by the South Australian Tourism Commission.
“I’ve never been that close to dolphins, that was mind-blowing,” Efron said in a video shared by Adelaide Now.
“Under water you can hear them talking, communicating… it’s just fascinating, it was really cool.”
“To be with them that close, it just feels like you’re in space or something, I’ve never had an experience like that in my life. It’s a beautiful island. What a gem of a place, I love it here.”
The Efron brothers are filming season two of their Netflix series Down to Earth With Zac Efron around Australia.
CENTRAL COAST: LUKE EVANS
The Central Coast has also become increasingly popular among prominent celebrities.
Those wanting a beachside getaway at an affordable price and without the hassle of travelling far are often drawn to the area according to Belle Escapes Central Coast General Manager Ryan South.
“Located only an hour north of the city, the Central Coast is the perfect getaway for Sydneysiders not wanting to travel too far amid the uncertainty of COVID but just far enough to escape and experience a stunning change of scenery,” South said.
“With A-listers unable to hop across to Bali or scoot over to the Med, the Coast has been the place to be, offering a destination where they can relax by the sea, surrounded by pristine nature and indulge in the finer things in life including stylish waterfront restaurants, chic beach bars and beautiful local produce from freshly shucked oysters to locally distilled gin.
“To cater to the demand, Belle Escapes Central Coast has tripled its holiday home portfolio in the past year and now features 100 of the most luxurious and expensive homes on the Coast. From celebrities to CEOs, our holiday homes have been a hot commodity among discerning travellers seeking out the ultimate in luxury, privacy and exclusivity.”
In addition to the incredible beaches, there are several wildlife attractions and British actor Luke Evans recently visited The Australian Reptile Park located at Somersby.
“The Coast is so hot right now that we have been near capacity with back-to-back bookings over summer and only have a few homes with availability over the school holidays,” South said.
BLUE MOUNTAINS: NATALIE PORTMAN, IDRIS ELBA
Known for its vigorous bush hikes, stunning wildlife and breathtaking views, the Blue Mountains has long been a must-see tourist destination for visitors.
Earlier this month, Hollywood actor Natalie Portman embarked on a family trip three hours outside of Sydney while on a break from filming the latest instalment of Marvel blockbuster Thor: Love and Thunder.
The Black Swan star relocated from the US last year for work and said she feels at home in Australia.
“It’s so different, all the animals are different, the trees are different, even the birds — there’s like multi-coloured parrots flying around like pigeons,” she said on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Portman and her choreographer husband Benjamin Millepied shared Instagram snaps of the iconic Three Sisters and their bush safari, which featured wild kangaroos among other local attractions.
The couple stayed at the luxurious Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, which is the same place that British actor Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina spent Valentine’s Day.
Accommodation at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley ranges between $3,000 to $12,000 per night.
Guests can enjoy horseback riding, archery, a private swimming pool and fine dining at the lavish estate which boasts 2800 hectares of natural terrain.
Luke Evans was spotted nearby at the idyllic Wentworth Falls last month during his nearly five-month stay.
“I did as much as I could, I went to so many beautiful parts of NSW, I lived in Byron Bay for four and a half months,” Evans told Channel 7’s Sunrise.
“I just immersed myself in the experience and I never wanted to leave.”
BYRON BAY: MELISSA MCCARTHY, NICOLE KIDMAN, MATT DAMON
The relaxed lifestyle and friendly locals in Byron Bay are just a few reasons why the quiet coastal town is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia.
Hailed for its clean beaches, organic produce and bohemian culture, Byron Bay is now home to Hollywood stars like Chris Hemsworth and Zac Efron.
In 2014, Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky ditched the bright lights of Tinseltown for more laid-back living at Broken Head, where they’re raising their three children Tristan, Sasha and India.
Like Hemsworth and his brothers Liam and Luke, Efron is also said to be a fan of the huge surf culture.
Last year, Academy award-winning actor Nicole Kidman relocated to Byron Bay from Nashville with her husband Keith Urban and their daughters Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret to begin filming the $100 million Liane Moriarty miniseries Nine Perfect Strangers, which was partially filmed at luxury wellness retreat Soma.
The star-studded cast includes Melissa McCarthy and Luke Evans, who have also been spotted in the area.
Actor Matt Damon and his wife Luciana Barroso arrived in Byron Bay with their daughters earlier this year.
LORD HOWE ISLAND: THE HEMSWORTH BROTHERS
It has been described by some as a “secret paradise” and Lord Howe Island has sparked fascination around the world since Hollywood megastar Chris Hemsworth visited last year.
Located in the Tasman sea two hours northeast of Sydney, the tropical holiday spot features 11 white sand beaches, volcanic peaks, coral reefs and is home to 350 residents.
Tourism Australia global ambassador Hemsworth jetted to the island, which forms part of the state of New South Wales, before he began filming Thor: Love and Thunder.
He was joined by his famous brothers Liam and Luke, his wife, Fast and the Furious star Elsa Pataky, and their three children along with friends including Thor director, Taika Waititi.
They enjoyed snorkelling, bushwalking, golfing, rope-assisted climbs and more.
Hemsworth was particularly impressed by the eco-friendly lifestyle.
“2020 has been incredibly hard for communities who depend on tourism,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Obviously not everyone is able to travel at the moment but once it’s safe to do so let’s support our fellow Aussies by taking a holiday at home in @Australia @visitlordhoweisland is one of the most sustainable destinations in the world with only a few hundred visitors allowed at any one time.
“This paradise is home to one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, but like many small communities, it relies on tourism.”
There are year-round flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Lord Howe along with connecting flights from other cities and a variety of accommodation options.
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