Where you should holiday as state borders begin to open

Holiday-makers are setting their sights on hidden gems within Australia, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison calling for states to open up their borders by July. Here are some of the must-see places in each state.

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A trip away no longer seems out of reach. As Prime Minister Scott Morrison calls for states to open up their borders by July, those bitten by the travel bug will soon have the chance to explore our own shores as we make it through the other side of a lockdown that has kept us cooped up at home since March.

Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said holiday-makers are setting their sights on hidden gems within Australia while jetsetting around the globe remains off-limits.

“With the country now starting to reopen again, there’s never been a better time for Australians to rediscover their own backyard”, Ms Harrison said.

Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison says “there’s never been a better time for Australians to rediscover their own backyard”. Pictured: Tasmania’s West Coast

Tourism Research Australia analysis shows low wage growth amid the pandemic hasn’t dampened our need to get away, as we’re still expected to fork out an extra $3.2 billion on domestic travel over this year and next.

“Over 60 per cent of Australians are keen to travel around Australia once restrictions ease”, Ms Harrison said.

“From lush tropical rainforests to remarkable limestone caves, pink lakes and spectacular sinkholes … Australia has so many hidden gems ready and waiting to be explored.”

Australian Hotels Association chief executive Michael Johnson said the ban is exciting locals about booking accommodation and exploring interstate wonders post-COVID.

“People are making those shorter trips at the moment and are looking forward to being able to travel interstate”, Mr Johnson said.

Australian Hotels Association chief executive Michael Johnson says “there’s a pent-up demand because people want to spend some time away from home”. Pictured: Shark Bay’s Little Lagoon in WA

Domestic tourism makes up about two-thirds of Australia’s tourism spending, with Aussies spending more than $80 billion on overnight trips last year.

“There’s a pent-up demand because people want to spend some time away from home”, he said.

Travellers should still keep themselves updated on varied border closures and restrictions across states.

Mr Johnson also anticipated a rise in cheap domestic flights to make spontaneous weekends away possible for Aussies who are cash-strapped after the pandemic.

Here’s where the experts suggest adding to your travel bucket list.

VIC – PINK LAKE

The Pink Lake’s water is crystal clear and sits atop a bed of solid salt in Dimboola, a four-hour drive northwest of Melbourne. Red algae growing in the water creates its stunning pink hue, making it the ideal destination for a quick getaway.

A beautiful shot of the Pink Lake, Victoria, in 2015.

NSW – JENOLAN CAVES

Hidden in the Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves are some of the oldest and largest in the world. Visitors can immerse themselves in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonder with accommodation and restaurants nestled on the edge of the mountains before wandering inside the caves themselves.

The Jenolan Caves Hidden in the Blue Mountains, which are some of the oldest and largest in the world.

QLD – KURANDA

Kuranda, a mountain village just a stone’s throw from Cairns, is home to the world’s oldest living rainforest. Tourists can snake their way up the mountain on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offering panoramic views high above Barron Gorge.

A woman with a bird at Kuranda, a mountain village just a stone’s throw from Cairns.

NT – BUTTERFLY GORGE

One of the best-kept secrets buried in Emerald Springs, the Butterfly Gorge Nature Park is home to serene rock pools sheltered by paperbarks up to 50m tall. Swimmers take in surrounds of lush greenery and thousands of native common crow butterflies fluttering around.

WA – SHARK BAY’S LITTLE LAGOON

Away from almost 30 shark species roaming Shark Bay, Little Lagoon is a crystal clear stretch of calm water on WA’s coast. An eight-hour drive south of Perth, the swimming hole is near world famous dolphin spotting reserve, Monkey Mia, ideal for road-trippers all year round.

A family enjoying Shark Bay’s Little Lagoon.

SA – UMPHERSTON SINKHOLE

Umpherston Sinkhole’s Sunken Garden was once a limestone cave before its top collapsed, creating a lush garden with hanging vines that now envelop the sunken earth. Visitors can take in the garden’s depth from above before walking inside the sinkhole along in-built terraces.

Umpherston Sinkhole Umpherston Sinkhole’s Sunken Garden.

TAS – WEST COAST

Tasmania’s west coast is dotted with quaint towns surrounded by wilderness and is the ideal route for road-trippers to take in views from extraordinary heights. From Australia’s oldest bridge to the oldest still-standing Catholic Church, the coastline is rich with history.

Tasmania’s gorgeous West Coast.

Originally published as Where you should holiday as state borders begin to open