Welcome to our Australian travel issue

We know you’re thinking of your next holiday - and we’re here to help with this, our annual Australian travel issue.

Our annual Australian travel issue is always a favourite as we vicariously whirl around the country, visiting hidden gems and far-flung locations. This year, with international border closures creating a captive audience, we know you’re thinking of your next holiday and we’re here to help. From hand-made igloos in the snow to Airstream caravans in the vines, from island outposts to vast pastoral stations and inner-city luxury, our journalists have been there and tested them out for our Hot 50 places to stay. We’ve kept the list fresh; old favourites are acknowledged in a separate Hall of Fame.

A big theme in the pandemic year has been nostalgia; how many of us revisited the places of our youthful adventures, spots that don’t make the holiday brochures? Five top Australian authors – Matthew Condon, Heather Rose, Kim Scott, Chris Hammer and Kathryn Heyman – share their own unforgettable experiences.