It is not New Zealand, these spots are in Australia
Australians may not be able to travel overseas at present but that doesn’t mean missing out on some exceptional travel experiences here in Australia. Travellers can RoamAtHome and still feel like they are having an overseas adventure.
There is talk of a Trans-Tasman bubble but with a date on when borders to New Zealand will be open still uncertain, here is where you can swap out New Zealand and discover the same, if not better, in Australia’s back yard.
Hit the slopes and bath in hot spring across New South Wales and Victoria.
Indulge in Aussie hot springs (NSW/VIC)
Known as Victoria’s spa country, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are home to more than 140 mineral springs, with resorts that allow you to soak up their health-giving properties in luxury. Try the Lake House Daylesford or the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa to combine a soak with some more indulgent therapies. The Hepburn area’s therapeutic mineral springs are rich with potassium, magnesium, silica and chloride, making for the perfect remedial detox. Head down to the Mornington Peninsula to experience the day spa at Peninsula Hot Springs or the bubble-free, turquoise rock pools at Blairgowrie Back Beach.
In New South Wales, banish the winter blues and slip into one of the many natural hot springs scattered across the state. In Kosciuszko National Park near Canberra find locals’ favorite, Yarrangobilly Cave Thermal Pool, or in New South Wales Country head to Lighting Ridge Hot Bore Baths or Burren Junction Bore Baths.
Head south and hit the slopes this ski season (NSW/VIC)
As winter descends on Australia, the country’s ski fields open for (snow) business across New South Wales and Victoria. In New South Wales, skiers and snowboarders can head south to find a slope to tear up at Perisher, Thredbo or Charlotte Pass, all of which include an array of great accommodation and runs for every level of experience. For those heading to Victoria, you will find incredible ski fields at Falls Creek, Mount Hotham and Mount Buller, which are all a comfortable drive from Melbourne and include ski-in/ski-out villages. With lift passes in hot demand, just be sure to book well in advance!