Prioritising a sense of ease and rejuvenation is easy down under. Rest assured, this doesn\u2019t simply mean basing yourself at an unimaginative beach resort and lying supine on the sand for two weeks. You can holiday in Australia and ignite your sense of adventure without sacrificing that crucial sense of chill.<\/p>\n
A unique and epic destination on many of our bucket lists, Australia offers a range of standout opportunities to nurture your sense of wellness, whether that involves a rejuvenating massage in a state-of-the-art spa, an invigorating hike through awe-inspiring landscapes or unforgettable dining experiences unlike anywhere else in the world.<\/p>\n
The laid-back vibes start before you arrive, and are maintained on every leg of your journey when you fly with Qantas, Australia\u2019s national carrier. Brimming with Australia\u2019s signature warmth and hospitality, cabin crew are keen to help ensure your flight feels part of your broader holiday experience.<\/p>\n
As for exploiting the breadth of R&R opportunities sprinkled through the vibrant landscape, Qantas\u2019s extensive network and schedule across Australia make it easier to hop between different gateways than you might have realised. Booking your whole trip as a single itinerary with Qantas Explorer<\/a> unlocks discounted domestic flights to more than 45 destinations across the country, making multi-destination travel so much more straightforward. Who says an expansive escapade on the other side of the world can\u2019t be restorative?<\/p>\n Start your tour in Brisbane<\/p>\n Queensland\u2019s capital<\/a> is one of the greenest cities in Australia, peppered with parks and botanical gardens. Brissie, as it\u2019s affectionately known, also has its fair share of galleries and museums<\/a> if you prefer a more cultured start to your getaway.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re in the mood for a swim with a difference, downtown you\u2019ll find Streets beach<\/a> \u2013 a manmade, crystal blue lagoon on the edge of the Brisbane River, right in the heart of the city\u2019s South Bank district. Perfect for a dip if you\u2019ve spent the morning taking in the impressive Mount Coot-tha, which is just a few miles away and offers a range of hiking trails and the chance to set your own (leisurely) pace as you explore this famous mountain.<\/p>\n The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) in Brisbane hosts a world class collection; Whitehaven beach in the Whitsundays is only accessible by sea or air. Photograph: Tourism AustraliaArrive in the Whitsundays in an afternoon<\/p>\n In just under two hours, a Qantas flight can land you in Hamilton Island<\/a>, which serves as the gateway to the stunning Whitsundays<\/a> \u2013 a collection of 74 islands and islets located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park<\/a>. Here you can really slow the tempo, lounging beside the crystal-clear turquoise water.<\/p>\n Take a day trip to Whitehaven beach \u2013 accessible only by boat, seaplane or helicopter from Hamilton Island to feel its pure, fine silica sand between your toes, and take a walk to the Hill Inlet Lookout during low tide to observe the swirling sand patterns. There are incredible snorkelling opportunities \u2013 spot vibrant fish in every colour of the rainbow before returning to your hotel for a relaxing spa treatment overlooking the ocean. A scenic flight over Heart Reef<\/a>, an extraordinary heart-shaped coral formation best viewed from the air, is also an option for anyone seeking a breathtaking romantic moment.<\/p>\n Head back south to Melbourne<\/p>\n Melbourne<\/a> is often billed as Australia\u2019s European city \u2013 and it\u2019s not hard to see why when you can hop on the tram to experience outstanding dining, galleries and theatres<\/a>. The city is also known for its intriguing network of laneways. These narrow pedestrian alleys and streets were used as service routes in the 19th century for deliveries, waste collection and more. Now they\u2019re vibrant hubs famous for colourful street art, independent boutiques and hip nightlife \u2013 a walking tour is the ideal way to take in their unique atmosphere.<\/p>\n Learn about First Nations Australian medicine at the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria<\/a>, or soak up contemporary and local art at NGV Melbourne \u2013 Australia\u2019s oldest and most visited gallery.<\/p>\n Melbourne\u2019s laneways are full of boutiques and bars; hop in a mineral bath at the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. Photograph: Tourism Australia<\/p>\n When you\u2019re ready to reset your nervous system and take a step away from city sights, consider forest bathing on a deliberately gentle and sensory stroll through the fern forests in Dandenong Ranges National Park<\/a>, less than an hour\u2019s drive away, tuning into the calming melodies of birdsong as you wander through the cool, misty atmosphere.<\/p>\n For a truly special wellness experience, try mineral bathing at the historic Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa<\/a> where Australia\u2019s first bathhouse was opened in 1895. Soak and soothe any tensions away in water that comes straight from nearby springs. They\u2019ve been long-recognised by the Dja Dja Wurrung people, the traditional owners of the land, for their healing properties as the water is naturally high in minerals including sulphur, magnesium and calcium.<\/p>\n Jet to the west coast to experience Perth<\/p>\n Consider this your opportunity to indulge (even more) before heading home. Not only a convenient destination to fly from courtesy of the daily, non-stop Qantas flights to London, Perth<\/a> is also a wonderfully eclectic destination \u2013 just what you\u2019d expect from an urban oasis facing the Indian Ocean on one side and Australia\u2019s vast interior on the other. After taking in its sparkling city centre, head to bohemian Fremantle to get a dose of the ample charm Perth has to offer. This former port town is now home to Unesco-listed heritage streets, buzzing cafes, galleries, pubs, live music venues, as well as a clutch of world-famous breweries. Or, take advantage of your Qantas Passenger Perks<\/a> to secure 20% off a Luxe Island seafood cruise<\/a>: think lobster lunch washed down by cocktails and premium Margaret River wines.<\/p>\n In Perth, think fresh lobster on the barbecue or a sunset picnic at Cottesloe beach. Photograph: Tourism Australia<\/p>\n For a beachside fix, Cottesloe<\/a> is a particularly picturesque stretch of sand popular for swimming, snorkelling and sumptuous sunsets. But don\u2019t jump on your return flight without taking the ferry down the Swan River over to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup)<\/a> \u2013 a serene, car-free nature reserve known for its many beautiful beaches and scenic cycling trails. Enjoy long stretches of uninterrupted calm before flying home feeling rejuvenated, and full with unmatched memories that\u2019ll last a lifetime.<\/p>\n