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7 domestic destinations to visit next year

Don’t wait any longer to explore these Australian beauties

If you are like most Australians, you probably vowed years ago to ‘one day’ explore our incredible country, but possibly haven’t gotten around to doing it yet. Make 2020 the year to discover Australia’s amazingly beautiful, diverse landscapes and iconic landmarks. We’ve rounded up some absolute must-sees and we promise you that your only regret will be that you waited so long to do it.

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1. Uluru, NT

You have seen a million pictures of it, and surely know someone who readily swoons at its beauty, but nothing can quite prepare you for the moment you arrive at Uluru. The grandeur of Uluru doesn’t just stop at its enormity; its ancient, mystical history along with the intense colours and iconic landscape are awe-inspiring and humbling. Make sure you experience sunrise at Uluru, when the rock changes colour in the sun’s light and afterwards, get busy exploring the stunning art left by generations of indigenous landowners in the rock’s caves.

The magnificent Great Barrier Reef
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

2. Great Barrier Reef, QLD

We are lucky enough to have two of the world’s natural wonders right here on our own turf; the magnificent Daintree forest and the Great Barrier Reef. Head to far north Queensland and join a day trip from the mainland to explore the exceptional beauty of our tropical reefs. Their underwater forests of colourful coral, giant clams, and tropical fish will leave even the most seasoned snorkelers and divers awestruck.

3. Cradle Mountain, TAS

Located in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, this Aussie wilderness is home to a huge array of native wildlife. Tasmanian devils, platypus, echidnas and birds as well as ancient native flora, Cradle Mountain is a wonderland for all nature enthusiasts. Take your pick between leisurely strolls along the lakes or more demanding hikes in the forest. There isn’t a town at Cradle Mountain, but at night you can cosy up in the nearby cabins, chalets and camping grounds in the surrounds of the stunning nature.

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The Sydney Opera House is the jewel in Sydney's crown
(Credit: Jasper Wilde) (Credit: Jasper Wilde)

4. Sydney Opera House, NSW

With its incredible white shells perched on the harbour’s edge, the Sydney Opera House is certainly the jewel in Sydney’s crown. Attracting well over 10 million visitors annually, the UNESCO World Heritage Site not only gives stage to world-class theatre, dance and music performances, but also provides the best vantage point for visitors to enjoy the iconic heart of the harbour city.

5. Ikara-Flinders Ranges, SA

Stretching over 430km, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges are the largest mountain range in South Australia and one of the most accessible outback destinations in the country. The five-hour drive north of Adelaide to Wilpena Pound passes through stunning scenery of ancient cliffs, beautiful gorges and a whole lot of our beloved red earth. A prominent feature in the indigenous Dreamtime stories, Wilpena Pound is an incredible natural amphitheatre that acted as meeting place for indigenous groups to come together for ceremonies and to discuss life. And what a place to do just that!

Hillier Lake in WA is a stunning bubble gum pink
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)
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6. Pink Lakes, WA

It may be due to the algae or bacteria in the water, but the reason really doesn’t matter. What does matter is that the pink lakes in Western Australia are so incredible, they have to be seen to be believed. Lake Hillier the pinkest of the lakes, is located on Middle Island off the coast of Esperance. The island’s green bushland and the Indian Ocean’s shades of blue make for a remarkable contrast to the lake’s bubble gum pink waters. So to really appreciate this phenomenal piece of natural art, join a scenic air tour for a birds-eye view.

7. Twelve Apostles, VIC

The drive from Melbourne to South Australia along the Great Ocean Road is an iconic Aussie road trip and one of the best sights along the way is the Twelve Apostles. You really can’t wait much longer to tick this one off your bucket list – four of the famous limestone pillars have already crashed into the wild, southern waters. So get the family, pack up the car and explore the beauty of our wild, rugged coastline on one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever do.

If you love getting out and about, here’s something else you can’t wait too long to do – our friends at Hyundai are offering an incredible seven-year warranty on a range of their top selling models, but only until December 31st 2019. So get in quickly!

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