Where You Should Travel in 2021

These turbulent times have caused many of us to put a stop to our overseas holiday plans. But even though we can’t sail the seven seas just yet, it doesn’t mean we have to ignore the travel bug completely!

COVID-19 has ushered in a completely new consideration when it comes to thinking of travel. Luckily, living in Australia, we are blessed with an abundance of destinations to explore within our own diverse backyard! Many of which have remained largely under the radar even up until now.

Where should we go in this beautiful country? There are options to suit everyone – driving trips, short flights, longer flights. Holidaying from Canberra especially, has never been easier!

You can drive anywhere!

There are many places around Canberra to travel to by car. Even if you’ve never gone on a road trip before, you can find so many beautiful locations that are easy to get to and worth the drive!

Road trips are perfect for solo travellers, couples, and families. You are free to go at your own pace and really get a chance to soak up the sights along the way. With the radio playing your favourite songs, the windows down, and nothing but Insta-worthy photo opportunities – great memories are sure to be made!

Road trip to the coast

Australia is the perfect road trip destination. As the world’s 6th largest country – and home to just 24 million people – you have this entire continent to explore, without the crowds!

The benefit of living in Australia is that it’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether you travel north or south from Canberra, you are only a stone’s throw away from these idyllic destinations.

• North Coast: Some of the best beaches north of Canberra include Jervis Bay, NSW – just over 2 hours drive from the city. Jervis Bay is known for its pristine white sandy beaches and clear turquoise water; instantly transporting you to a tropical hideaway. Activities include wildlife tours, dolphin cruises, whale watching, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and watersports. 
• South Coast: Drive under three hours south of Canberra and you’ll find yourself at one of the many uncrowded and secluded beach coves home to fascinating wildlife, aboriginal cultural walks, and charming beachside towns. One of the best places to visit includes Mogo – a historic gold mining town near the stunning Batemans Bay. Visit the Mogo Wildlife Park and see a snow leopard or giraffe up close, and enjoy nearby beachside attractions such as Narooma and Broulee. 

A weekend snow trip

Winter is the perfect time to visit the nearby ski fields! Canberra is under a 3 hour’s drive from the likes of Perisher and Thredbo ski resorts. 

Get the family or friends together for a weekend snow trip and enjoy popular snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. Not a fan of extreme sports? No worries! You can enjoy other winter activities such as exploring nearby towns, relaxing at a day spa, or resting by the fireplace at your lodge or chalet with a hot drink and beautiful white peak views through the window!

If you’re looking for scenery

For a scenic drive from Canberra, head straight to the Blue Mountains. This magical part of the world boasts some of the best wineries, nature walks, waterfalls, and villages dotted with art galleries and fresh local produce throughout. 

Thinking of flying?

Now that there are direct flights from Canberra to Darwin and Cairns, you are in the best position to get back on a plane and head north!

Boasting warm weather all year long, get your summer vacay fix by staying in the tropical paradise of Cairns, QLD. Home to the Daintree Rainforest and on the doorstep to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, you can spend a day walking through tropical forests followed by a day of snorkelling or diving.

A 6-hour flight will take you from Canberra to Darwin, NT – where you’ll get to experience the real taste of Australia! Darwin is close to Litchfield National Park, where you can explore several waterfalls, natural waterholes, and rugged red rock cliffs. Journey on toward Kakadu National Park – the largest national park in Australia. Here you’ll find meandering rivers, wetlands, and Aboriginal rock paintings dating back to prehistoric times. 

There are other destinations too of course: the Gold Coast (theme parks, beaches, shopping, golf), Noosa (food, beaches, retreats), Hobart (food, wine, culture), Melbourne (shopping, food, museums), Brisbane (shopping, food, etc), Adelaide (wine, relaxing), Perth & more. Book that flight today and feed your wanderlust!

Don’t hesitate

Everyone deserves a holiday – especially after the year we’ve all had! 

Need a further excuse to travel around Australia in 2021? For one, you are helping give back to local communities who have felt the brunt of the pandemic with loss of overseas tourism. By simply visiting towns and communities within Australia, you are helping the local tourism industry stay afloat all the while discovering the true beauty that is right here for us to enjoy anytime we want!

There are also many health benefits to taking a vacation. From improved physical and mental health, to improved familial relationships – travelling really is the antidote to stress and anxiety! In fact, research has shown that we experience a boost in happiness for up to eight weeks prior to our trip!

Organise your next holiday at Marketplace Gungahlin

Visit the friendly team at Travel Associates for your customised getaway. Whether you’re looking for a weekend road trip or a month-long escape interstate, Travel Associates can give you the best deals and cheapest plane fares to get you there.

Find Travel Associates opposite BIG W at Marketplace Gungahlin.