Explore five awe-inspiring, off-the-beaten-track destinations in Australia this winter for a truly magical adventure.

As we prepare for Australia’s high mountain temperatures to welcome a mere chill, a lingering thought may be to book a winter getaway Down Under and surrender to high altitudes. Now, I know what you’re thinking; should ‘winter’ and ‘Australia’ be strung together in the same sentence? I hear you. The truth is, it won’t be cold enough to experience extreme discomfort (thank god), instead just enough nip to cozy up by the fireplace or perhaps beneath the uninterrupted night sky away from any surrou

When venturing in the direction of Australia’s South West, urban jungles give way to ample space, full of lush forests, craggy mountain peaks, and pristine beaches perfect for camping

Chanel Belej

'Twas such fun discovering this soon-to-be airbnb. Words and imagery by yours truly.

GOLD COASTI’m walking into The Langham on the Gold Coast for the first time on a Saturday afternoon, and I can’t quite work out why I’m instantly moving a few paces slower than the usual weekday hustle. Maybe it's the botanic-infused air-conditioning? Or the elaborate architecture combined with sky-high ceilings that make any guest pause in awe.Halfway between the iconic Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach precinct are three jewel-like structures, soaring above the city’s long-stretched beaches. Par

THE WHITSUNDAYSA bucket-list vacation to add to the list if it’s not on there already, is to travel to any of the 74 Whitsunday Islands which lie between the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia and the famous Great Barrier Reef – the world’s largest stretch of coral known to mankind. Paying a visit goes without question upon booking a trip to Australia. Even locals flee to the cluster of isles for a refreshing break from reality, and a chance to take in a new wondrous view. However your way

GOLD COASTA rarity among most places, millions of visitors flock to the Gold Coast each year for its endless stretch of beach, suburb cuisine, and the various activities proving plentiful and open for the whole family to get involved. In recent times, especially during Covid, the Gold Coast was utilised for many large-scale films that welcomed Hollywood royalty to its pristine shores. Nowadays, it’s perceived as a commercial hub for all things business, entertainment and of course, adventure. Wi

LORDE HOWE ISLANDHead two hours east of Sydney’s Port Macquarie, and you’ll find you’ve been transported to a faraway land slightly resembling the Hawaiian islands. Though both share different bodies of water, it’s a wonder why Lord Howe Island isn’t more talked about when it’s the perfect reason to flee the city but stay local. This spectacular World Heritage-listed site is your best excuse to explore the east coast of Australia, where you’re surrounded by endless natural beauty, pristine water

THE BLUE MOUNTAINSJust forty-seven minutes from Sydney, lies a vast landscape of untouched terrain, traversing over eleven thousand square metres in area and just over one thousand metres in elevation. This World Heritage listed site is named, The Blue Mountains; ‘blue’ due to the ever-present eucalyptus trees that omit oil droplets, generating faint rays of blue light which project into the atmosphere. Engulfed by bushwalking trails, and the world’s oldest caves–paired with all the flora and fa

NEW ZEALANDMountainous lakes, serene streams, expansive forests and valleys, are calling your name from a little town on New Zealand’s North Island, called Lake Rotorua. Home to its hot springs and bubbling mud pools-all powered by geothermal activity, it’s no wonder this hotspot has been crowned as “100% pure New Zealand”. And right at the heart of the 79.8 kilometre squared lake, is a luxe offering of lodges, estates and private homes to make you feel right at home. A lodge encompasses all of

All images courtesy of Sal Salis.LocationVenture to Western Australia, approximately 1,200 kilometres north of Perth along the East Indian Ocean–and you meet the Ningaloo Coral Coast, the world’s largest fringing reef known as Ningaloo. A World Heritage Site, diverse underwater scenes are mere metres from shore. Believe it or not, beachfront accommodation is the best way to soak up this luxury; not a hotel, but a private glamping tent, hovering off the sand dunes at Sal Salis, a unique eco-luxur

AUSTRALIAWhen vacation time is calling and you want to shake things up, why not make it worthwhile? If you look hard enough, within Australia’s metropolitan cities you’ll find a eccentric accommodation options rich in personality. From your disco retro era to an African safari, the land down under has it all. So which adventure will be your next?Behold, a handpicked selection of Australia’s places to stay that go against the grain.1) The Pink Hotel – Coolangatta, Gold CoastAfter touching down at

SHENZHENIt’s only been in the last two decades that Shenzhen has transformed into what it is today, from a bygone fishing village to now into an international metropolis. Commercial endeavours take precedence above all, however, the upcoming city is also an attraction for world-class shopping, luxury fashion and its surging fine-dining scene. See below twelve accommodation picks to make your Shenzhen experience richer and more luxurious than ever. All images courtesy of respective hotels. 1) Fou

FIJIIt’s safe to say not many would contest the Fijian Islands to be one of the finest archipelagoes on earth. With more than 300 in total, your next island adventure doesn’t have to end. Whether you're a first-timer or already know your way around the Pacific paradise, this guide will provide you with all you need to make sure your experience is a blissful one. Of course, the islands sell themselves, and by choosing to stay at Fiji’s most finest, you can already picture yourself in deep relaxat