If you’ve been looking for a unique and memorable travel destination, consider your search over: Australia is officially the must-visit country of 2024. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in jaw-dropping natural beauty or enjoy some bustling city life, there’s something for everyone to enjoy Down Under.
With Air Canada offering non-stop flights from Vancouver to both Sydney and Brisbane, Australia has never felt closer. Start your journey with features like three levels of service, free in-flight texting sponsored by Bell for Aeroplan members, in-flight entertainment at every seat and comfortable pods, a real treat on any long-distance flight. Plus, there are so many easy ways to book your flight, like paying for your trip in instalments with Uplift*, booking using your Aeroplan points or with cash and earning Aeroplan points.
Fly non-stop to Brisbane and Sydney with Air Canada’s direct service.
Photo: Air CanadaAlthough Australia is in another hemisphere, we share a lot of commonalities. Just like us Canadians, Australians are known around the world to be some of the friendliest locals. Aussies are down to earth and laidback — the more time spent barefoot the better — and love nothing more than showing off their beautiful country. With this welcoming nature and adventurous spirit, the invitation to come and say “G’day” is truly genuine.
Australia’s natural beauty, wilderness and ancient landscapes are incredibly diverse; ranging from unique World Heritage sights to desert Outback, mountain ranges and rainforests. A star of the show is the aquatic and coastal attractions. Surrounded by endless coastline, Australia is home to some of the world’s most iconic beaches and pristine waterways — not to mention the largest reef system on the planet. And you can’t come to Australia without getting to know its ancient and contemporary cultures. Not only are Australia’s Indigenous cultures the oldest living in the world, today the country boasts a dynamic contemporary art scene, one that pulses with originality and personality.
It’s this diversity and balance that makes Australia’s eight provinces and states so compelling. Take New South Wales. With the bustling city of Sydney world-class wine regions, delightful seaside villages and mountainous wilderness, it offers a vacation style for every vibe, from adventurous to laidback.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory.
Photo: Tourism AustraliaWhen it comes to exploring the famous Australian Outback, there’s no shortage of options. In the Northern Territory, find Kakadu National Park, King’s Canyon, Litchfield National Park and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This province delights with quintessential Australian beauties, including jaw-dropping waterfalls, unique wildlife and authentic Aboriginal culture.
For the beach lover, Queensland is known to locals as the Sunshine State, and with good reason. The World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the Whitsunday Islands all fall within this province. It’s surf’s up in Western Australia, the country’s largest state, which is famed for its uncrowded beaches, parkland and fresh seafood.
Wine and culture aficionados won’t want to miss South Australia, one of the most laidback parts of the country. There you’ll find the famous Barossa Valley wineries, Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island, as well as a thriving arts scene. Then there’s Victoria and its capital Melbourne, the beating heart of Australia’s cultural scene. As the recipient of the Most Liveable City in the World title multiple times, Melbourne offers the best of a modern cityscape such as incredible museums and galleries, but always with that signature friendly atmosphere.
Alice Springs, Northern Territory.
Photo: Tourism AustraliaFilled with monuments and museums, glistening lakes and wild wetlands, the Australian Capital Territory blends the best of nature and culture. Located in this area is Canberra, the nation’s capital known for its thriving restaurant scene, wine region and parks and gardens, and some of Australia’s most important national institutions like the National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia.
A quick hop over the Bass Strait to Tasmania promises even more idyllic moments. This island state has it all, from dazzling beaches to rugged mountains and winding rivers — you’ll definitely want to pack your hiking boots. In addition to the capital city of Hobart, be sure to stop by the smaller regional towns known for their tasty food and wine trails.
The Kit created this content, Air Canada and Australia funded and approved it.
