The Next Big Thing! 23 Australian places and experiences on the rise

From brand-new hotels and hot restaurant openings to under-the-radar places that are finally getting the attention they deserve, here are 23 places and experiences around Australia that we think are the next big thing.

Having our finger on the pulse of all that’s happening in the domestic travel landscape is what Australian Traveller does best. We get excited by the shiny and new – whether that be a luxury hotel opening such as Ardo in Townsville or a restaurant by an acclaimed chef such as Luke Mangan’s new Melbourne diner – but we also love to revisit old favourites that have been reimagined. Iconic rail journey The Ghan has a fresh new look; Darwin has become a cool and creative city of contrasts; and a long list of regional towns and cities have been given a ‘glow up’. We also explore some incredible new experiences, such as the country’s latest Great Walk in Tassie and a repurposed abandoned railway in the Northern Rivers. Start planning your next big holiday around these next big things.

1. Darwin’s cool change

Australia’s hottest capital city is having a cool change. Darwin is a city of contrast; the wet and the dry, the old and the new, the gritty and the glorious. A city of ancient Larrakia songlines and modern street art; of spicy laksa and ice-cold mango daiquiris; of dramatic sunsets and storms and laid-back locals.

And of late, an influx of local creatives is igniting the art, fashion and foodie scenes, such as Nina Fitzgerald, who runs the game-changing Laundry Gallery in Parap, and Larrakia man and former AFL-player Shauny Edwards, who founded cult label House of Darwin – just two of many adding grit and glory to this tropical city.

2. Flinders Island – Australia’s latest Great Walk

North-east of Lutruwita/Tasmania, Flinders Island is one of 52 in the Furneaux group of islands scattered across the Bass Strait. Boasting a landscape of untamed beauty, from the coastal delights of Castle Rock and Red Bluff to the rugged heights of Mt Killiecrankie and Mt Strzelecki, this island is best explored on foot.

Tasmanian Expeditions’ six-day small-group walking tour has just been inducted into the Great Walks of Australia collection – the first new addition in seven years.

3. The Ghan: Evolution of an icon

Our country’s greatest railway icon is celebrating its 95^th birthday with a contemporary new look that draws from the Australian landscapes it travels through.

With redesigned Gold Premium suites, communal lounge and restaurant carriages by homegrown design studio Woods Bagot, The Ghan’s aesthetic brings transcontinental train travel into the modern era while paying homage to its incredible history.

Soft luxury with Art Deco leanings, in tribute to the train’s original 1930s carriages, the pared-back design lets the landscapes and experiences throughout outback South Australia and the Red Centre sing.

4. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Repurposing an abandoned railway corridor that was, for two decades, mooched over by livestock, graffitied by bored teenagers and overgrown with pine trees, is a boon for the Northern Rivers region.

First opening in the Tweed Shire 2023, the cycling trail – which connects Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek – is just the beginning of what will ultimately be 132 kilometres of trail, unfurling through the Byron Shire, out to Eltham, Lismore and Bentley before terminating at Casino.

Showcasing this adorable string of rural towns and bucolic landscapes is a win-win for avid pedal-pushers, tourists and locals alike – and it is just one of many rail trails across Australia taking centre stage.

5. Swimming holidays

Move over hiking holidays, culinary adventures and photography trips – aquatic escapes are one of 2024’s coolest trends.

It’s a basic concept, in which you sign up to explore a dreamy destination with others, only you do it in the water, wearing goggles and a swimming cap.

Escorted swim groups in the ocean and wild waterholes have popped up all over the country: Heron Island, Lord Howe Island, Nitmiluk National Park, the Mornington Peninsula, and Margaret River, to name a few – usually accompanied by a post-swim coffee, picnic or wine tasting. It’s time to dive in.

6. Astrotourism Towns

In a world that glows brighter every day, Western Australia is working hard to keep its night sky as dark as possible – to allow for some of the world’s best stargazing.

Many of the state’s regional communities have been declared Astrotourism Towns, with reduced artificial lighting and dedicated observation sites. And from Geraldton, star-seekers can join an astronomer-led, five-night Astro Cruise with Eco Abrolhos, for modern and ancient Aboriginal stargazing sessions at sea and on land.

Elsewhere in the country, Siding Spring Observatory in NSW; the Cosmos Centre in Charleville, Queensland; and River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve in South Australia also put on a night show.

7. Melbourne’s Italian restaurant revival

Melbourne has long loved its Italian restaurants. But recently the Italian scene has upped its game, with new openings and many old favourites reinventing their offerings.

From inner city to the outer ’burbs, cacio e pepe is popping up everywhere, regional cuisine is having a moment and negroni sbagliato is on repeat order – we find some of the city’s best restaurants to make a booking.

8. Stays with saunas

Saunas are one of the wellness industry’s latest hot trends, with recovery clinics and bathhouses popping up all over the place (including Victoria’s bathing trail). But they’re also making their way into holiday home across the country, with almost a 40 per cent increase of Australian listings with a sauna booked on Airbnb. We explore some stylish and steamy stays across the country, from Salty Brush on Kangaroo Island to Tassie’s Still at Freycinet.

9. The Pilbara’s new hotspots

A region known for its blazing red earth and industrial prowess – where colossal iron ore ships fill its horizon and cargo trains snake the desolate landscape – the Pilbara is being held under the spotlight for an entirely different reason.

Notably, Port Hedland’s 1960s hotel has undergone a multi-million-dollar redevelopment, becoming a lush Palm Springs-inspired bar and restaurant that clasps the Indian Ocean.

It comes with a new, world-class marina, cycling paths and a smattering of new bars and restaurants across town, while west at Karratha a desert oasis is found at the refurbed Karratha International Hotel.

10. Townsville goes luxe

Sitting between the reef and the rainforest, the North Queensland city of Townsville has often been overlooked for the more famous Great Barrier Reef gateway, Cairns. But things are heating up in Townsville.

Namely, the newly opened Ardo, a five-star hotel on the edge of the Coral Sea, has become the city’s most luxurious accommodation. Adjacent to sister property, resort-casino The Ville, Ardo is a sleek stay with first-class dining.

Upping the ante, though, is another Morris Group property: Pelorus Private Island, the single most luxurious lodging to grace the Great Barrier Reef in years.

11. Culinary capers in Tassie’s Huon Valley

Both Conde Nast Traveler and The New York Times have declared Tasmania’s quaint Huon Valley as one of the top places to visit in 2024.

Indeed, a suite of newcomers is luring in gourmands to this bucolic region, namely an intimate 10-seat farmhouse restaurant by lauded chef Analiese Gregory.

Wines and sourdough pizzas at Kate Hill’s cellar door, fresh Bruny Island oysters with local brews at riverside Lost Captain, and a stay in a sleek cabin at Hunter round out a delectable weekend in this flourishing food bowl.

12. Bangalow’s ultra-chic ranch stay

Cut from a different cloth to others in a region known for its breezy, rustic-luxe aesthetic, Sun Ranch – 15 minutes’ drive from Byron Bay – is a place to commune with nature and like-minded people.

Set on 22 hectares of former farmland in Bangalow, the ultra-chic yet offbeat retreat has been inspired by the ranch houses of 1970s California. It acts as a hub for the local creative community, where workshops and music gatherings are held with a healthy dose of hedonism to boot.

13. Regional glow-ups

Regional towns and cities across the country are having their moment in the sun, welcoming trendy eateries and upmarket hotels that rival those in big cities.

Dubbed the ‘regional glow-up’, once-sleepy regions such as Kirra in Queensland, Newcastle in NSW and Lorne in Victoria are being roused with multi-million-dollar makeovers of their humble watering holes, newly built accommodation options and an influx of tastemakers from hospitality bigwigs and celebrated chefs making their mark.

14. Illumina comes to K’gari

Kingfisher Bay Resort has announced a new permanent light show installation on K’gari.

Melbourne/Naarm-based artist and creator of Uluru’s hugely successful Wintjiri Wiru, Bruce Ramus (of RAMUS Illumination) says the installation allows the landscape – from the ripples of the lake to the shifting sands – to tell an interpretative story. The installation will launch in September 2024 at the ecotourism retreat.

15. New foodie fests

The focus is firmly on food and wine festivities in 2024. Savour The Tweed, an inaugural five-day event curated by local restaurateurs, producers and agritourism businesses, is a taste of NSW’s Northern Rivers, from 30 October.

NSW’s South Coast will host Coastal Forage between 14–15 September, showcasing produce from the Shoalhaven during a walking feast that stretches between Moona Moona Beach Creek Reserve and Plantation Point.

And the Margaret River region will welcome Pair’d in November, a program of premium events in iconic destinations on Wadandi (Saltwater) Country.

16. Outdoor pursuits of the Eyre Peninsula

The Eyre Peninsula is an intoxicating blend of nature-based experiences and culinary delights, drawing in visitors for its ample outdoor pursuits.

In Coffin Bay, sample oysters that you’ve plucked straight from the salty waters; go swimming with playful sea lions in Baird Bay; forage for bush tucker and enjoy live music under the stars at Yarnbala; spot wild koalas at Mikkira Station; and fly down the dunes on a sandboard in Lincoln National Park.

17. A cool new stay for Hamilton Island

At the northern end of Catseye Beach, nestled among palm and gum trees, Sundays is Hamilton Island’s newest stay, set to open mid-2025. The boutique hotel has been conceived with families in mind, with 59 guestrooms that all gaze out to the Coral Sea. Boasting cabanas and a water’s-edge restaurant, the hotel pool will be the place to while away hours in the sunshine, making every day on this holiday-favourite island feel like a beloved lazy Sunday.

 18. A walk through Shoalhaven’s Indigenous history

The South Coast of NSW has more than 60,000 years of Aboriginal history, which small group tour operator Djiriba Waagura, which means ‘two crows’ in Dhurga language, wants to share with visitors. During a two-hour walk around the Shoalhaven River, co-founder and Wandi Wandian man Matt Simms points out native plants and trees used in bush tucker and medicine, tells Dreamtime stories and leads visitors to sacred sites with 6000-year-old rock carvings, in a bid to revitalise and strengthen local Aboriginal culture and foster education.

19. Bistrot Bisou, Melbourne

Luke Mangan’s first Melbourne/Naarm venue in more than a decade has opened within Hotel Indigo, commanding views over busy Flinders Lane where the city’s iconic trams trundle past.

The interiors of Bistrot Bisou – which means kiss in French – are simple yet elegant. The sumptuous menu designed by Mangan and head chef Rory Kennedy flirts with French classics such as wood-roasted poussin and decadent lobster thermidor.

20. Jam Record Bar, Sydney

JAM Record Bar is named after Sydney/Warrane’s hospitality pioneers John and Merivale Hemmes. For the record, JAM is also somewhat of ‘a passion project’ for Merivale CEO Justin and sister Bettina Hemmes, who has flipped the colour wheel to pink for the little but loud venue. Expect Japanese-inspired snacks and a soundtrack of records from a 15,000-strong collection of vinyl.

21. Gibney, Perth

Clutching the ritzy South Cottesloe shoreline, Gibney opened at the base of a bone-hued apartment block earlier this year with a novel concept for WA: coastal fine dining.

Hints of maximalism – checkered prints, geometric velvet, rippled steel – add a subtle yet offbeat theme that runs throughout. The European menu bears surprise Asian influences, with a side of theatrics – including tableside trolley service by waiters and shirts and ties. This is special-occasion, high-end dining that you must experience at least once.

22. Money-can-buy experiences

Cultural Attractions of Australia – which curates exclusive experiences at some of the country’s most iconic cultural attractions – has added two new experiences aimed at those seeking more meaningful adventures.

Become the Artist is the new 3.5-hour tour offered by the Art Gallery of NSW that includes a gourmet three-course lunch and drawing class. There’s also the exclusive Keepers’ Collection Tour designed for cricket tragics who will appreciate ogling 25,000-odd sporting treasures dating back to the 1800s at the MCG.

23. Mexican fare

Tacos and tequila are on the menu across the country, including Sydney/Warrane’s Double Bay, with the arrival of upscale Mexican bar and eatery Gitano. Head chef Alvaro Valenzuela (ex-Chula) is from Mexico City and his focus is on honouring flavours favoured by his abuelita.

While in the Quay Quarter, Cancun Boat Club recreates the vibe from 1980s Cancun. Retro music turned up to full volume. Pickled jalapeño for days. Neon signs. And a killer Mex-American menu.

And in Melbourne/Naarm, hacienda-style Bar Mexico has brought a vibrant fiesta vibe to the former High Street Northside Food Hall, where tequila, Latin beats and street food are on order.