Curator’s statement
Australia was a soul-stirring adventure — equal parts wild and luxurious. From snorkeling untouched reef at Lizard Island to dining beneath the Opera House sails in Sydney, every moment felt like a dream grounded in culture, nature and beauty. This trip reminded me that luxury isn’t about excess — it’s about connection, wonder and once-in-a-lifetime experiences done right.
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Things to do in Australia
Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef (Port Douglas & Lizard Island): Swimming alongside vibrant coral, reef sharks and sea turtles was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that completely exceeded my expectations.
Private Yacht Cruise on Sydney Harbour: Sailing past the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge at sunset was both romantic and iconic — perfect for couples or celebrations.
Dining at Bennelong (Sydney): Eating a modern Australian tasting menu inside the Opera House was a bucket-list moment that blended architecture, flavor and atmosphere.
Shopping in Paddington & Queen Victoria Building (Sydney): I loved browsing Australian designers and upscale boutiques in some of the city’s most beautiful historic buildings.
Exploring the Daintree Rainforest: A guided tour through the world’s oldest rainforest offered deep connection to Indigenous culture and raw natural beauty.
Great Ocean Road Drive (Melbourne): The dramatic coastline and the 12 Apostles made for one of the most breathtaking day trips I’ve ever taken.
Evening vibes at The Calile Hotel’s chic lobby bar: Tucked into one of Brisbane’s most beautifully designed spaces, this stylish spot was perfect for a slow sip and good conversation before dinner.
High Tea at The Langham (Melbourne): Classic and luxurious, this was a relaxing midday indulgence that felt like a warm hug with a side of champagne.
Laneway Street Art & Coffee Crawl (Melbourne): Every alley told a story, and pairing it with some of the best espresso I’ve ever had made it unforgettable.
Private Beach Picnic on Lizard Island: A secluded beach, gourmet snacks and no one in sight — this was luxury island life at its best.
Places to eat & drink in Australia
Bennelong (Sydney): Located inside the Opera House, this fine dining experience was unforgettable — flawless service, elegant flavors and a front-row seat to Sydney Harbour magic.
Icebergs Dining Room (Sydney): Elevated coastal cuisine paired with panoramic Bondi Beach views. Perfect for a long lunch or golden hour dinner.
Salsa Bar & Grill (Port Douglas): Bright, tropical Aussie cuisine with bold Caribbean influences and unbeatable service. A must-stop after a reef day.
Nautilus Restaurant (Port Douglas): Hidden in the rainforest, this open-air gem made for one of the most romantic dinners of the trip. Elegant and peaceful.
Salt Water Restaurant (Lizard Island): All-inclusive and five-star, the meals here are gourmet, fresh and artfully presented — served with ocean breezes and reef views.
Driftwood Bar (Lizard Island): The best way to end a sun-drenched day: cocktails and canapés at golden hour just steps from the beach.
Hellenika (Brisbane): Greek rooftop dining with chic ambiance, fresh seafood and unforgettable wine pairings. Vibrant but elevated.
Agnes (Brisbane): Tucked away in a converted warehouse, this fire-driven tasting menu blew me away — one of my favorite meals in Australia.
Attica (Melbourne): Modern Australian tasting menu at its finest. Every course is an experience and the service is just as memorable.
Chin Chin (Melbourne): Loud, lively and wildly flavorful. Their Thai-fusion dishes are craveable and great for groups or solo foodies alike.
Need to know
Australia is absolutely worth the journey — just know that flying from the US can feel like a test of emotional endurance (14+ hours in the air… pack snacks, melatonin and a strong Wi-Fi-free mindset). Once you arrive, the pace slows in the best way. Consider building in a day or two to adjust to the time zone. For in-country travel, book regional flights early and allow extra time between connections — Aussie airports are efficient but spread out.
Weather varies wildly by region, so layer smart. Always carry reef-safe sunscreen (the sun here does not play around), and a light jacket for cool evenings in Melbourne or Brisbane.
Tipping isn’t mandatory like in the US — rounding up or leaving 10% for great service is more than enough. Tap-to-pay is accepted nearly everywhere, so no need to carry much cash. And if you’re driving, remember: Australians drive on the left and rental cars often have right-hand steering wheels — brace yourself!
Finally, embrace the local slang — it’s “brekkie” not breakfast, and “no worries” really does mean everything’s fine.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Australia page.
Travel Advisor
Michaela Brown
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This guide if part of our ongoing series of travel to Australia. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out this guide, To the Land Down Under: Top Picks for Australia.