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We’re big fans of local recommendations here at Time Out. There's no better way to discover where to go, what to do and how to live it up than by asking those who breathe the local air.
Sure, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast might steal the spotlight with visiting A-listers, but Australia’s got plenty more hidden gems. We asked our favourite Aussie celebs to share their ideal holiday spots around the country. Read on to find out where they love to unwind.
Remy Hii – Malaysian-Australian actor from Marco Polo, Neighbours and Crazy Rich Asians
“If you’re up for a road trip and have some friends that can chip in for petrol and won’t hog the aux cord, a trip to Lake Mungo is an absolute must before you die. Lake Mungo is home to enormous sand dunes, epic sunsets, wild emus and it also happens to be the site of the oldest ritual burial sites in the world. Book a tour with an Indigenous guide (the only way to access these prehistoric sites) and be awed by the Martian desert landscapes and the significance of the land to our First Nations people.”
Guy Sebastian – ARIA-winning singer-songwriter and winner of Australian Idol
“Definitely Gerroa, NSW. It’s got the stunning Seven Mile Beach, a rare position on the East Coast where the sun sets over the beach. There’s also great fishing, surfing and golf courses (Gerringong, Shoalhaven and Kangaroo Valley), plus it’s just ten minutes to picturesque Berry. Such a top spot.”
Grace Tame – advocate for survivors of sexual assault and former Australian of the Year
“The Bay of Fires on Tassie’s northeast coast. (I love) the vast white sandy beaches; clear, clean turquoise ocean; orange rock faces; rugged bushland and solitude.”
Michael Klim – Australian swimmer and Olympic gold medallist
“My favourite destination would have to be Noosa. I’ve been travelling to the Sunshine Coast for many years, initially for training camps while I was competing and more recently with my new events, including the World Series Swims and Noosa Eat and Drink Festival. Noosa offers so much: amazing nature walks, great surf, culinary scene and much more.”
Rosie Waterland – bestselling author, podcaster and comedian
“We’re only halfway through our big Aussie lap, so we haven’t fully done WA or NT, and haven’t done any of SA or TAS. But so far, my top place has been Nitmiluk National Park in the NT. We stayed at the campsite they have in there, which was reasonably priced with a great pool, and was close to the gorge and all the national park highlights. We also did the dinner cruise tour of the gorge run by Nitmiluk Tours, which was incredible.”
Sam Kerr – champion soccer player and Matildas captain
“Rottnest Island.” Say no more, Sam! This dreamy destination just off Perth’s coast is one of our favourite spots in Australia, too – not only for its friendly quokkas, but for those incredible azure blue waters.
Andy Allen – MasterChef Australia judge and chef/co-owner of Three Blue Ducks
“I’m going to be super cliché and say where Mum and Dad live – Fingal Bay, NSW. I don't get home as much as I wish these days, but every time I round the bend and catch the first glimpse of Tomaree Mountain shadowing Shoal Bay, it brings back all the epic memories of my childhood.”
Kween Kong – Logie-nominated drag superstar from RuPaul’s Drag Race
“I like seeing shows and being immersed in festivals, so my favourite holiday spot in Australia is definitely Adelaide – especially during the Fringe Festival in February and March. It’s a cultural and culinary overload. You get to meet so many people from different walks of life and experience vibrancy and fabulosity at its finest.”
Tanya Hennessy – comedian, radio announcer and bestselling author
“I love Mollymook on NSW’s south coast. I’m kinda obsessed with nearby towns Jervis Bay and Berry, too! It’s so still and calm, and when you’ve got a wild mind, it’s the best antidote. The whole area is bliss, heaven on Earth! It’s great for creativity, too. I’ve written many chapters of my books in Mollymook.”
Matt Okine - stand-up comedian, author and radio presenter
“Flynns Beach in Port Macquarie! Stunning headlands, beautiful coastal walk, family friendly patrolled beach, beachside café.... what more could you want? Oh, it’s also only a short walk to the Port City Bowling Club.”