6 Australian Destinations Where You Can Truly Switch Off

6 Australian Destinations Where You Can Truly Switch Off

What did your inbox look like today? If it was a constant influx of pointless CC’s and follow-ups then you’re one of many hardworking Aussie men in need of a little R and R.

It’s a wonder, really, that we live in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful countries yet we spend so much of our time cooped up indoors.

If you’re becoming consumed by wanderlust, or just getting a little mid-year stir craziness, we’ve put together an epic list of Australian destinations where you can truly switch off. No iPhones allowed.

#1 Magnetic Island, Townsville

Magnetic Island, or Maggie to the locals, is so relaxing that even Australia’s most chilled out animal, the koala, calls it home. In fact, Magnetic Island has a huge population of koalas, who along with the locals, have become part of the island’s breathtaking landscape.

Magnetic Island is actually 70% National Park but also boasts a whopping 23 pristine bays and beaches for those who just want to kick back and relax.

#2 Bay Of Fires, Tasmania

Picture this: turquoise-coloured ocean breaking onto a breathtakingly white beach fringed with huge boulders draped with iconic orange lichen. That’s what you’ll find at Tasmania’s Bay of Fires.

Named by Lonely Planet in 2009 as the world’s hottest travel destination, Bay of Fires is perfect for spending peaceful hours snorkelling in the region’s crystal clear lagoons, inlets and bays or leaving your footprints along the endless stretches of perfectly white sand.

#3 Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef

A place of astonishing natural beauty, Hayman Island is perhaps best known for its One&Only resort which offers a whole new level of Magnificent Bastard-approved luxury.

With direct access to the Great Barrier Reef and world-famous Whitehaven Beach, One&Only Hayman Island offers everything from helicopter rides to seaplane tours, diving, snorkelling and fishing for the hardworking adventurer, plus plenty of incredible dining experiences and spa services to wine, dine and truly switch off.

One&Only Hayman Island was even awarded Best Australian Family Property in Luxury Travel Magazine’s 2016 Gold List, so it’s a must-go if you’re keen on luxury travel.

In fact, Hayman Island’s One&Only resort is currently offering ‘An Appetite for Paradise Curated by Neil Perry’ as part of MasterCard’s Priceless Cities, which encourages cardholders to travel boldly and live every day to the fullest, with access to unique experiences to over 40 priceless destinations globally. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a bit of a luxe getaway and you’re a MasterCard user.

#4 Kangaroo Island, Adelaide

Sea-lions basking on white beaches, koalas dozing in lofty eucalypts, pelicans soaring over shimmering lagoons…Kangaroo Island is Australia at its very best.

Featured above is Kangaroo Island’s Snellings ViewHome, one of many incredibly properties dotted around the island, which to many is referred to as one of earth’s last unspoilt refuges.

From food and wine to wildlife, Kangaroo Island invites you to ‘go bush’ and immerse yourself in the art, scenery and natural delight.

#5 Wolgan Valley

Nestled private and protected by soaring bush escarpmentsWolgan Valley’s Emirates One&Only is a unique, conservation-based resort that not only encourages unplugging from your busy life back home, but combines luxury style with a quintessentially Aussie bush experience.

Conservation is at the heart of the Wolgan Valley resort and in addition to being built according to Ecologically Sustainable Design principles, it undertakes extensive and wide-ranging conservation at the property.

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley was recently named TripAdvisor’s Top Hotel in Australia for 2016 and was awarded a Banksia Award in the recent Traveller’s Choice Awards for an ongoing commitment to a cleaner environment.

A guilt-free luxury getaway? Too easy if you’re a MasterCard holder. Along with One&Only Hayman Island’s ‘An Appetite For Paradise Curated By Neil Perry’, One&Only Wolgan Valley is also currently offering a luxury getaway for cardholders who want to wind down, kick back and enjoy an exclusive 5-course degustation dinner hosted by Neil Perry, as part of MasterCard’s Priceless Cities. Is it time to treat yourself?

#6 Maria Island, Tasmania

With historic ruins, sweeping bays, rugged cliffs and mountains, and remarkable wildlife, Tasmania’s Maria Island looks like something out of a dream.

The island offers excellent walking and cycling journeys, as well as plenty of peaceful beaches for snorkelling or diving with a wealth of fascinating tidal-zone marine life.