With travel back in full swing, (41% of Canadians are planning to, or have already booked a flight for 2023 ), it’s safe to say that Canadians are eager to travel again, and long-haul destinations are back on their wish lists…including Australia. With so much to do down under, we’ve narrowed down the top five reasons to visit Australia in 2023 highlighting some of the key moments including:
- FIFA Women’s World Cup (our Canadian team will be present!)
- NEW Hot Springs experiences
- NEW Hotels Opening in 2023
- Kimberley Wild Expeditions 4-wheel drive wild tour
- Discover Aboriginal Collection Experiences
FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
For the first time in history, the FIFA Women’s World Cup will head Down Under, when 32 nations will go head-to-head across Australia and New Zealand in July 2023 to take out the title. With all of Team Canada’s games being held in Australia, now is the time for Canadian soccer fans to plan a once in a lifetime Australian adventure across the five hosting Aussie cities and beyond. Home to beautiful landscapes, thrilling adventures and over a century of sporting history, a trip to Australia is a chance to not only catch one of the 64 FIFA matches but tick off some bucket list travel experiences around the country. The tournament runs July 20 to August 20.
An aboriginal guide at Uluru. Photo Courtesy Australia Tourism.
DISCOVER ABORIGINAL COLLECTION EXPERIENCES
Become immersed in the world’s oldest living culture and connect to the country through these Discover Aboriginal Collection experiences:
Dreamtime & Dive snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef
Explore the underwater wonders of this iconic Australian natural icon through an indigenous lens. Understand the importance of the Reef to the traditional owners of Sea County – Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Mandingalbay Yidinji, Yirrganydji, and Gunggandji people.
Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Near Kings Canyon, Central Australia: Discover indigenous food traditions of the Luritja and Pertame (Southern Aranda) people along with the historic beauty. Sample their bush tucker, try bush medicines, and learn stories of their artwork..
Tasmania’s Wukalina Walk at the Bay of Fires
Hike this iconic Tasmanian coastal trail on a four-day, three-night guided walk led by a guide from the Palawa Community. Dine on bush tucker, uncover centuries-old sea shell middens and learn the Palawa’s history to the Northern Coast of the island.
Embark on a culinary adventure with a gourmet dinner hamper where native ingredients are combined with modern culinary techniques to create a masterpiece for the palette. Witness the ancient Mala story re-told like never before with ground-breaking technology. Choreographed drones, lasers, and projections will take flight, lighting up the night sky in a modern, artistic expression of an ancient, Anangu story.
The swimming pool at the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne. Photo Courtesy Visit Victoria.
GREAT NEW HOTEL OPENINGS
Melbourne
The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne (March 2023)
Set to open its doors in March 2023, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne will redefine luxury with 80 stories of extraordinary designs, exceptional experiences and breathtaking views. With design that blends the best of the brand and the destination, combined with the finest amenities, culinary offerings, and highly personalized service, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne will deliver an experience tailored to today’s luxury guest and deeply connected to this vibrant city.
Sydney
The W Sydney in Darling Harbour will welcome its first guests in the latter quarter of 2023, bringing a unique take on modern luxury to the city. The new hotel is set on the city’s magnificent waterfront with immediate access to the CBD, International Convention Centre and harbour entertainment precinct.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Reopening in 2023, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island will feature the new Owner’s Residence villa. The ultra-premium Ocean Pavilion will boast cliff top views over the Southern Ocean, with four bedrooms and bathrooms. A design feature of the villa will be its outdoor terrace leading.
A beautiful setting in the Kimberley region in Western Australia. Photo Courtesy Tourism Australia.
KIMBERLEY WILD EXPEDITIONS. WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The award-winning 4-wheel drive tour company Kimberley Wild Expeditions has released a new Kimberley tour offering for the 2023 season. The new 12-day 4-wheel drive and walking adventure provides an opportunity for guests to explore more of the Kimberley region – one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth – on foot. The walking component of the tour means guests have more time to trek through cave tunnels, into remote gorges, under waterfalls, across savannah plains, along escarpments, up rocky riverbeds and of course, around an ancient desert meteorite crater. The tour includes three nights at El Questro, plus a mix of National Park camping and private camps that are set up ready and waiting, and an excursion to the famous Wolfe Creek Crater / Kandimalal. Trips beginning April 1.
SOAK IN A NEW HOT SPOT
Australia is a known ‘hot’ spot for immersing yourself in the natural world. Uniquely, every state on the continent boasts numerous undeveloped, and developed springs and waterholes, and many are directly accessible via major cities — making it THE quintessential destination for a road trip. To top it off: most are also surrounded by indigenous areas/experiences and national parks. 2023 ushers in a huge number of NEW luxury, and immersive natural experiences and lodging options for now travelers that make a great time to pen a story (and book a trip). An outstanding resource to utilize for geographic awareness of hot springs and natural pools can also be found here.
