Travel inspiration for 2026: The Australia edit

Australia might be a long way to travel for your next luxury getaway, but it’s more than worth the journey. From its golden-sand beaches and abundant nature to its culture-packed cities and vibrant food and drink scenes, this diverse nation is one of those rare destinations that really does have it all – and for those seeking a trip of a lifetime in 2026, it promises to ensure it’s a truly unforgettable one.

For the luxury traveller, flying first class is a no brainer, allowing you to travel in comfort and arrive in style. And once you get there, you can take your pick of lavish hotels in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, secluded hideaways on private islands, and remote luxury lodges surrounded by natural beauty. With something for every type of high-end traveller – from the adventurer to the wellness enthusiast – here, we take a look at the destinations and experiences offering the most inspiration for your 2026 trip – as well as how to stay connected while you’re there.

Staying connected in Australia

The majority of travellers visiting Australia seek to include multiple destinations in one trip – after all, it’s a long way to come to get to know just one, and even harder to choose one when there are so many incredible places to explore. But without constant connectivity, moving between places can become stressful, as you’ll often need access to maps and travel apps along the way – not to mention keeping up with any important online business meetings or news from family and friends while you travel.

Getting an eSIM for Australia is a great way to ensure uninterrupted connectivity across the country. A prepaid data plan will allow you to enjoy reliable and affordable internet access on your trip – and best of all, you don’t need to insert a fiddly physical SIM card as you can simply purchase and download an eSIM before you leave.

Australia travel inspiration

Now that the practicalities of ensuring a seamless Australian adventure are taken care of, let’s take a look at the destinations and experiences you won’t want to miss.

A sophisticated city stay in Sydney

Sydney is a modern metropolis that few visitors to Australia leave out of their itineraries – and with good reason. Home to iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it’s instantly recognisable and offers warm and sunny weather for much of the year. It has always exuded a sense of luxury, but it has undergone an even more sophisticated upgrade of late, and for those are for unforgettable high-end experiences, it won’t disappoint.

The best views of Sydney are enjoyed from the water, and taking a private sunrise sailing charter promises the very best photo opportunities as well as a high-end experience.

Although the Michelin guide has yet to expand into Australia, there are an array of Michelin-star-quality fine dining restaurants that foodies will want to secure a table at. Oncore by Clare Smyth is a standout, with refined cooking, artistic plating and views down over the Sydney Harbour Bridge – and Clare herself holds an impressive three Michelin stars for her work at the Core by Clare Smyth restaurant in the UK.

Outback wilderness in the Red Centre

If you’re eager to escape the busy-ness of city life then the Australian Outback is about as remote as it gets, and promises a unique wilderness experience that will allow you to become thoroughly acquainted with the nation’s spectacular natural environment. Check in at a remote luxury lodge like Longitude 131° in the Red Centre, near Uluru and Kata Tjuta, for lavish tent-style accommodation with floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding landscapes – including the iconic Uluru – along with guided desert tours and bedtime stargazing beneath the night sky.

The lodge is of course home to a rather impressive spa, too – so if you’re looking for somewhere to relax, unwind and truly switch off from the stresses and strains of modern life, then this is it.

Reef encounters in Queensland’s tropical north

Ocean lovers will no doubt want to get another taste of Australia’s stunning coastlines after dipping their toe in in Sydney – and where better than Queensland? The north is home to some of the most incredible golden sand beaches, and here, you’ll find an array of luxury eco-resorts and rainforest resorts offering the chance to immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty – and with the Great Barrier Reef right on your doorstep, you’re in prime position to enjoy some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world.

Charter a private yacht, and head out with a knowledgeable marine biologist as your guide to see the reef teeming with diverse and colourful marine life – then head to the elegant Silky Oaks Lodge, set deep inside the ancient Daintree rainforest and on the banks of the Mossman River, for a tranquil stay in a towering treehouse-style suite. Here, you can fill your days with rainforest walks, kayaking or canoeing on the river, or enjoying peaceful and recentring yoga and meditation sessions beneath the trees.