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One of the best things about living in Australia is that we have so many amazing destinations right on our doorstep. Why waste spending precious holiday time on long-haul flights or waiting around in airports for connecting flights when you can choose one of our favourite international locations which you can get to in less than four hours’ flying time?
Whether you want to laze on an idyllic beach in Southeast Asia, island hop around the South Pacific, or throw yourself into a fun-filled adventure in New Zealand, we’ve got the perfect short-haul escapes that deliver maximum holiday vibes with minimal travel time.
Bali is a long-standing favourite choice for Aussies in search of the perfect combination of food and culture, sunshine and surf, lush landscapes and amazing nightlife. From the buzz of Seminyak’s beach clubs to the serenity of Ubud’s rice terraces and the excitement of Uluwatu’s surf breaks, you can spend your holiday being as active or as laidback as you choose.
You can unwind at a luxury spa or yoga retreat, learn to create delicious local dishes at a Balinese cooking school or challenge yourself with a sunrise volcano hike. Even if you think you’ve seen and experienced everything that Bali has to offer, there’s always something new to discover if you’re prepared to venture a little way off the beaten tourist track.
Flying time*: 3 hours 45 minutes from Perth to Denpasar; 2 hours 40 minutes from Darwin to Denpasar
This emerging destination is still something of a hidden gem, rich in culture and filled with incredible natural beauty. It’s a fabulous destination if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy a truly authentic slice of Southeast Asian culture. It’s located within the diving mecca known as the Coral Triangle, and its waters offer incredible conditions for snorkelling and diving.
The waters around Atauro Island and the northern coast are teeming with marine life, including vibrant reef fish, dugongs and even migrating whales. On land, you’ll find an untouched paradise of pristine beaches, coffee plantations and rice paddies. Pro tip: the three-hour hike to the summit of Mount Ramelau (also known as Tatamailau) is our favourite spot for soaking up spectacular sunrise views.
Flying time*: 90 minutes from Darwin to Dili
Made up of six major islands and more than a thousand smaller isles, the Solomon Islands is a paradise of lush rainforests, volcanic mountains, remote beaches, and crystal-clear lagoons. You won’t find overwater villas or large-scale resorts here: just pure nature and genuine island charm.
A visit to a traditional Melanesian village is a great way to experience about local culture, including panpipe music and custom dancing. If you’re a history buff, there are WWII memorial sites and sunken ships to explore, while divers are drawn to hot spots like Marovo Lagoon, Munda, and Tulagi for incredible underwater adventures.
Flying time*: 3 hours 20 minutes from Brisbane to Honiara
If you love holiday destinations where every moment is filled with incredible nature, cultural, and adventure experiences, Papua New Guinea deserves a spot on your bucket list. From hiking through mist-shrouded jungle on the Kokoda Trail to diving in crystal-clear coral filled water, you’ll find there are endless opportunities to explore untouched natural beauty.
There are more than 800 distinct languages and more than one thousand tribal groups in Papua New Guinea: as a result, the nation has a richness of culture unlike anywhere else in the world. One of our favourite ways to experience this kaleidoscope of ethnic diversity is to attend a traditional sing-sing (festival) like the annual Goroka or Mount Hagen Cultural Show.
Flying time*: 3 hours 10 minutes from Brisbane to Port Moresby
Comprising more than 80 pristine tropical islands, the archipelago of Vanuatu is an ideal choice if you want a Pacific Island holiday that combines postcard-perfect beaches, ancient traditions and exciting adventure.
The capital city of Port Vila is located on the island of Efate, where you’ll find waterfalls veiled in lush greenery, roadside stalls selling delectable fresh fruits and the world’s only underwater post office. Luganville is the gateway to the island of Espiritu Santo, where you can dive into incredible natural swimming spots known as blue holes, go horse-riding through tranquil rainforests and laze on the white-sand paradise of Champagne Beach.
Flying time*: 2 hours 35 minutes from Brisbane to Port Vila, 2 hours 50 minutes from Brisbane to Luganville
Whether you’re looking for a ‘flop-and-drop’ style of holiday at a world-class resort, an adventurous escape packed with activities like rafting, ziplining and surfing, or a family-friendly break from the bustle of everyday life, Fiji really does have it all.
Whether you’re channelling your inner Robinson Crusoe on a tiny atoll surrounded by vibrant coral gardens, wrapping yourself in the warmth of Fijian culture during a village visit, or plunging into the turquoise sea from the deck of your luxury overwater bungalow, the islands of Fiji are a fabulous choice for every sort of escape.
Flying time*: 3 hours 30 minutes from Brisbane to Nadi; 4 hours 5 minutes from Sydney to Nadi
With its rich Māori culture, world-class wine and food scene, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet anywhere in the world, Aotearoa New Zealand is a fabulous destination to tick off multiple bucket list experiences in a single, memorable holiday.
North Island highlights include whale watching and sand dune surfing in the Far North, award-winning wineries on Waiheke Island, the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua and the ethereal beauty of the Waitomo Caves. The cinematic landscapes of South Island provide the perfect setting for an endless array of heart-stopping experiences, including whale watching in Kaikōura, sea kayaking in Abel Tasman, skiing in Queenstown and hiking in Fiordland.
Flying time*: Auckland – 3 hours 10 minutes from Sydney or Brisbane; 3 hours 40 minutes from Melbourne; 3 hours 30 minutes from Tasmania October to March only
Wellington – 3 hours 15 minutes from Sydney; 3 hours 35 minutes from Brisbane or Melbourne
Christchurch – 3 hours 30 minutes from Brisbane; 3 hours 10 minutes from Sydney; 3 hours 25 minutes from Melbourne
Queenstown, New Zealand – 3 hours 5 minutes from Sydney; 3 hours 15 minutes from Melbourne
No matter what kind of getaway you’re craving – relaxation, cultural or adventure – there’s an incredible international destination, just a short flight from Australia, waiting for you. Chat to your personal travel manager today to find the perfect destination for you.
*Note: flight times provided are intended as an indication only, and will vary according to airline, schedule, routing and direction of travel.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
