She’s been a travel reporter on Nine’s Getaway for 27 years, so Catriona Rowntree knows her way around.
Having explored both near and far, the veteran TV journalist is something of an expert when it comes to all things travel-related.
Here, she shares her top 10 destinations in Australia, and it’s safe to say they’re not to be missed.
The Kimberley, WA.
(Credit: Getty)1. The Kimberley, WA
Plan a trip around Easter time to discover new waterfalls daily.
It’s also great for fishing, especially if you want to catch barramundi.
As my son says, “It’s not paradise, it’s barradise.” Best fishing ever!
Bruny Island, TAS.
(Credit: Getty)2. Bruny Island, TAS
I vote Tassie as an awesome drive trip, so take the time to take the car ferry across to this tiny island filled with all sorts of delicious treats.
Wineries, gin, cheese, chocolate – it’s all here! The pub is awesome too, so make sure you stop in.
Hamilton Island, QLD.
(Credit: Getty)3. Hamilton Island, QLD
I always recommend this beautiful island in the Whitsundays for families like mine, who need a bucketload of activities to keep the kids occupied.
It’s just so easy, and yes, there are romantic adult-only resorts here, too.
Beechworth, VIC.
(Credit: Getty)4. Beechworth, VIC
It’s unfair how many great food stops one little town can have.
From the Billson’s brewery tour (kids love the cordial tasting) to shopping along the main street, I always stop here when travelling between Sydney and Melbourne.
You’re guaranteed to have a ball.
Canberra, ACT.
(Credit: Getty)5. Canberra, ACT
Canberra is going through a food explosion right now as young up-and-coming chefs skip the expensive leases of Sydney and Melbourne in favour of working with local primary producers.
Take an electric boat out onto the lake, go on a glassmaking tour or visit a gallery. Canberra is buzzing!
Yass, NSW.
(Credit: Getty)6. Yass, NSW
If you go to Canberra, be sure to stop off at the bustling surrounding country towns.
Yass is just one example (I also adore Boorowa, Young and Cowra).
You’ll find great coffee, great shopping and super cute locals.
Kalgoorlie, WA.
(Credit: Getty)7. Kalgoorlie, WA
Show me a town with great roundabouts and I’ll show you a council that cares about its community.
Yep, I have a roundabout obsession, and the ones in this former gold rush town are a dream to drive on.
The Kalgoorlie mayor should be proud!
Darwin, NT.
(Credit: Getty)8. Darwin, NT
If you ever need to escape the winter chills, this is your ideal holiday spot.
The markets are next level, there are stunning sunsets galore, and you should definitely celebrate with a pearl or two.
I love the proud Aboriginal culture, I love the food – I love it all.
Cairns, QLD.
(Credit: Getty)9. Cairns, QLD
I actually love the galleries here that are able to bring together the best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, creators and sculptors.
Jamestown, SA.
(Credit: Getty)10. Jamestown, SA
They have a great caravan park here, it’s the birthplace of RM Williams, and it’s on the trail of so many great wine regions.
Make this your final destination as you head out of Adelaide, and take your time through the Clare Valley and its various wine regions.
