Where Broadsheet Editors Would Take a Luxury Aussie Holiday – and What We’d Pack

If you could go anywhere, where would it be? For many Australians, Europe’s pull is perennial. But recent statistics show our focus is shifting closer to home, with domestic travel up 55 per cent compared to pre-pandemic years, according to the Australian Government’s Domestic Tourism Statistics. (If Covid gave us anything, it was a renewed appreciation for what’s right here.)

And what a backyard it is. Australia spans lush rainforests, arid desert plains and remote islands – a breadth of landscapes few countries can rival. So, with summer around the corner, we asked our editors to share the stays they’re dreaming of – and the fashion, books and games they’re bringing along for the trip.

Ting Tong Treehouse, Highvale, Qld

I’m currently seeking solitude and nature. I want to welcome the warmth of summer from the Ting Tong Treehouse in Highvale, Queensland. I love a bit of sticky humidity and the feel of thick summer air. I want to be surrounded by the call of cicadas and greeted by a star-dotted sky.

We’re packing light. I’m eyeing a pair of bathers from Camp Cove Swim, a local brand that uses deadstock fabric. I love the Hibiscus 25 print in its Casey bandeau bikini top and Nicole high-waist swim short.

Skincare is minimal – a good cleanser, moisturiser and SPF is really all I’ll need. I enjoy Tatcha’s Indigo Cleansing Balm, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream and La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+.

I’ll have a generous stack of books: a mix of darker stories like Naima Brown’s Mother Tongue and Charlotte McConaghy’s Wild Dark Shore, as well as rom-com page-turners like Melanie Saward’s Love Unleashed and Emily Henry’s newest release. Bliss. – Maggie Zhou, fashion editor

Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, SA

For so long, the idea of an island holiday was taboo in my house – something to do with visions of screaming children and tepid resort swimming pools maybe? I’ve since come to realise that rotting on a sunlounge by the pool actually quite agrees with me. This summer, I plan to do just that at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, staring out across the Great Australian Bight and thinking about sweet F all.

I suppose I should explore the island’s astonishing natural beauty, too, so these Asics runners won’t go astray. And because the South Australian UV rays sting, I’ll need some new Ray-Bans and the good SPF50 from Aesop. These North Face Wander shorts will get me from the lounge to the trail and back. – Dan Cunningham, acting features editor

Gilberton Outback Retreat, Einasleigh, Qld

I’ve recently been seduced by the idea of Queensland’s outback hot springs trail – artesian spas, bathhouses and mud pools from Cunnamulla to Cloncurry. Just north of the route is Gilberton Outback Retreat, a luxury getaway on a working cattle station with outdoor bathing with glorious views. Part gritty, part glam.

I’ll be taking a packable wide-brim Anderson hat from Aussie label Will & Bear, plus a locally made Emma Winton x Campfire Co bandana for essential cowgirl vibes that are both wearable back home in the city. To save my skin turning the same colour as the red earth, I’ll also chuck in this clever UPF50+ Sun Ray sun shirt and some Stealth cat-eye sunnies from Le Specs.

I love a cleansing balm for travel (easier to pack than potentially leaky liquids), so Kora Organics active algae cleansing balm makes the cut for road trip skincare. I’ll pop it in Pony Rider’s sturdy Escapee upcycled canvas overnight bag along with a go-anywhere Array dress from Kowtow – perfect for throwing over togs or dressing up a little for evening drinks at the station house.

Since Gilberton has no internet, phone or TV, it’s time for a digital detox. I’ll be toting an inspirational hard copy book on Intrepid Women and a cute retro film camera from 35mm Co to record all the holiday fun. – Jo Walker, special features editor

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island, NSW

With its mix of imposing volcanic mountains, subtropical forests, lowlands and sheltered lagoons, this 11-kilometre outcrop in the Tasman Sea is like a bonsai continent. I’ve been keen to go since editing the Broadsheet book Travels, both to hike (or maybe run up) 875-metre Mount Gower and, afterwards, look at it from the outdoor spa at Capella Lodge, preferably with a cold beer.

I’ve worn Asics’s Gel Kayano runners for 25 years and swear by them. I’d treat myself to a new pair of those, plus one of Zorali’s nice mesh caps. I’m also a long-time fan of Cos’s minimalist designs and reasonable prices, so I’d be picking up something resort-y to get into the island luxury theme, like this apricot linen shirt and these leather fishermen sandals, since my old Greek ones have finally fallen apart. – Nick Connellan, Australia editor

Il Delfino, Yamba, NSW

Despite growing up in Australia, I admit I’ve only managed to see Sydney, the Gold Coast and Cairns in my almost-25 years. That’s it. So, while Euro summer is always tempting, our rugged coastlines, pretty towns and closer-to-home adventures are calling just as loudly. And in any case, Il Delfino – a boutique beachfront hotel in the sleepy fishing town of Yamba on the north coast of NSW – brings a slice of the Mediterranean home. It’s all whitewashed walls, vintage furniture, striped sun beds and frothy ocean views. I’d love to stay in Portofino, one of its five suites, which are each named after a picturesque Italian riviera town.

For me, the formula to a beachy holiday wardrobe is simple: breezy, pared-back pieces with subtle, elevated details. Casual enough for daytime wandering but polished enough to dress up at night. I’d pack this strapless pistachio minidress from Deiji Studios; a printed asymmetrical skirt from Siedres, which has been on my wishlist for months; and these cotton straight-leg pants with a detachable beaded belt. Each would work with a white cami and the it shoe of summer: Christopher Esber’s slimline jelly flip-flops.

There are a few other essentials for a beachy getaway: my trusty Murad sunscreen; a towel like this chequered Baina number that’s equally stylish and practical; a crocheted tote; and a bikini – though I’m swapping traditional bottoms for swim shorts this summer. – Gitika Garg, directory editor

Ace Hotel, Sydney, NSW

I don’t have grand travel plans. I just want to go to Sydney, stay at the Ace, eat some great food, see my friends and chill the fuck out. I don’t want to take a lot of luggage, just this Baggu carry-on filled with all the Kiehl’s moisturiser (because travel anywhere makes my skin dry out). I’ll pack my Kindle, loaded with Red Scare, which I’ve been meaning to read for ages. And I’ll rock this I’m Sorry by Petra Collins doll print iPhone case and this I’m Sorry sunset ring. They both have the perfect “I’m on vacation and IDGAF – but I’m still cute” vibe. – Audrey Payne, Melbourne food and drink editor

Timba, McLaren Vale, SA

I’ve become one of those people. “Back in my day” has become a regular sentence-starter as I regale people with tales of the pre-screen era. Naturally, my dream stay calls for total peace – where time doesn’t exist and do-not-disturb mode is set, indefinitely. Timba fits the bill. There’s a huge pool, 110 acres to roam, and it’s set in McLaren Vale – a short drive from one of my favourite vineyards, Clarendon Hills, where a glass will be glued to hand. (Mummy’s on holiday, sweetie.)

I’m a serial overpacker, so a lightweight bag like Kathmandu’s Feather Flight carry-on feels like the smart choice. Inside, there’ll be Satisfy’s sturdy kicks for hill strolls, Sonos’s portable speaker for the soundtrack and – if the walk proves too much – a backgammon set for mid-hike relief.

Days will be spent in Fella’s new swimwear drop, before towelling off with one of Sydney label Fridah’s plush designs. If I must put clothes on, a sporty-but-chic skirt feels correct, thanks to vintage Miu Miu. But whether I’m kicking back, swirling wine or spinning a yarn, Del Sol Salon’s khaki frames will be permanently fixed to my face. – Simone Richardson, shopping editor

Mandalay, Darwin, NT

I’ve seen so much of the east coast over the last few years but the closest I’ve been to the Red Centre is a childhood trip to Emerald. So Darwin is top of my list – I’m desperate to check out Laundry Gallery and MAGNT.

I’ll probably be bush-bashing for a lot of the trip, which means I’ll splurge on accommodation in town and book a couple days at the Mandalay or the Hilton.

As for what’s in my bag, I’ve been eyeing Dries Van Noten’s range of printed swim shorts. But otherwise it’ll be function over fashion, relying on Paire’s lightweight wrinkle-proof T-shirts (I know I won’t be folding them neatly), a pair of Merrell MOAB 3s and some Zorali mountain socks. Plus, Transcription by Ben Lerner will be published by then, so I’ll pack a copy of that and a deck of Monopoly Deal – an essential. – James Williams, creative solutions manager

The Ghan, Darwin NT to Adelaide SA

Get me on The Ghan! Anyone at Broadsheet will tell you that since my Eurail trip last year, I’ve been train-obsessed. I was totally taken in by the romance of the rails and now, like a toddler, I’m cuckoo for all things choo-choo. The Ghan is one of the world’s most famous railway journeys. It runs between Darwin and Adelaide from March to November with stops and expeditions including Katherine, Alice Springs, Uluru and Coober Pedy. It seems like a magnificent way to see Australia’s vast interior and visit outback towns, while also enjoying luxury accommodation and great dining.

You’re never fully dressed without SPF so I’ll be packing Supergoop’s Glow Screen. And I’m going long on denim: packing some jeans from Abrand’s Petite range (perfect for those of us who are vertically challenged) and this denim shirt with a whimsical detachable necktie. This Ganni midi jacket will be good for the evening chill. Then, I’m going back to Oroton for this vintage slip, which fits with the old-school luxury of cross-continental train travel.

I’d take a bag from Longchamp’s Le Pliage range with me. I love that they fold down but can expand in case of extra souvenir shopping along the way. And for my suitcase, I’m going retro once again with July’s Checked Trunk. – Lucy Bell Bird, national assistant editor

Provider House, Hobart, Tas

The dreamiest trip is one where I (metaphorically) throw my phone in the ocean. I want to be unreachable, I want to log this brain off. A little bar and/or cutesy coffee shop are welcome bonuses. So obviously I’m going to Hobart, ready to check in to Provider House. The sleepover-ready outpost of the Sydney Japanese design store is holiday heaven: deep-red timber panelling, owner Tara Bennett’s interior curation and the remoteness of the Lutruwita bush.

I’m packing light: Emma Lewisham’s face oil (a salve for the icy air), and Merit’s Flush balm and brow magic duo. For clothes, the striped Pinky & Kamal onesie, a trusty Friends With Frank shirt and wine bar and/or mountain-ready Salomons for hiking wulinantikala/Cradle Mountain. Then my cosy Incu jumper and slouchy coat straight over the top for a night at Schole – just 15 minutes’ drive away. Hencla’s handmade beads too, just for fun.

Swimmers for a daytrip to Lake Darby’s floating sauna, plus Bananagrams and Jacqueline Maley’s Lonely Mouth for fireplace hangs. All of it whacked into this chocolate carry-on. – Grace MacKenzie, Sydney food and drink editor

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This story is part of Broadsheet’s special Aussie Travel Issue, presented by Up, exploring uncommon escapes and remarkable stays close to home.