Preparing for the trans-Tasman bubble

By MiNDFOOD

[SA] Lake MacDonnell © Chloe Todd
[SA] Lake MacDonnell © Chloe Todd
Quarantine-free travel from New Zealand to Australia has begun - here's what to do and see if you're planning to make your way across the ditch.

The first stage of a trans-Tasman bubble officially opened at midnight on Friday 16 October, allowing New Zealanders to travel to New South Wales and Northern Territory.

Passengers from New Zealand are able to travel to Australia quarantine-free, provided they have not been in an area designated as a COVID-19 hotspot in New Zealand in the preceding 14 days.

Normal visa requirements apply and travellers returning to New Zealand from Australia will be still be required to comply with New Zealand’s travel requirements – that is, they will need to enter and pay the cost of 14 days in isolation in a quarantine hotel.

Not all states are open to New Zealand just yet, but for Kiwis keen to start planning an Aussie trip now or in the future, Tourism Australia has shared just some ways you can holiday in Australia.

Witness a natural phenomenon: Australia is home to some of the most unique landscapes and incredible natural wonders in the world. From Australia’s peculiar wildlife to its very own southern light show, aim to tick off as many of the stunning natural wonders as you can.

The town of Bathurst, NSW, Australia, seen from Mount Panorama.

Go on an epic road trip: From expansive outback drives to roads that hug dramatic coastlines and routes that weave through lush landscapes, there’s no better place to traverse on wheels than Australia. You could either be spontaneous and see where the vast roads take you, or plan you trip in detail. Make sure you stop into local visitor centres to get the best tips on hidden gems, picnic spots and incredible lookouts.

Port Arthur © Hype TV 1

Visit a moment in time: Step back in time and visit a historic site to learn about Australia’s convict and colonial history. Relive Australia’s gold-rush era at Sovereign Hill in the town of Ballarat in Victoria. Or explore the country’s origins as a convict settlement at the extensive Port Arthur Historic Site in Tasmania, or at the imposing convict-built Fremantle Prison in Perth.

Sydney's Darling Harbour takes out fourth spot. ISTOCK
Sydney’s Darling Harbour ISTOCK

Join a city walking tour: See a new city in a new light with a guided walking tour. They often uncover the not so obvious history and culture of the city – who knows, you might learn a new thing or two! There are also a huge range of different tours that explore different passion points, including Aboriginal heritage, hidden bars, food culture, street art and more.

Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The country’s largest fringing coral reef supports 220 species of coral and 500 species of tropical fish.. Tourism Western Australia

Dive with a whale: The Australian coastline provides bountiful opportunities to see a number of whale species on their annual migration. Both the east and west coasts have their own whale shows, as the mammals travel to and from Antarctica. Between May and November, you can spot southern right whales journeying to the temperate breeding waters off South Australia and Victoria, while energetic humpback whales continue north to the Great Barrier Reef and the Kimberley and orcas congregate off the southern coast of the state of Western Australia.

Dip in an ocean pool: Open to the public all year round and replenished naturally by the ocean waves, join the locals and swim laps in an ocean pool overlooking stunning views. Most can be found in New South Wales with about 100 along the coastline from Yamba in the north to Bermagui in the south. Sydney alone has 35!


Lake MacDonnell © Chloe Todd

Chase the pink lake wonders: Australia is home to many mesmerising natural attractions, but its extraordinary pink lakes have to be seen to be believed – take your pick of pink from the outback of South Australia to the coast of Western Australia. These ‘strawberry-milk’ lakes look good enough to take a sip, but are actually some of the saltiest bodies of water in the world.

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