Europe-inspired Getaways on Australia's Doorstep
Whilst European travel is currently off limits for Australians, there are still many incredible Europe-inspired experiences that Aussies can have whilst travelling domestically. According to Booking.com data, before the pandemic hit Aussies most visited European destinations were; the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain and Germany*.
As the official Travel Partner of Eurovision Song Contest 2021, Booking.com has curated a list of the top 5 places in Australia reminiscent of the country’s most visited destinations on the continent, celebrating what we love most about the camp musical spectacle from down under ahead of the finals this weekend:
- Mollymook on the South Coast of NSW holds many similarities to the seaside port of Cornwall in the United Kingdom. Home to Rick Stein’s Bannisters who once called it “the best of Australian landscapes and South West England”.
- Fremantle in Western Australia is rich in Italian heritage. A bustling port with exquisite seafood, can be much likened to the beautiful coastal towns of Italy.
- Hobart in Tasmania has a French connection to early explorers and has the cuisine, produce and not to mention MONA to rival the most contemporary found in France.
- Port Douglas in tropical North Queensland is teeming with wild and tropical beaches much like the idyllic Balearic Islands of Spain.
- Hahndorf in South Australia, settled by 19th-century Lutheran migrants, is known for its original German-style architecture, thriving artisanal food, hearty German pubs, and gourmet delicatessens.
1# MOLLYMOOK
Mollymook, located on the South Coast of NSW, holds many similarities to Cornwall in the United Kingdom. Mollymook is home to sandy beaches and a bustling fishing port, reminiscent of English seaside towns. Exceptional seafood cuisine is also a speciality as much here as it is there, so much so famous chef, Rick Stein opened the popular restaurant Bannister’s in it’s memory.
2# FREMANTLE
Fremantle is rich in Italian heritage. A bustling port with exquisite seafood, can be much likened to the beautiful coastal towns of Italy. Dining in Fremantle will have visitors immersed in Italian cuisine. An area known as “The Cappuccino Strip” is famous for its al fresco dining culture. One of the most famous Italian monuments in Fremantle is Memorial with Twelve Timber columns with 608 pioneer fishermen names and two life-size bronze fishermen sculptures, which was built in honour of the Italian fishing industry pioneers who contributed to the economic development of Western Australia.
3# HOBART
Hobart has a French connection to early explorers and has the cuisine, produce and not to mention MONA to rival the most contemporary found in France. As the second oldest city in Australia, Hobart is a combination of heritage charm, modern lifestyle and exceptional beauty. Whether it’s captivating history, scenic waterways, rugged mountains or gourmet experiences, the city has something to offer for all.
Where to Stay: MACq 01 Hotel
4# PORT DOUGLAS
Port Douglas is teeming with wild and tropical beaches much like the idyllic Balearic Islands of Spain. It’s prime location, between two of the world's most valuable World Heritage listed areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, means there will never be a shortage of activities. Who needs Mallorca when the temperature here sits at an average of 29 degrees (celsius) over the Summer / Autumn months and a glorious 26 degrees over Winter/Spring.
Where to Stay: Pool Resort Port Douglas
5# HAHNDORF
Hahndorf in South Australia will give you a little taste of Germany. Hahndorf is home to Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. The main street is thriving with boutiques, hearty German pubs, contemporary restaurants, gourmet delicatessens and has a countryside thickly blanketed by lush, green 100 year-old elm and plane trees.
Where to Stay: Amble at Hahndorf
CONTACT DETAILS
For further information, contact the Booking.com Australia Press Office;
bookingau@redhavas.com / 0433964311
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Perfectly timed for a winter getaway, Booking.com currently has country wide 2021 deals at select properties offering a minimum 15% off for travellers booking from now through to 30 September 2021.