Elephant Rocks, William Bay National Park
Photograph: Tourism Western Australia
Photograph: Tourism Western Australia

10 Aussie travel destinations that look (almost) exactly like Europe

Who needs the Greek Islands or an Italian summer anyway?

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For many of us Aussies, travelling to Europe – the land of high culture, orthopaedic sandals and artisan cheese – is fairly out of reach. You know, the current cost of living, and all that. Thankfully, we've got a solution. Enter: Travel destinations in Australia that feel (almost) exactly like a European holiday. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, or something – right?

Europe is obviously a land of diverse plenty, and as such, so is this list. We've raked together the best places in Australia, each of which has a striking resemblance to a different European locale. From the high alpine ridges of the Norwegian Alps to the turquoise glitter of the Grecian Isles, this list is the low-cost, high-reward antidote to Instagram doom scrolls during the months of June and July. Leave Europe to the Northern Hemisphere and take your wanderlusting feet for a walk back home.

🌈 The most incredible places to visit in Australia
🌊 Australia's best beach towns
✈️ The cheapest places to fly from Australia

Aussie travel spots that feel like Europe

1. Greek island it up at Elephant Rocks

Where: Elephant Rocks, Denmark, Western Australia

The Greek Islands get a pretty major rap for their blinding white sand and wildly blue water. But, we ask – what of Elephant Rocks in the aptly named 'Denmark' (we're not making this up) region in William National Park of Western Australia? It's got it all, and unlike pretty much anywhere in Greece at the height of summer, you'll probably have the place to yourself. The traditional land of the Menang People is an incredibly special spot named for its elephant-like rocks that tumble out in the crystal clear water. Drape yourself over a hot rock, and bring some chilled wine in your ice-box for the full, Euro experience.

Best time to visit: Late spring or early summer, before the sweaty weather and crowds kick in.

Maya Skidmore
Maya Skidmore
Contributor

2. Discover Deutschland Down Under in Hahndorf

Where: Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills, South Australia

This charming village, reminiscent of a German postcard, is located a picturesque 30-minute drive from Adelaide city. Dating back to 1839, heritage-listed Hahndorf stands as Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement – and is the perfect day trip for those visiting the SA capital. Wander along the leafy main strip and discover local artisans selling everything from German cuckoo clocks and candlesticks to traditional sweets, cheeses and craft beers. It’s not a real trip to Deutschland without a frothy pint or two, and there are twelve on tap at local favourite, Haus Restaurant. Pair your pint with German specialties, like chunky wurst, juicy pork hock, real-deal Vienna schnitzel and fresh pretzels. Lecker!

Best time to visit: Autumn, when the vineyards and leafy streets come alive with vibrant shades of red, gold and orange.

Melissa Woodley
Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
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Where: Bruny Island, Tasmania

Bright, beautiful and breathtaking, the Aurora Borealis is a bucket list item for pretty much every avid traveller. Only those who have witnessed the Northern Lights in the flesh can truly understand its otherworldly magic. But you don’t need to fork out on a ticket to Iceland to see the dramatic natural light display IRL. Australia has its very own version, called the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights, with the best viewing from Tasmania. Although only a third of the size of Iceland and located at the opposite pole, Bruny Island offers a similar sense of remoteness and a natural beauty that will take your breath away. 

Best time to visit: Like its northern sister, it’s hard to predict when the Aurora Australis will show up. Sightings are fleeting and faint, but are most common during the cooler months (May to August) and during the spring equinox in September.

Melissa Woodley
Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia

Where: Barossa Valley, South Australia

You may have heard of the classic 2003 film Under the Tuscan Sun (or even just seen the DVD case at your mum's). General premise: Being romantic under the thick, golden headiness of a summer in Tuscany. Incredible wine, impeccable local food, rolling green hills and buttery sunsets aren't the sole property of Italy, thank you very much. In South Australia's Barossa Valley, you can do all of the above, minus the whole spending Euros part. Whether it's feasting under the stars on a long summer night, driving through endless soft green hills, or visiting wineries shaped like castles, the European vibes are strong in this one. 

Best time to visit: December to February, for long summer nights and otherworldly sunsets.

Maya Skidmore
Maya Skidmore
Contributor
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Where: Esperance, Western Australia

Sardinia is an Italian island paradise set snugly in the Mediterranean Sea. Famous for its glassy turquoise waters and abundance of curious Bronze Age stone relics that look like beehives, it's one of the coolest places in the world. If you're in Australia though, it's pretty hard to get to – which is where Twilight Beach in Western Australia's Esperance comes in. Arguably better looking, Twilight is famous for its ridiculously clear water, sugar white sand and extraordinary beauty. Although you probably won't find an Italian Bronze Age relic here, you will be walking in a place that has been home to the Ngadju people for over 50,000 years. 

Best time to visit: Late spring or early summer, for sun-drenched days and pleasant temperatures (without the peak heat).

Maya Skidmore
Maya Skidmore
Contributor

Where: Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Hiking through the rugged alpine country of Norway is the stuff that dreams are made of. It's also extremely, extremely expensive. So, instead, we'd like to propose Cradle Mountain – one of Tasmania's most famous hikes, and a general all-round heavenly spot. Situated in the Central Highland region of Tasmania, Cradle is chilly, wild and chock-a-block with European-worthy mountain vistas. Expect to see (and be caught in) snow, wander through ancient forests and traverse some seriously high peaks. You might even get to see the Southern Lights, if you're lucky. So long, Trolltunga.

Best time to visit: June to August, to mirror the magical, icy charm of Norway.

Maya Skidmore
Maya Skidmore
Contributor
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Where: Southern Highlands, New South Wales

If you've ever done a road trip through NSW's Southern Highlands, you'll know that the whole entire experience feels uncannily like you're in England, Ireland or Scotland – or any of the three. Although some parts of the UK aren't really considered Europe anymore, the general sentiment of driving through rolling hills, cosying up in cute country pubs, and snuggling down in B&Bs remains quintessentially 'Euro'. It's also exactly what you'll find while traversing the Britishness of Bowral, the sleepy lushness of Kangaroo Valley, and the misty, country peaks of Berry and its surrounds. Don't forget a cute scarf – and be prepared to see several mini castles. 

Best time to visit: Autumn and winter for crisp, cool mornings, colourful foliage and cosy pub weather.

Maya Skidmore
Maya Skidmore
Contributor

8. Dip into an Albanian waterhole at Big Crystal Creek

Where: Big Crystal Creek, Queensland

If you've ever dreamt of hiking through Albania and taking a dip in one of those famed azure waterholes, you're not alone. Fortunately, Big Crystal Creek in Townsville also exists – and we may be biased, but we reckon it looks (possibly?!) even better. This freshwater swimming spot can be found in Munan Gumburu / Paluma Range National Park, about an hour's drive from Townsville. Expect incredibly blue and glassy water, calm little pools, comfortable smooth rocks, a natural rock waterslide, and a magical fresh waterfall. Albania? Who is she?

Best time to visit: During the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring, when pleasant temperatures make for a refreshing swim.

Maya Skidmore
Maya Skidmore
Contributor
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Melbourne often gets dubbed the most 'European of all the Australian cities', and honestly, for good reason. The Victorian city is famous for its incredible array of international eateries, cafes, tiny little bars and numerous winding narrow streets (or alleyways, depending on what you want to call them). Perfect for the metropolitan traveller who seeks good food, great wine and even better boutique-style shopping, Melbourne manages to mesh together the streets of Paris, Rome, London and Amsterdam into one, distinctly Aussie setting. Plus, the coffee is a lot better than anything you'll get in Europe. You heard it here first. 

Best time to visit: Year-round – the romantic charm never fades.

Maya Skidmore
Maya Skidmore
Contributor

Where: The Tarkine, northwest Tasmania

If you grew up reading fairytales, you know the allure of an enchanted forest. Whether it was the huge trees that can talk or fairies frolicking in mossy hollows – it was always in a dark, green forest, somewhere German-ish and distinctly European. In Tasmania's Tarkine, we see all of this European magic become an Australian reality. This huge swathe of untouched, emerald-toned wilderness is home to ancient trees, countless waterfalls and incredibly significant ancient Indigenous sites. You'll be left feeling enchanted by the Tarkine, in more ways than one. 

Best time to visit: From May to March, when the forest comes alive with earthy colours.

Maya Skidmore
Maya Skidmore
Contributor
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