In the year 2000 in Frankfort, KY, a small cadre of wheated bourbon barrels were rolled into a Buffalo Trace warehouse and left to mature. The cherry-picked crop of barrels grew in number over the course of the decade, and Buffalo Trace blended a batch of those together to release Weller Millennium, a rare, ultra-aged 99 proof wheated whiskey.
Weller Millennium joins the lineup of legendary Weller bourbons, including William Larue Weller, Men’s Journal‘s best bourbon of 2024. However, Millennium isn’t technically a bourbon.
“It’s a blend of vintage straight wheated bourbon and wheated whiskies,” says Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace’s master distiller, as we tuck into a tasting of Weller Millennium at the famed Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown, NY.
Legally, bourbon has to be 51 percent corn, with the remainder of the mashbill coming from rye, barley, or wheat. Weller Bourbon meets bourbon’s legal requirements, swapping out the rye for wheat, though the exact Weller mashbill has remained famously undisclosed since the 1840s. (That same mashbill is used for Pappy Van Winkle products, also produced by Buffalo Trace.)
Weller Millennium blends wheated bourbon with wheated whiskey, which uses 51 percent wheat. Therefore, when you blend wheated whiskey with wheated bourbon, you legally can’t call it bourbon.
The rare whiskey comes in an ornate white package and pours beautifully into a Glencairn glass.
Courtesy of Buffalo Trace
Wheatley is tight-lipped about the details of Weller Millennium’s blend, too, aside from sharing the barrels used were distilled in 2000, 2003, 2005, and 2006.
“In 2000, [Buffalo Trace] was in the middle of expanding [the distillery], and we knew that was a special year, full of optimism and possibility,” says Wheatley, “So we wanted to save some of these special barrels.”
The aim, per Wheatley, is to showcase the impact wheat has on whiskey’s flavor, and how well wheated mashbills can stand up over prolonged maturation periods, nearly a quarter-century in this case.
“Even though it’s mellow, wheat’s a dominant flavor,” Wheatley says. “It holds on longer [in the barrel] and won’t get so woody over time.” He’s not wrong, per our dram of Weller Millennium.
Weller Millennium Tasting Notes
It’s got an inviting softness to the nose, with hints of red-skinned apples, ample caramel, salted toffee, and a decent amount of mellowed oak. It’s silky in the mouth, coating nicely, and drinks far below its 99 proof, a number that purposefully nods to the millennium theme.
There’s a pop of oak up front that moves into salted caramel and stone fruit. I also got notes of vanilla wafers, cherry pie, macerated raisin, and graham cracker. The finish is long and dry, fading into a sweet, salty caramel note that makes you want to dive back into the glass.
I asked Wheatley if he expects more extremely aged Weller to emerge in the future, and he’s coy. “We do have some older stuff in the warehouses, yes,” he says, smirking, adding that forthcoming products aren’t a thing he’s able to discuss. When pressed on how long he thinks wheated mashbills can mature in warehouses before turning tannic or astringent, he admits, “We haven’t reached it yet.”
The good news: Weller Millennium is absolutely sublime. The bad news: It’s extremely rare. Buffalo Trace won’t share how many bottles will be released, but it’s expected to be in the hundreds, not thousands—and a single bottle costs $7,500.
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Amazon has been host to dozens of great deals on watches from brands like Tissot, Timex, and Fossil in recent weeks, but some of the best deals have been on Casio’s G-Shock collection. G-Shock watches range from sub-$200 models to timepieces pushing the low end of Rolex’s offerings. You’ll find many modern icons in the brand’s broad catalog, but the GWM5610-1 is an undisputed classic. This watch packs plenty of functionality into a utilitarian design that made G-Shock such an icon in the first place, and recently, it got a big discount on Amazon.
Typically $150, the Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1 Sport Watch is now on sale for just $97—a 35% discount. This watch has earned over 6,400 five-star ratings from shoppers who say it’s the “best square G-Shock” you’ll find today with the specs to prove it. It’s a top 30 bestselling style among all wrist watches sold on Amazon, and with over 1,000 sold in the last month, it’s a deal that’s likely to get a lot of attention.
Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1 Sport Watch, $97 (was $150) at Amazon
At its $97 price point, this retro watch is still pricier than some G-Shock models, which can cost as little as $50. But there are several details that set it apart and make it worth the modest price jump. The solar battery recharges using light, including unnatural indoor light, saving you trips to the watch repair shop. The battery charge can last up to 10 months without exposure to light, meaning if it gets forgotten in a drawer for most of the year, this digital watch will still be ticking (metaphorically, of course) when you pull it out. The watch automatically syncs to the nearest atomic clock via radio waves, making it even more accurate than regular quartz
Its retro design and rich functionality mean it’s unlikely to be forgotten in a drawer, though, and it’s packed with features typical of Casio watches. There are five daily alarms, customizable time zones, a stopwatch, and a timer, as well as an LED backlight that illuminates the entire face for easy legibility. With a calendar that’s accurate up to the year 2099, you won’t have to worry about setting the date at the start of each month, either. Most importantly, the watch has the same rugged durability that G-Shock is famous for.
The rich functionality and ruggedness led some to say it might be the perfect timepiece. “Perhaps the perfect digital watch,” a shopper exclaimed. “Besides the toughness of a G-Shock, it’s got all the daily features one may need: An alarm (of which you can set up to 5), a stopwatch, and a countdown timer. It also has world time, which is a nice feature to have when traveling…The design is very much retro, harkening back to the 1983 original square with the red border.”
Another shopper said it’s “perfect for everyday use,” adding, “It might not be the most stylish watch I own—though its retro ’80s styling makes its own statement—but it’s certainly the most versatile, and it’s the watch that’s on my wrist most of the time.” They added, “I’ve swam with the watch, snorkeled with it, showered with it, dropped it. It doesn’t care. It’s a G-Shock.”
Casio’s G-Shock GWM5610-1 has the same retro styling as the original G-Shock and is packed with modern features like atomic accuracy and solar charging. Now that it’s under $100, it’s an even better value for a robust, useful timepiece.
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Adidas gear is perhaps best associated with the well-manicured grass of a soccer pitch, but the brand’s outdoor-focused Terrex line utilizes technical fabrics and design methods to make everything from summer trail running shoes to outerwear for frozen alpine adventures. The Terrex Xperior Rain.Rdy jacket is more moderate, but this breathable waterproof jacket is the best option for staying dry outdoors. It’s the perfect lightweight layer to pack for unpredictable spring and even summer adventures, and right now, it’s over $100 off.
Typically $280, the Adidas Terrex Xperior Hybrid Primeknit Rain.Rdy Jacket is on sale at REI for $140—a 50% discount. Three colors are available in sizes small through 2XL with plenty of stock available—for now. Though REI’s major anniversary sale doesn’t start until the 17th, it’s among the many great deals we’ve already spotted on camping gear and styles from top brands like Arc’Teryx.
Adidas Terrex Xperior Hybrid Primeknit Rain.Rdy Jacket in Black, $140 (was $280) at REI
The Terrex Rain.Rdy jacket features a PFC-free DWR finish that’s designed to resist light rain while promoting breathability when on the move. It’s made from recycled nylon, and the lightweight 13-ounce fabric is easy to stow in a daypack. The jacket features comfortable hand pockets and a zippered chest pocket for secure storage and has a pre-elasticized hood for protection at a moment’s notice. While the warm weather is on the way, jackets may not be top of mind, but they’re still essential for those cold mornings or unexpected downpours.
Shoppers appreciated the fabric’s lightweight construction, with one writing, “It is super lightweight and packable. It’s breathable and has a great stretch to it.” Another wrote, “I found the perfect rain jacket. Clean design and plenty of pockets. Very comfortable as well as lightweight.”
Adidas Terrex Xperior Hybrid Primeknit Rain.Rdy Jacket in Shadow Red/Black, $140 (was $280) at REI
Others commended the water-resistant performance, with one writing that it was “perfect for any hike,” adding, “I wore it for a hike in the Lake District in November and it kept me dry throughout. Would recommend.”
A lightweight water-resistant jacket is a year-round essential, and this Adidas Terrex jacket gets the job done and more, fusing outdoor performance with an aesthetic that puts many others to shame. For $140 off, it’s a great option to ride out the rest of the shoulder season.
There are a few names that are virtually synonymous with luxury Scotch—The Macallan, Bowmore, Royal Salute, and The Dalmore. That last distillery is known for producing single-malts that are initially aged in bourbon barrels and then finished in a variety of sherry and port casks, some of which spent decades being seasoned with these fortified wines before finding a second life at the Highland distillery. The latest exorbitant offering from The Dalmore is also one of its rarest: The Dalmore Luminary The Rare 2024 Edition. A single bottle will go up for auction this month at Sotheby’s, and we were lucky enough to get a taste to see what it’s all about.
The Rare is a 49-year-old single malt that was aged in American white oak barrels and then finished in an interesting blend of casks: Port Colheita 1963, Apostoles sherry, bourbon, and a hybrid 1951 and virgin oak barrel. But old whisky doesn’t necessarily mean good whisky. On the contrary, sometimes the liquid becomes overly oaky and full of tropical fruit notes that mask the character of the spirit.
The Rare, however, is refined and complex, despite being nearly half a century old. There are some tropical notes of burnt pineapple and fresh mango, but those are buttressed by flavors like dark chocolate, raspberry syrup, citrus, espresso bean, and a soft nuttiness on the palate. There’s a wisp of smoke on the nose that is even fainter on the palate, and according to a rep for the brand there may have been some peated malt included in the mashbill, a rarity for The Dalmore, which is not known for making smoky whisky.
Only three bottles of The Dalmore Luminary exist
Courtesy Image
The Rare comes enveloped in a sweeping glass sculpture designed by Melodie Leung, director at Zaha Hadid Architects, who worked with Dalmore master whisky maker Gregg Glass and master distiller Richard Paterson OBE. There are just three decanters and two sculptures available, and one set will hit the Sotheby’s auction block this month with all proceeds going to benefit Scottish design museum V&A Dundee. “The sculpture we created for The Rare was inspired by our fascinating discussions around the interaction and flow of flavor notes in the whisky-making process,” said Leung. “It mirrors the multiple layers of aging and blending that went into creating this whisky, which is the exquisite product of nature channeled over time.”
The Rare is expected to fetch more than $100,000 at auction, so if you’re looking to spend a little less money on a new single malt, you’re in luck. There’s a second whisky in The Dalmore Luminary Series 2024 called The Collectible, a 16-year-old Scotch that costs $350. This is also a superb whisky, matured in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in Graham’s tawny port pipes and 30-year-old Apostoles sherry casks. There was a small amount of peated malt included in the blend for this release as well. That smoke comes through in a very subtle way, with the most prominent notes being chocolate orange, spiced nuts, milk chocolate, dark berries, and a touch of citrus.
When you’re wondering what pants to pair your new shoes with, or if you’re trying to figure out if there’s a secret hack to help you score tickets to an upcoming concert, TikTok can have some great answers.
But one thing the social media platform can’t always help us with is our health, and clinical nutritionist Sally O’Neill says she’s seen a number of worrying trends arise from the platform.
O’Neill tells 9honey Coach that trends such as Oatzempic – what she describes as basically a blended drink of oats, water, cinnamon and lemon or lime juice – can actually be quite harmful in the long run.
“The goal is to reduce your caloric intake for the rest of the day… there’s just so much fibre in oats, you’re so satiated that you actually can’t continue to eat a lot of food,” O’Neill explains.
She says that from a professional standpoint, the issue is that even though all the ingredients do have health benefits, it’s not a balanced meal replacement.
“There’s no fats and there’s not enough protein,” she says. “So if we’re using that as a meal replacement over a longer period of time, we’re looking at things like, obviously, nutritional deficiencies.”
According to new data from MyFitnessPal, a whopping 79 per cent of Aussies are turning to TikTok for health advice.
O’Neill says she sees people using it as a form of search engine, whether it be how to clear acne or how to lose weight.
And while some trends may simply not work, she says that there are some we should steer clear of because of the dangerous effects they pose when it comes to our health.
“Anything that claims to be super healthy that’s based purely on liquid, I would run in the other direction,” she says. “So you can throw like detox teas, juice cleanses and everything in there.”
She says that sticking to any kind of liquid diet or cleanse doesn’t only pose the risk of nutritional deficiencies, but it can also “totally mix up your relationship with food as well.”
And while O’Neill realises that a professional nutritionist isn’t in everybody’s price range, she says that there are better alternatives to TikTok.
“I think people need to equip themselves with knowledge rather than just follow a trend,” she says.
“So apps like MyFitnessPal, you can have a free nutritionist in your pocket that helps you build a balanced, good quality diet without having to turn to an expensive nutritionist or getting completely unqualified advice from TikTok.”
Her other recommendation is a website called examine.com, a crowd-funded project that doesn’t rely on any sponsorships or outside backing.
“It’s all clinicians that review all the data and it’s checked regularly, it will give you scientific evidence for certain supplements,” she says.
“So if, for example, the claim is that ashwagandha reduces stress. You can type in ashwagandha and it will bring up all these studies and then the summary of those studies… what the key data points are, and it’s laid out in a really simple format,” O’Neill continues.
“I know nobody wants to sit and read scientific papers in the lunchtime,” she adds. “It’s basically a really nice, simple, [unbiased] way of looking at the scientific data and not having to read yourself.
“It’s a free and accessible resource that’s really helpful for most people.”
Always consult a physician prior to beginning any exercise or diet program.
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Walking shoes tend to get a bad rap because of their historically bulky, bland, and orthopedic looks. Thankfully, athletic footwear has come a long way, which means whether you’re loyal to Brooks, Saucony, or Nike, any brand’s best running shoes can double as the most supportive option for walking as well. Although New Balance is sometimes associated with cement block dad shoes, it also makes sleek styles that are great for light running and walking, including one Amazon shopper-favorite that just dipped below $55.
The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 sneakers are on sale right now for as low as $54—a discount of up to 28% on the normal $75 price. These shoes have earned well over 18,000 five-star ratings from shoppers who use them for everything from running the neighborhood to walking all day on vacation and even pickleball. They’re available in nearly 30 colors and come in sizes 4 through 18 wide. The final price will depend on the color and size selected, as is usually the case when buying shoes on Amazon, but many are still between 10% and 25% off.
New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 Classic Sneakers in Black/White, From $54 (was $75) on Amazon
These comfortable running shoes feature an 8mm drop that promotes forward motion throughout your natural gate. It has a mesh upper that’s as breathable as any other runner, but it’s far more unique-looking thanks to the brand’s Ultra Heel that hugs the back of the foot for a more secure fit while offering an alluring contoured aesthetic. It sits on New Balance’s cloud-like foam midsole that offers plenty of cushioning and its durable rubber outsole with a hexagonal tread pattern concentrated on against high-touch areas that would otherwise wear down quickly.
Thousands of shoppers who have worn the Fresh Foam Roav V1 sneakers agree that it’s very comfortable regardless of what activities you use them for. “If you are looking for a super comfortable all-around running, walking, and exercising shoe, look no further,” a shopper insisted. “I am on my second pair of these shoes, and I continue to be amazed at how wonderful they feel. I’m not a serious runner, so I can’t attest to their superstar performance, but for someone like me, who jogs no more than three miles at a time, who works out with weights, and who loves to walk and travel, these are absolutely the best shoes I’ve owned in the past 10 years or more.”
New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 Classic Sneakers in Lead/Light Aluminum, From $60 (was $85) on Amazon
And while they’re technically running shoes, many shoppers have picked them as they’re comfortable walking shoes, even for those dealing with foot problems. “My husband has been suffering from plantar fasciitis for a few years now,” a shopper explained. “We just took a week-long trip to Disney World and I knew his feet would be an issue, so I ordered these for him. After one week and 70 miles of walking through Disney, he didn’t complain about his feet once! He said they were super comfortable and he wore them all day, every day…They also look very sleek and not very ‘dad-like,’ as most New Balance shoes do.”
If you’re looking for your next great pair of comfortable sneakers for walking or light running, the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 should be at the top of your list, especially now that it’s on sale for as low as $54. Make sure to pick up yours soon, though, because the discount may not last.
Australia’s exotic animals, charming accents, and chaotic-looking football may feed far-flung pop culture to no end. Yet, too often, its spectacular surf beaches, world-class cities, eateries, wineries, remarkable national parks, and countless other attractions fly under the radar—or well beyond it.
This is a vast, multifaceted country that deserves greater attention than your last viewing of Crocodile Dundee II—especially if you love outdoor adventures matched by classy-yet-casual food and wine grown on its expansive lands. While it’ll be tough to hit all the top spots in a country this massive—roughly the size of the continental U.S.— in just one trip, here’s your lineup of the best places in Australia tailored to a variety of traveler types to get you going and keep you hooked.
Best for Adventurers: Tasmania
Freycinet National Park’s Wineglass Bay. Tasmania is home to 19 national parks and one of the world’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Areas.
Matthew Donovan
An oft-overlooked island tucked at the bottom of Australia, Tasmania is a treasure trove of adventure awaiting discovery for those who make the surprisingly quick and affordable flight (think $250) from Melbourne or Sydney to its hub and state capital of Hobart. Tasmania packs a huge punch for its West Virginia size, featuring 19 national parks and one of the world’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Areas, the Tasmanian Wilderness. Best of all, you can cover much of it by car in a week or less.
Cradle Mountain is host to many spectacular mountain hikes and the famous Overland Track, a six-day mission through the snow-capped alpine region with little more than wallabies and Tasmanian devils for company. Kayaking on the lake below it in hand-built Billy Pine kayaks is a less intense way to absorb the area’s serenity. Freycinet Peninsula is another must-visit, where red granite mountains collide with aquamarine ocean.
If mountain bikes are your preferred adventure mode, head to Derby—the hilly home to the World Enduro Series. The Blue Derby Pods ride offers a luxury, multi-day bike tour fueled by the best local Tasmanian produce. Afterwards, you can soothe sore muscles at Lake Derby’s floating wood-fired sauna on a freezing lake.
Perched above Hobart Harbour, The Tasman is the state capital’s premier luxury hotel, featuring art deco rooms and floor-to-ceiling waterfront views.
Courtesy of The Tasman
Where to Stay: The Tasman
Fly into the capital, Hobart, and stay at magnificent heritage-built hotel The Tasman. This is Marriott’s first Luxury Collection Hotel in Australia, inhabiting the multi-million-dollar refurbished building that was originally a hospital built in 1847. Rooms in the Heritage Wing embrace the former glory of the Commonwealth, with soaring ceilings, sandstone walls, huge hearth fireplaces and freestanding baths made of valuable Tasmanian Blackwood. Further afield, get away from it all in isolated luxury at Pumphouse Point in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
Best for Sports Fanatics: Melbourne
Melbourne Cricket Ground is Australia’s largest stadium, welcoming over 100,000 rowdy fans for the AFL’s Grand Final, pictured here.
Courtesy image
Australia’s second-largest city (after Sydney), Melbourne is known as the nation’s capital of sport. December and January bring Boxing Day Test cricket (December 26-29, 2024) and the Australian Open of Tennis (January 12-26, 2025). March heralds the Formula One Australian Grand Prix (March 13-16, 2025) and the autumn swells of April welcome the longest-running World Surf League event (April 15-25, 2025) at surf mecca Bells Beach. In 2028, Melbourne golf club Kingston Heath will host the prestigious President’s Cup, the biennial global team competition of the world’s best.
Of course, you’ll need to immerse yourself in a true Aussie sport while in Melbourne. The biggest is the Australian Football League (AFL), which plays most games and has the biggest fan base in Melbourne. This is a fast-paced game in which players punt to each other across an oval-shaped field, also tackling, passing, and catching the ball in a non-stop frenzy to kick the ball through tall goal posts. Locals thrive on the intense live atmosphere, and tickets to regular-season matches—at under $50—are a fraction of the cost of an NFL game.
In November, the Melbourne Cup horse race is the Australian equivalent to the Kentucky Derby—dubbed “The Race That Stops a Nation.” It’s a multi-day carnival of champagne, finery, betting large, and justification for a statewide holiday in Victoria.
Where to Stay: Park Hyatt Melbourne
The Park Hyatt Melbourne sits in a leafy realm of the city within walking distance to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (also home to AFL matches), as well as the city’s tennis center and soccer field (AAMI Park). It’s an urban oasis evoking old-school luxury with grand timber and marble-clad rooms, vaulted ceilings and art deco features. The facilities remind you of Melbourne’s status as the sporting capital of the country, with a well-appointed gym, marble-surrounded indoor pool and day spa, plus steam rooms and saunas.
Best for Foodies: South Australia
Held in May, Tasting Australia is South Australia’s biggest culinary event of the year.
Courtesy of Tasting Australia
South Australia flies under the radar for international visitors, but locally it has a reputation for producing the nation’s best seafood, meat, greens, and dairy products. If you’re going to try eating kangaroo or Australian crocodile with saltbush, here’s the best place to do it.
The gastronomic scene centers around state capital Adelaide. The Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley will be familiar regions to wine lovers, and all are less than a 90-minute drive from the city through undulating green countryside. Hentley Farm pairs world-class, award-winning wines with exquisite dining, and is one of just three restaurants in Australia carrying the prestigious Relais and Châteaux restaurant brand. Restaurant Botanic was most recently named best in Australia by renowned food magazine, Gourmet Traveller. And while there’s no shortage of high-end options, often the more laidback restaurants that focus on quality and seasonal ingredients—like the Salopian Inn at McLaren Vale—can be highlights of a trip there.
Foodies may want to time their visit with the Tasting Australia festival. Held in the region in May, the area’s biggest annual culinary happening draws top toques from near and far. This year, they include San Diego-based celebrity chef Claudette Zepeda, known for her bold approach to regional Mexican cuisine, and Australia’s MasterChef Matt Moran.
Prime wine country is at your door at The Louise, tucked in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, about an hour’s drive north of Adelaide.
Courtesy of The Louise
Where to Stay: Sequoia Lodge
The $13 million Sequoia Lodge is an adults-only escape on the edge of a national park and just 20 minutes from Adelaide CBD. This is as boutique as it gets, with just 14-suites ensconced in nature and perched atop Adelaide’s Mount Lofty, with natural hot springs running through the property. Farther out, escape to a luxe villa among the kangaroos and dine at the famous in-house restaurant of The Louise in the Barossa Valley.
Best for Wildlife Watchers: Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park. Yep, you’re out there.
Tourism Northern Territory
Kakadu is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed area and the second-largest national park in the world. Renting a 4×4 in Darwin is the best way to explore its mangrove-flanked coastlines, vast floodplains, dramatic waterfalls, and savannah grasslands, all teeming with incredible biodiversity. The area contains about one third of all of Australia’s bird species and one-fifth of all Australian mammals.
Many of these species are adorable Aussie icons: bandicoots, quolls, kookaburras, flying foxes, kangaroos, and wallabies. Somewhat less cute are the saltwater crocs lurking in the park’s vast waterways, deadly king brown snakes, northern death adders, and let’s not start listing the various venomous spiders—as none of this is meant to dissuade you from visiting one of the most remarkable outbacks on Earth. Superb wildlife-focused outfitters will keep you at a safe distance, including a luxury off-grid glamping stay at Bamurru Plains that offers front-seat viewing akin to an African safari. Yellow Water Cruises floats you between the cacophony of birds and beasts, and also offers a chance to snag a barramundi in the area’s world-famous fishing zone.
Cooinda Lodge: Glamping headquarters in the heart of Kakadu National Park.
Courtesy Image
Where to Stay: Cooinda Lodge
Cooinda Lodge is at the centre of the action on Yellow Water Billabong and is the only accommodation other than campsites in the middle of the park. The air-conditioned glamping tents and private luxury villas are the pick of accommodation options, with handcrafted Australian furniture, local Indigenous artworks, and a deck to immerse in the natural ambience. It’s perfectly located for an early-morning barramundi fishing tour, which leaves at sunrise from Yellow Water Billabong—just a short stroll from the lodge.
Best for Thrill Seekers: Thredbo
Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains is Australia’s top ski resort—and the perfect place to be carving powder in mid-July.
Justine Fisher
It may come as a surprise to learn Australia has some of the Southern Hemisphere’s best ski slopes, where powder hounds can feed their addiction between the gum trees during the heart of antipodean winter in July and August. The charming mountain resort of Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains has been voted number one in Australia for six years running at the World Ski Awards. It boasts the longest runs and biggest vertical drop of any in the country. Best of all, it’s an Ikon Pass resort, so many U.S. skiers have already paid for their lift ticket.
Thredbo is a base camp to Australia’s highest peak, Mt. Kosciuszko, as well as the highest lifted point in the country—marked by an enormous clanging bell at the top of Karel’s T-Bar. Ringing it is a rite of passage for skiers and boarders—as well as summer hikers launching off to conquer the peak. In winter 2024, the resort will open a thrilling new all-weather Alpine Coaster. In summer, Thredbo transforms into Australia’s only lift-accessed mountain bike park with 25 miles of downhill trails.
Thredbo is also earning a reputation for its bougie après scene emulating that of Aspen or Deer Valley—with long lunches and champagne breakfasts throughout ski season.
Come summer, Thredbo transforms into MTB nirvana.
Justine Fisher
Where to Stay: Thredbo Alpine Hotel
Thredbo Alpine Hotel oozes alpine charm with wood paneled walls and vaguely retro décor you’d expect from a chalet in the European Alps. It boasts an après scene to match, just footsteps from the chairlifts. When you’ve had a few too many cocktails by the fire at the Lounge Bar downstairs, your cozy bed is just a few floors away.
Best for History Buffs: Uluru
Uluru: Physically and spiritually the heart of Australia.
Tourism Northern Territory
While the British claimed to have “discovered” the east coast of Australia in 1770, Indigenous Australians had lived there for more than 65,000 years. They are thought to be the world’s oldest continuously surviving culture. The best place to learn about this fascinating history is in the red center of Australia, at the iconic sandstone rock formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock to non-Aboriginal settlers) is the enormous red rock in the centre of the desert, in many ways physically and spiritually the heart of Australia. The local Indigenous people, Anangu, host tours out of Ayers Rock Resort, telling the ancient stories of their ancestors and showcasing Indigenous rock art, “bush tucker,” and more.
Visitors can indulge in special dining experiences under the outback sky and tranquil sunrise hikes around the base of the rock (its circumference is about 6 miles). The newest cultural experience here launched in 2023 is called Wintjiri Wiru(translation: “beautiful view out to the horizon”), illustrating the Indigenous story using state-of-the-art choreographed drone, laser, and light projections under the starry nights.
Wintjiri Wiru tells Australia’s ancient Indigenous story through dramatic light projections.
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia/Getty Images
Where to Stay: Sails in the Desert
Sails in the Desert is a five-star desert oasis just half an hour from the rock, with spacious rooms and decks overlooking a grassy courtyard and pool. Designed by award-winning architect Philip Cox to pay homage to the iconic Australian landscape, it has stood for 40 years but undergoes regular facelifts and still wins travel awards for its supreme luxury and location. The restaurant, Ilkari, serves the nation’s best Indigenous-inspired cuisine. The other ultimate desert experience is to stay in one of 15 luxury glamping tents at Longitude 131˚. The “tents” come with en suites and rainshowers, plus unparalleled views of Uluru.
Best for Wine Lovers: Margaret River
Western Australia’s distant coast is well worth the haul for beachcombers, surfers, and salt-spray solitude seekers.
Courtesy Image
The geography, soils, and Mediterranean climate of Western Australia’s Margaret River region make for ideal grape-growing conditions comparable to Bordeaux in France. But unlike France, there’s a laidback, surf culture in the quaint villages and vineyards speckled alongside spectacular, empty beaches. A drive along Caves Road offers plenty of spots to stop and sip at cellar doors, then swim or surf at the stunning beaches. There are also hosted tours if you prefer not to get behind the wheel (the legal blood alcohol concentration limit in Australia is 0.05 per cent).
Margaret River. Western Australia’s marvelous wine country less traveled.
Courtesy Image
Vasse Felix is the oldest winery of the region. Howard Park specializes in sparkling and white wines, and even makes wine for pop star Kylie Minogue. Glenarty Road makes “ocean-cellared wine” by lowering the wine into the nearby ocean for 13 months. If you prefer something hoppy, Wild Hop Brewing Company in Yallingup pours local brews in a languid riverside setting.
Where to Stay: Smiths Beach Resort
Smiths Beach Resort is a boutique luxury hotel situated on a stunning mile of sand between the vineyards. It’s tucked away in the Aussie bush of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, with front-row seats to ruby-red sunsets melting into the Indian Ocean. Surfers couldn’t be happier with the location, facing one of Australia’s most famous surf breaks, known as Supertubes, Western Australia.
Best for Water Sports: Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsundays are the tropical gateway to the Great Barrier Reef for divers, snorkelers, and wind-powered offshore-isle hoppers.
Courtesy image
From sailing catamarans to motorized jet skis, windsurfing, kayaking, diving, and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands are easily Australia’s premier spot for water sports. You’ll find these palm-covered tropical islands off the coast of Queensland, on the northeast coast, in weather and water that stays warm (around 80 degrees for both) year-round.
The Great Barrier Reef—the largest coral reef system on the planet—is a marine wonderland teeming with fish, technicolor coral, and dolphin, sea turtle, and whale sightings in crystal-clear waters. For a multi-day closeup, charter a luxury yacht that comes fully crewed with an experienced skipper to handle all the navigating and cooking while you do the swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and offshore dining on fresh seafood. The most popular isles in the Whitsundays are Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, Hook Island, and Whitsunday Island—all of them furnished with resorts offering a plethora of water sports.
Where to Stay: Qualia
Qualia on Hamilton Island is an adults-only hideaway with luxury villas and private plunge pools. These villas are more like miniature Malibu mansions with paneled wood decks overlooking the turquoise ocean, hemmed in by eucalyptus trees for total privacy. Staying here, you’ll receive a complimentary golf buggy to get around the island, where no one drives cars.
Best for Wellness: Byron Bay
Australia’s surfing mecca Byron Bay now doubles as a wellness hub.
Courtesy Image
We could easily list Byron Bay as the best place for surfers—enjoying world-famous point breaks like The Pass. More recently, its plant-based restaurants, spa retreats, fitness camps, and yoga or meditation schools are grabbing attention to match the locals’ outdoorsy, slightly hippie, beach culture.
Greet sunrise with yoga over the Byron hinterland at Gaia Retreat and Spa, co-founded by Australian singer and actress Olivia Newton-John, while nourishing your body with greens from the resort garden. Crystalbrook Byron leans into the Japanese tradition of shinrin yoku or “forest bathing” in a nearby rainforest. If your new year’s resolution is to get ripped, hit the pads at Counterpunch boxing gym or The Academy mixed martial arts gym. Then refuel at B Smoothie Bar or The Farm—an 80-acre operational farm where you can picnic on the region’s freshest produce while greeting its cows, pigs, and chickens.
Where to Stay: Elements of Byron
Elements of Byron offers wellness in privacy, surrounded by bush yet in the heart of the action and on the sand of local favorite Belongil Beach. Two pools, including one for adults only, plus daily yoga, meditation walks, and horseback riding on the sand. Its Osprey Spa is the most-awarded day spa in the area.
Best All-Rounder: Sydney
Sydney Harbour.
Vijay Anand/Getty Images
Boasting an iconic harbour, lush Botanic Gardens, world-famous beaches, myriad bars and restaurants, and the best weather in the country, Sydney is the nation’s biggest and most exciting city, championing the best of Australia’s beachside lifestyle with all the events, visitor attractions, and buzz you can expect from a world-class town.
Climbing the bridge is an exciting way to view Sydney Harbour from above. Ride the iconic Manly ferry across the water to the beach that trained seven-time World Surfing Champion Layne Beachley, or hit the Bondi Icebergs ocean pool for some Instagram-worthy laps and a cocktail afterwards. Sports fans can also get their fix at the various rugby, AFL, cricket, soccer, sailing, and horse racing events hosted in the city.
Australia’s proximity to Asia means the best food is often Thai, Malaysian, Japanese, Indonesian, or a mix of the above. The zesty flavors and cocktails at Chin Chin are next level, while Opera Bar has the most iconic waterfront views. Coffee culture and brunch are also massive in this outdoorsy city. Try the buzzing cafes of the eastern beach suburbs of Clovelly, Bronte, and Coogee for a post-surf morning fuel.
Pan-Asian dining options are plentiful and world-class in Sydney.
Steven Woodburn
Where to Stay: W Sydney
Overlooking the harbor, the recently-opened, 585-room W Sydney is waterfront icon with a buzzy rooftop pool and an unbeatable location for walking or grabbing public transport to many of the city’s top attractions. For a less conspicuous stay, try Pier One, tucked under the first pylons of the Harbour Bridge. Its freestanding eggshell tubs looking out of floor-to-ceiling bridge and water views are iconic.
When to Visit Australia
Southern Australia enjoys a sunny and mild climate year-round, with Sydney experiencing similar weather to Los Angeles, while the climate up north is tropical. Southern Hemisphere summers (December to February) can be busier for tourists and very humid. September brings the best spring sunshine and dry days without being too hot in the east coast cities of Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Meanwhile, opt for cooler months (June to September) if you want to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef without the risk of being stung by box jellyfish.
Flights to Australia
If you live in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Vancouver, the journey to Australia is straightforward. These western cities offer nonstop flights to Sydney or Melbourne starting from $1,000. The flight across the Pacific is a mammoth 15 hours, but often preferable to lengthy stopovers. Hawaiian Airlines flights stop halfway in Honolulu, and can make for a nice holiday if you want to surf and hang out a few days en route.
Keep in mind that Australia is a big country. The distance from Sydney to Perth (a couple thousand miles) is about the same as Las Vegas to New York. Getting around to the best bits of a place this massive will often require further internal flights, which are fortunately fairly inexpensive, especially when factoring in a stronger U.S. dollar. Book well in advance (six months is preferable) for the cheapest deals.
Why You Should Trust Me
I’m a local born and bred Aussie, who is currently living in Sydney but has travelled across most of this vast country. It started when my parents took me out of school for six months when I was 10 years old to circumnavigate Australia’s endless coastlines in a 4WD and tents. I’ve also been a journalist and travel writer for about a decade, covering all corners of the nation and globe in my work.
To build this list, I drew on my experiences, but have also interviewed experts in each region. Among them: winemaker Nic Bowen of Margaret River’s Howard Park, internationally renowned Tasmanian chef Massimo Mele, Thredbo ambassador and snowboarding Olympian Valentino Guseli, the local Bininj people, and tour guides of Kakadu.
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Cole Haan has impacted the men’s shoe scene over the last decade-plus in a way that will forever change how guys think about comfort in the workplace. It started with a dress shoe-running shoe hybrid that eventually turned into the lightweight Zerogrand—a now-legendary dress sneaker. Shortly after, the brand introduced a business casual sneaker that was a perfect alternative to loafers and looked great with khaki pants, slim suits, and even shorts—and right now, it’s on sale.
The iconic Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis Sneaker is on sale for as low as $75 on Amazon—up to a 50% discount on the normal $150 price. These simple tennis shoes have amassed more than 2,500 five-star ratings on Amazon from shoppers who swear they’re the “perfect” sneakers for smart-casual outfits, traveling, and everyday comfort. They’re available in sizes 7 to 16 with the option for wide sizes and come in a variety of neutral colors. As usual, the final price depends on the color and size selected, but many are still above 40% off.
Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis Sneaker in Black/British Tan, From $79 (was $150) on Amazon
The GrandPro Tennis is Cole Haan’s fashionable take on the classic tennis shoe silhouette and has remained relatively unchanged for the better part of a decade because they got it so right from the start. It features a leather upper with tonal stitching and eyelets—the epitome of subdued. It also has the brand’s GrandOS tech in the sole, which is ultra-lightweight, flexible, and has just the slightest bit of bounce to it. Two rubber caps add traction at the toe and heel. The only downside here is having to choose your favorite color.
Those who have roped the GrandPro Tennis into their sneaker rotations agree that they feel and look amazing, but long-time fans attest that they’re built to last. “Best shoe ever,” as one shopper put it. “I have had this shoe for eight years and went through everything—mud, snow, rain, absolutely everywhere—and the shoes still look good…Very versatile. The quality is excellent. I have plenty of other brand-name shoes but this beats them all.”
Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis Sneaker in White, From $75 (was $150) on Amazon
Many look to this style for its astounding versatility, with a just-right shape that works in nearly any setting. “I love the semi-matte, sorta shiny leather finish,” a shopper noted. “It’s just right for dressing down or up, depending on what look you want. Also, the tan trim makes for a nice, clean, contrast. The shoes are also very lightweight, about a third of the weight of other brands I have in the same basic style and shape. No complaints—these are quickly becoming my favorite! I just replaced the laces for a little more pop and they look great!”
Whether you’re looking for the perfect slim sneaker to wear with shorts this summer or you just need something comfortable and office-appropriate, the Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis Sneaker should be among your top three choices. Now that it’s on sale for as low as $79, it’s a perfect excuse to pick up two colors.
This DeWalt tool kit includes the brand’s bestselling cordless drill, an impact driver, two 20-volt 1.3Ah batteries, a single-slot 20V battery charger, and a durable bag to put it all in. The 3.6-pound drill features a half-inch chuck and two-speed transmission, with 450 RPM on the low end and 1,500 RPM on the high end. The impact driver weighs just under 3 pounds and has a single-hand loading quarter-inch hex chuck with a strong 2,800 RPM that’s capable of busting fasteners through metal, concrete, and more. Each is also equipped with an LED light for better visibility. The batteries are fine for small projects, but it would behoove anybody taking on a day-long job to grab the brand’s bestselling 5Ah model.
Of the tens of thousands of shopper reviews that commend the tool kit’s quality, value, and ease of use, many are happiest that they do exactly what they’re advertised to do. “Fantastic tool combo kit for daily use,” one shopper said. “It has been an absolute game changer on my construction site. From day one, this kit has never let me down, delivering outstanding performance every time. The cordless drill and impact driver are powerful and efficient, making light work of even the toughest tasks. Whether I’m driving screws or drilling into tough materials, they handle everything flawlessly…It’s worth every penny and then some!”
Others have seen the light after experiencing the convenience of DeWalt’s interchangeable batteries. “I love this battery system,” a shopper wrote. “Easy to use and high quality that should last me a lifetime with proper use. The battery system is the real seller here though. I was able to get a couple of other Dewalt tools and lights that all work with the same batteries…Batteries are top quality, get a few different sizes to use with different tools. The lighter smaller batteries help keep weight down and the larger batteries work great when long power is needed, such as lights. Great system and the reason I switched from Bosch, Makita, and Milwaukee to Dewalt.”
Whether you’re building a deck this summer or just looking to hang some new wall decor, this DeWalt drill and driver kit is an undeniable steal at just $139. Since it’s only on sale for a limited time, it’s best to grab one soon while the savings are still live.
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Camping gear can get pricey, but if you look in the right places, it’s possible to check all the essentials off the list without blowing your budget. While gear like headlamps, camping stoves, and pocket knives are usually easier to find at an affordable price, tents can be tricky. Thankfully, a ton of tents are on sale at Backcountry right now, including the store’s top seller, which is now under $100.
Stoic’s Madrone tent is a four-person, three-season model that’s ideal for family trips or car camping adventures. Typically $159, it’s now on sale for just $95, and is one of the best deals we’ve seen on a tent of this size. It’s currently the No. 1 bestseller among all tents at Backcountry and is available in two colors.
Stoic Madrone 4 Tent in Oriole/Ochre, $95 (was $159) at Backcountry
Like most four-person tents, Stoic’s Madrone tent can fit four people, but when you factor in gear and breathing room, it’ll be more comfortable for two adults. It’s a good option for camping with kids, though, and it has features that keep it from feeling too crowded, like two entryways. The mesh ceiling adds breathability, with the advantage of being able to gaze up at the stars, but it also comes with a rainfly that’ll keep everyone dry when the weather sours. The tent is designed to be very easy to set up and packs into a compact duffel-sized bag for easy transportation during trips.
The tent has held up in several challenging weather conditions, according to Backcountry shoppers. “During a trip with this tent, our campsite flooded during a storm,” a shopper stated. “We had 3-4 inches of standing water around our tent. The bottom turned into a waterbed as the water flowed underneath our tent. However, there was not a singledrop of water inside our tent. We stayed completely dry even though we were sitting in water for almost an hour!” Another wrote, “It’s been through three storms and just recently a 30 mph gust lighting storm with very heavy rain. I experienced zero leaks”
Stoic Madrone 4 Tent in Desert, $95 (was $159) at Backcountry
Backcountry shoppers also found that the tent passed the family friendliness test. “We used this tent backpacking 20 miles into Caribou Lakes in the Trinity Mountains with our 12-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son,” a shopper said. “Great tent, easy to put up and take down with plenty of space!” Another wrote, “All in all, great value, and I’m very happy to add a four-person tent to our inventory. [My] three kids, wife, and I were all able to play Uno in there during the storm.”
Whether you’re a seasoned camper looking to replace a worn-out tent or you’re heading out on your first family trip, the Stoic Madrone tent can sleep four and is a steal now that it’s less than $100.
