The 50 best things to do during an Australian summer

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This was published 6 years ago

The 50 best things to do during an Australian summer

By Sheriden Rhodes
Updated
Summer is coming.

Summer is coming.Credit: Alamy

If winter is yearning for sojourns to warmer climes; summer is the time to hang up the out of office sign, and plunge headlong into long, lazy days revolving around the beach, mangoes, picnics and midnight swims. It's the time to head off on an extended holiday – whether close to home, across the ditch, or chasing champagne powder in Japan. Many of us, particularly those with school-aged kids, write off most of January. Seriously, is anyone in Australia thinking about work from Christmas Eve until the start of the Australian Open? Here Traveller brings you 50 ideas – from warm, hot, sizzling, steamy and oh, so cool – to celebrate our enduring love affair with the great Australian summer.

SIZZLING

1. STAY AT SIZZLING NEW SEASIDE DIGS

Enjoy the beach club service at Bon Sol, a luxe boutique holiday home in a former 1960s brick unit complex on the Gold Coast.

Enjoy the beach club service at Bon Sol, a luxe boutique holiday home in a former 1960s brick unit complex on the Gold Coast.

Australia's hottest designer Anna Spiro has once again worked her magic on a 1960s' brick unit complex on the Gold Coast. Bon Sol is a luxe boutique holiday home where pops of colour, mixed textiles and fine furnishings have been carefully paired by Spiro, responsible for Halcyon House. A beach club-style service is available for $150, where beach chairs, umbrellas and a cool box filled with water and soft drink are pre-prepared on Burleigh Beach for the ultimate summer experience. See bonsol.com.au

2. ESCAPE TO AN ADULTS-ONLY PLAYGROUND

Fijian for "village", Koro is a hot new adults' only area within the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa. With two beach front pools, a pool bar, all-day dining, inspired cocktails and a purpose-built day spa, the hardest decision will be when to turn over. See hilton.com

3. CHECK IN TO BYRON'S HOT NEW DIGS

Elements of Byron have stepped things up a notch in time for summer with the opening of 99 luxe new rainforest villas complete with timber decks, inbuilt fireplaces and verandah bathhouses. Also, opening this month is an adults-only pool and bar serving up inspired cocktails and organic pressed juices. The new summer offerings join the luxe resort's existing infinity lagoon, day beds and rustic fire pits directly on Belongil Beach. See elementsofbyron.com.au

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4. TOAST TO THE RED ROOM

As well as world-class beaches, waves, day spas and restaurants, Margaret River now offers the ultimate red (wine) room, the Vault. The Vault houses all Vasse Felix historical wines, including the last remaining bottle of the 1972 cabernet sauvignon, alongside a new historical exhibition of Margaret River's early years. Available exclusively to guests who book the cellar experience tour. See vassefelix.com.au

5. CRASH IN A CABANA

Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, Noosa's only five-star offering, has upped the luxe factor with its hot new cabanas. Five summery spaces by the resort pool host up to four guests each, complete with a fresh fruit platter, a selection of magazines, personalised butler service and an iPad with bespoke menu. For resort guests only. See sofitelnoosapacificresort.com.au

6. DROP ANCHOR IN PORT STEPHENS

Luxe new spa with Italian linen robes, Jacuzzi and steam room? Tick. Water views from Hamptons inspired rooms? Tick? Infinity pool, beach and whisky bar? Tick, tick, tick. Best of all the newly revamped Anchorage Port Stephens is just 2½ hours from Sydney. Book now while you can still nab a room over summer. See anchorageportstephens.com.au

7. SERVE UP AN ACE AT SEA

Want to take a summer cruise and experience summer's hottest sporting event? An exclusive partnership between P&O Cruises and Tennis Australia sees Pacific Eden and Pacific Explorer sail to Melbourne for the Australian Open Grand Slam, departing Sydney January 17 and 19 respectively. Direct transfers and general admission to two day sessions and one night session are included in the five-night round-trip fare, with optional ticket upgrades to Rod Laver Arena. All the action will also be screened live on the upper decks. See pocruises.com.au

8. MEET PERTH'S HOT NEW PUB

Stylish international brand meets local flavour in Perth's hottest new hotel opening. The InterContinental Perth City boasts a fit out by Woods Bagot, elegant guest rooms, minibars stocked with local wines and craft beers and more than 300 specially commissioned artworks by WA artists. There's a tapas bar with signature sangria on tap, and the Loft Lounge terrace is the spot to cool down with a Pimms after an exciting day at the Hopman Cup (December 30, 2017-January 6, 2018), or exploring the revitalised King Street precinct. See intercontinental.com/Perth

9. DISCOVER LONELY PLANET'S HOTTEST DESTINATION

There's a reason Lonely Planet's hottest destination for 2018 is Chile. Turn the heat up, literally, as you explore Chile's vast Atacama Desert. By day, sand board the monster wave-like dunes in Death Valley, as you hurtle down 100-metre-high dunes in the world's driest desert. By night, marvel at the galaxies from the earth's clearest skies. See chile.travel/en

10. EXPERIENCE AN EPIC BATTLE AT 'THE FURNACE'

Summer doesn't come any hotter than at the WACA, known fondly as "the furnace". Perth's WACA sees the heated clash between England and Australia in the third of the five part Ashes series from December 14-18. At the five-star Fraser Suites Perth, not only do many rooms overlook the grounds, but the cricket players themselves stay there. If the heat gets too much, watch play (with binoculars) from the comfort of your airconditioned room. See perth.frasershospitality.com

HOT

11. GO DUNE BASHING

Break away from the bitumen and explore the world's largest moving dunes at Port Stephen's Worimi Lands. Guided 4WD tours take you through the breakers of Stockton Beach, sand boarding down 50-metre tall dunes, with the chance to see dolphins and sea eagles. Sand Dune Safaris' bespoke tours can also take you to Tin City, the off-grid settlement made famous by Mad Max. See portstephenstourism.com.au

12. SIP AND SUP ON A DECADENT ISLAND

Australia's barefoot luxury atoll, Lizard Island, plays host to the ultimate four-day wine festival this summer in collaboration with Best's Great Western Winery. Lucky guests will enjoy a champagne brunch on Anchor Bay, degustation dinner with 10 matched wines, wine tasting at the Marlin Bar, and a showcasing of the Lizard Island Wine Cellar, for $200 a person on top of standard rates. See lizardisland.com.au

13. EXPERIENCE A SUMMER SPORT SENSATION

There's no better time to be in Tassie's capital than for the finish of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, the hottest highlight of Australia's summer calendar and one of the world's most gruelling ocean races. Check in to the new Ibis Styles Hobart and cheer the brave and weary competitors as they arrive into Constitution Dock. See accorhotels.com; rolexsydneyhobart.com

14. CAMP IN COMFORT

Enjoy old school camping without the hassle of lugging equipment, or waking up on a slow leaking mattress at North Stradbroke Island's Minjerribah Camping. Its 12 new eco tents are sheltered behind native tea tree and pandanus forests at Adder Rock Camping Ground and include queen-size beds, quality linen, decks with hammock, electric power and the beach just steps away. See straddiecamping.com.au

15. SLEEP UNDER A BILLION STARS

Made almost entirely of glass (which certainly heats things up), SkyScape in New Zealand's Mackenzie region is designed for amorous stargazers. Almost completely concealed within native scrub, the new accommodation offers an alfresco bath filled from a nearby spring. Guests can also take a tour of the 2400-hectare working farm, to the property's highest point overlooking the snow-capped Ben Ohau Ranges. See skyscape.co.nz

16. RING IN 2018 AT AUSTRALIA'S 'IT' HOTEL

New Year's Eve parties don't come any hotter than at striking newcomer, the Jackalope Hotel in Victoria's Mornington Peninsula. Dress to the nines in black tie, watch the sun set on 2017 over Jackalope's rolling vines, dance to DJs and live music under the hotel's 10,000 globe chandelier, with free-flowing champagne, cocktails and roving canapes. See jackalopehotels.com

17. GO ON A DECADENT PICNIC

Summer and picnics go together like strawberries and cream, and they don't come more decadent than those offered by Noosa Picnics. Opt for crochet throws, luxurious cushions, Indian chakki table, parasol, ice bucket, picnic basket and quality serving ware, or a cute tepee and vegan platter. See noosapicnics.com

18. ESCAPE ON QUALIA'S PRIVATE YACHT

Guests at Hamilton Island's qualia can now charter the exclusive private motor yacht, Palm Beach 55, to explore Whitsunday's eye-popping beaches and waterways including the famous Whitehaven Beach, Chalkies Beach and Hill Inlet. A day on Palm Beach does not come cheap ($4000 for a half-day; $6000 for a full day) but includes a skipper, host and life long summer memories. See qualia.com.au

19. SLIDE INTO A DREAMY TROPICAL LAGOON

Slip into the Maldives' biggest and dreamiest lagoon in the best way possible – via your own personal waterslide. At Soneva Jani, the younger and hipper sister to Soneva Fushi where shoes are totally optional, almost every villa boasts its own waterslide, taking you straight from the bedroom to the fish-filled lagoon. Getting wet has never been more fun. See soneva.com

20. EXPERIENCE WILDFLOWERS, INDIGENOUS CULTURE AND DOLPHINS

Explore the Batavia Coast, famed for its shipwrecks, and admire wildflowers in Kalbarri National Park on an AAT King's Monkey Mia Dolphins and West Coast tour. Frolic with dolphins at Monkey Mia, marvel at the stromatolites at Hamelin Poll and the mystical Pinnacles, discover Aboriginal culture at Yanchep National Park and explore cosmopolitan Perth. See aatkings.com

STEAMY

21. SAFARI TO THE TOP OF AUSTRALIA

Go from the outer edge of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef to the heart of the wet tropics journeying through the rainforests and awe-inspiring landscapes of Cape Tribulation. AAT King's Tropical Trails takes in a Daintree River cruise, a Dreamtime walk of Mossman Gorge, and a historic train ride through some of the world's oldest rainforests. See aatkings.com

22. HIT THE SURF

In Fiji's steamy summer months, the swells pick up in the north, offering uncrowded, world-class breaks accessible to limited numbers. Get in some surfing at Qamea off the island of Taveuni, where strong and novice surfers are catered for with tailored programs. Non-surfers meanwhile can snorkel, dive or chill out in Qamea's jungle-like spa. See qamea.com

23. JOIN THE WORLD'S MOST WONDROUS SAILING EVENT

Sit down to a long lunch on Whitehaven Beach, take a boat from restaurant to restaurant for a progressive lunch with a twist and experience a rodeo by the reef as part of the Whitsunday Clipper Race Carnival. The Clipper Round the World Race is welcomed from January 13 with a series of fabulous events at the height of the Whitsunday's steamy summer. See whitsundayclipperrace.com.au

24. GET HOT AND SWEATY IN THE JUNGLE

Set your intention for the year and cleanse mind and body at the phenomenal Five Elements Bali, in the jungles of Ubud on the gushing Ayung River. Options include yoga, dance, meditation, healing and wellness rituals along with a five-star raw vegan menu. Therapeutic treatments are delivered in riverside healing rooms (four are couples suites), each with a private bathhouse. See fivelements.org

25. SAVOUR GUSHING WATERFALLS AND NIGHTLY FIREWORKS

Thundering waterfalls, nightly lightening displays to rival Sydney's fireworks and an explosion of colour are on offer in Kakadu's wet season. The off (green) season means no crowds and savings of up to 50 per cent on the peak (dry) season. Be sure and take an aerial tour to see Kakadu's lush wetlands, and impressive waterfalls. See kakadutourism.com

26. TURN UP THE HEAT IN DARWIN

Go troppo in the best way possible when staying in Darwin's Waterfront Precinct, the top end's trendiest part of town. Yes, it's hot and steamy, but the sunsets are somehow more firey, while the daily downpour brings spectacular storms that cool everything down. When you need to get wet, head to the man-made waterfront lagoon right out front. See adinahotels.com

27. STAY AT THE STAR OF THE BACHELORETTE

In our books, the real winner of the Australian Bachelorette is the sexy new Marriott Momi Bay Fiji where the series finale was filmed. Think saucy overwater bungalows, a dreamy lagoon, adults-only and family pools, fresh sashimi at the Fish Bar and killer sunsets. See marriott.com.au

28. SET SAIL ON A WET SEASON CRUISE

The alluring mix of gushing waterfalls and vast, empty coastal waters greets passengers aboard Ahoy Buccaneer's wet season cruises. The 13-day expeditions sail through the wild and remote islands of WA's Buccaneer and Bonaparte archipelagos allowing guests to experience dramatic tropical storms, blazing sunsets, and lush scenery. See ahoybuccaneers.com.au

29. REVEL IN THE HEDONISM OF CARNIVALE

Let off steam at the world's largest street party in Rio de Janeiro with lively samba parades and dazzling costumes. Stay in the heart of the city, take a favela tour and immerse yourself in the hedonistic revelry with a six-day On the Go tour, departing February 9, 2018. See onthegotours.com

30. RETREAT FROM THE HEAT

Escape Singapore's sultry weather with a stay at the charming historic Amoy Hotel. This boutique hotel is discreetly located behind an innocuous, restored temple, dating from the early 1800s, in Singapore's bustling financial district. Pop out for a spot of shopping and a Singapore Sling before retreating to the hotel's cool, calm guest rooms. See stayfareast.com

WARM

31. WALK THE WILD SHIPWRECK COAST

Explore Victoria's wild Shipwreck Coast, staying at a private eco lodge on the four-day Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk. The 55-kilometre trek takes in highlights of the Great Ocean Walk, staying by night at an architecturally designed lodge. Walkers are greeted with cool lemonade at the end of each day, and need carry nothing more than a day pack and walking stick. Walks depart twice weekly over summer. See twelveapostleslodgewalk.com.au

32. GLAMP WITH BUCOLIC VIEWS

Sleep in lotus belle tents with king-size beds, luxury linen and home-cooked meals under the stars at the new Valley Views Glamping in the foothills of Mount Domett in New Zealand's bucolic Waitaki Valley. See valleyviews.co.nz

33. GO FOR A POD RIDE

Mountain bike Tasmania's wilderness on a track regarded as Australia's best, sleeping in architecturally designed pods along the way. Blue Derby Pods Ride was launched in April by entrepreneurial twentysomething owner and avid rider Tara Howell. See bluederbypodsride.com.au

34. CHECK INTO A LUXE TROPICAL GETAWAY

Not too hot, not too cold, the brand new Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui is just right. Think luxe suites and pool villas overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, chilli-spiked southern cuisine, spa treatments inspired by age old healing practices, Muay Thai boxing and swimming in a sea water reef pool. See ritzcarlton.com

35. EXPERIENCE OCEAN TO PLATE DIVING

Sustainably harvest wild seafood including eastern rock lobster, mussels and sea urchin from pristine waters and sheltered bays home to resident Wobbegong Sharks and Eagle Rays. Learn the skills to prepare your catch and then dine among the incredible landscape of NSW's Ben Boyd National Park. See acwadventures.com

36. CATCH THE WORLD'S BEST SURFERS

Revel in the excitement of Hawaii's big wave surf season as contestants battle it out in back-to-back surfing contests at Haleiwa Ali'i, Sunset and Banzai Pipeline beaches. Pro surfers compete on waves with faces often exceeding three metres, on Hawaii's famed North Shore until December 20. See vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com

37. KAYAK THE SNOWY RIVER

Explore steep granite gorges, remote wilderness and undisturbed Aboriginal sites on a five-day kayaking adventure of the Snowy River. Traverse the Snowy Falls, the gatekeeper to the Byadbo Wilderness and travel through Australia's last strong-hold of Cypress Pine. Enjoy bushwalking and swimming at private beaches by day; camping by the river by night. See riverguide.com.au

38; BOOK YOUR OWN PRIVATE ISLAND

Live among a penguin colony on Picnic Island, Tassie's newest private island experience in the awe-inspiring Freycinet National Park. Kayak under the mighty, pink hued Hazards mountain range, hike to Wineglass Bay and then head for dinner at Freycinet Lodge by water taxi. See picnicisland.com.au

39. SALUTE THE SUN ON THE ISLE OF PINES

Focus on the breath and listen to the sound of waves rolling in as you do yoga on the spectacular Isle of Pines. Carnival Cruise Lines is offering the new yoga experience as part of its New Caledonia cruises, meaning you can salute the sun as you take in the beauty of azure Coral Sea. See carnival.com.au

40. ISLAND HOP THROUGH THAILAND

Work up an appetite snorkelling, dine on Thai cuisine, and sleep moored under the stars as you island hop through Thailand's islands. Sailing Thailand's week-long tour offers some of the world's best snorkelling, accessible only by small craft, along with the chance to swim, hike, and try local cuisine aboard G Adventures' twin-hulled sailing catamaran. See gadventures.com.au

COOL

41. SWAP SAND FOR ICE

Spend Christmas in China exploring the Great Wall, Beijing's Forbidden City and the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an. A highlight of this 11-day tour is New Year's Eve at the extraordinary Harbin Ice Festival with its enchanting and spectacular ice installations. See onthegotours.com

42. INDULGE IN SNOW, SAUNAS AND HOT SPRINGS

Dry champagne powder snow, outdoor cave baths, ice saunas and hot springs make up winter in Japan. Swap summer heat for Japanese culture, luxurious accommodation and dry champagne powder at Niseko Village on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. See niseko-village.com/en

41. SUIT UP AND MEET A PENGUIN

Relief from scorching summer days in sub zero temperatures chilling out with penguins at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. Suit up in Antarctic snow gear before taking to the ice with the Penguin Passport experience. Participants on the behind-the-scenes tour meet a colony of majestic King and cheeky Gentoo penguins, as well as see food preparation, vet areas and more. See melbourneaquarium.com.au

42. GREET THE NEW YEAR IN THE ANTARCTIC

Be among the world's first to ski and snowshoe on the White Continent, observe king penguins, feisty fur seals and kayak past icebergs and graceful whales on Aurora Expeditions' South Georgia and Antarctic Odysee. Departing December 27, the 18-day cruise is not only an incredible way to ring in the new year, but guests on the 25th anniversary voyage will also join an anniversary dinner, and receive a commemorative book and limited edition polar jacket. See auroraexpeditions.com.au

43. CARVE UP CHAMONIX

Escape to Europe's highest peak, Mont Blanc, with its big glacier runs and vibrant town of Chamonix, with cafes, galleries, apres ski and history as home to the first Winter Olympic Games. Paired with a Parisienne get-away, it makes the perfect cool summer getaway. Stay for seven nights at the three star Croix Blanche Hotel, with breakfast daily, from $1099 a person. See europeholidays.com.au/chamonix

44. BECOME A WINE CONNOISSEUR

Become a wine aficionado in the place that embodies cool in every sense of the word, New York State. Skip the summertime heat and enjoy the winter change as you explore seemingly endless vineyards just outside the Big Apple; from sustainable artisanal wines in Long Island, match-making wine and cheese in the Finger Lakes, and exploring 23 fabulous cellars along the south shore of Lake Eerie. See iloveny.com

45. EXPLORE THE WORLD'S COOLEST LITTLE CAPITAL

Labelled the world's "coolest little capital" by Lonely Planet, Wellington plays host this summer to the New Zealand Festival, Aotearoa's leading celebration of cutting-edge culture. The three-week program kicks off with A Waka Odyssey, a mass assembly of twin-hulled ocean-going waka on Wellington Harbour. See wellingtonnz.com

46. TAKE BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S

Brrrr, it's cold outside, but breakfast (or lunch) tickets don't come any hotter than at Tiffany and Co's flagship Fifth Avenue store. The long-awaited Tiffany Blue Box Cafe has opened as part of the New York store's revamped fourth floor, so you can make like Audrey and breakfast at Tiffany's too. Pearls optional. See tiffany.com

46. DISCOVER PORTLAND'S SECRET SKI SPOT

Australian travellers used to battling crowds on the slopes will love Oregon's Mount Hood, which has somehow escaped the international ski radar. Mount Hood's ski fields are 90 minutes from Portland city. Stay at Oregon's only ski in-ski out, Timberline Lodge, with its luxuriously rustic rooms, hiking with resident St Bernard dogs. See timberlinelodge.com; skihood.com; skibowl.com

47. TASTE SOME OF AUSTRALIA'S BEST COOL CLIMATE WINE

Take a seat in the courtyard beneath the shade of a sprawling magnolia tree and partake in the Union Bank's Summer Series. One of Orange's most iconic food and wine venues, Union Bank highlights one local cool climate wine each week over the course of summer, allowing diners to enjoy the best of the region in one location. See unionbank.com.au

EXPERT PANEL

BLAKE HUTCHISON, LUXURY ESCAPES GENERAL MANAGER

MY DEFINITION OF A GREAT AUSTRALIAN SUMMER HOLIDAY IS my wife, my dog and some friends holidaying in a big house by the beach. Long days, chilled wines, a seafood barbecue and easy access to the beach.

MY BEST-EVER SUMMER HOLIDAY WAS IN Byron Bay. It easily offers one of the world's best holiday vibes, and everyone has a smile.

THIS SUMMER I'M GOING TO BE holidaying in Skenes Creek, a sleepy beach town on the Great Ocean Road. We tend to head overseas (last year we were in Mexico) but this year, I'm spending some lazy time by the beach and I'm going to learn to surf. Wish me luck.

MY DREAM SUMMER HOLIDAY IS seven nights in the Maldives. I really want to stay at Finolhu: the private plane, the crystal clear blue waters and the relaxed vibe look just right.

Luxury Escapes offers handpicked, affordable luxury travel to members. See luxuryescapes.com

JODIE BANBURY, HOUSE OF TRAVEL AUSTRALIA MARKETING DIRECTOR

MY DEFINITION OF THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN SUMMER HOLIDAY IS a road trip starting in a major city indulging in a bit of luxury, then heading out either along a coastline or meandering country roads.

I LOVE TRAVELLING IN SUMMER BECAUSE you don't have to pack heavy clothes and can get away with hand luggage. Unless you're going kite-surfing with your husband, in which case you need 40 kilograms of luggage.

MY BEST-EVER SUMMER HOLIDAY WAS Maui. Unlike the bustle of Honolulu, Maui lures you with its slower pace and coastline villages offering stunning sea vistas at every turn.

THIS SUMMER I'M GOING TO BE HOLIDAYING IN... My home town on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. I love the Spirit House in Yandina, but don't tell anyone because they book out.

MY DREAM SUMMER HOLIDAY IS exploring the wilds and fiords of Alaska, on behalf of my grandfather, who dearly wanted to go but never got the chance.

House of Travel Australia is the parent company of Hoot Holidays and TravelManagers Australia. See Houseoftravel.com.au; hootholidays.com.au; travelmanagers.com.au

SUE BADYARI, WORLD EXPEDITIONS CEO

MY DEFINITION OF THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN SUMMER HOLIDAY IS the chance to switch off and spend time in nature. Last summer we hiked along Victoria's Great Ocean Road; the year before Tasmania's Walls of Jerusalem.

I LOVE TRAVELLING IN SUMMER BECAUSE there's virtually no one on the trails in Nepal and the low precipitation means blue skies and magnificent views of the mountains.

MY BEST-EVER SUMMER HOLIDAY WAS a backpacking trip to India in my early 20s, when I returned to Kashmir where I'd holidayed with my family. On the later visit, I met my now husband, whose family operated houseboats and trekking services there.

THIS SUMMER I'M GOING TO BE HOLIDAYING IN either New Zealand for some back country hiking, Hawaii for some coastal treks or southern India for cycling, Kerala houseboats and plenty of gastronomic delights.

MY DREAM SUMMER HOLIDAY IS immersing myself in nature, slowing down from my fast-paced lifestyle and spending time with my husband.

World Expeditions specialises in adventure travel that's good for the planet; see worldexpeditions.com

RANDALL DEER, MY HOLIDAY CENTRE FOUNDER

MY DEFINITION OF THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN SUMMER HOLIDAY IS camping with my family, hiking and playing beach cricket.

MY BEST-EVER SUMMER HOLIDAY WAS a family cruise aboard NCL's Pride of America through Hawaii. We loved the balcony cabin, speciality dining package and two full days in each island location. We finished in Waikiki, with shopping and a climb to Diamond Head.

THIS SUMMER I'M GOING TO BE HOLIDAYING IN Dubai, which is booming and setting the benchmark for luxury holidays. The shopping and dining are world's best, there's a thriving Friday brunch culture and more than 10 theme parks.

MY DREAM SUMMER HOLIDAY IS Fiji, where we go once a year. I've never met locals as humble as Fijians; you feel welcome from the moment you arrive and the smiles don't stop. With abundant snorkelling, resort facilities, and beautiful surrounds, I know I can switch off, and enjoy quality family time.

My Holiday Centre offer handpicked package holidays with exclusive bonus inclusions; see myholidaycentre.com.au

STEVE ODELL, NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE HOLDINGS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR ASIA PACIFIC

MY DEFINITION OF THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN SUMMER HOLIDAY IS barbecues, beach days, cool breezes and the smell of citronella candles at night.

I LOVE TRAVELLING IN SUMMER BECAUSE you can pack a few T-shirts, shorts, wear thongs or no shoes at all.

MY BEST-EVER SUMMER HOLIDAY WAS a family get-together at Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay. The powdery sand and crystal clear water are perfect for swimming and paddle boarding, and each afternoon we saw pods of dolphins close to shore.

THIS SUMMER I'M GOING TO BE HOLIDAYING IN a beachside villa with our god-daughters and their parents in Providenciales, known as Provo, the gateway island to Turks and Caicos, south-east of the Bahamas.

MY DREAM SUMMER HOLIDAY IS South America, walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and then to the floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca.

Norwegian Cruise Line operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. See ncl.com; oceaniacruises.com; and rssc.com

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