2020 Travel Guide to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific

Overwater bungalows, cuddly koalas, beautiful barrier reefs and surreal landscapes are what make up many travelers must-do travel lists and these three things among many more are what comprise these three destinations.

While Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific are all distinct destinations with wide variety of options, what they have in common is their allure, from families to backpackers to couples and more.

Australia

After bushfires have made worldwide headlines, one of the best ways travelers can support the relief efforts is to visit and even help with reconstruction efforts.

New Zealand

Christchurch is booming once again. After recovering from devastating earthquakes a decade ago, the thriving metropolis is one of The New York Times' top places to go this year.

South Pacific

Tahiti is the oft-overlooked island of French Polynesia. The island frequently serves as a jumping-off point for visitors to explore other islands, but those who stay awhile will discover amazing cultural attractions, remote beaches and experiences that are unique to Tahiti.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is still one of the world's top attractions and has been vaulted to the top of many travelers' must-see lists since the health of the reef is in grave danger.

The Northern Territory

One of the places Australia is most known for is the outback and the Northern Territory is one of the best places to explore for those who want to experience these exotic landscapes. Experience the Red Centre, remote Alice Springs, Kakadu National park and more.

Milford Sound

The beauty of Milford Sound is not to be missed. See rare black coral, Mitre Peak and waterfalls that drop from tall mountain slopes into the fjord below. The sound is also home to an abundance of wildlife and visitors can see fur seal colonies, penguins, dolphins and sea birds.

Bora Bora

The juxtaposition of Bora Bora's turquoise lagoons and towering Mount Otemanu have become an emblem of the South Pacific and visitors won't be disappointed. Come for the views and stay for the snorkeling, scuba diving, jet-skiing, wildlife, luxury resorts, restaurants and more.

Aitutaki, The Cook Islands

Aitutaki is known for its stunning lagoon and beautiful white-sand beaches that are what the travelers to the South Pacific dream of experiencing. This is the ultimate travel destination for those seeking seclusion in a tropical paradise.

Australia Day

Australia Day is celebrated each year to honor the first fleet of ships arriving at Sydney Cove from Britain. It's a national holiday and many celebrate with festivals, fireworks, community and sporting events or an at-home barbecue.

Hamilton Island Race Week, Queensland

One thing that is synonymous with the Whitsunday Islands is sailing and, each year, visitors head to Hamilton Island from around the world to watch top sailors at Hamilton Island Race Week. This year's event takes place August 15-22.

Byron Bay Blues Fest

Visitors and locals alike flock to Byron Bay for one of Australia's biggest music events of the year, the Byron Bay Blues Fest. This year's festival takes place April 9-13 and includes singer Alanis Morissette and Tori Kelly as well as Dave Matthews Band, Patti Smith and Her Band, Crowded House, Lenny Kravitz and more.

Festivals for Foodies

For foodies, both Australia and New Zealand have amazing food and wine festivals. Two to check out would be New Zealand's Marlborough Food and Wine Festival and the Hawke's Bay Food and Wine Classic in Australia.

Fiji

Fiji is one of the most family-friendly countries in the world. Families are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a resort where the kids come first.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is brimming with activities for families year-round that include go-karting, white-water rafting, trekking, skiing, snowboarding and more. There's plenty of family-friendly accommodations from condo rentals to high-end hotels.

Gold Coast, Australia

Families are spoiled for choice when it comes to keeping busy on the Gold Coast. The area is known for its long stretches of white, sandy beaches. It is a top choice for surfing but it is also home to a number of theme parks, including Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet 'n Wild. Outdoor-lovers will want to head to Lamington National Park for hiking and wildlife as well.

The South Pacific is a haven for couples traveling on romantic getaways and honeymoons. Overwater bungalows, turquoise waters, luxury spas and high-end restaurants round-out what is arguably a trip to paradise.

While couples are sure to discover nirvana in the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand have their own unique draws. Couples can hole up in one of New Zealand's luxury lodges or enjoy a classic outback adventure in a private bungalow in the Northern Territory.

Australia is an ideal place for group travel. The large country can almost seem overwhelming to the independent traveler looking to tick off a number of places during their visit. Booking a tour can streamline visits and make navigating the region much easier.

New Zealand is smaller and arguably more self-navigable but those who want to avoid driving on the left side of the road and negotiating narrow, winding roads will love group travel in the country.

New Zealand and Australia are ideal for those traveling alone who definitely won't find themselves on their own. Both countries are a haven for backpackers with plenty of options for hostels and inexpensive lodging options ideal for those going solo. Start in bigger cities such as Auckland, Sydney or Melbourne to make some friends before heading out into more far-flung locals.

Head to Australia's Barossa Valley, one of the chief wine-producing regions in the country. Visitors will be impressed by top-notch wineries and fall in love with the food that they pair them with.

New Zealand is known for its Marlborough wine region, perched at the tip of the South Island. Sprawling vineyards give way to quaint towns and luxury lodges that pair food and wine with biking, hiking, boating and more.

The whole of Oceania is a paradise for those who love the water. Exotic beaches, lagoons, islands, motus and more are a haven for sea creatures of all kinds. Surfers, sailors, scuba divers and snorkelers are all spoiled for choice in this region of the world.

But there are a host of other adventures to be had, too. New Zealand is known for its outstanding network of hiking trails. Australia's outback provides the perfect backdrop for a wild escape, visiting Uluru, Coober Pedy, Flinders Ranges and more. The islands of the South Pacific also offer many land-based adventures, including off-road tours, volcano hikes and more.

These island nations are all known for their watersports. Surfing and sailing enthusiasts will find paradise in any of these regions.

Both Australia and New Zealand are home to top rugby teams, and visitors who come during the spring to see Australian rules football and cricket matches.

Australia

Australia has a number of one-of-a-kind destinations but its most iconic and unique attraction has to be Uluru and the Red Centre.

New Zealand

There is nothing quite like Hobbiton in Matamata. This otherworldly movie set gives visitors a glimpse into the Shire made famous in Tolkein's novels. However, the region is also home to glowworm caves, blackwater rafting, kiwi bird habitats and more that give guests a true sense of what New Zealand is all about.

South Pacific

What makes a visit to the South Pacific unique is the impossible turquoise waters and its beautiful lagoons carved out by volcanic activity so many millennia ago. The small motus of Bora Bora, Vanuatu, the Cook Islands and more leave a lasting impression on the soul.

While it is not necessary to write off travel to Australia in 2020, definitely ensure that the places you are visiting are open to visitors. Some places are sure to be off-limits to visitors for a time while rebuilding efforts are completed.