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What Australia has to do match NZ as the #1 Destination for Brits

As a competitive nation, there’s nothing we hate more than losing to our neighbours (except losing to the Brits themselves of course). So what does Australia have on offer that can match a blinding ski scene, Middle Earth landscapes and marine volcanos?

As a competitive nation, there’s nothing we hate more than losing to our neighbours (except losing to the Brits themselves of course). So what does Australia have on offer that can match a blinding ski scene, Middle Earth landscapes and marine volcanos?

For the fourth consecutive year New Zealand has been voted top dog at this year’s Telegraph Travel Awards in the UK, taking out the title ‘world’s best destination’.

It also marks another year where Australia has failed to make the top three.

Internal Skyscanner Australia data corroborates the burgeoning popularity of the land of the long white cloud, with YoY increase in searches from the UK up a third (33.6%) in 2016.

Interestingly, it’s not just the Brits falling in love with the Kiwi isles, Aussies have also been going soft for the home of the hobbit with a 46% increase in searches over the last 12 months.

However we take a look at some of Australia’s unique offerings for travellers which (in our opinion) is on par with New Zealand.

 

1. Ripper surf culture

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Byron Bay, NSW

With warmer climes and beautiful soft sand beaches all over Australia, one thing we have going for us is surf culture.

Whether slowing things down in Byron Bay or ripping it up on the Great Ocean Road, Aussie surf culture could be one way to entice more pommes to Aussie shores.

 

2. Mesmerising mountains

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Blue Mountains, NSW

It seems Brits with itchy feet just love mountain ranges and while Threadbo and Perisher can’t compete with the Queenstown ski season, we do have some mighty mountains to shout about.

The Blue Mountains in Sydney provide drop dead gorgeous views and epic scenery, a mere hour and a half from Sydney.

 

3. Die hard adrenalin sports

Neptune Island

Neptune Island

NZ is home of the bungy jump and adrenaline junkie Brits seem to be lapping up the smorgasbord of new adventure sports they have on offer, from heli-biking to ice climbing.

Those with a penchant for reckless recreation can find plenty on offer in Oz.

From jet fighter pilot tandem rides to fly boarding and hoverboarding there are some hidden gems for the risk inclined.

For those with nerves of pure steel, Neptune Island, off Port Lincoln in SA, is teeming with great whites, and travellers can join them shark diving in the comfy confines of a cage.

 

4. Celebrity central

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Image Source: Daily Telegraph

The Kiwis may have the upper hand when it comes to unspoilt natural beauty but for those who prefer celeb spotting whilst globetrotting, Sydney has more bang for buck.

Travellers with stars in their eyes should head to Bondi Beach or Potts Point to see the likes of Hugh Jackman, Chris Hemsworth, Joel Edgerton, Naomi Watts and more celebrity Sydney residents doing their thing.

Megastars like Russell Crowe and Richard Wilkins have already jumped ship from NZ to AU.

Do you think New Zealand deserves the title of ‘world’s best destination’?