Why the ‘trip of a lifetime’ is closer than you think

You don’t have to head halfway across the world to have a life-changing adventure. Hiking the Camino de Santiago or watching the sun set behind the pyramids at Giza may be inspirational, but you can also have a soul-stirring trip much closer to home.

The secret is simple. On your next getaway, open yourself up to everything the destination has to offer. Make it a mindful break by appreciating the sights, sounds and experiences that can only be had here, where even a quick break can be a true escape. Try one of these close-to-home destinations.

Go wild in Perth

Perth does day trips like no other capital city. You can cruise the river down to the Swan Valley wineries, go swimming with wild dolphins in nearby Rockingham or hop on a ferry to the car-free Rottnest Island, home to 63 beaches and a truckload of cute, furry quokkas.

Or you can explore the city itself, starting with Kings Park, which is larger than New York’s Central Park and features both natural bushland and sculpted gardens. You can also discover Perth’s astonishing street art, a rich trove of murals and stencils by Stormie Mills, Amok Island, ELK and more.

Perth’s artistic spirit extends from the streets into unexpected places. The InterContinental Perth City Centre, surrounded by designer boutiques, theatres, and galleries, brings that creative energy inside with 300 original works by West Australian artists throughout the hotel. In the lobby, a striking installation of 76 hand-blown glass leaves cascades overhead — a sculptural piece that sets the tone from the moment you arrive.

One more thing that should be to one your to-do list: a trip to one of Perth’s many beautiful beaches in the late afternoon, to watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean. It’s the perfect way to end the day.

Hang loose in Hobart

Can’t decide between a culture-packed city break or a rural retreat? In Hobart, you can have both at once. And the Crowne Plaza Hobart not only gives you a taste of Tasmania without ever leaving the hotel - thanks to its roughhewn timber-clad lobby and its rooftop with stunning views – but its location near the waterfront means it is walking distance from many of Hobart’s top attractions.

That includes not just the vibrant Salamanca Place — lined with restaurants, galleries and bars, not to mention the popular Saturday market — but also TMAG, the Tasmanian Museum and Gallery, where you can learn about Tasmania’s Indigenous people and the enduring mystery of the extinct Tasmanian tiger.

A trip to MONA, the avant-garde art museum with a global reputation, is essential, as is a visit to Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Hobart’s highest mountain. A bus will take you all the way to the summit, but hop off halfway up the mountain if you want to tackle the spectacular 7.4-kilometre Organ Pipes Track.

As for day trips, wine fans will fall in love with the wineries of the Coal River Valley, while on Bruny Island you can spot wild echidnas and wallabies. Head to Port Arthur for some chilling tales of Australia’s convict past, see real-life Tasmanian devils at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, or enjoy a wilderness hike in the scenic Huon Valley.

Take a break in Gosford

There’s no doubt about it: the good folk of the Central Coast have chosen a great spot to live. Just an hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has a year-round holiday vibe. With more than 40 beaches, plenty of bushland and inviting seaside towns, it’s also a great place to take a break.

Nature-lovers will be entranced by the area’s national parks. Set amid the lush rainforest, the triple-tiered Somersby Falls in Brisbane Water National Park is a beauty, while the magnificent Bouddi National Park can be explored by hiking or on horseback.

Then there are the coastal hot spots, from Terrigal and Avoca to Ettalong Beach and Killcare. If you have children in tow, a trip to The Entrance to see the pelican feeding is a must. Other guaranteed crowd-pleasers include hand-feeding a kangaroo or taking a selfie with a koala at the Australian Reptile Park, and visiting the lovely Japanese garden at the Gosford Regional Gallery (don’t forget to check out the striking portraits on show in the Archibald Prize exhibition.)

As for accommodation, the brand-new voco Gosford has already become a destination in its own right. The striking high-rise design guarantees views for every guest, while the swim-up pool bar, the day spa and a collection of bars and restaurants ranging from top-notch pizza at Paolo’s to the breathtaking Astra rooftop bar, give you plenty of reasons to stay put.

Whether it’s a spontaneous getaway or that bucket-list adventure you’ve been dreaming about, IHG Hotels & Resorts opens the door to a world of possibilities. With more than 6600 destinations across 20 brands, and an award-winning loyalty program at your fingertips, this summer is yours to explore – your way. Visit: ihg.com

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