17 sensational destination dupes for a passport-free holiday

In the mood for an incredible getaway but dreading another long-haul flight?

Why venture to Africa, Britain, the States or Europe when you can enjoy world-class cities, islands, coastlines and wilderness right here at home? Andrew Conway selects 17 of the finest luxury hotels and resorts in Australia, the perfect domestic destination dupes – no passport required.

Instead of Giraffe Manor Hotel, Kenya:

Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Canberra, ACT

While travellers staying at Nairobi’s acclaimed Giraffe Manor Hotel come face-to-muzzle with giraffes peering into their bedroom windows, guests at Canberra’s Jamala Wildlife Lodge have the additional thrill of waking up to lions, cheetahs, tigers and even sun bears as their backyard neighbours. This unique luxury destination dupe offers all-inclusive accommodations, fine dining and wildlife experiences without leaving (dare we say it?) the creature comforts of the hotel. African-inspired rooms and suites are arranged in three individually designed accommodation precincts – uShaka Lodge, Giraffe Treehouses and Jungle Bungalows – all offering a stylish, relaxed and fun stay in a safari-style setting and with a strong focus on wildlife conservation.

Instead of the Maldives, sun yourself at:

The Reef House Adults Retreat, Palm Cove, QLD

Rustling palm trees, coral reefs, chic villas and ocean-fresh seafood. Move over Maldives – our own Palm Cove in Tropical North Queensland boasts all of these as well as two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites on its doorstep (the Great Barrier Reef and ancient Daintree Rainforest) and one of the most beautiful adults retreats in Australia: The Reef House. Once a private family residence, this dreamy adults-only hideaway is set amid a grove of 350-year-old Melaleuca trees and swizzle-stick palms mere steps from the crescent-shaped Palm Cove Beach, and is a stroll to the village’s bustling resorts, restaurants, bars and cafes. The Reef House Adults Retreat offers traditional service and stylish guest suites and villas, a restaurant with an exquisite ocean view deck, a day spa, nightly punch and canapés in the classic Brigadier’s Bar, plus 28 signature inclusions and experiences in every stay.

Instead of the UK countryside, cosy up at:

Mount Lofty House, Adelaide Hills, SA

You’ll have to travel many a British backroad to find a country estate to rival Mount Lofty House, one of South Australia’s most-awarded boutique hotels. This glorious original 1852 manor and the surrounding Mount Lofty Estate gardens have been synonymous with timeless traditions, fine dining, five-star service, bespoke experiences and memorable celebrations for more than 175 years. Nestled in the highlands of the Adelaide Hills, just 15 minutes’ drive from Adelaide’s CBD, Mount Lofty House offers classic, garden and valley view rooms as well as two sumptuous suites with a host of inclusions in all rooms. Spend leisurely days on private experiences on the estate or at regional vineyards; be pampered at the Gatekeeper’s Day Spa and enjoy a cocktail in the New York-style lounge and bar before degustation dining at the three-hatted Hardy’s Verandah – a true vintage retreat. This property is for adults only.

Instead of Bordeaux, uncork at:

Sequoia Lodge, Adelaide Hills, SA

There’s no denying Bordeaux makes reds of exceptional quality but why settle for one vintage escape when you can have four world-class winemaking regions within easy driving distance of your country retreat? Welcome to Sequoia Lodge, perched on the side of Mount Lofty in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills with Eden Valley, Langhorn Creek, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills wineries all within a 50km radius of the lodge. That said, you’ll be hard-pressed to tear yourself away from the cocoon of this sublime 14-suite, adults-only luxury lodge with its private estate grounds, artesian spring-fed hot pools, infinity pool and 32 guest experiences.

Instead of New Zealand, enjoy:

Saffire Freycinet, TAS

New Zealand has always had major bragging rights to pristine wilderness yet so does Tasmania – in equal measure. Saffire Freycinet on the island’s east coast doesn’t need to shout about its sublime natural setting, it simply co-exists with it in perfect harmony. Overlooking Great Oyster Bay, Freycinet Peninsula and The Hazards mountain range, this exemplary all-inclusive resort features 20 luxury suites and private pavilions, the signature Palate restaurant and soothing Spa Saffire, but its relationship with the natural environment is what really sets it apart. A portfolio of Signature Experiences (think oysters, bees, bush tucker and Tasmanian Devils among others), boat excursions to remote islands and beaches create a memorable immersion in nature.

Instead of South Africa, retreat to:

Pretty Beach House, NSW

The Western Cape is renowned for its African wilderness lodges but Australia’s exclusive bush retreats match with the best of them. Pretty Beach House is one of the best domestic destination dupes, a secluded hideaway with room for only eight guests in four private pavilions. Set on an escarpment in Bouddi National Park, a 90-minute drive or 20-minute seaplane flight north of Sydney, the lodge is enveloped in a forest of angophora trees with an array of hiking trails and views of Broken Bay. Daily life at the lodge revolves around gourmet meals, Bouddi Spa treatments, First Nations storytelling and leisurely outdoor pursuits with the emphasis on relaxation and reconnection. If Pretty Beach House is booked out, fret not: equally pleasurable stays may be had at the four new luxury Lodges at nearby sister property Bells at Killcare.

Instead of Scotland, visit:

Kangaroo Island, SA

As wild as Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, Kangaroo Island offers an exceptional wilderness adventure (without the bagpipes). Australia’s third-largest island, just 15 kilometres off South Australia’s mainland, is known simply as ‘KI’ to locals but the simple life ends there. Renowned for its pristine natural environments, rugged coastal landscapes and artisanal food and produce, KI is also home to the world-class Southern Ocean Lodge, part of the acclaimed Baillie Lodges collection. Featuring 25 luxurious suites set along the curve of KI’s limestone cliffs, the lodge has panoramic Southern Ocean and wilderness views from every spot. Feast on curated dishes and fine wines in the restaurant, relax in The Great Room, enjoy a treatment in the Southern Spa or venture outside to explore KI’s abundant fauna and marine life.

Instead of the Seychelles, book into:

The House at Lizard Island, QLD

Australia is blessed with some of the world’s most beautiful tropical islands, and few more so than Lizard Island, 240km north of Cairns and accessible only by a one-hour scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. While the luxe resort and its 24 pristine beaches are reason enough to visit, accommodation at The House takes island life to a new level. Perched on a secluded peninsula with direct beach access via sandy pathways, The House is an alluring three-storey, three-bedroom retreat for groups of friends, families and multigenerational gatherings alike. A rooftop terrace and spa, private swimming pool, outdoor baths and a yoga deck combine with curated menus, bespoke itineraries and spa treatments to create one of the country’s best destination dupes.

Instead of Positano, relax at:

Il Delfino, Yamba, NSW

Australia’s take on la dolce vita doesn’t come any sweeter than Il Delfino, a boutique seaside inn on the NSW North Coast that serves as a fantastic domestic destination dupe for the Italian Riviera. Just footsteps from Yamba’s Main Beach, one of the last remaining original structures has been lovingly reimagined as a bolthole molto bello where laid-back beachside living meets chic Mediterranean style. Four private suites and a separate bungalow – appropriately named Cinque Terre, Ravello, Portofino, Ischia and Scopella – all come with beautiful ocean views and a contemporary coastal design aesthetic. Combined with Yamba’s surf beaches, scenic walking trails and chilled restaurants, cafes and bars, Il Delfino is barefoot holiday living at its best.

Instead of the Caribbean, hide away at:

Pelorus Private Island, QLD

You know you’re onto a good thing when paradise comes as a pair. Nestled in the Great Palm archipelago of the Great Barrier Reef, northwest of Townsville, the all-inclusive Orpheus Island Lodge features 14 contemporary rooms, suites and villas, all with uninterrupted beach and Coral Sea views. But that’s just the start of these domestic destination dupes. A short boat ride away is Pelorus Private Island, an exquisite five-bedroom private island residence designed for families or groups of friends that gives new meaning to getting away from it all. It’s the newest addition to the Morris Escapes collection and the only private island residence of its kind within the region of North Queensland. Book us in.

Instead of Miami, chill out at:

Mondrian Gold Coast, QLD

From South Beach Miami to Cannes, Ibiza and beyond, Mondrian Hotels has been at the epicentre of the luxury beach club lifestyle since its first property opened in Los Angeles in 1996 – and now it’s our turn. Mondrian has chosen the Gold Coast as the location for its first Australian opening, perched on the golden sand of Burleigh Beach. With design by Robbyn Carter’s Studio Carter, the agency responsible for the aesthetic of the Mondrian Singapore Duxton, the new hotel features 132 studios and 76 suites (billed as twice the size of average hotel rooms in Australia); private Beach Houses and an exclusive Sky House; Haven, a stylish restaurant and beach club; and a CIEL Spa. Select accommodation options offer ocean, coast or hinterland views while the two and three-bedroom Beach Houses deliver refined coastal living with plunge pools and breezy terraces with beach access from the esplanade.

Instead of Yosemite, go bush at:

Arkaba, Ikara-Flinders Ranges, SA

Ancient creek beds, towering river red gums, craggy sandstone bluffs and prehistoric mountain ranges… welcome to one of Australia’s most unique and extraordinary landscapes. Arkaba’s former sheep station, now a flourishing 24,000ha wildlife conservancy in South Australia’s Ikara-Flinders Ranges, delivers a wilderness destination dupe like no other. The five-bedroom homestead offers a fully hosted ‘wild bush luxury’ adventure led by expert guides who highlight the remarkable attributes of this magical, almost otherworldly place. Native flora, fauna, birdlife and First Nations history, culture and art abound alongside opportunities for guests to explore safari-style on foot, by 4WD and scenic flights over the majestic Wilpena Pound or Kati-Thanda Lake Eyre. Evenings at The Homestead feature sundowner cocktails, gourmet meals and fireside storytelling, all set under a canopy of stars.

Instead of Denmark, escape to:

Kittawa Lodge, King Island, TAS

The Danes know a thing or two about wild coastal islands – but so do we. Just when we thought Kittawa Lodge couldn’t get any better, co-owners Aaron Suine and Nick Stead have enhanced the King Island experience by opening the new Kittawa Retreat. This two-bedroom hideaway is designed for shared escapes – with an equal nod to privacy – for families and friends or couples who just want to enjoy the extra space. The larger Kittawa Retreat is carefully designed to the same exacting standards as the two existing one-bedroom lodges but features a secluded outdoor seating area, a hot tub with ocean views and access to a private cellar stocked with wines, spirits, a library and games. BYO ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign.

Instead of Dubai, stay at:

Crown Towers Sydney, NSW

Dubai may be the most dazzling desert oasis, but Sydney is its South Pacific peer, and Crown Towers Sydney is a destination dupe for the iconic Burj Al Arab. With its box-seat location next to Sydney Harbour and soaring 275 metres above the lively Barangaroo precinct, this striking glass tower is home to one of Australia’s finest luxury hotels, boasting panoramic views from every vantage point. All 349 guest rooms, suites and villas are the essence of contemporary design. A dozen fine dining restaurants and bars – including Oncore by Clare Smyth, Nobu, Woodcut and a’Mare – as well as the award-winning Crown Spa Sydney combine to deliver a world-class hotel stay in a spectacular harbour setting.

Instead of Tanzania, discover:

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, WA

There are striking similarities between Tanzania’s east coast and Western Australia’s Coral Coast – beguiling beaches, reefs and diverse marine life to name a few – but the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean separates the two. While the flight to Exmouth and a 90-minute drive to Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef might be a stretch for some Australian travellers, the rewards are untold. An all-inclusive, eco-luxury tented camp nestled in Cape Range National Park, Sal Salis overlooks the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef and its abundant marine life including whale sharks and humpback whales. The off-grid, 16-tent private camp is a heady mix of gourmet dining, romance and adventure, with guides on hand to deliver snorkelling, kayaking, hiking and reef excursions.

Instead of San Diego, opt for:

COMO The Treasury, Perth WA

What is it about west coasts that is so utterly beguiling? In our own case, Western Australia is a destination dupe that has it all: long stretches of chalk-white and sun-drenched beaches, world-class vineyards and outstanding hotels, food, wine and holiday activities. Leading the charge in Perth is COMO The Treasury, in the heart of the city opposite the Supreme Court Gardens. The award-winning hotel’s 48 stylish guest rooms and suites are designed with a calm, residential feel but the various dining venues are perhaps its finest assets. Don’t miss the signature Wildflower restaurant, serving lunch and dinner with magnificent views of the beautiful Swan River.

Instead of Morocco, desert to:

Longitude 131, NT

There’s no disputing the monumental scale of the Sahara, yet our own Central Australian Desert and its iconic Uluru are also sights to behold. One of the finest vantage points of this iconic monolith is from the deck of a luxury tented pavilion at Longitude 131, an award-winning desert camp in the heart of the Red Centre. Dispel any notions of roughing it; each safari-style pavilion is designed with contemporary furnishings, artworks by Indigenous artists and private decks delivering panoramic views of Uluru and surrounds. The Dune House is the social hub of this Central Australian oasis, where guests gather for sunset cocktails and fine dining infused with native ingredients, with knowledgeable guides on hand to create memorable and quintessentially Aussie experiences.

What is a ‘destination dupe’?

A travel destination dupe refers to a lesser-known or more affordable location that offers similar experiences, scenery or cultural appeal as a popular tourist hotspot. These ‘dupes’ provide travellers with comparable attractions, such as hotels, landscapes, historic sites or urban experiences, without the crowds or over-tourism issues. Often highlighted by travel experts and influencers, destination dupes are a smart alternative for those seeking unique adventures that contribute to sustainable distribution of tourism. As such, this selection of hotels and resorts offer guests comparable experiences to the alternative locations mentioned, without the long flight time or passport requirement.