Where to be and what to see in Australia this month

From luxury resorts on the Great Barrier Reef to exciting new attractions in Melbourne, Tourism Australia’s Ten Top Things newsletter contains information about what’s new, different and exciting Down Under this month.

‘Australia’ The Movie

After more than two years of research, writing and preparation, Baz Luhrmann is back on home turf and now filming ‘Australia,’ one of the most anticipated Aussie films in recent history. Luhrmann, the writer, producer and director, has once again teamed up with his favourite home-grown talent, Nicole Kidman and the leading man will be played by Hugh Jackman.

The movie is set to be the largest production in Australian film history with a budget of more than AUD $100 million (over £40 million) and a crew of 300. Set in the Outback, filming will take place in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland.

Qualia, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

An exclusive, world class luxury resort will open on Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef in late August. The premium resort will have a truly Australian style and feel to it – using local products and Australian designers. It will feature 60 elegant, one bedroom pavilions containing purpose built, hand crafted furniture by renowned Aussie designers, Freedman Rembel. Each pavilion has been carefully designed by Australian architect Chris Beckingham to blend into the natural environment.

Facilities will include Spa Qualia, a state of the art gym and yoga centre, as well as two plunge pools. For a real sense of exclusivity, two onsite restaurants will be open only to Qualia guests, providing exceptional Australian food and wine experiences. Qualiaresort.com.au

Horizon Deluxe, Tasmania

Recently opened, Horizon Deluxe are two funky, luxury apartments over-looking the historical fishing village of Stanley and the famous Stanley Nut on the north-west coast of Tasmania. The contemporary, self-contained accommodation is fully equipped with everything you would expect from a five-star luxury pad. From the deep, free-standing spas you can sit back and take in the views of the Nut while lingering over the complimentary truffles. Horizonapartments.com.au

Rise To New Heights In Melbourne, Victoria

One of the city’s most exciting new attractions, Eureka Skydeck 88, has now officially opened. Located on level 88 of the Eureka Tower, the Skydeck is a stunning new architectural icon on Melbourne’s skyline, boasting the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere. This high-tech observation deck offers unparalleled views of Melbourne, stretching as far as the Dandenong Ranges and across Port Phillip Bay.

The lifts take visitors from the ground to Level 88 in only 40 seconds (nine metres per second) making them the fastest lifts in the Southern Hemisphere. For brave souls, step into ‘The Edge’ - a glass cube which projects 3 metres out from the building, allowing you to be suspended almost 300 metres above the ground! Eurekaskydeck.com.au

Australia Street Cottage, New South Wales

Centrally located in the heart of Sydney’s funky Newtown, this 150-year-old cottage has been recreated to offer boutique, self-contained accommodation for up to four people. This cosy house is full of character and is a great base from which to experience the groovy Newtown vibe. Australiastreetcottage.com

Barossa Vista, South Australia

For a stay in the Barossa Valley with a difference, Barossa Vista is a luxurious, three-bedroom house built in the early 1900s. This accommodation features artwork and furniture collected from around the world, coupled with modern appliances and entertainment systems. The backyard has stunning and expansive views over Barossa vineyards, native bush land and the Barossa Ranges. Although a self-contained cottage, the hosts will provide you with your goodies for breakfast which you can prepare whenever you feel like it. Barossavista.com

Antony Gormley Statues, Western Australia

His statues are currently dotted around the central London skyline, his ‘Angel of the North’ statue famously greets visitors as they arrive in Tyneside, but did you know that Antony has also left his mark in the middle of Western Australia’s Golden Outback? One and a half hours drive from Kalgoorlie in the white expanse of the dry Lake Ballard, Gormley has fused nature and art in a striking display of sculptures. Antony has erected 51 stark, black, steel statues across seven square kilometres of the vast, flat lake bed.

As you approach, the sculptures appear ghostlike on the horizon, shimmering like mirages in the heat. Australiasgoldenoutback.com

New Exhibition At Australian Museum, New South Wales

‘Australia through the National Geographic Lens’ has recently opened at the Australian Museum. From the Nullarbor Plain and the Cape York Peninsula to the Kimberly Plateau and the magic of Russell Falls – enjoy 38 spectacular photographs of diverse Australian landscapes by National Geographic photographer, Sam Abell.

The 38 images in the exhibition were taken by Abell over three years while he researched and photographed for the National Geographic books ‘Australia: Journey Through a Timeless Land’ and ‘Wild Shores of Australia’. Australianmuseum.net.au

Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory

Litchfield National Park has been voted Australia's best kept secret. The survey entitled ‘100 Great Things To Do in Australia You’ve Never Heard Of’, was conducted by ‘Australian Traveller’, Australia’s premier travel magazine and an authoritative and objective source of information for travellers. Litchfield was described as ‘Kakadu’s little brother’ in reference to its higher profile neighbour, World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.

Litchfield National Park is just a one and a half hour drive from Darwin and is an area of ancient landscapes, stunning waterfalls and crystal clear rock pools, suitable for year-round swimming. It is also home to extraordinary natural phenomena such as magnetic termite mounds and an expanse of weathered sandstone and pillar formations known as the ‘Lost City’. Travelnt.com

Tastings At The Top, June 23-26, Tasmania

Voyages Cradle Mountain Lodge will play host to Tastings at the Top this month. Against the backdrop of Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, Tastings at the Top will be a foodie heaven. Food consultant Helen Waterworth and wine expert Peter Bourne, as well as a host of specialty and boutique producers, will take guests on this culinary journey. Now in its 13th year, the event has become synonymous with Tasmania's reputation as a gastronomic haven. Activities will include degustation dinners and lively cooking demonstrations, wilderness walks and fly-fishing tutorials.

Four-night packages for Tastings at the Top start from $1,330 (approx £560) per person twin share in a Pencil Pine cabin at Cradle Mountain Lodge. The package includes a full buffet breakfast daily and all scheduled events, dinners, workshops and activities. Cradlemountainlodge.com.au

For more information about Australia visit Australia.com.