The best places to visit in Australia – according to Gary Barlow

Thirty years ago, a fresh-faced Take That embarked on their first Australian tour, daunted by the vast distance.

Today, Gary Barlow, now a seasoned solo artist, finds himself drawn even closer to the land Down Under.

"You don’t realise how much of a travel corridor now Australia is – definitely for us Brits," he observes. "We love going there."

Barlow's latest venture, Gary Barlow's Food and Wine Tour: Australia, sees him traversing six states and territories, savouring the country's diverse culinary offerings against a stunning natural backdrop.

Over six episodes, airing every few weeks until June 27th, he's joined by celebrity companions including Andi Peters, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Ronan Keating, and Dannii Minogue, exploring Australia's vibrant food and wine scene.

“The geography there is absolutely astounding,” swoons the Cheshire-born singer songwriter, currently in rehearsals for his Songbook tour of the UK. “It’s the most incredible land, it’s just so inspiring.”

Navigating the vast land is made much easier with some help from his daughter, Emily, who is currently studying in Australia. The pair were able to spend some quality time together in Queensland as part of the show.

Acknowledging “the people you meet are as important as the places”, Gary is set to share his passion for all things Oz on screen. Here are few of his highlights.

Wine

“I think Margaret River is now one of my favourite wine regions in the world,” admits Gary, who explored the Jarrah and Marri bushland on Jesters Flat on horseback. “I absolutely loved it and I didn’t see enough of it. I’m desperate to go back!”

Wildlife

Rainforest hikes and snorkel adventures in Queensland were bonding experiences for Gary and his daughter Emily. “Daintree River, and the rainforest is a must in Cairns. It really is,” he insists.

Although hard to top, he was wowed even further by Kangaroo Island in South Australia. “After all the fires they had, it’s incredible how green it looked. You really couldn’t tell. We went swimming with the wild dolphins. They were all around us – it was as if someone had a brought remote control.”

Adventure

Joined by fellow boyband alumni Ronan Keating, Gary discovered the secrets to a good Aussie brew and learned how to play didgeridoo. After watching the immersive Indigenous light show Sunrise Journeys projected above Uluru, he also found inspiration for his next tour.

“We were surprised at how many things we were able to do in the Northern Territory, between Alice Springs and Uluru, it was quite a start to the adventure.”

Cities

Whether taking a backstage tour of Sydney Opera House or sampling the perfect coffee in Melbourne’s famous ACDC Lane, Gary enjoyed the laidback pace of urban living. Admittedly the weather helped – along with the light.

“It could be a southern hemisphere thing, but in Australia, the light it’s focused. It’s so brilliant. We were there in November so we couldn’t have hit the weather better. It was magnificent.”

How to plan your trip

Hays Travel have packages to Australian locations featured in Gary Barlow’s Food and Wine Tour: Australia from £1,953pp for a 10-night room-only stay including flights. Visit haystravel.co.uk.

Wexas Travel offers a Wine & Wildlife Safari in South Australia and Western Australia, including stays in Kangaroo Island and Margaret River, from £5,855 per person, including international flights. Visit wexas.com.

Gary Barlow’s Food and Wine Tour: Australia airs on itv">ITV and ITVX