Whether you want to explore the gems within your state or trek across the state border, the options for domestic travel in Australia are endless. And now is the perfect time to discover the natural beauty of our country. We have some of the world’s best beaches, untouched bushland, and unique wildlife. Here are Swoosh’s 12 best holiday destinations in Australia. There are some options so cheap, you won’t need to take out a holiday loan!
Overview:
Queensland
1. Airlie Beach – best relaxing holiday destination in Australia
Airlie Beach has been a popular holiday destination for Queenslanders for years, having access to both the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. It features great nightlife, a friendly atmosphere, beachside markets, and stunning natural beauty.
If you head out to the Great Barrier Reef, tours offer snorkelling and scuba diving for an extra cost. If you want to hit it in the heat of summer, Airlie Beach makes a fantastic cheap New Years’ destination.
But the best part of tropical North Queensland is that it can be enjoyed all year round! Unexpected benefits of visiting in its mild winters are cheaper prices, smaller crowds, fewer stingers, and less chance of sunburn!
2. Maleny
If the beach isn’t your thing, head to the Sunshine Coast hinterlands for your next holiday destination in Australia. A cabin in the mountains is the best place to be all year round, perfect for snuggling against the cold or bushwalking in the afternoon breeze. There are plenty of Airbnbs and other short stays in Maleny that feature some gorgeous (and large) accommodation to relax in.
The Sunshine Coast hinterland has access to some of the state’s best walking trails, mountains, and waterfalls, and if you do change your mind about the beach, some of the best spots in the country are just a short drive away. Also nearby are the famous Kenilworth Cheese factory, popular Eumundi markets, and the gorgeous Kondalilla Falls.
With so much to see and do nearby, Maleny is the perfect place to go for a week’s holiday in Australia (or two!)
3. Mission Beach
If it’s your dream to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Mission Beach is the best destination in Australia to access the Great Barrier Reef. Mission Beach offers beautiful sea views and snorkeling adventures alongside mountain biking and hiking trails for all skill sets. Mission Beach is an underrated holiday spot that allows you to enjoy some peace and quiet, while the touristy destination of the reef is just a boat ride away.
4. Moreton Island – best holiday destination for families
Of course, we know Queensland is the hotspot for beach locations so let’s end this section with the best island holiday destination in Australia. With clear, blue waters and lush rainforests, Moreton Island has so many fun places to explore and hidden gems to discover. There is a ship wreck to explore off the shore, dolphin feeding, snorkeling, and plenty to do on land for an adventurous weekend (or week!) away.
Especially if you live in or close to Brisbane, all you need for transport is your own car and a ferry ticket! Moreton Island is great if you really want to cut down on travel costs, making it a very budget friendly holiday.
New South Wales
5. Narooma – best cheap holiday destination
The coast south of Sydney is famous for its wide, endlessly long white-sand beaches. Narooma is no different, but it has the added appeal of Montague Island nearby. Montague Island is host to a colony of fur seals, as well as over 90 species of birds. You can take a day trip out to the island and enjoy the sights and wildlife. Back on the mainland, there are many great snorkelling spots, as well as unique rock formations and rock pools teeming with life. The town itself sits upon a hill leading down into the bay and offers breathtaking views.
6. Southern Highlands
The Highland Plateau, just south of Sydney, is one of the most interesting regions of NSW. It’s studded with national parks and waterfalls, rolling green hills, and views of the gorgeous Kangaroo Valley. But what makes it so interesting is that the most famous feature of Kangaroo Valley is the wombats! The Bendeela Camping and Picnic Area are often frequented by the cute mammals at night.
The region also has a range of historic bridges and walking trails —Fitzroy Falls is a must-see! If you are a nature lover, lyrebirds and platypuses are also common in the region.
Though the Southern Highlands is a natural gem, it’s only an hour and a half from Sydney. If you’ve got some extra time on your holiday, there are plenty of free things to do in Sydney.
7. South West Rocks
The Central Coast of New South Wales features some of the state’s most untouched beaches, so it’s hard to pick just one area. The best way to see this part of the state is by road trip. The coast is studded with dozens of headlands, sheltering perfect swimming beaches and rich with local wildlife. The highlight is definitely South West Rocks, a small town 450 kms north of Sydney. Enjoy stunning views from the lighthouse, chat with the friendly locals, and make sure you take a trip to the nearby Hat Head.
8. Thredbo
We are so lucky in Australia to have such a wide variety of landscapes. The ski fields around Mt Kosciuszko are worlds away from the year-round tropical climate in the far north of the country. Accommodation options include farm stays, bed and breakfasts, and hotels, as well as camping for the truly brave! Thredbo experiences the best snowfall from July to August.
Victoria
9. Lakes Entrance
The entry point to the biggest network of inland lakes in the southern hemisphere is aptly named Lakes Entrance. Lakes Entrance is known as the fishing capital of Australia. It’s situated about 300km east of Melbourne, in the Gippsland Lakes region.
But lakes aren’t the only feature of this wondrous region, it also hosts the iconic Ninety Mile Beach. The town has a focus on water-related activities, which is perfect for the summer holidays. It also has a number of panoramic lookouts of the region, including the Ewing Morass Wildlife Reserve, a popular nature park nearby.
10. The Grampians
While Melbourne might be the most popular destination in Australia to visit, you can take a step away from the city for a perfect mountain getaway. Located northwest of Melbourne, the Grampians is studded with cosy bed and breakfasts, stunning walking trails, and rocky mountains. The Grampians look like a world of their own! There are many adventurous activities, including rock climbing, abseiling, and quad biking. The Grampians also hold one of Australia’s best wine regions where you can find events such as picnics, wine tours, and chestnut roasting in the autumn.
Western Australia
11. Broome
If you want the beach and some fun and exciting activities, check out Broome, a beach town in the Kimberly Region of Western Australia. Broome offers exciting sunset views, peaceful beach resorts and clear waters. You can also venture into the centre of town to find cute boutiques and learn about pearl farming.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to do something unexpected, take a slow camel ride on the beach with a gorgeous sunset backdrop to make your holiday memorable. Broome is one of the best holiday destinations in Australia.
Western Australia is underrated by Australians and international tourists alike, but its coast holds some of the prettiest cities in Australia.
12. Kununurra
While the most common Australian holiday destinations are beaches, we had to end this list highlighting a more inland and lesser known destination. The small town of Kununurra boasts incredible landscapes, cascading rock formations and scenic views. There are multiple national parks around the town including El Questro Wilderness Park and Purnululu National Park.
Want to go on holiday in the next few months?
If you want to take a trip over the upcoming holidays or just getaway for the weekend, apply now for a small cash loan to get you on the wide open road. Don’t miss out on these beautiful holiday destinations when it’s a simple, straightforward application process to get a holiday loan.
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