Noosa consistently ranks among Australia's most loved summer destinations, and it's easy to see why. Perched at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, it combines beautiful patrolled beaches with a relaxed, upscale atmosphere that appeals to families, couples and solo travellers alike. Spend your days swimming and surfing at Main Beach, kayaking through the calm waters of the Noosa Everglades, or exploring the coastal trails of Noosa National Park where you might spot koalas dozing in the trees along the way. Back in town, Hastings Street delivers some of Queensland's best dining and boutique shopping, making Noosa as good for a lazy afternoon as it is for an active one.

Fancy a cooler climate this summer? Flying south to Tasmania is the perfect antidote for any traveller who hates the heat, with average summer temperatures sitting around 22–24°C. Base yourself in the Freycinet National Park area, known for its pristine beaches and the pink-hued granite peaks called the Hazards. Beyond the scenery, there's no shortage of things to do — winery tours, hiking, cycling and horse riding among them. Freycinet is also known for its wildlife, so keep an eye out for wombats, wallabies, penguins and seals, or head out on the water for a dolphin and whale watching trip.

If you live on the east coast, summer is a great time to discover Australia's glorious western coastline. Perth's shores are lined with white-sand beaches, and neighbourhoods like Cottesloe offer a lively strip of cafes and restaurants right on the water. The city itself has plenty to explore, from museums and galleries through to vibrant dining precincts. And a natural escape is never far away. Head to Margaret River for world-class wineries, cycle around Rottnest Island (home of the quokka) or explore any of the national parks surrounding the city, including Walyunga and Yanchep.

The Whitsundays are a strong choice virtually any time of year, and summer is no exception. Set within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays offer white-sand beaches, snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding and sailing. It's also one of Australia's premier luxury destinations, with golf courses, day spas and fine dining restaurants rounding out what is, by any measure, a pretty spectacular getaway.

You can't have a list of summer holiday destinations in Australia without mentioning the Gold Coast. Sure, it's got great dining, shopping and family attractions, but what really sells it as a fantastic summer locale is the long stretch of golden sand running from Paradise Point to Coolangatta — some 57 km. The beaches here are beautiful, big and patrolled, with plenty of elbow room for the whole family and excellent facilities for a full day by the sea. It's also arguably Australia's top surf destination, so if you're looking to learn how to surf or perfect your technique, this is the place to be.

The Mornington Peninsula has a bit of everything: beaches, vineyards, forests and mountains, plus beautiful little towns within a couple of hours' drive of Melbourne. Whether you're after leisurely drives through the countryside and winery tours, or feel more like exploring beaches and hiking in the hills, the Peninsula delivers. It also tends to be cooler than Melbourne, making it a welcome escape on hot summer days. Keen road trippers can loop the peninsula and continue down the Great Ocean Road, ticking off iconic natural landmarks like the Twelve Apostles along the way.

Summer fun doesn't have to mean the beach. Heading into the mountains brings cooler weather, spectacular hiking trails and clear swimming holes, and New South Wales' Blue Mountains deliver all of the above. It's an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts — think canyoning, rock climbing, abseiling, caving, wild swimming, horse riding, kayaking and mountain biking. If you'd prefer something more relaxed, there are also spas and plush mountain retreats where you can find genuine peace and quiet away from the city.

Less than an hour's drive from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is the ideal destination if you want to blend a city break with a leisurely wine tour. Home to some of Australia's most celebrated wineries, the region has maintained an intimate, unhurried charm that makes it easy to slow down and savour the experience. Spend your days dining at renowned restaurants, tasting award-winning drops and unwinding at beautiful resort spas.