Looking to make the most your summer holidays in Australia? Well, we happen to be the experts in staycation locations, and we’ve listed some of our favourite home-grown holiday hotspots for a summer sojourn. Whether you prefer the beaches of Perth or the serenity of Tasmania, there are plenty of great choices.
Best destinations for summer holidays in Australia
- The Gold Coast, QLD
- Mornington Peninsula, VIC
- Wineglass Bay, TAS
- Blue Mountains, NSW
- Perth, WA
- Barossa Valley, SA
- Port Macquarie, NSW
- Whitsundays, QLD
The Gold Coast, QLD
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 the Gold Coast as a fantastic summer locale is the long tract of golden sand that runs from Paradise Point to Coollangatta – some 57 km.
The beaches here are beautiful, big and patrolled. Plenty of elbow room for the whole family, and lots of excellent facilities to take advantage of if you’re going to be by the sea all day. It’s also arguably Australia’s top surf destination, and if you intend to spend your summer learning how to surf or perfecting your style, this is the place to be. They don’t call it Surfers Paradise without good reason.
Best summer holidays in Australia for: surfers
Mornington Peninsula, VIC
The Mornington Peninsula has a bit of everything: beaches, vineyards, forests and mountains. It has beautiful little towns and is within a couple hours’ drive of trendy Melbourne.
Whether you’re after languorous drives in the countryside and touring wineries, or feel more like exploring the beaches and hiking in the hills, Mornington Peninsula can provide. It also has the added bonus of being cooler than Melbourne and can be a nice change for those looking to beat the heat. Keen road trippers can loop the peninsula and continue on down the Great Ocean Road. On this stretch of tarmac, you can tick off some of Australia’s most iconic natural sites, like the Twelve Apostles and the Island Archway.
Best summer holidays in Australia for: a road trip
Wineglass Bay, TAS
Fancy a cooler climate to weather the summer in? Flying south to Tasmania is the perfect balm for any traveller who hates the heat. But there’s more to Tassie than its gorgeous averages of 22-24°C. Stay in the Freycinet National Park area, known for its pristine beaches and pink-hued mountains called the Hazards. The resorts here make the most of the scenery, and there’s plenty to do in the region.
You can go on winery tours, or if you prefer something more active, you can hike, bike and horse ride. Freycinet is known for its wildlife too, and if you keep your eyes peeled, on land you may just see wombats and wallabies, or penguins and seals. Of course, if you are keen to explore the beautiful waters, you can set sail on dolphin and whale watching trips too.
Best summer holidays in Australia for: couples
Blue Mountains, NSW
Summer fun doesn’t just need to be by the shore. Heading into the mountains can mean cooler weather, amazing hiking trails and clear pools to relax in. New South Wales’ Blue Mountains are an ideal destination if you love outdoor activities like canyoning, rock climbing, abseiling, caving, wild swimming, horseriding, kayaking and biking.
If you’re after something more languid, there are spas and plush mountain retreats where you can find tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Best summer holidays in Australia for: outdoor adventure
Perth, WA
If you live on the east coast, now is the time to make the most of Australia’s glorious western coastline. Perth’s shores are cloaked in white-sand beaches, and in the case of Cottesloe, a series of trendy terrace-style restaurants. You can duck into museums, and galleries within the city, or explore outside the city.
A natural escape is never far away, either. Explore Margaret River’s wineries, cycle around Rottnest Island (land of quokkas), or explore any of the five (that’s right, FIVE) national parks that surround the city. Visit Walyunga National Park for its lauded Walyunga Pool or Yanchep National Park for its wondrous Crystal Cave.
Best summer holidays in Australia for: a city break
Barossa Valley, SA
The Barossa Valley lies less than an hour’s drive away from the delightful city of Adelaide. If you fancy blending a city break with a leisurely wine tour, then you need to plan a getaway to the Barossa Valley.
Home to some of Australia’s most celebrated wineries, the area has managed to maintain an intimate charm. Dine in renowned restaurants, try award-winning wines, and relax in beautiful resort spas this summer season.
Best summer holidays in Australia for: wine tours
Port Macquarie, NSW
If you’re a water baby, or travelling with a family of water babies, Port Macquarie is one of the best places to book a holiday. The beaches are great for little ones, you’ll easily find quiet and secluded spots. Bigger kids will love the watersports on offer. Expect to find diving, paddle boarding, surfing and kayaking available at this beach town.
Port Macquarie is also famed for its koalas, and families can have a fun day following the koala sculpture trail around town. You can also see these iconic animals for real at the koala hospital.
Best summer holidays in Australia for: kids
Whitsundays, QLD
The Whitsundays have the glory of being perfect to visit pretty much any time of year. If you’re after paradise this summer, you can’t go wrong.
Set within the Great Barrier Reef marine park, the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays offer white sand beaches, snorkelling, diving, paddle boarding and sailing. Plus, this is an ideal destination if you’re looking for a luxury getaway. There are golf courses, spas and fine dining restaurants galore.
Best summer holidays in Australia for: beaches
Common questions travellers have about summer holidays in Australia
Each state has its own summer holiday schedule, but as a general rule schools and universities are off from mid-December to late January.
Australia is blessed with different climates and all sorts of natural wonders: from beaches, vineyards, mountains, rainforests and more. No matter what type of holiday you want to take, you can almost certainly find it in Australia.
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