It’s the Great Barrier Reef that gets all the publicity, but — just quietly — Australia has another world-class reef on the opposite coast. Don’t believe us? Head to Exmouth and explore Ningaloo Reef and its incredible wildlife. This beach town is the perfect basecamp for maritime adventure. And best of all? Easter is slap bang in the middle of whale shark season, where you can swim alongside these gentle giants. You’ll also have the chance to spot sea turtles, dolphins and a large array of colourful reef-loving fish.

For the best of all worlds, enjoy an Easter break in the Gold Coast. Stroll along the pristine beaches, alternating between dips in the ocean and stops at seaside cafes. Hop on the tram and see the best of the many suburbs along the coast and see what GC has to offer in terms of cosmopolitan wonder. But when you want a change, head inland. If you’re travelling with kids, check out the many theme parks or, if you’d prefer something a bit purer for the soul, there’s always the hinterland for hiking trails.

Head to Singapore this Easter, where electric trees, sky-high cocktail bars, heritage sites, food markets and glitzy shopping malls await. If you’re short on time but want to make the most of the long weekend, you can pack a lot into the compact nation in a few days. Gaze at the mesmerising light performance at Gardens by the Bay, sip the country’s signature cocktail at the Long Bar of Raffles Hotel, admire a fraction of more than 9,000 works inside the National Gallery Singapore, take a selfie with the half-fish half-lion Merlion statue, and sample street food at the hawker’s markets. Let’s put it this way, Singapore is such a traveller-friendly destination even its airport deserves a spot on the to-visit list (it’s home to the largest indoor waterfall among many other attractions).

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic features, but it’s one that many of us have put off for too long. While you could technically drive the Great Ocean Road in a day or two, adding on a bit more time will give you a fuller appreciation of the highlights. Start this year's Easter break in Melbourne for a glimpse of the city before heading along the coastline to towns like Torquay (the official start of the drive and home to the iconic waves at Bells Beach), Apollo Bay and Lorne. The most famous sight on the drive are the Twelve Apostles, a collection of impressive pinnacles towering above the ocean, and these should be on every traveller’s Australian must-visit list.

A trip to Bali is a rite of passage for Australians and, if you're wondering where to go for Easter, Bali awaits. Of course, many Aussies go time and time again, and there are plenty of reasons to return to this stunning tropical island. The beaches are a big draw, though they’re often alive with other travellers and souvenir sellers. If you want to relax with a book, it’s best to find a private hotel beach or at least one with a pool to relax at. If you want to be slightly more active, head out to the incredible waves with a surfboard, book yourself onto a snorkelling trip or head to Ubud for a yoga workout.

Launceston is Hobart’s smaller cousin in many ways, but there are many great reasons to visit. The chefs, winemakers and artists of the region are more creative than most – perhaps no big surprise when you see the natural inspiration around them. Browse the works at Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, enjoy the best eats on a walking food tour, and sip your way through the Tamar Valley Wine Trail. Don’t miss the gorgeous Cataract Gorge or the chance to tour the James Boag brewery. If you’re looking for an Easter break this year where you can indulge all senses, you’ll find it in Launceston.

There’s already one Indonesian location on this list, but if you want to spread your wings beyond Bali then you should consider Lombok. Found immediately to the east of Bali, this island gives a completely new understanding of the country. For beaches, head to Kuta Lombok — town surrounded by pristine beaches that bear little resemblance to the bustle of Kuta Bali. You’ve also got wicked surf to enjoy or, for the truly active, a hike up Mount Rinjani to shake off the lazy beach vibes.

Many of visitors to Southeast Asia have visited Kuala Lumpur thanks to Air Asia’s proclivity to fly into the huge capital, but few have explored the country beyond that. Off the western coast of the country is Langkawi, an island that has little in common with KL. Like with almost all Southeast Asian islands, you’ll have your pick of golden beaches to relax on. If you want island life this Easter without the revelry of somewhere like Bali or Koh Phangan, Langkawi is a safe bet.

For a different take on island life, head north-east to Fiji. With hundreds of islands to choose from, narrowing down your accommodation can be tricky. But if you want to know where to go this Easter for white sand beaches, the Mamanucas are a top option. Visitors to Fiji are often blown away by the country’s incredibly friendly atmosphere, known locally as the “Bula” spirit. For those looking for a relaxing Easter break this year, running on ‘Fiji time,’ where there’s no strict schedule and you let adventures unfold naturally, is a great way to go about it.

Queenstown makes an ideal Easter getaway break thanks to its sweet-spot timing between summer and winter, when the crowds thin out but the scenery is still at its most dramatic. Autumn brings crisp mornings, golden foliage and clear lake days — perfect for hiking, cycling and lake cruises — while adventure activities like bungee jumping, jet boating and skydiving continue to run at full throttle. It’s also a great time for food and wine lovers, with cosy wineries in nearby Gibbston Valley and fireside dining across town. Add easy flights from Australia and a compact, walkable centre, and Queenstown ticks every box for a long-weekend escape that feels both relaxing and exhilarating.