Need ideas for a long weekend away? Australia is full of destinations to inspire your next trip.
Whether it's Easter, Anzac Day or just a long weekend of your own, getting away for a few days is never a bad idea. In Australia we are blessed with so many incredible escapes, the hardest part is deciding where to go!
To help, here’s 21 that won’t disappoint...
Kangaroo Island, SA
Remarkable Rocks, Flinders Chase, Kangaroo Island. Credit:@southaustralia
Never been to the ‘Galapagos of Australia’?
With more than a third of the island a protected reserve, kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, penguins and even the odd passing orca whale are common-place here!
Catch the Sealink from Cape Jervis and slow down to the pace of island life. As one of the world’s great nature-based destinations you can explore stunning beaches like Vivonne Bay, experience real wildlife inside Flinders Chase National Park and enjoy a growing food and beverage scene.
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Eyre Peninsula, SA
Shucking oysters in Coffin Bay, Eyre Peninsula. Credit: @thedampervan
While a long weekend might seem short, you won’t regret a trip to the Eyre Peninsula on South Australia’s remote west coast.
Known for its rugged cliffs, stunning beaches and the freshest seafood, this is a fascinating destination not to be missed.
Home to thousands of kilometres of unspoiled natural beauty, the aptly named ‘Seafood Capital of Australia’ is a haven for fishing, boating, high-quality eating and easily delivers that real sense of being away from it all.
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Coober Pedy, SA
The red sandy hills of Coober Pedy. Credit: @southaustralia
As one of the opal mining capitals of the world, Coober Pedy still thrives on this unique underground industry in the middle of the South Australian desert.
Truly a destination like no other, Coober Pedy is surrounded by an ocean of red sand punctuated by mine shafts which stay cool all year-round.
Part of the backdrop of dozens of local and international films, the unique characteristics (and characters) of this town make for a highly entertaining visit that’s full of history, unique experiences and desert exploration.
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Barossa Valley, SA
Glamping at Barossa Valley. Credit: @discoveryparks
Although it needs little introduction to Australians, the Barossa Valley is known around the world for its gourmet food and internationally exported wine.
Producers like Maggie Beer have been among the first to put South Australia on the map for more than just wine though, and people have been making a weekend of it here since the 1980s!
Stop for lunch at your favourite cellar doors, tuck in to gourmet options everywhere and stroll through vineyards that grow some of the world’s most popular grapes!
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Coral Coast, WA
The underwater world of Ningaloo Reef on WA's Coral Coast. Credit:@ellieaknight
Stretching 1,100 km of stunning coastline from Cervantes to Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia’s Coral Coast has breathtaking bays, incredible wildlife and rugged landscapes to explore.
Discover some of Australia’s best known and most loved attractions from the Pinnacles, Kalbarri National Park and Shark Bay to Monkey Mia and the unforgettable Ningaloo Reef. If you love the water and being surrounded by nature, this trip is for you!
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ROTTNEST ISLAND, WA
Eco-tent living at its best on Rottnest Island. Credit: @discoveryrottnestisland
At just 19 kilometres off the coast of Perth, the tranquillity and beauty of Rottnest Island will have you feeling a world away.
Arrive by the ferry which leaves multiple times a day and explore to your heart's content. Getting to the dozens of stunning bays and beaches by bike is a popular activity, with some people bringing their own.
Full of romantic walks and nature explorations, any visit should include a cocktail at Pinky’s Beach Bar, overlooking the famous Pinky Bay and Bathurst Lighthouse.
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Broome, WA
Broome truly is a magical place. Credit: @4boysandacaravan
As one of Australia’s most iconic destinations, Broome and its surrounding natural features have attracted visitors from around the world since it began life as a frontier town famous for its pearling industry in the 1880s.
Now considered a multicultural melting pot, Broome is a tropical delight. Close to the beach and a gateway to the incredible Kimberleys, this is your entrance to one of the world’s great wildernesses.
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Nitmiluk National Park, NT
Nitmiluk Gorge transports you from the everyday. Credit: Tourism NT
Allow yourself to be drawn into the majestic beauty and sheer size of this spectacular Top End park.
Located on the traditional lands of the Jawoyn people, rock art and Dreamtime stories bring the home of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge to life.
Take a sunset cruise and watch this incredible natural wonder turn shades of mauve and red. Explore the rest of this amazing park on foot, by canoe or in a helicopter!
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Alice Springs, NT
The Parrtjima Light Festival is a must-see in Alice Springs. Credit: Tourism NT/Mitchell Cox
An ideal start to any exploration of the Northern Territory, the historic township of Alice is central to many of the NT’s most iconic attractions.
Take the time to discover indigenous culture and places of historical significance, including artwork and sacred sites that date back tens of thousands of years.
Enjoy the Northern Territory’s famous brand of outback hospitality, wildlife and uniquely Australian experiences. Iconic in every way.
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Darwin, NT
Litchfield National Park is a short drive from Darwin. Credit: Tourism Nt/Shaana McNaught
Darwin is a beautiful city surrounded by a sparkling blue harbour and is steeped in both Australia’s colonial and indigenous histories.
Known for its laid-back, tropical lifestyle, its sense of humour also takes some beating - just look at the local newspaper headlines!
There’s plenty of greenery to explore in Darwin’s selection of botanical gardens, and markets here are perfect for fresh fruit and souvenir shopping. There is a popular seaside dining scene and dozens of legendary pubs where you’re sure to meet some classic Australian characters!
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Byron Bay, NSW
Surround yourself in Byron style. Credit: @discoveryparks
Everyone thinks they know the sleepy coastal town of Byron Bay because they’ve heard about it on TV or seen it mentioned by the latest Hollywood A-lister to move there.
However, there’s much more to this laid-back surf village than celebrity-spotting down the main street!
With cafes to cruise, beaches to comb and all manner of farmer’s markets, waterfalls and coastal walks to complete, you don’t have to sign up to a holistic health retreat to have a good time here. It's Byron baby!
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Blue Mountains, NSW
The Blue Mountains are an endless source of inspiration. Credit: @qftravelinsider
Sydney-siders have been making the Blue Mountains their go-to destination for a healing long weekend away for decades.
Known for its dramatic scenery, eucalyptus forests and quaint alpine-like villages, the Blue Mountains is dotted with galleries, gardens and cute places to eat and drink. Echo Point is part of Australian folklore and offers superb views of the world-famous Three Sisters sandstone rock formation.
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Snowy Mountains, NSW
The Snowies are a great place to escape and unwind. Credit: Buckenderra Holiday Village
At all times of the year, the Snowy Mountains are a premium Australian destination.
From dramatic summits and breathtaking ravines to challenging hikes and blissful solitude, if you haven’t discovered the Snowies yet, isn’t it time you did?
Whether you fly into Canberra or take a regional flight to Cooma, once you’re here the Snowies is so full of diverse and spectacular scenery you’ll be planning your next return visit.
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Cradle Mounain, TAS
There are few more beautiful walks in the world than this one. Credit: Tourism Tasmania
This is one of the most beautiful destinations in Australia, and inside Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, ancient forests, alpine heaths and world famous hiking tracks await.
As part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain is the jewel in the crown of the Apple Isle’s incredible tourism offer. Uniquely pristine, the area has abundant wildlife, diverse landscapes and plenty to see (eat) and do whenever the walk is over.
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Hobart, TAS
Cosy up in the historic harbour town of Hobart. Credit: @discoveryparks
Celebrated for its rich history, stunning harbour and diverse natural wonders, there’s something to do for everyone in Hobart.
Explore famous markets, visit edgy museums and climb Mt. Wellington, in the heart of the city, one of the best places to see the Southern Lights - Aurora Australis.
Enjoy a vibrant foodie scene, visit any one of several wine regions and explore the historical sights and sounds of the Apple Isle!
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Phillip Island, VIC
Phillip Island offers much more than you think. Credit:@mindofsteffan
Close enough to be easy to get to, you still feel like you’re a world away on Phillip Island.
Famous for its Moto GP heritage, there are loads of family-friendly activities, scenic flights and adventurous activities to entertain every age group.
As an island, the number of water-based activities are endless. Hit the surf or take a kayaking tour through the Rhyll Inlet or around Cape Woolamai. Hire a boat or fish from any number of jetty’s, indulge in local shopping or get yourself into a go-kart to feel the thrill of the chase!
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Nagambie Lakes, Vic
Explore more at Nagambie! Credit: Visit Victoria
Well known by Victorians as a place to indulge their favourite watersports and go fishing for days on end, Nagambie is also the perfect spot to explore world-class wineries, get lost in mother nature and cruise the Goulburn River.
Also known for its role in producing some of the best racing thoroughbreds Australia has ever seen, there is even a statue of Black Caviar overlooking Nagambie Lake - a tribute to a horse that won all 25 of its professional starts!
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Bright, Vic
Adventure and relaxation await in Victoria's Highlands. Credit: @discoveryparks
Home to Victoria’s largest National Park - Alpine National Park - this is the place to experience the great Australian outdoors in all its glory.
Mount Buffalo is equally as impressive, with granite cliffs and rocky outcrops rising up from the Ovens Valley floor commanding your attention.
Snow-peaked in winter and a favourite among mountain bike and road cyclists at all other times, there is wildlife to observe, history to discover and more wildflowers per square kilometre than anywhere else in Australia! A stunning spot to escape the hustle.
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Whitsundays, QLD
Immerse yourself in the Queensland Tropics. Credit: @discoveryparks
Airlie Beach is the gateway to the 74 islands of the Whitsundays where you can truly put your troubles behind you.
Snorkelling and Diving are extremely popular here, and you can choose from a large number of providers who will show you spectacular wrecks and take you to the best parts of the world famous Great Barrier Reef.
There is also plenty to see and do onshore, with Queensland’s stunning hinterlands just a short drive away. Put it on your bucket list now!
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Sunshine Coast, QLD
There's something for everyone here! Credit: Sea Life Sunshine Coast
The Sunny Coast just north of Brisbane is pure Australian gold.
A magnet for holidaymakers from near and far, you can easily escape the rat race here without putting too much pressure on your fuel tank!
Noosa is the heart of the region and there is so much to discover. Apart from idyllic beaches and world famous bays, Noosa National Park encompasses an area of more than 4,000 hectares, making it extremely important for nature conservation and an awesome place to explore.
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Tropical Far North Queensland
Picture Perfect Far North Queensland. Credit: Crystal Cascades Caravan Park
It’s easy to feel like you’re on holiday when everything around you looks like it belongs on a postcard.
As a hub of coastal charm and barefoot glamour, this part of Australia has been a holiday hotspot for generations, and a place where the line between holidays and everyday life is mostly blurred.
Add tropical wildlife to amazing beaches, mountain views and incredible rainforests, and it's not hard to see why Cairns is one of Australia’s most popular holiday hubs.
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