We’ve survived the Christmas rush, the out-of-office is on (or the speed of emails has slowed), so it’s time to swap your handbag for the beach bag and get out there on an Aussie summer getaway! The problem? The rest of Australia has the same idea, which leads to packed beaches, booked-out accommodation, traffic jams, and unforgiving queues in the scorching sun. But instead of declaring yours a staycation with the air con cranking at home, it pays to get a little creative and look at some different ways to make the most of the season. We’ve rounded up travel trends to help you escape the crowds, top tips for a stress-free summer, and our favourite hidden gems across every state and territory.
Shape your getaway – your way!
If you’re down with the crowds and the classic spots, there’s plenty on offer across the country; however, the warmer months open the door to a whole lot more. From epic road trips to luxurious wilderness escapes and spontaneous adventures close to home, here’s how to seek out something a little different:
- Regional road trips worth the drive
Longer daylight hours, warm evenings and a general slower pace make January and February prime months to hop in the car, pack the snacks, wind down the windows, and hit the road. From wine regions to summer markets, twilight events, cute mountain towns, classic road trip routes, rugged coastlines, lakes, lesser-known beaches, national parks, and so much more, your only problem will be deciding where to drop the pin in your Google Maps.
- Camping, glamping, and nature stays
Whether you’re happy rubbing shoulders with the mosquitoes and possums as you roll out your camp bed or prefer the finer things in life, there are plenty of options available to help you soak up an often-needed dose of nature. And summer is the best time to do it. Star gaze from the comfort of your Bubbletent, experience glamping on Philip Island, or retreat to the simpler life in a cabin hideaway.
- Make it a micro-adventure
Light on leave or funds? Don’t miss out on memory-making and seek an adventure close to home instead. It could be a sunrise hike at your local mountain, headland or hill, an impromptu drive to the nearest national park or a paddleboard session at the local bay or river. These types of microadventures often go unexplored in favour of bigger adventures, but you’ll be rewarded with an activity you can do in a few hours with little planning.
- Chase golden-hour moments
Don’t go chasing waterfalls this summer – chase sunrises and sunsets instead. For something different and uber-romantic, build your travels around sunrise lookouts, sunset picnics, or stargazing spots. These take an ordinary outing and make it memorable, and are a perfect opportunity to discover off-the-beaten-track beaches, viewpoints, and hidden scenic spots.
- Taste your way around
From coastal seafood shacks to valley vineyards and street food-style night market eats, let your nose (or your stomach) guide you on a culinary adventure this summer. Local produce will be in full bloom, so seek out iconic local dishes and specialities, and taste rather than tour each destination.
- Make a splash
Can’t handle the heat? Follow the call of the nearest beach, lake or stream and cool off or get active with some water sports. From snorkelling in calm coves to kayaking or paddleboarding on glassy rivers or simply floating in the ocean, pack a picnic, plot your destination, and make a day of it.
4 Simple tips for a stress-free summer escape
The summer break is a time for relaxation – sipping on cool beverages, losing track of time, and soaking up long, lazy days in the sunshine. Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Pack to suit
Travelling in summer demands a different packing list. Break out the lightweight linen clothing, invest in some quality sunscreen, a decent towel, and your favourite insulated drink bottle. If you’re hitting the road or the great outdoors, make sure you have a summer survival kit filled with things like aloe vera, electrolytes, hand sanitiser, paw paw ointment and insect repellent.
2. There’s an app for that
From route planning to weather tracking, stargazing and fuel price tracking, there are a handful of apps that will save you time and money, and enhance your experience. And don’t forget to download offline maps if you’re heading to remote areas with patchy internet.
3. Make it sustainable and budget-friendly
Embrace local life, support small businesses along the way, and enjoy the journey, not just the destination. To make your dollar go further, consider travelling midweek, packing your own snacks and meals, and seeking out free activities like lookouts, swimming holes and museums, galleries and gardens that often have free entry.
4. Doggo in tow? Don’t let that stop you
Skip the stress of booking a kennel or doggy-sitter months in advance, and let Fido lead the way. Explore these dog-friendly destinations for a paw-fect adventure.
Where to? Discover our favourite hidden gems across the country
Whether you’re into camping, glamping, food adventures, or regional road trips, we’ve rounded up Australia’s best under-the-radar summer spots. Here are our standout spots across every state and territory.
- New South Wales – Seal Rocks
Forget Bondi and Byron, and head to the idyllic, slow-paced splendour of the Barrington Coasts, Seal Rocks. The beaches are unspoilt, the picnic areas plentiful, and the historic Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse provides the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and be rewarded with unforgettable views across the bay.
- Victoria – Croajingolong National Park
For a summer escape that still feels like a secret, point the car east and keep driving until you hit the remote coast of far-east Victoria. While it’s a bit of a trek, if empty beaches, ancient forests, pristine waterways, phenomenal birdwatching and general bathing in nature are your thing, you’re guaranteed to find it all – minus the crowds – here at Croajingolong National Park.
- Queensland – Agnes Water and 1770
North of the more commercial hotspots, Agnes Water and the town of 1770 are where you’ll find all that this tropical hotspot has on offer – think secluded beaches, calm inlets, picture-perfect scenery, rolling surf breaks and epic sunsets – wrapped up in a much less crowded, slower pace. Shhh, don’t let the secret out!
- South Australia – Robe
Set along a rugged, beautiful coastline, Robe is the kind of seaside town that feels authentically South Australian – and in the summer months, Robe is pure coastal magic. Learn to surf, indulge in fresh seafood at beachside eateries, venture inland for boutique, award-winning wineries or pause and soak up the charm of this coastal gem.
- Western Australia – Denmark
Unlike its European namesake, Denmark in WA is the lesser-known, yet equally postcard-worthy destination that we’re calling WA’s best-kept secret. It’s a dreamy spot for a summer reset – and whether that involves world-class walking trails, sleepy vineyards or lazy days exploring turquoise bays – Denmark delivers in spades.
- Tasmania – Cloudy Bay, South Bruny Island
While Tassie’s Bay of Fires grabs a lot of attention (and rightly so), this time, head south of Hobart and hop on the ferry to South Bruny Island. Here, you’ll discover the quiet crown jewel that is Cloudy Bay. Expect rugged coastline, footprint-free stretches of pristine white sand, dreamy turquoise waters, and, often, a pumping surf break.
- Northern Territory – Berry Springs
Just outside Darwin, Berry Springs is the ultimate NT-style summer escape. Get there early, beat the scorching heat with a dip in natural pools shaded by surprisingly lush tropical forest, and pack goggles or a mask for kids to spot native fish while they swim. Stretch your legs with the Monsoon Forest and Woodlands Walk, and then refuel at one of the many shaded picnic or BBQ areas.
- Australian Capital Territory – Cotter Avenue
The ACT isn’t usually top of mind for water-based summer escapes, but Cotter Avenue is a bit of a local secret that remains relatively undiscovered by visitors. With shaded spots and calm swimming sections along the banks of the Cotter River, and the Cotter Dam Discovery Bushwalk to the north, it’s an easy, nature-filled spot that will have you feeling miles away from the city.
Explore the road less travelled
From quaint coastal towns to remote corners of your very own state, quick local adventures, and plenty of regional epicurean offerings to delight your palate – there are an abundance of summer travel ideas that don’t involve navigating the crowds or blowing your budget. It just takes the right destinations and a little planning, and you’ll be rewarded for taking the road slightly less travelled.
And if you find yourself falling for your holiday destination (it happens to the best of us!), get in touch with the local First National Real Estate team to see what’s on the market now.
DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.
