After what feels like several years of lockdown and isolation, it’s fair to say that all Australians have earnt a holiday this year. As restrictions start to ease, the weather is getting warmer and our spirits are lifting, now is the perfect time to start planning your next holiday. We have broken down the top travel deals for each state. So start packing because it’s time to go on an adventure!
Queensland
A bit of luxury
If you’ve done a great job saving a few pennies during lockdown, now is the time to treat yourself. This eco-retreat located in Currumbin Valley is a private getaway with all the trimmings. There’s a tropical garden with an outdoor bath, coffee machine, king size bed and electric fireplace.
New South Wales
Private cottage
Nestled 30 minutes away from wine country (Hunter Valley), this super cute cottage is the perfect little getaway. Indulge in an intimate, rustic setting and escape the noise. A perfect hideaway for a weekend, or a longer retreat to eliminate the COVID blues. Sure, you have to take your own linen, but at least you can guarantee they’re clean! At $122 a night, this is a great option for an affordable escape.
Beach front
If you’re after more of a party vibe, this beachside apartment in Byron Bay is a dream. Only 600 metres from Little Wategos beach, you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife that Byron has to offer, or get back to nature on one of the many bushwalks and trails nearby. Either way, this is a great location at a reasonable price.
Victoria
On the back of Victorian Freedom Day, Victorians will no doubt be super keen to get out of their home. No doubt, non-Victorians will soon be allowed to travel freely also, so here’s a couple of great destinations.
Great Ocean Road
A spectacular destination to base yourself at while delighting in all that the Great Ocean Road has to offer, is the gorgeous town of Lorne. Anyone who has been to Falls Festival will tell you that this town offers vibrant culture and country hospitality all with a glorious scenic backdrop of ocean and bush. The Mantra offers rooms starting from $139 a night for absolute beachfront accommodation. It has an indoor pool, gym, tennis court, and Italian Steakhouse.
Melbourne
If you’re a foodie and you haven’t been to Melbourne, are you really even a foodie? In a single weekend you can eat your way around the city. Discover hidden restaurants in alleyways, go to the Queen Victoria Market, get some Italian at Lygon Street, and brunch at as many cafes as possible. Take some stretchy pants and indulge in all the good food and wine. If you want to be peak-Melbourne, you can’t go past The Art Series Cullen Hotel in Prahran.
ACT
The nation’s capital isn’t just full of politicians. It’s arguably the cultural capital of the country. For such a small city it boasts more galleries and museums than you can possibly imagine. Namely, The National Gallery of Australia, which showcases (sometimes exclusively) world-class exhibitions that would delight the senses of any art lover. There is also the National Dinosaur Museum, Canberra Museum & Gallery, CSIRO Discovery Centre, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, and that’s not even scratching the surface.
If art isn’t really your jam, you can share a room with a tiger. There’s a huge wall of plexiglass for OHS purposes, but you still get a pretty wild experience at the Jamala Wildlife Lodge. You may need to dip into your savings though, as prices start at $1,250 a night for this unique experience. If you can’t front that kind of cash, Deco Hotel has lovely rooms from $130 a night in a great location.
Tasmania
Home to the world’s tallest flowering plant, Tasmania is Australia’s natural playground. Lush rolling hills, crisp snow, a spectacular harbour, and the breathtaking Aurora Australis. A natural phenomenon that occurs between the months of Spring, particularly early September.
Tasmania is also home to impressive vineyards and wineries, it would be rude to visit and not have a tipple. Take your natural immersion to the next level and stay at the Pumphouse Point Hotel in St Claire. Located in the middle of the wilderness, this adults-only hotel has no wifi, no Netflix, and an honesty system at the bar. From $350 a night, your rate includes breakfast, dinner, and warm sourdough on demand!
South Australia
The South Australian coastline is truly amazing. Only an hour away from Adelaide, the Yorke Peninsula is a whopping 700 kilometres of picturesque seaside.
To make the most of the salty air, stay in a glamping tent right on the bay from $166 a night.
Western Australia
Margaret River
Flying over Western Australia gives you a real sense of just how massive the state is. As such, there are many different experiences to be had. If delicious wine and sunsets in the ocean are your thing, you’ll love Maragret River. With a bunch of white sand beaches to choose from, you can swim, scuba, surf, or laze around and take it all in. Between walking trails, bike paths, rivers, beaches, and – of course – wine, there’s a tonne of stuff to do. Explorers Rest is a great hideaway, close to town and your own private space.
Broome
Over on the top end of the state is an altogether different world. In the Buccaneer Archipelago you’ll find a horizontal waterfall. True story. David Attenborough described it as, “one of the greatest wonders of the natural world”, and really, there can be no greater endorsement. Only accessible by boat or plane, this natural wonder is a must. Starting from $112 per night, The Eco Beach Resort is a slice of paradise.
Northern Territory
Apart from one of the greatest advertising slogans of all time, the Northern Territory is full of history and natural wonder. Australia is home to the world’s oldest living civilisation. A trip to Arnhem Land is a cultural experience that will connect you with the history of this land and our first nations people. A highly spiritual and rugged place, Arnhem Land is often referred to as the last real wilderness of Australia.
Given the unique landscape and multitude of adventures on offer, you can choose your own adventure as to where you lay your head. Camp under the stars or splash out on a super fancy resort, the options are endless and you can find something to suit your budget.
Before you start packing
We are still in the grips of a pandemic, so it’s imperative to check the guidelines and restrictions pertaining to your state and where you intend to travel to. Check with your service providers around change of plans, cancellations, and any other pandemic related issues. It may also help to look into travel insurance and be sure you’re covered.
Now, go pack your bags and support Australian tourism!
Oiyo is a consolidated online resource, we are not financial advisors. We work with a range of industry professionals and compliance check our articles to ensure factual accuracy. However, we do not provide professional financial advice. Consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation or other advice to check how the information and ideas presented in this article relate to your unique circumstances.