It’s pretty much impossible to resist a summer getaway, especially for Aussies! Living in the lucky country means being spoilt for choice when it comes to holiday destinations but with so many awesome places to visit, whittling it down to a summer shortlist can be a tough task. Not sure where to start? The well-heeled Wotif team knows what’s what. Here are some of the special places around Oz that they’re bookmarking for their summer getaway.
Amanda Egan, e-Commerce Manager
Iluka, NSW
“My pick for an Aussie summer getaway is Iluka, a beautiful village in the Northern Rivers. Surrounded by a nature reserve, miles of beaches and the Clarence River means that you have so many choices for activities as well as being just a short, relaxing (and licensed!) ferry ride away from Yamba. Every part of you instantly relaxes after watching the sun set over the Clarence River!”
Sarah Duncan, Social Media Specialist
Great Ocean Road, VIC
“My pick for an Aussie summer getaway is taking a drive along the iconic Great Ocean Road. There are endless beaches and swimming spots to keep cool in, loads of hotels and holiday parks to take your pick from on the way, and the view along the coastline is absolutely magic. All you need to do is turn up the tunes, crank up the air-con and get your road trip snacks and your camera ready. Wot an adventure!”
Daniel Finch, General Manager
McLaren Vale & Port Willunga, SA
“An easy 45 minutes’ drive out of Adelaide’s CBD and you’re in pure wine country but with the added beauty of sea breezes. In McLaren Vale, it’s all about enjoying country hospitality and beautiful local produce (and, of course, a glass of McLaren Vale wine) while being mere minutes away from pristine crowd-less beaches. Sun, sand, surf, country scenery with local food and wine – this is a real Aussie experience that delivers the goods every single time.”
Aliisa Frassetto, PR Specialist
Central Coast, NSW
“This year, I’m keeping it low-key and heading to Terrigal on the beautiful NSW Central Coast. It’s the perfect spot for a classic Aussie getaway with friends – relaxing beaches, great cafes and friendly locals. After a crazy year, easy morning walks, lazy days and watching the sunset on the beach seems like the ideal summer to me.”
Zach Frohloff, Senior eCommerce Specialist
Broadbeach, QLD
“The GC is truly hard to resist – especially when the price is right! Broadbeach is ever-evolving and every time we venture down we find something new that makes it the perfect place to keep coming back to – fantastic restaurants like Social Eating House, hidden laneway bars like Fig and Frankies and your quintessential beachside live music on a summer’s Sunday at Kurrawa Surf Club. My fave Wotip? Always check out the room descriptions on-site to get a feel for how spacious your room is (157m2 come at me!). We found our winner at Gold Coast institution Belle Maison!”
Archina Turner-Mobbs, Associate Partner Marketing Manager
Kakadu, NT
“If you haven’t visited Kakadu in the Northern Territory at least once in your life, make this your next holiday. Going in the summer means you can take full advantage of spending time in the Gunlom Plunge Pool, Maguk Gorge and the Jim Jim Falls. Kakadu National Park is absolutely stunning and well worth a few days of exploration – while you’re there, make sure you visit the Burrungkuy Rock Art site – it will instil awe and pride to be in the land of the oldest living civilisation in the world! We recommend Corroboree Houseboat for a unique stay.”
Bec Hurley, Senior Brand Manager
Yamba, NSW
“Yamba is a great spot to visit over summer. In fact, I would go so far as to say it’s the next Byron Bay (without the insane Chrissy crowds)! We love visiting Pippi Beach and we take our dog Connie along for a walk and a swim. Pacific Hotel does a mean pub meal and has the most beautiful views – it’s a great place to settle in for an afternoon. The farmers markets also offer some delicious local produce and gourmet treats and picking up some food and heading to sit on the break-wall to eat isn’t a bad way to pass the time.”
Nic Redfern, Head of Social Media & Content
Freycinet, TAS
“My top pick for a summer getaway is Freycinet on the east coast of Tasmania. Tick beautiful Wineglass Bay off your bucket list, then taste some of the best Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in Oz at wineries like Gala Estate and Spring Vale. Finish by sampling some of the freshest seafood you’ve ever tasted in your life. Summer heaven!”
Stacey Cooper, Associate Marketing Manager
Yamba, NSW
“There are so many beautiful beaches to check out in Yamba, including ones that are dog-friendly so your furry friend doesn’t need to miss out. For an awesome coffee and breakfast to start the day, head to Gather and for an arvo beer, you can’t go past Pacific Hotel.”
Bridget de Maine, Copy and Content Specialist
Tiwi Islands, NT
“My knee-jerk travel strategy is always ‘far flung’ and that’s one reason I’ve got my eye on the Tiwi Islands – an archipelago of remote atolls north of Darwin. Another is the fact that the so-called ‘Islands of Smiles’ are rich in natural beauty and Indigenous cultural experiences, including a thriving art scene.”
Chris Milligan, Senior Commercial Manager
Moreton Bay islands, QLD
“My pick for an Aussie summer getaway is an island escape less than an hour from Brisbane! Far flung island holidays are off the cards this year but you know what rivals any overseas island holiday? Snorkelling the shipwrecks at Tangalooma or enjoying a beer as you gaze over the ocean at Point Lookout on Stradbroke Island… without the jet lag!”
Sarah King, Senior PR Manager
Kingscliff, NSW
“If you’re after a beach getaway, I recommend Kingscliff in northern NSW. I’ll be heading there with my little fam over summer and am counting down the days until we’re at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa soaking up plenty of swims, beach walks, afternoon siestas and early kid-friendly dinners at one of the many restaurants at the nearby Salt Village.”
Kristen Brown, Social Media Specialist
Burleigh Heads, QLD
“My pick for an Aussie summer getaway is Burleigh. Having a toddler means car trips can be a little unpredictable, so a visit to a beach that’s not too far away and avoids the hustle and bustle of the busier parts of the Gold Coast makes for a lovely trip away with kids.”
Amy Hourigan, Partner Marketing Manager
Brisbane, QLD
“If you have a few friends visiting your hometown over summer, take advantage of their visit by tagging along and booking a staycation for a couple of nights! For me, that’s Brisbane and my top hotel picks are Art Series – The Fantauzzo (rooftop pool plus Howard Smith Wharves below), Spicers Balfour Hotel (THE FOOD), The Calile (ultimate luxury, shopping adjacent) or Emporium Hotel South Bank (because it’s walking distance to all the best bars & restaurants in Fish Lane).”
Heads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before scheduling trips or making bookings, take extra care and follow all rules.
