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There\u2019s nothing better than an Aussie regional getaway. Chilled-out days, gorgeous scenery, awesome food \u2013 we\u2019re starting to relax just thinking about it. <\/span>While there\u2019s no denying the allure of a big-city break or summer beach escape, regional Oz is full of charming, tucked-away spots, each offering the perfect blend of unique holiday experiences and great value for money (\u2018cause who couldn\u2019t do with saving a few bucks at the moment?).<\/span> Here are ten of our favourites from around the country. Check them out!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Australia\u2019s country music capital and home of the Big Golden Guitar, Tamworth is the perfect destination for music lovers \u2013 especially in January, when the <\/span>Tamworth Country Music Festival<\/span><\/a> is on. It\u2019s a great pick for sports fans as well, with the Bradman Museum \u2013 Australia\u2019s largest dedicated cricket museum \u2013 a must-visit. But the real showstopper for the kids is the <\/span>Tamworth Marsupial Park and Adventure Playground<\/span><\/a>, where they can get up close to some of their fave Aussie animals (including kangaroos, wallabies and emus) AND run wild in an epic nature\/castle-themed play space.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Recommended stay: <\/span><\/b>Edward Parry Motel & Apartments<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With its incredible seafood, stunning natural beauty, and thrilling wildlife encounters, Port Lincoln ticks some of the best holiday boxes. A day trip to <\/span>Lincoln National Park<\/span><\/a> is a must \u2013 you\u2019ll find gorgeous scenery, awesome hiking, excellent fishing and crabbing, and you might even spot a goanna or two. <\/span>Coffin Bay<\/span><\/a> is also a highlight \u2013 there\u2019s nothing like standing in waist-deep, sparkling turquoise water, slurping down the freshest of fresh oysters. But if you\u2019re an animal lover, No.1 on your to-do list has to be swimming with wild sealions\u2026 or cage diving with great white sharks <\/span>\ud83e\udd88<\/span>\ud83d\ude32<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Recommended stay: <\/span><\/b>The Marina Hotel<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Less than three hours’ drive time from Sydney, Bathurst is perfect for quickie getaways, with awesome scenery and amazing food to spare. A cruise around Mount Panorama is a blast for both motorsports fans and newbie drivers \u2013 what better place to break in your Ls? And your family\u2019s history buff will love <\/span>History Hill Museum<\/span><\/a> and the <\/span>Australia Fossil and Mineral Museum<\/span><\/a>. Make sure to squeeze in a trip to <\/span>Annie\u2019s Ice Cream Parlour<\/span><\/a> as well \u2013 it\u2019s a delicious blast from the past.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Recommended stay:<\/span><\/b> Heritage Inn Bathhurst<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Wotif\u2019s Aussie Town of the Year in 2022, Launceston is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, rich in both gourmet delights and rugged natural beauty. Top of your list has got to be a trip to <\/span>Cataract Gorge<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Mole Creek Caverns<\/span><\/a> \u2013 they\u2019re both just stunning. When you\u2019re ready for a day of feasting, head <\/span>to Josef Chromy Wines<\/span><\/a> (one of Tassie\u2019s most decorated wineries), <\/span>Black Cow Bistro<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>James Boags Brewery<\/span><\/a>, or the <\/span>Harvest Market<\/span><\/a>. Yuuuum.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Recommended stay:<\/span><\/b> Kurrajong House Launceston<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Natural beauty, awesome food, and a cool arts scene all on the banks of the Mighty Murray River? Yep, that\u2019s Echuca. First on your to-do list should be a ride on one of the famous Murray River paddle steamers \u2013 they\u2019re iconic for a reason. And you\u2019ve got to check out Silo Art Trail \u2013 these massive artworks are spread around the district and make for some seriously unique sightseeing. Echuca is also home to some brilliant festivals, including the <\/span>Southern 80<\/span><\/a> (the world\u2019s biggest waterski race) and the <\/span>Riverboats Music Festival<\/span><\/a>, both held in February.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Recommended stay: <\/span><\/b>The Georgian Motor Lodge<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Famous for gorgeous blooms all year round. Toowoomba is a dream destination for gardeners and plant lovers. Late September to early October is one of the best times to visit \u2013 you\u2019ll see the <\/span>Carnival of Flowers<\/span><\/a>, which includes stunning garden exhibitions, a parade, a food and wine festival, and loads of entertainment. Feeling adventurous? The <\/span>hike up to the top of Table Top Mountain<\/span><\/a> is used as training for Mount Kilimanjaro and the Kokoda Trail, so you know it\u2019s a bit of a slog \u2013 but the views are well worth it.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Recommended stay:<\/span><\/b> Potters Toowoomba Hotel<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Australia\u2019s food basket, Orange is perfect for foodie getaways, with plenty of outdoor fun for the kiddos as well. <\/span>Heifer Station<\/span><\/a> is a fantastic place to start \u2013 it\u2019s an award-winning, family-friendly vineyard and cellar door that also has a petting zoo with alpacas, cows, chooks and goats. Spring and autumn are ideal times to stay, with gorgeous foliage to admire and lots of fruit-picking experiences to try. Don\u2019t miss <\/span>FOOD Week<\/span><\/a> \u2013 Australia\u2019s <\/span>longest running regional food and wine festival, next running 28 March \u2013 6 April 2025.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Recommended stay<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>Turners Vineyard<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Wotif\u2019s Aussie Town of the Year for 2024 \u2013 and a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy \u2013 there\u2019s something for everyone in Bendigo. Immerse yourself in Australia\u2019s rich goldrush history at the <\/span>Central Deborah Gold Mine<\/span><\/a> (where you can venture 61 metres below ground to explore a real retired mine!) and the <\/span>Golden Dragon Museum<\/span><\/a>, or delight the kids with a <\/span>ride on an old-school steam train<\/span><\/a>. Once you\u2019ve worked up an appetite, treat yourself at any number of <\/span>incredible wineries, restaurants and foodie experiences<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Recommended stay: <\/span><\/b>Alexandra Place<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Hang ten, dude, \u2018cause this is the ultimate surfer\u2019s getaway. Home to Bells Beach, the <\/span>Australian National Surfing Museum<\/span><\/a>, and the annual <\/span>Rip Curl Surf Competition<\/span><\/a> (held just after the Easter long weekend), Torquay is a top choice for experienced surfers of all levels, with plenty of great classes for newbies as well. Got plenty of sunscreen? It\u2019s sun\u2019s out, buns out at <\/span>Point Impossible Beach<\/span><\/a> \u2013 the local clothing-optional beach <\/span>\ud83c\udf51<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Recommended stay:<\/span><\/b> Torquay Hotel Motel<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Animal and nature lovers, this is the destination for you. Nelson Bay is full of awesome outdoor attractions and critter encounters: we\u2019re talking whale watching (from May to November), dolphin spotting, quad biking, and hiking (the views from Gan Gan Hill Lookout are particularly spectacular). Must-visits in the region include <\/span>The Shark, Ray and All Creatures Rescue Centre<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Port Stephens Crocodile Experiences<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Port Stephens Animal Adventures<\/span><\/a>. Make sure you leave a day to explore the <\/span>Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park<\/span><\/a> too.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Recommended stay:<\/span><\/b> Hotel Nelson<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n1. Tamworth<\/span><\/b><\/a>, NSW\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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2. Port Lincoln<\/a>, SA<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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3. Bathurst<\/a>, NSW\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n
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4. Launceston<\/a>, TAS\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n
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5. Echuca<\/a>, VIC\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n
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6. Toowoomba<\/a>, QLD\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n
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7. Orange<\/a>, NSW\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n
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8. Bendigo<\/a>, VIC\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n
9. Torquay<\/a>, VIC\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n
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10.\u00a0Nelson Bay<\/a>, NSW\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n
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