The best Aussie destinations that deliver Euro summer vibes in spades

The idea of jetting off to Europe to soak up their summer season would normally sound pretty good right about now.

But in reality? There's a lot going on in the world - from rising prices to cancelled flights and closed airspace - so international travel isn't as easy as it once was.

The good news is that you don't need a long-haul flight or thousands in savings to experience the vibes of a Euro summer.

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In fact, whether you want coastal Aperol Spritzes, charming country villages, or sun-drenched vineyards, Australia is home to some pretty good doppelgangers.

Here are our picks of the best stand-ins for a Euro summer, no passport or visa required.

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Try Shoalhaven instead of Croatia

For white sand beaches, good food and wineries, ocean air, laid-back vibes and wild coastal walks, NSW's Shoalhaven region has you covered.

Jervis Bay's stunning beaches are as perfect as Croatia's - minus the crowds and the need to pay for a sunbed. Skip touristy Hyams Beach and instead head to Orion, Blenheim, Greenfield or Collingwood.

Keen for a long lunch? Like the Mediterranean's seaside wineries, the Shoalhaven's Wine Coast has vineyards extending from the rolling hills of the hinterland to the beach, with epic views.

And if you want to hike, Morton National Park has fun trails aplenty.

Try Rottnest instead of the Greek Islands

A short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest's pristine beaches have to be seen to be believed. The car-free island has 63 beaches and coves, and gives that relaxed Greek Island feel that you want when you're on holiday.

Rent a bike to explore the island and pack your snorkel to explore the marine life just offshore.

Accommodation options range from camping and holiday parks to high-end luxury digs.

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Try Daylesford instead of the French countryside

In the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, Daylesford is Australia's answer to Provence or Burgundy. Known for its high concentration of natural mineral springs, this town is a prime location for a wellness-inspired getaway.

Think: lavender farms, rolling hills, a sophisticated food scene centred on local produce, and a European-type village centre with antique galleries, cafes, and boutiques.

There's also a great range of local cool-climate wines to sample.

Try Orange instead of Tuscany

Orange has the same high-altitude, cool-climate wine of central Italy, you just don't need a 20-hour flight to get there.

This is the place to come for long, lazy lunches at wineries, strolls through the leafy countryside, glasses of world-class Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and quaint villages and towns that are reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside.

The best thing about Orange is that it has a high-end food scene, but just as many good local pubs and eateries.

Try Stanley instead of Ireland

The crisp weather, emerald green grass, and dramatic coastal cliffs of northwestern Tassie - and Stanley in particular - are a great stand-in for Ireland.

Walk the colonial-era streets lined with historic cottages, or head to the nearby Tarkine for ancient forests and rugged coastlines.

It might not offer a typical sun-soaked European escape, but is the perfect place to find a spot in the pub by a roaring fire with a local cider.

Try Fleurieu Peninsula, SA instead of Spain

With its Mediterranean climate, rugged limestone cliffs, and turquoise waters, the Fleurieu Peninsula feels like a slice of the Costa Brava or Mallorca.

Plus, there's wine. The McLaren Vale wine region provides the "tapas and tempranillo" lifestyle that we love in Spain.

The beaches are incredible - white sand and turquoise coves that are dead ringers for the Balearic Islands.

Try Esperance instead of Southern Italy

Everyone who's been to Southern Italy knows that they have the country's best beaches - and the same can be said for this region of Western Australia.

Think pure coastal bliss, with white sand and water so clear it looks like it's been photoshopped.

In fact, it's even better, with long stretches of beach that give you a lot more room than the coves of the Italian coastline.

Try Cairns instead of the French Riviera

The mountains meet the sea in Cairns, just like the French cities of Nice or Menton. And the best part is that it's warm and sunny here year-round.

Like the Riviera, Cairns is a gateway to sun-soaked luxury.

Head to nearby Palm Cove for the "Cannes" experience - a palm-fringed esplanade with high-end cafes and boutiques.

Trade the Mediterranean yacht for a catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef, and you're all set.

Try Manly instead of the Amalfi Coast

You don't need more than a day trip to experience a Euro Summer dupe, if you're based in Sydney. Take the ferry to Manly, where pine-lined cliffs, hidden harbour beach coves, and bougie bars and restaurants give off major Amalfi energy.

Walk the cliff-hugging path to Shelly Beach, take a dip in the clear water filled with fish, then set yourself up at a beachside bar with an Aperol Spritz.

If you want a longer hike with soaring clifftop views, make your way to North Head.

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