The best places in Australia for a staycation
Rising fuel prices, rising interest rates, and a cost-of-living crunch that just isn't going away may have many Aussies cancelling their holiday plans.
With Easter around the corner, before you give up on the idea of a getaway altogether remember that you don't need to 'go big or go home'.
In fact, recent Airbnb data revealed three in five Aussies say they find "holiday mode" within just three hours of domestic travel.
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You don't need to go far from home for a holiday. Getty
The key ingredients for a successful 'holiday' are fairly simple: take time away from your routine and spend that time with the people you want to. (Or with no one at all if that's what you'd prefer.)
Put simply, there are plenty of staycations you can do within your own city. You don't need an extravagant long weekend road trip when there is plenty to do less than two hours away.
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Sydney staycation ideas
If you're Sydney-based there are some incredible places you can visit either for a day trip, or a quick one-night getaway.
The iconic Blue Mountains are a no-brainer. Just over 1.5 hours from the CBD - even closer if you're in Western Sydney - you can enjoy mountain vistas, nature hikes, waterfalls, village shopping, great restaurants and more.
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Scenic World in the Blue Mountains NSW Supplied
Scenic World in Katoomba is open daily, including the Easter school holidays, home to the world's steepest railway, cableway, skyway, and boardwalk.
In Leura, Fairmont Resort is also offering an action-packed school holiday program including magic shows, face-painting, a petting zoo, an ice skating rink, and a hedge maze.
If you'd rather a coastal escape, then Kiama to the south or Palm Beach to the north are great options. Again, both are under two hours away.
Between Surf Beach, Kendalls Beach, and Bombo Beach, you'll find plenty of amazing beach spots around Kiama.
And no trip to Kiama is complete without experiencing the sea spray of Kiama Blowhole and Little Blowhole.
Kiama is less than two hours to the south of Sydney. Getty
On a day trip to Palm Beach, which is Sydney's northernmost point, you can visit the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, enjoy more incredible beaches, and explore Pittwater by ferry.
A European-style staycation in the city is also an option at Kimpton Margot Sydney, which combines 1930s grandeur with contemporary luxury. Choose one of the 172 rooms and settle in for a stay that feels equal parts Parisian elegance and Sydney cool.
Plus, perched on level seven is the famous Harper Rooftop Bar, channelling the effortless glamour of a European summer.
Melbourne Staycation ideas
You can enjoy a similar Euro-escape at the "Paris end" of Collins Street in Melbourne, where you'll find Next Hotel Melbourne
At its heart is La Madonna, run by Italian-born, French-trained Executive Chef Jacopo Degli Esposti.
Next Hotel Melbourne offers a European getaway in Melbourne. Supplied
If an escape from the city is what you're after, head to Daylesford, widely acclaimed as Australia's premier "spa country". Famous for its high concentration of natural mineral springs and rejuvenating wellness spas, it is also home to the historic Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa.
Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa underwent a huge renovation last year, including the launch of five new private bathing areas as designed and built by contestants of The Block.
Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa in Daylesford, Victoria unveils renovation, Supplied
To the south-west of Melbourne city, a great family day out can be found at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
While Melbourne Zoo is a traditional city-based zoo with a huge variety of animals and classic exhibits, Werribee Zoo on the other hand offers an expansive, African-style safari experience focused on large herd animals.
Queensland staycations
We're not going to lie, Queenslanders really are spoilt when it comes to staycation options. Whether you enjoy a city escape in Brisbane, head to a new beach escape along the coast, or spend an evening in the Daintree Rainforest, you're not short of getaway ideas.
One option is to enjoy a unique Airstream Caravan Glamping retro holiday experience without leaving Brisbane, located on the south side of town in Brisbane Holiday Village at Eight Mile Plains.
Try a retro Airstream glamping getaway in Brisbane. Supplied
If you're on the Gold Coast, you can get a taste of China by visiting one of one of the world's most significant contemporary Chinese art collections, which is in town in April.
HOTA, Home of the Arts, will present the exhibition titled This Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Artwill feature a selection of works spanning video, photography, painting, light-based installations and monumental sculpture.
The collection documents the country's profound social, political, and cultural transformation over the last two decades. Tickets are free.
Adelaide staycation ideas
If you're in Adelaide, then you're no stranger to an escape to the Barossa Valley for some winery hopping. But what else is there to explore?
For the vibes of an African holiday without leaving the state, visit Monarto Safari Resort, which first opened last year.
Just an hour drive from Adelaide's CBD, just over the hills, many of the resort's rooms and suites overlook the Monarto Safari Park, the largest safari experience outside of Africa. And the wildlife destination is taking another step towards a full safari experience, with the April opening of The Safari Lodge.
Adelaide Hills or Africa? Supplied
Monarto Safari Resort will open The Safari Lodge in April. Journey Beyond
For a more chilled-out coastal vibe, head south of the city to the Second Valley / Rapid Bay Area where you'll find plenty of great beaches and good campervan spots.
Or there is Victor Harbour, renowned for its iconic horse-drawn tram to Granite Island, spectacular whale watching in winter, and, of course, more stunning beaches.
Visit Victor Harbour for a day or stay for the weekend. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Western Australia staycations
If you're in Perth and you just want to explore the city, you can enjoy its vibrant arts landscape, with numerous galleries, museums, and theatres, including the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Perth Cultural Centre.
For those seeking adventure, Perth offers plenty of outdoor activities, from kayaking on the Swan River and cycling through scenic trails to exploring the historic streets of Fremantle.
Fremantle was actually crowned Australia's 'Top Tourism Town' for 2025, called out for its "historic streets, lively festivals, and UNESCO World Heritage sites".
Visit Fremantle, Australia's top tourism town for 2025. Getty
Tasmania staycation ideas
For a dose of alpine energy without the jetlag, visit Grindelwald, a Swiss-style village tucked in the Tamar Valley.
Enjoy lakeside strolls, chocolate-box chalets, and cellar doors, all minutes away. Wake to mist on the water and end the day with local pinot and fromage in hand.
Grindelwald is a Swiss-style village tucked in the Tamar Valley. Supplied
If you want to go a tiny bit further, you could also visit Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair in a 2.5 hour drive from Hobart or Launceston.
Bruny Island is another spectacular destination known for its pristine natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Located off the south-eastern coast of Tasmania, it is accessible via a short ferry ride from Kettering.
