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'Weekending' Aussies are ditching Europe and Asia for these understated local spots

February 8, 2026 - 10.16pm

How good is a weekend away?

You can pack up the car, hit the road, and within a few hours of finishing work on a Friday, you'll be in full holiday mode.

Two days of fun, then you're back to your usual routine on Monday, feeling relaxed and refreshed - without the backlog of emails that come after taking time off work.

Pregnant mother and daughter walking together on the beach at sunset. — A weekend away is a chance to actually relax. Getty Images/iStockphoto

New Airbnb research shows that Australians are increasingly embracing the habit of 'weekending' - taking multiple short, domestic trips rather than one big annual holiday.

Research commissioned by the accommodation booking platforms shows that 91 per cent of Australians say weekend getaways leave them feeling revitalised, proving that sometimes a quick getaway is more effective than a long‑haul escape.

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<p>It's a mission most travellers aim for- unearthing 'hidden' gems which remain undiscovered by the hoards.</p><p>And with summer underway it's vital to do some research if you don't want to battle crowds on holidays and day trips.</p><p>Car insurer ROLLiN experts crunched the data across the nation to reveal Australian spots still flying under the radar and not saturated on social media.</p><p>They assessed details including attractions, weather and places to stay.</p><p>Here are their top ten undiscovered havens.</p>

The best Aussie 'hidden gem' places you may never have heard of

While long, overseas trips are fun, they come with a lot of admin, from booking flights and securing visas to planning itineraries and navigating language barriers.

Weekending is a holiday without the pressure. It's an easy, close-to-home escape that actually gives you the genuine mental reset that you need from a break.

Plus, no jet lag! That's a win.

There are some great weekend destinations just a short drive from home. Getty

Airbnb also found that almost 70 per cent of Australians want to be more spontaneous with their travel, making weekend getaways even more appealing.

You can decide on a location on a Thursday night, book your accommodation, and hit the road the next day.

According to the platform, the best destinations for a weekend away are small, rural towns where you can enjoy the slow pace of life.

Warrnambool, a city on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, is great for Melburnians who want a coastal getaway. With whale watching, extinct volcanoes, and coastal hikes, there's enough going on to keep you entertained for the weekend.

In NSW, Airbnb recommends Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley - wine tasting anyone? It's just a few hours from Sydney, and you can load up the car with local wines and artisanal goodies before heading home on Sunday arvo.

Vineyard host leaning in to touch glasses with table of men and women enjoying rosé selection outdoors with estate and Broken Back Range in background. — A weekend in wine country is never a bad idea. Getty

For Queenslanders, North Stradbroke Island always serves as a reliable spot for a weekend away, especially if you love adventuring. Even on the busiest weekends, you'll be able to find a stretch of sand to yourself.

Tanunda, in South Australia, also gets a shout-out. The small town is found in the heart of the Barossa Valley, a must-visit for wine lovers.

In Tassie, the scenic, relaxed beachside town of Bicheno, about two hours from Hobart, is a perfect weekender location. Freycinet National Park is just next door if you have the energy for a hike.