'A lot easier': The Aussie holiday towns where there are far fewer crowds
Updated . First published
The end of the year is just around the corner, and if you're feeling like you can't wait to log off and finally exhale, you're not alone.
As Aussies gear up to take their Christmas holidays, we're all very much in need of a break.
But the last thing you want when on holiday is to face crowds, traffic jams, and any kind of stressful situation.
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Hands up who needs a holiday? Getty
The trick to finding the perfect laid-back holiday spot, without compromising on activities, is to look just beyond the popular destinations.
Nick Baker, CEO of Reflections Holidays, tells 9Travel that Aussies are "looking for places that feel familiar, but are not overcrowded."
"My top tip is to look just beyond the usual hotspots," he says.
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"Byron is amazing, but nearby Evans Head or Ferry Reserve offer the same coastal charm."
"These destinations deliver the same experiences, such as swimming, fishing, easy walks, and great local food, all while letting you enjoy them at a more relaxed pace - without the crowds."
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Another popular spot he points to is Port Stephens, which is also in New South Wales.
"Nearby Hawks Nest or Jimmys Beach boast equally great beaches and walks," he says.
"There's really no need to stick to the busiest towns when so many gems are just a short drive away."
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It's road trip season. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Why Aussies are travelling domestically
Domestic holidays are back for Aussies in a big way. Though overseas destinations like Bali and Tokyo may still be popular, we're increasingly choosing to stay in the country.
An exclusive Nine.com.au reader survey from earlier this year found that 55 per cent of people are only planning holidays within Australia for 2026.
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Not only can it be more cost-effective, but it's also a lot easier to plan and pack for. No visas, no currency exchange, no language barriers - just load up the car and go.
Inland lakes are often far less crowded than the coast. Reflections Holiday Parks
"Instead of booking complicated overseas itineraries, Aussies are gravitating more towards coastal getaways, regional road trips, and nature stays," says Nick.
"There's something uniquely Aussie about packing the car and finding a new pocket of the coast or hinterland you've never explored."
Best places in Australia to travel in 2026
Nick has his finger on the pulse about what Aussies want out of their holidays.
He says 2026 is shaping up to be the year of the "quiet gem", as we seek out destinations that are fuss-free and easy, without feeling commercialised. Think river towns, inland lakes, and small coastal towns.
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Red Rock is a quiet hamlet in NSW. Destination NSW
"Places like Lake Glenbawn, Red Rock, Hat Head, and the far-north NSW coast near Wooyung are already emerging as favourites for those wanting to unplug, he says.
"We are expecting slower, more intentional travel to dominate next year, with people deliberately choosing destinations that allow them to reset, reconnect, and be fully present."
