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The lower-cost holiday spots that are perfect for a June getaway

Jemima Skelley
Jemima Skelley

Updated . First published

June is a popular time of year to travel for people who want to escape the winter cold and head somewhere warm.

But it's also a great time to embrace 'coolcations', and lean into the colder weather.

So if you're wondering where is the best place to vacation in June, here are some spots to inspire your wanderlust.

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The 74 islands of the Whitsunday Islands lie between the northeast coast of the Australian state of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, a huge coral reef with a diverse range of marine wildlife. Most of the islands are uninhabited. The Whitsunday Islands are characterized by dense rainforest, hiking trails and white sandy beaches. The mainland town of Airlie Beach forms the center of the region.

Every winter without fail, Queensland soars to the top of the 'most popular destinations' in Australia. Getty

Best places to travel to in June for sun

Queensland

Every winter without fail, Queensland soars to the top of the 'most popular destinations' lists for Australians. It's warm and sunny, the flight is short, and you don't have to deal with jet lag. Choose your destination based on what you want:

  • Brisbane for a weekend getaway filled with coffee and good food
  • Noosa for a laid-back beach trip with the kids
  • Cairns for an action-packed holiday of snorkelling, diving, hiking, and exploring
  • Port Douglas for fishing or checking out the Great Barrier Reef
  • The Gold Coast for theme parks or casual beach-side living

If you want to keep costs down, a holiday park is always a great option.

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Ingenia Holidays has just opened up a property in the Whitsundays, less than 30 minutes from Airlie Beach and Proserpine Airport. It's got a water splash park and resort-style pool with waterslide, an on-site cafe, and tennis and basketball courts.

READ MORE: The best destinations in the world for a wellness escape in 2026

Ingenia Holidays Turns Up The Heat With First Whitsundays Park

A holiday park has something for everyone.  Supplied

Exmouth

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Western Australia's Coral Coast is a stunning place to visit year-round, right on Ningaloo Reef. But if you want to see the whale sharks that make the region famous, June is the perfect time to go.

Jumping in the ocean and swimming just metres from a huge, spotted whale shark is an experience you'll never forget.

Best places to travel in June - international

Bali

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Indonesia, and Bali specifically, is a classic Aussie destination for a reason. The weather in June is warm with relatively low humidity and rainfall for the region. Inland areas like Ubud are lush and verdant as the country transitions into the dry season, making it the perfect time for a jungle adventure.

Of course, the beaches - and the beach clubs - are great year-round, whether you're travelling with kids, taking a solo trip, or indulging in a romantic luxury getaway.

Boats anchored on white sand beach with lush green trees, surrounded by the clear turquoise ocean in Indonesia

Indonesia in June is always a great idea.  Getty

Queenstown

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If you want to embrace the cold rather than run from it, a ski holiday should be on the cards. While Australia is home to a couple of good ski fields, you can't beat the ones over the ditch.

Queenstown, on New Zealand's South Island, is an amazing place for a ski holiday, whether you're a beginner or an expert. Not keen on hitting the slopes? There's also great hiking in the area, as well as plenty of wellness activities like spas and saunas.

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Cardrona Queenstown

Do you want to embrace the cold or run from it? Supplied

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Best places to travel in June on a budget

Vietnam is emerging as a very popular spot for Aussies looking to take a holiday that won't break the bank.

Outbound travel from Australia to Vietnam grew nearly 20 per cent in 2025, as holidaymakers set their sights on the country's beaches, mountains, bustling cities, and legendary food scene.

For laid-back beach resorts, head to Phu Quoc or Cam Ranh. If you like history, Hoi An is for you, but if you prefer bustling cities, try Ho Chi Minh. Sapa or the Ha Giang Loop offer trekking and mountain scenery if you're more into an outdoorsy-style holiday.

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Phu Quoc, an idyllic island in the country's south, was named by Expedia as one of their Destinations of the Year for 2026, noting that global interest in the region is rising fast.

The Starfish beach, Rach Vem village, Phu Quoc island, Vietnam

Vietnam has stunning beaches, too. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Which destination is best for June in Australia?

As a rule of thumb, head north.

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This could look like:

  • A city break to Darwin
  • An NT road trip exploring national parks
  • A snorkelling holiday to the Great Barrier Reef
  • A bucket-list trip to Uluru
  • A nature-filled visit to Karijini National Park in WA
  • A journey to Exmouth to swim with whale sharks
  • A family adventure to the Gold Coast
  • A coastal road trip up the Queensland coast
  • A fishing or 4WDing journey to Far North Queensland
Natural Spa Hamersley Gorge, Karijini National Park, Western Australia

Karijini is an amazing national park. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Is it more expensive to travel in June?

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Depends on where you're going. If you're travelling domestically, June is great. It's outside of school holiday periods, and typically prices are lower in the winter months as it's the off-season.

If you're heading to Europe or the US, expect high prices. It's summer over there, so it's smack bang in their high season.

Costs can quickly add up when travelling Europe Getty

How much does a Europe summer cost?

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Again, it depends. Do you want to splash your cash, and visit places like Switzerland, the Amalfi Coast, and Paris?

Or are you happy to go the budget route, and visit lesser-known spots like Albania, Czechia, or the Baltic states?

Check out our guide for travelling Europe on a budget for some tips on how to keep your total costs low.

Camel ride, Uluru

Expect cooler weather and less rain in June.  Supplied

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Is June a good time to visit the Outback or Uluru?

Yep. The dry season for the Outback and Uluru is May to October, so the weather in June is typically cooler and drier. You can expect clear skies, though it's very chilly in the mornings.

There will also be fewer flies, which is a win - if you've been there in summer, you'd get it.

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