The under-the-radar spots Aussies are choosing for road trips this Easter
Updated . First published
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There's nothing like a good Aussie road trip.
And with Easter just around the corner (Good Friday is April 3, Easter Sunday is April 5), plenty of Aussies are planning their long-weekend routes.
However, this year, many are doing things differently, opting to hit the road in a campervan.
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You can even have your campervan all ready, set up, and waiting for you. Supplied
According to RV sharing platform Camplify, Easter has become the ultimate "trial run" for aspiring campervanners.
Their data shows that first-time campervan holidaymakers are up 152 per cent this year. And almost a quarter of users are opting to have their rental camper delivered straight to their campsite, fully set up and ready to enjoy.
"It's the appeal of a different kind of escape, one without airport queues or long haul travel, where they can easily pack, set their own pace, and even bring the family pet," Justin Hales, CEO and Founder of Camplify, tells 9Travel.
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And along with that desire to slow down and avoid the usual stress that comes with travel, Aussies are increasingly choosing smaller towns and rural areas instead of typical 'holiday hotspots'.
Tathra on NSW's South Coast, Agnes Water and 1770 in Queensland, and SA's Flinders Ranges are all seeing an uptick in visitors, according to data from holiday park booking platform ParkBooker.
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Tathra is a sleepy town where you can really relax. Destination NSW
Josh Volk, the founder of ParkBooker, tells 9Travel that travellers are shifting how they holiday - prioritising space and nature over traditionally popular Easter holiday destinations.
"Hidden gem coastal towns like Tathra are gaining momentum because they offer the classic beach holiday experience without the intensity of the usual crowded hotspots," he says.
Tathra is a seaside town on the Sapphire Coast in southern NSW, next to the endlessly stunning Mimosa Rocks National Park. ParkBooker data shows Easter searches for Tathra are up 47 per cent year-on-year.
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Think beautiful beaches, coastal walks, unique history, wildlife, and outdoor activities like mountain biking or paddleboarding.
It's also relatively low-key, offering a relaxing holiday away from the overcrowded NSW hotspots like Jervis Bay and Byron.
Tathra is also home to the stunning Tathra Beach Eco Camp, which was named the best caravan park in NSW for 2025. Nestled in beachfront bushland, the park offers campsites, caravan spaces, cabins and glamping.
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Tathra Beach Eco Camp is one of the best caravan parks in Australia. Supplied
Not everyone is after a beach escape this Easter, though. The Flinders Ranges, five hours north of Adelaide, have also seen increased interest this year.
"Travellers recognise that the mild autumn weather provides ideal conditions to explore the region's spectacular scenery," Josh says. It also feels very 'off-grid', meaning you can really switch off and relax.
"Disconnecting and resetting is becoming a core part of how Aussies define a great holiday," he adds.
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Spear Creek Holiday Park is in the heart of the Flinders Ranges. Supplied
On ParkBooker, the Flinders Ranges is one of the fastest-growing non-coastal regions nationally.
While there, it's worth staying on a station to get the full experience - just bring a campervan and you're all set. Rawnsley Park Station is an iconic outback station stay offering sweeping Wilpena Pound views and access to rugged Flinders Ranges hikes.
Josh also recommends Spear Creek Holiday Park for last-minute bookings - set on a working sheep station at the base of the ranges, it has incredible stargazing.
Hotels that still have availability over Easter
Camping not your thing? There are still plenty of hotels that have availability over the long weekend, offering you a chance to get out of the city and unplug.
These IHG hotels are all situated a short drive out of the city, but far enough that you still feel like you're getting a holiday.
The Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley lets you get in touch with nature - without sacrificing comfort. IHG
Holiday Inn Werribee
Just outside Melbourne, Werribee has something for everyone, from the famous Open Range Zoo to wineries and art galleries. Starting at $246 per night, the Holiday Inn has all-day dining and a 'Kids Stay & Eat Free' program.
Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes
Adelaide is easily one of the coolest cities in Australia, and the Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes is perfectly situated between the city and the wineries. With rooms from $264, and the fact that a shorter drive means less petrol used, it's a great spot for a low-cost last-minute getaway.
Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley
Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley sits at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, an hour west of Sydney. A peaceful escape across 8 hectares of landscaped gardens, there's an indoor pool, tennis courts, gym, spa and delicious regionally-inspired dining. Parents might love the nearby golf course, and kids will appreciate the on-site playground. Rooms start at $332 a night.
