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Top 10 Holiday Destinations in Australia and New Zealand

With international travel unavailable to most, we’re looking closer to home for our favourite holiday destinations in Australia and New Zealand. If you’re ready for a weekend getaway, we know the best holiday destinations in Australia and New Zealand.

Person swinging from a tree near pristine oceans at an Australian holiday destination. The pristine waters and warm beaches of north Queensland are what make it such an attractive holiday destination. Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
The pristine waters and warm beaches of north Queensland are what make it such an attractive holiday destination. Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Cairns and the Whitsundays, QLD

When it comes to Australian getaways, a Whitsundays or Cairns holiday can’t be overlooked. Two of Australia’s best holiday destinations, the Whitsundays beaches and islands are perfect for relaxing in the sun, while Cairns holidays are full of new experiences in the Daintree rainforest and Great Barrier Reef.
Two of the best holiday destinations for families in Australia, you’ll all have plenty to enjoy before calling it a night in your Whitsundays or Cairns hotel. Holidays in Queensland always feature plenty of fun in the sun, and these two Queensland holiday destinations are some of the best locations to splash about in the water, relax on the sand, and bask in the beauty of nature. Start planning your Whitsundays or Cairns holiday to learn and relax in a tropical, Australian holiday.
The Gold Coast is a popular holiday destination in Australia. City excitement, seaside shopping, inviting beaches, and more await at the Gold Coast. Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
City excitement, seaside shopping, inviting beaches, and more await at the Gold Coast. Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Gold Coast, QLD

There are plenty of great Queensland holidays, so if relaxing on a Whitsundays island isn’t on your to-do list, the excitement of the Gold Coast might be calling your name.

The Gold Coast is a great holiday destination for families or thrill seekers who want to try the excitement of the famous local theme parks. Travellers not interested in roller coasters might adore the coast’s sunny beaches and city life. And anyone who loves taking in the views of the city won’t want to miss the views from SkyPoint tower.

Two people enjoying a glass of wine on holiday in Margaret River. Margaret River is the perfect holiday destination when you want to relax with loved ones and indulge in the finer things. Image credit: Frances Andrijich
Margaret River is the perfect holiday destination when you want to relax with loved ones and indulge in the finer things. Image credit: Frances Andrijich

Margaret River, WA

There are plenty of fun activities in Margaret River, but sometimes there’s nothing better than a serene afternoon with a glass of wine from a local winery. Enjoy your WA holidays and visit vineyards and learn all about the wine making process and enjoy a tasting session or two before roaming the grounds and getting lost in nature for a moment.
Of course, there’s more to Margaret River than wineries, from the stunning scenery to horseback riding to exemplary dining experiences.
A hot air balloon, lifting up over an iconic holiday destination, the Barossa Valley. There’s no better way to take in all of the Barossa Valley than from a hot air balloon. Image credit: Exploring9to5
A hot air balloon, lifting up over an iconic holiday destination, the Barossa Valley. There’s no better way to take in all of the Barossa Valley than from a hot air balloon. Image credit: Exploring9to5

Barossa Valley, SA

Wine lovers that can’t make it to Margaret River or prefer the red wines South Australia is known for will want to take a visit to the Barossa Valley, one of the best locations for South Australia holidays. 
Taste the best wines from supplies worldwide or sip fine-aged local drop in the Valley. The Barossa boasts over 150 wineries and more than 80 cellar door locations. Grape growers and winemakers of the past seven generations have made this possible.
And while the wineries are an impressive sight to take in from the ground, they’re something else entirely from the skies. Hop in a hot air balloon and sip your favourite local drop as you float over endless greenery.
A couple exploring a winery on a romantic getaway in NSW. The historic Mudgee is home to great food, great wine, and relaxing holidays. Image credit: Destination NSW
A couple exploring a winery on a romantic getaway in NSW. The historic Mudgee is home to great food, great wine, and relaxing holidays. Image credit: Destination NSW

Mudgee, NSW

To continue the trend of great holiday destinations in Australia for anyone looking to relax and take things slow, if only for a weekend, Mudgee NSW is a standout spot for NSW holidays.
Mudgee has plenty to offer for NSW family holidays as well as romantic getaways in NSW. Spend a day or two browsing boutique stores and sampling the local cafes. Explore Wollemi National Park and enjoy scenic walks or drives, and maybe even spot some of the local wildlife. Then visit one of the local wineries to enjoy a delicious dinner with a glass or two of a locally produced glass of wine.
A family enjoying the views of the impressive holiday destination in Australia, Cradle Mountain. With some of the most serene landscapes in all of Australia, Cradle Mountain stands out for anyone planning an Australian holiday. Image credit: Laura Helle
With some of the most serene landscapes in all of Australia, Cradle Mountain stands out for anyone planning an Australian holiday. Image credit: Laura Helle

Cradle Mountain, TAS

In the heart of Tasmanian Wilderness is Cradle Mountain, a national park that feels transportive and otherworldly in its natural beauty. One of the best things to do in Hobart, Tasmania, a visit to Cradle Mountain is a fantastic holiday.
Whenever you visit Cradle Mountain, there’s something to enjoy. In winter, unearth deep snowdrifts and wildflowers scents. In summer, test the sparkling waters or Lake St. Clair. In autumn, enjoy the breath-taking arrays of reds, yellows, and oranges across the slope as the trees change with the seasons. And in spring, watch the high-spirited quolls, platypus, echidna, wombats, and inquisitive black currawongs come out and play.
A couple taking a selfie in front of Uluru, an unmissable Australian destination. Visiting Uluru is truly a unique holiday experience, and one well worth putting on your list. Image credit: Tourism NT, Rhett Hammerton
A couple taking a selfie in front of Uluru, an unmissable Australian destination. Visiting Uluru is truly a unique holiday experience, and one well worth putting on your list. Image credit: Tourism NT, Rhett Hammerton

Uluru, NT

When it comes to iconic Northern Territory holidays, there’s no ignoring the magnificent Uluru. Visit the impressive, towering monument at sunset or sunrise and watch as Uluru changes from ochre to blazing yellow and blooming red.
The massive Uluru sits in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and is an important sacred site to the Indigenous peoples of Australia. Anyone who loves history will have a great time learning about the Indigenous culture from local tour guides.
With so much ground to cover in the national park, save your legs from exhaustion and treat yourself to a new animal experience with a camel ride as you take in the sacred site. Stay at the park into the evening to catch a view of the sky, unpolluted by city light and full of sparkling stars before heading back to your hotel near Uluru.
Diamond Bay in the Mornington Peninsular is a great seaside getaway near Melbourne. The Mornington Peninsular is home to calm beaches with gentle waters, making it a perfect getaway location for anyone looking to relax in the sun. Image credit: Visit Victoria
Diamond Bay in the Mornington PeniThe Mornington Peninsular is home to calm beaches with gentle waters, making it a perfect getaway location for anyone looking to relax in the sun. Image credit: Visit Victoria

Mornington Peninsula, VIC

There’s nothing like a breath of sea-fresh air in the morning, and the Mornington Peninsula is one of the best destinations for it. With lush hinterland on one side and serene ocean waters to the other, there’s something for everyone at this Victoria holiday destination.
Just an hour out of the Melbourne CBD, the Mornington Peninsula is a wonderful Melbourne holiday or getaway in Victoria. Take things easy and relax on the beach or delight yourself with gourmet meals before indulging in a bath back at your hotel.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a popular NZ destination for geothermal hot springs near Rotorua, New Zealand. The geothermal hot springs of Rotorua make it a popular holiday destination for relaxing in the water all year round. Image credit: Tourism NZ, Miles Holden
Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a popular NZ destination for geothermal hot springs near Rotorua, New Zealand. The geothermal hot springs of Rotorua make it a popular holiday destination for relaxing in the water all year round. Image credit: Tourism NZ, Miles Holden

Rotorua, NZ

Rotorua is one of the most popular New Zealand holiday destinations, lying southwest of Lake Rotorua. It’s not hard to see why plenty of people travel to and stay at Rotorua, a phenomenal New Zealand destination, all eager to relax in Rotorua’s natural, mineral hot springs. 
Beyond the soothing hot springs, there are some amazing natural wonders and plenty of places to explore in Rotorua, from towering redwoods to pristine, clear lakes.
People on a cycling trail in Gibbston Valley near Queenstown, NZ. Enjoy the wind in your hair and phenomenal natural views as you cycle around Queenstown, NZ. Image credit: Tourism NZ, Miles Holden
People on a cycling trail in Gibbston Valley near Queenstown, NZ. Enjoy the wind in your hair and phenomenal natural views as you cycle around Queenstown, NZ. Image credit: Tourism NZ, Miles Holden

Queenstown, NZ

While any New Zealand holiday is sure to be unforgettable, holidays in Queenstown are standouts. You’ll have plenty of options when it comes to activities in Queenstown, from the world’s first bungy jump to the iconic Queenstown Gondola to the food and culture of the town. And nature lovers will want to make time to explore Lake Wakatipu, ride on the cycle trails, and wander along the walking trails. Queenstown is best places to visit in New Zealand, thanks to the unbeatable scenery and plethora of activities.

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