Make the most of your Easter long weekend with an escape that won’t break the bank. Australia is filled with a wide range of terrains and natural attractions, so you don’t have to go far to experience something completely different. Whether you are travelling alone, with friends or are wanting to set out on a fun-filled family break, make your Easter special with some time away exploring your own backyard.
Check out some of the best Easter getaways near you and start planning your own autumn adventure!
The Best Holiday Spots for the Easter Long Weekend
1. Easter Holiday Spots in New South Wales
From the coastline to the countryside and the outback, New South Wales is home to some of the best spots to experience Autumn in Australia. The mild temperatures allow you to explore the outdoors and enjoy some fresh air with gorgeous red, orange and yellow tones in the background, but there is still plenty to keep you entertained indoors on a cold or rainy day.
Newcastle
Spend your Easter on the sun-drenched shores of Newcastle. Newcastle is a cosmopolitan city with a string of craft breweries, local markets and cool waterfront cafes to explore. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, there’s plenty of opportunity for sun, sea and sand, just a couple of hours’ drive from Sydney.
Whether you’re visiting with friends or little ones, be sure to add the Blackbutt Reserve to your Newcastle itinerary: the pleasant Autumn weather is perfect for exploring the bushland and getting up and close with the spectacular animals that call this park their home. Would rather stay indoors? Stop by one of the many museums in Newcastle, ranging from the impressive Newcastle Art Gallery to the historic Newcastle Museum, or check out the Civic Theatre’s music, theatre and comedy calendar.
Hunter Valley
For a countryside retreat, take a trip to the Hunter Valley. The oldest wine region in Australia, the area is known for its sprawling vineyards and abundance of cellar doors and wineries. Whisk your partner off to a luxurious spa day, treasure a romantic stroll through picturesque gardens painted in Autumn tones or go on a horseback adventure through the area’s lush hinterlands.
Planning an unforgettable family day? Then, make your way to the Hunter Valley Gardens. Your kids will have the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny, earn a basket full of chocolate eggs and even find a secret extra-large Easter egg hiding a lovely surprise at the yearly Easter celebrations, while you sip on a glass of fine wine from The Garden Cellars.
Jervis Bay
Head to Jervis Bay to see some of the most stunning, untouched parts of New South Wales. World-renowned for its pure white sands, Jervis Bay is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway or an extended Easter trip with the family. Just a few hours’ drive from Sydney, take the coastal route to enjoy some amazing views on your way.
Put your walking shoes on and explore the jungle-blanketed Booderee Botanic Gardens, Australia’s only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens, go for a sunset stroll at one of the many idyllic beaches in Jervis Bay. Staying until May? Book a whale-watching cruise and you might just spot the majestic creatures swimming by.
Batemans Bay
Batemans Bay is a beautiful coastal town around a two-hour drive from Canberra. Spend your day out on the water surfing, fishing or sailing, before going into town to enjoy fresh local seafood delicacies. Sample the finest, freshly-shucked oysters from the region’s three oyster farms and be dazzled by the stunning bush and cycling trails.
Pay a visit to the adorable kangaroos and wallabies at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens and be sure to stop at Mogo Wildlife Park, home to more than 250 animals and the zoo with the largest number of exotic animals in the country. Keen for a walk? There’s no backdrop to a peaceful hike like the dunes at the Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve.
Thredbo
High in the Snowy Mountains, Thredbo is Australia’s premier skiing destination. While ski season may not be in full swing at Easter, there are still plenty of great activities to keep the whole family entertained, such as hikes, bike rides, horse riding and a great lineup of special events.
Try your luck at Thredbo’s 700-metre Alpine Bobsled track, go disc golfing among eucalyptus and bushland, or challenge yourself with a rock climbing afternoon. Once the sun sets, indulge at one of the area’s gourmet restaurants before spending your evenings drinking hot chocolate in front of the fire – all just a two and a half-hour drive from Australia’s capital city.
2. Easter Holiday Spots in Victoria
With memorable experiences to enjoy all year round, Victoria is another popular destination for the Easter holidays and for good reason. Wine devotees are spoiled for choice with a vast selection of vineyards and cellar doors producing some of the best wine Australia has to offer and nature enthusiasts will love all the flora and fauna there is to be discovered.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is the perfect Easter break for animal lovers. Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, the island is famous for its little penguins that return home to Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Penguin Parade at dusk, as well as fascinating wildlife parks including Maru Koala and Animal Park and the Koala Conservation Reserve.
Relax at Shelly Beach or Woolamai Surf Beach, look out for the local seals on Seal Rocks and end the day on a sweet note with a trip to the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. Or why not take to the sky with a helicopter tour that will take you across some of the island’s most emblematic landmarks?
Mornington Peninsula
Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is the perfect seaside getaway from the city. Recharge batteries at the beach and see the gorgeous marine life from up close while scuba diving in the peninsula’s crystal-clear waters or spend a day unwinding in gorgeous surrounds at Peninsula Hot Springs, a natural hot mineral water spring.
Choose between more than 50 boutique cellar doors and sip local specialty wines – the region is known for its decadent pinot noir but there is something for every taste. Wander through vibrant farmers’ markets and indulge in the region’s sumptuous, handcrafted cheeses and vintage-style chocolate shops.
Yarra Valley
A one hour drive from Melbourne will take you into the heart of the Yarra Valley, famous for its exceptional cellar doors and vineyards. Enjoy lush hinterland views as you pick up delicious gourmet treats and local produce, or admire the mix of artworks at local art studios and galleries.
Travelling with your special someone? Spend a romantic evening having dinner for two overlooking the vineyards for a truly unforgettable night and stay at one of the luxurious refurbished spa suites at Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley, one of the largest award-winning hotels in the area.
3. Easter Holiday Spots in Western Australia
Planning a historic getaway? Then Western Australia is the destination for you. Boasting a wide range of landmarks built hundreds of years ago, a trip to WA offers an insight into the state’s historical importance, almost like you are travelling back in time.
Armadale
Travelling just 40 minutes by car from Perth takes you to a quaint town filled with blossoming trees and exotic flora. Take the family on one of Armadale’s picturesque walking trails and discover the beauty of nearby Araluen Botanic Park, stretching across 14 hectares of neatly kept gardens. Be sure to check the park’s event calendar, as it hosts music concerts, garden festivals and many other activities throughout the year.
While in Armadale, history buffs can discover a number of landmarks, such as the Serpentine Monastery and the History House Museum, while art lovers can take in more contemporary works at the Waterway Gallery & Tearooms. Don’t leave without sampling the local cheese produced at the award-winning Mundella Cheese Factory!
Fremantle
Filled with delicious food, cool craft beers, kitsch cafes and quirky boutiques, Fremantle is a great place to escape to this Easter weekend. Take a drive 35 minutes south of Perth and discover an exciting music, arts and culture scene set against a 19th-century cityscape. Discover the city’s most eclectic fashion boutiques and stroll through endless stalls at the Fremantle Markets or E Shed Markets, both held every weekend.
Visitors with an interest in history should also take the chance to visit the infamous Fremantle Prison, built in the 1850s and used as a place of punishment for nearly 140 years, learn all about WA’s maritime history at the Western Australian Maritime Museum and travel back to the 1850s aboard a barquentine ship.
4. Easter Holiday Spots in Queensland
Beaches, natural parks, shopping venues, top-notch restaurants: Queensland has it all, so why not go there over the Easter weekend? Whether you’re taking your kids on a family trip or exploring the state with a group of friends, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you busy during your Autumn getaway.
Noosa Heads
Located on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa Heads is famous for its stunning beaches, relaxed markets and surfing heritage. Just under two hours north of Brisbane by car, Noosa Heads is filled with natural beauty and a hike through the Noosa National Park is an absolute must-do. Surrounded by beach, river, hinterland and national park nature lovers will be spoiled for choice.
Discover Hastings Street’s boutiques, art galleries and designer shops, be sure to stop by Massimo’s Gelataria to satisfy all your sugar cravings and don’t miss the Noosa Farmer’s Market, held every Sunday from 7 am to 12 pm. Love buying second-hand? Check out the Peregian Beach Markets, held on the first and third Sunday of every month.
Bundaberg
A little further afield, the historic town of Bundaberg is a great location for an Easter getaway. Clocking in at just over a four-hour drive by car, the lively bars and restaurants, cultural landmarks and stunning beaches around the town make up for the longer trip. Head to Mon Repos Conservation Park to help baby turtle hatchlings find their way to the sea and discover the amazing beauty to be found along the long stretches of coastline.
Those travelling with friends will be remiss not to visit the Bundaberg Rum Distillery to discover how the world-renowned rum is produced and, of course, sip on a glass or two of the delicious liquor. While you’re there, why not stop by The Bundaberg Barrel as well and try 18 different flavours of various brewed drinks?
5. Easter Holiday Spots in South Australia
When we’re talking about pristine landscapes, wildlife and natural wonders, South Australia has a lot to offer so be sure to pack your hiking boots for a getaway full of exploring. But there’s even more to the state than that: from the mouthwatering cuisine to the fine wine and the special events, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with South Australia.
Kangaroo Island
Head to Kangaroo Island to get up close and personal with penguins, kookaburras and kangaroos. Home to a huge variety of native wildlife over a third of the island is protected in nature reserves. Visit the Remarkable Rocks and marvel at the 500 million-year-old rock formations and amazing scenery within Flinders Chase National Park.
Pack some snacks for a picnic at the Lashmar Conservation Park and keep an eye out for magnificent birds flying above you, book a guided beach walk at Seal Bay Conservation Park to visit the endearing Australian sea lions, and be sure to take home a bottle or two of Kangaroo Island Spirits.
Adelaide Hills
Spend your Easter weekend nestled in a cosy bed and breakfast taking in the stunning sights of the Adelaide Hills. Famed for its sprawling vineyards, spend time sampling sumptuous local wines and delectable gourmet food. For perfect panoramic views, walk up to the summit of Mount Lofty at sunset.
Go shopping in Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving Germanic settlement that is now home to more than one hundred shops and eateries, try locally-produced chocolate and lollies at Melba’s Chocolate & Confectionery and enjoy the end of strawberry season with a trip to Beerenberg Farm.
6. Easter Holiday Spots in the Northern Territory
The ideal destination for adventure seekers, the Northern Territory boasts a range of nature-filled spots perfect for a hike, a swim or even camping. Just keep in mind that Easter is during the wet season in the Northern Territory so it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella and a raincoat.
Berry Springs
Situated around a 40-minute drive south of Darwin, Berry Springs is a beautiful, rural area perfect for getting away from it all. Sparsely populated and filled with natural splendour, head to Berry Springs Nature Park to discover beautiful spring waters and bushland. April is a great month to visit too, as many of the native plants within the park are in bloom.
Be sure to pack your picnic basket and, if the weather allows, take a dip in the crystal clear pools. Don’t forget to bring your goggles, as there is plenty of native fish and marine animals to spot during your refreshing swim. Speaking of animals, why not pay a visit to the Territory Wildlife Park as well?
Litchfield National Park
Stargaze late into the night on a camping adventure in Litchfield National Park. Discover cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock formations and stunning vistas. Just an hour and a half drive south of Darwin, the rugged sandstone surroundings and vast desert plains will make you feel like you are millions of miles away.
Capture postcard-worthy photos at Wangi Falls and stay at the camping site for an overnight nature adventure, go for a swim at Buley Rockhole and enjoy the fresh waters nestled between tropical rainforest or spot the spectacular, 2-metre high magnetic termite mounds.
7. Easter Holiday Spots in Tasmania
With warm days and breezy nights, a trip to Tasmania during Autumn is sure to be unforgettable. The small state is incredibly unique when compared to the rest of Australia and offers a lot more to explore than you might think.
Swansea
A traditional Tasmanian beach holiday destination, Swansea is home to gorgeous beaches and wild greenery. Relax on the secluded beaches and revel in amazing views of the Hazards Mountains and the Freycinet Peninsula. There are a number of landmarks and heritage walks for history buffs as well as the famous Spiky Bridge, just under two hours drive away from Hobart.
Book a wine tasting afternoon at the Milton Vineyard, discover the East Coast Heritage Museum’s impressive collection of 3000+ books, photographs and objects, and don’t forget to stop by Kate’s Berry Farm to indulge in a freshly baked scone with Kate’s own delicious jams.
Coles Bay
Located a two and a half-hour drive north of Hobart, Coles Bay is a stunning seaside village overlooking the clear waters of Oyster Bay. The town is a great base for hiking through nature: we suggest you explore the Freycinet National Park and the beautiful Wineglass Bay lookout.
Spend your days swimming, hiking, boating or fishing in Oyster Bay and camp under the stars to get the full nature experience. Don’t leave without sampling some of Tasmania’s best delicacies, especially the freshly harvested mussels, oysters and lobster at the Freycinet Marine Farm.
So, where will you be travelling for your Easter weekend getaway? Whichever Australian destination you choose for your Autumn holidays, discover cheap domestic flights with Webjet, find the best hotels and hire a car for maximum freedom during your trip. Planning a one-day trip? Check out the best road trips in Australia for the Easter long weekend!
