10 fun and cheap holiday destinations in Australia

Australia is a gorgeous place to live, with plenty of holiday destination spots right in our backyard. Here is some fun, cheap places to visit in Australia, whether it be for couples celebrating their anniversary, families looking to take off for school holidays, or friends enjoying time together.

1. Katoomba, Blue Mountains, NSW

If you’re looking for an outdoor vacation that’s full of fresh air and breathtaking views, head to the Blue Mountains. The National Park has dozens of bushwalks and hikes for you to explore. There’s also canyoning and river rafting adventure activities. For those keen to dive into the mining history and visit something in The Guinness Book of Records - check out the Scenic Railway, which boasts the steepest passenger railway in the world.

2. Seal Rocks, NSW

For those who like the idea of an outdoor vacation but want to stay closer to the water - try Seal Rocks. This seaside village is known for its beautiful lighthouse with an external stairway (one of only two in Australia). Once you’ve visited the lighthouse, you can explore the beaches. They’re great for snorkelling, diving and surfing - and they provide the perfect backdrop for a picnic. This location is ideal for friends and family who want a cheap but fun camping trip.

3. Avalon, VIC

Avalon is the perfect holiday destination for people who want a little bit of everything. You’re less than an hour’s drive away from Melbourne CBD, where you can roam the streets for great food, coffee and art. Avalon is also really close to Geelong, which has everything from beaches to botanical gardens and even the National Wool Museum. When you’re ready for a drive, you can jump onto one of the best roads in Australia: The Great Ocean Road. No matter how far you go, you’re in for some good sightseeing.

4. Gold Coast, QLD

The Gold Coast is a two-hour drive from Brisbane and a two-hour flight from Sydney. It’s a dream location for theme park lovers, with Dreamworld, Whitewater World and Wet n Wild all within driving distance of each other. If you want to get away from the crowds, then check out The Hinterland area of the Gold Coast. Whether you’re keen to visit World Heritage-listed sites, check out the local glow worms at Natural Bridge, or go glamping in style - there’s something here for everyone.

5. Conondale National Park, QLD

For a nature trip that involves ancient rainforests, waterfalls, forests and more - your next trip should be to Conondale National Park in Queensland. This Sunshine Coast destination is fantastic for nature lovers as there’s lots of wildlife to see in this national park. You can go camping here or stay in an eco-friendly lodge nestled among the trees, all while taking in the majestic scenery.

6. Noosa, QLD

Noosa is another beautiful Sunshine Coast destination full of sights to see and things to do. The beaches are amazing, and there’s plenty of great food spots around town. It’s also a popular spot for weddings, so it can be a great place for couples if you’re looking for a special way to celebrate your anniversary

7. Devonport, TAS

If you haven’t been to Tasmania yet, put Devonport on the list.You can fly into this charming coastal town or take the scenic route via ferry from Melbourne. Once you’re here, explore Tasmania with plenty of day trips, including ferry rides to nearby islands, hikes on Cradle Mountain, and strolls through lavender farms. Be sure to stop and enjoy the fresh seafood at least once or twice.

8. Pokolbin - Hunter Valley, NSW

This wine region is one of the top tourist destinations in Australia, with many wineries and delicious restaurants. Of course, there are also world-class gardens and golf courses that are worth a visit too. With Pokolbin situated only an hour away from Sydney, it makes for an easy getaway. This holiday is perfect for a couples retreat or with a group of friends.

9. Adelaide, SA

For those wanting a city holiday that still involves nature, visit Adelaide. The Adelaide Parklands involves a city network of more than 27 parks - including the Botanic and Himeji Gardens. It also has many places to discover, such as the zoo and local museums, from the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute to the South Australian Museum. You can also take a trip down to Kangaroo Island, affectionately known as nature’s playground.

10. Broome, WA

If you’re looking to explore Western Australia, make your way to the beautiful small town of Broome. There are dozens of adventures to choose from, such as camel rides on the iconic Cable Beach (where the ocean famously meets red earth and sand) and Gantheaume Point where you can see dinosaur footprints. You can also enjoy sunset cruises and many boat tours around the area.

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