Explore Australia’s Best Summer Holiday Destinations

From vibrant cities and towns, rich culture, stunning natural beauty and exciting events, summer in Australia is a season like no other. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the more comfortable temperatures of the south in Victoria, South Australia or Tasmania, or you’re happy to explore in the hot and humid environments further north, there is a holiday for everyone across Australia. 

So, if you’re looking for a holiday that has lazing on the beach, or fishing along the river, snorkeling iconic reef, or discovering lush rainforest, look no further than these top summer holiday destinations around Australia.  

Mornington Peninsula, VIC

Just a short drive from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is a bustling, beautiful summer escape. Boasting warm, sunny days averaging 25-degrees and vibrant seaside charm, you can’t go wrong with a summer break in Mornington! Mornington Peninsula is home to an array of family-friendly beaches, attractive wineries and vineyards, diverse marine life and exciting watersports! 

What we think you’ll love: 

• Unwind at the Peninsula’s very own thermal hot springs 

• Dive into the Shipwrecks at Port Phillip Bay 

• Soar above it all on the Eagle Gondola 

• Take in the Koalas and Conservation efforts at Moonlit Sanctuary 

Where to stay: 

• Check out BIG4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park for a holiday experience perfect for families, couples and groups. The park is centrally located, just 15 minutes away from some of the world’s highest rated wineries, beaches and hot springs! 

Port Douglas, QLD 

This tropical Queensland region is a popular summer holiday destination. The hot and humid summer weather accompanies a reef full of activity and rainforest in bloom. On your summer escape to Port Douglas, delight in your choice of beaches to enjoy, spend days exploring the Great Barrier Reef or discover the UNESCO World-Heritage Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest in the world. 

What we think you’ll love: 

• Visit the famed Mossman Gorge, one of the most beautiful places in Australia 

• Take pleasure in the fantastic local food scene 

• Explore the nearby Low Isles Island 

• Connect with the local indigenous culture 

Where to stay:  

• BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park is a hidden gem in the beautiful and peaceful Mowbray Valley, a short drive from all Port Douglas has to offer. The park offers first-class amenities, set amongst tropical gardens perfect for your summer escape. 

Kangaroo Island, SA

Summer is the ideal time to visit South Australia’s Kangaroo Island. With warm days, mild evenings and sunny, dry skies, you won’t regret a summer break here. Only a short 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis, you can explore this incredible Island, home to an estimated 65,000 kangaroos! The island is home to iconic natural landmarks such as the Admiral’s Arch, sculpted by the wind and waves of the Southern Ocean over thousands of years. 

What we think you’ll love: 

• Spot the world’s smallest penguins 

• Witness a colony of sea lions at Seal Bay 

• Experience nature’s playground at the Little Sahara Sand Dunes 

• Hike the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail 

Where to stay: 

• Kangaroo Island Seafront Holiday Park overlooking the beautiful Hog Bay beach, is a great choice for your summer holiday. The park has luxury glamping and eco-safari tents set amongst native bushland. 

Merimbula, NSW

For a summer holiday you won’t forget, head to Merimbula on the Sapphire Coast. The Sapphire Coast in the summer consists of long sunny days and warm waters. The coastal gem of Merimbula is known for its fantastic oysters and great fishing. Here you will have your choice of rugged ocean beaches, peaceful coastal lakes and and exciting watersport activities. Hire a canoe, a kayak, a paddleboard or boat and explore the numerous lakes and inlets in the region. 

What we think you’ll love: 

• Explore the scenery and trails of Ben Boyd National Park 

• Stroll along the Merimbula Boardwalk 

• Discover the neighbouring charming suburbs of Pambula, Tathra and Wapengo 

• Visit Magic Mountain, a cosy theme park for kids 

Where to stay: 

• Make your Sapphire Coast escape a holiday to remember at NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort. Perched on a headland overlooking the sea, you’ll bask in million-dollar views no matter your budget. 

Ningaloo Reef, WA

The Ningaloo Reef is considered the sparkling gem in Western Australia’s crown. Boasting turquoise lagoons and sparkling white sands, summer along the Ningaloo is hot and dry. In addition to the vibrant marine life who call Ningaloo home, such as whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales, during the summer the turtle season is in full swing too! 

What we think you’ll love: 

• Explore the UNESCO World-Heritage listed reef on a guided kayak or snorkeling tour 

• Discover Cape Range National Park 

• Visit the famous SS Mildura Shipwreck 

• Sail into the sunset on a Ningaloo Discovery Tour 

Where to stay: 

• RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the Ningaloo Reef. The park is an easy distance from stunning natural wonders including UNESCO World-Heritage listed Ningaloo Marine Park, the scenic Yardie Creek Gorge and Cape Range National Park. 

K’gari Island, QLD 

Spend your summer break on the world’s largest sand island, K’gari Island. Summer on K’gari means warm, sunny days spent appreciating the unique wildlife and marine life of the region. Drive on the famous 75-mile beach, swim in the stunning lakes and creeks and learn about the rich culture and heritage of the local indigenous, the Butchulla people. 

What we think you’ll love: 

• Discover the iconic Lake Mckenzie, fused with essential oils, filled with turquoise blue waters and surrounded by silica white sands 

• Hike the K’gari Great Walk and uncover the Valley of the Giants Rainforest 

• Float down the serene Eli Creek 

• Enjoy nature’s jacuzzi at the Champagne Pools 

Where to stay: 

• For accommodation on K’gari, we recommend Cathedrals on Fraser. This is the perfect place to stay for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed off-road adventure. 

• If you prefer to stay on the mainland at Hervey Bay and enjoy daytrips to K’gari, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Discovery Parks – Fraser Street, Hervey Bay. Set on 8-acres of subtropical paradise, there is plenty to enjoy including a bouncing pillow, onsite playground or the swimming pool complex. 

Bruny Island, Tasmania 

Located just off the coast of Hobart, Bruny Island is a popular holiday destination for beach and food lovers. During the summer, the Island boasts long, sunny and mild days, perfect for exploring the cliff-top trails and rugged wilderness. Bruny Island is also home to fantastic local produce to indulge in such as honey, oysters, cheese, whiskey and chocolate! 

What we think you’ll love: 

• Visit Cape Bruny Lighthouse, one of Australia’s oldest 

• Discover the Island’s fascinating history including the story of their traditional owners and convict labour past 

• Uncover the wilderness of South Bruny National Park 

• Cruise the sea colonies of Australian Fur and Leopard Seals 

Where to stay:  

• Located in the heart of Bruny Island at Adventure Bay, Captain Cook Holiday Park is a beautiful park, ideally placed for exploring the Island. 

Darwin, NT

For summer in Darwin think hot, balmy nights, tropical summer sunsets, stunning electrical storms and vibrant outdoor adventures. Darwin is famous for it’s rich culture, heritage and art – all of which can be explore through the numerous museums and arts galleries in the city. Don’t forget to explore the nearby national parks where summer rainfall results in overflowing waterfalls and lush rainforests. 

What we think you’ll love: 

• Stop into the Darwin Waterfront Precinct and Lagoon Pool for amazing food and unforgettable aquatic adventures 

• Explore the famous waterfalls of Litchfield National Park 

• Go croc-seeing on a jumping croc tour or at the iconic Crocosaurus Cove 

• Discover the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory or the Royal Flying Doctors WWII Museum 

Where to stay: 

A tropical oasis in the heart of the Top End, Discovery Parks – Darwin is where you can make memories worth their weight in stunning sunsets, saltwater crocs, and natural wonders!