10 destinations Aussies go to truly unwind

by Lachlan Brown | August 8, 2025, 2:02 pm

For Australians, travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about recharging, slowing down, and escaping the constant hum of work and responsibilities.

With our love for both the great outdoors and good living, we tend to seek destinations that blend natural beauty, great food, and a laid-back vibe.

From sun-kissed beaches to tranquil countryside retreats, here are 10 destinations Aussies flock to when they need to truly unwind.

1. Byron Bay, New South Wales

Byron Bay has been the go-to relaxation spot for decades—and it’s not hard to see why. With pristine beaches, surf breaks for all levels, and hinterland rainforests dotted with waterfalls, it’s a haven for those who want to slow life down a notch.

Many Aussies head here to take early morning walks along Main Beach, sip organic coffee in a café filled with barefoot locals, and finish the day with sunset at the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse. The area’s wellness culture—yoga retreats, spa treatments, and organic markets—adds to the feeling that Byron isn’t just a holiday; it’s a reset button.

2. Margaret River, Western Australia

If your idea of unwinding involves wine, long lunches, and ocean views, Margaret River is hard to beat. This lush corner of WA is famous for its world-class vineyards, boutique breweries, and artisanal food scene.

Aussies love the fact that in one day, you can be sipping cabernet sauvignon at a cellar door, strolling along a deserted white-sand beach, and exploring ancient limestone caves. The region’s slower pace, combined with the soothing scenery of rolling vineyards and turquoise coastline, makes it perfect for escaping the city grind.

3. Noosa, Queensland

Perched on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa has that rare combination of glamour and tranquillity. Hastings Street’s chic boutiques and restaurants draw plenty of attention, but many Aussies come here simply for the peaceful rhythm of beach life.

Mornings often start with a swim in the calm waters of Noosa Main Beach or a walk through the Noosa National Park, where you can spot koalas dozing in eucalyptus trees. Afternoons are for lazy picnics, paddleboarding on the river, or doing absolutely nothing under a beach umbrella. It’s the type of place where you can feel your shoulders drop a little lower each day.

4. Tasmania’s East Coast

When Aussies talk about “getting away from it all,” Tasmania’s East Coast often comes up. This stretch of coastline is dotted with quiet fishing towns, secluded coves, and beaches so white they look like they’ve been filtered by Instagram—except they’re even better in person.

Freycinet National Park is the jewel of the area, with its pink granite peaks and famous Wineglass Bay. Many travellers choose to stay in eco-lodges or family-run B&Bs, enjoying fresh seafood caught that day and stargazing under some of the clearest skies in Australia. It’s the definition of slow travel.

5. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

For years, Bali has been a favourite overseas escape for Aussies, but Ubud—Bali’s inland cultural heart—offers something different from the bustling beaches of Kuta and Seminyak. Nestled among rice terraces and jungle, Ubud is a hub for yoga, meditation, and holistic wellness.

Aussies come here for week-long retreats, spa treatments with views of the Ayung River, and slow afternoons wandering through art markets and temples. Even just sipping ginger tea on a verandah as tropical rain falls can feel meditative. The affordability of luxury here also means you can truly indulge without the post-holiday credit card regret.

6. Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is best known for adrenaline sports, but many Aussies visit for a slower, more restorative experience. The alpine scenery—crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped peaks, and vineyards framed by mountains—creates an instant sense of calm.

It’s a place where you can spend the morning soaking in a hot onsen overlooking the Shotover River, the afternoon sipping Central Otago pinot noir, and the evening by a roaring fireplace. The crisp, clean air and endless vistas make it the perfect antidote to urban stress.

7. The Whitsundays, Queensland

When Aussies dream of a postcard-perfect escape, the Whitsundays often come to mind. This cluster of 74 tropical islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef is all about turquoise waters, powder-white sand, and the luxury of doing very little.

Whether you’re sailing between islands, snorkelling with tropical fish, or lounging at a resort on Hamilton Island, there’s a sense of being in a world far removed from everyday life. Whitehaven Beach, with its swirling white silica sand, is the kind of place that stays in your mind long after you’ve left.

8. Hunter Valley, New South Wales

A short drive from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions and a favourite weekend escape for city dwellers. Here, the days are filled with wine tastings, cheese boards, and long, lazy lunches under the shade of gum trees.

Many Aussies choose to stay in cosy cottages or boutique hotels with vineyard views. The slower pace encourages lingering over meals, taking scenic drives, or just curling up with a book and a glass of semillon while kangaroos graze nearby.

9. Maleny & Montville, Queensland Hinterland

Tucked away in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, the towns of Maleny and Montville offer rolling green hills, artisan cafés, and a refreshing change of pace. Aussies come here for the mountain air, craft markets, and panoramic views all the way to the coast.

It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours wandering through art galleries, sampling local cheeses, or hiking to waterfalls in Kondalilla National Park. Even just driving between the towns feels restorative, with winding roads lined by rainforests and farmland.

10. Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Kangaroo Island is like Australia in miniature—wild beaches, native wildlife, rugged coastlines, and gourmet produce all in one place. It’s far enough from the mainland to feel like a true escape, but still easy to reach from Adelaide.

Aussies love coming here for the sense of isolation, the chance to see kangaroos and sea lions up close, and the abundance of fresh local fare, from honey to oysters. With limited crowds, it’s the perfect spot to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature.

Why these destinations work for Aussies

While each of these spots has its own flavour, they share certain qualities that make them ideal for unwinding:

  • Natural beauty – Whether it’s a sweeping beach, rolling vineyard, or alpine lake, the scenery alone can slow your heartbeat.

  • A slower pace – None of these destinations require a packed itinerary. You can take your time and let the days unfold naturally.

  • Good food and drink – From fresh seafood in Tassie to wine in the Hunter Valley, indulgence is part of the relaxation process.

  • Accessibility – Some are just a short drive away, while others are quick flights, making them easy to slip into a long weekend or extended break.

Ultimately, for Aussies, unwinding isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you allow yourself to be present once you’re there. These destinations give you the perfect backdrop to do just that.

Lachlan Brown

Lachlan Brown is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Brown Brothers Media, a digital publishing network reaching tens of millions of readers monthly. He holds a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies from Deakin University, though his real education came afterward: a warehouse job shifting TVs, a stretch of anxiety in his mid-twenties, and the slow discovery that studying the mind is not the same as learning how to live well. He started experimenting with Buddhist principles during breaks at the warehouse and eventually began writing about what he was learning. That writing became Hack Spirit, a widely read personal development site, and his book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism became a bestseller. His work breaks down complex ideas into frameworks people can apply immediately, whether they are navigating a career change, a difficult relationship, or the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it. Lachlan splits his time between Singapore and Saigon. He writes about high-performance routines, decision-making under pressure, digital innovation, and the intersection of Eastern philosophy with modern life. His perspective comes from having built things from scratch, failed at some of them, and learned that clarity comes from practice, not theory.