Best Summer Destinations in Australia

Being such a diverse place to explore, there is an abundance of top summer destinations in Australia. You can find varied climates or activity in whichever of the States you choose to visit. Whether it’s natural wonders, distinct and unique fauna and flora. Maybe the ocean calls and you are looking for sand or surf. A reef to dive or sea cliffs to explore. These are all on offer at our top summer destinations in Australia.

If you are looking for a little extra, there are festivals, gourmet delights & craft beer, cider, wine or spirits. You really can’t go wrong no matter what delights you are looking for in summer destination in Australia, I believe we have many to offer all walks of life…

Read on and enjoy from afar, or create your perfect itinerary to discover your own delightful summer destinations in Australia. If visiting from overseas, our travel tips for Australia has everything you need to know.

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Preview – 19 Best Summer Destinations in Australia

Our preview, is here to make your reading easier, give you some insight into what’s included and links to sections throughout the post. Whilst this article doesn’t cover every one of the best summer destinations in Australia. We believe we have something for everyone here.

We briefly introduce each of Australia’s states, with links. Followed by individual links to the summer destinations in Australia, within each state, from our travel experts. You can use this list as a taste of some of the top summer destinations in Australia to plan and budget your trip. I hope this gives you some insight into some of the best summer destinations in Australia and a passion to visit.

5. Queensland (QLD)
   1. Atherton Tablelands – waterfall central of Northern Queensland
   2. Cairns – islands, reefs & rainforests aplenty
   3. Heron Island – turtle nesting & hatchlings all summer long
   4. Fraser Island – the largest sand island in the world
   5. Noosa – home of the famous Noosa Festival of Surfing
   6. Gold Coast – 70 km of beaches, plenty of resorts & theme parks
6. West Australia (WA)
   1. Denmark – a quaint coastal town of 5-hours south of Perth
   2. Margaret River – famous for fine wines & gourmet foods
   3. Perth – a popular travel hub for tourists exploring the region 
   4. Rottnest Island – unique flora & fauna, including the island’s  adorable quokka

Our travel checklists, are the first step to start your independent travelling. Start building your own Destination ‘DO’ List, for summer destinations in Australia, or prioritise the one you have.

Checklists for:

• Your destination DO List
• before you travel
• see and do notes
• carry on packing list – warm and cold climate
• checked in packing list – warm and cold climate

New South Wales (NSW)

As summer destinations in Australia go, NSW has a fantastic coastline to explore. Taking a road trip to one coastal town or another has been a popular sumertime activity for many years.

Our travel experts have included a few popular spots that are great places for summer destinations in Australia…

Byron Bay

Recommended by Linda – Muy Linda Travels 

Byron Bay is one of the most loved summer destinations in Australia for a beach holiday and the perfect place to relax during the hot summer months. Cosmopolitan, alternative, and diverse, Byron Bay is simply a fun place to hang out. There are 5 beautiful beaches to choose from for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The spectacular coastal walk along the cliff tops to the Cape Byron lighthouse is one of my favourite things to do and walking along Main Beach to the Fisherman’s Lookout at low tide is also fun.

The town has a laidback surf scene and a trendy, hip vibe. Designer fashion shops sit beside surf shops, new-age cafes, and fancy restaurants. In recent years, Byron Bay has become popular with the rich and famous and the beachside town is the home of social media influencers and movie stars like Chris Hemsworth and Matt Damon amongst others.

Byron Bay Bay is a fabulous place to kayak with dolphins and sea turtles, for learning to surf or taking a beach yoga class. I enjoyed learning about the indigenous history of the area on an aboriginal culture tour and discovered that Byron Bay was a meeting place for the local Bundjalung people and other Indigenous tribes. Today, visitors come from around the world to enjoy Byron Bay’s many attractions. The festivals draw crowds throughout the year and summer festivals include the famous Byron Bay Surf Festival, the Falls Festival, the Byron Bay Film Festival, and the Sample Food Festival. Just one more reason this is a one of the great summer destinations in Australia.

The downside is that Byron Bay has become so popular it gets overrun with visitors. But with so much to offer, it’s easy to see why Byron Bay is one of the top summer holiday destinations in Australia.

Hat Head

Recommended by Victoria Maria – Guide Your Travel

Hat Head is one of the perfect summer destinations in Australia, for those looking for beaches, nature, and a relaxed time by the water. This little beach town has a nearby national park of the same name which attracts surfers and families looking for a getaway. Located around 500 kilometres north of Sydney, this is a quick trip if you’re living in New South Wales and looking for summer destinations in Australia.

This area is also fantastic for camping with a wide selection of campsites available to choose from. Since the town is small, there is not a lot going on, making it a quieter destination away from busy vacation spots. Plan to spend at least four or five days here to give you plenty of time to go to the beach, wander around town and try some local restaurants. You’ll love the many hiking trails in the national park which all offer stunning views of the coastline.

There is also Smokey Cape Lighthouse which is well worth a trip. This 19th-century building used to be important for whale watching and has now become a popular tourist destination in the area and ideal for a picnic.

Kiama

Recommended by myself Jeanine De Diana – Lets go a Wandering

Kiama a small coastal town is one of the best summer destinations along the south coast of NSW. With a carefree village charm surrounded by an abundance of natural splendours, it’s a perfect place to enjoy your summer. Kiama has always been a popular town to visit, with Blowhole Point and its famous blowhole a main drawcard to the town. The area also offers beautiful beaches, walks, waterfalls, and adventures at Jamberoo.

There are several walking tracks that cover Kiama and the surrounding area. Indulge in a bit local of history on the heritage walk viewing some of the towns more significant points. The coast walk takes you north and south the coast and is in three sections. Along to walk you will discover some of the most spectacular rock formations, gorgeous beaches, rock pools and even a sea cave or two. 

Other walks will take you on loops around spectacular waterfalls in the Budderoo National Park. Minnamurra Rainforest and Falls walk, let you explore the rainforest area that once covered the whole Illawarra region. The walk has several stages and can be 30 mins to 2 hours, depending on the circuit you choose to take (Med/Hard track). Carrington Falls are also only a short distance away, though the landscape is somewhat different, rock pools and cascades.

Once again depending on the distance you choose to walk it can be between 15 mins to 2 hours return (Med Track). Alternatively, pack a picnic and make a day of it. These are truly beautiful falls to visit, and just one of the reasons Kiama is one of the best summer destinations in Australia.  

If you prefer a little bit of adventure or thrills, two places you that are definite pleasers for kids of all ages. The Illawarra Fly Tree Top Adventures and Jamberoo Action Park, here you have a choice of walking in the treetops or sliding on one of the various water slides or rides available. These places are definitely a full of fun on their own.

Mornington Peninsula

Recommended by Sharyn McCullum – Live Work Play Australia

The Mornington Peninsula is one of my favourite summer destinations in Australia. It is located South East of Melbourne and is known for many things with the biggest two being its beaches and wine industry. Although you can visit the peninsula anytime, summertime is when it comes alive. All the holiday homes which have been vacant all winter suddenly have beach towels hanging over balcony railings drying. People are walking around in shorts and t-shirts everywhere, particularly along the foreshore and just enjoying the warm weather.

The beach life is the biggest part of visiting the Mornington Peninsula in summer. There is some 192 kilometres of coastline to enjoy. Along the Port Phillip Bay side, the bay beaches offer great swimming and other beach activities like beach cricket. Travel to the other side of the Peninsula, the back beaches or surf beaches offer great waves.

When I need a break from the beach, I take a drive around the Peninsula. A drive up Arthurs Seat is a must. Sometimes I will take the Eagle Cable Car to the top. At the top I’m treated to fabulous views over the Peninsula and on a clear day see Melbourne city in the distance – the view never gets old. Continuing my drive on the Mornington Peninsula I encounter many world-class wineries of which there are around 60. The star wine in the area is the Pinot Noir, however, I have enjoyed many a white wine here.

If you are looking for one of the great summer destinations in Australia that involves beaches and wine consider the Mornington Peninsula.

Geelong

Recommended by myself Jeanine De Diana – Lets go a Wandering

Geelong is truly one of the amazing summer destinations in Australia. Here you are offered an abundance of diversity in the activities and places to explore. Whether it’s visiting a museum such as the Old Gaol Museum, visiting one of the many producers of the area or take a heritage walking tour. Alternatively, indulging in some sun and relaxation at the waterfront an attraction in itself.

Take a wander around the stunning baywalk, where you will meet a visual history of Geelong in the Baywalk Bollards. Wander further along the foreshore following the bollards towards Eastern Beach a popular scenic spot. Continuing along to Fishermen’s pier, where you’ll discover Steampacket gardens, and the old carousel painstakingly restored to its former glory. Another attraction Geelong is known for the Giant Ferris Wheel, whilst not currently operational. There are plans to see it’s return to the foreshore in time to celebrate Geelong’s White Night Festival in October.

If it’s a bit of family adventure, you are looking for what better way than to experience this than Adventure Park. Here you can experience something for the whole family, with a full day of unlimited rides and waterslides. From a food lovers’ point of view the Geelong region is the place to be with not one but two tasting trails to follow. One taking you inland to the Moorabool valley, whilst the other is on the coast in the Bellarine area. Both are under a 30min drive and have an abundance of produce to sample.

The Bellarine Taste trail, and the Moorabool Taste Trail both have maps to that give you a preview of all the stops you can make. They are quite varied also, with PYO fruit and berries, produce stores, breweries, wineries, a whiskery and cafés a plenty. Along the Moorabool Taste Trail, you will even discover a maze to explore.

As a food lover I would highly recommend this as a one of the great summer destinations in Australia to spend a few days in the area. Alternatively, create your perfect itinerary along the Victorian coastline.  As you travel along the coastline, consider the Otway Harvest Trail as a way to indulge your taste buds all the way to the 12 Apostles and beyond.

Additionally, Geelong is only an hour drive or train ride of similar timing (1:15-1:30mins) from Melbourne CBD. Where during our summer we have the Christmas season. Whilst we can’t do the cold weather the Melbourne city put on a spectacular display, themed areas throughout the city, an array of Christmas markets, and an all-round fun place for everyone.

Tasmania (TAS)

Whilst thinking about summer destinations in Australia, one may think sun, surf and sand. However, if you are looking for a cooler climate then Tassie is the place to explore. With multiple food and beverage festivals, an extensive wilderness area to discover, amazing coastine to explore and an abundance of Australian history to uncover.

When you want a little bit more than sun, surf and sand, Tasmania is one of the best summer destinations in Australia to explore.

Hobart

Recommended by myself Jeanine De Diana – Lets go a Wandering

Unlike the rest of Australia Tasmania’s summer temperatures are a little more temperate on average between 9-22°C (48-72°F). However, there are days when it gets above 30°C (86°F) and no matter the temperature, if the suns shining, sunscreen and a hat are required. For me this is the perfect temperature for one of the best summer destinations in Australia.

Whilst all Tasmania offers some great adventures, Hobart offers a great range of activities that makes it  one of the best summer destinations in Australia. One of the first festivals for summer in Hobart is the Day of the Dead Festival in mid November (12th Nov, 2022). This event has been running for 7 years now and is sure to be an amazing day (for the kids) and evening.

Another premium festival, ‘Tasmania’s Taste of Summer‘ coincides with Australia’s premium yacht race (the Sydney to Hobart), which runs from late Dec to the first week of January. In the sheds on Princess wharf, you will find all things Tasmanian food. Mid-January sees the gin makers of Tasmania band together for Ginuary and make Hobart their home. February brings the Australian Wooden Boat Festival to out shores celebrating the maritime culture and wooden boats of the Southern Hemisphere. Is it any wonder we consider Hobart one of the best summer destinations in Australia.

Alternatively, if festivals aren’t your cup of tea, or you need a break. There are plenty of one day itinerary ideas to break up festivals.

Other Popular Tasmanian Summer Festivals

Recommended by myself Jeanine De Diana – Lets go a Wandering

To confirm that Tasmania is one of the best summer destinations in Australia, where there is always something going on. I have put together a selection of popular Tasmanian Summer Festival. So, if you intend on flying or floating to Tasmania over summer, have a look at what the state has on offer.

One special mention for October in the North of the state:

• NORTH Festival Launceston, Wed 12^th – Wed 26^th Oct 2022, Various Venues, Launceston TAS, 7250

South TAS Festivals

• Derwent Regency Festival 2022, Fri 25^th – Mon 28^th Nov 2022, Hobart and New Norfolk TAS 7008
• Cygnet Folk Festival 2023, Fri 13^th – Sun 15^th Jan 2023, Various Locations, Cygnet TAS 7112
• Mona Foma, Fri 24^th – Sun 26^th Feb 2023, Various Locations, Hobart TAS 7000
• Koonya Garlic Festival 2023, Sat 25^th Feb 2023, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 564 Nubeena Rd, Koonya TAS 7187
• Pangaea Festival, Dates to be confirmed (Feb, 2023),  Stonehurst Rd, Buckland TAS 7190

West TAS Festivals

• Tasmanian Gin & Spirits Fair 2022, Sun 30^th  Oct, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, The Conservatory, 9 Conservatory Rd, Sassafras TAS 7307
• Tasmanian Craft Fair 2022, Fri 4^th – Mon 7^th Nov 2022, Various locations, Deloraine TAS 7304
• Tasmanian Mural Festival, Mon 7th – Fri 11th Nov 2022, Various Locations, Sheffield and surrounds
• Stanley And Tarkine Forage Festival, Fri 11th – Sun 20th Nov 2022, Various events and Locations Stanley and Surrounds
• SteamFest Tasmania, Sat 11^th – Mon 13th Mar 2023, 14 Spring St, Sheffield TAS 7306

Our travel checklists, are the first step to start your independent travelling. Start building your own Destination ‘DO’ List, for summer destinations in Australia, or prioritise the one you have.

Checklists for:

• Your destination DO List
• before you travel
• see and do notes
• carry on packing list – warm and cold climate
• checked in packing list – warm and cold climate

South Australia (SA)

Whilst South Australia is home to some of Australia’s renowned wine areas, such as Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Limestone Ridge  and Clare Valley. It is also one of the best summer destinations in Australia for it’s coastal pursuits.

Highlighting here just two of the areas, that are considered fantastic summer destinations in Australia.

Victor Harbour

Recommended by Natalie & Steve – Curious Campers

Ask any South Australian where their one of their favourite summer destination in Australia is, and Victor Harbour will be at the top of list. The coastal town 90 minutes south of Adelaide has been a family holiday spot for over 100 years. With generations of families enjoying Victor Harbour (or ‘Victor’ to the locals) as a summer holiday location, the town has both old world charm and a huge range of attractions.

In summer, the heart of Victor Harbour is Warland Reserve which is surrounded by the some of the best things to do in Victor Harbour. You can catch the horse drawn tram across to Granite Island that you can walk around. There is easy access to the beach, mini golf, and the family run amusement park on the foreshore. There are camel and pony rides on the beach, relax at a café or pub with ocean views and stroll or ride along the esplanade between rows of Norfolk Pines.

Protected by Granite Island, the beaches around the town are fun and safe for young swimmers or head to nearby Boomer Beach for some waves. One of our favourite activities to do from Victor Harbour is the Big Duck wildlife cruise. You zip around the coast, between small islands and along sea cliffs spotting dolphins and seals, it’s great fun.

Victor Harbour is the kind of place you could visit as a day trip from Adelaide or stay for a week or two over summer. Which makes it a perfect summer destination in Australia. We enjoy coming down for the day, walking along the coast and relaxing at a café. But there is so much to do in Victor Harbor and nearby Port Elliot and Goolwa, you could spend a couple of weeks here.

Port Lincoln

Recommended by Jeanine – Lets go a Wandering

Known as the ‘Seafood Capital of Australia’ Port Lincoln and the surround town are a great fit for the best summer destinations in Australia. Situated on the largest natural harbour in Australia, Boston Bay, at the lower Eyre Peninsula. Where you can find some exceptional seafood experiences, wade out for an oyster farm tour (and/or tasting), catch your own dinner or learn about the aquaculture industry of the area.

There are also two exceptional vineyards, with stunning views overlooking harbour. Both offer wine tasting and grazing platters, the Boston Bay vineyard also offer a selection of experiences to enjoy. These small group tours are a fantastic way to enjoy tour summer holiday.

Port Lincoln is one of the best places to be able to get up close and personal with the marine life, by taking one of Calypso Star Charters advanced eco-certified tours. Whether it’s a play with the puppies of the sea, on a ‘swim with the Sea Lion’ adventure. Or for those wanting a little more of an adrenaline filled adventure, a ‘shark cage dive’ should get your heart pumping. 

Home to the Tunarama Festival, an annual event, where the world famous Tuna toss is conducted, at the end of January. Additionally, the festival showcases some of the Eyre Peninsula’s finest food and wine, with local establishments hosting special events.

The festival is spread across the foreshore and main oval, hosting entertainment, rides and markets. Other annual activities include, keg rolls, tug-a-wars, as well as prawn and salmon tosses for those not up to the tuna toss. This is definitely one of the unique summer destinations in Australia.

Though it’s not all about seafood, with natural splendours a plenty, enjoy a wander into the wilderness at Yarnbala, and discover its untouched beauty. Explore the Lincoln National Park, with something for everyone, whether its sitting on the beach, fishing or going for a hike. Port Lincoln and the surrounding towns won’t disappoint.

Queensland (QLD)

If diversity is a top requirement for summer destinations in Australia, you wish to visit. Look no further than Queensland. They have beaches, buildings, diving, islands, rainforests, swimming, snorkelling, waterfalls, UNESCO, world heritage parks, just to name a few.

An old Queensland slogan was ‘beautiful one day, perfect the next’, truly is how you can describe these choices for top summer destinations in Australia.

Atherton Tablelands and Falls 

Recommended by Chris Fry – the Aquarius Traveller

One of the best ways to escape the summer heat in Australia is by finding Waterfalls, especially for swimming. Discover most of these by touring the Atherton Tablelands region, about 2 hours southwest of Cairns. This is where you can visit the Waterfall Circuit, and three different waterfalls you can encounter. Making Atherton Tablelands a one of the great summer destinations in Australia.

Waterfalls Circuit is accessed on Theresa Creek Road, straight off the Palmerston Highway. This road is only 20 kilometres long, and you can see Millaa Millaa Falls, Ellinjaa Falls, and Zillie Falls. Without swimming, you could visit and take photos of all three within 2 hours. However, swimming or making a picnic lunch would take longer.

Millaa Millaa Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia, and great that you can actually swim there too. It has a large car park, suitable for busses and has tours running from Cairns (if you don’t have a car). The shaded waterhole is always a bit crisp and perfect for that summer cool down.

Ellinjaa falls has a small 10-minute walk to get to and a shallow waterhole for swimming. Consequently, these falls are the shortest of the three, but 5 metres wide and looks amazing while cascading down the rock cliff. This is great for photos or sitting under the waterfall.

Zillie Falls has a short walk to get to the top lookout point, but you can venture further down to the bottom of the falls. This takes about 15 mins, is a little more difficult without a formed path, and is not recommended for everyone.

During summer, heavy rainfall in North Queensland makes viewing these waterfalls at their best and in full flood.

Cairns 

Recommended by Chris Fry – the Aquarius Traveller

Cairns would have to be one of the warmer places to visit in the summertime, but it does make the best time to get in the water. The town is known for many reasons, as one of the top summer destinations in Australia. Though, the main drawcards are accessing the Great Barrier Reef, the Rainforest, and the amazing waterfalls. Whatever you’re seeing, I would recommend 4 days to a week for staying here.

There are several different ways to access the Great Barrier Reef, and all can be booked from the Reef Fleet Terminal at the Marina. You have daily boats leaving for places like Green Island and Fitzroy Island, which are the closest to get to. Then you have a longer boat ride to the outer reef and access the deeper waters. All options include snorkelling this wonder of the world and being able to see creatures like Turtles, Reef Sharks, various types of coral, and thousands of different fish.

Furthermore, the Cairns region is contained within the Wet Tropics of Queensland and is UNESCO World Heritage Listed. From here you can visit places like the Kuranda National Park and the world-famous Daintree National Park. Making this one of the unique summer destinations in Australia. Rainforests are brilliant in the summer due to temperatures being cooler than in the cities. Try checking out the 125-metre-high Barron falls, which is only in full flood during the summertime. Apart from that, summer is more common to spot deadly reptiles on a Wild Crocodile Cruise.

Try something a little more relaxing and help escape the summer heat by finding waterholes or waterfalls for swimming. There are several of these around Cairns, like Crystal Cascades, Josephine Falls, and Stoney Creek.

Heron Island 

Recommended by Eloïse Touchot – My Favourite Escapes

Located on the southern Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island is one of the top summer destinations in Australia to see marine life, even without getting wet.

It’s a lovely destination all year round, where you can snorkel from the beach or scuba dive just a few minutes away by boat. The warm water is very inviting in summer as it’s hot and humid outside. And during those warmer months, you can have a unique experience on Heron Island.

Turtles come nesting there from November to January, and hatchlings can be seen from December to March. So, January, when the turtle nesting and hatchlings overlap, is my favourite time to visit Heron Island. It is truly one of the exceptional summer destinations in Australia.

I could see dozens of adult females on the beach every night, and I stopped counting the hatchlings. As the number of visitors to the island is limited, I really enjoyed the intimate experience. And it’s not just about the turtles. During the day, I could spot baby blacktip sharks and shovelnose rays swimming in a few centimetres of water.

Birds are also more active in summer on Heron Island. January, again, is known to be the peak breeding season for sea birds. They can be noisy and smelly, but I forgot about it as I loved learning more about the Mutton Birds and Noddies.

You can fill a lot of activities in just one night on Heron Island, but I always prefer to stay there for at least two or three nights. And if you can stay longer, you won’t get bored! So, head to Heron Island for a memorable summertime on the Great Barrier Reef!

Fraser Island 

Recommended by Carryn Beard – Torn Tackies Travel Blog

Fraser Island – It’s the largest sand island in the world and a bucket list destination for any adventure traveller. Home to impressive lakes, towering sand dunes and epic hiking trails, Fraser makes for one of the incredible summer destinations in Australia.

The island was recently returned to the traditional owners, The Butchulla People, and now goes by K’gari, although many people still refer to it as Fraser Island.

There are so many spectacular things to do on Fraser Island and you need at least 4 days to take it all in. Located just off the east coast of Australia, this World Heritage Site is only accessible via 4WD. Because most of your trip will involve beach driving, the tides will impact what you do and see.

During the warmer summer season, you can cool off at Lake Wabby or can soak up the sun at Lake Mackenzie. There’s also Champagne Pools which offer stunning natural swimming pools. Eli Creek is great for the kids so bring a floatie to make the most of your time here.

The rainforest near Central Station is an awesome place to go hiking, offering shade from the sun. Central Station is also my favourite camp site on the island. Be sure to spend a night or two here and don’t forget the bug spray! It truly is one of the unique summer destinations in Australia.

Noosa 

Recommended by Sally Roderick- Sally Sees

Noosa on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland is one of the fantastic summer destinations in Australia. Where temperatures soar, rains pour and deadly jellyfish appear in the waters of northern Queensland, Noosa remains a perfect beach holiday destination.

With a balmy average temperature of 28° C throughout the season, and only occasional rain, summer is the best time to experience all the wonderful things to do in Noosa.

Sure, it may get a little sticky at times, but with so many places to cool off, you’ll be happy its hot! And there’s no need to worry about the jellyfish or crocodiles found in northern QLD! My favourite places for a swim are the Noosa Spit or Fairy Pools, or if you want to get amongst Noosa’s surfing culture, Little Cove is a great spot for beginners.

Hiking in the stunning Noosa National Park is a must do, and I highly recommend renting a kayak or paddleboard on the Noosa River. Browse the boutiques on Hastings Street and be sure to enjoy Noosa’s incredible foodie culture. My favourite spots are VanillaFood for coffee and brunch, Light Years for incredible Asian fusion and Mr Fish for mouth-watering fish and chips.

The warm evenings are best spent watching the sunset. Do as we locals do and pack a cheese platter and bottle of wine and head down to the Noosa Riverfront to watch the sky light up. There are public BBQs, sandy beaches to swim in, and free live music on the weekends and I just love the feel-good atmosphere.

Noosa is a great place to be for all the summer festivities, with plenty of buzz around Christmas, New Years and Australia Day. And the famous Noosa Festival of Surfing happens in March each year (the best part in my opinion? Dog surfing!). Just another reason Noosa is one of the top summer destinations in Australia.

Gold Coast 

Recommended by Lanie van der Horst – Make More Adventures

It is hot in Queensland, making it one of the typical summer destinations in Australia and the beach is the perfect place to be. Queensland’s Gold Coast has 70 kilometers of beaches, plenty of resorts with swimming pools, and even a water park.

The Gold Coast has a summer holiday vibe year-round. My family visited the Gold Coast as soon as school ended for the summer and immediately we all felt relaxed. We opted to stay at one of the Gold Coast’s many resorts. While we did not even need to leave the resort, the beaches are worth a visit. Almost all ages can participate in surfing lessons, and there are plenty of options for other water sports including stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing.

To me, summer holidays always include miniature golf and ice cream and the Gold Coast has plenty of options for both. There are also arcades, shows, and other things to do at night on the Gold Coast.

Besides the beach, the Gold Coast is known for its theme parks and Wet n Wild, a water park, is the perfect place to cool down and enjoy the summer.

The Gold Coast isn’t just beaches, and sometimes a mountain escape is needed. Tamborine Mountain is part of the Gold Coast hinterland. My family loves hiking, ziplining, and spotting wildlife on Tamborine Mountain.

New Year’s Eve on the Gold Coast is celebrated with large fireworks show, and summer is a popular time for festivals and concerts on the Gold Coast.

While a long weekend on the Gold Coast is enough for some, there are definitely enough activities to fill up a week-long holiday on the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast is also one of the great summer destinations in Australia, as there is always something to see or do. Beyond the Sand, is a great example, where Surfers Paradise beach is transformed. Becoming an amazing gallery of colour, movement, and music

Denmark

Recommended by Tess of Tessomewhere

As Western Australia begins to heat up, locals and tourists alike head south to explore the wonders that await in southwest WA. A personal favourite of mine and one of the best summer destinations in Australia, the quaint coastal town of Denmark, a 5-hour drive south of Perth.

This small town has much to offer; a vibrant café scene, a stunning coastline and delightful wineries scattered through the area.

My top recommendation for visitors to Denmark is to head to William Bay National Park. Located on the coast just 20 minutes out of town, this national park is home to the aptly named Elephant Rocks. Here you will find a small bay with curiously shaped large boulders that resemble a herd of elephants. Just next door is Greens Pool, a long-sheltered bay with calm, crystal clear water that makes it a prime spot for snorkelling and rock pool hunting.

Another unique attraction near Denmark is the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. Learn about the region’s majestic Tingle trees as you walk amongst their lofty heights on the mid-air suspension walkway. Making this one of the exquisite summer destinations in Australia.

After a morning of swimming and exploring, I like to book lunch at one of the many winery restaurants. Don’t forget to try a complimentary wine tasting before your meal! My favourites are Castelli Estate and the Lake House Denmark.

If you’re ready to mix it up from the wineries, check out Boston Brewery. This funky brewery pairs craft beers with a delectable food menu. Take a seat at one of the outside tables to soak up the sunshine with a cold beer in hand.

Denmark is best explored over a long weekend, although visitors won’t tire of things to do if you want to extend your trip and make the most of your time exploring this beautiful part of Western Australia.

Margaret River

Recommended by Ariana Svenson of  Western Australian Travel

When much of Western Australia becomes exceedingly hot and dry during the summer months, you are assured of a much more comfortable experience when heading to the Margaret River region one of the favourite summer destinations in Australia. It is definitely one of our favourite places for an escape from the city!

Famous for fine wines and gourmet foods, the Margaret River region stretches over the ‘boot’ of Western Australia from Busselton in the north, to Augusta in the South. About 270 kilometres south of Perth, it has a fresher climate, kept cool by sea breezes and the forests and farms nearby. Known for spectacular white sand beaches, obviously one of the main attractions during the summer months is enjoying the pristine sands, and turquoise brisk waters. My favourite spot for a swim is Meelup Beach over by Dunsborough, while the instagrammers love Injidup, a natural spa in the ocean at Yallingup. Which guarantees this one of the brilliant summer destinations of Australia.

You could walk in the sublime Boranup Forest to cool down, and one of our favourite activities is going underground to explore the spectacular Margaret River Caves. To top it off there is nothing like enjoying a brew or two from Margaret River’s exploding brewery scene or a good Sav Blanc on a balmy evening.

Keep your eye out for the Leeuwin concerts which over the years have brought some of the world’s biggest names to this part of the world; from Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to John Farnham, and Paul Kelly.

We’ve been going to the Margaret River region for weekend getaways for years, so I think the minimum visit would be 3 days, but my brother’s family normally go for a week at a time and enjoy the quality family time with the kids.

In addition to being home to the world renowned Gourmet Escape, held every November. An exceptional festival of food and wine, just another reason Margaret River is one of the top summer destinations of Australia.

Perth

Recommended by Kenny TK Chow – Knycx Journeying

Perth is one of the most isolated cities in the world, with its nearest city with a population of over one million, Adelaide, two thousand kilometres away. Located in Western Australia, this is a popular travel hub for tourists exploring the region with an abundance of natural wonders, pristine beaches, and tranquil wineries. Definitely, one of the top summer destinations in Australia. The city was founded in 1829 as the base of mining businesses, while the British feared that the French will colonize the region.

Today, it is also a great travel destination for families, outdoor activity lovers, and couples. Perth is a great place to visit during summer because it has a lot of exciting outdoor activities. It is recommended to spend 4 to 6 days exploring Perth and the surrounding areas. Kings Park and Botanic Garden in the city centre of Perth are one of the largest and best urban parks in the world. The park covers an area of over 400 hectares and it is a wonderful open space to have a picnic in the warm weather and enjoy the breathtaking Perth city skyline. Another reason this is one of the great summer destinations of Australia.

Moving a little further from the CBD, the Caversham Wildlife Park is a family-run wildlife park that has an impressive scale, featuring over 200 different species, including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian devils, possums, and koalas. Fremantle is a historic port city connecting to Rottnest Island; the Fremantle market is a vibrant marketplace, and the Fremantle Prison is a popular attraction, showcasing the history of the small town and the most famous escape of the six Irish convicts in 1876.

The city’s outskirt has no lack of exciting getaway destinations. The Pinnacles are spectacular limestone formations within the Nambung National Park, Lancelin features a rare sand dune in the country, and Swan River is a wonderful wine-tasting destination.

Rottnest Island

Recommended by Francesca Lamberti – Travel Heal Love

Rottnest Island is one of the summer destinations in Australia you cannot miss.

Colloquially called by the locals ‘Rotto’, Rottnest Island is located just 18km (11mi) off the coast of Fremantle, but it will make you feel like you are in another world! It was once connected with the mainland, but, around 7000 years ago, the sea level rose to separate Rottnest and several other islands from Perth.

Rottnest Island, with its Mediterranean-style climate, is one of WA’s premier destinations all year round, however, in summer, the weather is warm and dry and you will be able to enjoy plenty of sun and swim in warm waters.

This amazing piece of land is a protected nature reserve (A-class) boasting an abundance of unique flora and fauna, including spectacular marine life found in its pristine waters and the island’s most famous residents: the adorable quokka!

Furthermore, it has got an important cultural heritage and is now a historical aboriginal site as many native people were imprisoned on the island.

You can reach the island with a 30 minutes ferry ride from the ports of Fremantle. Once there you have different options to choose from to visit the island. I personally joined an e-bike tour that took me all around the island. However, if you are not a fan of cycling you might enjoy the island with a scenic on and off bus tour that offers 19 different stops including our famous beaches, bays, and attractions (eg. The lighthouse).

There are many other ways to experience Rottnest Island and all of them are worth a try! So what are you waiting for?” Make this one of your top must do summer destinations in Australia.

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I am always happy to reply to any comments, suggestions for next articles or a hello. You can contact me through our Social Media or at jeanine@letsgoawandering.com with any questions or comments. 

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