Covid certainly has put a spanner in the works for our 2020 travel plans but us Aussies are notoriously curious and we’re starting to get itchy feet. Even if it’s for a country escape an hour out of town, or a relaxing coastal weekend. Most of us can’t leave our own state right now, but that doesn’t mean we’re not planning, and booking, holidays for later in the year, and even more commonly, for a great escape in 2021. Here are the holidays your mates around the country are locking in lately.
Queensland
The borders have closed again to the southern states, but that’s not really bothering Queenslanders, because most are busy chasing sun, surf and sand in the Sunshine State. Here are the top spots Queenslanders are booking for their next holiday:
- Whitsunday islands
- Gold Coast
- Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
- Port Douglas
- Bonus out of state option: Uluru and Field of Light
Surfing on the Gold Coast. Image: TEQ
NSW & ACT
The Queensland border closure has put a spoke in the wheel temporarily, but New South Welshmen and Australian Capital Territorians are planning a great escape north for late 2020/2021. Beach breaks and island getaways all around.
- Hamilton Island
- Daydream Island
- Gold Coast
- Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
- Port Douglas & the Daintree
Snorkelling off Port Douglas, QLD. Image: TEQ
Victoria
Well and truly in lockdown, the desire to break free and explore the world is, you could say, quite strong. Again, the dreaming for a flop and drop beach break is shining through.
- Gold Coast
- Hamilton Island
- Daydream Island
- Cairns & Reef sailing
- Top End escape in the Northern Territory
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South Australia
South Australians are free to travel around their own beautiful state, and many of them are already doing just that. However looking ahead, they’re the most keen of all the states to explore every corner of this sunburnt country.
- Hamilton Island
- Canberra
- Uluru
- Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
- Hobart
Wildflowers in Karijini National Park, Western Australia.
Western Australia
It’s certainly not ideal for the rest of the country that the beautiful west coast is currently off limits, but the locals are using this as an opportunity to discover their own backyard. And why wouldn’t you when you’ve got everything from wineries to wild flowers, untouched wilderness and, of course, quokkas?
- Coral Coast road trip
- Gold Coast
- Broome
- Rottnest Island
- Hamilton Island
- Bonus: Exmouth, WA
Uluru at sunrise. Image: Dani Luck
Northern Territory
Northern Territorians have luckily fared relatively well through the last few months, with strict border controls but relaxed intrastate travel. They’re also a patriotic bunch, so it’s no surprise that they’re looking at getaways close to home.
- Uluru and Field of Light
- Darwin
- Ettalong Beach, NSW Central Coast
Looking over Lord Howe Island, NSW from the Malabar Track.
Tasmania
Tasmanians are no doubt dreaming of warmer weather with the snowy winter days they’ve had of late. They’re looking to the Sunshine State, of course, but also Western Australia and the impossibly beautiful Lord Howe Island, NSW, too!
- Gold Coast
- Cairns
- Coral Coast, WA
- Port Douglas
- Lord Howe Island
