These 10 sunny destinations are trending in Australia

Surfers Paradise Photo: Caleb Russell/Unsplash

You deserve that break. With interstate borders finally reopening, these sunny beach destinations (everyone’s looking at you, Queensland) have topped the lists of many holidaymakers this summer.

Summer travel is coming in hot this year. According to the latest Tripadvisor Summer Travel Index, 70% of Australians are planning to travel over two hours away from home this summer. With Queensland’s borders finally reopening, coastal destinations in particular are looking extra popular, with 65% of Australians intending to take a beach holiday this season.

Whether you’re looking to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef or laze on one of Whitsundays' sandy white beaches, these are the top 10 destinations Aussie travellers are packing their suitcases for this summer.

1. Surfers Paradise, QLD
True to its name, this glitzy suburb is one of Australia’s most iconic surf destinations. The two-kilometre stretch of golden sand and rolling waves set against a backdrop of skyscrapers is Gold Coast’s postcard to the world. For an extra shot of adrenaline, take in the iconic view with an exhilarating jet boat ride—complete with high-speed drifting, 360-degree spins and other daredevil tricks.
See more of Surfers Paradise

2. Sydney, NSW
Cafe, bar and beach hop your way through New South Wales’ capital city. From trendy waterfront restaurants to coastal hikes leading to secret stretches of sand, there’s always something new to explore in Sydney. This Small-Group Sydney's Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai National Park Bus Tour is a fuss-free way to get started.
See more of Sydney

3. Melbourne, VIC
Eclectic, bustling and energetic, this caffeine-powered city boasts a fascinating blend of art-filled alleyways, trendy restaurants and world-class sporting events. Want to get off the beaten path? Uncover the city’s best-kept mixology secrets by joining this locally-guided tour of Melbourne’s hidden laneway bars.
See more of Melbourne

Cairns. Photo: Getty

4. Cairns, QLD
The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, this tropical oasis promises a much-needed retreat into nature. In fact, the Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise is Australia’s most booked tour this summer. Fitzroy Island is also another popular snorkelling destination and can be reached with a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns.
See more of Cairns

5. Perth, WA
Western Australia’s capital is where nature and city converge. Browse art galleries, visit one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, cruise down the Swan River—and you can’t leave without taking a ferry to Rottnest Island and snapping that iconic quokka selfie.
See more of Perth

6. Hobart, TAS
Summer is probably one of the best seasons to explore Tasmania’s diverse beaches, mountain trails, caves, and national parks—with many within easy reach from Hobart. The popular Full-Day Bruny Island Cruises Day Tour from Hobart is a great way to experience Tasmania’s rugged beauty.
See more of Hobart

7. Brisbane, QLD
The sun-soaked capital of Queensland is your ideal base for island hopping and marine wildlife watching. The All-Inclusive Dolphin and Tangalooma Wrecks Cruise sets sail to the nearby Moreton Island where you’ll be able to see dolphins, dugongs, turtles and snorkel at the famous shipwreck.
See more of Brisbane

8. Port Douglas, QLD
This laid-back coastal town is fringed by turquoise waters on one side and by lush rainforest on the other. Spend your morning on a half-day tour to Daintree Rainforest and spot local wildlife including crocs, then set sail in the evening aboard a luxury catamaran to savour a Coral Sea sunset.
See more of Port Douglas

9. Airlie Beach, QLD
Located on the Great Barrier Reef, this tropical resort town serves as the gateway to the 74 idyllic Whitsunday Islands. With crystal clear waters, soft sand beaches and teeming reefs, the Whitsundays is the holiday destination of everyone’s dreams. This high-speed catamaran snorkelling cruise will get you there in a jiffy.
See more of Airlie Beach

Darwin. Photo: Getty

10. Darwin, NT
Every Top End adventure is packed with outdoor experiences, historical sites and wildlife encounters. Summer is also the best time to catch roaring waterfalls, spectacular tropical thunderstorms and blooming wildflowers. Crocs can be met all year round though—and this top-rated Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocodile Cruise experience will allow you to view these predators in their natural habitat.
See more of Darwin

Tripadvisor: Go to Tripadvisor

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au