The best places to head to for a holiday this summer
Finally, some of those pesky COVID restrictions have eased off! And just in time because the weather is glorious and many of us are thinking about soaking up some sun and feeling the sand between our toes. This year more than ever before, it’s important to get out there and support businesses around the country who have been hit hard by the pandemic – and none more so than those in hospitality and tourism.
If you’re thinking of heading off on holiday this summer, here are our top destinations to check out.
Tasmania
If you want some peace and quiet during your summer holiday, then Tasmania is the place to be. However, it’s now or never if you’re looking for some tranquillity because it’s fast becoming one of the hottest summer eco-tourism destinations of the country.
No offence to the locals, but the weather in Tassie can be a bit iffy, so summer is definitely the best time to head there. From stunning wilderness to eclectic art and music festivals, cosmopolitan dining and one of the world’s best museums, you’ll never run out of things to do. There are plenty of hiking trails and walks in the stunning virgin forest, and Tasmania has some amazing beaches, including the spectacular Wineglass Bay at Freycinet National Park on the east coast, which is considered by many to be the prototype of the perfect beach.
No trip to Tassie is complete without a trip to MONA, the hipster and daring Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart. It’s raw, occasionally shocking and unassumingly cool – get ready for an experience like no other as you are drawn through this avante-garde facility.
Noosa
If you’re craving a beach holiday, then Noosa is the place to be. Just two hour’s drive north of Brisbane, it has a laid back and welcoming vibe combined with beautiful beaches and a great café culture. Get out and enjoy a morning jog along the beach then dip into the cool water right after. Once you’re ready to head out, take a stroll along the elegant restaurant trail adjacent to the beach in Hastings Street and experience your best summer breakfast ever.
While the day is still young, walk through Noosa National Park for some koala and tawny frogmouth spotting. The park covers 9,800 acres and has 15 kilometres of walking trails that thread through the wilderness. Other places that are definitely worth checking out are the Noosa River, the Sunday morning Farmers Market and the famous Eumundi Markets on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The afternoons in Noosa are for surfing, sailing, scuba diving and fishing. Or you can simply lay on the beach and enjoy the warmth of the sun on your body.
Melbourne Park
Melbourne’s summer flagship is the Australian Open, which happens every year in Melbourne Park without fail. Despite a pushed back start date and forced quarantine restrictions, the Australian Open is set to begin on 8 February 2021. So - if you missed it last summer, or you want to treat the family to some amazing action, now’s the time to watch it happen live. Sounds expensive? Well, it can be, but you can always opt for a Ground Pass – it won’t get you in to the big arenas, but you’ll get access to the smaller courts and you still get all of that amazing tennis atmosphere.
Watch your favourite tennis stars battle it out during the day and in the evenings walk through the vibrant array of food stalls, restaurants and bars. Melbourne has some amazing night-life, including live entertainment at the Queen Victoria Night Market, less than 10 minutes by car or a 30 minute walk from Melbourne Park.
No holiday in Melbourne would be complete without a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens, a stroll through the CBD’s famous laneways and a drive down the Great Ocean Road.
Byron Bay
Doing a little California dreaming lately? The USA will probably be off the travel list for some time to come but fortunately NSW has its own California feel in the form of Byron Bay. If you’re after some Hollywood star-spotting, this is the place to be - it’s the home of both Chris and Liam Hemsworth. Matt Damon and Zac Efron are frequent visitors, and other well-known personalities who own property in Byron Bay include Olivia Newton John, Carrie Bickmore and Natalie Bassingthwaite.
Celebrities aside, Byron Bay is known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back culture, lively night life and local markets. There are things to do to suit any budget and sense of adventure but make sure you take a walk up to the Victorian-style Cape Byron Lighthouse, one of Byron Bay’s most visited landmarks and the eastern-most point on the Australian mainland.
Kakadu
Kakadu is probably on every Aussie’s bucket list, so maybe this is the year to get out and experience it. Kakadu National Park is a global treasure and it’s World Heritage-listed for both its environmental and cultural values. Three hours' drive from Darwin, Kakadu offers experiences ranging from bush walking, bird watching, cruising and swimming under waterfalls, through to four-wheel driving, camping, scenic flights and wandering through galleries of Aboriginal art 20,000 years old.
Have fun this summer!
It’s time to get out and have some fun this summer. If the budget’s a bit tight, we’re here to help. Just take a look at our cash loans from $1,000 to find out how quick and easy it is to get your hands on some extra funds. Once a loan is approved, we can usually deposit the cash into your bank account within a few hours - so you can head off on that long-awaited summer holiday worry-free!