The 8 most relaxing holiday destinations in Australia

Byron Bay is the cool kid on the block of R&R. Alternative exercise classes, beach yoga, health shakes of various shades of green and Instagrammable hikes are just the way of life in this coastal NSW town. The Cape Byron walking track is a particularly stunning way to unwind, and if you find yourself kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding, don’t be surprised if you encounter some cheeky marine life, like dolphins and turtles. While you’re kicking back, don’t be afraid to drop some cash on a luxe bathhouse sesh at The Banya or on the long lunch of your dreams at Raes on Wategos. FYI, book well in advance. 

Glenelg is everything you’d picture for a postcard-perfect seaside town. Just a 20-minute train ride from Adelaide, this coastal haven is the place to be for waterfront drinks and ice creams on the jetty. In fact, waterfront dining is taken very literally here, with Moseley Beach Club being the only official bar on a beach in all of Australia. Hop on a catamaran for sunset or some dolphin-spotting, and if you like your leisure time better on land, set up camp on the seemingly endless stretch of pristine beach or meander through the boutiques on the main road.

Pure white silica sand. Crystal blue waters. Island time. Does it get much better than that? The appeal of the Whitsundays lies not only in its incredibly tropical scenery, but also its location; sitting all the way at the top of Queensland means that the best time to visit is actually when it’s Australian winter. Even in the colder months, the average temperature sits at around 26 degrees Celsius. When half of Australia is freezing their bums off in July, we could think of far worse places to jet off to. With Daydream, Hamilton, Hayman and Long Islands to choose from, there’s a relaxing holiday awaiting every type of budget and traveller. 

You know that bottle of wine you cracked open after a long day at work? South Australia’s world-class wineries could very likely be its origin place. So, do one better than a glass with your favourite Netflix series and sip vino hillside in the Barossa Valley. Window shop along the old town main street of Tanunda and bike ride between wineries. Hop in a hot air balloon for that time-stopped feeling, or cosy up to the fireplace of your charmingly rustic accommodation. To top off your weekend of rest away, there’s nothing quite like some comfort food, and Barossa Valley artisans are the masters at delicious paddock-to-plate bites. 

There’s no denying that there’s a little bit of magic in the Blue Mountains. It’s in the mist in the air, the sweeping views of the valley and the silence bar some of nature’s finest melodies. Whether you’re the type to relax on a long winding walk through the gumtrees, or by the warmth of some open flames, the Blue Mountains are calling and you’d be silly not to pick up. For a real treat-your-self experience, pop into the Hydro Majestic’s Wintergarden restaurant for a high tea with decadent bites and very grand decor set against the even grander views of the Megalong Valley.  

Forget work, forget the bills. Do you know what? Forget the car keys too, because you won’t be needing them on Rottnest. Extremely few vehicles are allowed on this relaxing island, just a 25-minute ferry ride away from Fremantle. The whole island is accessible via bike, shuttle buses and even by foot, if you’re keen on traversing 45 kilometres worth of tracks. Pop into waterfront eateries, kick back on pristine beaches and hit the links for a round of golf. If that doesn’t put your mind at ease, the island’s furry quokka residents will with their permanent camera-ready smiles.

Whether you’ve sailed across the Bass Strait or flown on over, there’s something magical that happens when you step foot in Tassie – time just seems to slow down. Hobart is the ultimate destination for long strolls whether along Brooke Street Pier, down the main strip of the mall or through the famous Salamanca Markets on Saturdays. It’s also a great landing pad for day trips to the naturally gorgeous Wineglass Bay where you can leisurely hike, or Freycinet Bay for some oyster shucking and slurping. 

Hot springs are a real buzzword in the world of spa and relaxation, and Daylesford happens to be the unofficial Australian capital for it. It doubles down as an ideal spot for idle hours, with the village's old-time-y feel transporting you back decades. Country house bed and breakfasts are a dime a dozen, but bonus points if you find one right by Lake Daylesford. It’s the perfect backdrop for a chilly morning stroll before hitting up The Mineral Spa or Hepburn Bathhouse for a thermal plunge.