Summer means more time to go out and enjoy the sunny weather! It is also the perfect time to go on a road trip that’s why we asked some of our travel blogger friends to share their favourite summer destinations in Australia to give you an idea where to spend your next holiday. Book a car rental at VroomVroomVroom now so you can find the perfect vehicle for your Aussie adventure.
Contributed by: Megan Jerrard of Mapping Megan
Fast becoming one of the hottest new ecotourism destinations, Tasmania is a fabulous place to spend summer in Australia. An isolated island south of the mainland, it is an untouched gem with vast rugged wilderness and natural wonders, but with very few crowds. There are ample hiking trails and bush-walks to keep you busy, through pristine forest, and of course, being an island state means there are incredible beaches. The beach at Fortescue Bay is one of the few which is set up for camping. Camping on the beach? What better way to spend an Aussie summer?! But there’s more than just nature to enjoy during the beautiful summer months; Hobart has an emerging cutting-edge art scene, well-preserved convict history, and local produce which includes some of Australia's best seafood and wine.
Contributed by: Kerri McConnel of Beer and Croissants
When it comes to summer, there’s no better place than Brisbane, the capital of the Sunshine State (Queensland). Brisbane is my hometown so I’m always going to love it, but for good reason. If you love hot summer days and the casual lifestyle of doing everything you possibly can outside, Brisbane is the place to be. Brisbane is also perfect as the gateway for many other, easy to get to summer locations like the famous Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. With many great islands like Stradbroke and Moreton Islands a quick ferry trip away, Brisbane celebrates summer in style. If you can’t get to the beach, Brisbane provides one for you right in the CBD. South Bank, home to Streets Beach is a thriving green oasis in the middle of the city and always a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike to spend their days in the sun. This grown city is quite often overlooked by visitors to Australia, who favour the trendier locations of Melbourne and Sydney. Blessed with summer-like weather all year round, Brisbane is the perfect destination for those who love the warmth.
Contributed by: Toni Broome of 2 Aussie Travellers
Byron Bay has a special place in our hearts, it was the first road trip we took in Australia and somewhere we love to return. The Byron climate makes it a great place to visit all year around but in summer it's extra special. Located on a cape at the easternmost point of Australia it’s blessed with nine spectacular beaches. You’re surrounded by soft white sand, turquoise sea and the best surf breaks. What makes Byron stand out though is the laid-back beachy vibe that envelopes you as soon as you arrive, you can’t help but chill and soak up the relaxed way of life. Of course, there’s some great foodie options and local craft beers on offer. If you prefer more active pursuits try out yoga on the beach, climb the coastal walkway for stunning views or head out surfing, diving and kayaking for the day. In the evening the seawall is the place to be as the sun sets over the ocean with the mountains as a backdrop.
Contributed by: Aga Kozmic of A Matter of Taste
Melbourne is simply the best place to visit during summer. Everyone can find something interesting to do in the city and it’s also a great base for day trips to the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley. As a huge tennis fan, I always look forward to the last two weeks of January when the entire city is crazy with Australian Open fever. But there’s of course more to Melbourne than that. There are many beaches accessible by trams, great biking routes in and around the city, the best coffee in the country to keep you fuelled, beautiful gardens for walks and picnics, the ever-changing street art and cool rooftop bars with some of the best sunset views. It can also get really hot which means perfect conditions to try one of the famous gelato places.
Contributed by: Julia Raczko of Where is Juli +Sam
Margaret River is a region located in Western Australia, south of Perth, known for excellent wines, delicious food and fabulous beaches. Meelup Beach, Eagle Bay and Hamelin Bay are our faves. I don’t know if the water has such an azure shade anywhere else in Australia. Make sure to drive up to Cape Leeuwin — the southernmost tip of Australia. This is where two oceans meet - Indian with Arctic, and the sunsets are beautiful.
Contributed by: Tracy Morris of The Blonde Nomads
Our top Aussie summer getaway would have to be Heron Island in Queensland. Located on the Great Barrier Reef it is a nature lovers’ paradise! You can spend your days exploring the island above and below the water, or simply relax in paradise we love that you can choose your own adventure! Snorkelling right off the beach provides close encounters with reef sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and an array of tropical fish! If you time your visit right, you can also witness beautiful Mumma turtles laying their eggs on the beach, as well as see the tiny baby turtles hatching from their nests!
