June long-weekend getaway ideas in Australia

Boasting an average of 245 days of sunshine, if the weather is looking bleak where you are, the Gold Coast is a choice location to brighten your long weekend.

We call this destination Australia’s playground because it has fun for everyone, from coastal relaxation and watersports to thrilling amusement park rides and market shopping.

Suggested itinerary

• Day one: Relax on Gold Coast Beach
• Day two: Have some fun at an amusement park (or two!)
• Day three: Explore the Gold Coast Hinterland region

Browse flights to Gold Coast

Whether you’re flying direct from Sydney or Melbourne or driving up from Brisbane, there’s endless adventure waiting for you on the Sunshine Coast.

Choose to dive into the sea for a underwater adventure, stretch yourself across a beach and nab that last-minute summer tan or take in some of Australia’s most iconic structures – like the Big Pineapple.

Suggested itinerary:

• Day one: Drive up to Noosa heads to swim, surf and/or paddle board
• Day two: WalkCaloundra Coastal pathway
• Day three: Have a close encounter at Australia Zoo

Browse flights to Sunshine Coast

Approximately halfway between Brisbane and Sydney, Coffs Harbour is one of those coastal locations worthy of a road trip.

Once in town, the beauty of Australia’s flora and fauna opens up to you, with the Solitary Islands, Forest Sky Pier, Coffs Harbour Butterfly House and the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden being just a few of the highlights that should not be missed.

Suggested itinerary:

• Day one: Day trip up to the Solitary Islands
• Day two: Bushwalk through a National Park (e.g. Dorrigo, Cascade, Bongil Bongil)
• Day three: Soak up some rays on Coffs Harbour beach before heading home

Browse car hire to Coffs Coast

Melbourne is one of those cities you can return to time and time again, so it’s great for a long-weekend away. In town you can bar hop, alternative shop or city walk the day away. If you want to take things beyond the city centre, why not use this as an excuse to tick the Great Ocean Road drive off your bucket list?

You know you want to.

Suggested itinerary:

• Day one: Drive to Cape Otway and Twelve Apostles
• Day two: Drive to Bay of Islands and return back to Melbourne
• Day three: Spend a day in the city

Browse flights to Melbourne

With the day off work and the kids (if you have any) off school, all the stars have aligned to take that great Australian pilgrimage to see one of our country’s top natural wonders: The Great Barrier Reef.

Airlie Beach is your ideal base point as it’s the largest town on the Whitsunday Coast and offers tours, watersport activities and two white, sandy beaches.

Suggested itinerary:

• Day one: Hire a sailboat (or go “bareboating”) along the coast
• Day two: Book a cruise or sailing day tour
• Day three: Explore the tropical rainforest by embarking on the Conway Circuit walking track

Browse flights to Whitsundays

Tired of going up and down the east coast of Australia in search of sun, sand and sea? Opt for an alternative route this long-weekend and head west for your getaway. Set amongst the backdrop of the Kimberley Region, Broome might just be the beach town resort you’ve been looking for. It’s beautiful beachfront is speckled with dazzling red rock that you can tour by camel.

Can’t say that about the Whitsundays now, can you?

Suggested itinerary:

• Day one: Take time to explore the beach
• Day two: Tour the Pinnacles and the Kimberley Region
• Day three: Tour pearl farms and take a beach camel tour

Browse flights to Broome

If you’re more inclined toward big cities than big beaches, a trip to Sydney is a must. On top of its tourist hotspots like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, a number of festivals generally coincide with the Queen’s long weekend, including Vivid and Sydney Film Festival, which make for both a fun and full itinerary.

Suggested itinerary:

• Day one: City highlights by day, Vivid by night
• Day two: Day trip out to the Blue Mountains
• Day three: Taronga Zoo (including its Vivid highlights)

Browse flights to Sydney