For a holiday that takes you away from the day-to-day and provides an opportunity to completely relax, it's best to get out of the city and head into the bush or to the coast. Whether you want empty forests, peaceful mountains or a luxury spa resort, your Australian road trip can include it all. With our multi-location car hire available, you start wherever you like and wind your way from one to the other at your leisure. Take advantage of the very best of Australia's chill-out spots.
Check out these ideas to get away from it all.
Head into the wilds
Get just a few hours out of any Australian city and hit the wilderness. Head just 2 hours inland from Sydney and find yourself in the Blue Mountains where you can pitch a tent amongst the trees at a variety of calm and quiet campsites. Spend your days hiking, biking or even try your hand at some adventure sports. Alternatively, follow the coast south to arrive at Coledale Beach and enjoy the surf, sand and seafood on offer while waking up to the sound of the waves.
From Melbourne, if you fancy mountain scenery you're spoilt for choice with the Grampians and the Dandenong Ranges in close proximity. If you prefer relaxing by the sea, how about the Mornington Peninsula, less than one hour south of the city. Here you have the option of coastal walks, a round of golf, cosy cafes or local art galleries to while away the hours.
If wilderness glamping is more your style, try Lamington National Park, Queensland, for solar-powered safari tents and organic dinners. Other options include a luxury campsite with outdoor fire pits in place of kitchens for a taste of rural cooking or tents with freestanding bath tubs to aid your relaxation.
Aug 13, 2018 at 2:00pm PDT
Visit the hippy capitals
A couple of hours south of Brisbane, Byron Bay and its gorgeous sandy beach practically guarantee a chilled-out few days. Known for surfing and relaxing, if you really want to get away from it all try heading towards the Cape Byron Lighthouse and stay at Wategos.
Embracing the hippy vibe one step further with dreadlocks and floaty tie-dye outfits as far as the eye can see, Nimbin calls itself the alternative lifestyle capital of Australia. Slow down in one of the many cafes, wander the shops or explore the local rainforest. Take a yoga class or try one of the many natural therapies or spiritual healings available.
For relaxation that's more resort style, check out fashionable and cosmopolitan Noosa. Here you can be pampered, visit the designer shops and stay in luxury accommodation, all within reach of the beach and Noosa National Park.
Sep 24, 2016 at 2:00pm PDT
Treat yourself to some luxury relaxation
Head up to Queensland, beyond the crowds of Cairns to Palm Cove where you'll find 'Spa Street' – which does exactly what it says on the tin. You'll find a choice of day spas where you can be pampered head-to-toe in between relaxing on the beach. Not far from Daintree, if you fancy a change of scenery, you can take a relaxing walk through an ancient rainforest instead.
In Melbourne you can rise above the CBD at a 27th floor spa and float away with a massage or facial. If you fancy being surrounded by nature without any hint of traffic or the business world, New South Wales has a handy selection of near-wilderness spa options. From resorts where you can take in vast bush scenery from your poolside lounger, to mountain views, quiet seclusion is easy to find.
Sep 19, 2017 at 4:07pm PDT
Organise your relaxing Aussie break today, visit our website to book your east coast car hire.