One minute you’re scratching your Santa beard and the next smelling fresh hot cross buns on your way to pick up a dozen eggs – that’s Easter for you.
It’s only a hop, skip, and a chocolate egg away before you realise you haven’t booked a holiday. Unlike the very few proactive vacay bookers taking full advantage of their four-day weekend, those of us who haven’t planned our annual leave just right may be feeling a little lost for options.
Saddle up because we’ve rounded up the top day trips you won’t need months of planning for, and we promise they won’t disappoint.
Tangalooma Island Resort, Queensland
Load up a backpack and climb aboard, in only 75 minutes from Brisbane you’ll find yourself feet deep in white stretches of sand, hugged by turquoise waters, and tempted with new adventures around every bend.
Tangalooma Island Resort is one of the only locations in Australia you can escape to for one day and encounter multiple experiences across land and sea. Think quad bikes, parasailing, desert safaris, sand dune tobogganing, kayaking and snorkelling – to name a few. Get up close and personal with various species of fish, turtles and a myriad of bird life. Skid up and down one of the largest sand dunes in the world by quad bike or toboggan.
Then to top it all off, Tangalooma also offers guests the unique opportunity to hand-feed wild dolphins each and every day at dusk – one of only three locations where this is possible in Australia!
Central Coast, New South Wales
The perfect escape for Sydney-siders starts with a trip to the Central Coast.
Stretching across six regions of NSW, a day trip to the Central Coast is ideal for family getaways or a fun day out with friends. If you want to go bush, spend the day exploring the Ourimbah State Forest and mustering your courage with an exciting zipline safari. On the other hand, if the ocean and golden sands call your name, Avoca Beach is a great coastal destination in the Central Coast’s Gosford region with plenty on offer.
Emma Gorge at El Questro, Western Australia
Avoid the hustle and bustle by opting for green tracks and lush trails at Emma Gorge.
With over 200km of terrain, whether you’re a wildlife fanatic or just desperately need to unplug, this untouched destination will give you all the freedom you need this Easter. Explore the deep gorges of Emma along your walk, dive into natural spring waters beneath cascading waterfalls and admire the heart of the Kimberley while enjoying lunch with a sunset view.
Franklin River, Tasmania
Get lost in Tasmania’s iconic wilderness with a quick trip to the Franklin River.
One of the most well-known rivers in Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area and a short drive from Queenstown, the Franklin River is the perfect day out for history buffs and nature lovers. The rugged mountain countryside and wild currents provide perfect conditions for river rafting, canoeing and nature trails.
Hikers will be greeted with striking panoramic views of Tasmania’s west coast from Donaghys Hill Lookout and every Lara Croft hopeful will be rewarded with archaeological sites across the world heritage wilderness. The park is spotted with picnic spots perfect for day trippers to enjoy the ancient rainforest.
Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory
Immerse yourself in Australia’s ancestry and learn about the culture of the Jawoyn people, the traditional owners of Nitmiluk National Park.
After hearing about the Dreamtime and the traditions that have survived generations, Nitmiluk National Park’s impressive landscape begs to be explored!
Home to the Northern Territory’s famous Katherine River and its diverse wildlife including freshwater crocodiles and rare red-tailed black cockatoos, this destination hits the mark for outback adventurers. Known as the place where the ‘outback meets the tropics’, a visit to Nitmiluk National Park offers an opportunity to see contrasting landscapes in all their glory before the dry season kicks into gear.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Home to more kangaroos than people, day-trippers are warned to expect nothing less than pristine wilderness, solitude to native Australian animals and local wines for sunset-lit moments.
Kangaroo Island produces a range of experiences for day-trippers, with plenty of bushland, beaches and rolling hills to traverse. Like many families, seafood is a must for your Easter weekend. Enjoy a bite of freshly caught King George Whiting, marron and swish it around with locally produced wine.
Poachers Way, Canberra
Wine roamers and food wanderers, this is the trail for you.
Take the wheel and meander the heart of Canberra’s impressive vineyards and wineries set along Poachers Way. Worthy of plentiful accolades, Poachers Way is a day-trip route designed to take you through a gastronomical road trip designed by local producers, growers, winemakers, craft makers and chefs.
This is the perfect Easter indulgence for the foodie and wine connoisseur. Amongst the tastings and savouring of flavours, visitors will find unique and one and only sculptures and textiles created by local artisans to take home as souvenirs.
