Skip the fuel sting with these affordable Easter getaways and staycations across Australia.
Amid recent climbs in fuel prices, Aussies are rethinking long drives. In promising news, the Albanese government has announced it will temporarily be cutting fuel costs by 26.3 cents per litre from 1st April to provide some relief. That epic East Coast road trip may still be off the cards while the effects take their time to settle in – but there are still plenty of wallet-friendly escapes within your home state. Below are our top tips and picks for affordable Easter holidays in each Australian state for 2026, complete with accommodation that’s not too late to book.
Tips for saving money this Easter holiday
Swap cars for regional and tour buses this Easter. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Look to alternative transport: regional bus and train services, along with day tours with transport included, are your best friend
Join holiday park memberships for savings on accommodation
Target late school holidays periods when prices are lower
Plan for a city staycation; stay closer to home or in cities with good public transport networks to save on fuel
Best affordable Easter getaways in Australia 2026
NSW
Regional experiences
Explore Katoomba with the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Blue Mountains Explorer Bus
This hop-on-hop-off bus operates every day and takes you to the Blue Mountains’ most coveted attractions, as well as its best-kept treasures.
Free Easter egg hunt at Robertson Public House & Kitch, Southern Highlands
Hop along to the festivities at this annual easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday, where you’ll find sweet treats and pub grub alike.
Jetty Foreshore precinct, Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour has a cyclable and walkable jetty precinct. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Spend the day strolling, biking and dining around this good-vibes-guaranteed waterfront hangout. And for foodies, the lively Harbourside Markets on Easter Sunday are a must.
Tours from Sydney to the Hunter Valley
Hope Estate is one of many excellent wineries in the Hunter Valley. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Explore the famous Hunter Valley wine region with ease with companies such as RRR Tours, who offer a transfer from Sydney – no car necessary.
Sydney experiences
Ingenia Holiday Parks Sydney Family Easter Show
This much-loved Easter extravaganza at Moore Park pulls out all the stops – thrilling rides, stage shows, mazes and much more.
Hills Easter Show
Visit this Easter show at Castle Hill Showground from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April for magic shows, jumping castles, fireworks and dodgem cars. Family entry tickets (two adults, two children) cost $30.
Fairfield Easter Show
This six-day event attracts thousands of visitors each year, and promises kelpie dogs, rides and free circus workshops in 2026.
NSW accommodation
Return to nature at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, Umina Beach. (Credit: Destination NSW)
The holiday park has fun activities for all ages. (Credit: Destination NSW)
NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort, South Coast
NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, Central Coast
NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park
Mantra, Novotel, Mercure and Peppers properties across the state
Savings deal: Two nights at the new 25hours Hotel The Olympia, located in Sydney’s Paddington, from $569 when booked through Luxury Escapes. Includes a daily a la carte breakfast plus a $50 dining credit.
Head to the Bendigo Easter Festival on Saturday 4 April to witness a traditional lion and dragon dance presented by Bendigo Chinese Association. Spoiler: it’s set to end with the lighting of 100,000 firecrackers.
Geelong Easter Fest
Join the giant easter egg hunt at Geelong Easter Fest 2026, and linger for the foodie trucks, carnival games, line dancing and Easter Bunny meet and greet.
Mountain biking, Falls Creek Easter Festival
Falls Creek is a stellar mountain biking destination. (Credit: Falls Creek)
Pump up the adrenaline and enjoy the thrill of mountain biking with Blue Dirt MTB Shuttles from Falls Creek Easter Festival.
Beechworth Golden Horseshoes Festival
Join the Easter fun run, enjoy live music and peruse flea markets at this Beechworth community fest, running from 3 to 6 April.
Melbourne experiences
Family Museum Sleepover, Melbourne Museum
Spend a night at Melbourne Museum, slumbering among dinosaurs on a cloud-soft, ergonomic Ecosa mattress. Grab your torch and learn about dino fossils unearthed over 67 million years.
Melbourne Skydeck
Sky-high views at Melbourne Skydeck. (Credit: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)
Rally the crew and head 300 metres above ground to the southern hemisphere’s highest public observation deck for unparalleled views over Melbourne’s skyline.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
BIG4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park, Frankston South
BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park, Dandenong South
Quest Apartment Hotels, Melbourne CBD: Quest on William, Quest Southbank, Quest Jolimont, Quest East Melbourne
Dorsett Melbourne, Melbourne CBD
Queensland
Regional experiences
Mary Valley Rattler Easter Express, Gympie
Hop aboard this iconic heritage steam train for a special Easter Sunday voyage from Gympie to the quaint town of Amamoor. The three-hour journey passes spectacular landscapes, with onboard volunteers happy to share the fascinating history behind the train.
Easter in the Country, Roma
Ever experienced Easter in the Queensland outback? It’s a hoot. Roma’s Easter in the Country is the place to be, offering rodeo comps, country tunes and market stalls in spades.
Easter Eggstravaganza, Sanctuary Cove
On Sunday 5 April, this free Gold Coast fest is dishing up a day of sweet surprises, scavenger adventures (with a chocolate reward, naturally) and animal encounters.
Brisbane experiences
Easter Family Fun & Markets, Coochiemudlo Island
The Easter markets on Coochiemudlo Island, held on Saturday 4 April, are set to sizzle with creativity – from bonnet making and rock painting to themed markets. Don’t miss the bunny visit at 10am.
Easter activities at Felons Brewing Co, Howard Smith Wharves
Spend the Easter long weekend at laidback Felons Brewing Co, which will feature a reptile show, egg hunt, bunny-shaped pizzas, fresh hot cross buns and outdoor cinema sessions for the whole clan.
Queensland accommodation
NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort, Gold Coast
Discovery Parks – Fraser Street, Hervey Bay
Discovery Parks – Bargara, Coral Coast
Mantra South Bank Brisbane
Western Australia
Regional experiences
Escape to seaside Mandurah, accessible by train from Perth. (Credit: Unsplash/Serina Bird)
Mandurah getaway
Just 75km from Perth and easily accessible by train, Mandurah makes for a wonderful, affordable Easter getaway. The Transperth Family Rider ticket is just $7, making it a super affordable day trip or overnight escape.
Mandurah is home to around 100 dolphins that can often be spotted from the shoreline. Join a low-cost dolphin cruise with Mandurah Cruises or hop aboard Mandurah’s very own pirate ship, then round out the day by visiting The Giants of Mandurah, a free outdoor sculpture trail perfect for walking or cycling adventures.
The Rottnest Express Easter Egg Hunt
This free and fun family activity will make your day trip to stunning Rottnest Island all the more memorable as you spot eggs around popular island locations. Simply book a ferry ticket with a Rottnest Express Quokka Club membership (a program that lets WA kids ride the ferry for free) and collect your hunting checklist before departing.
Perth experiences
Easter Family Fun Fair at Mandoon Estate
Taking place on 4 April 2026, this free event in a beautiful Swan Valley setting promises an animal farm, cellar door and bundles of Easter magic.
Easter Markets @ The Quay
Celebrate Easter along the Perth Esplanade and get to know some of the city’s most talented makers at this bustling outdoor marketplace.
WA accommodation
Say hello to the resident dolphins that come right up to the shore in Monkey Mia. (Credit: Unsplash/Ben Douglas)
RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Shark Bay
Mandurah Coastal Holiday Park, Mandurah
RAC Karri Valley Resort, Yeagarup
South Australia
Experiences
Bike About
Jump on two wheels and access some of South Australia’s top tourism hotspots with Bike About hire and tours, from vineyard touring in the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills to an e-cycling safari through Monarto Safari Park.
Meadows Easter Fair, Adelaide Hills
This sprawling annual four-day treasure market in the Adelaide Hills is sure to delight all ages with 130 stalls selling everything from bric-a-brac to handmade art, vintage clothing to fabulous food.
Weekly travel news, experiences insider tips, offers, and more.
SA accommodation
Discovery Parks – Port Augusta
Comfort Inn Regal Park, North Adelaide
Mount Pleasant Hotel, Adelaide Hills
Tasmania
Experiences
Join the fun at Street Eats @ Franko. (Credit: Amy Brown)
Street Eats @ Franko, Hobart
Every Friday evening from December through April, Street Eats @ Franko takes over Franklin Square with Tasmanian gourmet goodies, craft sips and cheerful music.
Red Decker sightseeing tours, Hobart
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a tourist in your own city, boarding the open-top, double-decker buses at Red Decker makes it easy to explore 20 captivating stops across the city.
Kids’ easter egg hunt, Burnie
Slated for Saturday 4 April 2026, this classic annual egg hunt at Burnie Park is buckets of fun and free for all.
Tasmania accommodation
Mövenpick Hotel opened in Hobart in early 2021. (Credit: Loic Le Guilly)
Mövenpick Hobart
BIG4 Strahan Holiday Retreat
Burnie by the Bay Apartments
Peppers Seaport Launceston
Northern Territory
Experiences
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin
Get your creative juices flowing with a visit to MAGNT. Not only is it free admission, but you’ll get to explore a spectrum of compelling exhibitions, including Exit Art from regional Year 12 students.
Parap Village Markets, Darwin
Spend Saturday morning at the famous Parap Markets, where you can savour flavours from South East Asia from a host of buzzy food stalls (including the beloved Mary’s Laksa) or take home a locally made gift.
Easter Egg Hunt at the Waterfront, Darwin
The 2026 iteration of this well-loved Easter festival, taking place Saturday 4 April, will feature a special Easter bonnet parade, petting zoos and jumping castles. Secure a picnic spot or book a table at one of the nearby F&B venues.
NT accommodation
Bed down for a comfy stay at Mercure Darwin Airport Resort.
Mercure Darwin Airport Resort
Rydges Darwin Central
Discovery Parks – Alice Springs
Safari Lodge Motel, Tennant Creek
ACT
Experiences
Find fresh air at the National Arboretum Canberra. (Credit: Kannika Afonso/VisitCanberra)
National Arboretum Canberra
Fall back into step with nature and enjoy the fresh air at the National Arboretum, home to more than 44,000 rare and endangered trees. Check out the Forest Sculpture Gallery, take kids to the multi-sensory POD playground for kids and admire award-winning architecture.
Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, Canberra
Hop along to Canberra’s oldest market institution on Easter Saturday. There’ll be plenty of farm-fresh produce and delicatessen goods, as well as free Easter cookie decorating and carrot pot planting for the little ones.
ACT accommodation
Mercure Canberra blends modern comfort and affordability. (Credit: Mercure Canberra/Ina J Photography)
Capital Country Holiday Park, Sutton
Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra Dickson
Mercure Canberra
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
A new wave of retreats, hotels, glamping sites and more is encouraging visitors to savour their time spent along the Great Ocean Road.
Long holding a place as one of Australia’s most rewarding drives, cliffs, curves and shifting coastal light continue to draw travellers to Victoria’s coastline year after year. What has evolved more quietly is the range of new accommodation along the Great Ocean Road to add new dimensions to the drive.
Rather than competing for attention, these stays are shaped by their settings. They sit beside rivers, among vines, on the edge of lakes and close to town centres where local life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Together, they point to a way of travelling the Great Ocean Road that values time spent in place, as much as distance covered.
1. The Monty, Anglesea
Pop into Nina Cantina for tacos and views.
Anglesea has always appealed to travellers drawn to a quieter stretch of coast, where surf culture, bushland and river scenery blend into one. The Monty complements that character with a recent rebrand and refresh with traditional beach road trip nostalgia in mind. Mid-century retro decor means rooms are contemporary and funky, without being over-styled.
A highlight of the stay is Nina Cantina, the on-site Mexican restaurant overlooking the Anglesea River. Opening in 2026, it will undoubtedly become a popular gathering point, bringing together locals, day trippers and overnight guests. Watch the river flow while tucking into plates of tacos, before enjoying a digestion swim in The Monty’s pool.
Mornings in Anglesea often begin quietly. Kangaroos are a familiar sight on the nearby golf course, and walking tracks wind through heathland that reflects the natural landscape of the Surf Coast. From here, the road south feels like a continuation rather than a departure, easing travellers into the next stretch of the journey.
2. Basalt Retreats, Port Fairy
Discover this new adults-only retreat.
Near Port Fairy, Basalt Retreats is an adults-only delight set among a 24-year-old vineyard at Basalt Wines. The accommodation is a mixture of luxury and linens (and ultra comfy beds), allowing the long stretches of grapes to take centre stage. As the sun sets, Basalt Retreats settles into stillness. With minimal light pollution, the night sky becomes part of the experience, and star-searchers will delight in the uninterrupted views of our vast universe.
See Poombeeyt Koontapool from the lookout.
Staying along the Great Ocean Road western region gives you en route access to coastal landmarks. A visit to Poombeeyt Koontapool at Loch Ard Gorge is a must for those fascinated by natural blowholes, with enough walking trails to tucker out the most seasoned hiker.
The Poorpa Yanyeen Meereeng Trail between Timboon and Port Campbell reveals how wetlands, farmland and coastline connect across the region, best appreciated on foot or by bike.
3. Lake Colac Holiday Park, Colac
Book into a cabin at Lake Colac Holiday Park.
Lake Colac Holiday Park introduces new cabin accommodation set along the edge of a broad volcanic lake. The cabins are modern and light-filled, designed to make the most of the water views and open skies.
Lake Colac plays an important role in local life, hosting community events and everyday rituals alike. Staying here offers insight into the agricultural heart of the Great Ocean Road region, where the pace is shaped by seasons rather than sightseeing schedules.
Have a delicious lunch, then join a farm tour at Brae Restaurant. (Image: Visit Vic)
Colac’s central location places visitors within reach of standout regional experiences. Otways Distillery’s Birregurra cellar door reflects the surrounding forest in its approach to spirits. While Brae Restaurant’s guided farm and kitchen garden tours offer a closer look at the land that underpins its acclaimed dining. Together, they highlight the strong connection between produce, place and people.
4. Glamping tents, Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve
Take a breather in Apollo Bay with brand new glamping tents.
Back on the coast, Apollo Bay has always been known to be a natural place to take a breather, sitting roughly at the Great Ocean Road’s midway point. The brand-spanking new glamping tents at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve offer comfortable accommodation that remains closely connected to the outdoors. With ensuite bathrooms and thoughtfully designed interiors, the cabin-tent hybrids offer enough privacy and luxuries to make the trip feel more luxurious than your standard camping affair.
Set near the river and within walking distance of the town centre, the location allows guests to move easily between beach walks, forest drives and relaxed meals.
A session at The Corner Sauna fits naturally into a stay here. The wood-fired sauna has become part of Apollo Bay’s way of life, offering warmth and restoration after time spent in the elements (also known as a frolic at the beach).
Enjoy fresh seafood at Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op.
Apollo Bay has enough to entertain and dazzle travellers more than your average town. Graze on fresh seafood at local cafes – like Graze or Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op – before venturing to nearby waterfalls. Spend hours kayaking among real-life seals, try your hand at surf lessons taught by understanding and patient guides, or simply spend your days reading a book while the surf crashes in front of you.
Together, these new accommodation openings highlight the Great Ocean Road’s continued evolution. With more places that invite travellers to slow down and stay a little longer, the journey becomes less about rushing between landmarks and more about engaging with the unique towns along the way.
