Revealed: Australia’s most relaxing holiday destinations

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Beat the burnout: a new analysis has discovered which Australian destinations are the best to unwind and refresh in.

The feeling of needing a holiday from a holiday is not uncommon. Especially if, like me, you’re a chronic itinerary over-stuffer. So there’s definitely something to be said for a getaway destination that encourages you to completely slow down and smell the roses. But what’s the secret ingredient for a relaxing holiday destination?

Tripadvisor might have just provided the answers we’re looking for.

Simply Nootropics did the hard yards of analysing Tripadvisor reviews for sentiments such as sleep quality, area peacefulness, comfort and amenities, service and hospitality, natural beauty, refreshing local activities and more factors that add to a relaxing, wellness getaway. The aim? To find the most relaxing destination based on genuine opinions.

a bay at Crescent Head new south wales

Australia’s most relaxing destination has been announced. (Image: DNSW)

But first, a doctor’s opinion. Dr Marny Lishman explains ways to maximise your recovery on a holiday, especially if you are experiencing burnout or high stress levels before you go.

“People have to stop at first completely, that means just sleep or do nothing. This could be days for some people and weeks for others. What we ideally want is for people to recover and get their energy back before changing their routines or schedules," she explains.

The next suggestion is to go screen-free, and to “plan some quiet time out in nature".

“Enjoy some green space to ensure you’re truly giving yourself a moment to reset in a space that is quiet and without overstimulation," she continues.

With that in mind, the top five results are probably of no surprise.

5. Palm Cove, Qld

The calm ocean waves and a long line of palm trees found at Cairns-adjacent Palm Cove rolled in at fifth place. From delicious, absolute beach-front restaurants to bright and breezy accommodation options, Palm Cove really does encourage visitors to switch off, slow down and get onto a beachside pace. Cute shops, monthly markets and water sports all await to keep things just interesting enough.

palm beach queensland

Stay close to Cairns but away from the crowds. (Image: TEQ)

4. Marcoola, Qld

Somehow, this little Sunshine Coast town has managed to fly somewhat under the radar, which makes it a perfect place to relax. With uncrowded beaches, grassy parklands and the Maroochy River at its back door, this little gem is the classic coastal escape. Here, it’s all about doing as little as possible, but a beachside walk with pretty coastal vistas to Maroochydore and Mt Coolum National Park is less than a 10-minute drive north. And the town has not slept on its food offerings. Plus the local weekly market is perfect for local goods, food trucks and live tunes with a family vibe.

Marcooola Twilight Markets queensland

Stop by the local markets. (Image: TEQ)

3. Hunter Valley, NSW

I mean, wine and cheese. Need I say more? But I will anyway. Take a winery tour and let someone else worry about the logistics. Find accommodation offerings from luxe resorts to quaint Airbnb stays. Eat at high-end restaurants or casual eateries – all completely delicious, especially for brunch. And take in the beautiful countryside, swapping big city sounds for bird calls and cicadas.

pokolbin winery in the hunter valley

Relax with wine and cheese. (Image: DNSW)

2. Noosa, Qld

It shouldn’t be surprising to find so many beachside towns on this list, especially in Queensland where the weather is (generally) reliably good for most of the year. Noosa scored particularly highly for its service and hospitality – makes sense considering its reputation as a foodie destination – and good value. It’s also a particularly good holiday for families, with plenty to keep the kids occupied.

“Being near the coast and in nature is a great way to wind down, and disconnect from the stresses of daily life, plus these areas are known for great hospitality towards visitors," explains Dr Brian Ramos, a neuroscientist and researcher at Simply Nootropics. 

aerial view of noosa everglades

Explore beaches and the unique Noosa Everglades. (Image: TEQ)

1. Crescent Head, NSW

And rolling into first place, is New South Wales’ Crescent Head, located on the mid-north coast, about five hour’s drive from Sydney. Get completely off-grid with several campgrounds to choose from, and enjoy scenic hikes, a beachside lifestyle and ocean activities like surfing and fishing. Good sleep quality was one of the top-ranking criteria here, with full marks for both the quality and value of attractions in the area. What could be less stressful than that?

nobby's bay at Crescent Head new south wales

Get your best sleep at Crescent Head. (Image: DNSW)

Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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Win 1 of 10 luxury holidays worth over $38,000!

What’s better than booking your dream holiday? Winning it, of course!

Enter the 2025 Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards for your chance to win big in our mega prize giveaway!

To celebrate our Readers’ Choice Awards, we have curated 10 incredible travel prizes worth $38,871 to give away, to inspire you to explore Australia.

Please note: you will not be able to choose which prize you win.The winners will be contacted after the competition closes and announced in issue 108 (on sale from 3 November 2025).

Read the general competition terms and conditions, as well as the Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards terms and conditions, before you enter. You only need to enter the giveaway once.

Entries for this competition close at 5 pm AEST on 25 September 2025.

Intrepid Travel | JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa | Pair’d Margaret River | Kingfisher Bay Resort | Prancing Horse | Star RV | Lancemore | The Fullerton Hotel Sydney | Glenayr Farm | Taronga Zoo

Intrepid Travel’s six-day exploration of Tasmania’s Cradle Coast worth $6430

Intrepid-Travel-Tasmania-Cradle-Mountain-leader

Explore the edge of the world on this six-day exploration of Tasmania’s untamed Cradle Coast.

Discover the wild and rugged beauty of Australia’s most southern state on Intrepid Travel’s Best of Tasmania’s Tarkine & Cradle Mountain trip. The ultimate six-day escape for two loops in Tarkine/Takayna rainforest, a Cradle Mountain hike and inspired pit stops along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. Spot wombats, stargaze in remote stays, and connect with Indigenous culture in stunning national parks. Includes accommodation, select meals, and unforgettable scenery.

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  • Hotel stay (four nights)
  • Cottage stay (one night)
  • Five breakfasts
  • One lunch
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A luxury stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa worth $5280

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa_ Saltwater Lagoon Ariel View

Enjoy white sandy beaches, a swim-up grotto and waterfalls.

Treat your other half to a long weekend away in an Ocean View Executive Suite at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. Enjoy daily breakfast for two at Citrique restaurant, a signature massage or facial at Spa by JW, and a three-course dinner with wine pairing at the award-winning Citrique. This unforgettable experience also includes complimentary self-parking so you can get out and explore while on the Goldie.

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  • Three-night stay in an Ocean View Executive Suite
  • Breakfast daily for two in Citrique Restaurant
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  • Three-course dinner with wine pairing for two in the award-winning Citrique Restaurant
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A Pair’d festival getaway in Margaret River worth $5000

Beach club at Pair'd Margaret River

Enjoy diverse programming at Pair’d. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Win a three-night luxury escape for two at Smiths Beach Resort during the annual Pair’d Margaret River Festival. Enjoy return flights to Busselton, admission to select signature events from 21–23 November, and access to the best of the region’s bounty. This prize also includes exclusive Pair’d merch – everything you need for the ultimate festival adventure in the heart of WA’s iconic Margaret River Region.

Pair’d is Western Australia’s top wine and food festival, designed with a ‘wine first’ approach. This festival brings together the best of culinary, music and cultural experiences, all thoughtfully curated by sommeliers to create an unforgettable celebration of the senses.

What’s included?

  • Three-night luxury stay at Smiths Beach Resort, nestled on the pristine coastline of the Margaret River Region
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  • Return flights to Busselton, flying into the heart of the region
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The ultimate K’gari adventure worth $5000

Lake McKenzie aerial shot on K'gari

Paradise awaits on K’gari.

Pack that floppy hat and factor 50+ sunscreen for five unforgettable days on World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). This epic prize includes airport transfers, ferry transport to the island, three nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort and one night at K’gari Beach Resort.

This ultimate island escape includes two days of guided 4WD touring, daily buffet breakfasts, touring lunches, national park fees and tickets to the magical Illumina light and sound show.

What’s included?

  • Return airport transfers to River Heads / Hervey Bay Airport
  • Return passenger ferry transfer
  • Three nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort
  • One night at K’gari Beach Resort
  • Full days of guided 4WD coach touring including lunch, National Park fees and permits
  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Illumina light show experience

A $5000 supercar escape with Prancing Horse

Red Ferrari driving down road with Palm trees.

Drive an unparalleled collection of supercars on exclusive driving experiences across Australia.

Buckle up for the drive of a lifetime with Prancing Horse luxury driving experiences. Take the wheel of the world’s most coveted supercars – think Ferrari, McLaren or Lamborghini – for a breathtaking spin through one of six spectacular Australian regions. The ultimate road trip for two lucky rev-heads includes curated routes with gourmet dining, luxury hotels and jaw-dropping scenery.

What’s included?

  • Gourmet dining at award-winning restaurants
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A seven-day Star RV motorhome getaway worth over $4300

Star RV Polaris 2 MountCook 1 NZ

This is your chance to live the van life dream. (Image: Clint Trahan)

Ready to hit the road? Win a seven-day adventure in a premium Star RV Polaris 6 motorhome valued at more than $4300. Choose to explore Australia or New Zealand with unlimited kilometres, 24/7 roadside assistance, basic insurance and a fully equipped home on wheels that sleeps six. The swanky motorhome is decked out with a full kitchen, bathroom, air-conditioning and outdoor gear included.

Designed with space, style and adventure in mind, the Polaris 6 has ample room to stretch out. Whether you’re chasing sunsets along the coast or stargazing in the outback, this is road tripping at its best. Perfect for a family holiday, a friend escape or a couple’s adventure – you get to write the story.

What’s included?

  • Unlimited kilometres
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A luxury Red Hill Escape worth over $2500

The Ninch Lindenderry

Rest and dream at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill.

If ever there was a place for you to rest and dream, it is Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill. The escape includes a stay in the luxurious Balcony Suite, tucked away amid 13 hectares of gardens and vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula.

Enjoy daily breakfast and a two-course degustation dinner with wine pairing at the acclaimed two-hatted restaurant, The Dining Room. Just minutes from beaches and top wineries, this is the perfect getaway for food, wine and nature lovers.

What’s included?

  • Breakfast
  • Two-course degustation dinner and wine pairing at the award-winning two-hatted restaurant, The Dine Room

A night at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney worth $2200

The Fullerton Staircase

A night in the Heritage Long Suite offers a truly unforgettable stay.

Experience over-the-top indulgence in the Heritage Long Suite, the largest guestroom at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney in the historic former General Post Office building. The suite features original marble fireplaces, a grand living area, the postmaster’s original writing desk from 1874 and a dining space for six.

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  • Exclusive access to the Fullerton Club Lounge
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A luxe glamping stay for eight at Glenayr Farm worth $2000

Glenayr Farm hot tub

Glenayr Farm is a fully sustainable, off-grid accommodation. (Image: Salty Luxe)

Grab seven of your nearest and dearest and make a beeline for wine country in Mudgee. At Glenayr Farm, a 129-hectare working sheep and cattle property, you’ll have four luxe bell tents all to yourselves for two blissful nights. Pick up a bottle of wine at a nearby cellar door and uncork it in a hot tub or by the outdoor fire pit come evening.

Fall in love with the unrivalled views of the sunsets and incredible vistas over one of the most beautiful areas in the region. At night, the sky explodes to life as the area is one of the premier stargazing sites in Australia. Disconnect to reconnect and immerse in the peace of nature and country living.

What’s included?

  • Communal area with kitchen
  • Lounge/games room with billiards table, TV and bathrooms
  • Private hot tubs
  • Fire pits

A Wildlife Retreat experience worth $1159

Taronga Zoo Eco Retreat

Unique eco-retreat accommodation with immersive native animal experiences, modern Australian dining, all overlooking iconic Sydney Harbour.

Wake up with koalas and kangaroos at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga with an unforgettable overnight stay for two in an Animal View Room. Overlooking Sydney Harbour and hidden within Taronga Zoo, this luxury eco-retreat includes two-day zoo access, a guided Sanctuary tour, buffet breakfast at Me-Gal restaurant and free onsite parking. It’s a unique blend of nature, comfort and conservation – the perfect wild escape in the heart of Sydney/Warrane.

Every visit to Taronga Zoo directly supports vital wildlife conservation efforts, meaning your unforgettable experience helps contribute to a greater cause.

What’s included?

  • Two-day access to Taronga Zoo Sydney
  • An exclusive guided Sanctuary tour to meet some of Australia’s most beloved native animals up close
  • A delicious buffet breakfast at the Me-Gal restaurant
  • Onsite parking

Subscribe now to increase your chances of winning big. Simply subscribe to view digital versions of past magazines going back seven years, so you can get plenty of travel inspiration while you wait for your first printed magazine to arrive.