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
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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.
Be invigorated by the sights, sounds and landscapes of the Northern Territory.
If your 2026 travel goals focus on visiting inspiring and meaningful destinations, look no further than the Northern Territory. Rich in Indigenous culture, national parks and unique local cuisine, a journey deep into the Red Centre and Top End will awaken all your senses and leave you with lifelong memories. But you don’t need to do it on your own, as AAT Kings’ Small Group tours offer expertly led itineraries. They’re designed to take the guesswork out of travel planning and help you access remote regions in comfort while connecting with fellow guests, allowing you to delve deeper into destinations with insights from knowledgeable Travel Directors and local Indigenous guides.
As Small Group tours with AAT Kings have an average of just 16 guests, there’s ample opportunity to ask questions and make meaningful connections on every visit. Here are just a few of the experiences on offer, with adventures designed to invigorate every sense.
1. Under a Desert Moon dinner
Watch the stars come out over five courses.
Over five courses, dine under the stars during an unforgettable Outback dining experience. As day fades to night, lit only by the moon and the crackling fire, this outdoor dinner features locally sourced seasonal produce, matched with Australian wines.
It’s an intimate experience, showcasing the quiet grandeur of the Outback after nightfall. As you dine, feel connected to the land and its unique flavours, introduced by your impeccable waitstaff.
Part of the Northern Territory Dreaming tour, the Under a Desert Moon dinner is the ideal way to connect with your small group of fellow travellers after an invigorating day in the Red Centre.
2. Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Learn stories of the Red Centre at Karrke. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ 75vibes)
The best way to learn the stories of the Red Centre is by connecting with the land’s Traditional Owners. At the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, visited on AAT Kings Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, you’ll meet with members of the local Wanmarra community in Kings Canyon.
On this immersive AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you’ll walk on Country to learn firsthand about bush tucker, Indigenous medicine, wooden artefacts and the art of dot painting. Passionate guides will share stories that have been passed down for generations.
3. Kungkas Can Cook
Taste local bush delicacies. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Mel Brautigam)
The powerful senses of smell and taste are awakened on this exclusive experience led by Indigenous chef Rayleen Brown. Included in the Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, this is a unique opportunity to savour local bush delicacies and learn about Indigenous culture through the lens of food.
Brown, a recipe author and guest judge for MasterChef Australia, works solely with native ingredients directly harvested by women from the Alice Springs community. It’s a 100 per cent Indigenous owned and run business.
4. Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)
See striking Karlu Karlu. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)
Appearing out of nowhere, the huge granite boulders of Karlu Karlu seem to precariously balance on the barren Outback landscape. You’ll come across these geological formations as you cruise the Stuart Highway on the Northern Territory Explorer tour.
Your AAT Kings Travel Director will share expert insight on the history and culture of Karlu Karlu, recognised as a sacred site of the Warumungu people. As you walk in awe amongst these stunning formations, formed many millennia ago, you’ll hear some of the stories behind why this place is so important to Indigenous storytelling and culture.
5. Pudakul
Experience this family-owned Indigenous experience. (Images: Tourism & Events NT/ Helen Orr)
Make authentic cultural connections when you visit Pudakul, a family-owned Indigenous experience on the Adelaide River Flood Plains. On your Small Group Northern Territory Explorer tour your senses will be inspired by the sounds of First Nations music, the taste of local bush tucker and the beauty of art.
This AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is designed to take you deeper into the destination, helping guests learn from the people of the Limilngan-Wulna Land.
6. Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise
Spot the wildlife of the billabong. (Image: Tourism & Events NT)
Observing the unique wildlife of the Northern Territory – from formidable crocs to hearing gentle melodies from the many endemic bird species – is always one of the most memorable parts of your Northern Territory Dreaming tour.
Travel in the comfort of your premium coach, taking in the stunning landscapes, before arriving at Corroboree Billabong. This special place is part of the Mary River Wetlands and is home to the world’s largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles. Your comfortable boat is designed to maximise wildlife viewing, giving you a front row seat to this spectacular ecosystem.
7. Aboriginal Bush Traders
Visit for the art, stay for a bite. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Shaana McNaught)
A visit to Aboriginal Bush Traders is the ideal introduction to the vibrant city of Darwin. This non-profit gallery, cafe and retail space supports Indigenous employment and is the perfect place to find a curated selection of ethical Indigenous gifts, including artwork and organic skincare.
Your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming tours include an exclusive native flavour tasting, offering cultural insight before travelling deeper into the Top End.
8. Leliyn (Edith Falls)
Cool off at Leliyn (Edith Falls). (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)
There’s something about a mighty waterfall that invigorates the soul like nothing else, with the picturesque Leliyn (Edith Falls) the perfect place to refresh on a hot day.
On your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming visit to Nitmiluk National Park, known for its epic sandstone gorges, you’ll pay a visit to the oasis that is Leliyn. It’s the ideal place for a swim, but it’s also home to ancient Indigenous rock art. And as your Travel Director will explain, it’s an impressive place of cultural significance, too.
