Why have holidays become to-do lists? Meet the anti-tick list escape

Ditch the jam-packed itinerary – this escape is all about slowing down, switching off and truly unwinding.

For years, the ultimate holiday experience has been defined by how many sights, attractions and landmarks can be crammed into an itinerary. The more boxes ticked, the more successful the trip. But a growing number of Australian travellers are flipping that mindset on its head, rejecting the ‘tick list’ approach in favour of slowing down, unwinding and immersing themselves in nature. Enter the ‘anti-tick list holiday’ – a travel trend that’s all about embracing the joy of doing less.

Why the anti-tick list holiday is gaining traction

The open road in Kimberly, Western Australia. Straight single lane asphalt road stretching into the distance with mountains in the background. Holiday adventure. — The anti-tick list holiday encourages travellers to focus on being present. (Image: Getty Images/Jason Bennee)

A combination of factors is driving the shift in how Aussies are choosing to holiday. The rising cost of travel, increasing overtourism in major hotspots and a collective yearning for a break from the chaos of everyday life have all contributed to the growing appeal of slow travel.

Reflections Holidays chief executive officer Nick Baker told Australian Traveller that many Aussies are realising that the cookie-cutter holiday experience just isn’t for them. “We’ve noticed a growing shift towards Aussies seeking out authentic, personalised getaways that avoid common tourist traps," Baker said.

“Instead of wasting time in queues and crowded attractions, travellers now want to focus on activities they truly enjoy, opting instead for an anti-tick list itinerary."

Rather than rushing from one attraction to the next, the anti-tick list holiday encourages travellers to take a step back, focus on being present and enjoy the simple pleasures of their surroundings. Whether it’s waking up to the sound of birdsong in a secluded stay in Tasmania, spending an entire day reading on a secret beach, going on an epic road trip to the heart of the outback or hiking to a lookout without checking the time, this kind of travel is about experiences, not itineraries.

Less is more

Aerial view of car parked with camper and young man overlooking the Great Australian Bight. Captured while crossing the Nullarbor. — Escape the daily grind with an anti-tick list holiday. (Image: Getty Images/Philip Thurston)

Stepping away from the pressure to ‘see it all’ can lead to a more meaningful and rejuvenating holiday. Instead of returning home feeling like they need another break to recover, travellers who embrace a slower pace report feeling more refreshed and connected to both their surroundings and themselves.

Nature-based getaways, in particular, are proving to be a popular choice for those looking to escape the daily grind. Immersing in natural environments – whether it’s a rainforest retreat in Tropical North Queensland, a remote campground or a small town coastal escape in South Australia – has been linked to improved mental health , lower stress levels and a greater sense of well-being. It’s not just about switching off from work emails; it’s about reconnecting with the world in a way that doesn’t require a checklist. Because we have enough of those already.

“Sometimes, less really is more. When you strip back the clutter of a packed schedule, you create space for genuine relaxation and a chance to reconnect with nature," Baker told Australian Traveller.

Where to go for the ultimate anti-tick list holiday

For those keen to embrace the anti-tick list ethos, there’s no shortage of destinations across Australia that offer a slower, more immersive escape. Here are a few ideas:

Holiday parks in beautiful locations

Reflections Holidays Moonee Beach — Slow down at Reflections Holidays properties.

Nestled in some of Australia’s most picturesque locations, Reflections Holidays campgrounds and cabins provide a perfect setting for a low-key, nature-based escape. With waterfront views, bushland retreats and easy access to stunning landscapes, they make it easy to slow down and savour the beauty of Australia.

“We are seeing a lot of interest in spots that are more off-the-beaten-track with locations such as Bonny Hills, Evans Head, Pambula, Tumut and Eden, gaining popularity, offering the perfect balance of comfort, adventure and seclusion," Baker said.

And for a taste of remote wilderness, Discovery Parks has some standout locations, including Broome, Lake Argyle and Lake Kununurra in the Kimberley.

Margaret River, WA

Margaret River vineyard — Enjoy an unhurried escape in Margaret River. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

A world-renowned wine region that offers more than just cellar doors. Here, you can take long walks along untouched beaches, explore ancient caves and enjoy farm-to-table dining at a relaxed pace. The lush vineyards and rugged coastlines create the perfect backdrop for a truly unhurried escape.

The Blue Mountains, NSW

The Grand Cliff Top Walk Undercliff Track in the Blue Mountains — Ditch the crowded lookouts on the new Grand Cliff Top Walk. (Image: R Brand/DCCEEW)

Known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and lush eucalyptus forests, the Blue Mountains is an ideal destination to unwind. Ditch the crowded lookouts and instead explore lesser-known hiking trails, stay in a cosy cabin or simply soak up the crisp mountain air.

The Yarra Valley, Vic

Yarra Valley Road — The Yarra Valley is perfect for a slow and mindful getaway.

This wine country escape offers rolling vineyards, exquisite dining and boutique accommodation set in tranquil countryside. Whether it’s a leisurely afternoon tasting local wines, indulging in gourmet produce or enjoying a picnic by the river, the Yarra Valley is perfect for a slow and mindful getaway.

Cocos Keeling Islands

A remote paradise in the Indian Ocean, the Cocos Keeling Islands are an archipelago that boasts crystal-clear waters, pristine white-sand beaches and an unhurried island vibe. With limited tourist infrastructure, it’s the ultimate spot to disconnect from the world, snorkel among vibrant marine life and enjoy uninterrupted sunsets over the horizon.

The future of anti-tick list travel?

The rise of the anti-tick list holiday suggests that more Aussies are rethinking what a successful getaway looks like. While there will always be a place for bucket-list travel, there’s a growing recognition that a holiday should be about more than just ticking boxes – it should be about taking a breath, enjoying the moment, and making memories that aren’t defined by a checklist.

As this trend continues to gain momentum, expect to see more travellers opting for slow, nature-focused escapes that prioritise relaxation over rushing. After all, sometimes the best way to make the most of a holiday is to simply let go of the agenda altogether.

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding.

You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.

1. Lake Tyrrell

Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.

2. Nhill Lake

There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.

3. Lake Bringalbert

Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.

4. Lake Hindmarsh

If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.

5. Pink Lake

Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland.

6. Lake Lascelles

On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.