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.

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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.

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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.

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

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.

Why the anti-tick list holiday is gaining traction

Less is more