Homegrown travel hacks

Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
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Deciding to skip the long-haul flight this year and stay close to home? We get it; holiday planning can be hard work, but it doesn’t have to be. Travel experts, Expedia have all the tips and tricks to make your next at-home Aussie adventure effortless and unforgettable.

Get in early

It sounds simple, and it is. Don’t fall into the trap of booking everything at the last minute. Australian accommodation fills fast, especially in summer when everyone and their Cavoodle heads to the beach. Go online early to have your pick of hotels, holiday rentals and resorts, and try to bundle your booking. On the Expedia app , you can unlock extra savings just by booking a flight and hotel together. And don’t forget to keep your eye open for freebies; breakfast, spa credits, kids’ clubs – you can find all sorts of free add-ons if you know where to look.

Go mobile

These days, all you need to make your holiday hassle free is your mobile phone – and we’re not just referring to easy GPS navigation and a great camera. Now, you can actually research and book your holiday on a mobile app. The Expedia app , for example, is free and comes with mobile-exclusive deals, and the option to earn double Expedia Rewards points towards your next trip. You can also manage your itinerary and quickly access all your trip details – including check-in times, airport gate changes and even baggage carousel numbers.

Brisbane, QLD
The opening of a few hip hotels has upped Brisbane’s appeal as a city break destination.

Be flexible

Byron Bay might be on the brain for your next holiday and for good reason; it’s beautiful. But it’s also busy and, depending on the time of year, expensive. Instead, look to nearby spots like Lennox Head, where you’ve got the equally beautiful, but quieter, Seven Mile Beach and calm Lake Ainsworth to keep you occupied. The same principle applies to when you travel. Avoid the traditional Friday night or Saturday morning departure to skip the crowds and hiked up travel prices, and consider a Thursday night departure, which could come with a hefty saving. If you have to stick to school holidays, try to skip town a few days early to beat the rush. Or, if you’re flying with little ones, avoid the school holidays altogether for a better chance of securing a bassinette on board.

Find your home away from home

Settling in somewhere bigger than a standard hotel room is a big drawcard for families or groups of friends heading to one spot for longer than a few days. Whether you need a two-bedroom apartment or a five-bedroom house, you can find accommodation of all shapes and sizes on a range of travel apps, including the Expedia app . You’ll find a lot of these options are self catered, too, which can help cut down your food costs significantly – a big win if you’re trying to save a few dollars. Expedia’s top tip: book a grocery delivery for the day you arrive. Most supermarkets will let you order online, so get enough for a few simple meals and arrange to have it delivered at the same time you arrive.

Kingscliff, Tweed Coast, QLD
Kingscliff is the new hotspot for travellers seeking a beachside break with a Byron Bay vibe.

Expedia’s trending destinations

The Whitsundays, QLD: A bona fide slice of Australian paradise, The Whitsundays is a must-visit at least once. Choose from a range of accommodation options and price points, including Daydream Island Resort, which has just reopened after an extensive makeover.

 

Kingscliff, NSW: Located only 40 minutes south of the Gold Coast, Kingscliff is emerging as a new hotspot for travellers seeking a beachside break with a Byron Bay vibe.

 

Lorne, Vic: A seaside town set on the picturesque waters of Louttit Bay on the Great Ocean Road, demand to Lorne is up around 15% year-on-year. Visit soon before it catches the eye of even more Aussies.

Lorne, Victoria
Visit Lorne soon before it catches the eye of even more Aussies.

Brisbane, QLD: The opening of a few hip hotels has upped Brisbane’s appeal as a city break destination. Check out The Calile Hotel and well-known eateries like Three Blue Ducks.

 

Mollymook, NSW: With beautiful beaches within a 10-minute drive of rolling countryside, and a range of accommodation options from holiday rentals to Bannister’s by the Sea, Mollymook on the NSW South Coast is perfect for a family holiday or a long weekend.

 

Visit Expedia : everything you need to go.

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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

    Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

    Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

    1. Gosford’s glow up

    room at voco gosford
    Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

    Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

    Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

    Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

    Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

    2. Newcomers to the dining scene

    table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
    Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

    The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

    Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

    Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

    Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

    3. New Central Coast experiences

    winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
    Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

    It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

    Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

    Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

    For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

    4. Central Coast accommodation

    view from a cottage at Noonaweena
    Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

    There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

    Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

    In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

    To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

    5. Shopping on the Central Coast

    Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
    Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

    For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

    Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

    Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

    Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

    For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

    Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

    Homegrown travel hacks with Expedia