From luxury lodges and coastal resorts to outback adventures and cruise deals, these Easter getaways prove there’s still time to escape.
As autumn starts to kick in, the Easter break is our last chance to catch the tail-end of warmer weather before the mercury plummets. And with Easter just weeks away, Australians might assume the best holiday deals are long gone. But there are still plenty of last-minute escapes available across the country and beyond.
From discounted luxury stays to family packages and cruise departures over the long weekend, these are some of the standout Easter offers you can still snap up.
1. A Top End wildlife safari
The Australian safari camp is home to some of the country’s most spectacular bird and wildlife. (Credit: Hels Orr)
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Top End like a safari destination, Bamurru Plains delivers exactly that. Set on the vast floodplains west of Kakadu National Park, this luxury wilderness lodge is known for its immersive wildlife encounters, where guests can spot buffalo, wallabies and prolific birdlife from open-air safari bungalows.
The all-inclusive experience includes guided airboat safaris, wildlife drives and bush walks, along with gourmet meals and beverages served in the lodge’s elevated dining pavilion overlooking the wetlands. For Easter travellers, the property is offering 10 per cent off selected stays between April and May, with prices starting from $5090 per room for two nights. Families can also take advantage of an April bonus where one child stays free.
2. A luxury escape in the Blue Mountains
Delight in a charming local stay at Echoes Boutique Hotel.
Easter High Tea at Hydro Majestic Hotel.
Lilianfels resort captures sweeping views of the Jamison Valley.
Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges is nestled in the quaint village of Blackheath.
Easter Sunday egg hunts will also take place at Parklands, Hydro Majestic and Lilianfels, while the Hydro Majestic’s Wintergarden Restaurant will host a special Easter High Tea from 3 to 6 April, priced from $99 per person or $134 with free-flow sparkling wine. The offer is valid for new bookings made until 30 April 2026, for stays until 31 May 2026.
3. A Tasmanian east coast adventure
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Bridestowe creates high-quality lavender products and welcomes visitors from across the world. (Credit: Luke Tscharke)
Aerial view of the Wineglass Bay. (Credit: Luke Tscharke)
The historic Duck Reach Power Station. (Credit: Tourism Tasmania/Nick H Visuals)
The itinerary takes travellers through Freycinet National Park, home to the iconic pink-hued sweep of Wineglass Bay, as well as historic sites like Port Arthur and charming regional stops including a lavender farm. Along the way, guests travel with expert guides and enjoy curated experiences designed to showcase Tasmania’s landscapes, produce and history.
The tour is priced from $2650 per person, making it a great option for travellers who want a structured Easter getaway without the hassle of planning every stop.
4. A country Easter in the Queensland hinterland
Experience farm-to-table dining at Spicers Hidden Vale. (Credit: Hamilton Lund Photographer)
At Spicers Hidden Vale in Grandchester, just an hour from Brisbane, guests can celebrate Easter with a relaxed country escape complete with egg hunts, lawn games, live entertainment and seasonal dining. Set against the retreat’s picturesque rural backdrop, the Easter package is priced from $661 per night for two guests in a Valley View room, with event tickets from $49 per child and $99 per adult.
5. A luxury Sydney stay near the Opera House
Paradox Sydney is set within a heritage-listed architectural masterpiece dating from 1856.
Another strong city-break option is Paradox Sydney , just moments from Circular Quay. You can book a two-night stay from $779 in a Premier Room Atrium View, with three-night packages from $1104.
The deal includes daily buffet breakfast at Lady Fairfax Room, a $50 dining credit, a welcome house wine, beer or soft drink per guest at The Fax Bar, and guaranteed 1pm late checkout for two guests. The offer ends 30 March 2026, with travel available until 31 March 2027.
6. A Japanese wellness retreat in Victoria
A peaceful Japanese escape awaits at Shizuka Ryokan. (Credit: Emily Godfrey)
The three-night wellness package blends traditional Japanese hospitality with restorative treatments, including Japanese bathing rituals, yoga and meditation sessions, reflexology and aromatherapy massages, as well as a partner yoga and massage experience. Guests are also treated to a multi-course omakase banquet dinner, complete with sake tasting.
Prices start from $1110 per person, with 10 per cent off bookings made until 31 March for stays between 2 and 17 April, making it a peaceful Easter option for travellers seeking a full mind-and-body reset.
7. A luxury wildlife escape in the Flinders Ranges
Arkaba is a private wildlife conservancy. (Credit: Tracey Experience Co)
Stay in the historic homestead. (Credit: Randy Larcombe)
Set within a 25,500-hectare private wildlife conservancy, the property was once a working sheep station and is now dedicated to conservation and immersive outback experiences. Guests can explore the rugged ranges through guided walks, wildlife drives and scenic tours, while evenings are spent enjoying gourmet dining under expansive outback skies.
The all-inclusive stay starts from $5770 per room for two nights, and guests can save 10 per cent on selected stays between April and May, making Easter a perfect time to experience the region’s dramatic landscapes and cooler autumn temperatures.
8. A family-friendly Cairns holiday
Contemporary luxury meets Far North Queensland charm. (Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Crystalbrook Riley's chic, private, European-inspired pool cabana. (Credit: Tourism Australia)
Novotel is a tropical retreat in the heart of Cairns.
The main Tropical North Queensland hub has several Easter deals on the table. At Crystalbrook Riley, families can book a five-night package that includes daily breakfast at Paper Crane for two adults and two children, a Green Island Eco Adventure excursion, 10 per cent off dining across Crystalbrook’s Cairns restaurants and bars, and complimentary bike hire.
Nearby, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is offering its Reef Creatures Family Escape from $450 per room for two nights, including family accommodation, daily buffet breakfast and general admission to Cairns Aquarium. Children aged 15 and under stay and eat breakfast free, and Accor members can save an additional five per cent. The deal is available to book until 31 March 2026 for travel until March 2027.
There’s also a Stay 3, Pay 2 offer at Pullman Cairns International , where families get a complimentary third night, with kids 11 and under staying free and receiving complimentary breakfast. Guests travelling over Easter can also enjoy festive extras, including a Good Friday seafood buffet, sunset BBQ with fire performance and an Easter Sunday egg hunt, alongside school holiday kids’ activities. Book by 31 March for travel until 30 April.
9. A coastal Terrigal escape
Crowne Plaza Terrigal offers a family-friendly beachside escape.
If you’re craving a classic NSW beach getaway, Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific has a tempting coastal escape available.
The hotel’s Winter Escape package starts from $529 for two nights and includes daily buffet breakfast for two adults, secure car parking, a bottle of wine on arrival and 25 per cent off food and drinks across the hotel’s restaurants and bars. Overlooking the iconic Terrigal Beach, the property makes a great base for seaside walks, ocean swims and relaxed long lunches.
The deal must be booked by 12 March 2026, with stays available until 24 September 2026, making it a flexible option for an Easter or autumn getaway.
10. A stylish Melbourne CBD stay
Next Hotel is located in city’s east end district.
Luxury Escapes is offering a stay at Next Hotel Melbourne from $549 for two nights in a Next Queen Room, with three-night packages from $799. The Manhattan-style hotel sits right in the heart of the CBD.
The deal includes a generous $150 dining and drinks credit per package to use across the hotel’s onsite venues, plus guaranteed 12pm late checkout for two guests. The offer ends 27 March 2026, with travel available until 31 March 2027.
11. A remote outback lodge escape in Queensland
The luxury lodge invokes the spirit of adventure in the Queensland outback.
If you’d rather go big this Easter, Mt Mulligan Lodge in outback Queensland is offering a luxe all-inclusive stay from $2507 per person for two guests. The experience includes four nights, all gourmet meals, beverages, mini bar and signature experiences, with accommodation in the property’s contemporary Outback Retreat overlooking the weir and Mount Mulligan’s fiery rock face.
Guests who linger a little longer can also enjoy 10 per cent off when booking four nights or more.
12. A wine region balloon flight at sunrise
Balloon Aloft offered the first passenger balloons in Australia in 1980. (Credit: Destination NSW)
For something memorable, Balloon Aloft is offering $50 off general adult tickets during autumn, with Easter flights included in the sale. Sunrise hot-air balloon experiences depart from spectacular locations including Camden, Mudgee, the Hunter Valley and Byron Bay, with each flight followed by a gourmet breakfast celebration at a local restaurant or winery.
13. A luxury wilderness walk in Tasmania
Spot wombats on Maria Island.
The Maria Island Walk is incredibly scenic.
The Maria Island Walk offers a guided four-day, three-night escape through one of Tasmania’s most wildlife-rich national parks, with pristine beaches, coastal trails, chef-prepared meals and remote camp stays all part of the experience. Prices start from $3350 per person twin share, making it a bucket-list Easter option for walkers wanting something truly immersive.
14. A relaxed Sunshine Coast beach escape
Ivory Palms Resort is taking 15% off stays of 3+ nights.
Relax knowing you've saved 15% at Essence Peregian Beach.
Save 15% on 5-night stays at Glen Eden Beach Resort.
Glen Eden Beach Resort at Peregian Beach is offering 15 per cent off five-night stays, making it a strong pick for a quieter beachfront holiday.
In Noosaville, Ivory Palms Resort is taking 15 per cent off stays of three nights or more with promo code TODAY26, valid for stays from 6 to 19 April 2026 and booked by 13 March 2026.
Essence Peregian Beach is also offering 15 per cent off its Exclusive Easter Escape, plus a bottle of wine on arrival for stays of at least three nights.
Over on Noosa North Shore, Senses Noosa North Shore has a 20 per cent discount, with three-bedroom houses from $520 per night and two return ferry passes included for stays of three nights or more using promo code TODAY.
15. A boutique hotel stay in regional NSW
Bring the family along this Easter.
The Gem Hotel in Griffith is offering a Deluxe King Room for $200 per night during the Easter school holiday period, plus 20 per cent off dining at its award-winning European-style steakhouse, Bull & Bell. Travellers can unlock the offer using the code TODAY. It’s a timely excuse to visit during the Griffith Easter Party , which runs from 2 to 6 April.
16. A Red Centre escape near Uluṟu
Base yourself at Desert Gardens Hotel. (Credit: Anson Smart)
For a warm-weather Easter break, the Red Centre offers a completely different kind of holiday. At Desert Gardens Hotel, guests can stay from $245 per night, twin share in a Standard Room.
The hotel sits within walking distance of the resort’s restaurants, galleries, cultural experiences, and, of course, Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Travellers can spend their days exploring the region’s ancient landscapes, joining guided walks or watching the famous desert sunsets.
The offer is valid for travel between 1 and 15 April 2026, with a minimum three-night stay required, and is available until midnight on 11 March 2026, subject to availability.
17. A coastal getaway in Mollymook or Port Stephens
Bannisters Port Stephens is hosting some Easter activities. (Credit: Ben Mack)
You'll be swimming in extras at Bannisters this Easter.
The Bannisters hotels in Mollymook and Port Stephens are offering Autumn Extras with direct bookings, including 10 per cent off food and beverage, a seasonal in-room treat and early check-in or late check-out, subject to availability.
Over Easter, Bannisters Port Stephens will host family-friendly fun at Cheeky Dog , including live music, a jumping castle and an Easter egg hunt, while both Port Stephens and Mollymook are also dialling up the holiday mood with extended happy hours and live entertainment.
18. A luxury Brisbane stay
Stay in Brisbane luxury for under $600.
Fortitude Valley’s stylish Ovolo Brisbane is offering a two-night luxury stay from $599 in a Valley King, with three-night stays from $899. The package includes a guaranteed upgrade from Valley Queen to Valley King, daily a la carte breakfast at Kazba, a nightly drink during apero hour, a $50 dining credit, daily valet parking and guaranteed 12pm late checkout for two guests. The offer ends 20 March 2026, with travel available until 30 April 2027.
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
Slow down and find your rhythm on a Murray River journey through time and place.
Trust is a funny thing. It seems not that long ago that my mother was insisting on pouring the milk into my cereal bowl, because she didn’t trust me not to slosh it over the table, and yet here I am on the Murray River at Mildura in far north-west Victoria, being handed the keys to a very new and very expensive luxury houseboat.
After a crash course in how not to crash, I’m at the wheel of the good ship Elevate – pride of the All Seasons fleet – guiding her upstream past red-ochre cliffs as pelicans glide above the rippled river and kookaburras call from reedy banks. There’s a brief moment of breath-holding while I negotiate a hairpin turn around a jagged reef of skeletal, submerged gum trees, before a cheer rings out and calm descends as the timeless river unfurls in front of us.
The Murray River winding through Yarrawonga. (Image: Rob Blackburn)
Setting sail from Mildura
Home to a large number of bird species, including pelicans. (Image: The Precint Studios)
A journey along the Murray River is never less than magical, and launching from Mildura makes perfect sense. Up here the river is wide and largely empty, giving novice skippers like myself the confidence to nudge the 60-tonne houseboat up to the riverbank where we tie up for the night, without fear of shattering the glass elevator (the boat is fully wheelchair accessible) or spilling our Champagne.
My friends and I spend three days on the water, swimming and fishing, sitting around campfires onshore at night, and basking in air so warm you’d swear you were in the tropics. The simplicity of river life reveals an interesting dichotomy: we feel disconnected from the world but at the same time connected to Country, privileged to be part of something so ancient and special.
Stop one: Echuca
A historic 19th-century paddlesteamer cruises along the Murray River. (Image: Visit Victoria)
The six-hour drive from Melbourne to Mildura (or four hours and 20 minutes from Adelaide) is more than worth it, but you don’t have to travel that far to find fun on the river. Once Australia’s largest inland port, Echuca is the closest point on the Murray to Melbourne (two hours 45 minutes), and you’ll still find a plethora of paddlesteamers tethered to the historic timber wharf, a throwback to the thriving river trade days of the 19th century. The PS Adelaide, built in 1866 and the oldest wooden-hulled paddlesteamer operating in the world, departs daily for one-hour cruises, while a brand-new paddlesteamer, the PS Australian Star, is launching luxury seven-night voyages in December through APT Touring.
The town is also a hot food and wine destination. St Anne’s Winery at the historic Port of Echuca precinct has an incredibly photogenic cellar door, set inside an old carriage builders’ workshop on the wharf and filled with huge, 3000-litre port barrels. The Mill, meanwhile, is a cosy winter spot to sample regional produce as an open fire warms the red-brick walls of this former flour mill.
Stop two: Barmah National Park
Camping riverside in Barmah National Park, listed as a Ramsar site for its significant wetland values. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)
Just half-an-hour upstream, Barmah National Park is flourishing, its river red gum landscape (the largest in the world) rebounding magnificently after the recent removal of more than 700 feral horses. The internationally significant Ramsar-listed wetland sits in the heart of Yorta Yorta Country, with Traditional Owners managing the environment in close partnership with Parks Victoria. Walkways weave through the forest, crossing creeks lined with rare or threatened plants, passing remnants of Yorta Yorta oven mounds and numerous scar trees, where the bark was removed to build canoes, containers or shields.
The Dharnya Centre (open weekdays until 3pm) is the cultural hub for the Yorta Yorta. Visitors can learn about the ecological significance of the Barmah Lakes on a 90-minute river cruise, led by a First Nations guide, or take a one-hour, guided cultural walking tour along the Yamyabuc Trail.
Stop three: Cobram
Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Continue east to Cobram to find the southern hemisphere’s largest inland beach. Swarming with sun-seekers in summer, the white sand of Thompson’s Beach is shaded by majestic river red gums and dotted with hundreds of beach umbrellas, as beachgoers launch all manner of water craft and set up stumps for beach cricket. But the beach is at its most captivating at sunset, when the crowds thin out, the glassy river mirrors the purple sky, and the canopies of the gum trees glow fiery orange.
The region is also home to some fine resorts and indulgent retreats. Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort has two riverside championship golf courses, luxury apartments and self-contained villas. While not strictly on the Murray, the historic wine town of Rutherglen is rife with boutique (and unique) accommodation, including an exquisitely renovated red-brick tower in a French provincial-style castle at Mount Ophir Estate. Fans of fortified wines can unravel the mystery of Rutherglen’s ‘Muscat Mile’, meeting the vignerons and master-blenders whose artistry has put the town on the global map for this rich and complex wine style.
Stop four: Albury-Wodonga
First Nations Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk is part of the Wagirra Trail. (Image: Carmen Zammit)
Follow the river far enough upstream and you’ll arrive at the twin border cities of Albury-Wodonga. The Hume Highway thunders through, but serenity can be found along the five-kilometre Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk – part of the Wagirra Trail that meanders through river wetlands just west of Albury in Wiradjuri country. Fifteen sculptures by local First Nations artists line the trail, conveying stories of reconciliation, enduring connection to culture, local Milawa lore and traditional practices. It feels a long way from Mildura, and it is, but the pelicans and kookaburras remind us that it’s the same river, the great conduit that connects our country.
A traveller’s checklist
Staying there
New Mildura motel Kar-rama. (Image: Iain Bond Photo)
Kar-Rama is a brand-new boutique, retro-styled motel in Mildura, with a butterfly-shaped pool and a tropical, Palm Springs vibe. Echuca Holiday Homes has a range of high-end accommodation options, both on the riverfront and in town.
Playing there
Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights in Mildura. (Image: Imogen Eveson)
Artist Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights installation, comprising more than 12,000 illuminated ‘fireflies’, is currently lighting up Mildura’s Lock Island in the middle of the Murray. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) is a hub for contemporary art, with a rotating roster of exhibitions, and is a major outlet for young and First Nations artists.
Eating there
Mildura’s diverse demographic means it’s a fantastic place to eat. Andy’s Kitchen is a local favourite, serving up delicious pan-Asian dishes and creative cocktails in a Balinese-style garden setting. Call in to Spoons Riverside in Swan Hill to enjoy locally sourced, seasonal produce in a tranquil setting overlooking the river.
