Revealed: Australia’s most relaxing holiday destinations

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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Beat the burnout: a new analysis has discovered which Australian destinations are the best to unwind and refresh in.

The feeling of needing a holiday from a holiday is not uncommon. Especially if, like me, you’re a chronic itinerary over-stuffer. So there’s definitely something to be said for a getaway destination that encourages you to completely slow down and smell the roses. But what’s the secret ingredient for a relaxing holiday destination?

Tripadvisor might have just provided the answers we’re looking for.

Simply Nootropics did the hard yards of analysing Tripadvisor reviews for sentiments such as sleep quality, area peacefulness, comfort and amenities, service and hospitality, natural beauty, refreshing local activities and more factors that add to a relaxing, wellness getaway. The aim? To find the most relaxing destination based on genuine opinions.

a bay at Crescent Head new south wales
Australia’s most relaxing destination has been announced. (Image: DNSW)

But first, a doctor’s opinion. Dr Marny Lishman explains ways to maximise your recovery on a holiday, especially if you are experiencing burnout or high stress levels before you go.

“People have to stop at first completely, that means just sleep or do nothing. This could be days for some people and weeks for others. What we ideally want is for people to recover and get their energy back before changing their routines or schedules," she explains.

The next suggestion is to go screen-free, and to “plan some quiet time out in nature".

“Enjoy some green space to ensure you’re truly giving yourself a moment to reset in a space that is quiet and without overstimulation," she continues.

With that in mind, the top five results are probably of no surprise.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

5. Palm Cove, Qld

The calm ocean waves and a long line of palm trees found at Cairns-adjacent Palm Cove rolled in at fifth place. From delicious, absolute beach-front restaurants to bright and breezy accommodation options, Palm Cove really does encourage visitors to switch off, slow down and get onto a beachside pace. Cute shops, monthly markets and water sports all await to keep things just interesting enough.

palm beach queensland
Stay close to Cairns but away from the crowds. (Image: TEQ)

4. Marcoola, Qld

Somehow, this little Sunshine Coast town has managed to fly somewhat under the radar, which makes it a perfect place to relax. With uncrowded beaches, grassy parklands and the Maroochy River at its back door, this little gem is the classic coastal escape. Here, it’s all about doing as little as possible, but a beachside walk with pretty coastal vistas to Maroochydore and Mt Coolum National Park is less than a 10-minute drive north. And the town has not slept on its food offerings. Plus the local weekly market is perfect for local goods, food trucks and live tunes with a family vibe.

Marcooola Twilight Markets queensland
Stop by the local markets. (Image: TEQ)

3. Hunter Valley, NSW

I mean, wine and cheese. Need I say more? But I will anyway. Take a winery tour and let someone else worry about the logistics. Find accommodation offerings from luxe resorts to quaint Airbnb stays. Eat at high-end restaurants or casual eateries – all completely delicious, especially for brunch. And take in the beautiful countryside, swapping big city sounds for bird calls and cicadas.

pokolbin winery in the hunter valley
Relax with wine and cheese. (Image: DNSW)

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2. Noosa, Qld

It shouldn’t be surprising to find so many beachside towns on this list, especially in Queensland where the weather is (generally) reliably good for most of the year. Noosa scored particularly highly for its service and hospitality – makes sense considering its reputation as a foodie destination – and good value. It’s also a particularly good holiday for families, with plenty to keep the kids occupied.

“Being near the coast and in nature is a great way to wind down, and disconnect from the stresses of daily life, plus these areas are known for great hospitality towards visitors," explains Dr Brian Ramos, a neuroscientist and researcher at Simply Nootropics. 

aerial view of noosa everglades
Explore beaches and the unique Noosa Everglades. (Image: TEQ)

1. Crescent Head, NSW

And rolling into first place, is New South Wales’ Crescent Head, located on the mid-north coast, about five hour’s drive from Sydney. Get completely off-grid with several campgrounds to choose from, and enjoy scenic hikes, a beachside lifestyle and ocean activities like surfing and fishing. Good sleep quality was one of the top-ranking criteria here, with full marks for both the quality and value of attractions in the area. What could be less stressful than that?

nobby's bay at Crescent Head new south wales
Get your best sleep at Crescent Head. (Image: DNSW)
Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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8 incredible hikes just outside of Melbourne

    Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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    Just over an hour from Melbourne, spectacular walking and hiking trails encompass ancient landscapes, forested ridgelines and volcanic peaks.

    Just a short drive from the city, the urban sprawl gives way to rolling hills, mineral springs, and lush forests that will have you feeling like you’re in the bucolic countryside of France. Encompassing Daylesford, the Macedon Ranges, Castlemaine and the Central Goldfields, this pocket of Victoria is a region where nature, art, and wellness intertwine. Heritage towns hum with creativity, good food and wine, and welcoming locals. While Daylesford hikes, and those nearby, offer the chance to take a pause and reconnect with nature.

    1. Hanging Rock Summit Walk

    Hanging Rock Summit Walk
    Take in views across the Macedon Ranges.

    Etched into folklore, few places in Australia carry as much mystique as Hanging Rock. Rising dramatically from the plains near Woodend, this volcanic mamelon offers a beautiful nature walk. The walk begins at a gentle pace, weaving through shaded woodland before it gets a little steeper as the path starts to climb and twist to the summit. From here, you’ll have views that stretch across the Macedon Ranges. The walk is roughly 1.8 kilometres return, but the real reward lies in standing among the weathered boulders, feeling the age and energy of the earth beneath your feet.

    2. Macedon Ranges Walking Trail

    Macedon Ranges Walking Trail camel's hump lookout
    Walk to Camel’s Hump. (Image: Clair Derwort)

    The Macedon Ranges Walking Trail traverses around 19 kilometres of forest and mountain landscapes. The full trail is a six-hour circuit, with most of the walk being a grade three; however, you don’t have to tackle it all at once. There are shorter walks that will take you through the tall mountain ash forests, to tranquil picnic areas, and sweeping views from Camels Hump and the Memorial Cross. The best times of year to head out are autumn, when the mountain turns into a tapestry of crimson and gold, and spring, when wildflowers brighten the trail.

    3. Mount Alexander Traverse

    Mount Alexander Traverse
    Take in the serenity.

    Towering above the goldfields near Castlemaine, Mount Alexander is a granite giant that offers some great bushwalking trails. The Mount Alexander Traverse winds along the mountain’s rocky spine through dry eucalypt forest that opens up in sections to reveal beautiful panoramas across Loddon Valley and all the way to the distant Grampians. Once a site of ancient volcanic activity (and later a gathering place for the Dja Dja Wurrung people), the mountain’s granite tors are now quiet and create a beautiful, serene atmosphere for a moment of reflection while walking.

    4. Murmuring Walk

    Murmuring Walk daylesford hikes
    Circle the picturesque Sanatorium Lake.

    Located an easy drive from Daylesford, Murmuring Walk offers something a little different. Circling Sanatorium Lake, this free audio-guided walk aims to immerse you in the rhythms of Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country by blending the sounds of nature with a multi-layered soundtrack. There are two routes to explore while you listen: a shorter loop around the lake itself and a longer circuit that extends deeper into the woodland.

    5. La Gerche Forest Walk

    La Gerche Forest Walk
    Walk into history on the La Gerche Forest trail.

    Located in Creswick, the La Gerche Forest Walk honours the legacy of John La Gerche, a 19th-century forester who championed the regeneration of the then gold-rush-ravaged land. Today, over 100 years later, his replanting efforts have grown into a living cathedral of towering pines, oaks, and native gums. As you meander along the 2.2-kilometre circuit, you’ll find interpretive panels along the way that help tell the story of La Gerche’s vision, so you can learn as you wander.

    6. Sailors Falls Loop

    Sailors Falls Loop
    See these spectacular falls. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Just outside Daylesford, Sailors Falls tumbles through a fern-lined gorge, fed by mineral springs. Thought to be named after the sailors who jumped ship to seek gold in the area during the 1850s gold rush, the loop walk begins at the car park and descends through a cool, shaded gully to the base of the falls. From here, you’ll make the climb back via the mineral springs. It’s a short but enchanting walk – about 1.5 kilometres in total, so make a day of it by packing a picnic to sit by the springs; you’ll feel worlds away from the city.

    7. Paddys Ranges Loop Walk

    Further north, the Paddys Ranges State Park loop reveals a different side of Victoria’s Heartland – dry forest, golden light and hints of a gold-rush past. This protected reserve is a stronghold of box-ironbark woodland, providing vital refuge for endangered species. In spring, the forest floor is awash with the colour of over 230 species of wildflowers, so a springtime walk is a must-do. As you walk the 4.5-kilometre loop trail, keep an eye out for remnants of old mine shafts and rusted relics from the prospectors who once sought their fortunes here.

    8. Mount Franklin Summit Walk

    Mount Franklin Summit Walk
    Take in forests and waterfalls along the way to the top of Mount Franklin.

    An extinct volcano turned picnic ground, Mount Franklin (known as Lalgambook to the Dja Dja Wurrung people) is one of the region’s quiet marvels. The summit walk follows a narrow, winding path through native forest to the crater’s rim, where you’ll get glimpses of farmland and forest below. It’s a moderate climb – just over an hour return, so it can easily be done if you’re camping in the surrounding reserve for a weekend nature retreat.

    The trails of Victoria’s Heartland offer a chance to reconnect with the landscape, local history and yourself. Start planning your next adventure at daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au.