New research reveals Aussies are swapping packed itineraries for peaceful small-town escapes.
Australians are officially slowing down. According to new research from Wotif, half of Aussies (50 per cent) say they’ll trade the stress of over-planned getaways for a gentler pace in 2026, where small towns, fewer crowds and easy access to life’s simple pleasures reign supreme.
The travel site’s latest Unpack ‘26 report has revealed this year’s five official Slow Down Towns . Each spot offering the perfect mix of calm, charm and community, inviting travellers to hit pause and soak it all in.
Trading hustle for harmony
Aussies are craving slow mornings by the beach. (Image: Destination NSW)
Forget the jam-packed city break. Aussies are craving slow mornings by the beach, easy afternoons wandering local shops and evenings spent dining somewhere that knows your name. Wotif found that 80 per cent of travellers value smaller crowds, while 78 per cent appreciate when everything they need is close by.
It’s not just about slowing down; it’s about feeling better for it. The report revealed that visiting a slower-paced destination leaves most Aussies relaxed (67 per cent), less stressed (54 per cent) and genuinely recharged (52 per cent).
Where to slow down in 2026
The charm of these destinations isn’t just in what you can do, but what you don’t have to. Each of the Slow Down Towns offers the kind of setting that encourages a deep exhale, whether that’s a quiet morning coffee with the locals, an unhurried afternoon exploring boutique shops or golden-hour moments by the water with nowhere else to be.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
1. Nagambie, Victoria
The pace in Nagambie is dictated by the sun and the scent of shiraz.
Just 90 minutes north of Melbourne, Nagambie is a peaceful lakeside escape in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley region. The pace here is dictated by the sun and the scent of shiraz, with scenic drives and boutique stays rounding out the experience.
2. Trinity Beach, Queensland
The vibe is laid-back in Trinity Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland / Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Fringed by palm trees and hugged by rainforest, this laid-back beach village north of Cairns is the kind of place that makes time slow down naturally. With the Great Barrier Reef offshore and the Daintree Rainforest nearby, it’s a perfect base for relaxed adventure, or doing absolutely nothing at all.
3. Huskisson, NSW
Huskisson is where the South Coast’s easy rhythm comes to life. (Image: Dee Kramer)
Set on the shores of Jervis Bay, Huskisson is where the South Coast’s easy rhythm comes to life. Days melt into one another with dolphin cruises, snorkelling in turquoise waters and lazy afternoons wandering the main street’s cafes and boutiques. It’s a town where sandy feet are the norm and sunset dinners by the bay feel like a nightly ritual.
Weekly travel news, experiences insider tips, offers, and more.
4. Robe, SA
Robe perfectly captures the essence of coastal SA. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)
With its pastel heritage cottages, limestone cliffs and relaxed seaside air, Robe perfectly captures the essence of coastal South Australia. Visitors linger over fresh lobster and local wines before wandering down to Long Beach, where you can drive right onto the sand. It’s no wonder Robe is beloved by those in the know.
5. Mollymook, NSW
Linger longer in Mollymook. (Image: Destination NSW)
Mollymook’s coastal charm is complemented by a strong culinary scene, think Rick Stein at Bannisters and beachside cafes serving up fresh local produce. Between ocean swims and coastal walks, the town’s rhythm invites you to linger. To sip, savour and soak in South Coast sunshine at its most effortless.
Whether it’s a weekend by the coast or a few days lakeside, these towns prove that sometimes the best trips aren’t about doing more, they’re about slowing down.
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.
A change is as good as a holiday, but never more so than in the Bendigo region when it’s the seasons putting in the transformative work.
With its gold rush history, opulent architecture and booming food and wine industry, there’s no denying that the Bendigo region is beautiful to visit at any time of year. Visit between March and May, however, and you’ll find the Bendigo in autumn really comes alive. Foliage erupts in a canvas of golden colours and the cooling air makes immersing yourself in nature all the more enticing.
Need a few ideas to get you started? We’re so glad you asked.
1. Tackle the bike trails
Pink Cliffs Reserve in Heathcote can be seen on the O’Keefe Rail Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)
Welcome to a region that punches well above its weight when it comes to cycling. This is where hammies are tested on multi-day rides, and first-timers fall in love with the sport on short (and ridiculously pretty) trails.
The 49-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail is the headline act, following the old railway line between Bendigo and Heathcote. Cross the Campaspe River at Axedale Recreation Reserve and pause at the Platypus Compass Sculpture and the First Nations mural marking the connection between Djaara and Taungurung Country, with Axedale acting as the perfect halfway stop to refuel at a pub or cafe.
Pedal a little further Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve to be rewarded with views of sculpted pink clay cliffs and narrow gorges that are perfect for a photo stop. Searching for a different type of reward? The Heatchote Wine Region is full of inviting cellar doors.
There are plenty of other options in the Bendigo region, from the 210-kilometre Goldfields Track , to the Bendigo Creek Trail and Back Creek Trail – both ideal for riders of all abilities. The 3.7 kilometre Little Lake Boort loop is a great family-friendly option.
Prefer something more adventurous? Spring Gully Mountain Bike Park has been keeping BMX Bandits’ dreams alive for years.
2. Enjoy the crunch of autumn leaves
Pack a picnic and head to the Valley of Liquidambers.
Blinding clusters of crimson, burnt orange and brilliant yellow; here, autumn leaves are crisp confetti of fire and gold. See the magic up close with a slew of parks seemingly dedicated to showcasing Mother Nature’s colour wheel, especially from mid April to early June.
Pack a picnic for an afternoon at Valley of Liquidambers in Heathcote, where Liquidamber trees transform into a wonderworld of magical foliage. Don’t miss taking a leisurely stroll across the swinging bridge back towards the main street.
Rosalind Park might be celebrated for its annual tulip display come springtime, but it’s hard to compete with the theatre of autumn. Here, many trees date back to the 1800s, and there’s no better place for a romantic stroll than along the elms, oak and Queensland Kauri that dominate this park.
Head straight to Lake Weeroona, where an ornamental lake begs for a leisurely lap around its edges, either on foot, or with pedal power.
3. Immerse yourself in First Nations culture
Explore Kooyoora State Park on a cultural tour.
Its ‘Mountain of Light’ (Guyura in the Dja Dja Wurrung language) title is impressive, but so too is Kooyoora State Park’s rugged landscape of granite outcrops, rocky ridgelines and wide-open skies.
While there’s nothing to suggest you couldn’t explore Kooyoora’s walking tracks on your own, the best way to understand the 40,000 years of history behind its natural wonders is to book a 2.5-hour Kooyoora Cultural Tour with Dumawul Tours .
Led by Djaara cultural guides, expect a traditional Welcome to Country smoking ceremony, before engaging storytelling rewinds the clock to reveal the deep cultural significance of the land, its flora, fauna and its continuing connection to Country.
Keen to stay a little longer? Consider staying overnight at the campground and committing to the park’s wealth of walking trails, such as the 5.3-kilometre hike from the camping ground to the lookout on the Long Rock Walking Track.
4. Splash in the region’s waterways
Paddle through Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail. (Image: Visit Vic)
Water babies rejoice: the Bendigo region offers a wealth of waterways to explore.
Flowing 392-kilometres from the Great Dividing Range to the Murray River, the best way to enjoy Loddon River is with a stop at Bridgewater. Here you can swim in the natural infinity pool or tackle the all-abilities, five-kilometre Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail before browsing the cute stores in town. Hungry? Grab a bite at Bridgewater Hotel .
Lake Eppalock is popular for water activities, but don’t miss a visit to Little Lake Boort and Big Lake Boort. Birders, in particular, will love the former, thanks to the large variety of bird species that nest in the boardwalk area surrounding the lake.
Meanwhile, Big Lake Boort is celebrated for its significant Indigenous history and over 400 scarred trees, and offers an opportunity to spot birds and go canoing.
Meanwhile, watersports and recreational activities at Crusoe Reservoir, located on the outskirts of Bendigo, are the order of the day. Take a walk to the picnic spots of No. 7 Park nearby, and maybe even camp there for the night.
5. View epic lookouts
Spend time at Peregrine Ridge.
Sometimes a holiday requires a phenomenal spot on which to perch as you survey your temporary kingdom below. The Bendigo region, happily, doesn’t do anything by halves.
Located in Heathcote-Graytown National Park, Viewing Rock Lookout – a rocky outcrop offering spectacular views over Heathcote and surrounds – remains a popular choice. Take the hour-long Viewing Rock Circuit Walk and try your hand at gold prospecting nearby.
Prefer the romance of sunrise or sunset? Pyramid Hill, a stunning granite hill rising 187-metres above sea level, is the place to be (preferably with a coffee and a bagel)
Over in Terrick Terrick National Park, a walk to the summit delivers a full 360-degree panorama of woodlands, farms and open-sky plains. Pack lunch – and perhaps a tent – as picnic tables and camping are available.
Carve out time for Peregrine Ridge , a vineyard situated at the eastern side of Mt Camel Range with an elevation ranging from 250-290 metres. Be rewarded with delicious wine and a cellar door which offers floor-to-ceiling views.
6. Enjoy the Bendigo region’s parks and gardens
Stroll through Bendigo’s best gardens. (Image: Visit Vic)
Rosalind Park, located right in the centre of town, is considered Bendigo’s backyard and rightly so. Home to the Bendigo Easter Festival , it’s just as popular year-round for its sixty acres of rolling lawns, towering elms, fernery and winding paths – not to mention the playground which has plenty of little fans of its own. A short drive away, Bendigo Botanic Gardens – established in 1857 – offers a more tranquil space for deep-level nature immersion.
Those who favour something a little more formal, cottage-style Canterbury Park Gardens – famous for its dahlias in autumn – delivers. Stroll through its meticulously maintained ornamental gardens before checking out Lake Tom Thumb and Lake Neangar nearby.
