Why you should travel during a ‘dead week’ (and when to do it)

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
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Avoid the crowds, save big and enjoy top holiday spots in peace – here’s why you should book your next trip during a ‘dead week.’

Picture this: fewer crowds, cheaper stays and a chance to experience Australia’s most popular destinations without the chaos of peak holiday seasons. Welcome to the magic of ‘dead weeks’ – those rare travel sweet spots when demand takes a dip and savvy travellers can cash in on great deals.

According to Stayz’ 2025 Holiday Planning Guide , timing your trips around these underrated periods could be the smartest way to secure your dream getaway without the usual stress.

So, what exactly is a dead week?

These are short, specific periods that immediately precede or follow peak travel times – when families are back at work and school, and the average nightly rates for accommodation take a welcome nosedive. Here’s how to plan your next break during a dead week and make the most of these golden windows of opportunity.

March: The pre-Easter escape

Aerial Drone Picture of the White Sand Hyams beach in New South Wales, Australia
Stay in Jervis Bay for your pre-Easter holiday. (Image: Getty Images/Roman Skorzus)

Easter is one of the most competitive travel periods of the year, with popular coastal spots like Noosa, Batemans Bay and Jervis Bay booking out well in advance. But if you can sneak in a break before the Easter madness, mid-March offers the perfect opportunity. Expect milder temperatures, quiet beaches and better rates on holiday homes.

June: The calm before the winter rush

skiers Falls Creek
Falls Creek is the ideal winter destination.

Winter school holidays send skiers and snow lovers flocking to Jindabyne and Thredbo, but mid-June – before the school bells signal the start of the break – is an ideal time to book a last-minute winter escape. Whether you’re after crisp mountain air or a cosy beachside getaway, you’ll find better availability in winter hotspots like Coffs Harbour, Falls Creek, Surfers Paradise, Hervey Bay and Port Douglas, before the winter crowd settles in.

October: The secret spring getaway

First light on Shoal Bay, Port Stephens, located in the Hunter region of NSW
Discover Port Stephens in springtime. (Image: Getty Images/lovleah)

Spring school holidays see families heading to sunny spots across the country, but the magic of late October lies in its post-holiday lull. This is the perfect time to score discounted stays in coastal havens before summer prices start creeping up. Forster, Noosa and Port Stephens all offer incredible value at this time of year.

January: The summer dead week you should know about

Gold Coast Cityscape
Head to the Goldie when most people go back to work. (Image: Getty Images/Still Horizon Studio)

The post-New Year lull in mid-January is one of the best-kept secrets for scoring a summer getaway without the peak-season price tag. While the Christmas/New Year period sees a rush of travellers filling up Australia’s top holiday spots, demand starts to drop from the second week of January, making it the perfect time to secure a last-minute escape. Destinations like Jervis Bay, the Mornington Peninsula, Noosa and the Gold Coast often have better availability during this time, meaning you can still enjoy the height of summer without the peak-season crowds. Plus, with many families heading home for school and work, beaches, restaurants and attractions become far more relaxed.

How to maximise your dead week travel

Cape Naturaliste coastline in South Western Australia
The Margaret River region is a holiday hotspot to book in advance. (Image: Getty Images/Paola Giannoni)

Flexibility is key when planning a trip, even during a dead week. Even shifting your stay by a day or two can unlock significant savings, as accommodation prices fluctuate based on demand. Look for discounts on holiday homes, as many offer reduced rates for longer stays or early bookings.

Booking in advance is still crucial – while dead weeks see lower occupancy, the best properties can still be snapped up quickly. Additionally, consider travelling mid-week rather than over weekends for even better deals. Airlines and hotels may also offer hidden perks, such as free upgrades or discounted add-ons, so it’s always worth asking. Finally, use price-tracking tools or sign up for travel deal alerts to ensure you’re getting the best possible rate.

If you really must travel in peak periods, here’s your deadline

Lighthouse beach seen from the lighthouse in Port Macquarie in the summer
Book your Port Macquarie trip soon to avoid disappointment. (Image: Getty Images/Stephane Debove)

Timing is everything when securing accommodation, especially during peak travel periods.

For the Easter long weekend (18–21 April 2025), availability is already tightening in popular destinations such as Forster, Port Macquarie, the Gold Coast and the Margaret River. Stayz data suggests that less than 50 per cent of properties will still be available by the end of February, with that number dropping to under 30 per cent by early March.

Planning ahead is even more critical for summer holidays, as the last week of December is expected to be the busiest travel period of the year. Demand for holiday homes in hotspots starts surging by mid-June, and availability continues to tighten through July and August, so securing your summer stay by 21 August is highly recommended.

Emily Murphy
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.
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Victoria’s most memorable guided tours to book now

    Lara PiconeBy Lara Picone
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    Get around the natural beauty and bounty of regional Victoria on a guided tour that reveals extraordinary moments from coast to country.

    Walk the Great Ocean Road

    forest walk along the Great Ocean Road
    Swap your car for walking shoes on the Great Ocean Road.

    The Australian Walking Co’s immersive three-day, lodge-based walk is absolute bucket-list fodder. The easy-going, guided coastal hike is marked by epic scenery and end-of-day luxury. You’ll have no need for heavy packs or tents, instead expect fresh-caught crayfish, post-walk canapés and local wines. Each day explores the drama of this ocean-facing landscape with an approachable three-hour-ish walk, leaving plenty of time to unwind at the lodge.

    Swim with seals and dolphins at Port Phillip Heads

    dolphins swimming in Port Phillip Head Marine Park
    Swim with dolphins in Port Phillip Head Marine Park.

    Dive into Popes Eye, within Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, for this wild swimming experience with mankind’s BFFs of the sea. On the See All Dolphin Swims 3.5-hour experience, departing from Queenscliff, you’ll begin in shallow, calm waters before venturing off to Chinaman’s Hat and beyond to meet seals and dolphins in their own habitat. All gear is provided and all ages are welcome.

    Get your ghost on in the Grampians

    For those with a penchant for the paranormal, get ready for goosebumps when you embark on the Lantern Tours J Ward Paranormal Investigation excursion that takes place under the moonlight in the west wing of Aradale Lunatic Asylum. As you keep a lookout for supernatural activity, you’ll enjoy tales of the criminally insane inmates that will make the hairs on your neck stand to attention.

    Paddle along the mighty Murray

    a woman on a stand-up paddle board along the Murray
    Glide along the scenic Murray on a stand-up paddleboard.

    Swoosh softly through the silky waters of the mighty Murray on a stand-up paddle board with Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle . This gentle downstream sojourn meanders for one-and-a-half hours covering 4.5 kilometres of the river, taking in the beauty on the banks and the vibrant birdlife. From Echuca Moama slip under the Moama Bridge and glide beside its iconic paddlesteamers and the historic port.

    Sip and cycle in the Yarra Valley

    cyclists exploring Yarra Valley
    Cycle around Yarra Valley wine country.

    Wine and wheels make a great pairing on the Tour De Vines six-hour Yarra Valley tour that weaves through vine-threaded roads. It’s a relaxed pace along 20 kilometres of the Warburton Rail Trail as you spot native birds and stop in at local vineyards and produce stores. You’ll pull in at a local winery for a tasting and enjoy lunch before hitting up a couple of cellar doors. Depending on your pedal power, there may be time to sneak in a visit to a chocolate or cheese factory.

    Dig for gold in Bendigo

    Think you have what it takes to unearth a gilded treasure? Try your hand at prospecting and learn the art of gold-digging (in the geological sense) on the two-hour Gold Nugget Hunter tour in the Loddon Valley. On the tour, mine the wisdom of locals Shane and Jackie – who have honed their hobby of gold-detecting into an art – to learn how to read the land and use a gold detector. You may even go home with a nugget of your own.

    Cruise around Wilsons Promontory

    the Skull Rock in Wilsons Prom
    Cruise around Skull Rock in Wilsons Prom. (Image: Connor Vaughan)

    It’s a thrill to drive directly from the sand into the waves aboard the Wanderer Adventures ’ bright-yellow amphibious boat. On this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll skip along the water to take in Wilsons Prom’s top highlights, such as the imposing Skull Rock, The Glennies, Anderson Islets and Anser Island. Spot seals, penguins and seabirds as you absorb the tranquillity of this stunning environment.

    Walk with llamas in the Macedon Ranges

    a llama in the Macedon Ranges
    Make friends with a llama in the Macedon Ranges.

    If you’ve always felt an affinity for long-lashed camelids, then bonding with a llama on a leisurely walk might just be the thing for you. Opt for either a three-hour, five-kilometre hike or a longer 12-kilometre trek along the Domino Rail Trail paired with a gentle, hooved friend. Things kick off with a llama orientation, where you’ll learn how to lead and look out for your new mate before you hit the track. It’s a lovely way to explore the beauty of the region with a sensitive and curious companion by your side.

    Go underground in the Grampians

    a subterranean tour of Seppelt Wines
    Take a subterranean tour of Seppelt Wines. (Image: Ben Savage/We Are Explorers)

    Oenophiles and cave-lovers alike will enjoy going underground at Seppelt’s ‘Drives’ . The largest underground cellar in Australia, The Drives were dug by local goldminers in 1868 and meander for three-kilometres – keeping wine treasures at a temperate 16-degrees year-round. A 50-minute tour through the heritage-listed granite tunnels happily conclude with a tasting of the label’s celebrated sparkling wines.

    Discover island life in the Mornington Peninsula

    a guided tour of French Island
    Discover the Mornington Peninsula’s flora and fauna on a guided tour of French Island.

    Eject from the mainland on a catamaran bound for the wildlife haven of French Island with Naturaliste Tours . Once you disembark from the boat, you’ll hop into a 4WD to explore the pristine flora and fauna, from salt marshes to vast Fairhaven Beach. Look out for echidnas and koalas and enjoy short walks and historic sites on this half-day tour.

    seals in Wilsons Prom
    The southernmost tip is a haven for wildlife. (Image: CMcConville)