Ah, the last lazy, hazy days of Summer are upon us, and while most of us are not at all looking forward to the upcoming colder months, there’s still time to enjoy the final warm weeks.
We’ve done the hard bit and picked out our favourite Aussie destinations to get your last fix of Summer - so all you need to do is pack your bag, and go.
1) Robe, SA
The small coastal town of Robe has seen a considerable increase in popularity over the last few years, and it isn’t difficult to see why.
Beaches with crystal clear water are plentiful (perfect for surfing and kitesurfing, but there are less choppy beach options for swimming too), cafes, restaurants and independent beach themed boutiques are scattered throughout the town, and there’s a brewery too (we recommend picking up some local beers, then heading to one of the rugged coastal lookouts for, probably, the best sunset of your life).
For the sweet tooth, Robe is home to what is arguably one of Australia’s most exciting ice cream shops - the store is pirate themed, and sitting in the back courtyard elicits the feeling of being on a green, toucan infested tropical island.
2) Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Victorians will be well versed in the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula, the scenic coastal shire just an hour’s drive from Melbourne.
While exceedingly busy in the Summer time, you'll be hard pressed finding nicer beaches and views in Victoria, making a day trip or weekend away here well worth the busyness and headache of finding a suitable car park (we recommend leaving as early as possible to secure one of the coveted beach car parks, going for a swim in the crystal clear rock pools, and meandering down to one of the coastal towns for a scenic coffee and bite to eat).
If you’re seeking more adventure in your Mornington Peninsula trip, check out AmazingCo’s Mystery Picnic, where you’ll spend the day discovering the peninsula in (delicious) style by solving clues and riddles, leading you to pick up delicious food items from boutique food stores for your scenic picnic.
Looking for something closer to Melbourne? You’ll find deep blue waters and rugged coastal views (typically only reserved for regional areas) in Black Rock, just a 20 minute drive from Melbourne’s inner city suburbs and perfect for an afternoon getaway.
3) Bellingen, NSW
Seeking an otherworldly escape to a lush, green, rainforest location? Head to Bellingen, NSW. The quaint, bohemian inland town offers its visitors plenty of Summer adventure through its multiplicity of outdoor gems; trek through the ancient national parks, duck beneath the deep green leaf canopies, step into crystal clear creeks, and enjoy a refreshing dip in the ever popular rainforest swimming holes.
Bellingen is a hefty drive from Sydney (you’ll be on the road for 5 hours), so we recommend staying here overnight, or for a weekend escape.
4) Cairns, QLD
Queensland truly is the nation’s unofficial, honorary Summer state, so it only makes sense to explore one of its major cities in more detail for your last Summer adventure.
Dubbed ‘the jewel of the North’, the city of Cairns truly does make the perfect adventure for city and nature lovers alike. While lush rainforests beg its visitors to explore the green ferns, dark green moss and hidden creeks, happening restaurants, bars and cafes populate the city, making a day of plunging into a plethora of fresh water swimming holes, followed by an evening of chowing down on fresh crayfish at a beach side bar possible.
Seeking a unique adventure on your Cairns trip? Discover the city and its offering in more (delicious) detail with AmazingCo’s Mystery Picnic, where you’ll spend an adventurous day out solving clues and riddles, picking up delicious picnic items for your scenic picnic spread along the way.
5) Jurien Bay, WA
Western Australia is well renowned for its shimmering, crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, and Jurien Bay does not disappoint. The coastal town (just a 2.5 hour drive from Perth) is rapidly becoming one of the country’s most popular short term destinations, perfect for a quick, end of Summer getaway.
While its pristine beaches are postcard worthy, relaxing days of swimming and surfing aren’t Jurien Bay’s sole offerings; those with a love for all things active will enjoy strolling (or walking, exercise is good, people!) along the Turquoise Way Trail, a sealed track that spans 13.5km along the coastline, or embarking on a bush walk through one of the region’s national parks.
6) Adelaide, SA
While Adelaide may not be synonymous with a Summer escape (especially if you live in Adelaide), there’s more to the South Australian capital than meets the eye.
The city, inarguably, homes what are some of the nation’s most scenic and jaw dropping inner city beaches; ensure to take a day exploring the stretches of white sand and crystal clear waters (perfect for a relaxing dip), following this with a read in the sand (and reading a crime book on the beach? It doesn’t get much better than that.).
Evening calls for some much needed exploring of the inner city’s plethora of restaurants and happening bar scene; our favourites are Africola Restaurant and BRKLYN, a wildly popular New York inspired gin and cocktail bar.
Looking for another unique way to inject your Adelaide trip with adventure? AmazingCo’s Mystery Picnics will take you on an epic day out solving clues and riddles, picking up delicious picnic items for your scenic picnic spread along the way.
7) Inverloch, VIC
Just a 2 hour drive from Melbourne, Inverloch makes for the perfect Summer day trip (or weekend away). While its beaches are splendid (and perfect for varied activities - you’ll find surfers, kite surfers and swimmers alike frolicking around in the blue, clear water), Inverloch’s popularity can be in part attributed also to its quaint, yet happening town, where independent boutique stores, small cafes and restaurants line the bustling main street.
We recommend paying the local pub a visit for sizeable portions that transgress the usual pub grub, before heading to the beach with an ice cream in hand for sunset.
8) Newcastle, NSW
If you’re looking for an adventure packed, Summer escape in New South Wales, the harbour city of Newcastle may just be the solution.
Located just 2 hours from Sydney, Newcastle makes for the perfect day trip (or weekend getaway); discover the winding coastline and its beaches (or if you prefer to float around in a man made swimming spot, take a dip in one of the outdoor ocean baths - Bogey Hole is our favourite), satisfy your thirst at the ever popular Foghorn Brewhouse, or spend a day on a Newcastle Mystery Picnic, where you’ll discover the city by picking up delicious prepaid picnic items from boutique and local vendors.
9) 1770 and Agnes Water, QLD
Named after the year Captain James Cook first set foot on its shore, the town of 1770 and its neighbouring coastal village Agnes Water are true up and coming Queensland gems.
A true surf town, barefooted, sun kissed and long haired locals swarm to the beach at sunset, often enjoying a beer (or bite to eat) with a view at the ever popular ‘The Tree’ bar.
Snorkelling through the crystal clear waters and bright corals of the Great Barrier Reef is a must here, as is taking a sunset kayak or stand up paddle board along the gentle inlet.
10) Perth, WA
Perth’s relaxed outdoor lifestyle makes it the perfect contender for Western Australians seeking one final Aussie summer destination.
Beach bums will feel at home lazing on white stretches of warm sand at one of the pristine and swim friendly beaches, while nature lovers can run amok in the surrounding bushland and lush rainforests.
There’s nightlife and culture too - drink an aperitif at retro Italian inspired Si Paradiso, chow down on Mediterranean cuisine while overlooking what claims to be Perth’s best coastal view at Barchetta, or explore the extensive works over at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
