You don’t have to travel far to go on a grand adventure. Consider booking cheap domestic flights to one of these nine exciting destinations around the country.
We all love the Gold Coast, and Uluru is one of our most stirring landmarks. But there are other places in Australia that are less famous, and begging to be explored. Here are some of our favourites:
- Avalon, VIC
- Broome, WA
- Burnie, TAS
- Devonport, TAS
- Hamilton Island, QLD
- Kangaroo Island, SA
- Launceston, TAS
- Merimbula, NSW
- Prosperine, QLD
Please note: Travel restrictions can change at any time and without notice. Be sure to check the latest official travel advice before you depart.
1. Avalon, Vic
Avalon is Melbourne’s second biggest airport and the only Victorian destination on the list. Book cheap flights to Avalon and explore the best of the state. Melbourne CBD is just a 45-minute drive from the airport, but there are plenty of other options. Avalon is close to Geelong, one of the best places to start a road trip along the Great Ocean Road. The Twelve Apostles, Bell’s Beach, and Apollo Bay await!
Start your trip here:
2. Broome, WA
Western Australia’s only spot on the list goes to Broome, situated in the country’s northwest corner and one of the most beautiful small towns in the country.
Broome is famous for the aerial shots of Cable Beach, where surf meets sand and red earth. Days can easily be spent lounging on the beach with a cold drink in hand. More active days can be spent whale watching, snorkeling, diving and hiking.
At Gantheaume Point, you can walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs, as there are footprints preserved in reef rock that date back over 100 million years. History buffs will love learning about the town’s past at the Broome Museum. Sampling drinks at Matso’s craft brewery is also a must, a summer staple for many Aussies.
Start your trip here:
3. Burnie, Tasmania
Found on the northwest coast of Tasmania’s main island, slightly further out than Devonport, Burnie is close to some of the world’s cleanest air. It’s where to go if you’re hoping to unwind and connect to nature, such as Guide Falls Reserve and Burnie Park. For those spending a bit of time in Burnie, a day trip to Cradle Mountain, the Sheffield Murals or Leven Canyon may be in order.
Melbourne’s residents can often get cheap domestic flights to Tasmania, but it’s not the only spot in the country that can get a good value holiday.
Start your trip here:
4. Devonport, Tas
Half an hour to the east of Burnie is Devonport, one of Tasmanis’a most overlooked destinations. Like Burnie, Devonport offers easy access to the pure air of the northwest corner, but is also closer to many of the mainland attractions, like the murals of Sheffield and the big(ger) town attractions of Launceston.
Start your trip here:
5. Hamilton Island, QLD
Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays is a dream destination for many Australians. Beautiful beaches, non-existent traffic (most people get around the island on golf buggies) and a stone’s throw from the Great Barrier Reef have made it an ideal spot. Because of its high appeal, holidays to Hamilton Island do normally attract a higher price tag than many other domestic destinations, but it’s a place you’re unlikely to ever forget visiting.
Start your trip here:
6. Merimbula, NSW
Merimbula is one of the most underrated towns in New South Wales. This costal town is found in southern NSW, between Bega and Eden. Top activities include lazing by the beach, playing a few rounds of golf, whale watching and exploring wildlife sanctuaries.
Start your trip here:
7. Kangaroo Island, SA
Exploring our own local areas has been a theme of travel recently, and it doesn’t get much closer for those in Adelaide.
A cheap domestic flight from Adelaide to Kingscote takes little more than half an hour, but travellers from further afield may need to add in a ticket to get to Adelaide first.
Those who venture to the island will love spotting native wildlife like the namesake kangaroos, tammar wallabies, short-beaked echidnas and dozens of species of birds. A piece of advice? Pack a pair of binoculars or a camera with a decent zoom lens.
Start your trip here:
8. Launceston, Tasmania
Second in size only to Hobart in Tasmania, Launceston an exciting city. You’ll find plenty of museums, art galleries, heritage sites and dining options made with regional ingredients. Launceston is also a great base for exploring Tasmania on a road trip. Head south to Hobart for a couple of days or head east and explore the Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park.
Start your trip here:
- Check flights to Launceston
- Stay at Refresh109 on Cameron
- Take a guided walking tour of Cataract Gorge
9. Proserpine, QLD
Proserpine is another option for those wanting to explore the Whitsundays. Unlike Hamilton Island, Proserpine is found on the mainland. The town itself is a nod to slower times, with art deco architecture and country-style accommodations.
Best known for Airlie Beach, Propersine is the gateway to some of the state’s best beaches and island—as well as the much loved trips out to the Great Barrier Reef.
Start your trip here:
FAQs
Skyscanner research has found that you can get the cheapest domestic flights by booking 21 weeks before you travel.
To get cheap domestic flights, consider travelling in May which is generally the quietest period for airlines and hotels. December is the most expensive time to book a domestic flight.
Domestic flight prices tend to surge in the two months before departure. If you can book early, you might be able to save more money than you think.
Start planning your next trip
Want to read more?
- The Sunshine Coast isn’t the destination you think it is – here’s why: There’s more to the Sunshine Coast than just pleasant weather and fabulous beaches. Find out what else to do here.
- Only in Tasmania – Top 5 things to do: With three Tasmanian destinations to choose from, it pays to know what the state has to offer.
- Queensland’s Best Road Trip – Gold Coast to Cairns: With both Cairns and Gold Coast included in the deal, a road trip between the two is a great way to see the best of Queensland cheaply.
