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The New Year is upon us, and already Australians are dreaming up the best ways to explore our stunning backyard while the calendar is relatively empty.
Australian domestic travel is forecast for continued growth in 2026, driven by local experiences focused on being authentic, value-oriented and brimming with local culture. Outdoor and wellness-based travel destinations are also tipped to be popular, while an uptick in ‘slowdown towns’ means regional Australian travel will continue to percolate.
To help navigate your shortlist of affordable travel options, here are 26 must-see Australian travel destinations worth visiting in 2026. For convenience, we’ve based our search on locations featuring an NRMA Holiday Park/Resort (or nearby), using locations that have held strong traveler appeal based on recent trends.
A classic northern NSW beach town, Yamba offers visitors umpteen surf options surf, a river and local markets. The NRMA Blue Dolphin Yamba Holiday Resort lends its own excitement with an in-house waterpark and pump track, while adults can relax in the swim-up bar.
The Batemans Bay region on the south coast of NSW is an evergreen holiday stop, with stunning beaches, the expansive Clyde River and the Aussie bush all on your doorstep. The NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort is a perfect portal, located on the shores of Corrigan's Beach.
A little further south of Batemans Bay (and just north of Moruya), you’ll find the relaxed seaside village of Broulee. Popular with families and brimming with outdoor and cultural options, Broulee’s famous crystal clear waters and stunning scenery you can see why Broulee is anmake it an annual stop for many Australian travellers. It is also home to the NRMA Broulee Holiday Park, located behind the sand dunes on South Broulee Beach.
Located four hours’ drive north of Sydney, Port Macquarie draws visitors from far and wide – and for different reasons. Traditionally, the region’s beaches, wooded mountains and resident koala and dolphin populations have been major drawcards. Nowadays, it is also recognised as a bourgeoning foodie destination. Check out the NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park while you’re there.
This lesser-known South Coast beach destination offers surfing spots and scenic coastal walks in equal measure, ensuring relaxation, adventure and fun. The NRMA Tathra Beachfront Holiday Park is likewise open-ended, offering an expansive 550-metre beachfront as well as a short walking distance proximity to town.
Calm waters and a wonderfully temperate climate are assured at this Central Coast coastal village, located on the door step of Sydney. The NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort is a perfect stop for families and those who appreciate the finer touches alike, with 20 different accommodation types.
Most people think of rolling sand dunes when Stockton, near Newcastle, springs to mind. However, the region offers so much more, especially in light of Newcastle’s well-documented coming of age. The NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park is within close proximity of the area’s beaches, fishing spots and surfing.
Adventure, relaxation and ease are assured in the quaint leafy town of Budgewoi, located 90mins north of Sydney. Discover eclectic local shops, learn to surf or simply wet a line in the region’s countless estuaries. The NRMA Budgewoi Holiday Park offers a perfect place to rest each evening.
The Gold Coast has long been a port of call for Aussie travellers, and with the region undergoing constant expansion and rejuvenation, it remains a strong option for 2026. Check out the NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort for its proximity to theme parks, shows, shopping and sparkling beaches.
Turtles and fishing are the usual drawcards for this quiet beach town, and they have one thing in common: an expansive 16km beachfront that is home to both. With calm waters assured thanks to protection from nearby Fraser Island (K’gari), the water is warm enough to swim all-year round. NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park is nicely situated between the beach and the Burrum Coast National Park.
The tropical delights of Airlie Beach deserve to be on any getaway list for Australian travellers. This aquatic playground has sand, sea and the surrounding Whitsundays region all at your feet. NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park (Whitsunday Coast) offers friendly, knowledgeable staff and several accommodation options.
Located about 40 minutes’ drive north of Airlie Beach, Bowen is one of North Queensland’s oldest towns and a settlement that is steeped in history. It is also a tropical paradise situated by the seaside with countless lagoons and beaches. The NRMA Bowen Beachfront Holiday Park offers an easy way to experience the area and its crystal-clear waters, positioned on absolute beach front.
The natural beauty of Cairns can be aptly summarised in two words: reef and rainforest. With access to the stunning Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest alike – both World Heritage Listed – Cairns remains an evergreen tourism gem for 2026. Try NRMA Cairns Holiday Park plus NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park, a short five minute drive from the city centre.
This classic coastal getaway near Granite Island offers a prime beachfront location and notable shops and restaurants nearby. The NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park features a waterpark, pump track and swimming pool.
The east coast of Tasmania has something for everyone – incredible scenery, pristine beaches, a growing food scene and plenty of spots to check out. The spectacular Freycinet Lodge is a perfect place to stop and slow down, as the only accommodation option inside the Freycinet National Park.
To think of Jindabyne as simply a snow stop-over is doing the region a massive disservice. Over the past decade, the quaint town at the base of the Snowy Mountains has become its own year-round entity. Not only is it close to the snow in winter, the town boasts excellent proximity to a booming mountain bike scene, vibrant bars and restaurants and year-round fun on Lake Jindabyne. Be sure to check out the NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park ahead of your stay.
These twin coastal towns are a haven if you like your Australian destinations brimming with lakes, beaches and fishing. Perched on a peninsula jutting into Coolongolook River and a mere riverbend away from Wallis Lake, NRMA Forster Tuncurry Holiday Park is the ideal spot for a laidback lakeside holiday.
If you like to be immersed in nature during your travels, then Myall Shores is an evergreen getaway destination. There are flora and fauna of myriad varieties at this stunning spot, not to mention endless outdoor pursuits. NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park makes the most of the beautiful bush setting, situations on the banks of the Myall Lake.
The Murramarang region has been a popular go-to destination for Canberrans for years; and it’s easy to see why. This South Coast village embraces the rugged coastline with its proximity to beautiful beaches, national parks and native wildlife. The NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort makes a suitable base, offering everything from unpowered sites through to two-bedroom houses.
Fresh country air, river recreation and paddlesteamer rides; Mildura offers endless opportunities to stop and reset. On the other side of the coin, its green-lined river bands are also a gateway into Australia’s outback region. The NRMA Mildura Riverside Holiday Park is a short 10-minute drive from town.
This popular spot along the Great Ocean Road offers everything you need for year-round fun – albeit without the huge crowds. Situated on the banks of the Hopkins River, the NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park is a worthy stopover options for couples and families alike.
Traditionally a drawcard with its historic goldrush city at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat has evolved to become a truly family friendly location. A short 90-minute drive from Melbourne, the region is steeped in history, not only from the goldrush era but as home to the Wathaurang people. Check out nearby vintage stores and galleries, hike to nearby waterfalls and more. Conveniently, the NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park is located steps away from gold panning too.
Iconic hikes, stunning wildlife, endless adventure: the majestic Grampians region in Victoria has something for everyone. The NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park is one of the area’s most scenic accommodation options, taking full advantage of its proximity to nature.
Not all islands in Australia are the same, and Phillip Island in Victoria is a case in point. Rolling over the bridge from San Remo, there’s something here for everyone, from penguins, beaches and motorsport, like the annual Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. The NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park is a fitting resting place for all of the above.
Port Arthur is a fascinating focal point of the scenic Tasman Peninsula region. The area is steeped in colonial history, but is also home to stunning coves and ancient cliffs – many of which you can discover on the famous 46-kilometre Three Capes Track. Handily, NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park is ideally located within reach of all of the above.
Last but not least, Agnes Water. This stunning location on the south side of the Great Barrier Reef offers the unique location of year-round surf as well as a kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. The laidback township offers access to picture-perfect beaches and magical forests. The NRMA Agnes Water Holiday Park is an excellent way to take in this awe-inspiring location.
