It’s time to start thinking of our December holidays but most of us are still snowed under. And by that, we mean with work – not anything remotely festive. There’s no doubt that we all need a breather of fresh air, preferably somewhere with sweeping landscapes and breathtaking sights.
Thankfully, Jetabout Holidays has fully planned trips to bring us around Australia’s most scenic nature spots. From lavender fields to crystal-clear waterfalls, here are 8 nature spots where you can load up on some much-needed R&R.
Psst: they even have a detailed day-to-day itinerary guide for those who want to make their road trip dreams come true!
Queensland conjures up images of theme parks and not much else. But to those in the know, it’s also home to some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches – easily explored with a trip like Jetabout Holiday’s 5D4N Highlights of Sunshine Coast.
One major gem is the Great Beach Drive where you’ll be gliding smoothly along the shores of Gold Coast. And when we say shores, we truly mean shores – you’ll be just a few metres away from the rolling waves. Just make sure to stay away from any wet sand to avoid getting bogged down!
This is one of the best areas for wildlife spotting too, with commonly reported sightings of dolphins, turtles, and even whales.
Image credit: Tourism Events Queensland
Before you think it’s all seaside fun over at Sunshine Coast, you’ll also have a chance to visit the Glass House Mountains. Those wanting to soak up the rural beauty of rainforests will enjoy strolling through the leafy clearing of Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.
There’ll also be a complimentary morning tea at The Orangery, and some free time to browse through the quaint shops of Montville.
Itinerary details – (5D4NHighlights of Sunshine Coast, Coach Tour)
Price: From $765/person
Activities: Great Beach Drive Tour, Eumundi Markets, Buderim Ginger Factory, Glass House Mountains
Book your 5D4N – Highlights of Sunshine Coast (Coach Tour) here.
As one of Australia’s more secluded cities, Tasmania has plenty of rural views that’ll make you stop right in your tracks. From sprawling fields of lavender to mountain peaks, a trip like the 8D7N Best Of Tasmania Road Trip is sure to make for a memorable vacay. And while you’ll be self-driving, rest assured – Jetabout Holidays will be providing a suggested day to day drive itinerary.
The views over at Cradle Mountain can easily rival those of far-flung countries like Norway and Iceland. You’ve got the snowy peaks, rugged landscapes, and lake views, all in one picturesque mountain. There’s also plenty of easy hiking trails towards Dove Lake or Glacier Rock, with fun activities like riding a horse and fly-fishing.
December’s the best month to see lavender in full-bloom at Bridestowe Lavender Estate. When you’re surrounded by neat rows of lavender shrubs, it’s easy to get lost in thought while staring at the deep purple hues and foggy outline of mountain peaks. If peckish, there’s also Lavender Ice Cream to try, along with flavours like Chocolate and Blueberry.
Itinerary details – (8D7N Best Of Tasmania Drive)
Price: From $1,125/person
Activities: Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, Devils@Cradle, Cradle Mountain Park
Book your 8D7N Best Of Tasmania Drive here.
With graffiti-lined streets and cafe brunches, Melbourne is undoubtedly the arts & culture hotspot of Australia. But with 6D5N Great Southern Touring Route Drive, there’s plenty to see and explore outside Melbourne CBD too, from rugged national parks to road trips along the Great Ocean Road.
As one of Australia’s oldest operating lighthouses, Cape Otway Lighthouse is a major attraction along the Great Ocean Road. Once you climb up to the top, you’ll get a panoramic view of the coast where the Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean collide. There’ll also be a hearty Aussie BBQ after – you can say that you’ve successfully “slipped a shrimp on the barbie”.
Image credit: Visit Melbourne
Those wanting an easy trek in the wilderness will be more than pleased with Grampians National Park – it’s filled with walking trails to explore. If you’re up for a greater challenge, they also have hiking trails that’ll take at least 3 hours return, but it’s well-worth the trek through the sandstone ranges to get a panoramic view of the sunset.
Itinerary details – (6D5N Great Southern Touring Route Drive)
Price: From $765/person
Activities: Great Ocean Road Drive, Halls Gap, Port Fairy, Ballarat, and Daylesford
Book your 6D5N Great Southern Touring Route Drive here.
Many of us opt for metropolitan cities like Melbourne and Sydney when we’re holidaying Down Under, but Darwin has its own fair share of rural charm. From plunge pools to a field filled with lights, there are plenty of memorable travel packages to Darwin.
Wew, you’ve never seen a field of flowers like the Uluru Field of Lights. Artist Bruce Munro’s installation spans more than 7 football field, with dancing lit-up stems that come in a rainbow of colours. You’ll first arrive in pitch black, and once you clamber over the hill, it’s a sprawling display of illuminated flowers in every colour.
Swimming at the Gunlom Plunge Pool at Kakadu is like no other dip you’ve had before, with cascading water from a nearby waterfall and sweeping mountain views ahead. Since it’s a relatively tricky hike to get up there – a steep climb up rocky terrain – the pool make for a well-deserved dip.
Itinerary details – (5D4N Top End Nature’s Drive)
Price: From $655/person
Activities: Nourlangie Rock Art, Ubirr Rock, Kakadu National Park, Katherine
Book your 5D4N Road Trip to Darwin here.
A relaxing holiday Down Under is what city folks like us need for an ideal EOY getaway. And with Jetabout Holidays, we can easily explore Australia’s nature spots with no trouble at all. After all, the entire itinerary’s already planned for us, from leisurely paddling at a plunge pool to strolling through a picturesque rainforest.
There’s even the option to self-drive for some tours – it’s all own time, own target so you can linger at particularly breathtaking spots.
And if you’re wondering about other Australian states, Jetabout Holidays also offers tours around Western Australia, New South Wales, and South Australia. You can do an array of exciting activities like joining a nocturnal wildlife tour, riding a hot air balloon across Hunter Valley, swimming with tuna, and visiting Pink Lake Hillier – a vibrantly pink lake.
Also, all TSL readers, get a chance to win $200 travel vouchers to UnDiscover Australia with Jetabout Holidays – simply join the contest HERE and you could be one of the 5 lucky winners!
Whether you’re keen on exploring the rural beauty of Tasmania or the national parks of Victoria, Jetabout Holidays has everything done and dusted – all you need to do is get your passport and go.
This post was brought to you by Jetabout Holidays & Tourism Australia.
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