Easter 2026 falls on 5 April, giving Australians a four-day long weekend from Good Friday (3 April) to Easter Monday (6 April).
Stack on a few days of annual leave alongside Anzac Day, and you’ve got a 10-day mega-break! Whether you’re after a beach escape, a family adventure, a budget road trip, or a long-haul holiday to Europe or Asia, here’s everything you need to plan the perfect Easter getaway in 2026.
💜 Travelling overseas this Easter? Don’t get your holiday ruined by hidden fees and dodgy exchange rates! Get a free YouTrip travel money card to enjoy mates rates and 0% FX fees wherever you go. ✈️
⚡TL;DR: Best Easter Getaways at a Glance
| Category | Best Destination | Why Go at Easter |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall in Australia | Gold Coast, QLD | Beaches, theme parks, perfect autumn weather |
| Best for Families | Sydney, NSW | Sydney Royal Easter Show (one of Australia’s biggest events) |
| Best 3-Day Domestic Trip | Blue Mountains, NSW | Easy from Sydney, stunning autumn foliage |
| Best Cheap Getaway | Merimbula, NSW | #1 trending Easter destination, great value deals |
| Best Road Trip | Great Ocean Road, VIC | Mild autumn weather, dramatic coastal scenery |
| Best for Nature | Kangaroo Island, SA | Wildlife at its best, uncrowded beaches |
| Best in Asia | Bali, Indonesia | Short flight, warm weather, incredible value |
| Best in Europe | Rome, Italy | Vatican Easter celebrations, world-class history |
| Best Budget International | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Direct flights, affordable, vibrant food scene |
📚 Table of Contents
- Where is the Best Place to Go on Easter in Australia?
- Easter Getaways in Australia
- Must-Know Easter Events for Families
- Where to Go for 3 Days on Easter?
- Cheap Easter Getaways
- Easter Getaways in Asia
- Easter Getaways in Europe
- Easter Weekend Travel Tips
- FAQs
Where is the Best Place to Go on Easter in Australia?
For the broadest range of travellers, the Gold Coast is consistently Australia’s most popular Easter destination. Families, couples, groups, and solo adventurers all find something to love — beaches, theme parks, and mild April weather.
For best value, Merimbula on the NSW South Coast is the #1 trending domestic Easter destination, offering stunning beaches, whale-watching, and affordability compared with Byron Bay or the Gold Coast.
For family fun, Sydney’s Royal Easter Show is hard to beat — rides, live entertainment, show bags, and the Easter Bunny make it a highlight for kids.
Easter travel tips:
- Easter is peak travel season — over 38% of Australians plan to travel in April.
- With Easter near Anzac Day in 2026, demand is even higher. Book early and stay flexible on exact dates.
- Consider off-the-beaten-track options to avoid crowds.
Easter Getaways in Australia
Summer heat has eased, autumn colours are emerging, and coastal weather is often perfect. Here are the best Easter holiday destinations across Australia:
1. Gold Coast, Queensland
Image Credits: BBC
Australia’s most consistent Easter performer. Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, and Currumbin Beach for the days; Dreamworld, Sea World, and Movie World for thrills. Easter also marks the start of whale-watching season along the coast.
Best for: Families, beach lovers, first-timers
Getting there: Direct flights from all major cities
2. Sydney, New South Wales
Image Credits: Sydney Olympic Park
The Sydney Royal Easter Show at Olympic Park anchors the city’s Easter calendar: two weeks of agricultural displays, rides, live entertainment, showbags, and Easter Bunny visits. Explore beyond the showground: the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, Sydney Harbour, and world-class dining before autumn fully sets in.
Best for: Families, city lovers
Insider tip: Buy show bags online — queues are long on the day
3. Merimbula, NSW South Coast
Image Credits: Visit NSW
Merimbula is Australia’s #1 trending Easter destination. Pristine beaches, fresh oysters, whale-watching, and a relaxed pace. Affordable and trending, Merimbula is perfect for travellers seeking value and serenity.
Best for: Budget travellers, couples, nature lovers
Getting there: Flights from Sydney; ~6 hours drive from Melbourne
4. Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Image Credits: Visit NSW
90 minutes from Sydney. Misty eucalyptus forests, cool hiking weather, the Three Sisters at Katoomba, and charming villages like Leura and Blackheath. Perfect for a short autumn break.
Best for: Couples, hikers, weekend trippers
Getting there: Train or car from Sydney
5. Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Image Credits: Australian Sky
Postcard-perfect beaches, charming hinterland villages, and a restorative pace. Noosa Heads shines, but Coolum, Maroochydore, and Caloundra are equally inviting.
Best for: Rest-seekers, couples, low-key family breaks
Getting there: 1.5 hours north of Brisbane
6. Margaret River, Western Australia
Image Credits: breathtaking.the.borders
Wineries, craft breweries, farm-to-table dining, ancient caves, and surf beaches. The Gracetown Bay Swim on Easter Saturday is a relaxed 1km ocean swim for all abilities.
Best for: Foodies, wine lovers, couples
Getting there: ~3 hours south of Perth
7. Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Image Credits: Exceptional Kangaroo Island
Wildlife heaven: koalas, kangaroos, sea lions, seals, and little penguins. Dreamy beaches, excellent wineries, and hiking at Flinders Chase National Park. Authentically uncrowded.
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, foodies, couples
Getting there: 45-min flight from Adelaide, or ferry from Cape Jervis
8. Uluru, Northern Territory
Image Credits: SheDefined
Cooler Easter temperatures make exploration comfortable. Guided base walks, the Field of Light at dusk, and Kata Tjuṯa’s spiritual landscape make this one of Australia’s most enriching Easter experiences.
Best for: Cultural explorers, bucket-list travellers
Getting there: Direct flights to Yulara Airport
9. Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Image Credits: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service
Crisp air, mirror-still lakes, ancient rainforests, and early fagus turning — beech trees blazing gold and red. Wombats at dusk along the trails.
Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, photographers
Getting there: ~2.5 hours from Hobart
10. The Grampians, Victoria
Image Credits: Audley Travel
Dramatic sandstone ranges, waterfalls, wildflower plains, and abundant wildlife. Ideal for a road trip from Melbourne with small towns, wineries, and Aboriginal rock art along the way.
Best for: Nature lovers, hikers, road trippers
Getting there: ~3 hours west of Melbourne
Must-Know Easter Events for Families
Beyond destinations, these Easter-specific events are perfect for planning a family-friendly itinerary across Australia:
11. Bendigo Easter Festival, Victoria
Image Credits: Bendigo Easter Festival
One of Australia’s longest-running community festivals (since 1871), located just 90 minutes from Melbourne. Highlights include:
- Three days of gold-panning and street parades
- 85,000-egg Easter egg hunt
- Ceremonial awakening of Dai Gum Loong — the world’s longest Imperial Dragon
- Best for: Families, festival lovers, cultural explorers
12. Hunter Valley Gardens, New South Wales
Image Credits: www.huntervalleygardens.com.au
A quieter, easy day trip from Sydney. The gardens transform for Easter with:
- Easter Bunny visits and egg hunts
- Rides and seasonal activities
- Mega Creatures exhibition featuring giant mythical and prehistoric animals
- Best for: Families seeking a relaxed, educational Easter outing
13. Bathurst 6 Hour Race, New South Wales
Image Credits: Bathurst 6 Hour
A classic motorsport Easter event, continuing Mount Panorama’s tradition since 1938:
- Kids under 12 enter free
- Three-day passes for adults
- Camping at Paddock Campground for a full Easter adventure
- Best for: Motorsport fans, families with older kids, adventure seekers
Where to Go for 3 Days on Easter?
| Departing from | Best 3-Day Easter Getaway |
|---|---|
| Sydney | Blue Mountains or NSW South Coast — Jervis Bay, Merimbula, Mollymook |
| Melbourne | Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge) or Grampians |
| Brisbane | Sunshine Coast, Noosa, or fly to Hamilton Island/Whitsundays |
| Adelaide | Kangaroo Island by ferry; Barossa Valley (1 hr) |
| Perth | Margaret River — wineries, caves, surf beaches |
Cheap Easter Getaways
Image Credits: Hipcamp
Easter is peak travel season, but budget-friendly options exist if you know where to look.
- Coffs Harbour, NSW — Accommodation under $250/night is consistently findable during Easter. Beaches, the Big Banana, national parks, and great seafood.
- Newcastle, NSW — Nobbys, Merewether, and Bar Beach rival any coastal city, with a vibrant craft beer scene and accommodation significantly cheaper than Sydney.
- Campervan relocations — Drive a campervan between cities for as little as $1/day, with generous time to explore en route. Check iMoova for current deals.
- National park camping — The most affordable Easter option of all. Campsites across Australia are stunning in autumn. Book months in advance — Easter spots sell out fast.
Easter Getaways in Asia
Easter falls at a wonderful time for travel to Asia — temperatures are pleasant, flights from Australia are plentiful, and the value is extraordinary.
1. Bali, Indonesia
Image Credits: Condé Nast Johansens
The perennial favourite for a reason. Short flight from every major Australian city, world-class value, stunning temples, surf, rice terraces, and an extraordinary food scene. Ubud for culture, Seminyak and Canggu for beach and nightlife, Nusa Dua for luxury.
Flight time: ~3.5 hours
Best for: All traveller types
📚 Read our guide on the best time to visit Bali.
2. Japan
Image Credits: Explore Worldwide
Easter aligns with the late cherry blossom season — one of the most visually spectacular times to visit. Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka offer ancient temples, incredible street food, and bullet trains between cities. Book accommodation months ahead; spring in Japan fills up fast.
Flight time: ~9–10 hours
Don’t miss: Fushimi Inari (Kyoto), Dotonbori street food (Osaka)
📚 Read our guide on Japan’s 2026 Cherry Blossom Forecast! 🌸
3. Thailand
Image Credits: National Geographic
Exceptional value, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural experiences. Easter marks the start of shoulder season — reasonable temperatures and lower prices than peak December–January travel. Bangkok and Chiang Mai for culture; Phuket and Koh Samui for beach escapes.
Flight time: ~9 hours
Best for: Budget travellers, beach lovers, foodies
4. Vietnam
Image Credits: CN Traveller
Hanoi and Halong Bay in the north, Hoi An’s lantern-lit old town in the centre, Ho Chi Minh City’s energy in the south. Easter is an ideal time for Hoi An and Da Nang — warm but not overwhelmingly hot. Vietnamese food is world-class and famously affordable.
Flight time: ~9–10 hours
Best for: Foodies, history lovers, families
5. Singapore & Kuala Lumpur
Image Credits: The Poor Traveller
Singapore delivers Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, world-class hawker food, and some of Asia’s best cocktail bars in an easy short break. KL offers similar energy at a fraction of the price — Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, and outstanding street food. Both make excellent standalone trips or stopovers for onward regional travel.
Flight time: ~7–8 hours
Best for: Foodies, city explorers, families
Easter Getaways in Europe
Easter is deeply woven into European culture. If you have enough annual leave to make the long-haul worthwhile, April is one of the best times to visit.
1. Rome, Italy
Image Credits: Tourist Italy
Nowhere does Easter quite like Rome. Papal Mass at St. Peter’s Square, the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Pantheon — all extraordinary in spring light. World-class food and coffee. Easter markets animate every piazza.
Flight time: ~22–24 hours
Best for: History lovers, foodies, first-timers to Italy
2. Barcelona, Spain
Image Credits: Rick Steve Europe
Gaudí’s Sagrada Família alone is worth the flight. Add beautiful beaches, an outstanding food scene, Gothic Quarter laneways, and the solemn energy of Semana Santa. April weather in Barcelona is warm and ideal for walking.
Flight time: ~23–25 hours
Best for: Architecture lovers, foodies, beach and city seekers
3. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Image Credits: Eatlivetraveldrink
April means tulip season at peak bloom — the nearby Keukenhof Gardens are spectacular. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House make any rainy afternoon rewarding. The canals are beautiful in spring light.
Flight time: ~22 hours
Best for: Culture lovers, couples, garden enthusiasts
4. Athens & the Greek Islands
Image Credits: On The Go Tours
Greece takes Easter more seriously than perhaps any other country in Europe — midnight church services, fireworks, and celebratory feasts. Athens in April is magnificent: the Acropolis in spring warmth and world-class tavernas. Pair with Santorini, Mykonos, or Naxos for island bliss.
Flight time: ~22–24 hours
Best for: History lovers, couples, island hoppers
5. Prague, Czech Republic
Image Credits: Goway Travel
One of Europe’s most underrated Easter destinations. The Old Town Easter markets — handmade crafts, Czech foods, mulled wine, folk music — are magical. Stunning architecture, excellent value by Western European standards, and exceptional beer and food.
Flight time: ~22–24 hours
Best for: Budget European travellers, couples, architecture lovers
Easter Weekend Travel Tips
- Book early. Easter is one of Australia’s busiest travel periods. Accommodation in popular destinations fills months in advance.
- Maximise your leave. Easter near Anzac Day means just 3–4 days of annual leave can unlock a 9–10 day break — ideal for long-haul trips to Europe or Japan.
- Travel on Sunday. Friday and Saturday are the most expensive and crowded travel days. Sunday departures save money and stress.
- Consider driving. The NRMA reports 77% of Australian Easter holidaymakers travel by road. Road trips open up regional destinations and bypass airport chaos entirely.
- Get travel insurance. Peak periods mean more delays and disruptions. Cover yourself before you go.
- Use a travel money debit card like YouTrip. Save more with competitive wholesale exchange rates with zero FX fees.
FAQs:
The Gold Coast for all-round appeal — beaches, theme parks, and direct flights from everywhere. Merimbula for best value. Sydney for families, thanks to the Royal Easter Show.
From Sydney: Blue Mountains or NSW South Coast. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road or Grampians. From Brisbane: Sunshine Coast. If flying: Gold Coast, Kangaroo Island, or Margaret River.
Merimbula, Coffs Harbour, and Newcastle offer the best coastal value. Camping and campervan relocations are the most budget-friendly options overall.
Bali is the most popular — short flight, great value, and something for everyone. Japan at cherry blossom season is spectacular. Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and KL all offer outstanding experiences at various price points.
Yes — spring weather is beautiful, crowds are manageable versus peak summer, and Easter celebrations in Italy, Spain, and Greece are culturally extraordinary.
Merimbula on the NSW South Coast — consistently the top trending domestic Easter destination according to Expedia and Wotif, with strong accommodation demand and great value. Other trending spots include Byron Bay, the Central Coast, and Port Stephens.
Sydney (Royal Easter Show), Gold Coast (theme parks), Hunter Valley (Easter garden events), and Bendigo (Easter Festival with the Imperial Dragon parade).
Ready for Easter?
From paying for gelato in Rome to withdrawing Baht on the streets of Bangkok, YouTrip has you covered wherever Easter takes you.
YouTrip works seamlessly across 150+ countries with no transaction fees and competitive exchange rates. It’s the smartest travel money card Aussies can pack for their Easter getaway!
💜 Not on YouTrip yet? Sign up for your free YouTrip card today and spend smarter this Easter — wherever that may be!
📚 Other guides you may enjoy:
