Best spots in Australia to book a last minute summer holiday

IF YOU haven’t had a chance to book a summer getaway yet, don’t panic. These are the great deals in prime Aussie destinations where you can nab a last-minute booking.

South Australia’s famous Eyre Peninsula is among the spots where you can still book a last-minute summer holiday — and on the cheap. Picture: Supplied

IT’S late December, the New Year is mere days away, and those of us who haven’t booked a summer holiday yet are feeling like we’ve totally missed the boat.

But it turns out that’s not true. There are still awesome spots available in prime destinations across Australia for a last-minute getaway — and the good news is, the prices are still great.

Wotif.com has crunched the numbers to find the spots you can nab a deal during the January holidays, from beach spots and the outback or stays in the city.

And you’ll get an even better deal if you’re prepared to travel outside the public holiday days in January, Wotif.com travel specialist Kirsty La Bruniy said.

“Even if it’s just a quick few days out of town, if you’re flexible and travel outside of the public holiday periods in January, there are some great opportunities for families and friends to get away and create holiday memories,” she said.

“We recommend those after value for money to look beyond or on the outskirts of the well-known hot spots which are traditionally busy in the January and summer period.

“As an example, skip the heart of Surfers Paradise for Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast, or swap Byron Bay for nearby Yamba.”

Wotif.com’s predictions for the January 2017 school holidays are based on average rates per night for two adults and two children — and these are the spots where you can holiday for well under $250 a night.

MERMAID BEACH, QLD: $235 a night

Mermaid Beach, Queensland.

The Gold Coast is the number one destination for the 2017 school holidays, according to Wotif.com, so for a better chance of finding a great place to stay, head next door to Mermaid Beach. It’s within easy reach of all the must-do Gold Coast attractions and walking distance from Broadbeach’s bustling restaurant strip.

NELSON BAY, NSW: $227 a night

Nelson Bay, NSW.

It’s only a couple of hours from Sydney but Nelson Bay is a coastal oasis with hidden beaches, the glorious Tomaree Head summit and dolphin spotting cruises available. Wotif.com says there are plenty of resort and apartment style-accommodation options up for grabs.

SCARBOROUGH BEACH, WA: $197 a night

Scarborough Beach, Western Australia.

This stretch of sand is one of the longest and whitest beach in Perth, which makes it an ideal spot to soak up the city’s beach culture in January. It’s also just a 20-minute drive from the Perth CBD, so it’s great for travellers looking to combine the beach and the city.

BUNDABERG, QLD: $174 a night

Bundaberg, Queensland.

Spend a summer in the tropics in Bundaberg, in Northern Queensland. The Bundaberg Distillery is a major tourist attraction but if rum isn’t your thing, check out the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, the sea turtles of Mon Repos Regional Park, and check out Lady Elliot Island, which is part of the Great Barrier Reef.

YAMBA, NSW: $248 a night

Yamba, NSW.

If you really need to wind down after the chaos of Christmas, head to chilled-out town of Yamba on the NSW North Coast, where you can enjoy local seafood by the beach, ferry down the Clarence River to Illuka, or explore the region’s 16 beaches.

ALICE SPRINGS, NT: $173 a night

The Oasis, Alice Springs, Northern Territory.

For something a bit different this summer, head for Alice Springs and soak up the sights, sounds and history of one of Australia’s most famous outback towns. Highlights include the Alice Springs Reptile Centre and the MacDonnell Ranges swimming holes — but you should consider booking a hotel with a pool, so you can cool down from the stifling desert Australian heat.

SWANSEA, TAS: $227 a night

Swansea, Tasmania.

Escape the heat of the mainland and head for the slightly cooler climes in Tasmania, where the seaside village of Swansea is one of the best places to stay. Swansea boasts many beaches, a local history museum, the quirky, convict-built Spiky Bridge and it’s just a 30-minute drive from the world-famous Freycinet National Park.

TORQUAY, VIC: $174 a night

Torquay, Victoria.

The Torquay beach region is just 90 minutes from Melbourne and home to the surfing mecca of Bells Beach, but there’s usually plenty of spots to stay during the January school holidays. All kinds of water spots are available here, from windsurfing and kitesurfing to regular surfing, and it’s ideally located near the must-do Great Ocean Drive.

EYRE PENINSULA, SA: $155 a night

Eyre Peninsula, South Australia.

The Eyre Peninsula is home to dolphins, sea lions and some of the world’s biggest Great White sharks, so it’s impossible to run out of things to do and experience here. The region is famous for its seafood, adventure activities and the spectacular Gawler Ranges.