Why Aussie travellers are craving nostalgic getaways

It used to be that travel was all about looking forward to the next hot trend, the new experience, the latest restaurant. Now nostalgia is in the air as travellers relive the past and seek to recover the spirit of the good old days. Yes, nostalgic travel is making a comeback, just like beards, vinyl and retro clothing.

For some travellers, it’s all about wanting their children to experience the same great childhood they had.

The beauty of Bega, NSW

Helen Hayes remembers growing up in Bega on the NSW Sapphire Coast, where she swam with her brothers in the Brogo River and on Tathra Beach.

Tathra Beach, located in the south coast of New South Wales. Credit: Getty

“Now I live in Sydney, I’ve taken my sons back many times to do the same things. It brings me great joy to see them enjoy it as much as I did. They’ve created their own memories too, as they now take their mates there on surf trips.”

Helen suggests anyone with kids should snorkel at Kianinny Inlet, enjoy the Tathra Headland Walk, and whale watch from Tathra Wharf. “Pack the kids’ bikes and ride the many family-friendly bike tracks, including the new Tathra-to-Kalaru track,” she adds.

A Victorian gem, VIC

Getting back to old haunts retriggers happy emotions for many of us. Port Fairy – named Wotif’s 2019 Aussie Town of the Year – in southwest Victoria was the go-to childhood holiday hotspot for Mary Morton, who met up with the same families each year at the caravan park.

The family still returns to Port Fairy, even though Mary’s daughter is now 20 and more inclined to favour boutique hotels.

“While the town is undoubtedly more sophisticated now, many of the things that made it so special haven’t changed,” Mary says. “The Folk Music Festival, the pristine beauty of Killarney Beach, quaint Victorian-era streetscapes, the Moyne River’s old sailing boats and cormorants – what’s not to love?”

Boats moored on the Moyne River in Port Fairy. Credit: Getty

Any excuse to head north in QLD

It isn’t just families with kids who enjoy nostalgic getaways. Some holidaymakers simply recall a less complicated, digital-free childhood and want to relive the old times. Stressed-out businessman Kevin Lee enjoys Far North Queensland, which reminds him of family holidays in Cairns.

“Life is more stressful now, and I can really unwind there. I’m reminded of what I loved about Australia in the days before international travel became a must. Sun and heat, coral and bright fish, tropical fruit – it all makes me feel like a kid again.”

The bright and beautiful Norman reef in Great barrier Reef, Cairns. Credit: Getty

Beyond this, domestic travel is such an incredible way to immerse yourself in local culture – offering an unmatched opportunity for families to learn more about our country’s Indigenous history.

A visit to the Gold Coast, QLD

Who doesn’t want to revive good memories of a carefree time when they were young? And while for some it’s about childhood, for others the rebellion of teenage years gets them nostalgic. Decades had passed since Rosemary Martorano road-tripped each summer up the NSW coast from Sydney to Gold Coast beaches with her teenage friends.

“Then I thought, we should drive that again with our two sons. It was a long road trip filled with old and new experiences, but I wanted my two boys to feel that same summer feeling of big adventure and having all the time in the world.”

Even on the Gold Coast, Rosemary says, places like Casuarina Beach remain really relaxing; you might see whales swimming past. “The hinterland is great too. The kids can splash around in Currumbin Rock Pools, where generations have jumped off the rocks.”

A perfect day on Currumbin beach, located on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Credit: Getty

Off the coast of Western Australia

Wesley Leedham shares the same spirit. Rottnest Island in Western Australia is where he holidayed. “Exploring ‘Rotty’ on bikes, checking out all the little bays and snorkelling in the crystal-clear Indian Ocean are among my fondest childhood memories. Some of the most remote bays were isolated – you could be anywhere in the world and have the whole place to your own”.

Crystal clear water adorn Longreach bay on Rottnest Island. Credit: Getty

Wes admits that it’s changed somewhat with more tourists around but says it’s just as remote and vast. “It’s a family holiday you won’t forget,” he adds.

The one sure thing about nostalgic getaways is that they’ve been tried and tested. What better holidays to put back on your to-do list? And who knows, when your kids grow up, they’ll want them on their list, too.

Important note regarding COVID-19 and travel: Before booking, travellers should consult the latest government restrictions for the area in which they wish to travel. Travellers should be mindful that government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change between booking and travel.

For a holiday the whole family will love – it’s time to Wotif it. With great deals on a range of accommodation, for your kid-approved getaway plus you can book flights and car hire too. Visit Wotif.com.