‘Tasmania’s Byron Bay’ and four other easy summer getaways

Denmark, Western Australia
No, not that Denmark. This town is five hours’ drive south of Perth, with beaches that epitomise the very best of coastal Australia, but offer summer temperatures that range between 12 and 25 degrees. Denmark boasts galleries, boutiques and restaurants on a pretty main street, with wineries set just beyond town between forests of centuries-old trees where food and wine trails wind in and out. Drive 15 minutes west and you’ll find some of the state’s best natural attractions within William Bay National Park. Swim in the sheltered lagoon at Greens Pool, or take a short walk to the hidden Elephant Cove.

Greens Pool in William Bay National Park, WA.Credit: Getty Images

Tenterfield, NSW
Banjo Paterson proposed to his sweetheart at a waterfall just outside town, Henry Parkes made a speech calling for Federation in the main street, and Peter Allen was born here and wrote the song Tenterfield Saddler about his grandfather. Located three hours’ drive west of Byron Bay at 850 metres above sea level, Tenterfield’s mild alpine climate keeps temperatures between 14 and 27 degrees throughout summer. An ideal destination for adventurers – it’s surrounded by six national parks full of gorges and waterfalls – it’s just as good for travellers looking to relax and indulge, with cool-climate wineries, breweries, boutique restaurants and a historic main street full of heritage buildings.

Cygnet, Tasmania
It’s almost as far south as you can go in Australia, so it’s little wonder that summers here stay comfortable and temperate. But this town, 45 minutes’ drive south-west of Hobart, is located between the Huon River and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, so you won’t miss out on any watery relief should the mercury rise. Dubbed “Tasmania’s Byron Bay” for its alternative lifestyle, Cygnet is enclosed by farms and the main street has cafes, art galleries, a music studio and a classic pub at either end. Consider visiting during January’s annual Cygnet Folk Festival, an event showcasing music, dance and film that epitomises the town’s bohemian style.

Gold Coast hinterland, Queensland
While we know the Gold Coast for its iconic surf beaches, it’s the big, green mountains beyond the coast that offer the best summer escape, with temperatures at least five degrees cooler on average than by the sand. Beginning just a 30-minute drive west of its famed beaches, you’ll find some of the largest remaining tracts of subtropical rainforest left on Earth in World Heritage-listed national parks. But there’s a lot more to do than traipse the wilderness. In the tiny villages you’ll find cafes and restaurants alongside art galleries and craft stores. And check out some of Australia’s most picturesque wineries, where cellar doors and restaurants operate out of historic homesteads.

Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria
While most Melburnians flock to the Mornington Peninsula, on the other side of Port Phillip Bay, the Bellarine Peninsula in summer remains blissfully off the radar. But there’s nowhere better then thanks to the pleasant maritime climate and array of both surf and calm-water beaches. It’s also Australia’s best-kept epicurean secret, home to more than 40 wineries (most of them family owned), with provedores, restaurants, cafes and farm gates spread throughout. Follow the Bellarine Taste Trail or try the Bellarine Rail Trail if you prefer to investigate the area by bike. It’s also home to historic English-style seaside villages such as Queenscliff.

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