Australian Long Weekend Travel Tips: Make the Most of Public Holidays

Timing Your Departure and Return

The most critical factor in long weekend travel is timing. Roads and airports experience predictable congestion patterns around public holidays, and understanding these patterns allows you to avoid the worst of the crowds.

For road trips, the Thursday evening before a long weekend sees heavy traffic leaving major cities as those with flexible work arrangements head out early. Friday afternoon is typically even busier, with traffic congestion extending well into the evening hours. If possible, delay your departure until Friday evening after the initial rush subsides, or better still, leave early Saturday morning.

Return traffic peaks on the Monday afternoon of a long weekend, particularly on highways leading into capital cities. Leaving your destination Sunday evening or Monday morning can avoid hours of frustrating congestion. Alternatively, consider extending your trip by returning Tuesday morning if your schedule permits.

Flight Timing Strategies

Domestic flights on Thursday and Friday before long weekends tend to be expensive and crowded. Saturday morning flights often offer better value as business travellers have already departed. Similarly, flying back on Tuesday rather than Monday evening can save money and stress.

Airport terminals require extra time during peak travel periods. Allow at least an additional thirty minutes beyond normal arrival times for check-in and security screening.

Choosing Your Destination Wisely

Not all destinations experience equal pressure during long weekends. Popular coastal towns within a few hours of major cities often become overcrowded, with accommodation prices spiking and restaurant waits extending well beyond normal.

The Counter-Flow Strategy

Consider travelling in the opposite direction to the masses. When everyone heads to the beach, inland destinations like wine regions, national parks, and rural towns often remain peaceful. The Barossa Valley during an Adelaide long weekend, the Victorian high country when Melburnians flock to the coast, or the Blue Mountains when Sydneysiders head south all offer excellent alternatives.

Similarly, capital cities often empty during long weekends, making them excellent destinations in themselves. Visiting Melbourne during the Queen's Birthday weekend, when many locals head away, can provide a relaxed city experience with easy restaurant bookings and uncrowded attractions.

Lesser-Known Alternatives

Every popular destination has lesser-known alternatives that provide similar experiences without the crowds. Instead of Byron Bay, consider Yamba or Evans Head. Rather than the Mornington Peninsula, try the Bellarine Peninsula. Swapping the Sunshine Coast for the Fraser Coast or Hervey Bay can reveal equally beautiful destinations at a fraction of the crowding and cost.

Local tourism websites often highlight these alternatives, and speaking with residents can uncover genuine hidden gems that don't appear in mainstream travel guides.

Accommodation Strategies

Securing suitable accommodation is often the biggest challenge of long weekend travel. Popular properties book out months in advance, particularly for Easter and Christmas periods.

Booking Windows

For guaranteed availability at popular destinations, aim to book two to three months before major long weekends. Christmas and Easter require even earlier planning, with six-month lead times not unusual for sought-after properties.

Last-minute bookings are possible but limit your options significantly. If you must book late, consider mid-week arrivals and departures that others avoid, or look at accommodation types you might not usually choose.

Alternative Accommodation Types

When traditional hotels and holiday rentals fill up, consider alternatives:

• Camping and caravan parks: Often have availability when conventional accommodation is booked
• Farm stays and agritourism: Growing sector with often lesser-known properties
• House sitting: Platforms matching travellers with homeowners needing pet or property care
• Retreats and wellness centres: Often overlooked for family travel but can offer excellent facilities

Packing for Long Weekend Success

Efficient packing makes long weekend travel smoother, particularly when destinations may have limited shopping options or when you're trying to avoid crowded supermarkets.

Essential Supplies

Pack food and drinks before departure rather than stopping at busy highway service centres or crowded destination supermarkets. A cooler bag with breakfast supplies, snacks, and drinks for the journey saves time and money while avoiding queues.

Consider what might be closed at your destination. Smaller towns may have limited trading hours on public holidays, and even larger regional centres can have reduced services. Essential medications, toiletries, and speciality items should be packed rather than assumed available.

Entertainment and Contingencies

Popular attractions and activities may be fully booked or uncomfortably crowded during long weekends. Pack backup entertainment options: books, games, sports equipment, or hobby supplies that allow enjoyment regardless of external conditions.

Weather can change rapidly in Australia, particularly in coastal and mountain regions. Pack for multiple conditions rather than assuming the forecast will hold.

Making Restaurant Reservations

Dining during long weekends requires planning that regular travel doesn't demand. Popular restaurants book out entirely, and walk-in options may involve substantial waits during peak meal times.

Make reservations as soon as you confirm accommodation. For particularly sought-after restaurants in tourist areas, booking several weeks ahead is advisable. Consider early or late dining times that others avoid, or embrace takeaway and picnic options that bypass the reservation challenge entirely.

Many regional restaurants close on Mondays, potentially limiting options on the last day of a long weekend. Check opening hours before assuming availability.

Managing Expectations

Perhaps the most valuable long weekend travel tip is maintaining realistic expectations. You will encounter other travellers. Popular spots will be busy. Prices will be higher than off-peak. Roads will be congested.

Rather than fighting these realities, plan around them. Choose accommodation with facilities that reduce the need for crowded public amenities. Visit popular attractions early morning or late afternoon when day-trippers have departed. Build buffer time into your schedule for unexpected delays.

Remember that everyone sharing your destination is seeking the same thing: a break from routine, a chance to experience something different, an opportunity to create memories. Approaching fellow travellers with patience and goodwill makes the entire experience more pleasant for everyone.

The 2026 Long Weekend Calendar

Planning ahead for 2026's long weekends allows maximum enjoyment with minimum stress. Use our interactive 2026 calendar to identify all public holidays and start planning your getaways early.

Consider booking accommodation now for Easter (April 3-6) and Christmas (December 25-28), as these premium periods fill quickly. Queen's Birthday (June 15 in most states) and Australia Day (January 26) also warrant early planning.

With thoughtful preparation, 2026's long weekends can provide rewarding travel experiences that refresh and restore, making the return to work genuinely worthwhile.