Hot weather, public holiday, and a whole weekend to play with? That’s your cue to book a trip. Whether it’s fireworks by the harbour, swims at your favourite beach, or chasing something new in a different city, the Australia Day long weekend is prime time for a getaway.

Long weekends don’t come around often, so don’t waste this one stuck at home with the fan on full blast. This is the weekend for beach swims, cold drinks, lazy afternoons, and maybe a cheeky hotel stay.

Best for: Harbour lovers and festival fans

Sydney doesn't do things by halves on Australia Day. The harbour gets absolutely packed with ferries, fireworks, and street parades, whilst beaches from Bondi to Coogee are heaving with locals and visitors soaking up the rays. The Royal Botanic Garden hosts concerts and picnics, and pretty much every neighbourhood has something on. It's warm, it's busy, and it's genuinely the place to be if you want the full Australia Day experience.

Best for: Culture fans and coffee addicts

Melbourne keeps things classy during summer with rooftop bars, laneway cafes, and gallery hopping galore. Australia Day brings the parade to the streets and events to Federation Square, but honestly, the real draw is the city itself. From the National Gallery to Queen Victoria Market, there's always something worth your time.

Best for: River views and laid-back vibes

Brisbane's South Bank is where it's at on Australia Day. Live music, food stalls, and fireworks over the river make it one of the best free events in the country. The weather's warm and absolutely perfect for the lagoon, riverside walks, or just hanging out in the parklands. If you're after a relaxed long weekend with likely-perfect weather and great energy, Brisbane delivers every time.

Best for: Beach lovers and sunset chasers

Perth's Skyworks fireworks are absolutely legendary. They light up the Swan River and draw massive crowds to Langley Park. The city's beaches are genuinely world-class, the weather's hot and dry, and the vibe is super easy. Whether you're island-hopping to Rottnest, exploring Fremantle, or just chilling at Cottesloe Beach, Perth's a top pick for anyone who wants sun, sand, and an impressive fireworks show.

Best for: Reef explorers and adventure seekers

If you want to swap city celebrations for nature, Cairns is your spot. The Great Barrier Reef is right there, the rainforest is absolutely lush, and the weather's hot and tropical. Spend your days snorkelling, exploring Kuranda, or cruising through the Daintree. It's a different kind of Australia Day, but if you're after adventure over fireworks, you won't regret it.

Best for: Foodies and festival lovers

Hobart's summer festivals are a massive draw, with MONA FOMA bringing art and music to the waterfront and Taste of Tasmania serving up the state's best food and wine. The weather's mild and dry, perfect for exploring Salamanca Place, taking a ferry to Bruny Island, or heading up Mount Wellington for seriously good views. It's a smaller city with a big personality, and the long weekend gives you just enough time to soak it all in.

Best for: History buffs and picnic lovers

As the nation's capital, Canberra hosts the official Australia Day events, which include the National Flag Raising, Citizenship Ceremony, and fireworks over Lake Burley Griffin. The city's packed with museums, galleries, and monuments, and the weather's mild and sunny for outdoor picnics and lakeside walks. It's quieter than the big cities, but if you're into history and culture, Canberra's absolutely worth the trip.