This was published 2 years ago
Australia Easter holidays 2022: Where you can still find accommodation at a decent price
Townsville's The Strand. The Queensland city is one of the few destinations still offering good value for money over the Easter holidays.Credit: iStock
The Easter holidays are set to be Australia's busiest in two years, but those booking a last-minute getaway may be surprised by some of the deals still available.
Research from the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan shows more than four million Australians are planning a trip away for Easter, spending $7.1 billion on holidays.
Despite a notable spike in accommodation demand this April, nightly rates remain "on par" with previous years, according to Daniel Finch, managing director for booking platform Wotif.
Rydges Southbank Townsville.
Regional getaways and "city staycations" currently offer the best value for travellers looking to keep holiday spend to a minimum, according to the travel expert.
"By doing your research and embracing some flexibility, you can still find a great deal over this busy period," said Finch.
Simone Scoppa from rental accommodation site Stayz said some destinations on the platform have already been booked out for months.
Mackay Resort Motel.
"It may be hard to come by any last-minute accommodation this Easter as it's the first holiday we have had in a long time with no widespread lockdowns," she said.
Scoppa's top destination tip for a last-minute holiday rental over Easter is Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains of NSW.
"There are currently 16 properties still left to book with prices ranging from $350 to $850 a night for multi bedroom homes," she said.
"I'm personally spending my Easter down there next week and it's the perfect destination to explore the highest parts of Australia and experience cosy fireplaces to kick off the cooler season."
Data provided by Wotif shows Brisbane, Sydney and Hobart still have plenty of availability during the busy school holidays.
Finch said Townsville and Mackay in Queensland, the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, and Albury-Wodonga on the NSW-Victoria border stood out for their good value, with nightly rates of less than $200.
Those after a Queensland getaway can still find deals, including discounted stays at the Rydges Southbank Townsville from $163 a night (15 per cent cheaper than the standard rate), and Mackay Resort Motel from $132 a night (20 per cent cheaper).
Victoria's Dandenong Ranges, an hour-and-a-half's drive from Melbourne, is among the country's top trending destinations in the lead-up to Easter weekend. Interest around hotels and other stays has surged by over 40 per cent in the region, compared to the same period last year.
Travellers eyeing the NSW north coast for Easter will find plenty of others there, with the region emerging as the second-most popular destination in the nation, led by Byron Bay.
However, those looking to secure a last-minute stay in the Byron Bay region may be out of luck, with hotels and other accommodation during the peak Easter period booking out months and, in some cases, up to two years in advance, according to information from the NSW Department of Justice. The department has been working to relocate many Northern Rivers flood victims ahead of the deluge of tourists this season.
Fellow NSW north coast tourism hotspots Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Yamba are also filling up fast, though Finch's tip is for Port Macquarie, which currently has the most availability despite being in "high demand".
The Gold Coast, the NSW north coast, and the Sunshine Coast as clear favourites for holidaymakers this April, outside capital cities.
And it's not just the east coast Australians are flocking to, with properties in regional destinations in South Australia also showing a spike in interest compared to the same time last year.
"Interest for the Barossa Wine Region, Fleurieu Peninsula, Riverland and Kangaroo Island have increased by up to 20 per cent," Finch said.
Flights and accommodation rates in the Eyre Peninsula tend to be cheaper during March and April, outside the region's key peak holiday seasons.
Visitors to the Barossa can still find availability with top-rated stays including Vine Inn Barossa, from $125 a night, and Discovery Parks Barossa Valley, from $129 a night.
Finch said travellers who are prepared to "think outside the box" by trying a new destination or being flexible with their travel dates will be able to reap further savings.
"Not only does travelling to a new destination broaden your horizons, it often means avoiding the crowds and finding yourself a great deal," Mr Finch said.
"If possible, it also helps to have some flexibility around your travel dates. If you have the option to extend your stay, some accommodation providers may offer a better deal for longer stays."
Australians travelling interstate for the Easter holidays have also been warned by Australia's major airports to arrive early and brace for long waits, as holiday traffic spikes to levels not seen since before the pandemic.
Travellers are being urged to arrive two hours ahead of their scheduled departure to beat the rush. Sydney Airport apologised after thousands of passengers were stuck in queues for hours as the school holidays began.
The airport blamed a multitude of factors, including "inexperienced" passengers for slowing down the security screening process.
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.