According to Webjet, the Gold Coast will be the best value flight path for the average Australian this spring. Ditch the regular tourist haunts (sorry Movie World) and get up close with nature instead. Lace up your boots for a scenic hike in one of the region’s World Heritage-listed national parks (yes, Lamington National Park looks as good as it sounds) or feed the lorikeets at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for a gold coin donation. Once your steps are up, catch happy hour at one of the many breweries lining Miami Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland.)

A city shaped by Australia’s gold rush, Bendigo hasn’t lost any of its shine. There are countless opportunities to soak up the area’s rich history, with guided mine tours, vintage talking tram rides and Chinatown’s Golden Dragon Museum. To maintain your culture high, check out the Bendigo Art Gallery. This impressive venue has made waves nationwide for its ambitious exhibitions on Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley.

Hobart’s city centre can skew towards expensive, so get out of town for more budget-friendly destinations. A 90-minute drive from the CBD, Huon Valley is worth the wait. Visit Hastings Caves and dip in the 28-degree waters of the thermal pool, or get sky high and walk (or airglide) over the forest canopy at Tahune Adventures Airwalk. Huon Valley is the Apple Isle’s apple capital, so a trip to Willie Smith’s should be on every traveller’s list. If the weather isn’t in your favour, a cup of their hot apple cider will be.

Whether you’re swimming, surfing, sailing, scuba diving or simply lapping up the beachside tranquillity, Port Lincoln is a waterbaby’s paradise. Don’t be surprised if you manage to nab a secluded beach all to yourself. Then, your only challenge will be deciding where to lay down a towel and tuck into an obligatory serve of fish and chips – Port Lincoln is known as Australia’s seafood capital for a reason. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Elise Cook)

Maroochydore (or “Maroochy”, once you’re acquainted) feels like all our favourite Aussie stereotypes rolled into one – palm-tree lined beaches, pristine white sand, azure waters and average temperatures that stay above 20 degrees all through winter. The best parts of Maroochydore are free, like the Botanical Gardens and the serene Chambers Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Hobart’s little sister is no slouch when it comes to natural beauty and culinary spoils. A short walk from the city centre, Cataract Gorge provides sweeping views over the South Esk River and boasts the world’s longest single span chairlift. If you don’t mind battling with peacocks over your hot chips, this location is a must. When night falls, enjoy one of the eateries that helped earn Launceston a UNESCO City of Gastronomy title, or head out on a tour to meet the state’s pint-sized, blue-backed little penguins. (Image: Poon Wai Nang)

On the banks of the Murray River in the north of Victoria is Echuca: the quiet town with a lot to offer. When you arrive, the old-fashioned Paddlesteamer Cruise is a great way to slow down, switch off and see the area. In town, expect regional comforts like a sweets shop, a sausage-roll-slinging bakery and a 40-flavour-strong ice creamery. For more adult indulgences, explore the local cellar doors, breweries and distillery. (Image: Tamara Cadd Photography)

From sunbaking to sundowners, Newcastle is known for its stunning beaches, buzzy nightlife and, most importantly, reasonable flights. The coastal city makes it easy to spend hours lazing by the waves and picnicking on the shore. Every Sunday, the Newcastle City Farmers’ Market is the place to go to nab armfuls of fresh produce, while the Honeysuckle harbourside precinct offers ample opportunity to kick back in waterfront bars, pubs and restaurants. For wine aficionados, the Hunter Valley is less than an hour away. (Image: City of Newcastle)

A mere 90-minute drive from Adelaide, Clare Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine-producing areas. If you like your glass of white served with a side of scenery, explore the region’s (mercifully flat) Riesling Trail by bicycle. After a big day of adventuring, retire to one of the area’s quaint cottage B&Bs. Expect your camera roll to be awash with colour thanks to golden canola fields, purple wildflower-packed parks and the bubblegum waters of Lake Bumbunga.

Perth is one of the world’s most remote cities, so flights can set you back a little. But once you’re there, you’ll be onto a winner. If you’re sceptical that happiness is contagious, you might want to spend the afternoon with the state’s cheeriest animal – the quokka – at Rottnest Island, just a 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle. For longer trips, make a beeline for WA’s food and wine haven: Margaret River. But with more than 90 cellar doors on offer, it’s best to come armed with a plan. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)