Escape the crowds this Easter

It’s that time again, when Easter eggs stare at you from supermarket isles and the kids are jumping with holiday anticipation. The only problem is, it’s one of the busiest holiday seasons of the year with everyone’s favourite spots overrun with tourists.

Invest in peace, quiet and relaxation instead, while keeping the kids happy, at these Easter holiday spots.

Ballina, Northern New South Wales

Ballina is home to the Big Prawn so you won’t escape the crowds entirely, as the iconic ‘big’ thing is a perennial people pleaser. However, as an alternative to Byron Bay or the Gold Coast - both of which heave under the weight of people during Easter - it offers a much more relaxed atmosphere. Take a river cruise or kayak tour, go cycling over 25 km of paths and hike through national parks. Or, simply laze on the stunning beaches and eat fish and chips.

Lake Lascelles, Hopetoun, Victoria

Located in Hopetoun, Lake Lascelles is just the spot for a family camping adventure. There are powered sites right on the foreshore of the pristine lake, which is fed from the Grampians Wimmera Mallee pipeline. Here, you can walk, swim, go boating, fishing and bird watching till your heart’s content. Plus, the main street in town has everything you need, minus the holiday hoards.

Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe is a tiny island, with a big ‘wow’ factor. And, with only 400 tourist beds, it’s never crowded. Home to more than 130 bird species, an abundance of fish, spectacular coral reefs and lush Mount Gower, it’s literally a nature lover’s heaven, just a two hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane. However, you’ll also find an array of restaurants, just in case you don’t catch the ‘fish of the day’.

Birregurra, Victoria

While everyone else is at Lorne and Torquay, why not head inland just 30 minutes off the Great Ocean Road, for a country break? Find boutique accommodation in the foothills of the Otway Ranges and head off to explore the town’s historically quaint, restored buildings. Eat succulent produce from farm gates and vineyards, try mountain bike riding and discover the quirky art scene.

Tamar Valley, Tasmania

Just out of Launceston you’ll find the premier wine region of Tamar Valley, but it offers so, so much more. Greens Beach is a gateway to the incredible Narawntapu National Park for hiking and laid back country towns are full of weird and wonderful arts, museums and antiques. Best of all, you can eat your way through the entire area and never try the same thing twice! Save some room for those Easter eggs though…

Photo Credit:

• "Boats on the Richmond River at Ballina, Northern Rivers, New South Wales" by Sven Manguard is copyright ©2012 and made available under this license.
• "Main street of Birregurra, Victoria" by Mattinbgn is copyright ©2010 and made available under this license. The original photo was cropped.