While much of the northern hemisphere welcomes the pastel hues and blooming blossoms of spring, Easter in Australia paints a very different picture. Here, the holiday arrives as the last hurrah of summer fades into autumn — bringing with it crisp mornings, golden leaves, and the perfect excuse to get away for a long weekend. Throw in a few hot cross buns and some scenic travel, and you’ve got yourself a classic Aussie Easter.
A Long Weekend Made for Wandering
Easter in Australia is practically made for travel. With Good Friday and Easter Monday bookending a four-day weekend, it’s a brilliant time for a well-earned break. Whether it’s a beachside escape, a countryside retreat, or an interstate adventure, Aussies waste no time making the most of the time off.
For some, that means packing up the car and heading for a favourite camping spot. For others, it’s about checking into a cosy cabin in the hills or catching a domestic flight to explore a new city. Rail journeys like The Ghan or the Indian Pacific are particularly popular during this time — offering a relaxing way to soak up Australia’s vast, ever-changing landscapes.
Hot Cross Buns — and All Their Glorious Variations
No Aussie Easter is complete without hot cross buns. Traditionally spiced and studded with sultanas or currants, they’re best enjoyed toasted with a generous spread of butter — preferably eaten straight from the packet before they've even cooled down.
Of course, in true Aussie style, we've put our own spin on things. Whether you're team choc chip, apple & cinnamon, or brave enough for Vegemite and cheese, there's a bun for every craving — sweet, savoury or slightly unhinged. They also hit the shelves earlier every year — which sparks plenty of good-natured grumbling — but when something’s this good, who can blame us?
The Sweet Side of Easter: Chocolate Galore
Let’s be honest — Easter is also a time for chocolate. Whether you’re gifting it, hiding it, or sneaking it from the pantry after lunch, chocolate eggs and bunnies (or perhaps a cheeky frog or caramel-filled block) are essential to the Aussie Easter table.
And when it comes to truly indulgent, high-quality Easter chocolate, Haigh’s is a national favourite. This iconic South Australian chocolatier has been handcrafting chocolates since 1915 and is famous for its elegant Easter range. From glossy chocolate eggs wrapped in gold foil to beautifully boxed assortments, a Haigh’s Easter treat is almost too pretty to eat — almost.
Pop into one of their stores around the country, or better yet, visit their original chocolate factory in Adelaide for a peek behind the scenes (and a few samples, of course).
The Aussie Easter Experience
Unlike the springtime gardens and egg hunts on dew-covered lawns seen elsewhere in the world, Easter in Australia is more likely to involve backyard cricket, a coastal road trip, or an afternoon spent grazing on a cheese platter under the gum trees.
It’s a time when families come together for barbecues, long lunches, and beach picnics. Farmers’ markets brim with autumn produce, local wineries roll out seasonal menus, and small towns play host to Easter fairs and country races. There’s a real sense of slowing down — of soaking up the last golden warmth of the season before winter sets in.
Where to Go This Easter
Looking to make the most of the long weekend? Here are some of our favourite Easter holiday spots:
Grampians National Park, VIC – Ideal for nature lovers, with dramatic sandstone peaks, waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art sites and scenic bushwalks. Stay in Halls Gap for cosy accommodation and wildlife right at your doorstep.
Toowoomba, QLD – Known for its stunning gardens and heritage architecture, this inland city offers crisp mountain air, charming cafés and peaceful walking trails. A hidden gem for a relaxing Easter weekend.
Cradle Mountain, TAS – Cool, crisp air and breathtaking scenery make this one of Australia’s best spots to welcome the changing season. Stay in a luxury lodge or eco cabin and spot wombats at dusk.
Katherine, NT – Explore Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) by canoe or boat tour, and take in the stunning gorges and Indigenous culture. Warm days and cooler evenings make it a top end highlight during autumn.
Barossa Valley, SA – Golden vines, cool mornings and world-class Shiraz set the scene for a delicious Easter escape. Stay in a vineyard cottage and savour the season in true Barossa style.
Celebrate the Season, Aussie-Style
However you choose to spend your Easter — be it a relaxed retreat, a foodie adventure, or a family gathering close to home — there’s something special about the way we do it here in Australia. With golden leaves underfoot, warm days still lingering, and the scent of spiced buns and chocolate in the air, it’s a time that feels both familiar and quietly magical.
So whether you're boarding a rail adventure, setting sail on a coastal cruise, or simply enjoying a lazy Sunday brunch, we wish you a safe and happy Easter from all of us at Holidays of Australia — may it be joyful, delicious, and uniquely Australian — from our family to yours.
Ready to start planning your next escape? Check out some of our upcoming departures or get in touch with our team today!
1300 854 897 |holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
