Where to go when doing less feels like everything.
This year, it’s not about how much you can fit into a trip, it’s about how little you need to feel good.
According to Wotif, in 2026, 50 percent of Aussies say they want to holiday where the crowds are lighter, everything they need is within easy reach and your travel dollars actually support local communities.
The payoff? More relaxed holidays, less stress and that elusive, properly recharged feeling.
Wotif’s 2026 Slow Down Towns taps right into that mindset, so here’s where to go when you want to do less and enjoy it more.
Nagambie, VIC: Cellar Doors, Lake Life and Black Caviar
Just over an hour from Melbourne, Nagambie feels like a deep breath the moment you arrive. Life here revolves around the water and the region’s incredible food and wine scene. Local cellar doors, like Mitchelton Wines and Tahbilk Winery, invite you to linger a little longer than planned.
Days can be spent paddling along the Goulburn River, cruising across Lake Nagambie or simply wandering through town until you stumble across the statue of Black Caviar - the legendary racehorse who was born in Nagambie and remained undefeated throughout her racing career.
Trinity Beach, QLD: Tropical North Queensland Without the Rush
Just a short drive from Cairns, Trinity Beach delivers all the beauty of tropical North Queensland. The shoreline is lined with coconut and almond trees, making it easy to find a shady spot to settle in for the day - whether that’s with a book, a picnic or a casual beachside barbecue. When you do feel like moving, walking tracks like Earl Hill and the scenic Wangetti Trail offer a chance to stretch your legs through lush surroundings, but there’s no pressure to do much at all.
Trinity Beach is patrolled year-round, with stinger nets in place during warmer months, making it one of the more relaxed and worry-free beach experiences in the tropics.
Huskisson, NSW: Dolphins, Diving and Days Well Spent in Jervis Bay
Set in the heart of Jervis Bay, Huskisson might be small, but it packs in an impressive amount of natural beauty and low-key adventure. The crystal-clear waters of Jervis Bay Marine Park are home to dolphins, seals and migrating whales, and whether you’re snorkelling, diving or simply watching from the shore, it’s hard not to slow down and take it all in. Back on land, coastal walks, mangrove boardwalks and relaxed cafés keep the pace gentle, while the town’s award-winning status as one of Australia’s top tiny tourism destinations says it all. The South Coast has a number of hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Robe, SA: Long Beaches, Fresh Seafood and a Port Town With Charm
Robe manages to feel both historic and effortlessly cool at the same time. Once a bustling international port, it’s now a go-to for long, lazy beach days and seriously good food, especially when it comes to fresh seafood and local wines. The 14km stretch of Long Beach invites you to slow right down – whether that’s with a coastal walk, a scenic drive on the sand or a stop at the iconic Cape Dombey Obelisk for a windswept photo.
Mollymook, NSW: Two Kilometres of Sand and Rick Stein for Dinner
Mollymook is the kind of place where beach days naturally roll into great meals and even better sunsets. Its two-kilometre stretch of sand is perfect for swimming, surfing or simply stretching out with nowhere to be, while the surrounding coastline offers plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, dolphin spotting and easy walks. When it’s time to eat, the town more than delivers, with standout spots like Rick Stein at Bannisters turning a simple dinner into a highlight of the trip.
