Half Price Flights & Great Stays

We've put together a list below of all the places you'll be able to go at a 50% discount once the scheme kicks in, plus info on the best YHA to stay at to continue the savings. This is a massive opportunity to have a holiday on the government's dime, so get planning, book a trip and get in the air!

YHA advises checking current government COVID restrictions before making holiday plans - available here.

GOLD COAST - QLD

Queensland's Gold Coast is one of the Southern Hemisphere's most sought-after holiday spots, and its iconic skyline is instantly recognisable to people all over the world. Coolangatta YHA is just 500 metres from Gold Coast airport and puts you within touching distance of the beachside city's stunning coastline!

Cairns - QLD

A true tropical paradise, Cairns is the gateway to the gorgeous Far North region of QLD. Cairns Central YHA was the first of its kind in the muggy metropolis and is among the most popular places to stay - not surprising considering how close to the action it is!

Stay: Cairns Central YHA Experience: The Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage Rainforests and all the adrenaline activities you can imagine!

Whitsundays - QLD

A candidate for the most beautiful place in Australia (and Planet Earth), the Whitsunday Islands are a must-see for anyone visiting QLD. Accommodation can get pretty steep, though, so a stay at nearby Airlie Beach with easy ferry access to the archipelago lets you avoid all the paying the tourist premium!

Stay: Airlie Beach YHA Experience: Idyllic islands, sailing, snorkelling and scuba, relaxation, and hiking through stunning rainforest

Sunshine Coast - QLD

Queensland's Sunshine Coast consists of over 200km of gorgeous beaches and bustling tourist hotspots. The town of Noosa is perhaps the most famous in the region, and Noosa Heads YHA offers a lovely place to stay without taking out a second mortgage...

Stay: Noosa Heads YHA Experience: Beautiful beaches, stunning hinterland, gorgeous rivers, and of course- food and brews

Alice Springs - NT

Every Australian has an obligation to visit the Red Centre at some point in their life, and with flight costs being the most prohibitive cost, now is the PERFECT time to get out there. Alice Springs will be your basecamp to explore the desert from, and Alice Springs YHA has you covered!

Stay: Alice Springs YHA Experience: Desert landscapes, colourful outback characters, adventure and aboriginal culture.

Hobart, Launceston, Devonport & Burnie - TAS

Tasmania is arguably Australia's the most picturesque state, with Insta-worthy nature to be found in every corner of the island. Thankfully, it's fairly small, and visitors can hire a car and do a lap in as little as a week. Hobart, the capital, is an essential stop-off and Hobart Central YHA is the best value in town!

Stay: Hobart Central YHA Experience: Weird and wonderful art, untammed wilderness, and crazy good food (and drink)

Broome - WA

With its bright red sand and turquoise water, there's few places in Australia that can rival the raw, earthy beauty of Broome. Flights to the remote north-west town can get pretty expensive in normal circumstances, though, so half-price flights are a godsend! Broome YHA's doors are open if you need somewhere to rest your weary head...

Stay: Broome YHA Experience: Stunning beaches meeting outback Australia

Avalon - VIC

With its handy location just outside Melbourne, discounted flights to Avalon mean easy access to Australia's arts and culture capital! Once there, Melbourne Metro YHA is super-affordable and located right next to the CBD, leaving you free to explore the city at your leisure. 

Stay: Melbourne Metro YHA Experience: Art and culture, amazing food, wineries and villages

Kangaroo Island - SA

Kangaroo Island, just across the water from Adelaide, is a windswept rock in the Southern Ocean with some fascinating natural features and heaps of wildlife. Once you've had your fill of wind and spray, a quick ferry over to Adelaide Central YHA to check out the city of churches makes perfect sense!

Stay: Adelaide Central YHA Experience: Epic wildlife, rugged coastline and wilderness, delish local produce

OTHER GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES

While we've got you here, find out about other local tourism schemes available in each state here.