How to discover Australia’s cooler side this Summer

When the beaches are packed out, these mountain and national park escapes offer a very different way to see Australia.

It’s easy to think an Aussie summer adventure starts and ends at beaches like Bondi, Byron Bay or Surfer’s Paradise. But what if we told you there’s a whole other side of Australia waiting beyond the coast? 

Head inland and you’ll find mountain regions and national parks like Thredbo, Grampians and the Blue Mountains, which are cooler and calmer to explore as the weather warms up. Here, you can dodge the sunburn and crowds for fresh air and mountain trails. It’s a simple swap that your mind, body and soul will thank you for. 

So, if you’re craving a cooler change in Australia this summer, check out these destinations for an unforgettable summer holiday.

Exploring Thredbo in summer

Stroll or cycle beside the Thredbo River and take in the fresh alpine air and mountain views (Images: Destination NSW)

Set high in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Thredbo is best known as a ski village in winter, but during the warmer months it turns into a relaxed alpine getaway full of walkers, riders, and families who've come to make the most of the clean air, open trails, and incredible mountain views. You won't be stuck on what to do!

We suggest starting your visit with a stroll along the Thredbo River or take the chairlift to the start of the Mount Kosciuszko track, which leads to the highest point in Australia. The views are worth every step. On the way up, you can stop for a coffee or meal at one of the cafes near the top, where you’ll feel like you’re dining on the roof of the country.

If you prefer to take it easy, ride the Merritts Gondola for sweeping views of the valley, or try the Thredbo Alpine Coaster for a fun downhill run through the trees. When you’re back in town, The Local Pub is a classic spot for lunch or a cold drink after a day outdoors.

YHA Thredbo sits right in the heart of the village, close to cafes, bike hire, and the main lift. Rooms are bright, comfy, and well-priced, especially outside the snow season. Ask the team at reception for their tips on the best trails, local cafes, and places to watch the sunset. It’s like having a local guide built into your stay, and the perfect way to make the most of it.

The Blue Mountains: Sydney’s cool change

Chase waterfalls and wander cliffside trails through the breathtaking Blue Mountains (Images: Destination NSW)

Just two hours west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains are the perfect place to slow down. Base yourself in Katoomba or nearby Leura, where walking trails begin right from town and lead straight to views of the famous Three Sisters and the sweeping Jamison Valley.

The region is packed with walks for every level. Try the Prince Henry Cliff Walk for a series of lookouts, the Grand Canyon Track for rainforest scenery and waterfalls, or the Wentworth Falls Track for one of the most iconic views in the Mountains. In the evening, the Katoomba Night Walk lights up the forest and dramatic canyon walls and gives it a whole new feel, transforming familiar trails (and views) into something magical.

YHA Blue Mountains is right in the heart of Katoomba, close to cafés, the train station, and local shops. The building itself is a beautifully restored 1920s cabaret hall, full of character and history. Inside, you’ll find a big shared kitchen, comfortable lounges, and a roaring fireplace that’s perfect for cooler evenings, even in summer. It’s the kind of place where you can chat with fellow travellers, swap stories by the fire, and feel right at home after a day on the trails.

Ask the team at reception for their favourite local walks, food spots, and lookout tips. Their advice will help you see the Blue Mountains like you’re a local.

The Grampians: big skies and stillness

Discover the Grampians’ stunning valleys and peaks, where ancient landscapes meet endless views (Images: Visit Victoria)

If you’re ready to trade the beach for open space, the Grampians in western Victoria is another great option. One of Australia’s most ancient mountain ranges, this region is full of dramatic sandstone peaks, forest trails, and quiet valleys that feel far removed from the heat of the coast.

Base yourself in Halls Gap, a small, welcoming village right in the centre of the national park. Walking trails start just beyond the main street, leading to waterfalls, lookouts, and peaceful bush tracks. Head to MacKenzie Falls in the morning, take in the views from The Pinnacle, or visit ancient rock shelters with Aboriginal art that’s thousands of years old. As the sun sets, you’ll often see kangaroos and wallabies grazing nearby.

YHA Grampians Eco fits right into the landscape. It’s eco-certified, surrounded by native bushland, and built for low-impact stays. There’s a shared kitchen, a small veggie garden, and plenty of space to relax or chat with other travellers about where to explore next.

The Grampians are a reminder that cooler can be better. The air is fresh, the nights are calm, and there’s room to breathe. It’s the kind of place where one-night turns into two, and two easily become three.

Words: Troy Nankervis