It’s the public holiday that marks the peak of summer. The sun is out, the eskies are packed, and the smell of sizzling sausages is wafting across the entire country.
But how do you make the most of the day off without getting stuck in traffic or fighting for a patch of sand at a crowded beach?
Whether you’re after a full-blown beach party or a quiet escape to the bush, we’ve got you covered. Here are 5 classic ways to spend the day.
The Great Aussie Beach BBQ
It’s a cliché for a reason. There is nothing better than claiming a prime spot on the sand, firing up a public BBQ, and spending the day moving between the ocean and the snag sizzle.
Pro Tip: Don’t just go to the most famous beach in your city (we’re looking at you, Bondi and St Kilda). Grab a car and drive 30 minutes further up or down the coast. If you’re in Queensland, escape the crowds by grabbing a hire car from the Gold Coast and heading south to the quieter spots like Kirra or Rainbow Bay. You’ll find better parking and more space to throw a frisbee.
Backyard Cricket World Cup
The stakes are high, the rules are made up on the spot, and the wheelie bin is the wicket. The backyard cricket match is a sacred tradition.
The key to a good one is preparation. You need ice-cold drinks, enough food to feed an army, and a playlist of classic Aussie rock. If your own backyard is too small, pack the gear into a spacious SUV rental and find a local park with a free BBQ area. Just remember: over the fence is “six and out.”
Escape the City to a National Park
If the thought of crowded beaches brings you out in a cold sweat, go the other way. Australia has some of the most incredible national parks in the world, and many are perfect for a day trip.
Pack a picnic and head for the hills. Think the Blue Mountains near Sydney, the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne, or the lush hinterland behind the Gold Coast. It’s a great way to trade humidity for cool forests. (Just remember to check our guide on driving on Australian roads if you’re heading onto unfamiliar country lanes).
Hit the Water (But Not the Beach)
You don’t need the ocean to get wet. Australia is dotted with incredible rivers, lakes, and dams that are perfect for a summer cool-off without the surf rage.
Spots like Lake Macquarie in NSW or the Noosa Everglades are perfect for a day of kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. If you’re starting your trip from the NSW capital, a rental car from Sydney Airport will get you to these stunning waterways in under two hours.
The “Do Nothing” Recovery Day
Let’s be real. Sometimes the best way to spend a public holiday is to do absolutely nothing.
Find a spot with air-conditioning, order an obscene amount of takeaway, and settle in for a movie marathon. If you’re on holiday, use your car to grab the best local fish and chips, drive to a scenic lookout, and eat them right there in the comfort of the climate control. It’s your day off—you do you.
Get Out There
Whatever your plans, don’t waste the day stuck at home. Grab a reliable set of wheels from Alpha and make it a day to remember. We’ve got cars for solo missions, couples’ escapes, and full family road trips.
Check out our latest car hire rates and book your ride for the long weekend.
