If city life is taking its toll, it’s time to ditch the business threads for your holiday thongs and loafers and take to the road. Close the laptops, pop the briefcase under the bed and set out to explore some of our best holiday towns and the diversity on offer. Here’s our favourite 10:

Port Fairy – VIC

There’s more than a bit of history in the wide streets of Port Fairy, Victoria’s oldest port. Seafood plays a big part of the town’s attraction, but its historic buildings are just as big a drawcard. There are 50 historic structures in town, from whalers’ and sealers’ cottages to grand colonial homes, giving the town the feel of a bygone era.

Byron Bay – NSW

The beachside haven of Byron Bay is renowned as one of the top getaways on the east coast. So what’s the big deal? It’s a combination of a laidback lifestyle, primo accommodation, and a veritable smorgasbord of quality restaurants and cafes. But above all, it’s all about the location. The beaches, from Clarkes to Wategos, are stunning, and the surrounding hinterland will have you yearning to sell up and move to Byron.

Hahndorf – SA

Like a fairy tale village brought to life, Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills is a foodie’s paradise. As soon as you arrive, passing beneath the Elm trees that line the Main Street, it’s clear that this isn't your average tourist town. With its German heritage permeating every aspect of the town, from the architecture to the dining scene, Hahndorf will have you licking your lips with total disregard for your hips.

Jindabyne – NSW

Jindy is a fantastic year-round destination. When there’s a chill in the air and snow covers the surrounding mountains, it’s the ultimate base for an Aussie skiing adventure. Perisher and Thredbo are close by, and in the summer months, Jindabyne takes on a new form as a mountain biking, kayaking, white water rafting and fishing mecca.

Echuca – VIC

When you want to head out bush without getting too wild, Echuca is our recommendation. Hire a houseboat and head down the mighty Murray River, enjoying the amazing wildlife and ever-changing views as you go. It’s a long time since the Port of Echuca’s heyday in the 1800s, but it’s got that authentic olde-world charm that will delight all ages.

Leura – NSW

While most people assume Katoomba is the must-see town in the Blue Mountains, we beg to differ. The village-like atmosphere of Leura draws us back again and again. The town has a charming range of restaurants and galleries, plus stately homes with gardens worthy of glossy magazine spreads all waiting for you to explore.

Agnes Water and Town of 1770 – QLD

Remember those seaside holiday towns you used to visit as a kid? The places where you could roam around on your own all day, play beach cricket til the sun went down and build a hut in the sand dunes like a shipwrecked explorer? Agnes Water and 1770 are proof that those towns still exist. Both have a laidback, retro feel that will have you donning your orange stubbies and caking on the zinc in no time. If you have a 4WD you’ll be in for some secret beach treats.

Margaret River – WA

Everyone knows about the farms and wineries of Margaret River, but there’s more to this coastal town than its great gourmet offerings. It is also a brilliant area for surfing, mountain biking, kayaking and fishing. Of course, it would be almost illegal to visit without sampling some of the local drops, so we recommend spending at least a few days in the area so you can take it all in. Don't miss the chocolate factory or the town’s namesake cheeses.

Gold Coast – QLD

If you’re in the market for a good family holiday, you can’t go past the Gold Coast. Once you’ve tamed the roller coasters and splashed down waterslides at the area’s iconic theme parks, shift gears with a drive out to the beautifully verdant hinterland. Just a short drive away from the coast, you’ll find vineyards, hiking trails, waterfalls and more.

Port Lincoln – SA

On the tip of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, the town of Port Lincoln is one for seafood lovers. If you’re feeling adventurous, jump into a cage and dive with sharks, snorkel with Australian sea lions, or head out on an offshore fishing charter. Back on land, you can visit local national parks, go wine tasting or visit the local museums.