8 Reasons Why You Should Get Back to Nature for Your Next Break

What if your next holiday could be more than just a break from work? Imagine stepping out of your daily routine and immersing yourself in the soothing rhythms of nature. Here, we delve into eight compelling reasons why your next getaway should be a back-to-nature holiday. These types of retreats, including some of the best nature holidays in Australia and beyond, offer various benefits, from boosting your wellbeing to providing budget-friendly experiences. So no matter where you’re located on planet Earth, a trip to nature's doorstep is a destination worth considering.

1. Perfect for Your Well-Being

The frenetic pace of city life often leaves us feeling stressed, overworked, and disconnected. Back to nature holidays serve as an antidote to this urban fatigue, offering a much-needed retreat to clear our minds and rejuvenate our spirits.

The psychological benefits of spending time in nature are profound. Being in nature can significantly reduce stress levels and increase relaxation, be it the calming sound of a babbling brook, the sight of a majestic mountain range, or the invigorating scent of pine trees. Besides, the active lifestyle promoted by nature holidays, with plenty of hiking, swimming, or cycling opportunities, ensures you return feeling healthier and more revitalised.

2. A Refreshing Break from Routine

Another charm of nature holidays is their potential to disrupt our habitual schedules. Rather than racing against the clock, you surrender to the natural rhythms of sunrise and sunset, bird songs, and changing seasons. Returning to nature introduces a refreshing perspective, making you appreciate life's simple yet profound nuances.

3. Nature's Wake-Up Call

Imagine the bliss of waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves, the melodious chorus of morning birds, or the first rays of sunrise painting the sky in ethereal hues. Sensory experiences like these are easily accessible with nature holidays. Memories of rejuvenation, reinvigoration, revitalisation, and restoration await you in mother nature.

4. Nature Holidays are the Budget-friendly Option

Nature vacations can pleasantly surprise you with their affordability. While luxurious resorts certainly have their appeal, there's something extraordinary about camping beneath a starlit sky, embarking on forest hikes, or discovering national parks that create priceless memories without breaking the bank.

5. A Photographer's Paradise

For photography enthusiasts, the sheer variety of stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and spectacular natural phenomena make nature holidays a dream come true. Every moment spent back in nature presents a chance to capture the unscripted beauty of our planet, from golden sunrises (or sunsets) to the vibrant colours of a butterfly.

6. Travel Slower

Slow travel is gaining traction for good reasons. Rather than rushing through tourist hotspots, a back-to-nature holiday encourages you to take a breather, soak up your surroundings, and appreciate the subtle details often overlooked in our fast-paced lives.

7. Always Something New in Nature

Nature is an ever-evolving canvas. Each season brings new flora and fauna, each day offers a different sunrise, and every trail leads to exciting discoveries. The unpredictable and awe-inspiring surprises are what make nature holidays so fascinating.

8. Sensory Reset

In contrast to the sensory overload of cities, the best nature holidays offer a sensory reset. Here, the sounds soothe, the sights inspire, and the smells invigorate. A weekend in the wilderness can help recalibrate your senses, offering you a fresh outlook when you return to your urban life.

Best Places to Get Back to Nature

If you're considering a back-to-nature holiday, here are some beautiful nature places to visit.

Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley is more than a destination; it's an experience. This fertile valley, only two hours from Sydney in New South Wales, is an exquisite blend of nature and indulgence, making it an ideal destination for your next nature holiday.

Renowned for its lush vineyards, where row upon row of grapevines create a mesmerising pattern against the backdrop of rolling hills and open skies. You can immerse yourself in the beauty of these vineyards and tour local wineries, where experts walk you through the winemaking process. Savour the fruit of their labour with wine-tasting sessions and pair it with gourmet meals prepared by acclaimed chefs in the region.

But it’s not all about indulgence; it also beckons your adventurous spirit with a bucket list of things to do in the Hunter Valley. Take hot air balloon rides over the vineyards for a bird's eye view of this stunning landscape, hike through the native bushland where kangaroos hop around or play golf amidst the serene countryside on world-class golf courses. And if you're keen on wildlife, the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park hosts a variety of native Australian animals.

Make your stay even more comfortable at the Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, which beautifully integrates luxury and natural beauty. Here, you can retire to elegant rooms overlooking the vineyards or the golf course, making your nature retreat truly unforgettable.

Cairns

Located in tropical North Queensland, Cairns is a vibrant city that acts as a gateway to some of Australia's most awe-inspiring natural wonders - the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Begin your natural retreat by wading into the clear, warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you choose to snorkel or dive, you'll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of vibrant coral and myriad aquatic life.

For a broader perspective, cruise to the outer reef and take in the grandeur of the world's largest coral reef system. Back on land, immerse yourself in the world's oldest rainforest, the Daintree. Embark on guided tours to explore this biodiverse hotspot and its unique wildlife, including the exotic Cassowary bird and the elusive Platypus in the Atherton Tablelands. Venture through lush canopies, crystal clear streams, and cascading waterfalls, and you'll understand why this area is a conservationist's dream.

After a day of exploration, unwind in the contemporary Oaks Cairns Hotel, where you can enjoy the tropical ambience and top-notch amenities, a perfect blend to cap your nature-filled day.

A quick FYI: The weather in Cairns is generally warm year-round, but the dry season (May to October) is typically the most popular time to visit. For more local insights, check our Locals’ Guide to Cairns.

Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay is a perfect base for exploring Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island, and a renowned spot for whale watching between July and November when humpback whales make their annual migration.

Go on a guided tour to explore the ancient rainforests, freshwater lakes, and about 123km of golden sandy beaches of Fraser Island. Try your hand at sandboarding, take a dip in the champagne pools, or simply soak up the tranquillity and unique beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back in Hervey Bay, take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Botanic Gardens or the historical Urangan Pier, stretching over 800m into the sea.

And when the day's adventures are over, retreat to the Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa, a sanctuary of style and comfort offering suites with sweeping sea views. Here, you can unwind after your explorations by enjoying a sunset drink at the resort's bar or taking a refreshing dip in one of the many family-friendly beaches just a stone’s throw away from the resort. Hervey Bay is indeed a natural paradise waiting to be discovered.

The Entrance

The Entrance is a charming coastal town situated between Sydney and Newcastle, known for its stunning beaches, tranquil lagoons, and a plethora of wildlife. Famously dubbed 'The Pelican Capital of Australia' for its large pelican population in 1999, the daily pelican feeding is a spectacle you wouldn't want to miss.

Go cycling along the picturesque coastline, taking in panoramic ocean views, or indulge in exhilarating watersports at Tuggerah Lake, which provides an idyllic setting for kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. Take a leisurely walk or a challenging hike in the nearby Wyrrabalong National Park, where you can witness diverse flora and fauna and enjoy striking coastal views.

After a day of exploring, rest at Oaks The Entrance Waterfront Suites, boasting spacious apartments with private balconies offering spectacular views over the waterfront. If you're travelling with a loved one, The Entrance provides the perfect romantic setting with its beautiful sunsets, making it an ideal choice for a nature holiday.

Queenstown

Welcome to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Nestled among towering peaks and bordering the sparkling Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown offers an incredible array of year-round outdoor activities, meaning plenty of things to do.

In the summer, experience hiking trails that reveal breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountain range, indulge in mountain biking on challenging yet rewarding terrains or try adrenaline-pumping sports like bungee jumping or white water rafting.

As the winter rolls in, typically from June to October, Queenstown transforms into a ski paradise. Enjoy access to some of the best skiing and snowboarding slopes in the Southern Hemisphere, including Coronet Peak, Cardrona, The Remarkables, and Treble Cone. These ski areas provide various terrain suitable for all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals.

But the adventure in Queenstown isn't just confined to land. Explore the majestic Lake Wakatipu on a vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, or take a scenic flight over the stunning Southern Alps for an unforgettable bird's eye view. Back in town, you can stroll through vibrant streets lined with excellent restaurants and boutiques.

When it's time to rest, you can choose from Oaks Queenstown Club Suites or Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort. Both provide a comfortable and luxurious base, offering spectacular lake and mountain views, ensuring your accommodation matches the natural grandeur of New Zealand.

The Oaks Giving Tree Initiative

In line with our back-to-nature theme, Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites is committed to positively impacting communities and the environment through our Oaks Giving Tree initiative. We invite you to add a $1 donation when booking your stay or contribute via the donation terminals at our property reception desks.

Oaks match every dollar you donate to fund Habitat for Humanity's building programs across Australia and New Zealand. By doing so, you're not just enjoying the beauty of nature but also helping preserve it for future generations.

Back To Nature Holidays With Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites

A holiday back to nature is not just another trip away but a holistic experience that rejuvenates the mind, body, and spirit. Whether it's witnessing the grandeur of the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the vineyards of Hunter Valley, or marvelling at the majestic Southern Alps in Queenstown, nature holidays in Australia and beyond offer endless possibilities for adventure, relaxation, and deep connection.

By choosing Oaks, you also support our mission to build sustainable communities through the Oaks Giving Tree initiative.

So go ahead, answer the call of the wild. Book your next break with Oaks Hotels, Resorts, and Suites today and make it a getaway back to nature!