8 Aussies Towns Perfect For Digital Nomads Who Want Adventure But Also Wifi
Many of us started working remotely since the COVID-19 pandemic started, but who says that has to end? Now could be the perfect time to test out the digital nomad lifestyle.
Research even says our physical environment can positively impact our productivity, so we can’t afford not to, really.
Hotels, tourism organisations and co-working spaces around the country are on board with ‘workcations’, with many going through upgrades to cater for travelling workers.
Honestly, we’re very on board with this changing lifestyle. So much so we’ve put together a list of some of the best places for a working holiday outside the major cities.
#1 Coffs Harbour, NSW
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Move over Byron Bay. With a list of growing co-working spaces and a range of accommodation on offer — all with speedy wifi, and all beach adjacent — Coffs is hoping to become the remote working capital of Australia.
Where to stay: Korora Bay Village Resort, Aussitel Backpackers, BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort
Where to work: 6 Degrees, Toogetha, Innovation Hub Coffs Coast
Where to eat: Mana Chita, Twenty46, Latitude 30
What to do on your lunch break: Take the 30-minute drive to Insta-famous Emerald Beach, peruse The National Cartoon Gallery or go for a paddle with C Change Adventures.
#2 Flinders Island, TAS
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After a recent upgrade, this hidden gem claims to have “out of this world” wifi. Flinders — just one of 52 islands spread across the Bass Strait off mainland Tasmania’s north coast — is only an hour’s flight from Melbourne and many tourism operators there offer discounted rates for longer stays during the cooler months.
Where to stay/ work: Mountain Seas Lodge, Sawyers Bay Shacks, Healing Dreams Art & Wilderness Retreat
Where to eat: Cate Cooks, Interstate Hotel, Furneaux Tavern
What to do on your lunch break: Fishing, bird watching, or even diamond fossicking.
#3 Port Douglas, QLD
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With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest on your doorstep, and sunny skies most of the year, this destination has long been on the bucket list of digital nomads. The area is now keen to entice people to relocate there since Covid, and it’s not like we need another excuse.
Where to stay: Mantra Heritage, Dougies Backpackers Resort, Paradise Links Resort
Where to work: SpacePort, Origin Espresso
Where to eat: Seabean Tapas Bar Restaurant, Melaleuca, Masons Cafe Cape Tribulation
What to do on your lunch break: Have a drink at Mt Uncle Distillery, go for a dip at Mossman Gorge, stretch your legs on the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail.
#4 Port Elliot, SA
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Only a short ferry ride away from Kangaroo Island, this Port is also in dire need of visitors after the recent bushfires. About 40km from the popular town of McLaren Vale, which has more than 80 vineyards, there’s so much to see and do on the Fleurieu Peninsula that work will fly by.
Where to stay: Hotel Elliot, Golfview, Alexander by the Sea
Where to work: Coomunga House, The Retro Vibe, Flying Fish Cafe
Where to eat: Thunderbird, Blues Restaurant, Ind’O’Mex Port Elliot
What to do on your lunch break: Whale spotting at Boomer Beach, visit deserted Granite Island, explore Urimbirra Wildlife Park
#5 Alice Springs, NT
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The stunning desert landscapes of the East and West MacDonnell Ranges are guaranteed to provide some work inspo. If you’re looking to improve your Zoom background, a four-hour trips for the view of Uluru should go down a treat.
Where to stay: Sturt Desert Pea House, Diplomat Motel, JUMP IN
Where to work: Page 27 Cafe, Red Dog Café, The Goods Coffee Shop
Where to eat: Tali, Saltbush Restaurant at DoubleTree, Epilogue Lounge, Alice Springs Brewing Co
What to do on your lunch break: Visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary, wander through art galleries, or road trip to Uluru.
#6 Gold Coast Hinterland, QLD
Let secluded rainforest treehouses and island resorts boost your motivation in Australia’s much-loved holiday spot. Leave the city behind in exchange for the serenity of the Hinterlands, where you can work from the balcony of a chalet in a World Heritage-listed national park.
Where to stay/ work: Witches Falls Cottages, The Mouses House, Canungra Hotel
Where to eat: Dancing Waters Café, The Wine Barrel, Cedar Creek
What to do on your lunch break: Take a stroll in Witches Falls National Park, or head into the Gold Coast when you’re ready for a little action.
#7 Wagga Wagga, NSW
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There’s a reason this area keeps being listed in top 10 travel lists — like Australia’s best beaches and Airbnb’s top Australia destination in 2019. Plus, it’s nice and close to Canberra and the surrounding wine countries.
Where to stay: The Houston, Mantra Pavillion Hotel, The Bayliss
Where to work: Working Space, The Pot ‘n’ Kettle Coffee House, Café Sonder
Where to eat: Magpies Nest, The Roundabout Restaurant, The Oakroom
What to do on your lunch break: Explore Yarrangobilly Caves, visit the National Art Glass gallery, or check out the Wiradjuri Trail.
#8 Margaret River
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This award-winning wine region also serves up incredible art, hiking, beaches, caves and forests guaranteed to make those back at home envious. Despite this, the underrated spot receives only a slice of the tourists that Sydney and Melbourne do — meaning there’s more room for working nomads.
Where to stay: Stay Margaret River Hotel, Margarets In Town Apartments, Margarets Beach Resort
Where to work: Mixtape, The Loft, The Creative Corner
Where to eat: The White Elephant Café, Swings & Roundabouts, Morries
What to do on your lunch break: Have a cheeky wine at Leeuwin Estate, follow the Cape to Cape Walk Track, or go deep inside the Mammoth Cave.
(Lead image: Destination NSW)
