While most people love travelling, not as many people are a fan of long flights — and for good reason. They can be uncomfortable, exhausting, and at times can wipe a full day off your itinerary before you’ve even arrived at your destination. For Sydneysiders, this is unavoidable when jet-setting to Europe or pretty much any other continent and often means you have to stay longer to make those tiresome flights worth the hassle. If you have limited time, rather than avoiding your holiday altogether, finding a shorter flight alternative can be a great solution.

We’re here to share our top picks for holiday destinations you can fly to in under four hours (yep, four hours!) so you can spend less time cramped in the economy cabin and more time exploring!

1. Hobart, Tasmania

Flight duration: 1 hour 55 minutes

Go for: Picturesque views

Stay for: A long weekend — there’s plenty to do in Hobart over 2–3 days.

Although you’re not technically leaving the country, travelling to Hobart will take you “overseas” to a spectacular holiday destination! In just under two hours, you’ll be ready to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Australia’s second-oldest capital city. Stroll through markets, art galleries and museums, hike through volcanic landscapes and gorgeous national parks and even sip on some of the purest water in the world. For such a short flight, this laidback city is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney city life. Trust us when we say Hobart is a hidden gem. If you love adventure, culture and picturesque views as far as your eyes can see, then the 1 hour and 55-minute flight will be more than worth the time it took to get there.

2. Noumea, New Caledonia

Flight duration: 2 hours 50 minutes

Go for: Snorkelling in crystal clear water

Stay for: 3–4 days is a great amount of time to experience what Noumea has to offer.

Searching for the ultimate beachy retreat? Surround yourself with turquoise water and bright white sand beaches in Noumea, New Caledonia. In less time than it’ll take you to get to some parts of Queensland (seriously, it takes three hours to fly to Cairns from Sydney!), Noumea is a serene, dreamy escape that’s just too close to home to ignore. Make the most of your travels with an island-hopping experience or simply spend your days relaxing by the seaside. With some incredible reef life and colourful coral on display, snorkelling is a must-do activity in this sprawling oasis. Noumea is renowned for its natural beauty. The island boasts a tropical climate, making it a year-round destination for those seeking to soak in as much sun as they can for a limited amount of time. 

3. Queenstown, New Zealand

Flight duration: 3 hours

Go for: Non-stop adventure

Stay for: 5–7 days to truly absorb your surroundings mixed with some high-octane fun!

Often referred to as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, New Zealand is undoubtedly the place to go for bungee jumping, white water rafting, and skydiving. Basically, if you’re after an adrenaline rush you’re in the right place! After the short and sweet three-hour flight, you’ll have more than enough energy to tackle the limitless activities on offer. Located on the South Island of New Zealand nestled between the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps, the natural beauty of Queenstown is unmistakable. Think breathtaking landscapes, glassy lakes and snow-capped mountains as the first thing you’ll see as you land from your very leisurely flight.

4. Port Vila, Vanuatu 

Flight duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

Go for: Relaxed island living

Stay for: 7–10 days, depending on how much island hopping you want to do.

Picture this — a day of beach strolling (or lolling – who are we to judge) followed by cocktails at sunset. Sound too good to be true? Well, in just three hours and 30 minutes, you can make your island-living dreams a reality! If you’re looking for a tropical escape that’s equal parts tranquil and charming, then Port Vila, Vanuatu is exactly what you’re after. Say hello (or ‘halo’ in the local language, Bislama) to the very friendly locals or explore rainforests, reefs and rivers that are sure to take your breath away. Want to immerse yourself in relaxed island living? Explore local villages to gain insight into the traditional way of life. Watch cultural dances, sample local cuisine, and shop for handmade crafts. Pure bliss in next to no time!

5. Nadi, Fiji

Flight duration: 3 hours 55 minutes

Go for: Culture, cuisine and pampering

Stay for: 3–5 days to really sink your teeth in.

Wrapping up our list and just scraping in with an average flight time of three hours and 55 minutes is the beautiful Nadi in Fiji. In just under half the time of a typical workday, you can be transported to this peaceful paradise — free to peruse handicraft markets, immerse yourself in the local culture and take a peek at the famous Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple. For a must-try experience, spend a few hours at the Sabeto Mud Pools and Hot Springs. Jam-packed with minerals, the mud here is said to make your skin look and feel younger — it’s like a muddy fountain of youth! You can also expect a delightful range of dishes in Fiji that will surpass any airline food. Tempt your tastebuds with flavours influenced by Indian, Chinese and Indigenous cooking styles. Try Kokoda (Fijian-style ceviche) and Rourou (taro leaf stew) for dinner and Vakalolo (cassava cake) for dessert.

A stone’s throw away from Sydney,  these 5 holiday destinations are perfect if you’re looking for a shorter trip to scratch your travel itch. While you may struggle to choose just one, there’s something you can decide on nice and early: book your Sydney airport parking with Park On King for secure parking at affordable prices. While your car is kept safe at our facility with 24-hour security, you’ll get to sit back, relax and enjoy a stress-free holiday. You’ll have access to an on-demand airport shuttle to and from the airport, and if you’re heading to Tassie then this service will be completely free! Book now to secure the best pricing for airport parking in Sydney.