Congratulations, you’ve survived another year of med school! Most students wrap up assessments in mid to late November and before you know it, you’re already starting your internship year. But before that, you’ll have about six to eight glorious weeks to sleep in, see your family and maybe even book a trip.
The best part? You don’t need a long-haul flight or a bulging bank account to switch off. We’ve picked five travel destinations close to home that suit a few days or a week away. So, pack your bags, and please leave the flashcards behind.
Our top five post-exam vacation picks
Tasmania
Think mountains, beaches and some of the best food in the country, all on one compact island. Spend a few days wandering Hobart’s markets and galleries, or hire a car and cruise up the east coast. Summer days stretch long down there, so you can squeeze in an afternoon hike and still make it back for sunset (and dinner, obviously).
Perfect for: foodies and anyone who wants to finally slow down.
A coastal road trip
Grab your favourite people, a full playlist and a car with working air con. Victorians can hit the Great Ocean Road, and NSW students can head down the South Coast. Split the fuel, book a few cheap stays along the way and pull over whenever a beach looks too good to pass up. Spoiler: they all do.
Perfect for: friend groups on a student budget.
New Zealand’s South Island
Lakes, glaciers and mountain views that look fake in photos, just a short flight across the Tasman. Queenstown is the place for thrill seekers (bungy, anyone?), while Wanaka suits anyone after a quieter trip with gorgeous walks. Bonus: Australians don’t need a visa to visit.
Perfect for: hikers, adventurers and anyone who wants a new camera roll.
Bali
There’s a reason half of Australia ends up in Bali at some point. Your money stretches a long way once you land, and there’s something for everyone. Catch a wave in Canggu, unwind in Ubud or island hop to Nusa Penida. One tip before you book: check the current entry rules, since Indonesia sets its own visa and tourist levy requirements.
Perfect for: a cheap tropical escape with plenty to do.
Fiji
White sand, warm water and absolutely nothing to study. Fiji is made for doing very little, very well. Many resorts offer packages that bundle flights, meals and accommodation, so you can set your budget and forget about it. Split a package with friends and the price per person drops even further.
Perfect for: a total recharge after a big year.
Money tips before you go
We’re a financial services firm, so you knew this section was coming. A little planning now means future you, the brand new intern, won’t be scrambling in January.
- Pick your budget before your destination. It’s much easier to find a trip that fits your budget than to stretch your budget to fit a trip.
- Check your card fees. Plenty of bank cards sneak in a fee on every overseas purchase. A quick check before you fly could save you a surprising amount.
- Get travel insurance. Nobody plans to sprain an ankle on a hike, but an overseas hospital bill can cost more than the whole holiday. Read what your policy covers, especially if bungy is on the agenda.
- Have a look at Smartraveller. The government’s Smartraveller site lists the latest entry rules and safety advice for every country.
- Save a little for registration. Graduates pay a $332 Ahpra application fee upfront and a $543 registration fee. Good news, though: under a pilot running from 9 October 2026 to 4 January 2027, you can defer the $543 until 31 March 2027.
- Leave a buffer for your first pay. Your first salary might not land until a week or two after you start. Holiday you should leave enough in the bank for intern you.
Win $100 towards your trip
Want a little extra spending money for your trip? We’re giving away five $100 digital Visa gift cards you can spend anywhere, including overseas. That’s a lot of nasi goreng in Bali or a very good dinner in Hobart.
To enter, Just click the banner below or fill out this quick form with an email address that isn’t your uni one and submit your entry. Uni emails (ending in edu.au) expire after graduation, and we’d hate for you to miss out on future prize draws and resources from us.
*Entries close on 22 November 2026. Five lucky winners will be drawn randomly on 23 November 2026. T&Cs apply.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, you should carefully consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and seek professional advice.
