Australians know Texas for its cowboy heritage, the Alamo, and Tex-Mex, but there’s so much more to uncover across the Lone Star State. Viva Holidays has taken the guesswork out of what ‘so much more’ is, creating new self-drive packages that showcase the diversity and richness on offer when touring Texas—backed by first-hand insights from Helloworld Croydon Hills agent Naomi Hammond, who recently experienced it all on a four-day famil.
In partnership with Travel Texas, Viva Holidays have paired their passion for Texas with their exemplary travel planning skills to curate self-drive itineraries that make your life easier.
With greater connectivity, including direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, it’s never been easier to visit Texas.
Whether your clients love music, sport, food, or the great outdoors, or simply have a yearning to explore rodeos and ranches, there’s a Viva Holidays Texas package to suit.
Why Texas?
Texas is bigger, bolder, and more extra. There is awe-inspiring natural beauty and a thriving gastronomy, arts, and live music scene, and it’s also one of the best places in the country to experience real ranching and cowboy culture.
Here are eight reasons why Texas is a must-visit destination for Australians:
- Reason 1: Tasty treats. Have you even been to Texas if you haven’t had Tex-Mex or a real Texan BBQ? From perfectly smoked brisket to tender pork ribs, Texas’ BBQ scene is world-class with several venues now earning Michelin recognition. Beyond BBQ, your clients can explore a diverse culinary scene, from award-winning restaurants to innovative local eateries and unique dining experiences across the state.
- Reason 2: Kick it like a cowboy. Cowboys are alive and well in Texas. Your clients can fulfil those childhood cowboy memories of climbing into the saddle and riding into the sunset with a real rodeo moment or a day on a ranch.
- Reason 3: Go Horns, go. Sport is a big deal in Texas. Encourage your clients to experience the electric vibes of a college football, NHL, or NBA Game (with a Frito pie and chilli con queso while they watch, of course).
- Reason 4: Move to the beat. Live music is in the DNA of Texas. From huge stadiums and festivals to edgy underground local gigs, year-round, there are plenty of beats to enjoy.
- Reason 5: Step into the big screen. It’s not uncommon to think you know Texas before you’ve ever set foot there, as every corner of the state has been a film and TV location (think Landman and the DCC Cheerleaders). It’s easy to integrate silver screen landmarks into self-drive itineraries.
- Reason 6: Nature’s wonders. Expansive national parks and the scenic Gulf Coast make Texas an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Hike, mountain bike, kayak, fish, and more across landmarks like Palo Duro Canyon and natural wonders like Enchanted Rock and Natural Bridge Caverns. Greater Big Bend Dark Sky Reserve is epic for stargazing, too.
- Reason 7: Family fun. Everything’s bigger in Texas, including their amusement parks, state fairs, and water parks. The NASA Space Centre offers an engaging visit for the whole clan, as does the Gulf Coast, where watersports and charming beach towns await.
- Reason 8: Events 2026. Celebrate 100 years of Route 66 at the Texas Route 66 Festival in Amarillo this June. Expect classic cars, vintage vendors, and live music across 10 days. Also in June – and a state first – Dallas is hosting nine FIFA World Cup matches, and Houston is home to seven.
Naomi Hammond, a Helloworld agent from Croydon Hills knows first-hand how epic Texas is after a four-day express famil to the Lone Star State, “It was packed with great food, rich history, and plenty of memorable experiences.”
Hammond declared a private 90-minute tour of AT&T Stadium a trip highlight. “The scale of the stadium is incredible, but what truly elevates the experience is the behind-the-scenes access. We were taken into exclusive areas not typically seen by the public, including the Dallas Cowboys’ and Cheerleaders’ locker rooms, offering a unique insight into the inner workings of this world-class venue.
“Adding to the experience, the turf was being prepared for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, creating an exciting atmosphere and a sense of anticipation. The corporate suites were another standout, providing excellent options for clients seeking a premium game-day experience, with food and beverage packages available.
“There are also plenty of opportunities for visitors to purchase official merchandise, making it a well-rounded and engaging visit. For clients travelling to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, it’s a must-do,” Hammond concluded.
Viva Holidays: your Texan gateway
Curated to reveal the best of Texas, Viva Holidays’ new packages tour guests around some of the state’s most famous cities.
Here’s a teaser of what’s on offer:
South Texas Spur Self Drive
This 15-day round-trip itinerary from Houston tours some incredible Texan highlights, such as the Houston Museum District and its surrounding landscaped gardens.
In Austin, the food trucks are an attraction in their own right, as is the city’s live music culture, the throbbing heart and soul of the city.
In San Antonio, the River Walk or a scenic riverboat journey reveal its fascinating history, while Bandera welcomes visitors as the Cowboy Capital of the World.
Every road trip needs some R&R, with Corpus Christi on the Gulf Coast welcoming with its laidback coastal charm. Further east, Galveston’s historic shoreline impresses with its Victorian architecture and seaside attractions.
This package includes:
- One-night stays at Hampton Inn Houston Downtown, Best Western San Marcos, Best Western Bandera Suites & Saloon, La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Laredo I-35, Hampton Inn & Suites Port Aransas, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston West Seawall, Hampton Inn Beaumont, and Hampton Inn Houston Downtown
- Two-night stays at La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Downtown, Aiden by Best Western at San Antonio Riverwalk, and Best Western Paradise Inn, Corpus Christi
- A 16- day Alamo USA Toyota Corolla rental car (or similar)
From $3,239 per person twin share. All properties are 3-star. Discover more here.
Learn more
For more inspiration and curated packages, head to Viva Holidays’ dedicated ‘Big Skies, Big Adventures, Let’s Texas’, campaign page.
You’ll also find marketing assets and more to support your Lone Star State self-drive campaigns on Viva Holidays’ dedicated agent platform. To book, head to the online reservation system, Mango.
This article is brought to you by Viva Holidays and Travel Texas.
