The best thing about travelling within Australia is that just an hour or two drive or flight from where you are will have you surrounded by a completely different landscape. Whether you want to head out to wine country, road trip up or down the coast, soak in the sun on an island or head inland to one of Australia’s charming regional towns, they’re all within a couple of hours reach. So if you’re planning a mini holiday or long weekend away, here are 53 of Australia’s best spots for a short break.
Inland from Sydney is historic town Orange, with its own devoted (and celebrated) heritage trail. It’s wine that tempts travellers (grab a glass at Philip Shaw wines) but there’s beer, especially of the craft kind at Birdie Noshery & Drinking Est. The dining scene is booming too – try Printhie Dining or The Union Bank, and dessert from Spilt Milk Bar.
The Grande Dame of the Great Ocean Road has attracted holidaymakers for over 100 years. It’s not just because of Lorne’s beautiful beach – host to the annual Pier to Pub ocean swim – it’s also on the doorstep of the magnificent Otway National Park, offering a host of walking and nature experiences. In the holiday seasons, the town bustles with activity – think busy boutiques, beach cafes and restaurants, and a raft of music and arts events.
Off the coast of South Australia, southwest of Adelaide, lies an island known for its natural beauty. Accessible by flight or ferry, here you can glamp in style, enjoy the region’s fine wines while overlooking stunning views, and get up-close and personal with the island’s wildlife.
In pursuit of a little privacy? This UNESCO World Heritage island 700km northeast of Sydney allows only 400 visitors at any one time. Coral reefs, hikes and endless views make this island a postcard-ready place to lose track of time. For those seeking luxury, look no further than Capella Lodge.
Good food and Daylesford go hand-in-hand. The town is just an hour and a half from Melbourne’s CBD, nudging the base of the Great Dividing Range. After a wander of the Convent Gallery and a soak at the Hepburn Bathhouse, grab a bite at Alla Wolf-Tasker’s Wombat Hill House Cafe, or a pub feast at local fave The Farmer’s Arms.
Situated a brief 90 minutes drive north of Sydney, the sparkling central coast combines beautiful beaches, lush national parks and a coterie of suburbs, each of which boasts its own burgeoning food and wine scene. From chic coffee houses and bakeries such as Burnt Honey in Copacobana and Like Minds in Avoca, to world-class distilleries like Distillery Botanica in Erina, which creates the Moore’s Gin range and Mr Black Coffee Liqueur. Don’t miss Firescreek Winery, Mr Goaty Gelato, Woy Woy’s fisherman’s wharf and Sydneysider favourite Bells at Killcare.
The superstar of the Australian wine industry, if you love wine then the Barossa must be on your long weekend bucket list. Make a base in Tanunda, then create a bespoke wine tour from the more than 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors in the region. You won’t go hungry either; the valley has a renowned food culture.
Once you’ve walked along one of the longest timber-piled jetties in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s time to explore some of the foodie delights in Busselton. Alberta’s is a must-visit spot for extraordinary brunches that turns into a fabulous evening eatery, while the rooftop beer garden at Holly’s is worth a visit, particularly for the desserts (think deep fried apple pie with caramel).
Perfect for couples and families, Phillip Island has something for everyone. Whether it’s animal and nature experiences at the Penguin Parade, the Koala Conservation Reserve, on a seal cruise, or just a long walk on the beach, the island is an excellent place for a nature-focused mini break.
Did anyone say oysters? You can’t visit Coffin Bay without making a beeline for an oyster farm or taking an oyster tour. And the best place to enjoy them? Right on the beach where crystal clear waters meet the white sand. Once you’ve had your fill, explore the national park. It’s ideal for boating, fishing, sailing, and scuba diving.
The so-called favourite holiday spot for Melbourne’s rich and famous, you don’t need to be wealthy to enjoy Portsea. An easy day trip from Melbourne, its position at the pointy end of the Mornington Peninsula delivers calm bay swimming, a rugged surf beach, and hiking and nature options. For post-swim relaxing, the beer garden of the pretty Portsea Hotel has a millionaire’s view of the Bay.
Adrift from Queensland’s Cassowary Coast, Bedarra Island is an idyllic place to press pause and spend time off the grid in luxurious eco lodgings. Bedarra is an all-inclusive, private, tropical haven that is right on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef for those looking to explore underwater.
Wine lovers will again be no stranger to Mudgee in the state’s central west where vineyards dominate. Spend your days trawling local favourites Gilbert Wines, Logan Wines and Burnbrae, working up an appetite ahead of a meal at one of its handful of farm to table venues – Blue Wren Farm and The Zin House are stand-outs – conveniently both have accommodation too.
If you love history, Ballarat is the place to go. This bustling regional city has loads to offer, from its imposing gold rush architecture to the elegant pre-war housing and tree-lined streets around Lake Wendouree. Take a self-guided historic walking tour, visit the city’s art gallery, and explore its cafes and fine dining restaurants.
Amid the lush greenery, white sand beaches and coral reefs, the most northerly of the tropical Whitsunday Islands is home to a taste of luxury at InterContinental Hayman Island. While the lush resort is the perfect spot to unwind at, if it’s ultimate privacy you seek opt for the private residences or stunning beachfront pavilions.
