Ideas for your next long weekend – Purchase Cheap Travel Insurance Online with 1Cover
Australia was the first country in the world to grant a 40-hour working week – and combined with a ‘laid back’ attitude, led to the country becoming known as the ‘land of the long weekend’. But, Australians actually have fewer public holidays than most other industrialised countries, so make the most of the holidays you have with our Guide to the top long weekend destinations
1. Australia Day
Sydney Harbour, NSW
Nothing beats seeing the Australia day fireworks explode over one of the world’s most spectacular harbours. Stay in a CBD hotel, or charter a yacht, and watch the harbour come alive with countless boats and a fireworks display over Darling Harbour and the Harbour Bridge.
Gold Coast and Mount Tambourine, Queensland
The end of the school holidays is a great time to visit this famous stretch of beach in southern Queensland. There’s no wet season, so enjoy the sunshine and head up to the wineries and national parkland around Mount Tambourine.
2. Easter Long Weekend (March/April)
Broome, Western Australia
Between the red desert and the blue sea on Western Australia’s north coast, Broome was founded as a pearling port. Famed for the pristine white sand of Cable Beach and the warm, clear waters of the Indian Ocean, Broome has a wide range of accommodation, from five star resorts to backpacker options.
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Sheer, beautiful Cradle Mountain sits at the start of the 65 km Overland Track and at the northern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The area offers cosy lodge, hotel and camping accommodation. Spend the weekend walking the lakeshore and mountainside tracks and experience the magic of the region.
3. Anzac Day
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
The UK Sunday Telegraph called Kangaroo Island ‘one of earth’s last unspoilt refuges’. Just off the South Australian coast, Kangaroo Island is home to an amazing array of native wildlife, with accommodation options ranging from camping sites to high-end resorts. You can fly in from Adelaide or catch a Sealink ferry from the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Margaret River, Western Australia
If you’re looking to enjoy the long weekend over a glass of wine, head to the Margaret River, south of Perth. With its Mediterranean climate, the region offers not only bountiful vineyards but a glorious coastline and some of Western Australia’s best surf beaches.
4. Queens’ Birthday (June)
A ski weekend
Jindabyne and surrounds in NSW, and Mt Hotham and Mt Bulli in Victoria provide great downhill and cross country skiing opportunities for the winter long weekend. The slopes can be busy, but you can always warm yourself in front of a fire back at the lodge, drink in hand, until it quietens down. Be sure to take out travel insurance before you hit the snow.
5. Labour Day (March to October)
Uluru, Northern Territory
Uluru the perfect place for a long weekend because you can comfortably and properly take in most of the fascinating Indigenous and natural heritage in three days.
Uluru itself is spectacular, changing colour throughout the day, but Kata Tjuta and the walk through King’s Canyon are also a must.
Great Ocean Road
Hire a car (or drive your own) from Melbourne and head out along the Great Ocean Road. Pass through charming Lorne and Warrnambool and stay in historic Port Fairy. The mighty Twelve Apostles are a central feature the drive, rising majestically from the wild ocean.
No matter how you choose to get away on your much needed mini-break, make sure you’re fully covered for all possibilities [ buy cheap travel insurance here]. Then relax, and enjoy the great Australian way of life.