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. Then relax, and enjoy the great Australian
way of life.
