By Bec Milligan.
Image Credit: Crystalbrook Riley
There’s nothing better than a long weekend, especially if you can get away for a mini holiday.
Luckily, Australia is full of places worth escaping to; whether you’re after a slow coastal weekend, a wine region road trip or something a little more adventurous, there’s no shortage of options.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, this guide covers the best long weekend getaways across every state and territory, so no matter where you’re based, you’ll find something worth booking!
Jump to: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania
If you’re based in NSW, you’re in luck – the state has so much variety when it comes to long weekend getaways. You can easily travel to a sleepy surf town, a bougie cellar door or an enchanting rainforest.
Berry is a quaint village just two hours south of Sydney.
The main street is lined with independent bookshops, delis and cafes, and the surrounding rolling green hills look like something transplanted from the English countryside.
Image Credit: The Berry Inn
Stay: Merribee House is a heritage homestead set on a working farm just outside town. It's relaxed, beautifully maintained and a genuinely lovely place to stay. The Berry Inn is a more central option; the boutique rooms are located in a lovingly converted stables building, within easy walking distance of Berry’s centre.
Do: Walk down Queen Street and take your time in the shops. Visit Berry Museum, which while small, is surprisingly interesting and bursting with local history. Take a short drive to Shoalhaven Heads for a beautiful beach that’s rarely crowded.
Eat: The Hungry Monkey is the place for breakfast but it fills up fast on weekends, so get in early or book a table in advance. The Berry Tea Shop is perfect for an afternoon sweet treat, with hand-blended loose-leaf teas and freshly baked scones and cakes on the menu.
Image Credit: The Berry Tea Shop
The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region and one of the most accessible from Sydney, sitting about two and a half hours north via the M1.
It’s a classic long weekend destination for good reason: the combination of cellar doors, good food, day spas and accommodation options at every price point makes it easy to put together a trip that suits almost anyone.
Image Credit: Spicers Vineyars Estate
Stay: Spicers Vineyards Estate is perfect for a luxurious stay with beautiful rooms, a pool and on-site dining. For a more affordable option, Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is a sprawling 100-acre resort with two pools, a day spa, an 18-hole golf course and a waterpark, making it a particularly good choice for families.
Do: Visit the Hunter Valley Gardens and the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop. Take a hot air balloon over the vineyards for a genuinely memorable experience. Enjoy wine tastings at Tempus Two, Peterson House and Peppertree Wines.
Eat: Muse Restaurant has quickly become a culinary institution in the Hunter Valley; it’s a must-visit for foodies. For something more relaxed, try Bimbadgen Wood Fire Pizzeria: delicious pizza, a Tuscan-inspired courtyard and, on Friday nights, live music and happy hour await.
Image Credit: Hunter Valley Gardens
The Blue Mountains are located only 90 minutes west of Sydney but from the moment you arrive in Katoomba, you’ll feel lightyears away.
The clifftop towns are cool, slightly misty and full of good cafes and guesthouses. The national park is enormous and contains some of the best bushwalking trails in New South Wales.
Image Credit: Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant
Stay: Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant in Leura has rooms that look directly out over the valley, which is an extraordinary thing to wake up to. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa is a larger, more traditional option with a good pool and spa.
Do: Visit the Three Sisters lookout at Echo Point. Embark on The Federal Pass trail, one of the best half-day walks in Australia. Take Scenic World’s railway, skyway and cableway for a spectacular view-filled loop into the valley and back.
Eat: Leura has a strong cafe culture, and the main street is worth exploring. For dinner, Darley’s at Lilianfels is the standout: a hatted restaurant set in a century-old homestead with candlelit dining and a menu built around regional produce.
Image Credit: Darley's
Byron Bay has been a long weekend getaway favourite since well before it became a *cool* celebrity hotspot.
And we have to say, despite the changes that have come with that reputation, it still delivers.
The beaches are world class, the surrounding hills are beautiful and there’s genuinely good food and accommodation across every price point.
It is about 11 hours from Sydney if you’re driving. But if that’s a bit much for you, simply fly into Ballina.
Image Credit: Elements of Byron
Stay: Elements of Byron is an award-winning beachfront resort with expansive grounds and lagoon-style swimming pools. For something more affordable, Drifter Byron Bay is a chic hostel just minutes from Main Beach.
Do: Walk up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse at sunrise before the crowds arrive; the lighthouse walk offers some of the best views on the east coast. Visit The Farm, a working regenerative farm where you can enjoy a guided tour, buy fresh produce, eat delicious food, meet adorable animals, and more.
Eat: Shelter is an excellent dinner spot while Bayleaf Cafe is a locals’ favourite for breakfast.
Image Credit: The Farm
Kangaroo Valley sits atop Cambewarra Mountain, about two hours south of Sydney.
The small town is undeniably beautiful with its surrounding dairy farms and tranquil river.
Plus, Kangaroo Valley is home to the Hampden Bridge, the oldest suspension bridge in Australia. It’s a sight to be seen (and driven over).
Image Credit: Crystal Creek Meadows
Stay: Wildes Boutique Hotel sits in the heart of Kangaroo Valley and offers airy, contemporary rooms, lovely gardens, a swimming pool and an on-site restaurant. For something more secluded, Crystal Creek Meadows has four private eco-certified cottages just outside the village, each with a freestanding bathtub and access to private yoga classes and day spa treatments on site.
Do: Go canoeing on the Kangaroo River; you’ll spot plenty of wildlife on the way. Visit Fitzroy Falls: a spectacular 80-metre waterfall in Morton National Park with walking tracks suitable for every fitness level.
Eat: The Friendly Inn is the local pub and a reliable option for lunch or dinner. And The Lookout at Cambewarra Mountain is well worth a stop for breakfast or a long afternoon coffee.
Image Credit: The Lookout at Cambewarra Mountain
Port Macquarie often gets overlooked in favour of Byron Bay or the Hunter, which means it’s generally more relaxed and less expensive.
Not to mention, the beaches are excellent and the town has a good food scene for its size.
Image Credit: Sails Port Macquarie
Stay: Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges has a great location on the waterfront and gives serious ‘Hamptons’ vibes. Ana Mandara Luxury Retreat is a waterfront bed and breakfast located on the Hastings River. All of the guest rooms are very spacious, complete with private balconies, and there’s a resident chef who prepares a gourmet breakfast each morning.
Do: Visit The Koala Hospital, one of the best wildlife experiences in NSW. Go on the coastal walk from Town Beach to Lighthouse Beach; you’ll pass a series of stunning coves.
Eat: Social Grounds Cafe is a local favourite for breakfast and coffee. And The Stunned Mullet is perfect for an indulgent dinner.
Image Credit: The Koala Hospital
Jervis Bay’s beaches have some of the whitest sand in the world and the water’s so blue it looks artificially coloured.
Located three hours south of Sydney, Hyams Beach is the most famous spot in the bay but there are dozens of quieter beaches in the national park.
Image Credit: Paperbark Camp
Stay: Paperbark Camp is a glamping retreat nestled deep in a gum forest; you’ll get a real sense of wilderness when you stay here. Otherwise, there are several great holiday houses available for rent in Huskisson and Vincentia.
Do: Go on a dolphin and whale watching cruise; they run regularly from Huskisson. Visit Jervis Bay National Park for excellent walking trails through coastal bushland.
Eat: The Gunyah Restaurant at Paperbark Camp is exceptional and worth booking even if you're not staying there. And Salty Joe’s in Huskisson is a must-visit cafe with everything from acai bowls to cheeseburgers on the menu.
Image Credit: Salty Joe's
The Southern Highlands (made up of Bowral, Mittagong, Berrima and more) are about 90 minutes southwest of Sydney and are bursting with antique shops, heritage gardens and good restaurants.
The area is great to visit all year round, but autumn is particularly beautiful as the hundreds of trees that line the streets turn lovely shades of red, orange and gold.
Image Credit: Ardour Milton Park
Stay: Peppers Manor House in Sutton Forest is a grand country estate which exudes old world charm. Ardour Milton Park in Bowral is another beautiful heritage property; it recently reopened after a full renovation that upgraded everything but kept the old-school charm.
Do: Visit The Corbett Gardens in Bowral; they’re perfect for a leisurely stroll. Take a tour of The Berrima Courthouse and Gaol; built in 1839, it’s one of the best-preserved early colonial buildings in Australia.
Eat: Onesta Cucina is a long-time local favourite, known for its generous, delicious pasta dishes. Franquette Crêperie is a relaxed French-inspired cafe and offers both sweet and savoury crepes as well as delectable pastries and good coffee.
Image Credit: Onesta Cucina
Victoria may be small compared to Australia’s other states and territories but it delivers in a big way. From the dramatic coastline of the Great Ocean Road to the cool-climate wine regions of the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula, there’s a perfect long weekend getaway here for every type of traveller.
The Mornington Peninsula wraps around Port Phillip Bay and then curves south towards the dramatic beaches of Portsea and Sorrento.
It’s about 90 minutes from Melbourne and is perfect for those wanting to spend a long weekend indulging in food and wine.
Image Credit: Peninsula Hot Springs
Stay: Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill is a boutique hotel that sits on 34 acres of lush gardens and offers an excellent, hatted restaurant on site. For something more coastal, Hotel Sorrento is perched on the Sorrento clifftops. The award-winning hotel offers a private adults-only oasis (complete with a pool, sun terrace and poolside bar) and premium wellness facilities.
Do: Visit The Cups Estate for a relaxed cellar door tasting and a long lunch on the terrace overlooking the vines. Book an appointment at Peninsula Hot Springs: an award-winning natural geothermal mineral springs and day spa.
Eat: Merricks General Store is a beloved local spot for a relaxed breakfast or lunch. And Laura at Pt Leo Estate is one of the finest restaurants on the peninsula, with a menu built almost entirely on local produce.
Image Credit: Merricks General Store
The Yarra Valley is Victoria’s most accessible wine region, sitting about an hour from Melbourne’s CBD.
It produces excellent cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the region’s misty mornings and rolling hills give it a quiet elegance that's perfect for a slow, relaxing getaway.
Image Credit: Chateau Yering Historic House Hotel
Stay: Chateau Yering Historic House Hotel is a grand Victorian mansion that has been transformed into a luxurious retreat. With sweeping views of the Yarra Valley, heritage gardens and 32 grand suites, it’s a must-stay. If you’re looking for something more understated, Yering Gorge Cottages is a lovely, wildlife-rich bush retreat.
Do: Embark on a wine tasting tour; our favourite cellar doors include Chandon, Oakridge Wines, and Yering Station. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy, a charming artisanal shop where you can taste (and buy) handmade cheeses. Take the kids to Healesville Sanctuary, one of Australia’s best wildlife parks.
Eat: Healesville Hotel is a beautiful old pub with tasty food and local wines on tap. For an exceptional meal, head to Eleonore’s Restaurant at Chateau Yering – even if you’re not staying there.
Image Credit: Yarra Valley Dairy
The Great Ocean Road is not only one of the best coastal drives in Australia, it’s one of the best in the world.
For a long weekend road trip, start in Torquay and head west towards the Twelve Apostles, stopping at Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell along the way.
Image Credit: Chocolate Gannets
Stay: Cumberland Lorne offers modern, beachfront accommodation as well as a heated indoor pool, sauna, fully equipped gym and not one but two full-sized tennis courts. For something more intimate, Chocolate Gannets is a collection of four secluded beachfront villas with spa baths, fireplaces and sweeping ocean views.
Do: Walk down to the Twelve Apostles viewing platform at sunrise before the tour buses arrive so you can soak in the view without the crowds. Visit the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay; it’s the largest surfing museum in the world!
Eat: IPSOS Restaurant & Bar in Lorne is a Greek-inspired restaurant driven by seasonal and local produce, with a menu that changes daily depending on what’s fresh. And Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op is the place for fresh fish and chips.
Image Credit: IPSOS Restaurant
Daylesford is a delightful town located 90 minutes from Melbourne.
With a slightly bohemian feel to it, Daylesford is home to natural mineral springs and a thriving food scene.
Image Credit: Lake House
Stay: Lake House is one of the most celebrated hotels in regional Victoria, with beautiful rooms, a lakeside setting and a genuinely excellent restaurant.
Do: Visit the Daylesford Sunday Market; you’ll have a wholesome morning surrounded by trinkets, fresh produce and street food. Soak in the mineral waters at Hepburn Bathhouse: a beautifully renovated historic bathhouse that draws its waters directly from natural underground springs, with everything from communal pools to private baths available.
Eat: Café Koukla in the town centre is a local favourite that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cliffy’s Emporium is another Daylesford institution. Or for something special, head to Sault for dinner; the restaurant serves exquisite food and is set on a lavender estate.
Image Credit: Sault
Phillip Island is best known for the Penguin Parade: every evening at sunset, you can watch hundreds of adorable little penguins waddle ashore from the ocean and make their way back to their burrows.
Of course, there’s more to Phillip Island than just penguins; pumping surf beaches, a large koala conservation centre and excellent restaurants.
Image Credit: Phillip Island Tours
Stay: Silverwater Resort is a waterfront spa resort with a range of room types, two pools and direct beach access, making it a particularly good option for families. There’s also a great selection of holiday houses available for rent.
Do: Attend the Penguin Parade; seeing those cute critters waddling up the beach will bring a smile to anyone’s face. Explore the Nobbies boardwalk for excellent coastal views. Visit Churchill Island Heritage Farm; the historical grounds are stunning, and you can try your hand at sheep shearing, working dogs, cow milking, whip cracking and more.
Eat: Isola di Capri is a long-standing Italian restaurant that locals love (so you know it’s good). Mon Dieu, a cafe that offers a relaxed all-day menu, is also a solid option.
Image Credit: Isola di Capri
The Victorian Alps around Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Bright offer completely different experiences depending on the season.
In winter, it’s skiing and snowboarding season. In autumn, Bright becomes extraordinary when the town’s many trees turn gold and red.
And in spring and summer, there are multiple hiking and mountain biking trails open to explore.
Image Credit: Mt Buller
Stay: Mount Buller has a good range of ski lodge accommodation. But if you’re wanting to stay off mountain, Alzburg Resort is a reliable mid-range option, minutes from Mansfield. And in Bright, the Bright Chalet is a classic and well-loved choice.
Do: In warmer months, cycle along The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail; it is a multi-day cycling route, but you can do certain sections of it as a day ride. In winter, hit the slopes at Mount Buller or Falls Creek for skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, snowball fights or snowman building (just make sure you’re covered for snow sports!).
Eat: Bright Brewery is a casual but popular spot for lunch with a good selection of local craft beers. For something fancier, Elm Dining sits in a beautifully renovated Victorian-era cottage and offers a seasonal menu inspired by the natural beauty of Bright.
Image Credit: Elm Dining
When it comes to long weekend getaways, Queenslanders are spoilt for choice. The weather is warm, the landscapes are wildly varied; meaning beaches, rainforests and tropical coral reefs are all within easy reach.
Noosa sits at the top of the Sunshine Coast and has earned its reputation as one of Queensland’s nicest destinations.
The national park is pristine, the main beach (aptly named Main Beach) is beautiful, and Hastings Street has a calibre of restaurants that you wouldn’t expect to find in a town that small.
Image Credit: Elysium Noosa
Stay: Elysium Noosa is a luxury accommodation option on Hastings Street. It’s within walking distance of Main Beach and has an on-site restaurant, pool bar, and spa. For something more affordable, Noosa has a great selection of apartments and holiday houses available for rent.
Do: Walk through Noosa National Park to Hell’s Gates and back. It’s about two to three hours and you’ll pass through a beautiful coastal rainforest (look out for koalas!) Try stand-up paddleboarding on the Noosa River.
Eat: Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant is a Noosa institution, with beautiful river views and a seasonal menu built around local produce. Bistro C is right on the beachfront and offers a wonderfully classic menu; the caramelised pork belly is a must-order.
Image Credit: Ricky's River Bar and Restaurant
Most people think of beaches when they think of the Gold Coast, but forty minutes inland is one of Queensland’s most underrated destinations.
The towns of Tamborine Mountain and Springbrook sit in ancient rainforest with spectacular waterfalls and cool, clear air.
Image Credit: Binna Burra Mountain Lodge
Stay: Songbirds Rainforest Retreat on Tamborine Mountain offers spacious ‘treehouses’ (they’re more like villas) located in the heart of a tranquil rainforest. Binna Burra Mountain Lodge near Springbrook is a long-established eco retreat set deep in the Lamington National Park; the views are seriously breathtaking.
Do: Visit Natural Bridge in the Springbrook National Park; it’s a remarkable geological formation where a waterfall drops through the roof of a cave home to thousands of enchanting glowworms. Walk the Curtis Falls track, a lush eucalypt forest that’s home to turtles, fish, eels and platypuses.
Eat: Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation is a lovely spot for brunch while Fortitude Brewing Co is a popular spot for lunch with pizza and local craft beers on the menu.
Image Credit: Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation
Cairns is the gateway to two of the world’s natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
And the good news is that both are within easy reach of each other, making Cairns the perfect base for an extraordinary long weekend.
Image Credit: Crystalbrook Riley
Stay: Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree Rainforest is one of the most spectacular places to stay in Australia, with 40 luxury treehouse-style suites suspended above the Mossman River. Crystalbrook Riley is a luxury resort just a short walk from Cairns Esplanade; a perfect base for those wanting to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
Do: Take a reef trip and spend the day snorkelling or diving. Book a guided tour of the Daintree Rainforest.
Eat: Ochre Restaurant is an award-winning restaurant with a menu that focuses on fresh, local ingredients. For a more casual meal, head to beloved cafe Caffiend, known for its exceptional coffee and signature dish, The Davidson Plum Eggs Benny.
Image Credit: Ochre Restaurant
K’gari, the world’s largest sand island, sits off the Queensland coast near Hervey Bay and is accessible only by ferry, small aircraft or boat.
Four-wheel driving along the beach is the main mode of transport on the island, so if you’re thinking of renting one, make sure you’re covered!
Image Credit: Kingfisher Bay Resort
Stay: Kingfisher Bay Resort is the main accommodation hub on the island’s western side and the resort offers four pools, three restaurants and daily ranger-guided walks & activities. Camping in the national park is also an excellent option if you have your own gear.
Do: Visit Lake McKenzie, a perched freshwater lake surrounded by white sand and dark green tea-tree forest and one of the most beautiful natural swimming spots in Australia. Check out the Maheno shipwreck: a luxury ocean liner built in 1905 that served as a hospital ship in World War One before being swept ashore by a cyclone in 1935. Its rusting skeleton has remained on 75 Mile Beach ever since.
Eat: Dune Restaurant at Kingfisher Bay Resort has an awesome Asian fusion menu. Otherwise, bring your own food and throw a good old-fashioned barbecue on the beach.
Image Credit: Dune Restaurant
Despite being the capital of Australia, the ACT is small and there aren’t a lot of options for a long weekend aside from…
Canberra is admittedly polarising; some people love it and some people… don’t.
But the national institutions are genuinely impressive, the restaurant and bar scene has improved markedly over the past decade, and the surrounding countryside is lovely to look at.
Image Credit: Hotel Realm
Stay: Hotel Realm is one of the best hotels in the city, complete with fine and casual dining, lounge bars, a wholefoods café, hair salon, health club and day spa.
Do: Explore the National Museum of Australia, Australian War Memorial and National Gallery; they’re all free! If you’ve got little ones, a trip to Questacon – a hands-on science centre – is essential.
Eat: Les Bistronomes is a stylish French restaurant, with everything from a four-course à la carte menu to indulgent dégustations. Grease Monkey is home to some of the best burgers in Australia and the Truffle Mac & Cheese Bites are to die for.
Image Credit: Grease Monkey
If you’re based in Western Australia or willing to make the journey, you are in for a real treat.
The state’s landscapes, beaches and wildlife experiences are truly unlike anything else in the country.
Margaret River is a three-and-a-half-hour drive south of Perth and is one of Australia’s premier food and wine regions.
Aside from the abundance of excellent wineries and eateries, the surf is world-class and the forests are magnificent, meaning it’s very easy to have a satisfying long weekend.
Image Credit: Cape Lodge
Stay: Cape Lodge is a beautiful country house hotel set on 40 acres of manicured gardens and ornamental lakes in Yallingup, with 22 spacious rooms and a hatted restaurant onsite.
Do: Book a guided tour of Lake Cave, a limestone cavern with a permanent underground lake and dramatic stalactite formations reflected in the water below. Hit the waves at Surfers Point near Prevelly; the surf is some of the best in Australia and the WA Open Pro is held there annually.
Eat: Vasse Felix is home to a critically acclaimed restaurant led by Head Chef Cam Jones; it’s a fantastic spot for a long lunch. For a more relaxed option, Swings and Roundabouts is popular with tourists and locals alike for its wood-fired pizza and local wines.
Image Credit: Swings and Roundabouts
Rottnest Island is accessible by ferry from Fremantle or Hillarys and it takes about 30 to 90 minutes to get there, depending on your departure point.
No private cars are allowed on the island, which is a large part of its appeal. You can spend a long weekend exploring the unspoilt beaches on foot or by bike.
Image Credit: Samphire Rottnest
Stay: Samphire Rottnest is a luxurious option, with a pool, two excellent restaurants and beautifully appointed rooms overlooking the water. For something more adventurous, Discovery Rottnest Island is a glamping resort set behind the dunes of Pinky Beach. Eco-tents and ocean views await.
Do: Rent a bike and circle the island’s perimeter; it’s a classic Rottnest experience and you’ll come across quokkas, adorable and friendly marsupials found nowhere else in the world. Go snorkelling at Parker Point, a protected marine sanctuary where pink coral, tropical fish and the occasional stingray are visible in crystal clear water.
Eat: Lontara at Samphire offers a Southeast Asian-inspired menu and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hotel Rottnest is perfect for a classic pub feed.
Image Credit: Canva
The Northern Territory is raw, remote and utterly unforgettable. And there are a few places perfect for a long weekend getaway.
Kakadu is the largest national park in Australia and a UNESCO World Heritage site for both its natural and cultural significance.
It’s about a three hour drive from Darwin and covers a staggering 19,804 square kilometres of wetlands and ancient rock art sites.
Image Credit: Kakadu Tourism
Stay: Cooinda Lodge is the main accommodation option in the heart of the park, with options ranging from luxury villas to safari tents. The Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel is an Indigenous-owned hotel architecturally designed in the shape of a saltwater crocodile and offers an ideal base for those wanting to explore the region.
Do: Book the Yellow Water Billabong cruise; you’ll glide along the wetlands and see saltwater crocodiles and jabiru storks. Visit the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site, which contains some of the finest accessible rock art in Australia, dating back tens of thousands of years. Hike to the top of Gunlom Falls in the south of the park; you’ll discover a natural infinity pool there.
Eat: The options inside the park are limited but Mimi’s Restaurant at Cooinda Lodge has everything you need.
Image Credit: Kakadu Tourism
Darwin is often treated as a pit stop rather than a destination in its own right, but the tropical city deserves more credit.
Image Credit: Mindil Beach Casino Resort
Stay: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront is a centrally located mid-range option with a gym, outdoor pool, restaurant and bar. Mindil Beach Casino Resort is a luxury hotel nestled amongst 30 acres of tropical gardens alongside the Arafura Sea.
Do: Swim with large saltwater crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove’s Cage of Death experience (don’t worry, you’ll be safe inside a perspex enclosure). Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, home to a superb collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
Eat: Hanuman Restaurant is a celebrated dining option, led by renowned chef Jimmy Shu and with an inventive menu drawing on Indian and Thai flavours. Pee Wee’s at the Point has excellent seafood dishes made better by picturesque views over the harbour.
Image Credit: Crocosaurus Cove
South Australia is a food and wine lover’s paradise. From the world-famous Barossa Valley to the wild shores of Kangaroo Island, there’s plenty to explore and even more to eat and drink.
The Barossa Valley is Australia’s most famous wine region and produces some of the country’s greatest Shiraz.
It’s about an hour north of Adelaide and is compact enough that you can cover a great deal of it in a long weekend.
Image Credit: The Louise
Stay: The Louise is a premier hotel in the Barossa. The beautifully designed property is home to fifteen private villa-style suites and the award-winning Appellation restaurant. Novotel Barossa Valley Resort is a larger and well-priced alternative with good facilities.
Do: Visit Barossa Smoke, Hutton Vale Farm and the Barossa Farmers Market to stock up on artisanal cheeses, cured meats and local produce. Stop by the Seppeltsfield winery; currently you can taste a 100-year-old Tawny – a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Eat: Even if you don’t stay at The Louise, eating at Appellation is a must. The food is award-winning for a reason. And 1918 Bistro and Grill in Tanunda is a great choice for a more casual yet wholesome evening.
Image Credit: 1918 Bistro and Grill
Kangaroo Island has a population of about four thousand people, but an enormous number of sea lions, koalas, echidnas and Cape Barren geese live alongside them.
Animal lovers should definitely put Kangaroo Island on their ‘must-visit list’.
Image Credit: Southern Ocean Lodge
Stay: Southern Ocean Lodge, rebuilt after the devastating 2020 bushfires, is one of the finest eco-luxury lodges in the world. The rooms all have views of the Southern Ocean and there’s an open bar, all-inclusive dining and a spa on-site.
Do: Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park so you can walk among a colony of Australian sea lions on the beach. Take a tour of Cape Willoughby lighthouse; the historic landmark is the oldest lighthouse in South Australia.
Eat: Tirage is a wine bar and restaurant from acclaimed chef Jack Ingram, with an à la carte menu of seasonal, share-friendly dishes. Cactus is a bright and welcoming cafe, open daily from 7.30am with good coffee and a menu built around fresh local produce.
Image Credit: Seal Bay Conservation Park
The Clare Valley is South Australia’s other great wine region and is roughly two hours north of Adelaide.
Of course, it’s quieter than the Barossa, which can be appealing to those who hate a crowd.
Image Credit: Thorn Park By The Vines
Stay: Thorn Park By The Vines is a lovely boutique guesthouse with outstanding breakfasts. For something more affordable, Clare Valley Motel is popular and well-priced.
Do: Cycle the Riesling Trail; it’ll take a day or two, but it really is the best way to experience the valley. Visit Sevenhill Cellars, the first winery ever built in the Clare Valley (and one of the oldest in all of Australia).
Eat: Skillogalee Barrel House is a beloved Clare Valley institution with a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful vineyard views and a menu that showcases local seasonal produce. And Slate Restaurant at Pikes Wines is a hatted restaurant with an elegant modern Australian menu.
Image Credit: Slate Restaurant
Poor Tasmania is often forgotten but if you live in the ‘Apple Isle’ or you’re willing to travel there, a magical long weekend getaway is not only possible, it’s guaranteed.
Hobart has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past fifteen years and is now a great city to visit! Look out Sydney and Melbourne…
Image Credit: MACq 01
Stay: MACq 01 on the Hobart waterfront is a luxury hotel built around the stories of Tasmanian characters, with striking design and an excellent bar. The Henry Jones Art Hotel is a sophisticated boutique and Australia’s first dedicated art hotel, set in a beautifully restored jam factory on the waterfront.
Do: Visit MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art. It’s the must-see attraction and deserves a full day. Spend a Saturday morning at The Salamanca Market for fresh produce, cool trinkets and food truck treats.
Eat: Aloft is one of Hobart’s most celebrated fine dining restaurants, perched above Brooke Street Pier with sweeping harbour views and a seasonal menu built almost entirely on Tasmanian produce. For something more intimate, Templo is a tiny Italian restaurant with just 20 seats and a scrumptious menu that changes weekly.
Image Credit: Templo
Launceston is a wonderful base and an underrated gem for those wanting to explore the north of Tasmania.
Image Credit: Peppers Silo Hotel
Stay: Peppers Silo Hotel, once a grain silo but now a striking nine storey hotel on the waterfront, offers beautiful rooms and good food. Country Club Tasmania is a larger resort option with extensive sporting facilities and hair and nail salon.
Do: Explore the Cataract Gorge walks on both sides of the South Esk River for excellent views. Visit the Tamar Valley wine region. Just twenty minutes north of Launceston, the region produces outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Eat: Stillwater Restaurant is located in a converted flour mill that dates back to the 1840s and is the premier dining experience in Launceston. For something more casual, Cataract on Paterson is a Launceston institution with a menu built around fresh Tasmanian produce including locally caught oysters and scallops.
Image Credit: Stillwater Restaurant
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