Short getaways with good food and wine
Hunter Valley, NSW
Sample award-winning semillon, shiraz, and chardonnay straight from the source in NSW’s Hunter Valley - a culinary paradise renowned for its world-class wines and gourmet food experiences. As one of Australia's oldest and most celebrated wine regions, it offers a tantalizing array of vineyards, complemented by farm-to-table restaurants, where locally sourced ingredients are crafted into exquisite dishes.
Gourmet food and wine trails wind through the region, inviting visitors to indulge in tasting sessions, vineyard tours, and long lunches in picturesque settings. Whether you're a seasoned pro or simply someone who enjoys good food and drink, the Hunter Valley offers an unforgettable foodie experience amidst stunning scenery.
Scarborough Wine Co. Credit: Destination NSW
Margaret River, WA
Not to be outdone, Margaret River in WA is home to over 200 wineries, producing some of the country’s finest drops. Beyond its acclaimed vineyards, the area is a culinary treasure trove, with farm-to-table restaurants, artisan producers, and gourmet markets. Local chefs showcase the best of the region’s produce, from freshly caught seafood to organic meats and seasonal vegetables.
The area’s craft breweries, cheese factories, and chocolate makers add to the culinary adventure, making every meal in Margaret River a celebration of flavour. Set against stunning beaches, ancient forests, and rolling hills, Margaret River is a delicious escape.
Margaret River Wine Region, Credit: Tourism Australia
Braddon, ACT
Braddon ACT is a vibrant culinary hub that has become a hotspot for foodies and wine enthusiasts alike. Located just north of Canberra’s city centre, this trendy suburb is known for its eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants, and bars that offer a diverse range of food and wine. From innovative fine dining to casual eateries serving up local produce, Braddon’s food scene is known for its creativity and flavour.
The suburb’s craft breweries and boutique wine bars add to the allure, offering expertly paired drinks to complement the cuisine.
For further indulgence, you’ll also find artisan bakeries, specialty coffee shops, and food markets. And with its lively streets, artistic flair, and a strong focus on local ingredients, Braddon offers a perfect long-weekend for any craving.
Hopscotch in Braddon. Credit: Jez Rodriguez for VisitCanberra
Short getaways to explore nature
Litchfield National Park, NT
If you’re craving some time in the great outdoors, Litchfield National Park offers a breathtaking natural landscape teeming with opportunities for adventure. Located just a short drive from Darwin, this stunning park is renowned for its rugged beauty, dramatic waterfalls, crystal-clear swimming holes, and ancient sandstone escarpments.
The park’s many hiking trails allow you to explore its diverse ecosystems, from monsoon rainforests to open woodlands, with each path leading to hidden gems like the cascading Florence Falls and the tranquil Wangi Falls. The park’s abundant wildlife, including wallabies, monitor lizards, and a myriad of bird species, adds to the thrill of exploring the wilderness.
There’s plenty to explore in the park and you can even camp there making it the ultimate spot for a long weekend.
Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park. Credit: Tourism NT
Mt Buller, VIC
You may think Mt Buller in Victoria is just a winter destination, but it actually offers year-round adventures against the backdrop of the stunning Victorian Alps. In winter, the mountain transforms into a snow sports haven, with a wide array of ski runs, snowboarding parks, and cross-country trails catering to all levels of experience. Plus, the après-ski venues are a wonderful retreat.
But when the snow melts, Mt Buller reveals its summer charm, becoming a hotspot for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. You are also able to rock climb and horse ride in the area, making Mt Buller a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Mountain biking at Mount Buller. Credit: Ride High Country
Limestone Coast, SA
For water-based adventures in nature, visit the Limestone Coast in SA. Stretching along the south-eastern coast of South Australia, this area is known for its dramatic landscapes, including rugged coastlines, ancient caves, and stunning limestone formations. The pristine beaches and clear waters are great for surfing, snorkelling, and diving, especially around the famous Blue Lake in Mount Gambier, a deep volcanic crater lake that turns a vivid blue each summer.
The extensive cave systems, like the Naracoorte Caves, offer incredible opportunities for spelunking and exploring underground wonders filled with fossils and stalactites.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, hiking and four-wheel driving trails wind through the national parks, leading to breathtaking lookouts and secluded spots so you’ll be sure to find an adventure suited to you.
Naracoorte Caves, Limestone Coast. Credit: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission
Indulgent and luxurious short getaways
Pumphouse Point, TAS
The best way to spend a long weekend is indulging, and Pumphouse Point is the epitome of secluded luxury, offering an unparalleled experience in the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness. Nestled on the tranquil waters of Lake St Clair, the boutique retreat transforms a historic industrial site into a haven of refined indulgence.
Guests can nibble on gourmet Tasmanian cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients, in an intimate setting with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. For a little bit of pampering, the retreat offers in-room spa treatments and the unique experience of soaking in an outdoor hot tub under the stars.
Byron Bay, NSW
Byron Bay is a sublime haven of coastal luxury. Imagine waking to the sound of waves gently lapping the shore, your day beginning with a sunrise yoga session on a pristine beach, followed by a gourmet breakfast at one of the town's chic cafes.
Here, every moment is crafted for your pleasure—whether it's unwinding in a private villa surrounded by lush rainforest, savouring a bespoke spa treatment that melts away every trace of tension, or dining under the stars with the freshest local seafood, paired with fine wines.
In Byron Bay, time slows, and every detail is designed to pamper your senses, making it the ultimate escape for those who seek not just relaxation, but a truly indulgent experience
Crystalbrook, Byron Bay. Credit: Destination NSW
Noosa, QLD
Set along the pristine northern coast of Queensland, Noosa offers an array of upscale accommodations, from beachfront resorts to private villas, all designed to provide the utmost comfort and style. Visitors can indulge in world-class dining at gourmet restaurants that showcase fresh, local produce, or relax at chic cafes along the famous Hastings Street.
The area’s stunning natural surroundings, including the tranquil Noosa River and lush Noosa National Park, provide the perfect backdrop for luxury activities like private yacht charters, exclusive spa treatments, and guided wellness retreats. With its laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere, Noosa offers a seamless blend of relaxation and refined indulgence.
Noosa Blue Resort. Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
