From eco-glamping on Rottnest Island to gourmet getaways in the Hunter Valley, Australia's best weekend escapes are just a road trip away.
There's no better way to escape the everyday than by packing your bags, saying farewell to your schedule and hitting the road for a weekend adventure. For some, the ideal getaway features stunning natural vistas, from golden coastlines to rolling emerald hills. Others dream of epicurean escapes, discovering award-winning cellar doors and gastronomic greatness. Then there are those who prefer gilded glamping or luxe cabins, seeking refined relaxation.
Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun in the sun or a secluded romantic retreat, satisfy your wanderlust with one of Australia’s best weekend escapes. Read on to discover our pick of the best.
Gourmet wine region getaway: Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, NSW
Get a taste of one of Australia's most iconic wine regions at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, the largest resort in the famed area and your gateway for delicious long weekend. Set on a sprawling 100-acre estate, the resort is surrounded by undulating hills and vineyards for which the Hunter Valley is so well known; within its borders is an adults-only swimming pool, 24/7 gym, tennis and basketball courts, a day spa, golf club and even a family-friendly water park. It would be all too easy to not venture beyond the resort's grounds on your long weekend here however, for those inclined, there are numerous cellar doors and farm-to-fork diners nearby.
Blissful beach strolls: Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliff, NSW
Want a blissful beachside escape without the crowds? Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff delivers you to the Tweed Coast, seconds from the surf and ideal for family-friendly coastal capers. Framed by lush subtropical gardens, this relaxing resort boasts exceptional dining at Season Restaurant and a lagoon-style swimming pool complete with a sandy shore. It’s just steps from upscale boutiques, beachfront bars and walking trails, and a 45-minute trip from the Bohemian streets of Byron Bay and the glittering Gold Coast.
Gourmet wining & dining: Rosevears Hotel, Tamar Valley, TAS
Fancy yourself a foodie? Only 30 minutes from Launceston Airport, Rosevears Hotel is your gateway to the Tamar Valley wine region and Tasmania's bountiful fresh produce. With a soothing riverside location, this boutique retreat is perfect for disconnecting and enjoying the moment. Discover gastronomic greatness as you sample a sumptuous seafood menu of Tasmanian oysters, scallops and market fish, meander through bursting berry farms and sprawling wineries before quenching your thirst with a refined riesling on the beer garden deck.
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Authentic country escape: Beechmont Estate, Gold Coast Hinterland, QLD
Reclining on 75 acres of rolling emerald hills, Beechmont Estate is a boutique hinterland retreat that blends luxe accommodation with rural serenity. Located 90 minutes from Brisbane and adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, this refined polo and Wagyu farm offers a tranquil countryside escape from the everyday. Whether bushwalking through lush rainforest, rejuvenating with immersive spa treatments, indulging in picnic hampers on estate grounds or feasting on wholesome fare at chef-hatted The Paddock, you'll want for little else.
Rugged coastal landscapes: Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island, SA
For dramatic rugged coastlines and untouched natural beauty, look no further than the boutique oceanfront retreat Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island, only a 40-minute flight from Adelaide. Swim, snorkel or simply observe the sapphire sea in safety and seclusion with private access to Pink Bay's pristine shores. Embark on bespoke tours to get up close with treasured native fauna and incredible wildlife, sample the spoils of award-winning cellar doors and partake in the gourmet paddock-to-plate gems of this epicurean Eden.
Award-winning wineries: Trawool Estate, VIC
Amid Goulburn Valley's award-winning wineries, The Trawool Estate fuses resort-style luxury with refined heritage accommodation, less than a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Ditch city streets for locally sourced eats as you savour fresh farm-to-table fare and uninterrupted sweeping vistas of National Trust-listed Trawool Valley. Amble through rolling paddocks or slake your thirst with crisp sparkling wine while soothed by the bushland’s serenade – this nature-inspired escape is perfect for all, from couples looking for a romantic escape to families in need of quality time.
Luxury eco-glamping: Discovery Rottnest Island, WA
Reconnect with nature without sacrificing modern luxury with an eco-glamping beachside escape to Discovery Rottnest Island, easily reached from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty via a 90-minute ferry ride, or just a 25-minute ferry ride from Fremantle. Snug in the dunes of Pinky Beach, your private eco-tent sanctuary awaits. Enjoy alfresco dining sheltered by a verdant canopy of native trees, or snap a selfie with the world’s happiest animal, the smiling quokka. Snorkel over coral reefs and encounter passing dolphins in pristine waters before sipping a chilled chardonnay at sunset by the pool.
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Looking for more inspiration? Read Australia’s Ultimate Road Trips.
Feature image: Beechmont Estate, QLD
