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. 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.
Long weekend escapes in Queensland
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa centres around a lagoon pool framed by melaleuca trees, with a lap pool, children’s pool and Lagoon Bar creating an easy rhythm of swimming, cocktails and poolside lunches. When you’re ready to slow things down further, Vie Spa offers personalised treatments in a tranquil setting, while Temple of Tastes brings Southeast Asian-inspired flavours and local produce to the table. With studio rooms, self-contained apartments, private plunge pools and rooftop spas, the resort gives couples, families and groups different ways to settle into Palm Cove.
The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast
Some long weekends need a plan. Others need a late breakfast, a swim, dinner somewhere you’ve been meaning to try and the option of staying out a little longer. The Star Grand puts Broadbeach’s beaches, restaurants and nightlife within easy reach, with the coast and hinterland views to remind you where you are. Best for couples and friends who like their breaks social, flexible and slightly indulgent.
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove, an IHG Hotel
Nestled within 4.2 hectares of tropical gardens between Brisbane and Surfers Paradise, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove is one of Queensland’s most complete resort escapes. The 251 recently refurbished rooms and suites look out over the marina, gardens or the resort’s one-acre saltwater Lagoon Beach Pool, where families of kangaroos graze nearby. The Fireplace is the signature dining experience – wood-fire cuisine, river redgum smoke and a seasonal menu by Executive Chef Hamish Watt. Two championship golf courses, The Pines and The Palms, and the Marine Village’s restaurants and boutiques are all steps away.
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Set between the ocean and river at Twin Waters, Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort is built around a private lagoon where you can kayak, sail a catamaran or simply settle beside the pool as the afternoon drifts by. Its accommodation ranges from garden- and lagoon-facing rooms to distinctive overwater bungalows with private balconies and views across the water. When hunger calls, Sola Bar & Restaurant adds a slice of Sicily to the Sunshine Coast, serving Italian-inspired dishes, handmade pastas and cocktails beside the pool and lagoon. With Mudjimba Beach, Twin Waters Golf Club and the wider Sunshine Coast within easy reach, it works for both active days and slow afternoons.
Long weekend escapes in Western Australia
Discovery Rottnest Island
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 or just a 25-minute ferry from Fremantle. 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.
Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Margaret River Region
Experience coastal luxury in Western Australia’s Margaret River wine region, set alongside the pristine sands of secluded Bunker Bay. With direct beach access and breathtaking native landscapes across 35 acres, this is tranquillity unmatched. With its serene beachfront setting and pristine facilities – including an infinity pool, two tennis courts, a fitness centre, complimentary Saturday yoga classes (advance booking required) and a world-class day spa – this resort is the perfect launchpad for adventures in the spectacular surrounds of the greater Margaret River region.
Pan Pacific Perth
After a huge $50 million-plus refurbishment, Pan Pacific Perth stands in the heart of the city with its floor-to-ceiling windows revealing commanding views across the Swan River to Langley Park and the green edge of Kings Park beyond. Book into the Pacific Club Lounge and settle into one of Perth’s most celebrated premium hotel experiences, with Swan River views as the backdrop to afternoon refreshments and evening drinks. Downstairs, award-winning UMA delivers South American cuisine that has earned multiple Australian Good Food Guide Chef’s Hat awards, while Más Vino Wine Bar pours a carefully curated lineup of local and international wines just steps from the lobby.
Long weekend escapes in New South Wales
Bannisters Port Stephens
Bannisters Port Stephens brings a relaxed retro spirit to the Soldiers Point shoreline. Here, days revolve around the infinity pool, long views and an easy choice of dining: Rick Stein at Bannisters keeps the focus on fresh local seafood, while Julio’s Mexican adds colourful plates and classic cocktails by the water. Beyond the resort, the region’s beaches, koala habitat, whale-watching cruises and marine adventures make it easy to balance slow afternoons with time spent exploring the coast.
Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges
Leave it all behind for the natural beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains with a stay at this romantic destination less than two hours from Sydney. Housed in a beautifully renovated heritage building, surrounded by acres of perfectly kept gardens reminiscent of a grand European estate, this retreat is the ideal destination to relax and explore the Blue Mountains National Park in pure luxury. Days here can be spent discovering the national park (including the famous Three Sisters and Govetts Leap lookout) being pampered with spa treatments, and embracing the atmosphere of this unique part of Australia.
Château Élan at The Vintage
Find tranquillity with a stay at Château Élan at The Vintage, a European-inspired retreat set in the picturesque rolling hills of the Hunter Valley, New South Wales’ premier wine region. This estate is a little piece of Tuscany, with rooms designed to take full advantage of the valley’s verdant greenery and golf course. Situated on an idyllic 100 acres, this property is a romantic rendezvous within 2.5 hours of Sydney, or just a one-hour drive from Newcastle Airport (NTL). The award-winning 18-hole golf course, 25-metre lap pool and The Spa at Château Élan are just the cherry on top.
Cupitt’s Estate
Cupitt’s Estate is the kind of South Coast stay where a winery visit can easily become a full day. This family-run estate sits between Ulladulla and Milton, overlooking vineyards, Burrill Lake and the Budawang Ranges. Settle into one of the boutique villas, then wander to the historic Cellar Door for a tasting before choosing between the farm-to-table Dining Room and the more relaxed Wine Garden. Seasonal menus draw on produce from the kitchen garden and local suppliers, while the estate’s handcrafted wines make an easy companion for a long lunch or sunset drink.
Paperbark Camp
Twelve canvas safari tents raised on hardwood decking among the eucalyptus and paperbarks of Jervis Bay – each with a private open-air ensuite, wraparound veranda and birdsong for an alarm clock. The Gunyah, an architect-designed treetop restaurant, serves candlelit three-course dinners showcasing local produce, and Sunday’s legendary paella is reason enough to plan your dates around a weekend. Complimentary canoes, paddleboards and bikes put the white-sand beaches of Booderee National Park within easy reach.
Long weekend escapes in Tasmania
Cape Wickham Golf Links – King Island
Tee off at the edge of the world on an award-winning championship links course, where the rugged King Island coastline frames every fairway with jaw-dropping beauty. Consistently ranked among the best courses on the planet and named Australia’s top-ranked course by Golf Digest, Cape Wickham is a masterpiece of design with coastal winds that will keep you on your toes. Beyond the greens, make the most of your time on the coast with an early morning swim at Victoria Cove, and put your feet up in a villa-like room with expansive ocean vistas that make it impossible to miss a shot at relaxation.
Discovery Resorts – Cradle Mountain
A long weekend at Discovery Resorts – Cradle Mountain is about getting close to the park without overcomplicating the escape. Spend the morning on the trails, watch the weather move across the mountain and return to a warm meal without needing to drive anywhere. Choose it for outdoorsy families, friends and walkers who want the wilderness within easy reach.
Villa Howden
Villa Howden gives a long weekend a gentler shape. Start the day near North West Bay, head into the Huon Valley or across to Bruny Island, then leave room for an afternoon that goes nowhere in particular. It’s a good fit for couples and small groups who want Hobart within reach but would rather wake to water, gardens and a slower pace.
Long weekend escapes in Northern Territory
H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel
Elevate your stay in the Top End with a boutique, self-contained apartment in the heart of Darwin’s CBD. Whether here for work or play, this modern retreat has everything you need for ultimate relaxation; unwind on a cabana by the shimmering rooftop pool with sweeping city views, stay active at the fully equipped fitness centre and enjoy the atmosphere at the onsite sports bar.
Bamurru Plains
There is nowhere quite like the regional and mesmerising Bamurru Plains. Sitting on over 300 square kilometres of private floodplain, bordering Kakadu National Park, this all-inclusive safari camp places guests inside one of Australia’s most extraordinary wildlife environments. Just 12 bungalows and retreats share exclusive access to the floodplains, each with mesh walls that dissolve the boundary between inside and out. By night, listen to the Australian bush as wallabies and buffalo wander by. Every meal is prepared by an onsite chef and served in the main lodge, with afternoon canapes and sundowners built into your daily rhythm. Your stay includes unlimited free-flow drinks from the moment you arrive.
Long weekend escapes in Victoria
Yarra Valley Lodge
It’s no secret that Victoria’s Yarra Valley is teeming with treasures, and one of its best-kept gems is just waiting to be uncovered. Set within the Heritage Golf & Country Club, Yarra Valley Lodge’s contemporary rooms and suites put you instantly at ease, with each carefully designed to reflect the beauty of the surrounding vineyards. Relax with a glass of wine in hand at the sophisticated Bella Restaurant or practice your swing on the Jack Nicklaus-designed St. John golf course. Beyond the lodge, there’s no shortage of exceptional wineries, distilleries, boutique shops, galleries and national parks to keep you entertained.
RACV Torquay Resort
RACV Torquay Resort is for travellers who want to make a weekend of the Surf Coast rather than treat it as a stop on the way somewhere else. Spend a morning on the beach, follow the Great Ocean Road towards rainforest and waterfalls, then return to a slower evening by the coast. It suits couples, families and friends who like their long weekends active but unhurried.
Silverwater Resort
Silverwater Resort promises the very best of regional Victoria just minutes from iconic Phillip Island, with panoramic views over San Remo and the Bass Coast. The resort boasts a range of accommodation options – from well-appointed resort rooms to self-contained one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with private terraces or balconies. From the resort, you’re perfectly placed to explore the Bass Coast. A short drive takes you to Phillip Island Wildlife Park, where you can spot sleepy koalas napping in the eucalyptus trees or hand-feed the kangaroos and wallabies.
The Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods
Surrounded by river red gums and Lake Mulwala’s gentle waters, lakeside luxury awaits on the south bank of the Murray River. Swim in the heated pool or fish the day away before returning to the resort’s Stock & Barrel restaurant for country-inspired plates and handpicked spirits. Those who golf together will adore the 18-hole championship Black Bull Golf Course – consistently rated one of the country’s best. After a day on the greens, take a trip to SOL Wellness Spa, offering holistic treatments drawing on foraged Australian active ingredients.
Portarlington Grand Hotel
Portarlington Grand Hotel is for travellers who want the holiday feeling to begin before they arrive. Take the ferry from Melbourne, settle into the Bellarine pace and spend a long weekend moving between local food, bay views and the hotel’s historic rooms. It suits couples and friends who want a proper change of scene without committing to a long drive or a packed itinerary.
Long weekend escapes in South Australia
Arkaba Homestead
Arkaba Homestead offers a different kind of Flinders Ranges escape, one shaped by ancient geology, wildlife and wide-open silence. Dating back to 1856, the heritage homestead sits within a private wildlife conservancy on the southern edge of Wilpena Pound, with five guest rooms, a library lined with leather armchairs and a stone fireplace, and a terrace made for looking out across the ranges. Beyond the house, field guides help guests understand the landscape, from kangaroos, emus and native birdlife to Arkaba’s ongoing conservation work.
Novotel Barossa Valley
Overlooking Jacob’s Creek Vineyards and the Barossa Ranges, the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort sits adjacent to the 18-hole Tanunda Pines Golf Course, just over an hour from Adelaide. All 140 rooms have balconies with vineyard views, The Cellar Kitchen Restaurant follows a paddock-to-plate philosophy with seasonal Barossa produce, and the Endota Day Spa handles the rest. Complimentary wine tastings run Thursday to Saturday, and more than 80 cellar doors are within easy reach.
CABN Hahndorf
Set on 30 acres in the Adelaide Hills – on the historic grounds of The Cedars, former home of artist Hans Heysen – CABN Hahndorf offers nine off-grid pods just four minutes from Hahndorf’s main street. Standard cabins have a kitchenette, indoor fireplace and solar power; the CABN X steps it up with a king bed, private sauna, full bathroom and an outdoor bath under the trees. Mount Lofty hikes, Adelaide Hills wineries and the Jurlique biodynamic farm are all close by.
Long weekend escapes in the Australian Capital Territory
Hyatt Hotel Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel
Hyatt Hotel Canberra suits travellers who like a long weekend with a little substance. Stay here and the capital’s cultural institutions, galleries and parliamentary history become part of the itinerary, rather than something you squeeze in between hotel facilities. It’s made for history buffs, architecture lovers and anyone who prefers a city break with a slower, more considered pace.
QT Canberra
Here, QT brings its signature eclectic style to Canberra with a vibe that’s as quirky as the city itself, a destination where politics meets creativity and culture. Expect light, bright, modern rooms with colourful splashes and attention-grabbing artwork, and hip dining destinations like Capitol Bar & Grill (order the wood-fired steak), and the 15th-floor QT Lounge, where whimsical high tea is served at elevation.
