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
With direct access to Palm Cove’s shoreline, Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore makes a strong base for a Tropical North Queensland escape. Spacious apartments open towards the Coral Sea, while three pools, L.M. Spa and the beachfront NuNu Restaurant give you plenty of reasons to slow down between reef cruises and rainforest adventures. The resort’s apartment-style accommodation also makes it well suited to families and longer stays, with enough room to settle into the easy pace of this palm-lined coastal village.
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.
Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel
Just opened steps from the sand of Mooloolaba Beach, this contemporary haven brings a fresh take to one of Queensland’s most beloved coastal destinations. A stunning 12th-floor infinity pool crowns the building, paired with shaded cabanas and pool-deck loungers, while down at street level the Mooloolaba Esplanade hums with cafes, surf shops and barefoot beachgoers. Spend the day on one of Australia’s most loved beaches, recently voted #1 in the 2026 Queensland Day poll, where protected waters between two headlands keep the surf gentle. AvaniSpa anchors the slower hours, with a menu of facials, massages and signature treatments to draw from your included spa credit.
Paradise Resort Gold Coast
Paradise Resort is made for families who want the children’s holiday and the parents’ holiday to happen at the same time. The resort gives younger travellers plenty to occupy them, while parents can settle into a break that doesn’t require constant planning, driving or negotiation. It suits families with primary-school-aged children especially well – the kind of travellers who measure a successful long weekend by how quickly everyone falls asleep afterwards.
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.
The Reef House Adults Retreat
Treat yourself to a slice of tropical indulgence at this adults-only retreat and revel in more than 28 signature experiences and activities. Hugged by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest on one side and the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef on the other, this award-winning boutique sanctuary is just steps from the white sands of Palm Cove Beach. Situated on Williams Esplanade, you’ll be at the heart of Palm Cove’s flavourful restaurants and retail boulevards.
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 Pavilion
A short walk from the golden sands of Mollymook Beach, Bannisters Pavilion brings a relaxed coastal rhythm to the South Coast. Its contemporary rooms pair bespoke furnishings with generous bathrooms, while upstairs, the rooftop pool and Rooftop Bar & Grill make it easy to move from a morning swim to modern Australian dining without leaving the treetops. Craving some alone time? Retreat to the private Upper Deck where sunbeds, cocktails and views through the eucalyptus trees create a quieter way to take in 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.
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.
Bannisters by the Sea
Escape to picturesque Mollymook Beach on the New South Wales’ South Coast for a blissful seaside stay at this elegant boutique retreat. Savour the freshest locally sourced seafood at Rick Stein at Bannisters and sample gourmet pizzas, small bites and cocktails at Bannisters Pool Bar, perched perfectly beside the heavenly infinity pool. Between walks along the stunning beachfront, lounge by the solar-heated swimming pool or take some time to yourself at Spa by the Sea: this is what coastal living is all about.
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
Mantra Frangipani Broome
Set among tropical gardens near Cable Beach, Mantra Frangipani Broome gives you a relaxed base for exploring Western Australia’s North West. Its self-contained one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments pair full kitchens and laundry facilities with private courtyards, alfresco dining areas and signature outdoor showers – a practical setup for couples, families and longer stays. Back at the resort, two temperature-controlled pools are an easy place to cool off after a day of camel rides, pearl-farm visits or sunset walks along the sand.
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.
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.
Long weekend escapes in Victoria
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.
Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park
The crowning jewel of Werribee Park’s resplendent grounds, the historic Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park offers a refined escape less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD. Ensconced in 10 acres of manicured gardens, it’s little surprise this regal retreat has become one of Victoria’s most cherished destinations. Indulge in produce-driven fine dining at award-winning Joseph’s Dining or wander through the lush park grounds to sample handcrafted drops at Shadowfax Winery. Return to the hotel to unwind at indulgent L.M. Spa, where thoughtfully designed treatments and a Turkish-inspired hammam await.
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.
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
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 ACT
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.
