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Written by Luxury Escapes
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 Victoria
Peppers Moonah Links
Two championship 18-hole courses – including the Open Course, designed for the 2003 Australian Open by Peter Thomson – make this one of Australia’s premier golf destinations on the Mornington Peninsula. Non-golfers are equally well served: all 65 rooms have private balconies overlooking the fairways, Pebbles Restaurant showcases Peninsula produce and local wines, and the Peninsula Hot Springs and Rye Ocean Beach are both within easy reach.
Mount Duneed Estate
Eight luxury vineyard pods at this beloved Geelong winery make for one of Victoria’s more unusual overnight stays. Each sleeps two, comes with a king bed, continental breakfast and a bottle of the estate’s Blanc de Blanc sparkling. The Barrel Hall restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday for long lunches among the barrels, and the Garden Bar handles sundowners in the warmer months. Torquay and the Great Ocean Road are 15 minutes away.
QT Melbourne
Bold interiors, lofty ceilings and the energy of Russell Street: QT Melbourne makes a strong case for the city as a long weekend destination in its own right. The 188 rooms deliver industrial chic with parquet floors, sculptural lighting and Malin + Goetz amenities. Pascale Bar & Grill is the hotel’s European-style bistro; the Rooftop at QT handles cocktails and city views. Collins Street, Federation Square and the ACMI museum are all within a five-minute walk.
Mitchelton Nagambie
On the banks of the Goulburn River, 90 minutes from Melbourne, Mitchelton is one of Victoria’s most complete winery stays. Fifty-eight rooms designed by Hecker Guthrie have private balconies overlooking the river or the vines, Bose audio systems and floor-to-ceiling windows. A 20-metre infinity pool sits at the water’s edge, The Muse Restaurant draws on local Goulburn Valley produce, and the day spa and Aboriginal art gallery round out a property that gives you very little reason to leave.
The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa
The sweeping coastline of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula provides the setting for this serene spa escape, where villas are scattered amid the native bushland. Relax and unwind with a dip in the Alba geothermal and cold plunge pools, indulge in afternoon tea and melt away with a massage ritual. The onsite restaurant, Thyme, champions local wines and healthy fare; the Sichuan ‘Bolognese’ is made with spiced pork and shiitake, served with rye udon noodles.
InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, an IHG Hotel
Nestled along Victoria’s stunning coastline, InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula blends heritage charm with modern luxury. A 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne, this iconic hotel houses the Aurora Spa & Bathhouse, where guests can unwind in magnesium reflexology pools and halo salt healing rooms. Spend your days exploring nearby wineries, soaking in the famed Peninsula Hot Springs or lounging by the infinity pool. Dining here is a highlight, with seven exceptional venues, including Audrey’s for fine dining, Coppin’s for casual bites and The Atrium for relaxed sun-drenched elegance.
The Sands Torquay
Hop into the car for a long weekend escape on the Great Ocean Road, just a one-hour drive from Melbourne. Torquay is your destination, and The Sands Torquay is your home away from home. This coastal resort has an 18-hole championship golf course designed by former Australian pro Stuart Appleby, and there is also a driving range for those not wanting to work on their par. Away from the green, make use of the heated indoor pool and well-equipped fitness centre. The heart of Torquay is a short drive away, with great cafes and restaurants.
Long weekend escapes in New South Wales
Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges
Sitting beside the Port Macquarie Marina on the Hastings River, Sails has the Hamptons-by-the-water aesthetic down: private balconies with river views, a cabana-lined heated pool and a private jetty good for fishing, kayaking and dolphin-spotting. The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant opens daily for breakfast and dinner with the marina as a backdrop. A ten-minute waterfront stroll brings you into Port Macquarie’s CBD, though the resort’s own grounds make a compelling case for staying put.
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 Pavilion
A short walk from Mollymook Beach, Bannisters Pavilion is the more laid-back sibling to the celebrated Bannisters by the Sea just up the hill. Thirty-two rooms and two penthouses come with balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, but it’s the rooftop that earns the drive from Sydney – a suspended infinity pool, swaying palms and a seasonal modern Australian menu at The Rooftop Bar & Grill. Rick Stein’s restaurant is minutes away for a more formal evening.
The Hydro Majestic Hotel
Experience one of Australia’s most iconic heritage stays at The Hydro Majestic Hotel in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Once visited by the likes of Sir Edmund Barton and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the hotel has seen plenty of famous faces through its door and lovers of old-world elegance continue to flock to this grand getaway.
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
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 a 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, tennis and basketball courts, a day spa, golf club and even a family-friendly water park. It would be all too easy not to venture beyond the resort’s grounds; however, for those inclined, there are numerous cellar doors and farm-to-fork diners nearby.
Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff
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 streets of Byron Bay and the glittering Gold Coast.
Long weekend escapes in Tasmania
Freycinet Lodge
Savour the best of both worlds at this lush coast-meets-bush retreat on Tasmania’s east coast, all cosied up within Freycinet National Park’s lush forest. Offering direct access to Richardson’s Beach and spectacular views over the Hazards mountain range and Great Oyster Bay, Freycinet Lodge offers the ultimate tranquil escape.
Long weekend escapes in Queensland
Ovolo Brisbane
Art-forward, colour-drenched and planted firmly in the heart of Fortitude Valley, Ovolo is the kind of hotel that makes Brisbane feel like a long weekend destination in its own right. The 103 rooms lean into local culture and original artworks throughout, while the Rockstar Suites go further – private bar, record player, standalone tub and enough room for an entourage. ZA ZA TA serves veg-led Middle Eastern fare downstairs; the rooftop lap pool and sauna handle mornings. James Street boutiques, live music venues and the Brisbane Powerhouse are all within easy walking distance.
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Self-contained apartment living rarely comes this close to the Coral Sea. Alamanda’s one- to four-bedroom apartments have full kitchens, laundry facilities and private balconies – all the comforts of home, minus the mundane reality of it. Three swimming pools give families and couples room to spread out, while the Alamanda Spa is the place to book an hour when the sun demands it. Nu Nu Restaurant is one of Palm Cove’s finest tables, with a seasonal menu built around what’s growing and swimming nearby. Walk the beachfront esplanade come morning before the day heats up.
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove
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
Just over an hour from Brisbane, Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort is a tropical oasis nestled between a private lagoon and the pristine shores of Mudjimba Beach. Ideal for families and couples alike, this expansive retreat offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Glide across the lagoon on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, lounge by the resort-style pool or explore scenic coastal trails by bike. Venture into the nearby hinterland, catch waves on world-class beaches or savour fresh local seafood at the resort’s restaurant.
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.
Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island
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.
The Frames
Retreat to The Frames, an exclusive adults-only haven perched above the Murray River, just three hours from Adelaide. Designed for couples, each luxurious villa features a heated infinity pool, sauna and outdoor bath – creating the perfect setting for relaxation and connection. Drift along the river on a sunset cruise, explore the serene wetlands or indulge in a private chef-prepared dinner under the stars.
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.
Long weekend escapes in ACT
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.
Hotel Kurrajong Canberra
Originally opened in 1926, this heritage-listed masterpiece was designed by the esteemed architect John Smith Murdoch, who also crafted Old Parliament House. The hotel is just a short stroll from iconic Australian landmarks such as Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia and the serene Lake Burley Griffin.
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.
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Feature image: Sun Ranch
