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 New South Wales
The Hydro Majestic Hotel
The Hydro Majestic has been pulling people up the mountains since 1904, when retail magnate Mark Foy opened what he intended as Australia’s first hydropathic health retreat, complete with its own electricity supply, which arrived four days before metropolitan Sydney. Hosting both Dame Nellie Melba and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, it’s one of the most distinctive sightlines in the Blue Mountains. The highlight? The Wintergarden, a one-hat restaurant with windows framing the valley below.
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.
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 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.
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.
Wandin Valley Estate
Another Hunter Valley gem, Wandin Valley Estate is a charming retreat set on a working vineyard near Lovedale, complete with a cellar door pouring award-winning vintages and 120 acres of vine-draped countryside to explore at your own pace. Iconic wineries such as Tyrrell’s, Brokenwood and Audrey Wilkinson are nearby for further tastings, while hot air balloon flights drift lazily above the vines at sunrise. For something more grounded, guided horse treks through native bushland offer a lovely way to see the landscape between cellar doors.
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 Victoria
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island
This resort is worth the car ride for: 65 acres of native bushland in Cowes, with more than 160 individual villas spread far enough apart that you rarely see your neighbours, and seven kilometres of walking and cycling tracks. Purple swamphens, wallabies and possums have established reliable residency in the grounds, which tends to settle the question of what to do before breakfast. The resort sits about 15 minutes from the Penguin Parade and 10 from the Koala Conservation Centre, which makes it the practical choice for a full island itinerary, but the self-contained villas with full kitchen means that it works just as well for families who’d rather slow down and let Phillip Island come to them.
Hotel Sorrento
Channel old-world glamour at this adults-only bayside retreat, family-owned since 1872 and a short stroll from Sorrento village’s boutiques, galleries and the Queenscliff ferry. Art-filled interiors and polished rooms and suites, many with private balconies over Port Phillip Bay, are complemented by an outdoor pool deck, Marlo Spa and a rooftop fitness centre. Dine on modern Australian seasonal plates in the Dining Room or sink into the limestone-walled Front Bar for tank-fresh beer. Beyond the hotel, Alba Hot Springs, Red Hill cellar doors and the rugged clifftop walk to Diamond Bay all await.
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.
The Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods
Surrounded by river red gums and Lake Mulwala’s gentle waters, award-winning 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 – while a trip to SOL Wellness Spa, offering holistic treatments drawing on foraged Australian active ingredients, is highly recommended.
Pan Pacific Melbourne
Named Australia’s Leading Hotel at the 2025 World Travel Awards, Pan Pacific Melbourne makes for an elevated weekend escape. Expect supreme comfort, elegant yet minimalist design, and panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Just a short stroll down the Yarra River to Melbourne CBD, Pan Pacific Melbourne is your anchor to the city’s world-class entertainment and nightlife. Thanks to a dedicated valet service, 24-hour fitness centre access and your choice of onsite dining options, your Melbourne city break is set to be a breeze.
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.
Marnong Estate
The ultimate haven for wine lovers, Marnong Estate is set amid 1,200 acres of breathtaking vineyards in the heart of central Victoria. Just a short drive from Melbourne, this hidden gem offers sweeping countryside views, award-winning wines and an experience that lingers long after you leave. Wander the estate’s picturesque grounds, bask in the golden hour glow or watch the sunset paint the Macedon Ranges in warm hues from The Main Lawn. Unwind on your private balcony, where vineyard views stretch endlessly before you. As evening falls, elevate the experience at the chef-hatted La Vètta, where the finest local ingredients are transformed into an unforgettable dining affair.
Long weekend escapes in Tasmania
Freycinet Lodge
Discover Tasmania’s wild east coast with a stay within the Freycinet National Park, where rugged bushland meets the sweeping sands of Richardsons Beach. Wake to panoramic views of The Hazards mountains and Great Oyster Bay, with direct access to untouched shoreline and coastal walking trails steps from your door.
For the adventurous, the lodge’s own company, Freycinet Adventures, offers thrilling experiences from sea kayaking to e-biking through the wilderness. A short stroll leads to the renowned Wineglass Bay, or should you wish to stay closer to home, wander to the Lodge’s picturesque deck to enjoy a glass of bubbles and fresh Tasmanian oysters as you watch the sunset over the bay’s pristine waters.
Little Beach Co
Escape to the beautiful Tasmanian seaside at this sustainable luxury retreat, where design-led villas offer the ultimate wilderness experience. Set among the rugged Tasmanian coastline between the iconic Wineglass Bay and Bay of Fires, this eco-powered haven features everything you need to soak up the region’s spectacular natural majesty. Unwind in a thoughtfully designed villa – equipped with private hot tubs and expansive windows showcasing sweeping ocean views – or take your escape to the next level at the sprawling Rockpool Residence, featuring ultra-modern interiors, an infinity pool, spa and space for up to six guests.
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.
Long weekend escapes in Queensland
QT Gold Coast
Experience the magic of sun-drenched Surfers Paradise firsthand with an oceanfront designer hotel stay packed with all kinds of excitement and intrigue, perfectly positioned just moments from one of Australia’s best-loved beaches. From the shimmering pool and five sophisticated restaurants to the tranquil spaQ, there’s no shortage of great experiences to be found within the hotel. Admire the glow of the morning sun over the ocean from your private balcony and get ready for a day of exploration around the Gold Coast, or spend your day lazing in a poolside cabana at Palm Springs-inspired bar The Spring.
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. Find your sunrise yoga flow on the beach, sample pina coladas at the cocktail masterclass and discover Palm Cove’s local history on an Indigenous cultural journey. Take a refreshing dip in the pool or indulge poolside with a bowl of tropical sorbet and toast your magnificent stay with a bottle of bubbles.
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.
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.
CLLIX Brisbane Skytower Apartments
Enjoy one of Australia’s finest skylines at this Queensland escape, set within the city’s tallest skyscraper, Brisbane Skytower. Ideally located on Margaret Street in the heart of the CBD, CLLIX Brisbane Skytower Apartments places you a short walk from the city’s restaurants, bars and shopping streets. Make one of these modern, light-filled apartments your home-away-from-home, each including a full kitchen and laundry for effortless longer stays. Between outings, take advantage of the building’s fully equipped fitness centre, swim in the indoor pool or fire up the barbecue facilities, with the city lights stretching around you.
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.
Ovolo Canberra
Embrace urban luxury with a boutique stay at Canberra’s most stylish designer hotel – the innovative Ovolo Canberra. Nestled in the contemporary NewActon hub – amid popular bars, glam restaurants and a selection of unique art galleries and hip cinemas – this uber-cool, eco-conscious hotel puts you in the heart of Canberra’s hottest area. Relish this destination’s ideal locale to discover the capital’s surrounding delights, or enjoy a film at the onsite Palace Cinema. Sweet tooths will delight in a help-yourself lolly bar, while a 24-hour fitness centre and self-service laundry make for an ultra-convenient stay.
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
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.
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
