From R&R in a regional town to sparkling sky-high glamour in the city centre, here’s where to go when you have an extra day or two off work.
Whether you’re up for a quick interstate flight or down for a regional road trip, there’s a short trip sure to tick all the boxes in each and every Australian state. Pack your bags and grab your family, friends or loved one – here are the best destinations for your next long weekend in Australia.
For long weekends in New South Wales
City
You shouldn’t need a good excuse for a city-slicking stay-cay, but a long weekend makes for a pretty good one. Use your short holiday to explore one of Australia’s most adored cities – climb the Harbour Bridge, shop your way through Pitt Street Mall, or sip your favourites on the rocks, at The Rocks. Stay just a short walk from one of the country’s most loved beaches at The Blue Hotel Bondi, relishing the best of both city and the surf.
Discover Sydney
Country
Make your way deep into New South Wales's famous wine country and savour some of the Hunter Valley’s finest produce. Leave the city life behind for a weekend and escape to the rolling hills, rows of vineyards and the pristine golfing greens of Oaks Cyprus Lakes Resort.
For long weekends in Victoria
City
Place yourself in the centre of Melbourne’s buzzing metropolis with a few days spent touring the rich dining culture, theatre hopping, or cheering on some of the country’s biggest sporting events live. Wander around the city’s famous grid easily with your incredibly central base at the ultra-trendy Ovolo Laneways Melbourne. Just a short drive from the city centre, delve a little further into the history of the city with a luxurious-meets-heritage retreat at The Interlude.
Discover Melbourne
Country
Carve out a little time for R&R in Victoria’s famous spa country, housing some of the state's best hot springs and bathhouses. Put your feet up, slip into a warm bath and relish in quaint country town hospitality with a short stay at Albert Hotel Daylesford.
For long weekends in Queensland
City
Brisbane has it all in the way of a glamorous short stay. Overlook the Brisbane River with a cocktail in hand while floating in the magnificent infinity pool at Emporium Hotel South Bank. Perfectly located in the centre of South Bank, it’s perfectly perched to treat yourself to a weekend of unbridled luxury, breathtaking city views and fabulous design.
Country
Crowned the best beach in the world, Palm Cove is the ideal stop-off for the perfect coastal weekend away. Admirers of the bluer-than-blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and the lush surrounds of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest will adore a stay at The Reef House Palm Cove.
For long weekends in South Australia
City
From history-rich architecture and museums to a vibrant cafe scene and lush botanic gardens, Adelaide is the ideal city to spend wandering through on your long weekend. Stay connected to the city’s sights with a stay at the grand Mayfair Hotel, offering classic glamour in the centre of the city. Find your speed either shopping through City Cross Mall, enjoying a glamorous high tea at Mayflower Restaurant, or sipping on cocktails at Hennessy Rooftop Bar.
Country
No need to venture far out of Adelaide for absolute serenity. Just a 20-minute drive from the capital’s CBD, discover Sequoia Lodge – adults-only luxury hidden away in the picturesque Adelaide Hills. Dip in spring-fed hot pools, explore the native wildlife enclosure and work your way through a wine tasting at nearby vineyards, before returning to savour the inventive menu of the lodge’s three-chef-hatted restaurant, Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant.
For long weekends in Western Australia
City
Make your way to the dazzling west for a lavish long weekend full of endlessly sunny skies, stunning beachfronts, and a trendy craft beer scene. All the makings of a five-star riverside stay await at Crown Metropol Perth, boasting palm-fringed pools and sparkling views of Perth’s skyline just minutes from the CBD.
Country
Go searching for adorable quokkas, splash around at Pinky’s Beach and dine under the stars with an adventure to one of the country’s most loved isles: Rottnest Island. Be one with the native flora and fauna on the island with a glamping experience at Discovery Rottnest Island. Make the most of the incredible coral reefs, untouched bays and spectacular beachside trails that this collection of safari-style tents overlook.
For long weekends in Australian Capital Territory
City
Spend your long weekend in the heart of Australia’s sparkling capital – a city that hides excitement around every corner. Treat yourself to a stay at one of the city’s most stylish hotels, A by Adina Canberra, as you explore this city full of award-winning restaurants and on-trend bars.
Country
A scenic one hours' hour drive from the country's capital, escape to the glorious coastal haven of Abode Malua Bay for an ideal breath of fresh air. Technically located within New South Wales, this self-contained apartment stay lands you in the prime position between the impressive shoreline of Malua Bay Beach and the area's lush hinterlands perfect for taking uninterrupted walks on the through nature and dips in the ocean.
For long weekends in the Northern Territory
City
Not only is Darwin the ideal gateway to Australia’s Top End, but it also holds its own as a city destination worth flying interstate for. From the buzzing Sunset Markets and stunning Bicentennial Park to the vibrant waterfront precinct where Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront is perfectly positioned, the city provides ample opportunities for sun-soaked relaxation, culinary delights and nature explorations.
Country
Dedicate your time off to discovering the beauty of the Red Centre. Invest in a truly once-in-a-lifetime stay at Longitude 131°, nestled in the rich desert dunes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Enjoy every moment of this bucket-list worthy luxurious safari-style retreat in an intimate tent or pavilion, where you can gaze upon Uluru and Kata Tjuta from your balcony.
For long weekends in Tasmania
City
Hobart is the heritage capital of Australia with a love for contemporary art and modern design at its core. At the centre of it all is Salamanca Wharf Hotel – a collection of boutique apartments situated along the iconic Castray Esplanade, Tasmania’s single most-visited tourism precinct. With the thriving Salamanca precinct on your doorstep and high-end restaurants just a stone’s throw away, the perfect slow city escape awaits.
Country
Escape to Tasmania’s sparkling East Coast on your short-but-sweet holiday. Retreat to Freycinet Resort, an acclaimed wilderness retreat in Coles Bay near Freycinet National Park to truly relish in the rugged wilderness of this secluded region. While you’re here, enjoy unparalleled access to the stunning Freycinet National Park, home to the iconic Wineglass Bay.
Looking for more Australian inspiration? Here’s the Best Family Holiday Destinations in Victoria: Get Along While You Get Away.
