The Best Weekend Getaways From Every Australian Capital City
There’s something about this seasonal change that has us dreaming of a getaway. And a real one, not merely a day trip, but a weekend of driving, seeing new scenery and getting out of the city.
If you’re like us and have been wanting to escape your routine for a weekend, here are our top choices, no matter your location around the country. It’s time to hit the road!
The Best Weekend Getaways From Every Australian Capital City
The best weekend getaways from… Sydney
Where: Orange
Why: The beautiful countryside, the incredible wine, the delicious food… Orange offers so much in one easy package and is the perfect place to getaway with your family, with your girlfriends, or for a romantic weekend with your partner. You’ll feast on fresh produce, sample some of the best wines you’ll ever drink, and spend the days walking around in the crisp, fresh air. Heaven!
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes
Other NSW weekend getaways: Bilpin in the Blue Mountains, Mudgee, the Southern Highlands, the Hunter Valley.
The best weekend getaways from… Melbourne
Where: Bendigo
Why: An easy drive from central Melbourne, Bendigo is the dream weekend break. It has all the charm of a regional city, with plenty of options for activities – from wine tours to gold mine museums – and boasts one of our country’s most celebrated art galleries, which is currently hosting an incredible retrospective of Mary Quant’s works. The time is now to plan your trip.
Distance from Melbourne: Approximately 2 hours
Other VIC weekend getaways: Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Daylesford, Mornington Peninsula, Ballarat, the Great Ocean Road.
The best weekend getaways from… Canberra
Where: The Snowy Mountains
Why: Maybe it’s the cooler weather, but we’re dreaming of a snowy weekend away right now. Luckily for those living in the national capital, the Snowy Mountains are just a two hour drive from the city. Here, you’ll find breathtaking scenery galore, incredible hikes, snow fields for those who like to ski and lots of cosy cabins to hole up in for the evening.
Distance from Canberra: Approximately 2 hours
Other ACT weekend getaways: The world is your oyster from the ACT! You can even do an easy weekend getaway in a city, driving up to Sydney or down to Melbourne. Canberra is also close to regional NSW (Wagga Wagga), the ski fields the coast and beyond.
The best weekend getaways from… Adelaide
Where: Beachport
Why: Yes, there are plenty of wine country options in Adelaide if you want a weekend of sipping delicious vintages, but we thought we’d recommend something a bit further afield. Beachport, on the coast of South Australia, is an excellent choice for a weekend getaway. If you really want to drink wines, you can make the short journey to Coonawarra, where some of Australia’s best red wine is grown. But Beachport offers more than just the proximity to a wine region. A stunning coastal destination, with great seafood – look out for The Big Lobster – and gorgeous vistas.
Distance from Adelaide: Approximate 3 hours
Other SA weekend getaways: Wine country galore! Hit up the Barossa, Clare Valley, Mclaren Vale, or go further afield to the volcanic region of Mount Gambier.
The best weekend getaways from… Perth
Where: Dunsborough, Margaret River
Why: Yes, this is an obvious choice. But it’s also the right one: Margaret River is a weekend getaway you will never forget and no matter how many times you go, you’ll be blown away by your time there. From the beautiful beaches of Yallingup to the wineries further afield to the restaurants (Chow’s Table is a must!), Margaret River is a breathtaking region. Stay in Dunsborough for ease of access to everything the area has to offer.
Distance from Perth: Approximately 3 hours
Other WA weekend getaways: The Pinnacles and Cervantes, Pemberton, Augusta, Albany and Denmark.
The best weekend getaways from… Darwin
Where: Katherine
Why: Drive south from Darwin for three and a bit hours and you’ll end up in Katherine, one of the must-visit destinations in the Northern Territory. The historic gorge is something you’ll never forget, as is hiking through the stunning Nitmuluk National Park, and the city of Katherine itself offers so much history and culture to experience, as well as lots of cute Airbnbs to book for the weekend. Start planning immediately.
Distance from Darwin: Approximately 3.5 hours
Other NT weekend getaways: Kakadu national park, Dundee beach, Lake Bennett, Tennant Creek.
The best weekend getaways from… Brisbane
Where: Stanthorpe
Why: Apples, truffles and cheese… Oh my! This town, located near the border to New South Wales, is famous for its fresh produce and in particular apples, truffles and really, really good cheese. Now is the best time to visit, especially if you want to sample some of the ultra rare French Black Perigord Truffle, which can be found in the region and is so incredibly flavoursome. Just make sure to schedule in plenty of picnic time while you’re in the area. After buying up lots of cheese and truffles, you’ll definitely want to sit back and relax in a picturesque spot to eat it all.
Distance from Brisbane: Approximately 3 hours
Other QLD weekend getaways: Scenic rim, Fraser Island, Hervey Bay.
The best weekend getaways from... Hobart
Where: Freycinet
Why: Freshly shucked oysters. Crystal clear views at Wineglass Bay. Luxury hotels. Glasses of Pinot Noir and Riesling. Penguins, seals, whales and dolphins. Freycinet is a little slice of paradise and it’s only a few hours from Hobart city. If you’ve been dreaming of a weekend getaway that encompasses truly awe-inspiring scenery with some of the best food and wine in a state known for its food and wine, this is the getaway for you. And if you want to push the boat out, book in at Saffire. It’s one of Australia’s highest quality luxury hotels and you’ll never forget your stay there.
Distance from Hobart: Approximately 2 and a half hours
Other TAS weekend getaways: Bruny Island, Cradle Mountain, Devonport, Launceston.
Want more travel ideas? Here are the most beautiful day trip destinations from every Australian capital city.
