Take A Break: These Aussie Hot Spots Are Perfect For Lazy Long Weekends

Whether you’re a true blue local who’s utterly desperate for some much needed downtime after a hectic week at work, or a holiday-maker looking to check out life away from the bright lights of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, these picturesque, calming towns contain a treasure trove of things to see and do. It doesn’t matter if you’re pressed for time, traveling with your kids, or on an adventurous solo adventure as we’ve got something for everyone!

Byron Bay

It’s a mecca for surfing enthusiasts, lovers of the alternative lifestyle and a golden sandy haven for endless beach bunnies. But did you know that Byron Bay is also a fantastic place to take your kids? Away from the shoreline BBQ’s and high school bonfires lies beautiful scenery, miles of glittering, azure coastline and iconic eateries. Here, accommodation prices are cheaper than what you’d expect for this infamous area, families are welcomed by local businesses and you’ll also find some great kid friendly restaurants. With surf schools, pony treks and story walks, plus circus courses, trips to WetnWild and the Macadamia Castle and Animal Park they’ll be anything but bored!

Ballarat

Victoria’s third largest city boasts a rich, ‘golden’ history if you will thanks to its wealthy beginnings during the Gold Rush of 1851. Today, Ballarat is jam packed with places to visit including historical sights, upscale galleries and beautiful natural surroundings. Why not discover what life used to be like here? Step in back in time and let yourself visit the wonders of Sovereign Hill. You’ll find expert historians, fantastic buildings, and fun activities such as panning for your own gold as well as true historical accounts of Ballarat citizens. No visit to Ballarat is complete without a trip to Lake Wendouree to view the city’s entirely human made 200-hectare lake that became famous during the 1956 Olympics. First built in 1875, the iconic The Lake View Hotel is now the last of thirteen extravagant buildings that once lined the edge.
 

Adelaide

Situated a mere fifteen minutes from the central business district lies one of the country’s oldest wine regions. The vineyards here were some of  the very first vines to appear in the state and were, in fact, planted by German settlers. Since its inception, the region has grown from strength to strength and a variety of wine tours, parties and five-course dinners take place throughout the year and that’s without the wine festivals! Here, award-winning names like Shaw & Smith, Nepenthe and Bird in Hand have bespoke offerings while accommodation options are endless with luxurious hotels, boutique guesthouses and rustic B&B’s dotted around the Adelaide Hills.
 

Canberra

Despite everyone thinking that the capital city of Australia is Sydney it’s actually Canberra, ACT and if you’re looking for some culture then this is the place to be! Home not only to the Australian Parliament, Canberra reads like a who’s who of art, film and television. It plays host to the National Gallery Of Australia, The Australian War Memorial, The National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum Of Australia which has some of the country’s most treasured possessions and artifacts on display within its walls.