Best Long Weekend Getaways in Australia 2026

Byron Bay, NSW

Best for: Beach lovers, wellness seekers, foodies

Byron Bay offers the perfect blend of surf, sun, and relaxation to start the year. Walk to the lighthouse at dawn, spend your days switching between beaches, and enjoy the town's famous cafe culture. January weather is typically warm and sunny, ideal for beach activities.

Top experiences: Sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse, surf lessons at The Pass, hinterland day trip to Bangalow markets, sunset at The Beach Hotel.

Stay: Book 3-4 months ahead for New Year availability. Consider staying in Suffolk Park or Broken Head for easier parking and a quieter vibe.

Mornington Peninsula, VIC

Best for: Wine lovers, families, couples

Just an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula offers wineries, beaches, and the famous Peninsula Hot Springs. January brings warm weather perfect for beach hopping between Sorrento and Portsea.

Top experiences: Wine tasting at Montalto or Port Phillip Estate, Peninsula Hot Springs, fish and chips at Sorrento pier, swimming with dolphins at Port Phillip Bay.

Noosa, QLD

Best for: Families, nature lovers, foodies

Noosa's national park, pristine beaches, and sophisticated dining scene make it ideal for a post-New Year reset. The Noosa Everglades offer a unique kayaking experience, while Hastings Street provides excellent shopping and dining.

Top experiences: Coastal walk through Noosa National Park, kayaking the Noosa Everglades, Hastings Street dining, day trip to Eumundi Markets.

Jervis Bay, NSW

Best for: Beach lovers, families, wildlife enthusiasts

Home to Hyams Beach (famous for its white sand) and excellent snorkelling, Jervis Bay is a 3-hour drive from Sydney. The area offers dolphin watching, kayaking, and some of Australia's clearest waters.

Top experiences: Hyams Beach, dolphin and whale watching cruise, Point Perpendicular lighthouse walk, kayaking in Booderee National Park.

Stay: Huskisson offers the best range of accommodation and dining options.

Great Ocean Road, VIC

Best for: Scenic drives, couples, adventure seekers

Australia Day weekend is perfect for a Great Ocean Road adventure. Start from Torquay, stop at iconic surf beaches, and work your way to the Twelve Apostles. Summer daylight hours mean more time for exploration.

Top experiences: Twelve Apostles at sunset, Bells Beach, Otway Fly Treetop Walk, Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay dining.

Rottnest Island, WA

Best for: Families, cyclists, wildlife lovers

A short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) offers car-free relaxation, crystal-clear bays, and the famous quokkas. January is ideal for cycling around the island and snorkelling in sheltered bays.

Top experiences: Cycling the island, snorkelling at The Basin and Little Salmon Bay, quokka selfies, sunset at Pinky Beach.

Hunter Valley, NSW

Best for: Wine lovers, foodies, couples

Autumn is harvest time in the Hunter Valley, making Easter perfect for wine tasting and vineyard experiences. The changing leaves add beautiful colours to the rolling hills, and temperatures are ideal for outdoor dining.

Top experiences: Wine tasting at Tyrrell's, Brokenwood, and Audrey Wilkinson, hot air ballooning, Hunter Valley Gardens, cheese and chocolate tastings.

Stay: Book 2-3 months ahead. Pokolbin offers the highest concentration of wineries.

Margaret River, WA

Best for: Wine and food enthusiasts, surfers, nature lovers

Western Australia's premier wine region shines in autumn. Margaret River combines world-class wines, stunning caves, ancient forests, and excellent surf breaks. April weather is typically mild and pleasant.

Top experiences: Wine tasting at Leeuwin Estate and Vasse Felix, Mammoth Cave, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, surf at Prevelly, forest walks in Boranup.

Barossa Valley, SA

Best for: Wine connoisseurs, food lovers, history buffs

The Barossa's German heritage, world-famous Shiraz, and gourmet food scene make it an ideal Easter escape. Autumn brings grape harvest activities and beautiful vineyard colours.

Top experiences: Wine tasting at Penfolds, Seppeltsfield, and Henschke, Maggie Beer's Farm Shop, Tanunda German bakeries, Barossa Farmers Market.

Canberra, ACT

Best for: History enthusiasts, families, culture lovers

There's no better place to experience Anzac Day than at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. The dawn service is deeply moving, and the autumn colours in the capital are spectacular.

Top experiences: Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House tour, National Gallery of Australia, autumn leaves at Commonwealth Park, Questacon for families.

Blue Mountains, NSW

Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, couples

Late April brings stunning autumn colours to the Blue Mountains. The cooler weather is perfect for bushwalking, and the tourist crowds have thinned since summer.

Top experiences: Three Sisters at Echo Point, Grand Canyon Track, Scenic World, Leura village cafes, Wentworth Falls.

Kangaroo Island, SA

Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, nature photographers, adventure seekers

Autumn on Kangaroo Island means fewer tourists and active wildlife. Sea lions, koalas, echidnas, and abundant birdlife make this a nature lover's paradise.

Top experiences: Seal Bay Conservation Park, Remarkable Rocks, Flinders Chase National Park, Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, local produce tasting.

Thredbo & Perisher, NSW

Best for: Skiers, snowboarders, winter sports enthusiasts

Queen's Birthday weekend often coincides with the opening of ski season. While snow coverage varies, this is an exciting time to be in the mountains as resorts come alive for winter.

Top experiences: Skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing, chairlift scenic rides, apres-ski at Thredbo Village, Kosciuszko National Park walks.

Stay: Book months ahead for this popular ski weekend. Consider Jindabyne for more affordable accommodation.

Daylesford & Hepburn Springs, VIC

Best for: Wellness seekers, couples, foodies

Victoria's spa country is perfect for a winter wellness retreat. Soak in mineral springs, enjoy cozy fires, and explore the region's excellent restaurants and galleries.

Top experiences: Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, Lake House restaurant, Convent Gallery, Daylesford Sunday Market, mineral spring walking trail.

Cradle Mountain, TAS

Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, photography enthusiasts

Winter transforms Cradle Mountain into a wonderland. Snow-dusted peaks, crisp air, and far fewer crowds than summer make this a magical time to visit.

Top experiences: Dove Lake Circuit, Enchanted Walk, wildlife spotting (wombats are very active), cozy lodge stays, stargazing.

Whitsundays, QLD

Best for: Beach lovers, snorkellers, sailing enthusiasts

The Whitsundays offer a tropical Christmas escape with access to the Great Barrier Reef and iconic Whitehaven Beach. December-January is warm with occasional tropical showers.

Top experiences: Whitehaven Beach, Great Barrier Reef snorkelling or diving, sailing charter, Hill Inlet lookout, Hamilton Island wildlife park.

Stay: Book 6-12 months ahead for Christmas availability. Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach offer the most options.

Tasmania Road Trip

Best for: Adventurers, nature lovers, foodies

An extended Christmas break is perfect for a Tasmania road trip. Summer brings long daylight hours, making it ideal for exploring the island's diverse landscapes.

Top experiences: MONA, Freycinet National Park, Bay of Fires, Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, Bruny Island, Hobart's Salamanca Market.

Suggested route: Hobart - Freycinet (2 nights) - Bay of Fires (2 nights) - Launceston (1 night) - Cradle Mountain (2 nights) - return to Hobart.

Broome, WA

Best for: Adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, beach lovers

Escape to the Kimberley for a unique Christmas experience. While it's wet season, the dramatic storms, green landscapes, and fewer crowds offer a different perspective on this stunning region.

Top experiences: Cable Beach sunset camel ride, Staircase to the Moon (check dates), pearl farm tours, Gantheaume Point dinosaur footprints, sunset drinks at Matso's Brewery.