When it comes to getting away, Aussies are spoiled for choice. Just a couple of hours from virtually anywhere you can completely change your everyday scenery. They say change is as good as a holiday, so why not do both and take a weekend mini break? You’ll come back reinvigorated, refreshed and renewed.
WA for the adventurers
Walk, see, do
If you’ve never been to Western Australia, prepare to unleash your spirit of adventure in the spectacular wild west. The flight is only five hours from Sydney, but you’ll feel a million miles away. Just a short ferry ride from Perth takes you to beautiful Rottnest Island, an A-Class nature reserve where you can hike, cycle or even segue around the island’s network of trails and see spectacular scenery, wildlife and marine life up close. Don’t miss the local celebrities, quokkas!
Hit the road
Back on the mainland, enjoy Perth’s thriving food scene or hire a car and cruise down the coast towards Margaret River to catch some waves at any number of stunning beaches – and if you’re there between June and December, look out for migrating whales!
Tasmania for the nature lovers
Immerse yourself
For the nature lover, Tasmania is hard to beat. Summer or winter, the place is bursting with life. While many of us tend to shy away from the winter cold our Tasmanian friends spring into action and embrace the chill with vigour and delight so plan a trip for the cooler months for a whole different experience.
Nature’s light show
While you’re out of the glow of the city, see if you can catch Australia’s very own natural light show. The Aurora Australis can be sighted from Tasmania and is every bit as wondrous as the northern lights – but also as elusive. Your best bet to see the lights is as far away from city lights as possible after nightfall. And don’t forget to rug up!
Explore pristine beauty
Freycinet National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth, boasting so many pristine natural assets you will wonder if you have found Eden. Breathe in the freshest air and hear the crunch of the frost-bitten ground under your feet as you explore the wild beauty of the serene bays, pink, granite mountains and stunning beaches. The region of Freycinet is also famous for its produce and has become a hot spot for foodies so be sure to indulge in the local cuisine.
Tourism Tasmania can give you all the inspiration you need to make the most of your time on the island. If you prefer to let someone else do the logistical legwork for you, APT offers fantastic tours of Tasmania so you are guaranteed to see the highlights in luxury.
The Whitsundays for romantics
Sail away together
If the idea of a weekend sailing between islands floats your boat, the Whitsundays are a dream destination for lovers. QANTAS, Virgin, Jetstar and Tiger Airways all fly direct to both Proserpine and Hamilton Island airports. From the mainland you can board a charter or skipper yourself if you’re a salty seafarer. Self-cater if that appeals to you, or pre-book and pull into one of the Whitsundays' gorgeous resorts where you can dine and moor for the night.
The luxurious life
If resorting is more your style, jump on an island transfer once you arrive in Airlie Beach and enjoy the trip around the islands on the way to your resort. Book transfers online or through your travel agent before you arrive to ensure your check in time aligns. Hamilton Island offers range of great resort options at varying prices and Daydream Island has recently undergone a major refurbishment to establish itself as a world-class luxury destination.
