The Iglu Guide | Blog
7 of Australia’s hottest weekend destinations
We all know that taking short breaks away from your workload is a proven way to improve focus and productivity – so with uni well under way and Easter holidays right around the corner, now is the time to schedule that weekend escape.
Living in Australia, you don’t have to travel far to get away from it all. Here’s 7 of our favourite local holiday destinations to get you started.
1. The Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
Looking for clear blue waters, ancient ferns and tropical surrounds? How about the road tripping adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than the beautiful Daintree Rainforest, the jewel of Northern Queensland – and the oldest rainforest on the planet. Located just 2 hours north of Cairns, there are endless activities to keep you and your friends entertained, from walking and hiking through to swimming and snorkelling. Take a croc-spotting cruise along the Daintree River and say Hi to some of the locals, or try a walkabout tour for a more personalised cultural adventure. This meeting of two world heritage sites, where the rainforest meets the reef, simply cannot be missed.
2. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
There’s only one thing better than living in Melbourne, and that’s driving out of the city on the Great Ocean Road. One of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, this popular trip is stunning at any time of year and will take you to some of the most Insta-worthy locations of your lifetime. Perhaps best known for the Twelve Apostles, a dramatic collection of 7 limestone stacks just off the coastline, this trip will also take you to beaches, waterfalls, lookouts and lighthouses. You’ll can see koalas napping in the wild at Cape Otway, penguin colonies at Peterborough, and shipwreck sites at Loch Ard Gorge.
3. The Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Little more than an hour from Sydney lies a magical, heritage-listed wonderland, where quaint little villages nestle quietly against a rugged backdrop of magnificent eucalyptus-laden escarpments. An adventure hotspot, or a peaceful haven of relaxation, the Blue Mountains has something for everyone. Head into the offbeat towns of Katoomba and Leura and browse around the quirky stores. Don’t miss out on Scenic World where you can ride the world’s steepest railway, and be sure to get to the spectacular Three Sisters viewpoint for sunset with views across the valley. Choose a hike that suits your level and ability and take a drive through the beautiful Megalong Valley before you leave. The blue hue given off from the native eucalyptus trees are what gives this beautiful area its name.
4. Fraser Island, Queensland
Known locally as ‘paradise’, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island. World-heritage listed, this is an adventure just waiting for you to make it happen. Boasting over 250km of sandy beaches, this spectacular beachy playground is also home to a diverse range of ecosystems and geological formations. You’ll find rainforests growing from the sand, clear water lakes and dark water lakes, unusual dune formations as a response to the conditions – and much, much, more. Take a spin along 75 Mile Beach in a 4WD and keep an eye out for the local dingoes along the way. Avoid the sharks and save your swimming time for the freshwater beauty spot of Lake Mackenzie. Here, the waters are so pure that virtually no aquatic life exists. Don’t forget to explore the Maheno Shipwreck before you leave. Swept ashore by a cyclone back in 1935 these rusted remains are a stark reminder of what it takes to survive in the wild.
5. Phillip Island, Victoria
Have you ever seen hordes of tiny penguins march their sandy way home every evening just before sunset? Now’s your chance. Just 90 minutes out from Melbourne, here at Phillip Island you’ll find pristine white beaches, spectacular lookouts, fur seal colonies and surf breaks to die for. You can hang out at animal sanctuaries, jet around on a boat, or take a virtual voyage to Antartica. It even has its own jazz festival! Camp, glamp or farmstay, the options are endless and affordable – making this undoubtedly one of the best short break destinations Australia has to offer.
6. Byron Bay, New South Wales
If you need a break from the hard edges of city living, and you want to experience a softer side of life, head to the sweet sands of Byron Bay – a backpackers’ haven and travellers’ delight. Once a more rustic mining town, today Byron Bay epitomises a deliberate reaction to the busy city mindset and is a popular getaway destination. Dedicated to relaxation, festival vibes and summer feels, Byron is definitely the spot to unwind and remember what life’s really all about. Think beaches, surfing, swimming, shopping, dining and chilling – and the rest is up to you. Accessible by car or by flying into Ballina Airport.
7. Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales
This beautiful location is the perfect weekend escape from the city streets and can feel a world away from worry. Full of country charm, there’s hiking, horse-riding and biking all on offer, as well as kayaking, canoeing and even canyoning up for grabs. Take the opportunity to enjoy some of the local dining and wineries that scatter the region, and don’t miss the quaint little village of Kangaroo Valley along with the country’s largest surviving suspension bridge. Head to Fitzroy Falls for an 81m spectacular drop, and enjoy the many vistas available from the surrounding walking tracks. Bowral, Berry and Mittagong are all Southern Highland sights worth a look before you reluctantly head back into the big city lights.
Photo by Freedom Wanderers
