Did you spend the last two weekends lazing around on the couch with a couple of snacks while enjoying a marathon of your favourite TV show?
It might be time to break out of routine and try something new.
The weekend may be just around the corner, but it’s never too late to hop into the car for a weekend getaway.
Start your planning by checking out our top picks for last minute weekend escapes. We’ve even thrown in a few great places we recommend you stay.
The Coastal Cool – Bondi
There’s a reason why pretty much every single celebrity that visits Sydney makes a pit stop in Bondi (Ricki Martin even made it his Australian home) – it’s just so cool.
First Bondi has its widely popular and ever-so iconic beach. The pristine surf makes its way onto land where it’s greeted by white sand – a truly picturesque site only minutes from Sydney’s CBD.
After a day in the water, visitors can make their way across the sand and over to the other side of the street for something to eat.
The main street is lined with edgy restaurants, bar and cafes offering a range of culinary choices from Italian straight through to fish and chips.
Bondi’s beach and food aside, visitors can enjoy light coastal walks, visit a farmers market or pick up a local handmade treat at the boutique street stalls.
Where to stay?
Go no further than the Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach. It’s like a home away but with one of the world’s most famous beaches practically across the road.
The property is conveniently located on Hall Street – Bondi’s hip street with the area’s trendiest restaurants, cafes and bars.
Inside, the property offers 111 one- and- two-bedroom apartment and studio rooms where guests can enjoy comfort of home such as the iPod docking stations, wireless and broadband Internet.
For those who are a little tired after a day in the surf, the Adina Apartment Hotel offers grocery delivery services and in-room movies.
The Small Town Charm – Marysville
Does the name sound a little familiar?
It should, Marysville was made famous five years ago after suffering from the devastating fires of Black Saturday.
Ninety percent of the town’s buildings were destroyed and its population of 500 quickly dwindled.
Now, almost half a decade on, the region has literally risen from the ashes to become one of Victoria’s ideal quiet and soft adventure escapes.
Popular activities for weekend visitors include bushwalking, trout and salmon fishing, golf, bike riding, arts and crafts.
For those that stop by during the colder seasons, the small town offers skiing, tobogganing and snow play at nearby Lake Mountain.
For those that prefer to admire local architecture and culture, Marysville is famous for its stately 19th-century buildings, laneways and tree-lined boulevards.
Where to stay?
Marysville’s newest and most picturesque properties is the Vibe Hotel Marysville.
Opening its doors in February this year, the 4.5 star-rated property boasts 101 guests.
Inside, Vibe Hotel Marysville has five suites for those that prefer a little extra space, plus there’s a health and fitness facilities with a gym, an outdoor pool and a spa/wellbeing centre.
During meals, guests can enjoy a freshly prepared dish at the Radius Bar & Grill and Radius Café, which are led by local Executive Chef Leigh Colville – formerly of Chateau Yering.
Leigh serves modern Australian cuisine at the Radius Bar & Grill such as Blackmore Wagyu beef, Killara Rise lamb and whole cuts of pork are cooked over a wood fire grill and wood fire rotisserie.
At Radius Café, local ingredients are sandwiched between slices of freshly baked bread produced in-house.
The Political Party – Canberra
It may be the heart of Australia’s politics, but that doesn’t mean it’s a snooze fest – in fact it’s the opposite.
Over the years, Canberra’s nightlife has take turn towards being among the best in Australia with trendy new restaurants and bars.
The city is also attracting more big name properties, including the Vibe Canberra Airport, which is scheduled to open in October this year.
When it property does open, it will add some 340 beds in the city and addition conference facilities, with one large room that can be split into two.
Unlike its Sydney neighbour, Canberra enjoys a lockout-free environment, where visitors can bar or club hop until the early hours of the morning.
Additionally, the destination is attracting more major events than ever before, including a number of sporting events and even major musicians such as Grammy-nominated artist, Fabolous.
During the day Canberra has an extensive network of parks and reserves with walking trails and cycle ways.
Where to stay?
Less than six months ago Hotel Kurrajong Canberra underwent a complete refurb to become an era of old-world charm and elegance.
Nestled among trees between Lake Burley Griffin and Capital Hill, the heritage-listed hotel originally opened in 1926 in Canberra’s parliamentary district as a boarding house.
It was later transformed into a hotel school before becoming a pavilion-style hotel.
The now restored Hotel Kurrajong has old world charm with a stylish and contemporary twist.
Insider, it has 147 rooms, 26 of which are located in the heritage wing.
Aside from accommodation, the property has a cosy fireplace for the colder nights, a Library full of historic literature and the collages of photographs from different periods along the hallways give guests a sense of the hotel’s history.
Hotel Kurrajong offers a premium dining experience at Chifley’s Bar & Grill, a quality-driven steakhouse and bar with the award winning hatted chef Michael Chatto at the helm.
Chatto has created a delicious menu with the use of fresh local produce, hand selected meats and more than 120 local and international wines.
The Sunniest Capital – Perth
It may not be the ‘Sunshine State’ but it is Australia’s ‘sunniest capital’ because of its unique mix of modern influences meets ocean meets the industrial sector.
Over the years, Perth has become a popular weekend escape for domestic travellers because its distance from other key cities gives the illusion of an international trip without actually leaving the country.
The city is bustling with new bars, restaurants, shopping and cultural spaces, and is also home to Kings Park—one of the world’s largest inner city parks, beautiful wineries, and stunning beaches where you can even swim with wild dolphins.
On a weekend escape, visitors can enjoy everything from taking food tours to experience the city’s culinary treats to seeing the city from Frasers Avenue Lookout.
Where to stay?
No property is more convenient than Travelodge Hotel Perth, which is centrally located in the heart of Perth CBD.
The hotel offers 126 rooms and has 24-gour reception assistance to guide visitors at any time of the day (or night).
Inside, the accommodation offers meals and refreshments at the Armada Restaurant and Bar, which also acts as a great socialising spot for locals.
