Weekend Getaways Australia
Short breaks made easy — beach towns, wine regions, mountain retreats, and city escapes all within a few hours of home.
Sometimes you don't need a two-week holiday to recharge — a well-planned weekend away can work wonders. Australia's geography means stunning coastal towns, world-class wine regions, ancient rainforests, and vibrant cities are all within a short drive or flight from every capital.
Whether you're craving the sound of waves at a beachside cottage, a leisurely afternoon of cellar-door tastings, a bushwalk through misty mountain trails, or a weekend of gallery-hopping and rooftop cocktails, there's a short break to match. The best part? Many of these escapes are just 1–3 hours from major cities, so you spend less time travelling and more time relaxing.
LP Travel makes weekend planning effortless — compare real-time hotel rates, filter by amenities like free cancellation and breakfast included, and book instantly with secure payment. Below we've curated the best weekend getaway ideas across Australia, along with money-saving tips to make your short break even sweeter.
Coastal Escapes
Salt air and sandy toes — Australia's coastline offers hundreds of short-break beach towns within a few hours of every capital city.
Surf, yoga retreats, and boutique hotels in the hinterland
Noosa's national park, Eumundi Markets, and calm family beaches
Hot springs, wineries, and coastal walking trails from Melbourne
Dolphin watching, sand dunes, and sheltered beach coves near Newcastle
Wine Country Retreats
Pair award-winning wines with gourmet dining and luxurious vineyard stays — perfect for couples and food lovers looking for a relaxed weekend away.
150+ cellar doors, hot air balloons, and cheese tastings near Sydney
Shiraz heartland with heritage cottages and fine dining near Adelaide
Premium wineries, chocolate factories, and surf beaches in WA
Cool-climate wines and artisan produce just an hour from Melbourne
Mountain & Nature Getaways
Swap the city skyline for misty mountains, rainforest walks, and cosy fireside evenings. Australia's highland regions offer year-round retreats.
Three Sisters, Echo Point lookouts, and heritage guesthouses
World Heritage wilderness, wombat spotting, and lodge stays in Tasmania
12 Apostles, rainforest waterfalls, and dramatic coastal scenery from Melbourne
Lamington National Park, Tamborine Mountain, and spa retreats
City Breaks
Discover a different city for the weekend — world-class dining, galleries, rooftop bars, and boutique hotels make Australian capitals ideal for short stays.
Weekend Getaway Tips
Save money and get the most out of your short break.
Book mid-week for savings
Tuesday to Thursday rates are typically 20–40% less than Friday and Saturday nights at popular destinations.
Travel outside school holidays
Coastal and family destinations can be 50% cheaper outside NSW/VIC school holiday periods.
Look for breakfast-included rates
Many boutique hotels offer packages with breakfast, saving $30–60 per couple per day.
Consider nearby alternatives
Towns 30 minutes from hotspots (e.g. Lennox Head instead of Byron Bay) offer similar experiences at lower prices.
Use flexible cancellation
Book refundable rates so you can adjust plans — weather can change coastal weekend plans quickly.
Drive vs. fly calculation
For destinations under 3 hours away, driving is usually cheaper and gives you more flexibility with luggage and schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best weekend getaways near Sydney?
Popular weekend escapes from Sydney include the Blue Mountains (90 min drive), Hunter Valley wine country (2 hours), the South Coast (Jervis Bay, Berry), Port Stephens for dolphin watching, and the Central Coast for family-friendly beaches.
How far in advance should I book a weekend getaway?
For popular destinations, booking 2–4 weeks ahead is ideal. Long weekends and school holidays fill up quickly — book 4–6 weeks out for those. Mid-week stays are easier to find last minute and often cheaper.
What are good weekend trips from Melbourne?
Melbourne locals love the Great Ocean Road (3–4 hour drive), Mornington Peninsula for hot springs and wine, Daylesford for spa retreats, Phillip Island for penguins, and the Yarra Valley for food and wine experiences.
Are weekend getaways cheaper mid-week?
Yes — hotels in popular weekend destinations often offer 20–40% lower rates for Tuesday to Thursday stays. Many properties also offer mid-week packages with breakfast or spa credits included.
Ready to Plan Your Weekend Escape?
Compare real-time rates on hotels across Australia's best short-break destinations.
