WSS Travel: Spring Weekend Getaways
With the weather warming up, it is time to hit the road and explore our gorgeous country. I don’t know about you but a long drive does wonders for refreshing the brain and body.
Awaken your senses, rejuvenate and energise with a short getaway to one of Australia’s many beautiful destinations. The sun is shining, trees blossoming and it’s time to head out and have a fun time. Shake off those Winter blues and indulge in Spring getaways to make you feel the possibilities the new season brings!
So where can you go to, I hear you ask? We have gathered our favourite driving trips and short getaways from across Australia for you:
Victoria
There are so many fantastic drives in Victoria to do. The most popular is the Great Ocean Drive, which runs along the southwest coast of the state. While out on the western side of the state, you can visit the Otways or Grampians National Parks or head southeast through Gippsland for the most beautiful countryside you will ever see.
Closer to Melbourne, we love the Yarra Valley for visiting wineries (our favourites are Balgownie Estate in Yarra Glen and Innocent Bystander in Healesville), the Healesville Sanctuary and the gorgeous town of Marysville.
Another popular drive out of Melbourne is to the Macedon ranges and Daylesford to the north of the city. Reconnect with nature, rebalance the body and mind at mineral springs and spas in Hepburn Springs, and discover boutique wineries, organic producers and award-winning restaurants.
Another great drive is to head to Phillip Island in the state’s south. Phillip Island is one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations. It is well-known for its famous penguin parade, large fur seal colony, native wildlife, exciting racing at the island’s Grand Prix circuit, scenic coastline, quaint fishing villages, beautiful beaches, outdoor dining, and so much more.
NSW
In New South Wales, there are tourist drives and scenic road trips that let you explore at your own pace and spend time with the whole family on a new adventure.
Some of the most popular NSW drives include the Greater Blue Mountains Drive, in which you could stay at the Kyah Boutique Hotel, a luxury hotel located in Blackheath. Nestled on a two-acre property near the Kyah Hotel brings a combination of pastel art-deco, childhood nostalgia and luxurious relaxation to life in its walls.
Other NSW escapes include the Legendary Pacific Coast along the North Coast of NSW, the Grand Pacific Drive from Sydney to Wollongong and the spectacular Kosciuszko Alpine Way in the Snowy Mountains or visit the Hunter Valley for some wine tasting. You could also head west to the Central Tablelands and the popular city, Orange, a thriving country town as rich in heritage as it is in award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, stunning gardens and busy markets.
If you are heading into Sydney for a staycation, The Porter House Hotel is the epitome of luxury. The bespoke, 5-star Porter House Hotel Sydney by MGallery, is nestled amongst the eclectic mix of heritage and modern buildings in the heart of the CBD. Where rich history meets modern elegance the Porter House Hotel is a journey of discovery for the senses and a place to meet and explore.
QLD
Queensland is a large and incredibly beautiful state. From the rainforests of the tropical north to southeast coastal roads, windy trails through the scenic hinterlands and as far as the sparse farmlands out west, Queensland is a diverse place with something to satisfy everyone. If you are heading to Brisbane, check out our guide to a weekend in Brisbane.
SA
SA has many self-drive routes highlighting wine regions (including the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, Coonawarra and Limestone coast), scenic coastal and Murray River drives, outback discovery routes, and the state’s freshest seafood and produce.
If you are heading for a drive from Victoria, why not head to Adelaide to stay at the newly opened Sofitel Adelaide? The Sofitel Adelaide is the first new-build, international five-star hotel to open in Adelaide’s CBD in 30 years. Sofitel hotels are synonymous with luxury French-style hospitality. The flagship hotel offers guests a selection of 251 luxurious guest rooms and suites with a choice of gorgeous city and Adelaide Hills views.
WA
Cruise along at your own pace on a self-drive scenic tour of WA’s stunning coast, tall-tree forests and rolling country landscapes.
More than 12,000 species of wildflowers colour WA’s diverse natural landscapes between June and November every year. You can see the best of these dazzling displays in Perth, the South West, Coral Coast, Golden Outback and even as far north as the Pilbara following the wildflower self-drive trails.
Tasmania
Soak up Hobart’s convict history, and tour the local brewery before driving to up Mount Wellington to admire superb views over the harbour. Next head to Freycinet National Park and the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay.
