Short breaks you can take in Australia and New Zealand

There are times that you just want to get away, but you either can’t take much time off at the time, or you don’t have an endless budget, either. Sometimes you’re just hankering to get away for a few days, and sometimes you just need to recharge your batteries. Luckily, there are plenty of locations for delightful weekend getaways in Australia and New Zealand, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery in our own backyard, and just a little further beyond.

Top End Escape

The Top End of the Northern Territory is known for its tropical weather, crocodiles, rich indigenous culture, great fishing, national parks and laid-back lifestyle.  Aboriginal people are the original custodians of the Top End and have a unique relationship with the land. You’re going to love exploring the wonders of this region, and understanding mysteries of land and waters from the original custodians.

First, discover Darwin, the Northern Territory’s multicultural capital, famed for its markets and festivals, Asian cuisine and beautiful natural harbour. It is also the perfect base from which to explore the natural treasures of World Heritage-listed Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks as well as the Tiwi Islands. Further south, traverse the Katherine region, with a vast network of rivers, escarpments and gorges that weave through sprawling plains of cattle stations, national parks and reserves. In Nitmiluk National Park, the mighty Katherine River slices through towering sandstone cliffs to form the world famous Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.

Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef

Port Douglas is simply a beautiful destination. It only takes about an hour to drive there from Cairns airport, which has regular flights to and from main Australian cities. There are plenty of shuttles and transfers available, so you don’t need to rely on having a car. Set aside plenty of time to wander the quaint streets of the village. With its abundance of palm trees and peach-coloured sidewalk, it’s a veritable tropical paradise.

There are plenty of cafes and ice-cream shops to help you cool off, and many bars and restaurants for you to enjoy come nightfall. In addition, there are a great number of both boutique fashion outlets and popular clothing chains, so you can get your shopping fix. There are also plenty of shops selling local fare, including hand-crafted jewellery or woodwork, and other trinkets.

Being so close to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s easy to embark on a tour and experience snorkelling, swimming and diving out at the beautiful coral reefs. There are also many breathtaking islands nearby, such as the Whitsundays. Here you’ll find Whitehaven Beach, which is one of the world’s most-photographed beaches.

Perth and Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is Perth’s very own island-getaway and the perfect place to take a break. The relaxed Rottnest lifestyle will clear your mind and have you rejuvenated for when you return. The island is blessed with a casual atmosphere, picturesque scenery, dazzling marine life and some of the world’s finest beaches and pristine bays.

Enjoy a lightning fast ocean crossing aboard the Rottnest Fast Ferry before slowing the pace down with a leisurely self-guided bike tour of the island. Take time to swim the spectacular bays and beaches, enjoy the stunning views and meet the island’s friendly Quokkas.

Kangaroo Island Culinary Adventures

Kangaroo Island has earned a sumptuous reputation for great produce. Islanders have a long tradition of self-sufficiency and this translates to a fascinating food, wine and beverage trail. In all corners of the Island you can savour its delights with private catering, eating in the wild or at restaurants, cafes and cellar doors… even under a fig tree! Discovering Kangaroo Island’s culinary secrets is an odyssey for lovers of fine food, wine, beer and spirits.

Sydney and the Blue Mountains

Australia’s biggest city awaits you! Travel to Sydney and see the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, or any of the other amazing attractions and places on offer!

Sydney’s sprawling backyard, the Blue Mountains, are cool, calm and collected, embellished with natural assets and small towns that are big on charm. Escape the city on an overnight getaway to the magical place overlooking the Jamison Valley and the Three sisters as they change colour and glisten in the sunlight. Visit Wentworth Falls, an award winning wildlife park and capture breathtaking views. Also, what’s not to love about getting your hands gooey at the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company, wandering around the marvellous Mayfield Garden, or eating pizza at the Boiler House Cafe in the refurbished Hydro Majestic?

Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road

From the historic city highlights of Melbourne to the natural spectacle of its surrounding area, few trips can offer as much variety. The famous Penguin Parade of Phillip Island is rightly celebrated as a “must-see” tourist destination, and the majestic limestone rocks of the Twelve Apostles must be seen to be believed.

Whether you crave a rich cultural experience, gorgeous landscape or close encounters with unique wildlife, a trip to Melbourne offers the best of all worlds.

Hobart Harvest

A small city with a big appetite for life, book your short break to Hobart for a feast of quirky cultural delights.

Hobart is more than just the Museum Of Old and New Art (MONA), but a trip to the Tasmanian capital without checking out this stunning attraction would be a mistake. The trip there in itself is an adventure on its own. The ferry, with sculptured cows and sheep on board, takes MONA visitors on a 30-minute tour up the Derwent with unobstructed views of Hobart’s picturesque suburbs.

Back in Hobart with appetites charged, it’s time to chase down some fabulous produce. Eating your way around the markets is a joy. Great music prompts rest stops to soak up the local sounds and look around at the backdrop of 1830s sandstone warehouses.

A Hobart mini-break can also take in: Cascade Brewery (bookings preferable as tours often sell out); the Cadbury chocolate factory; Battery Point; boutique cellar doors in all directions; Barilla Bay Oyster Farm; Hobart Farm Gate Markets each Sunday; Mt Wellington; and Mawson’s Hut Replica Gallery.

Bay of Islands and Rotorua

New Zealand is not just about awe-inspiring natural beauty. Discover the captivating Maori culture, take a peek at the museums and galleries and be intrigued by New Zealand’s heritage and history. The Bay of Islands is possibly one of the most picturesque cruise spots in the world. Cruise into Milford Sound and drift by soaring snow-capped peaks and tumbling waterfalls, float by picturesque Fiordland National Park or sit back and watch the fiord and vineyard filled landscape of Picton pass you by.

A world away from the wild adrenalin rush of Queenstown, Marlborough Sounds is the South Island’s picturesque playground of bays, beaches and ancient sunken river valleys. It’s a peaceful and calm getaway where you can go hiking and take scenic cruises round it’s clear waters and sheltered islets of forested hills. Spread out over the top of the South Island, there’s several main towns located along the way, including the idyllic fishing village of Havelock AKA the ‘Green Muscle Capital of the World!’ Head to the legendary ‘Muscle Pot Restaurant and Cafe’ to sample some of the local seafood alongside a delicious Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc or two.

While in Rotorua, which is popularly known as an adventure capital, however you can also have a face to face cultural experience and even walk in rainbow springs at night. Rotorua is where you can walk around in the dark with a flash light and check out the night native birds and river eels. Rotorua also has the natural spa’s and springs where you can have a soak in the water that’s been heated by the underground geothermic vents.

Have you been on quick getaways to any of these destinations? Do you have more to add? Let us know in the comments below.