5 unique weekend away ideas

When you feel the need to relax, revive and reconnect with nature, a weekend mini break is just what the doctor ordered. Better still, you can really shake up the routine with unique escapes to experience wonder, within mere hours of Australia’s capital cities. Invest in your own well-being and book a trip to one of these amazing destinations.

1. Sleep in an iconic house (VIC)

Fancy staying in a house suspended 40 metres above Fairhaven Beach? If you’ve driven the Great Ocean Road, you’ve probably spotted the ‘house on a stick’, otherwise known as Fairhaven Pole House. It juts out from a cliff, with ocean panoramas that’ll make you feel like you’re out at sea. The luxury, modern beach house is available online for rent and, though the area is packed full of things to see and do, you’ll be hard-pressed to drag yourself from the view.

2. Cycle Rottnest Island (WA)

Blend fun and fitness with an island vibe on Rottnest, with your own family cycling tour around the car-free island. It’s just a short ferry ride from Perth and it only takes a day to conquer the whole island on specially marked trails. However, you’ll want the whole weekend to explore the pristine beaches, wildlife, panoramic views and historic secrets to learn. To rest your weary peddling feet, there are hotels, bungalows, cabins and beach houses to choose from.

3. Retreat into enchanting wilderness (NSW)

If you’ve never quite forgotten the fantasy of living in a treehouse, here’s your chance to make the dream come true. Wollemi Wilderness Retreat sits among 600 acres of bush, in the Blue Mountains. There’s the Treehouse, with views of Bowen’s Creek Gorge, a spa and birds for company, or accommodation including the Enchanted Cave, the Dream Cabin and the Love Tee Pee. 

4. Experience romantic Bali (VIC)

There’s a little slice of Bali waiting for you in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. Balinese Retreat is a private cottage designed for one couple at a time, with all the luxuries you can imagine, including a private blue lagoon, exotic gardens, waterfalls, a spa, lantern-lined pathways and sumptuous cuisine. You’ll feel like you’re in the ‘Land of the Gods’, without setting foot on a plane.

5. Navigate Nambung National Park (WA)

Take the family on a trip through some of Western Australia’s most unique scenery, on a weekend tour from Perth through Nambung National Park. Explore the science fiction landscape of the Pinnacles, ancient limestone pillars that rise from yellow desert sands. You can stay in nearby Cervantes, a laid back beach town perfect for fun in the sun.