Sometimes a short break is just the ticket.
Daylesford, VIC
If it’s real indulgence you’re looking for, then you can’t go past Australia’s original spa town. Daylesford sits in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, about 90 minutes from Melbourne, and is famous for its natural mineral springs. Take a soak in the healing waters, follow it up with a massage or facial, then head out to sample some of the delicious local produce served everywhere from classic country pubs to hatted fine-dining restaurants.
Berowra Waters, NSW
Less than an hour from Sydney, the leafy enclave of Berowra Waters feels like it’s on another planet. Sitting on the Hawkesbury River, it’s completely surrounded by the Kurin-Gai National Park and the only way to get around is by boat. Spend your days cruising around the interconnecting waterways, fishing, swimming or just relaxing on the deck of your holiday home with a cold beer in hand.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland, QLD
Leave the beaches to the families. Experienced travellers know that Queensland’s best bits are inland. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is just over an hour from Brisbane and is dotted with a series of cute-as-a-button villages (like Maleny, Montville and Yandina) in the shadow of the stunning Glasshouse Mountains. Eat your fill at boutique cheese shops, sample the latest batch at local breweries and then burn it all off with a walk to Kondalilla Falls.
Maria Island, TAS
In a past life, this little island off the southeast coast of Tasmania was a convict settlement and whaling station. Now, it’s a wildlife haven home to waddling wombats, curious kangaroos and the regal Cape Barren geese. There’s no accommodation on the island, so you’ll need to rough it a little at the campsite, but your reward is five-star scenery and absolute tranquility. Just remember to bring your own coffee.
Mudgee, NSW
We’re calling it now – Mudgee is going to be the next big wine region in Australia. It’s a charming country town (complete with a well-preserved main street lined with family-owned bakeries and laid-back pubs) that’s the gateway to some of the best wineries in the country. Mudgee is around three hours from Sydney, but once you arrive all the best spots are really close together.
Have you been to any of these destinations?
This article was written in partnership with Over60.