Seven self-indulgent long-weekend luxury escapes

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Megan Arkinstall finds seven long-weekend ideas to take you away from it all so you can indulge in, well, pure indulgence.

1. Glide on water in the Top End: Kakadu National Park, NT

Bamurru Plains coined the term ‘wild bush luxury’ to describe their accommodation; a down-to-earth camp with a focus on fine details, designed to draw your attention to the surrounding environment rather than the distractions of modern life. There are a host of activities to get you out and about to explore the wildlife, but we recommend starting with a morning glide on the wetlands on board a fan-propelled airboat (specially for shallow waters) – a unique way to view the birdlife native to the area. At night, retreat back to camp for a hearty meal cooked with local ingredients, before falling into a deep sleep to the sounds of Kakadu silence: croaking frogs and local owls. Sounds like a bloody good long weekend to us.

 

Location: Bamurru Plains is a three-hour drive or 20-minute flight from Darwin. Swim Creek Station near Point Stuart in the Mary River Region, 10 kilometres from Kakadu National Park’s western boundary; 1300 790 561; bamurruplains.com

2. Create a work of art in your own studio: Swansea, Tas

Two kilometres up a dirt road brings you to the secluded and stunning Rocky Hills Retreat. Set on 250 acres of dry bush, the house overlooks a valley and out towards Maria Island. Have a bath on the deck and watch the sun go down, or awaken your inner artist in the fully-equipped on-site art studio. In here you’ll find tools to draw, paint, sculpt and knit… the possibilities are endless.

 

Location: Rocky Hills Retreat is 1.5 hours from Hobart. 11901 Tasman Highway, Rocky Hills, Swansea; 1300 361 136; rockyhillsretreat.com.au

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3. Take a private seaplane to a secluded getaway: Whale Beach, NSW

Jonah’s boutique hotel, on Whale Beach just north of Sydney, offers an idyllic getaway without really getting away at all. Kick back on your private balcony and simply admire the 180-degree views of the ocean… and imagine previous guests Sir Anthony Hopkins, Rod Stewart and Mick Jagger doing the same. To really knock your socks off, we recommend arriving in style by private sea plane – you can transfer direct from Sydney’s Rose Bay, as part of a hotel package including a three-course dinner at their hatted restaurant and brekky. Now that’s how a long weekend should be spent (if you’re comfortable with spending, that is).

 

Location: Jonah’s is a 50-minute drive from Sydney or 20 minutes by seaplane. 69 Bynya Road, Whale Beach, Sydney; 02 9974 5599; jonahs.com.au

4. Soak it up on a private rooftop spa: Noosa, QLD

Perched on the highest point of Noosa’s Sunshine Beach Esplanade is a not-so-average retreat, complete with four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, media room, billiards room, pool and yes, a rooftop spa overlooking the Coral Sea. Turn on the bubbles, pour some bubbles and toast to the Queensland winter sun with a few of your favourite friends, before a barbecue on the deck. Winter warming at its best.

 

Location: The Beach Shack is two hours north of Brisbane. 19 The Esplanade, Sunshine Beach, Noosa. Book through R&W Noosa Holidays; 07 5448 0966; rwnoosaholidays.com.au

5. Retreat to a weekend of relaxation and pampering: Byron Bay, NSW

Sometimes, the best kind of indulgence is a break from indulgence. Whether you want to detox, de-stress, lose weight or simply gain some peace, the sprawling hinterland of Byron Bay, home to Olivia Newtown-John’s eco-retreat Gaia, is a beautiful place to do it. With activities like yoga, tai chi, meditation, body balance, cooking classes, art and sculpture classes, and a multi-award winning day spa – your mind, body and spirit are covered. Leave your mobile phone at home… we dare you.

 

Location: Gaia Retreat & Spa is two hours south of Brisbane. 933 Fernleigh Road, Brooklet; 02 6687 1216; gaiaretreat.com.au

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6. Luxury beyond words in a picture worth a thousand: Wolgan Valley, NSW

Brush up on your photography skills and capture the beauty of Wolgan Valley with a guided photography tour. The six-star Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort is a beautiful 4000-acre property with 40 luxury suites boasting a private pool and terrace, and double-sided fireplaces (no wonder it was voted number five in AT’s 100 Incredible Travel Secrets). Step out from behind the lens to enjoy the other onsite activities including hiking, mountain biking, 4WD tours and horse riding. Then return home with your stunning photos to prove that yes, you were indeed at Wolgan Valley. Lucky you.

 

Location: Wolgan Valley is a three-hour drive from Sydney. 2600 Wolgan Road, Wolgan Valley, Lithgow; 02 6350 1800; wolganvalley.com

7. Take a bush bath: Barossa Valley, SA

An elegant country manor located on a 225-acre estate… sounds like an idyllic place to rejuvenate. And what better way to do that than running yourself a soothing bath and soaking to the sound of silence in the middle of the bush? (Yes, it fits two.) The all-inclusive two-night stay at Kingsford Homestead includes drinks and canapés served on the verandah as the sun goes down, cooked breakfast, complimentary wines from the cellar, a five-course degustation one night and a three-course dinner the other. The 1856 homestead may look familiar: it was the previous home to McLeod’s Daughters, but now it can be yours.

 

Location: Kingsford Homestead is 45 minutes from Adelaide. Kingsford Road, Kingsford; 08 8524 8120; kingsfordhomestead.com.au

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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.