Look forward to warmer days, louder birdsong, blooming wildflowers, the smell of cut grass and peeling off layers by planning a weekend getaway for this spring.
The arrival of spring coaxes us away from our heaters, from under our blankets and out of hibernation. Forget cleaning out the cupboards, it’s time for a spring weekend getaway filled with sunshine and time in nature. Whether you choose to swap your Ugg boots for thongs and hit the beach, go hiking through wildflowers or make a mad dash inland before the heat of summer sets in, we’ve rounded up 14 spring weekends for you to plan now.
1. Kiama, NSW
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Aerial view overlooking the Kiama Blowhole Point. (Image: Destination NSW)
Is the arrival of spring your cue to head to the coast? Take the 90-minute cruise down the M1 from Sydney or less than three hours from Canberra to chilled-out Kiama. It’s blessed with nine beaches, four ocean pools, snorkelling and surf spots, thunderous blowholes and rolling hillsides.
The best accommodation to book
The Sebel Kiama has magnificent views.
The Sebel Kiama has spectacular ocean views and modern hotel rooms and apartments. Travelling with kids? BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park is a private beachfront holiday park with a huge water park and multiple playgrounds.
Must-have experiences
The Bridge at Bundanon is an architectural marvel. (Image: Zan Wimberley)
Snorkel Boneyard’s crystal-clear waters, teeming with fish or take your surfboard to The Farm and Minnamurra (locally known as Mystics). Dry off along the 20-kilometre Kiama Coast Walk, which stretches along the coast from Minnamurra River to Gerringong. And you absolutely must detour to Bundanon near Nowra (a 45-minute drive from Kiama) to experience an art museum, accommodation and wildlife sanctuary in one. As the former home of iconic Australian artist Arthur Boyd, you get to see his preserved studio and the homestead, while the gallery exhibits a rotating schedule of modern, contemporary and First Nations Art. You can spend the night on The Bridge—a striking architectural retreat offering simple comfort, scenic views, and direct access to the property’s cultural experiences.
2. Lismore, NSW
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Give some love to Lismore on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Divert from the heaving coast to the picturesque Northern Rivers hinterland, a blend of farmland, rainforest and national parks. Give some love to Lismore – a culturally rich city that was devastated by flooding but has rebuilt with a renewed spirit.
The best accommodation to book
Stay in the heart of town at Lismore Gateway Motel, a refreshed 34-room property with a swimming pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Must-have experiences
Pop your head into Lismore Regional Gallery. (Image: Chris Ashton)
Be sure to pop your head into Lismore Regional Gallery, which reopened earlier this year following post-flood restoration and exhibits contemporary art across all disciplines. And hire a bike to explore the scenic countryside along the 132-kilometre Northern Rivers Rail Trail that links Murwillumbah to Casino.
3. Hamilton Island, Queensland
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Springtime hits the sweet spot in Hamilton Island.
An average temperature of 28 degrees? Yes, please. Hamilton Island is a tropical island that’s simple to get to and easy to get around, with a buzzy yet relaxed vibe. While this Whitsundays gem claims mild and mostly sunny weather year-round, springtime hits the sweet spot.
The best accommodation to book
Stay at The Sundays on the edge of Catseye Beach.
The Sundays is the island’s newest and hottest accommodation, perched on the edge of Catseye Beach. It has chic rooms that can interconnect for families and a pool club with a restaurant helmed by acclaimed Sydney duo Josh and Julia Niland.
Must-have experiences
Book a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef or world-famous Whitehaven Beach. Or see this beautiful part of our country from a First Nations perspective with Ngaro man Robbie Congoo on a Cultural Island Discovery tour to Hook Island.
4. Winton, Queensland
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
The Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum is home to the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Go against the grain and head inland to the outback before the scorching temps of summer set in. In September and October, the weather is warm, the skies are clear, and wildflowers begin to bloom.
The best accommodation to book
Go off-grid at Rangelands Outback Camp.
Go off-grid for a true outback adventure under starry skies, without compromising on creature comforts. Rangelands Outback Camp is a working cattle station that features six luxury solar-powered tents, a dining tent and a deck to soak up uninterrupted sunsets.
Must-have experiences
Visit Winton’s two big museums: Australian Age of Dinosaurs, home to the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils, and Waltzing Matilda Centre, a celebration of Banjo Paterson’s famous bush ballad and all things outback Australia.
5. Blue Mountains, NSW
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Blue Mountains’ captivating scenery comes alive in spring. (Image: Filippo Rivetti Photography)
Sure, crisp winter air and fireside dining are lovely. But this World Heritage-listed region comes to life in spring, with the season’s warm and dry conditions excellent for bushwalking.
The best accommodation to book
The Kyah Hotel is embracing the retro motel revival. (Image: Steven Woodburn)
The Kyah Hotel in Blackheath is a chic boutique motel with Art Deco styling. For a nostalgic stay with sweeping views over Megalong Valley, check in to the iconic Hydro Majestic in Medlow Bath.
Must-have experiences
First-timers should tick Katoomba’s Three Sisters and nearby Scenic World – with its steep railway and cable car – off your list. Then it’s time to tackle some of the breathtaking 19-kilometre Grand Cliff Top Walk, which links Wentworth Falls, Leura and Katoomba.
6. Mackay Isaac, Queensland
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Spot the elusive platypus in Eungella National Park. (Image: Getty Images / ea-4)
This laidback region is where rainforest-clad country meets the reef-fringed coast. It’s a natural playground for hiking, camping, fishing and mountain biking. Warm, spring days = longer time spent playing outdoors.
The best accommodation to book
Stay at Quest Mackay on Gordon.
Quest Mackay on Gordon is in the heart of Mackay and has modern one- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchens, balconies and an outdoor swimming pool.
Must-have experiences
Eungella National Park is an ancient ecological wonderland with plenty of bushwalking. It’s also renowned for the elusive platypus, which may be spotted in Broken River. Add the waterfalls and volcanic boulders of Finch Hatton Gorge to your list, too.
7. Wilson Island, Queensland
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Wilson Island is a secluded coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Tiny Wilson Island is a secluded coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef. This dreamy castaway-style escape has white sandy beaches lapped by turquoise water and zero connectivity, making it the ideal reset for spring.
The best accommodation to book
Managed by Aldesta Hotels & Resorts, this adults-only, all-inclusive island comprises just nine safari-style tents, all nestled in ancient Pisonia Forest with ocean views.
Must-have experiences
Immerse yourself in some turtle-watching. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Enjoy stand-up paddle-boarding above coral, snorkel straight off the beach, or watch green and loggerhead turtles during nesting and hatching season (November to March).
8. Yarra Valley, Victoria
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Yarra Valley’s pristine farms are a must-visit in spring.
The wines are pouring year-round in the Yarra Valley; however, come September, the vineyards turn lush with new growth, making springtime sipping that little bit prettier.
The best accommodation to book
Stay amongst the vines at Re’em Yarra Valley, a new 16-room hotel on Helen & Joey Estate. Surrounded by 80 hectares of vineyards, it features chic, comfy rooms and an Asian-inspired restaurant.
Must-have experiences
Make a beeline for CherryHill Orchards.
Start your day with a hot-air balloon flight over the vineyards before cellar door-hopping. The ephemeral cherry blossoms appear late September to early October, so make a beeline for CherryHill Orchards to see these Insta-worthy blooms.
9. Murray River, SA
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Spring is a fantastic time to cruise the historic Murray River. (Image: South Australia Tourism Commission)
This mighty river, lined with river red gums, is full of natural beauty, steeped in history, and rich in Indigenous culture and folklore. In spring, wildlife re-emerges, flowers bloom, and swimming is back on the cards.
The best accommodation to book
The Frames is an adults-only retreat. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)
Base yourself in Renmark at Discovery Parks Renmark Riverfront, which has self-contained cabins and glamping, plus a swimming pool and waterpark. Or luxe out in nearby Paringa at The Frames, an adults-only retreat.
Must-have experiences
Take a cruise along the Murray River on board historic paddlesteamer PS Industry. Or hire a houseboat for the weekend: sleeping up to 12, you can explore the Murray’s dramatic limestone cliffs, lagoons and wetlands at your own pace.
10. Bicheno, Tas
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Bicheno is a natural wildlife sanctuary. (Image: Tourism Australia)
This East Coast hamlet is a natural wildlife sanctuary. You may spot whales as they return south for the year, watch little blue penguins during their busy breeding season, and see wallabies, pademelons and echidnas out and about.
The best accommodation to book
Within walking distance to town, Bicheno Garden Cottages are self-contained and sleep two. Aplite House is set on an 80-hectare property that shares boundaries with Freycinet National Park and is near Friendly Beaches, a wildly beautiful and empty stretch of sand.
Must-have experiences
Friendly Beaches is a wildly beautiful and empty stretch of sand. (Image: Kathryn Leahy)
Bicheno overlooks the Governor Island Marine Reserve, which teems with kelp-covered reefs and sponge gardens. Go diving or take a glass-bottomed boat to see its biodiversity. Be sure to try Tassie’s ‘best lobster roll’ at Lobster Shack.
11. Broome, WA
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Shinju Festival is fun and family-friendly. (Image: CJ Maddock)
Before the wet arrives, make plans for a weekend in Broome. The weather is warm, there’s little rainfall, and the sparkling Indian Ocean is an open invitation for swimming or kayaking with turtles. Late winter/early spring also marks the start of the Shinju Matsuri Festival.
The best accommodation to book
Cool off in the Mangrove Hotel’s pool.
Mangrove Hotel is a contemporary stay overlooking Roebuck Bay and just walking distance from Chinatown. A local institution since 1988, Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa is perched on its namesake beach and has a range of luxury suites and bungalows.
Must-have experiences
Visit the Horizontal Falls on a day tour from Broome, either by boat, seaplane or helicopter. And learn about the town’s pearling history with a visit to Paspaley Pearls, Willie Creek Pearls or Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.
12. Canberra, ACT
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
You needn’t be a floral fanatic to enjoy Floriade.
One word: Floriade. Now in its 38th year, you needn’t be a floral fanatic to enjoy this annual festival. There are also market stalls, live music and food and wine to enjoy. There’s a buzz in the air during spring (and it’s not just the busy bees).
The best accommodation to book
Book a bed at Midnight Hotel, a sleek stay in trendy Braddon. A by Adina, on the Parliamentary Triangle, has one- and two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to five.
Must-have experiences
Delight in the art and world-class exhibitions on show at the National Gallery. (Image: Visit Canberra)
It’d be remiss not to make time for the city’s museums, including the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon and Australian War Memorial. For some fun in the springtime sun, skipper a boat on Lake Burley Griffin or hire a bike to loop around its 30-kilometre shore.
13. Coffs Harbour, NSW
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Escape to Coffs Harbour this spring. (Image: Destination NSW)
Coffs Harbour on NSW’s mid-north coast shines in spring, thanks to its golden beaches and lush hinterland. Whether you’re chasing coastal walks, fresh seafood or simply a relaxed seaside escape, this coastal haven delivers the ultimate seasonal recharge.
The best accommodation to book
Park up with Star RV at Darlington Beach Holiday Resort.
From boutique seaside stays like Barellen Beach House to eco-retreats in the rainforest such as Hernani Wilderness Hut, Coffs Harbour has options for every traveller. But its coastal caravan parks and campgrounds are perfect this time of year when the days are mild, like Darlington Beach Holiday Resort. And with a Star RV rental, you’ve got your accommodation and transport in one, no matter where you choose to pull up.
Must-have experiences
Chase waterfalls in the verdant Dorrigo National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)
It wouldn’t be a trip to Coffs Harbour without a photo at the Big Banana, where you can also go tobogganing and bowling, play laser tag, and swim at the on-site water park. Nearby Dorrigo National Park, just an hour’s drive inland, is perfect for nature hikes and chasing waterfalls. Found along the scenic Waterfall Way road trip, it’s the perfect excuse to make tracks in your Star RV motorhome.
14. Mildura, Vic
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Mildura sits on the picturesque banks of the Murray River.
Recently dubbed the ‘Tropical North’ of Victoria, Mildura is a springtime oasis on the banks of the Murray River. Warm days, bespoke vineyards and flourishing citrus groves bring to mind the Med, while fresh regional produce and friendly locals hint at Australia’s heart.
The best accommodation to book
From boutique hotels to riverside stays, there’s no shortage of places to rest your head. But for the ultimate weekend stay, book into the recently refurbished Kar-Rama. Part retro motel, part desert dream, this laidback gem pairs perfectly with Mildura’s easy-going vibe.
Must-have experiences
Don’t miss Bruce Munro’s stunning Trail of Light.
Mildura bursts with flavour and fun come spring. While a cruise along the Murray and a day-trip to Mungo National Park go down a treat, you don’t want to miss Bruce Munro’s Trail of Light. The immersive outdoor installation celebrates the creative community it calls home and is best viewed at sunset.
