Look forward to warmer days, louder birdsong, blooming wildflowers and peeling off layers by planning a spring weekend getaway.
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
Savour sunsets from the Kiama Blowhole headland. (Credit: 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 and is located just minutes from town.
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
Bombo Headland Quarry is a hidden gem in Kiama. (Credit: Destination NSW)
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. Don’t miss the lesser-known Bombo Headland Quarry, where you’ll find otherworldly rock formations resulting from the region’s rich mining history.
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. Wilson Island, Queensland
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Wilson Island is a secluded coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Or stand-up paddleboard. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland))
Immerse yourself in some turtle-watching or snorkelling. (Credit: 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
Unwind on this private island haven. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
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
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).
3. Yarra Valley, Victoria
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Yarra Valley vineyards produce excellent cool-climate wines. (Image: Visit Victoria/Cormac Hanrahan)
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
Check into the Alicorn Suite at Re’em Yarra Valley.
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
Pick your own cherries at CherryHill Orchards. (Credit: Visit Victoria)
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.
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. (Credit: 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. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
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. Coffs Harbour, NSW
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Moonee Beach is an idyllic slice of paradise. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Spot a wild kangaroo at the scenic coastal walk. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Stock up on your farm-fresh produce at the Coffs Coast Growers Markets. (Credit: Jay Black)
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.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
The best accommodation to book
Darlington Beach Holiday Resort is a tropical oasis is nestled alongside Arrawarra Beach.
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.
6. Murray River, SA
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Spring is a fantastic time to cruise the historic Murray River. (Credit: 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. (Credit: 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.
7. Bicheno, Tas
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Bicheno’s Le Gulch wine bar is set beside the sea. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
Recently named Australia’s best emerging town, 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. New hospitality venues such as seaside Le Gulch are bringing buzz to the town, too.
The best accommodation to book
Sea Stacks Bicheno is a striking set of 12 timber-clad accommodations. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
Within walking distance to town, Bicheno Garden Cottages are self-contained and sleep two while Sea Stacks Bicheno are timber-clad sanctuaries by the sea. 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
The family-friendly Governörs café in the heart of Bicheno. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
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 and stop in for Swedish fika (cafe and coffee) at Governörs Bicheno.
8. Blue Mountains, NSW
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
The Blue Mountains abounds in scenic lookouts and hikes. (Credit: Destination NSW)
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 Hilltop Cabin at Mt Kanimbla Retreats.
The Kyah Hotel in Blackheath is a chic boutique motel with Art Deco styling, while Mt Kanimbla Retreats are design-led cabins embraced by nature. 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.
9. Hamilton Island, Queensland
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
A sunrise yoga session at The Sundays on Hamilton Island. (Credit: Kara Rosenlund)
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
Take advantage of free water sports at The Sundays. (Credit: Rosenlund)
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
Hill Inlet overlooking Whitehaven Beach. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
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.
10. 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.
Weekly travel news, experiences insider tips, offers, and more.
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. (Credit: 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.
11. Broome, WA
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Shinju Festival is fun and family-friendly. (Credit: 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
The Kimberley’s Horizontal Falls aren’t just a natural wonder – they're pure, untamed drama, hailed by David Attenborough as one of the world’s greatest!
Say hello to spring with outdoor adventures in Mackay. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
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
Quest Mackay on Gordon offers comfortable rooms.
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.
13. 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
Sleep in a yurt at Beltana Farm, located a short drive from Canberra. (Credit: VisitCanberra)
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. Or, for a unique and cosy stay just 10 minutes from the CBD, where you can hunt truffles and enjoy seasonal produce, check into Beltana Farm.
Must-have experiences
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.
14. Mildura, Vic
Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away
Enjoy a stellar line-up of arts and entertainment at Mildura Fringe.
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. And in spring, it comes alive thanks to the Mildura Fringe Festival.
The best accommodation to book
Kar-Rama in Mildura is part retro motel, part desert dream. Expect punchy colours, quirky details and major main-character energy.
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 Lights in Mildura. (Credit: Bruce Munro)
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.
Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?
Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
Whether you’re after the perfect family holiday or after something a little more romantic, Accor has the stay for you.
Nothing sets the tone of your holiday quite like the accommodation you’ve chosen. After all, who can imagine a wellness retreat without an on-site day spa, or a sprawling family resort without a kids’ club (or babysitting service)? The truth is there are as many ways to holiday as there are types of travellers – but happily, there’s accommodation for every type of traveller.
Fun family holidays
A successful family holiday requires plenty of space – not to mention essential amenities, like a fully equipped kitchen and laundry, a central location near plenty of activities and attractions, and those all-important beaches. The following properties all fit the bill and were designed with kids in mind.
1. Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas
Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas is perfect for a family getaway.
Will it be a day of snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, horse riding along the golden sands of Cape Tribulation, or trying your hand at watersports at Four Mile Beach? For those checked in at Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, the correct answer can only ever be ‘all of the above’ – but only if you can convince the kids to get out of the hotel’s lagoon-style swimming pool.
Featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments (some with private swim-up pool decks), the hotel is also conveniently located moments from the town centre.
2. Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
Send the kids to Kid’s club, and head to the restaurant.
Kids’ club: the two words most parents of little ones long to hear. With Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, however, that’s only the beginning. This eco-friendly hotel (which is famous for its spacious rooms) pulls out all the stops, serving up a 10-metre outdoor pool, tennis court and a signature restaurant, The Ternary.
When the kids are screaming ‘Gold Coast theme parks’ but your body needs a little Byron Bay downtime, the answer arrives in the form of Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff, an airy resort located in The Tweed. Some of Queensland and New South Wales’s top beaches and attractions are only a short drive away.
Featuring one- and two-bedroom suites, a tennis court and a lagoon-style pool (plus a children’s wading pool), guests also have the option to rent a bike, book a treatment at the onsite day spa, or organise child-minding for date night.
Couples getaways
Remember those candlelit dinners when you first got together? Or what about those long walks along the beach and lazy sleep-ins – complete with room service?
If you’re still searching your memory, it’s time to hit reboot on romance by booking a hotel geared around good food, good times and more than a little privacy.
Top tip? Book the Romance Getaway Package, which includes a bottle of French champagne, breakfast in bed and a leisurely 2pm check out.
2. Mondrian Gold Coast
Enjoy classy surrounds at The Mondrian.
The Gold Coast suburb of Burleigh has all the ingredients needed for a romantic escape. And the best place to explore it all from is the stunning beachfront lifestyle precinct, Mondrian Gold Coast.
Stay in one of 208 accommodation options, including studios, suites, homes and houses. Taste your way through the levels of dining options, from authentic Italian and surf-to-plate seafood, and dive into the lively pool club. Or relax with a restorative treatment together at the spa.
City escapes
Nabbing a front-row seat to urban life (and momentarily feeling like a local) is as easy as checking into a city hotel and letting the streets around you set the pace for your next holiday.
Laidback retreats and coastal getaways will always have their place, but here you can step straight into galleries and boutique stores, roll into restaurants and tumble out of bars – all before watching the sun rise across a gleaming skyline.
A convenient location, of course, is key.
1. 25hours Hotel The Olympia
Book into Sydney’s newest boutique spot.
Hotels are all too often about retreating from the city they’re located in, but at Sydney’s newest boutique spot, 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia, a stay is all about immersing yourself in the area. Channelling the energy and creativity of its Oxford Street location, the hotel’s bold and playful design is a nod to the building’s arthouse beginnings as West’s Olympia Theatre. Guests can choose to stay in either a light and airy Dreamers room or the more dramatic Renegades option.
This is home to two stand-out bars (one of them on the rooftop) and a cafe serving Lune croissants, as well as The Palomar, a hot dining spot that serves as a love letter to the Mediterranean.
2. Hyde Melbourne Place
Be steps from Melbourne’s best attractions.
Some of Melbourne’s finest restaurants might be on Hyde Melbourne Place’s doorstep, but there’s no need for guests to venture out the front door for a bite to remember. The innovative brand’s first Australian offering is not only home to three distinctive venues (including an atmospheric rooftop restaurant), but is also the winner of a Michelin Key 2025.
Conveniently located in the east end of the city’s CBD within moments of the city’s iconic laneways, accommodation ranges from a soothing General Admission Queen to the spectacular Headliner Suite (many with balconies overlooking the city buzzing below). A high-end fitness space and Peach Pilates streamed straight to your in-room tablet are available too. Our top tip? Call ahead for a Sonna Brightening LED Face Mask and say yes to winding down with a meditative ritual designed to support skin health, clarity and calm.
Tranquil retreats
There’s no question 2026 is going to be your year, but it would be foolish to hard-launch this new and improved you without first taking some time to relax, rejuvenate and reflect on how you can find better balance in the year to come.
It’s time to treat yourself to a wellness getaway that’s designed around peace, natural beauty and more than a few spa treatments.
1. Pullman Bunker Bay Resort
Relax into Pullman Bunker Bay Resort.
Kangaroos at dawn, Margaret River wineries at noon and a long evening of life-affirming massage treatment come the late afternoon; there’s a lot to love about a stay at Pullman Bunker Bay Resort. And that’s without even touching on the resort’s secluded beachfront location.
Whether you check into a studio villa or a three-bedroom, three-bathroom villa, the views stretching out over the lake or garden will help you hit reset as you ponder the important questions: should you take a drive to nearby Geographe Bay to enjoy the dive of a lifetime, settle in for a long and lazy day in the resort’s heated infinity-edge pool, or make booking after booking at Vie Spa to try its extensive range of massages, facials and treatments?
The cherry on top? The resort has a complimentary – albeit seasonal – kids’ club, too.
2. Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
Connect with yourself and nature at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.
Welcome to the ultimate alpine wellness experience, a luxurious lodge nestled in the lush peaks of Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where ‘forest bathing’ takes on a whole new meaning.
Offering quick and easy access to some of the region’s most iconic walking trails (not to mention a window to our most striking flora and fauna), every cabin and suite at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge – some with their own fireplace – is designed to help you exhale.
Say yes to a wealth of included activities, such as an evening wildlife safari, a guided Crater Lake mountain walk or the Aboriginal Heritage & Bush Tucker tour. Unwind by retreating to the famous Waldheim Alpine Spa, where treatment rooms overlook rugged mountains and ancient forests.
Wellness has never looked – or felt – so luxurious.
