The weather is heating up, the days are getting longer, and the break we are all looking forward to is nearing closer. Here, 12 different ways to spend your summer weekends, from beach breaks to city stays.

Past summer holidays are locked in the memory bank as the best. Long days spent at the beach; salty skin and sandy feet, iceblocks dripping down chins and hopping across hot bitumen barefoot. Afternoons splashing about in the pool. Balmy evenings around a barbecue and playing outside with siblings and cousins until it gets dark. Summer holidays have evolved from these simple times – beachside towns are no longer just fibro shacks and fish and chip shops. Cool bars and stylish restaurants have come into the mix. And we’re embracing summer spent away from the coast – in our cities, which are buzzing with events and alfresco dining. But, if we want, those classic summer moments can be found, too. Where a good book and beach towel are all we need. We get 12 summer weekends – make the most of them.

Lord Howe Island, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

If Sir David Attenborough describes a place as “so extraordinary, it’s almost unbelievable", it should be firmly in the top bucket list position. Located 700 kilometres north-east of Sydney, Lord Howe is one of Australia’s most exclusive island escapes, with just 400 lucky people allowed to visit at any one time. Summer temps hover around a pleasant 25 degrees – perfect for snorkelling in its crystalline lagoons among coral gardens, surfing at Blinky Beach and swimming with turtles at Old Settlement.

The best accommodation to book

Located on the island’s lagoon, Pinetrees has been welcoming guests since 1848. The all-inclusive lodge features a range of tropical-style rooms and suites, all connected by boardwalks through kentia palms.

Must-have experience

Book a guided tour to climb Mt Gower, the island’s challenging 875-metre peak, home to rare plant and bird species and dizzying views.

Central Coast, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

Plonked between Sydney and Newcastle like a summer break made in heaven, the Central Coast is packed with 40-plus beaches (including many coveted surf breaks), coastal bushwalks and laidback seaside towns. This sun, sand and sea-filled region has become somewhat of a hotspot for stylish drinking and dining venues lately, too, including good vibes-filled bar and restaurant Terrigal Pavilion, which recently opened to much fanfare.

The best accommodation to book

Check in to check out the brand-new voco Gosford, which features coastal-style rooms, an outdoor pool, gym and multiple dining venues. On its rooftop, sleek Japanese restaurant and bar Astra raises the bar – quite literally – boasting gobsmacking views over Brisbane Water.

Must-have experience

Get out on the water with Broken Bay Pearl Farm, which offers tours from Mooney Mooney on the Lower Hawkesbury River, including tours of the farm, the pearl showroom and oyster-tasting.

Sydney/Warrane, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

Summer in the city is definitely worth consideration. Sydney/Warrane comes alive in the summer months, with outdoor concerts, including Sunset Piazza – a 32-night pop-up concert series in Cathedral Square; alfresco dining and rooftop bars, from Joji in the CBD to the Henry Deane in Millers Point; and the harbour shimmering a little brighter in the sun.

The best accommodation to book

In the heart of the CBD, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney blends luxury and heritage within the 150-year-old former General Post Office building (of which you can join a heritage tour).

Must-have experience

If you’re up before the sun, head to Lavender Bay for a Sunrise Kayak and Coffee tour with Sydney by Kayak. During the summer months, you’ll paddle under the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the sun rises.

Newcastle, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

Newy is the best of both worlds: stunning coast and a cool urban centre (that’s compact and easy to get around). Heritage-listed ocean baths, 29 surf breaks, the convict-built Bogey Hole ocean pool, the Bathers Way coastal walk, sailing in the harbour – these are just some of the outdoor activities you can enjoy when the sun is shining. And when it sets, Newcastle’s nightlife pulsates, with lively pubs, hatted restaurants and hip small bars.

The best accommodation to book

Crystalbrook Kingsley is housed within the iconic Roundhouse, the city’s former council administration building. It has a brilliant and sophisticated design anchored by sustainable principles (think upcycled furnishings and single-use plastic-free space), with a rooftop bar and restaurant.

Must-have experience

If air-con is beckoning, get your creative and cultural fix at Newcastle Art Gallery, which will fully reopen in February 2026 after a major expansion.

Albany, WA

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

White sand, turquoise-hued water, nary a crowd in sight… Albany’s beaches are world-renowned. The ironically named Misery Beach was crowned Tourism Australia’s best beach in 2022 and Lucky Bay took the coveted top spot in 50 Best Beaches in the World in 2023. Aside from sand and sea, this south-west WA town is steeped in history, from whaling to war, and the emotive National Anzac Centre is a must for all visitors.

The best accommodation to book

Hilton Garden Inn Albany overlooks Princess Royal Harbour right in town. Rooms and suites are modern in a coastal white, blue and timber theme, with a restaurant and bar on the ground level.

Must-have experience

Torndirrup National Park is just 20 minutes’ drive south of Albany and is home to the 40-metre-high wind- and wave-carved Gap and Natural Bridge, where visitors can walk out to a platform that teeters above the roaring ocean below.

Rottnest Island/Wadjemup, WA

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

What better way to arrive at your summer vacay than by boat? Just 25 minutes from Fremantle and 90 minutes from Perth, Rottnest Island/Wadjemup is all about barefoot simplicity and long, languid beach days. Take your pick from 63 beaches and 20 bays with water temps around 20 degrees. Afternoons are refreshing thanks to the Fremantle Doctor (a cool summer breeze).

The best accommodation to book

Discovery Resorts – Rottnest Island is in prime position, nestled within the dunes of Pinky Beach, which has safe and calm waters and a coral reef for snorkelling. The park features glamping-style accommodation in eco tents that can sleep up to 10 people.

Must-have experience

Seafood lovers should nab a spot on a Luxe Island Seafood Cruise with Rottnest Cruises. While cruising around Rotto’s waters that shimmer all shades of blue, indulge in a seven-course feast, featuring fresh-caught western rock lobster and chargrilled Fremantle octopus with free-flowing beverages.

Canberra, ACT

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

Our capital city buzzes with cicada-like intensity in summer, hosting films under the stars, high-octane car races (Canberra Festival of Speed and Street Machine Summernats 38), exciting sports matches and the vibrant National Multicultural Festival (7-9 February). Escaping the heat indoors doubles as a cultural awakening in the city’s incredible museums and galleries.

The best accommodation to book

Part of the National Zoo & Aquarium, Jamala Wildlife Lodge blends luxury with the thrill of close encounters with wildlife. The unique room types allow guests to feed the resident giraffes from their balcony or look through windows that face directly into cheetah, lion, leopard and Malayan sun bear enclosures. Your stay here also contributes to the conservation and welfare of local and overseas wildlife.

Must-have experience

Take to Lake Burley Griffin in a boat (GoBoat rents out electric picnic boats, no licence required!), cycle around its 30-kilometre edge (hire a pushy with Cycle Canberra) or relax in one of the many shoreside bars (such as wine and espresso bar, Margot).

Townsville, Queensland

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

In summer, this North Queensland gem is hot and humid with the occasional tropical downpour in the afternoon and night. But that’s all part of the fun. Days can be spent along The Strand, which has a rockpool for swimming and a waterpark for family fun; swimming in Magnetic Island’s calm bays or spotting koalas (a quick ferry ride away); or cooling off in the waterholes of nearby Paluma Range National Park.

The best accommodation to book

Perched on the edge of the Coral Sea and an easy walk into town, Ardo is a luxe stay with a rooftop pool and bar, and two restaurants. Next door The Ville Resort-Casino is packed with dining and entertainment options, too.

Must-have experience

New for summer (officially launching 11 December), Flinders Street Wharves is a waterfront dining destination, including a floating pontoon bar and The Rooftop, which boasts panoramic views and live entertainment.

Mooloolaba, Queensland

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

While Noosa steals much of the Sunshine Coast limelight, Mooloolaba is a summer star in our eyes – with its wide sandy beach, gentle waves perfect for relaxing dips and learning to surf, and a beautiful foreshore (which is currently being revitalised to add more seating and parklands). It also has a bunch of excellent drinking and dining choices, such as uber chic Casa Restaurant, which serves Mediterranean cuisine, and WAT Den for killer cocktails in a brooding setting.

The best accommodation to book

Breeze Mooloolaba is perfectly positioned across from the beach and a short walk from restaurants and shopping. The self-contained one- and two-bedroom apartments are modern and spacious, some with views of the ocean.

Must-have experience

Saltwater Eco Tours runs cruises around the waterways of Mooloolaba on a heritage vessel, including a Bush Tucker cruise – in collaboration with Local Traditional Owners of the Kabi Kabi First Nation – where guests enjoy a seafood feast infused with locally foraged native foods.

Geelong, Victoria

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

Transformed from an industrial centre, Geelong became Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Design, a dynamic city with a rich arts and culture offering (including the brand-new, bold Geelong Arts Centre). Add to that a buzzy dining scene, surf beaches and national parks webbed with hiking tracks – and we’re sorted for a long weekend.

The best accommodation to book

Opening in January, Crowne Plaza Geelong is a sleek new stay that has 200 rooms, many of which overlook the bay Corio Bay. Another new place to check in is Bayside Geelong Hotels & Apartments, with modern rooms and apartments on Geelong’s Esplanade.

Must-have experience

Slap on some zinc and get yourself to Victoria’s largest water theme park – Adventure Park – which has launched two new free-fall waterslides for the summer. Stand on the trap door and brace yourself for 100 metres of twists and turns. It’s bound to be nostalgic fun for the adults and the-best-day-ever for kids.

Hobart, Tasmania

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

Scorching summer temps aren’t your idea of a fun time? Escape the mainland to a pleasant climate of 11 to 21 degrees. While the weather is on the brisker side, Hobart/Nipaluna’s calendar heats up over summer, with the famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Taste of Summer and Tasmanian Wine Festival just a few events happening around Tassie’s capital.

The best accommodation to book

Luxury harbourside stay MACq01 positions itself as a ‘storytelling’ hotel. Each of its 114 plush rooms and suites is dedicated to a local historical character, with tours available to delve deeper into the stories that are woven throughout the property.

Must-have experience

Paddle along the waterfront with Roaring 40s Kayaking, which has a 2.5-hour Hobart tour that includes fish and chips in summer from the fish punts in Constitution Dock.

Yorke Peninsula, SA

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

Anyone else ready to tap out after a busy end-of-year? Just an hour from Adelaide/Tandanya, the Yorke Peninsula is the kind of place to slow down. Unfurling along 700 kilometres of coastline, you can almost claim a beach to yourself in these parts – many of which are postcard-worthy with white sand and sapphire waters.

The best accommodation to book

Absolute beachfront is always a winner in summer. Seagate Moonta Bay is only two hours’ drive from Adelaide and offers simple and modern rooms, including a family suite.

Must-have experience

Moonta Bay is the stuff of chilled-out summer holiday dreams. Spend days swimming and fossicking on the beaches, go fishing off the jetty, or hire a bike from Copper Trails Bike Hire to cycle along the coast and the region’s copper mines. The waters around Moonta Bay are teeming with blue swimmer crabs, which are most active during the warmer months.