13 sun-kissed Aussie hideaways for a taste of European summer

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These European-style venues will have you living La Dolce Vita down under in no time.

Desperately missing those dreamy Mediterranean days? Don’t fret, mon amour. With summer fast approaching it’s too easy to recreate your own European summer 2.0 at these stunning bars, restaurants and stays around Australia.

1. Rolling Seas, Billinga Beach, Qld

Create the European girl’s trip you’ve never had on the southern Gold Coast, with this luxury stay. The Rolling Seas holiday home has European charm in spades for 12 residents, across its two villas: The Residence and The Cottage.

a charming al fresco dining with a hammock at Rolling Seas, Billinga Beach, Qld
Chill in the charming outdoor terrace at Rolling Seas.

Instead of trying to get all your friends over to Europe (with your sanity and friendship in one piece), spend your days chilling in the infinity pool or wandering down to the water at this beachfront property.

the pool deck at Rolling Seas, Billinga Beach, Qld
Embrace a slower pace of life.

Address: Bilinga Beach, Qld

2. St Siandra, Mosman, NSW

Make like you’re back on the Amalfi Coast, with one of Sydney’s newest waterfront restaurants: St Siandra at The Spit.

a waterfront restaurant at St Siandra, Mosman, NSW
Find the prettiest spot to dine at St Siandra. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

With a private beach and jetty access, you can arrive by water taxi to the North Shore restaurant for a long lunch of seafood or indulgent dinner, all created by Head Chef Sam McCallum of Nomad restaurant-fame.

a cocktail drink at St Siandra, Mosman, NSW
Laze away the afternoon sipping cocktails.

Address: 75 Lower, Parriwi Rd, Mosman, NSW

3. Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage, Parkes, ACT

If you think summer in Europe is incomplete without at least some time in the French Riviera, we have just the place for you.

an al fresco dining at Margot
Transport yourself to the beautiful European-style al fresco dining at Margot.

The fresh-faced Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage (or Margot for short) awaits next to Lake Burley Griffin for all your sidewalk sundowner needs. Cheeses, gourmet-style toasties and other nibbles are available besides local and French wines at this Canberra eatery.

dining outside Margot
Margot awaits next to Lake Burley Griffin for all your sidewalk sundowner needs.

Address: West Kiosk, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, ACT

4. Sebastian, Williamstown, Vic

If the rugged Basque country in northern Spain has captured your heart, make for Sebastian at Williamstown Beach, Victoria. Named after the coastal Spanish town of San Sebastian, Sebastian is housed in a thirties heritage-listed bathing pavilion.

the dining space at Sebastian, Williamstown, Vic
Dine at Sebastian and gaze out at the picturesque Williamstown Beach.

You’ll recognise traditional regional food like Gilda pintxos and serrano jamon plates on the menu, as well as Australian flavours like Spring Creek barramundi with asparagus and borlotti bean estofado.

Exterior of Sebastian in Williamstown, Vic
Sebastian is named after the coastal Spanish town of San Sebastian. (Image: Rhiannon Taylor)

Address: 26 Esplanade, Williamstown, Vic

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5. The Moseley Beach Club, Glenelg, SA

Get the Greek island experience, without the crowds, at the Moseley Beach Club, Glenelg Beach. Set up on one of Adelaide’s most popular beaches each summer, the island-style bar pop-up is still going strong, offering a heady mix of DJs, summer cocktails and shaded beach chairs. Watch out. Combine this with a Greek-style food menu that includes halloumi bowls, lamb shoulders and garlic-chilli fried squid, you might find yourself there all day.

people chilling on beach chairs at The Moseley Beach Club, Glenelg Beach
Feel the sunshine at The Moseley Beach Club. (Image: Nathan Godwin)

Address: Glenelg Beach, Glenelg, SA

6. Si Paradiso, Highgate, WA

Gather your friends and order a round of camparis: it’s time for a Sunday sesh at Si Paradiso. Beloved for its pastiche personality as a bar meets restaurant meets dancefloor, the eatery’s vintage-style Italian vibes bring out the best in any occasion.

a vintage-style Italian dining at Si Paradiso, Highgate, WA
Si Paradiso evokes vintage-style Italian dining.

If you’re more into dining than checking out the DJ, this Perth restaurant has you covered, with delectable pizzas and pasta, as well as small plates of blue swimmer cab, steak tartare and gruyere croquettes.

food and drinks on the table at Si Paradiso, Highgate, WA
Taste your way through the menu at Si Paradiso.

Address: 1/446 Beaufort St, Highgate, WA

7. Oyster Bar, Darwin, NT

The Top End is generally more known for its tropical fare and dramatic landscapes than it is for Europe vibes — why compete with others when you have your own spectacularly unique style?

the restaurant exterior of Oyster Bar, Darwin, NT
Snag a spot at Oyster Bar.

But if you’re up in the NT and missing slurping down shellfish (just like you did in the beach towns of Portugal or on the coasts of Ireland), we’d recommend the Oyster Bar. Located in the Waterfront Precinct in Darwin, the waterview restaurant serves up oysters all the way from raw to baked.

a bucket of cold beer and oysters at Oyster Bar, Darwin, NT
Beat the Top End heat with cold beer and oysters.

Address: 19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City, NT

8. Pumphouse Point, Lake St Clair, Tas

More of a fan of Scandi-summer? Make Pumphouse Point your destination. This unique and adults-only Tasmanian hotel is built on the famous Lake St Clair, right at the end of the jetty. Overlooking the lake from the heritage-listed industrial buildings that make up the accommodation, you’ll feel like you’re suspended a Norwegian fjord or Central European lake at this luxury property.

the lakeside pathway to the Pumphouse Point, Lake St Clair, Tas
The adults-only Pumphouse Point retreat is set on the edge of Lake St Clair.

Address: 1 Lake St Clair Rd, Lake St Clair, Tas

9. Guestlands, Arcadia, NSW

If you literally want to trick your friends and family into thinking you’re in Italy, simply take some photos at the Guestlands BnB. Located an hour north-west of Sydney, the creators of Guestlands have endeavoured to recreate a medieval Tuscan village, complete with villas. And boy — have they succeeded.

the pool gardens at Guestlands, Arcadia, NSW
Lounge by the pool at Guestlands.

Book a romantic getaway in one of the villas, reserve a private chef or make your own pizzas in their woodfire oven in the La Cabana and relax by the pool. Most importantly, don’t forget to pose with Azzurro and Ombra, the friendly resident cats.

a Vespa scooter in Guestlands, Arcadia, NSW
Explore the Italian-inspired village.

Address: 10 Blacks Rd, Arcadia, NSW

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10. OPA Bar + Mezze, Brisbane, Qld

Tucked away from the bustle of Eagle St Pier, the waterfront OPA Bar + Mezze is a pastel lovers’ dream of a Greek restaurant in the Brisbane CBD.

Dotted with hanging plants and overlooking Storey Bridge, take a seat here in one of its booths to try out oysters with tomato, tabasco sauce and ouzo, scampi caviar, watermelon salad, souvlaki and lamb fricassee.

an al fresco dining setup at Opa Restaurant
Dine with a view of Storey Bridge at OPA Bar + Mezze.

Address: 123 Eagle St, Brisbane City, Qld

11. Studley Park Boathouse, Kew, Vic

Head to this historic boathouse for the rarest European summer experience of all: a sunny British day. Overlooking the Yarra River, the Studley Park Boathouse has been open to Melbourne residents for 160 years and gives a distinctly English summer vibe.

an al fresco dining at Studley Park Boathouse, Kew, Vic
Studley Park Boathouse gives a distinctly English summer vibe. (Image: Studley Park Boathouse)

Today, you can book in to eat brunch among the English elm trees in its conservatory or choose to sit outside in the sun by the river.

a spacious outdoor setting at Studley Park Boathouse, Kew, Vic
Enjoy brunch at Studley Park Boathouse. (Image: Studley Park Boathouse)

Address: 1 Boathouse Rd, Kew, Vic

12. Coogee Pavilion Rooftop, Coogee, NSW

Who doesn’t love that holiday feat of spending the morning at the beach, and the afternoon at the bar? When it comes to combining the two, it doesn’t get much better than the Coogee Pavilion Rooftop in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

an alfresco dining at Coogee Pavilion Rooftop
Soak up the sun in at Coogee Pavilion Rooftop. (Image: Yaya Stempler)

The top floor of the beachside complex is decorated akin to a botanist’s conservatory, with bars devoted to serving up Mediterranean-style cocktails and mezze. With an open-air layout, sun yourself here with a drink or two, overlooking the sunbathers and sand below.

an aerial view of the beach at Coogee Pavilion Rooftop
The beach is just a stone’s throw away.

Address: Level 3/169 Dolphin St, Coogee, NSW

13. Stefano Lubiana Wines and Osteria, Granton, Tas

What’s summer in Europe without some homegrown grapes to go with it? Down in Tasmania, Stefano Lubiana Wines Cellar Door serves up varieties of wine it grows in its certified biodynamic vineyard, which is also found in Burgundy, France.

a classic dining interior at Stefano Lubiana Wines and Osteria, Granton, Tas
Dine on a seasonal degustation menu at Osteria Vista restaurant. (Image: Dearna Bond)

Moving over to their Osteria Vista restaurant, the small farmhouse-style eatery keeps things local with a seasonal degustation menu, inspired by regional Italian fare. Best enjoyed with incredible views across the Derwent Valley.

the cellar door entrance at Stefano Lubiana Wines
Slip into the cellar door for a wine tasting.

Address: 60 Rowbottoms Rd, Granton, Tas

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Kate Bettes
Kate Bettes is a freelance travel writer. Whether having a picnic in Vietnamese jungle with new friends, or partying in the back of a limousine in Hollywood, Kate’s experiences have left her with the sneaking suspicion that the best travel memories happen when you least expect. It’s this feeling - and how to get it - that she loves to write about.
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7 ways to switch off and reconnect with nature in Albury Wodonga

Credit: Destination NSW

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
    Switch the hustle and bustle for a weekend of birdsong and greenery on the border.

    Straddling the Murray River where New South Wales meets Victoria, Albury Wodonga is just hours by car or train (or even a quick flight) from many major cities, but it feels a million miles away from the everyday.

    Here, you’ll find a blend of relaxed country lifestyle and modern city amenities, where a booming culinary scene and vibrant arts offerings meet a rich Indigenous history and stunning natural vistas. Spend time amongst river red gums, wildlife-filled wetlands and winding waterways.

    Ready to roll on the river? Here’s where to begin.

    1. Birdwatch in Wonga Wetlands

    The scenic Wonga Wetlands along the Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, West Albury.
    Walk along Wonga Wetlands, looking for local birdlife. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    It might be close to Albury’s CBD, but Wonga Wetlands feels a watery world away. This former grazing land has been restored to 80 hectares of lagoons, billabongs and river red gums, and you can now wander three kilometres of walking trails as you spot cormorants, spoonbills, egrets and sacred kingfishers. More than 170 bird species call the wetlands home, thanks to the Murray’s cycle of flooding and drying, so pack a picnic, settle in at a bird hide, and pull out those binoculars.

    2. Explore the Murray River

    picnicers in Noreuil Park albury wodonga nature autumn
    Take a picnic to enjoy in Noreuil Park. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    The Murray River runs between Albury and Wodonga, where locals swap desks and deadlines for shaded riverbanks. Less than a kilometre from Albury’s CBD sits Noreuil Park, the city’s favourite stretch of riverfront. Cool off on the famous loop float, hire a kayak, launch a stand-up paddleboard or cast a line.

    Afterwards, chuck a rug on the lawn under a plane tree, fire up one of the free barbecues and watch the water as you munch on some Murray cod.

    3. Take a sculpture walk

    Albury Wodonga Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk
    See the art along the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.

    Albury Wodonga’s three sculpture trails showcase the Murray through First Nations tales on foot or by bike. Along the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, 15 contemporary Aboriginal artworks celebrate kinship and Country. The Crossing Place Trail passes the Wodonga Scar Tree, where local Indigenous people once harvested bark to craft canoes, and the Gateway Island trail tells you how the Murray sustained First Nations people for millennia.

    4. Get moving on local tracks and trails

    bike rider on albury wodonga nature trails
    Take your bike to Hunchback Mountain Bike Park.

    More than 100 kilometres of trails cross Albury Wodonga’s hills, reserves and riverbanks. Mountain bikers can tackle the championship-calibre descents of Nail Can Hill, weaving through eucalyptus forest where the rare crimson spider orchid blooms, or hone their skills at Hunchback Mountain Bike Park‘s 29 graded trails.

    Keen to explore on foot? Huon Hill makes the sore legs worth it, with lookouts across Lake Hume and the Kiewa Valley, while McFarlanes Hill meanders through stringybark woodland and rocky outcrops.

    For a slower pace, the 44-kilometre High Country Rail Trail hugs the shores of Lake Hume, crossing the red-pillared Sandy Creek Bridge before rolling into Tallangatta.

    5. Check into restorative stays

    Couple standing outside the retro inspired Astor Hotel Motel in Albury
    Check into one of Albury Wodonga’s over 60 accommodation options. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Some moments call for a boutique hotel. Others call for backing the caravan up beside the lake. Whether you’ve spent the day splashing in the Murray, furiously clocking kilometres on the bike trails or entertaining kids in playgrounds at the water’s edge, there’s somewhere to lay your head.

    From motels shaded by river red gums to lakeside holiday parks and boutique hotels, Albury Wodonga’s 60-plus accommodation options mean you’re never far from a morning walk along the Murray or dinner on Dean Street. But be warned: book ahead. You might not be the only one craving a weekend by the Murray, especially in the school holidays.

    6. Enjoy delicious dining options

    yardbird restaurant
    Enjoy incredible meals in Albury Wodonga.

    Every paddle, bushwalk and bike trail deserves a proper meal afterwards. Once you’ve swapped out your damp swimmers or your dusty trainers and start to sniff out a feed, you’ll quickly discover you’re surrounded by one of Australia’s richest agricultural regions.

    Unsurprisingly, Albury Wodonga’s dining scene is all about that Riverina produce. We’re talking Murray cod (of course) but also premium local beef from the valleys, olive oil from nearby groves, cool-climate wines and European-style cheeses.

    The restaurants, wine bars and breweries around Dean Street and Junction Square are all within easy reach, serving everything from modern Australian and Mediterranean to Thai, Vietnamese, Italian and classic wood-fired steakhouse fare. Looking for a riverside brunch? A comforting bowl of dumplings on a winter evening? Or up the ante with the vibrant flavours of Europe? Whatever the craving, there’s a table waiting.

    7. Get out on Lake Hume

    lake hume at sunset in albury wodonga nature
    Be sure to stay for a Lake Hume sunset.

    When you’re ready to dial up the solitude, trade the river for a veritable inland sea: Lake Hume. Just 15 minutes from Albury and Wodonga, it’s one of Australia’s largest water storage reservoirs. In other words, there’s plenty of space to swim, paddle and stake out a patch of shoreline all to yourself.

    Take the long way through Riverina farmland, stopping at the dam wall to appreciate just how enormous Lake Hume is. Cast a line for Murray cod, rainbow trout, golden perch or redfin and unpack a bag of bakery treats beneath the trees before launching a kayak into the vastness.

    Afterwards, stop by the Bonegilla Migrant Experience, where the remaining accommodation blocks tell the stories of more than 320,000 post-war migrants who passed through between 1947 and 1971. Give yourself time to walk through the preserved camp, stopping to digest the photographs, personal stories and artworks that reveal what it meant for residents to begin a new life at the edge of the world.

    Even if you’re exhausted, stay until twilight. The sunset is about to put on a hell of a leaving show for you.

    Start planning your escape into nature at visitalburywodonga.com.