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 reasons to book a long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula

(Image: Supplied)

    Jade Raykovski Jade Raykovski
    A place of spectacular coastlines and rolling vineyards, the Mornington Peninsula is just an hour from Melbourne, yet feels like a world away.  

    Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is often voted the number one short stay in Australia, and for good reason. From its beautiful coastline and scenic trails to exceptional food and wine, it’s the perfect escape any time of year, but especially as the weather grows cooler.  

    Picture afternoons relaxing in the soul-warming hot springs. Evenings by a cosy fireplace, sipping one of the region’s renowned Pinot Noirs and tucking into a delicious meal made from local produce. Now stop imagining, and start planning; here’s why the Mornington Peninsula should be your next long weekend adventure.  

    1. It’s easy to get to 

    An aerial view of Pt. Leo Estate on the Mornington Peninsula.
    Spend a long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: CMcConville)

    At only an hour’s drive southeast of the city, the Mornington Peninsula offers unbeatable convenience. If you’re taking the Eastlink tollway to Peninsula Link, look out for eclectic roadside artwork such as Callum Morton’s high-rise hotel (hint: you can’t check in). 

    2. The coastline is stunning

    Mount Martha Bathing Boxes
    Stay in colourful, iconic beach huts along the coast.

    The Mornington Peninsula separates Port Phillip Bay to its west and Western Port Bay to its east, making it the only place in Victoria you can see a sunrise over one bay and sunset over another. 

    Its spectacular coastline varies from sandy swimming and surf beaches to dramatic rocky cliffs. Mt Martha Beach, known for its colourful beach huts and calm clear waters, was named in Tourism Australia’s Top 10 beaches for 2026. Nearby, Arthurs Seat Eagle offers gondola rides to the peninsula’s highest point, where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas. 

    For a different perspective from the water, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with the bay’s resident dolphins, or catch a ride with Searoad Ferries from Sorrento to Queenscliff (the tip of the opposite Bellarine Peninsula). Pop into their new Sorrento terminal for sweeping views from its floor-to-ceiling windows and a bite to eat at Mediterranean restaurant ONDA. 

    3. Taste exceptional food and wine

    Crittenden restaurant mornington peninsula
    Treat yourself to the restaurant at Crittenden.

    While the Mornington Peninsula is now synonymous with cool climate wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it was originally renowned for apple production. There are many orchards still in operation, like fifth-generation Mock Red Apple; taste craft ciders (the Mulled Spiced Cider is a must in winter), and don’t miss the famous apple pie. 

    Of course, it would almost be a sin not to dine at a winery restaurant, or at least try a local wine. Stop at Foxey’s Hangout for casual share plates and a glass of Chardonnay on the deck; or for a more formal affair, the light-filled restaurant at Paringa Estate offers a fine dining set menu on weekends, with picturesque estate views. 

    Pt. Leo Estate has no less than three separate dining experiences to choose from, ranging from a wine terrace to contemporary fine dining, all sourcing seasonal Victorian and local Mornington Peninsula produce, and offering stunning vistas over Western Port Bay.  

    And opened in 2025, the restaurant at Crittenden celebrates regional produce with a modern Australian menu that pairs beautifully with their sustainably crafted estate wines.

    4. Plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors

    A quiet moment on the green as he prepares for the perfect swing.
    Tee off at world-class golf courses with stunning coastal views.

    Bring your hiking boots, because from beachside strolls to breathtaking cliffside walks, the Mornington Peninsula boasts incredible scenic trails for all fitness levels.

    The Red Hill Rail Trail follows the old railway line between Merricks and Red Hill, while the Bushrangers Bay Walking Track is the go-to trail for rugged coastal scenery, linking Cape Schanck and the Boneo Road picnic area (part of the longer Two Bays Trail). 

    The region is also home to several national parks providing plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, whether it’s a walk, picnic, or simply admiring the local flora and fauna. Golf lovers will rejoice with gorgeous courses such as the world-class Moonah Links or Flinders Golf Club, one of Victoria’s oldest golf courses.

    5. Lean into wellness and relaxation

    From an aerial view, a woman drifts peacefully across still, crystal-clear water.
    Unwind in mineral-rich hot springs and soak in total relaxation.

    Soaking in one of the Mornington Peninsula’s mineral-rich hot springs is a must in the cooler months. Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is the newer addition, with 25 contemporary geothermal pools, a sauna and steam room set amongst elegant coastal landscaping. Book a Night Owl session to watch the sunset from the pools, and extend your visit with a spa treatment or dining at their restaurant.  

    Across the road, the Peninsula Hot Springs offers two main bathing areas, cafes and a spa in a natural bush setting. The Bath House comprises over 70 bathing and wellness experiences, including their iconic Hilltop Pool, a reflexology walk, and Nepalese mineral showers; while the Spa Dreaming Centre is a serene adults-only sanctuary.  

    6. Get a culture fix

    Visit the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately owned sculpture park at Pt. Leo Estate during long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula.
    Discover inspiring art across galleries and sculpture parks. (Image: Chris Conville)

    Wander the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately owned sculpture park at Pt. Leo Estate, glass of red in hand, or pop into the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery to view one of their seasonal exhibitions. Seawinds Garden is also home to a sculpture collection by William Ricketts, surrounded by exotic and indigenous gardens.  

    If you’re more of a history buff, book a tour of the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, or spend an afternoon at Point Nepean National Park. Here, you can explore walking trails through the traditional country of the Bunurong people, learn the history of the old Quarantine Station and discover military forts and tunnels. 

    7. Gorgeous accommodations

    Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill
    Check into Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill.

    The Mornington Peninsula’s standout accommodations are an experience in themselves. Escape to The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, a luxe retreat perched in the dunes above the springs. Or indulge in the dramatic luxury of Jackalope Hotel, home to a vine-facing pool and spa and the chef-hatted Doot Doot Doot. 

    For a dose of European country charm, stay at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill, set amongst lush gardens and vines with a cellar door and chef-hatted restaurant. Or for more contemporary, yet still charming, surroundings, the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula is a historic hotel reimagined as a luxe coastal stay with European flair, including a pool deck and on-site bathhouse. 

    Start planning your long weekend at visitmorningtonpeninsula.org

    13 Sun-Kissed European Summer Alternatives - Australian Traveller