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Need a last-minute long-weekend escape? Here’s your perfect day-trip inspo

Elizabeth Whitehead Elizabeth Whitehead
What better way to ring in the warmer weather than a taking a day trip this long weekend to the great outdoors?

Spring has officially sprung. And with daylight savings about to kick in (for some states), the October long weekend is the perfect opportunity to get out of the city and into the great outdoors. Haven’t booked anything? You don’t need to! There’s an abundance of great long weekend day trips just one to two hours’ drive from Australia’s major cities, and we’ve rounded them up below. Here’s to the long weekend!

We asked the Australian Traveller Media team: what’s your favourite spring getaway destination around Australia?

Sydney

an aerial view of Resolute Beach in Ku-ring-gai National Park
Ku-ring-gai National Park contains bush walks that lead to secluded beaches, such as Resolute Beach.

Sydney is basically surrounded by world-class National Parks. The Royal National Park is a weekend classic, whether you’re into kayaking, SUPing, swimming at Wattamolla cove or enjoying the idyllic ferry ride from Cronulla to Bundeena.

But while the south steals a lot of the spotlight, daytrippers should also set their sights north. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is just a 40-minute drive north of the city. Inside this 14,977-hectare swathe of bushland, you’ll find hiking trails leading to secluded beaches, Aboriginal engraving sites and incredible views over dazzling inlets. Avoid the crowds by jetting past the city limits, all the way up to Bouddi National Park. It’s 90 minutes north of the CBD, but the journey is well worth it for the golden-sand beaches and incredible bushwalks, like the epic eight-kilometre Bouddi coastal walk that runs from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach.

Looking for even more day trip inspiration close to the Emerald City? We’ve rounded up all of the best day trips to take from Sydney.

Melbourne

Peninsula Hot Springs is a natural geothermal mineral springs less than 90 minutes from Melbourne.

Can you kick it? Yes, you can, in Victoria’s hot spring country that surrounds Melbourne. The Mornington Peninsula, Daylesford and Gippsland are all within a two-hour drive of the Victorian capital, offering lots of mineral baths and steamy outdoor pools for the ultimate spring reset.

If you’d rather get moving, head an hour east to the Dandenong Ranges to wander along trails that thread through forests of towering mountain ash. Or get your steps in by cafe hopping and browsing dinky antique stores and galleries around the villages of Mt Dandenong.

And if neither of those take your fancy? We’ve got a whole laundry list of day trips you need to check out near Melbourne.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Brisbane

South Gorge on North Stradbroke Island
Secluded South Gorge beach on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah is the perfect spot for a dip. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Sean Scott)

October is one of the best months to visit North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah. Just a short drive and ferry ride from the city, the island is perfect for kayaking, swimming and pottering around the many pristine beaches and laid back cafes. if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins when you’re out on the water.

Foodies can set their sights on the Scenic Rim,  just 90 minutes away from the Queensland capital. The 4000-square-kilometre region is packed with an array of epicurean adventures, from paddock-to-plate eateries to fine wines at destinations like Kooroomba Vineyard. If those don’t satisfy your day-trip hunger, we’ve got plenty more suggestions for the best day trips to take from Brissie. 

Adelaide

Adelaide's Fleurieu Peninsula
The Fleurieu Peninsula is a slice of coastal bliss just a stone’s throw from Adelaide. (Image: Zac Edmonds/Unsplash)

Wine, wine and more wine: there are plenty of boozy excursions a cork’s toss from the South Australian capital. A trip to McLaren Vale or the Barossa is classic Adelaide day trip territory, but if you’d rather ditch the glass and get active, head an hour south to the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula. Here, you can stroll sandy coastlines, meander through the cafe scene and gorge on freshly caught seafood. Yum!

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Perth

Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island/Wadjemup is a 90-minute ferry ride from Perth and 30 minutes to Fremantle. (Image: Amanda Kevin/Unsplash)

With its impossibly blue waters, paradisiacal white sands and famously friendly locals (we’re talking about the quokkas), Rottnest Island is no secret to Perthlings. Just a 90-minute ferry ride from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty, ‘Rotto’ or Wadjemup is always a good idea, whether you’re cycling around the island, snorkelling its reefs or picnicking by the beach. For something different, head north to the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park (about two hours’ drive), where thousands of limestone spires rise from the lunar-like landscape.

Darwin

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory.
Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

Darwinites already know to make a beeline for Litchfield National Park to cool off in one of the majestic swimming holes like Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole. With October marking the end of the dry season, the long weekend is a great opportunity to get some swimming in before the Top End is plunged into monsoon season.

Here are more Darwin daytrips you must experience.

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Elizabeth Whitehead
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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8 iconic ways to experience the Murray

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    No matter your interests, you’re bound to find a unique and utterly memorable experience along the mighty Murray River.

    Along the Murray River lies a network of towns that are at once intertwined and wildly diverse. Linked by the legendary waterway yet strikingly distinct, each has its own personality, pace and collection of experiences you won’t soon forget.

    1. On the river

    fishermen on Lake Mulwala
    Get out onto the pretty Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

    A visit to the region wouldn’t be complete without a jaunt on the iconic river. If you’re something of an adventurer, Lake Mulwala – an inlet on the Murray – is perennially popular for all kinds of watersports. Glide among ghost gums on a kayak or stand up paddleboard, or pick up the pace by waterskiing or windsurfing.

    For a more relaxed (but no less immersive) river experience, hop on board one of the famed paddle steamers. Departing from Echuca Moama, Swan Hill and Yarrawonga Mulwala, these historic boats provide a nostalgic view of the Murray.

    2. First Nations culture

    Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, murray river
    Wander the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.

    The river is a meeting place of ancient cultures, home to over 50 First Nations clans and an integral part of their communities, storytelling and way of life.

    To learn more about the Traditional Owners, take yourself on a guided stroll through the Wagirra Trail. Situated in Albury/Wiradjuri country, the trail passes through red gum forest, riverside wetlands and the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.

    Alternatively, visit the Dharnya Centre in the heart of Barmah National Park on Yorta Yorta country. The centre tells the history and stories of the Yorta Yorta people, offering guided walking tours and cruises.

    3. Delicious eats

    the Mildura Boat House
    Savour a relaxed riverside meal at Mildura Boat House.

    For a representative taste of the Murray’s epicurean highlights, a few destinations are well worth your time (and appetite).

    Opa in Echuca is a local staple, serving up authentic and bold Greek dishes in lively surrounds. Greek not your thing? The twin towns of Echuca Moama have numerous top-notch drinking and dining spots to choose from and an ever-evolving food scene.

    In Albury, the River Deck Cafe is perched right on the river, delivering scenic vistas and a vibrant daytime menu. Expect lemon meringue waffles or Green Goddess smashed avo for breakfast, or a zippy duck salad with Southeast Asian flavours for lunch. For more waterfront dining options, head to Mildura Boathouse. Enjoy iconic views and a modern Australian menu focused on local producers and wines.

    4. Hiking and biking trails

    two people on bikes at Lake Boga
    Discover the Murray Region on two wheels. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    The best ways to experience the Murray’s surrounding landscapes are on foot or by bike. Luckily, plenty of well-marked trails take you through the diverse scenery.

    The Mildura Riverfront has a shared path for both walkers and cyclists, connecting the town centre with a string of parks and lookouts. The path lets you take in the entire town and its distinctive terrain at a leisurely pace, and is relatively flat throughout.

    For a more challenging experience, head to the Huon Hill Parklands or Nail Can Hill Reserve in Albury Wodonga. Both feature a varied network of bushwalking and mountain biking trails through undulating terrain.

    5. Best views along The Murray

    swan at wonga wetlands in the murray
    Spot the birdlife at Wonga Wetlands. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    The Murray region is perhaps unsurprisingly a prime destination for epic vistas. The Wonga Wetlands just outside Albury are an aquatic feast for the eyes, a winding web of billabongs and lagoons. Take a stroll through the tranquil landscape and see if you can spot one of the more than 170 bird species living within.

    Stop by Moama Beach at sunset to catch the dazzling display. Vivid hues of pink, amber and gold flare against a backdrop of river red gum trees and are reflected in the river’s glassy waters.

    Head away from the Murray itself, 15 mins from Albury Wodonga, for stunning mountain views at Lake Hume. Or head to Gunbower National Park, a picturesque place boasting a diverse wonderland of waterbirds, wildlife and aquatic plants.

    6. Art and culture

    People viewing art at Murray Art Museum.
    Immerse yourself in art at the MAMA, Albury. (Tourism Australia)

    The region’s diverse mix of galleries, museums and cultural hubs provides a window into its past and present.

    One of the most prominent is Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), which has a rotating roster of contemporary exhibitions. The Burrajara Gallery is another Albury gem, with a powerful collection of works from local First Nations artists.

    There are several smaller museums and galleries scattered across Echuca Moama and Mildura reflecting the artistic depth of the Murray. Popular picks include The Foundry Arts Space and Customs House Gallery in Echuca Moama, and the Arts Centre, Riverfront Gallery and NAP Contemporary in Mildura.

    7. Murray Region Events

    band on stage at Riverboats Music Festival
    Time your trip around one fo the regions live music events. (Credit: Riverboats Music Festival)

    Each year, the Murray hosts events as unique and characterful as the region itself.

    The Massive Murray Paddle takes place every November, a 415-kilometre, five-day river paddle raising money for local charities. Whether you take part in a canoe, kayak, stand up paddleboard or boat, or watch from the riverbanks, you’ll be in for a memorable experience.

    If you’re a music lover, you’re in luck throughout the year. In summer, plan a trip for Riverboats Music Festival. And in the cooler months, head to the Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival for four days of performances across different venues.

    8. Best stays along The Murray

    the Cozy Dome at Charm Lodge accommodation
    Find unique stays by the river or in the countryside.

    Throughout your busy few days of exploring, you’ll need a comfortable spot to rest.

    Echuca Moama Riverside Holiday Park is right on the river and has gorgeous views. Pick from riverfront and pet-friendly lagoon cabins, or set up camp at one of the powered sites set among native bush. Or head into the countryside to stay in the quaint glamping or lodge options of Charm Lodge.

    Alternatively, treat yourself to a night or two at The Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods, which has stylish modern rooms and luxe amenities. There’s a heated infinity pool, day spa and an on-site restaurant doing elevated fare with local produce.

    For a quintessential Murray experience, hire a houseboat from one of the many operators in Mildura. Available for weekend and week-long adventures, these well-appointed boats immerse you in the leisurely rhythm and quiet beauty of the Murray River.

    Discover what’s new on The Murray at visitthemurray.com.au

    Need a last-min long-weekend escape? Here's some day-trip inspo - Australian Traveller