16 Short Road Trips Perfect For Last-Minute Long Weekend Plans

Make the most of your upcoming long weekend with these short road trips from Australia’s capital cities.

With a long weekend almost upon us, it seems that it has snuck up on so many of us without a single plan. But it’s not too late. There are so many incredible short road trips from Australia’s capital cities that allow for last-minute, impulsive getaways. Whether you’re a foodie, hiker, cosy book reader or a mix of all the above, we’ve got a long weekend suggestion for you.

Sydney

1. Central Coast

Distance: One hour drive.

The Central Coast might be the epitome of a relaxed beach lifestyle, but it’s just as relaxing in the winter. The food scene here is top-notch, and only getting better. The national parks are gorgeous and have easy paths to wander along the coast, up to intense day-long hikes. Not to mention, there’s nothing better than staying inside cosy coastal accommodation all weekend with a good book and/or food, while the weather creates the mood outside. We’ve rounded up the best luxury options here.

2. Southern Highlands

Distance: 1.5-hour drive.

Or, settle in for some country charm that punches well above its weight with a long weekend in the Southern Highlands. Bowral is probably the best-known town in this area (as it should be; the restaurants are delicious (and let’s not forget the famous doughnut van), the accommodation is the definition of charming and the country vibes are warm and welcoming), but don’t forget about the other charming towns nearby. Try our Braidwood guide for a weekend steep in history, nature and fabulous local cuisine. Or just pick your stay depending on this list of our favourite Southern Highland wineries.

Four minimalist plates from Bendooley Estate in Berrima — The Bendooley Estate kitchen offers some incredible dishes in Bowral.

Adelaide

3. Fleurieu Peninsula

Distance: 45-minute drive.

From Willunga with its cosy pubs, bakery, microbreweries, cellar doors to Mt Compass with its rolling hills, popular golf course and country aesthetic to the famous wineries of McLaren Vale to the incredibly unique and beautiful beach of Port Willunga: there really is something for everyone. To find some cute, winery-adjacent accommodation, check out this guide. And treat yourself to these restaurants that will blow you away.

Port Willunga Beach — Find natural beauty, award-winning wine and incredible food. (Image: Elise Cook)

4. Limestone Coast

Distance: Three-hour drive.

Some of Australia’s most unique natural formations can be found along the Limestone Coast. Named for the limestone that created it, find sunken secret gardens, the striking Blue Lake of Mount Gambier and even ancient fossils in Naracoorte Caves. The best part is, that while it’s a bit of a longer drive for the weekend, but the drive is the journey – like this road trip we’ve laid out.

a lush greenery surrounding Umpherston Sinkhole, Mount Gambier — Admire the lush foliage surrounding Umpherston Sinkhole. (Image: Offroad Images)

Hobart

5. Bruny Island

Distance: Two-hour drive.

Let’s be honest, there’s not really anywhere in Tasmania you couldn’t reach over a long weekend. But to leave it all behind on Bruny Island is a long weekend dream. A paradise for foodies, many of the restaurants source most of their ingredients from the island itself – from whisky to cheese to chocolate. Add to that accommodation options that set you down in the middle of nature without another soul in sight and you have a weekend of rejuvenation. Here’s our guide to the best things to do on Bruny Island.

Bruny Island Cheese Co, Tasmania — Eat and drink your way through the best of Tasmanian produce. (Image: Tourism Australia)

6. Cradle Mountain

Distance: Four-hour drive.

You don’t have to do the full Cradle Mountain hike to engage in some of the best star gazing in the world. Thanks to 40 per cent of Tasmania being forested national parks and reserves, there is plenty of space away from light pollution to enjoy a gorgeous night sky. The region around Cradle Mountain just happens to be one of the most popular. This is also meant to be the year of the strongest aurora australis, which is best seen in Tassie as well. So find a place to stay and start looking up.

Aurora Australis over Cradle Mountain — See the aurora australis over Cradle Mountain. (Image: Pierre Destribats)

Canberra

7. Orange

Distance: 3.5-hour drive.

Orange is not the same place today that it was 10 years ago, in all the best ways. Now, there are endless things to do: from shopping arts and crafts to top-tier dining options that source ingredients regionally to amazing winery tours. You could even make it a romantic getaway for two if the mood takes you. The large country town is steep in historic architecture and natural beauty, as well.

wine tasting with Orange Wine Tours — Enjoy the spoils of Orange with a wine tour. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Crackenback

Distance: Two-hour drive.

Sure, you might be too late to book a ski resort stay, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the snow season in Australia. Grab your warmest outfits and head to Crackenback, nestled between Thredbo and Jindabyne. From here you can enjoy day passes to big ski fields, but not be fighting for a hotel room or dinner booking. Not that this means it doesn’t offer restaurant options to rival any nearby towns – the French-inspired menu at Crackenback Farm is particularly popular. Or, just make this road trip the journey.

Thredbo Valley Horse Riding in winter — Enjoy many ways to explore around Crackenback. (Image: Destination NSW)

Brisbane

9. Toowoomba

Distance: Two-hour drive.

Toowoomba has a charm all of its own. As the largest inland city of Queensland, it boasts its fair share of attractions and events throughout the year, public parks and nature reserves, a local arts scene and even fabulous accommodation. Start packing the car and check out our round-up of the best (and super unique) things to do in Toowoomba.

Toowoomba gardens — Find the vibrant Ju Raku En Japanese Garden in Toowoomba.

10. Granite Belt

Distance: 2.5-hour drive.

The Granite Belt is considered Southern Queensland Country’s food bowl – need I say more? Take this road trip around the whole area to see the best of its wineries, breweries and distilleries, food producers, nature and more. Or settle in one of its charming towns (like Tenterfield, Walcha and Stanthorpe). Beyond food, there’s a great arts scene and plenty of other surprising things to do.

Walcha's Open Air Gallery — Roam the sculptures of Walcha’s Open Air Gallery. (Image: Destination NSW)

Perth

11. Mandurah

Distance: One-hour drive.

If you live in Perth, and you haven’t seen the incredible Giants of Mandurah yet, consider this your sign to make weekend plans. These statues are not only fun to find and impressive to behold, but the whole intent behind them is to help visitors explore the canals, wetlands, and gaping bays of this gorgeous part of Australia. There’s a reason it took out last year’s Top Tourism Town Award. Besides the Giants, go fishing, find experiences that will help connect you to Country and maybe even spot dolphins. Find our favourite things to do here.

Yaburgurt Winjan Cirkelstone Giant, giants of mandurah — Marvel at the Giants of Mandurah. (Image: Visit Mandurah)

12. Green Head

Distance: Two-hour drive.

Or, head in the opposite direction to the seaside haven of Green Head . Here, you’ll find a haven of 820 native flowering species – best seen from winter to early summer – including grevillea, leschenaultia, orchids, banksia and pearl flowers. Head east to Lesueur National Park to see them in bloom, woven between tall eucalypts. Later, head towards the local beach where a colony of Australian sea lions are often playful and outgoing. Get a closer look at them on a boat tour of the surrounding islands.

Wildflowers in Lesueur National Park — See the wildflowers of Lesueur National Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Darwin

13. Lake Bennett

Distance: One-hour drive.

For a weekend of nothing but switching off and enjoying a slow (but beautiful) pace, Lake Bennett is the getaway for you. The lake itself is peaceful and perfect for a picnic, edged with thick greenery and occasionally spotted with lily pads. But it’s also large, and a popular place for fishing and boating. Follow easy walking trails around the water’s edge, or grab your more serious hiking gear and drive the short distance to Litchfield National Park.

Lake Bennett lilypads — Picnic by the lily pads of Lake Bennett. (Image: Tonal Luminosity)

14. Mataranka

Distance: Four-hour drive.

Gaining worldwide recognition after Jeannie Gunn’s novel, We of the Never Never, was written about nearby Elsey Station, Mataranka is a friendly town perfect for weekend explorations. Hike into Elsey National Park then relax in the natural Bitter Springs thermal pool. Or stay in town and discover the rich Indigenous and European history of this region during a self-guided tour of the Never Never Museum . Later, contemplate what you’ve just learned over coffee and scones.

Bitter Springs in the NT — Float in the cobalt aquamarine waters at Bitter Springs. (Image: Lets Escape Together)

Melbourne

15. Bendigo

Distance: Two-hour drive.

For a fairly small town, Bendigo provides serious bang for its buck. There are already so many things to do here, from tours of the town on historic trams to watching local artisans at work to fun, interactive exhibits at the Discovery Science & Technology Centre – but this long weekend is a particularly good time to visit. No one does a festival like Bendigo, and right now you can join in Paris: Impressions of Life 1880 – 1925 and get an all-encompassing trip to Paris without leaving the state.

a woman strolling inside the Bendigo Art Gallery — Step into the Bendigo Art Gallery. (Image: Two Palms Australia)

16. Birregurra

Distance: One-hour and 45-minute drive.

The historical (it was booming in the 1900s) town of Birregurra is the perfectly quaint long weekend away of your dreams, without compromising on dining options. In fact, there’s even a hatted restaurant in town, Brae, although you’re lucky to nab a spot last minute. As is the nearby, much-lauded Royal Mail Hotel‘s Wickens (although you have a better chance at their more casual Parker St Project. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious and popular options in town to make the trip worth it. Treetops Adventure Park is nearby to get your heart pumping or check out the thriving local arts scene.

plated dish at Brae Restaurant — Treat the tastebuds in Birregurra. (Image: Brae Restaurant)

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

Make the most of your upcoming long weekend with these short road trips from Australia’s capital cities.

Sydney

1. Central Coast

2. Southern Highlands

Adelaide

3. Fleurieu Peninsula

4. Limestone Coast

Hobart

5. Bruny Island

6. Cradle Mountain

Canberra

7. Orange

8. Crackenback

Brisbane

9. Toowoomba

10. Granite Belt

Perth

11. Mandurah

12. Green Head

Darwin

13. Lake Bennett

14. Mataranka

Melbourne

15. Bendigo

16. Birregurra

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Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

2. The Place

3. Local gelato

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

2. Circular Quay

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

4. Theatre Royal