14 spring weekends away across Australia to plan now

Look forward to warmer days, louder birdsong, blooming wildflowers, the smell of cut grass and peeling off layers by planning a weekend getaway for this spring.

The arrival of spring coaxes us away from our heaters, from under our blankets and out of hibernation. Forget cleaning out the cupboards, it’s time for a spring weekend getaway filled with sunshine and time in nature. Whether you choose to swap your Ugg boots for thongs and hit the beach, go hiking through wildflowers or make a mad dash inland before the heat of summer sets in, we’ve rounded up 14 spring weekends for you to plan now.

1. Kiama, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

Aerial view overlooking the Kiama Blowhole Point. (Image: Destination NSW)

Is the arrival of spring your cue to head to the coast? Take the 90-minute cruise down the M1 from Sydney or less than three hours from Canberra to chilled-out Kiama. It’s blessed with nine beaches, four ocean pools, snorkelling and surf spots, thunderous blowholes and rolling hillsides.

The best accommodation to book

The Sebel Kiama exterior — The Sebel Kiama has magnificent views.

The Sebel Kiama has spectacular ocean views and modern hotel rooms and apartments. Travelling with kids? BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park is a private beachfront holiday park with a huge water park and multiple playgrounds.

Must-have experiences

the bridge at bundanon — The Bridge at Bundanon is an architectural marvel. (Image: Zan Wimberley)

Snorkel Boneyard’s crystal-clear waters, teeming with fish or take your surfboard to The Farm and Minnamurra (locally known as Mystics). Dry off along the 20-kilometre Kiama Coast Walk, which stretches along the coast from Minnamurra River to Gerringong. And you absolutely must detour to Bundanon near Nowra (a 45-minute drive from Kiama) to experience an art museum, accommodation and wildlife sanctuary in one. As the former home of iconic Australian artist Arthur Boyd, you get to see his preserved studio and the homestead, while the gallery exhibits a rotating schedule of modern, contemporary and First Nations Art. You can spend the night on The Bridge—a striking architectural retreat offering simple comfort, scenic views, and direct access to the property’s cultural experiences.

2. Lismore, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

Give some love to Lismore on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

Divert from the heaving coast to the picturesque Northern Rivers hinterland, a blend of farmland, rainforest and national parks. Give some love to Lismore – a culturally rich city that was devastated by flooding but has rebuilt with a renewed spirit.

The best accommodation to book

Stay in the heart of town at Lismore Gateway Motel , a refreshed 34-room property with a swimming pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

Must-have experiences

Be sure to pop your head into Lismore Regional Gallery , which reopened earlier this year following post-flood restoration and exhibits contemporary art across all disciplines. And hire a bike to explore the scenic countryside along the 132-kilometre Northern Rivers Rail Trail that links Murwillumbah to Casino.

3. Hamilton Island, Queensland

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The Sundays Activities SUP — Springtime hits the sweet spot in Hamilton Island.

An average temperature of 28 degrees? Yes, please. Hamilton Island is a tropical island that’s simple to get to and easy to get around, with a buzzy yet relaxed vibe. While this Whitsundays gem claims mild and mostly sunny weather year-round, springtime hits the sweet spot.

The best accommodation to book

The Sunday Overlooking Pool — Stay at The Sundays on the edge of Catseye Beach.

The Sundays is the island’s newest and hottest accommodation, perched on the edge of Catseye Beach. It has chic rooms that can interconnect for families and a pool club with a restaurant helmed by acclaimed Sydney duo Josh and Julia Niland.

Must-have experiences

Book a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef or world-famous Whitehaven Beach. Or see this beautiful part of our country from a First Nations perspective with Ngaro man Robbie Congoo on a Cultural Island Discovery tour to Hook Island.

4. Winton, Queensland

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum is home to the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Go against the grain and head inland to the outback before the scorching temps of summer set in. In September and October, the weather is warm, the skies are clear, and wildflowers begin to bloom.

The best accommodation to book

Go off-grid for a true outback adventure under starry skies, without compromising on creature comforts. Rangelands Outback Camp is a working cattle station that features six luxury solar-powered tents, a dining tent and a deck to soak up uninterrupted sunsets.

Must-have experiences

Visit Winton’s two big museums: Australian Age of Dinosaurs , home to the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils, and Waltzing Matilda Centre , a celebration of Banjo Paterson’s famous bush ballad and all things outback Australia.

5. Blue Mountains, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

Sure, crisp winter air and fireside dining are lovely. But this World Heritage-listed region comes to life in spring, with the season’s warm and dry conditions excellent for bushwalking.

The best accommodation to book

The Kyah Hotel in the Blue Mountains — The Kyah Hotel is embracing the retro motel revival. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

The Kyah Hotel in Blackheath is a chic boutique motel with Art Deco styling. For a nostalgic stay with sweeping views over Megalong Valley, check in to the iconic Hydro Majestic in Medlow Bath.

Must-have experiences

First-timers should tick Katoomba’s Three Sisters and nearby Scenic World – with its steep railway and cable car – off your list. Then it’s time to tackle some of the breathtaking 19-kilometre Grand Cliff Top Walk , which links Wentworth Falls, Leura and Katoomba.

6. Mackay Isaac, Queensland

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

Platypus in Eungella National Park in Australia — Spot the elusive platypus in Eungella National Park. (Image: Getty Images / ea-4)

This laidback region is where rainforest-clad country meets the reef-fringed coast. It’s a natural playground for hiking, camping, fishing and mountain biking. Warm, spring days = longer time spent playing outdoors.

The best accommodation to book

Quest Mackay on Gordon is in the heart of Mackay and has modern one- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchens, balconies and an outdoor swimming pool.

Must-have experiences

Eungella National Park is an ancient ecological wonderland with plenty of bushwalking. It’s also renowned for the elusive platypus, which may be spotted in Broken River. Add the waterfalls and volcanic boulders of Finch Hatton Gorge to your list, too.

7. Wilson Island, Queensland

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

Wilson Island in Queensland — Wilson Island is a secluded coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Tiny Wilson Island is a secluded coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef. This dreamy castaway-style escape has white sandy beaches lapped by turquoise water and zero connectivity, making it the ideal reset for spring.

The best accommodation to book

Managed by Aldesta Hotels & Resorts , this adults-only, all-inclusive island comprises just nine safari-style tents, all nestled in ancient Pisonia Forest with ocean views.

Must-have experiences

Immerse yourself in some turtle-watching. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Enjoy stand-up paddle-boarding above coral, snorkel straight off the beach, or watch green and loggerhead turtles during nesting and hatching season (November to March).

8. Yarra Valley, Victoria

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The wines are pouring year-round in the Yarra Valley; however, come September, the vineyards turn lush with new growth, making springtime sipping that little bit prettier.

The best accommodation to book

Stay amongst the vines at Re’em Yarra Valley , a new 16-room hotel on Helen & Joey Estate. Surrounded by 80 hectares of vineyards, it features chic, comfy rooms and an Asian-inspired restaurant.

Must-have experiences

CherryHill Orchards Landscape of Blossom Festival — Make a beeline for CherryHill Orchards.

Start your day with a hot-air balloon flight over the vineyards before cellar door-hopping. The ephemeral cherry blossoms appear late September to early October, so make a beeline for CherryHill Orchards to see these Insta-worthy blooms.

9. Murray River, SA

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

This mighty river, lined with river red gums, is full of natural beauty, steeped in history, and rich in Indigenous culture and folklore. In spring, wildlife re-emerges, flowers bloom, and swimming is back on the cards.

The best accommodation to book

The Frames in the Yarra Valley — The Frames is an adults-only retreat. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Base yourself in Renmark at Discovery Parks Renmark Riverfront , which has self-contained cabins and glamping, plus a swimming pool and waterpark. Or luxe out in nearby Paringa at The Frames , an adults-only retreat.

Must-have experiences

Take a cruise along the Murray River on board historic paddlesteamer PS Industry . Or hire a houseboat for the weekend: sleeping up to 12, you can explore the Murray’s dramatic limestone cliffs, lagoons and wetlands at your own pace.

10. Bicheno, Tas

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

Bicheno Penguin Tours operates nightly tours departing at dusk from our base located in the centre of Bicheno. — Bicheno is a natural wildlife sanctuary. (Image: Tourism Australia)

This East Coast hamlet is a natural wildlife sanctuary. You may spot whales as they return south for the year, watch little blue penguins during their busy breeding season, and see wallabies, pademelons and echidnas out and about.

The best accommodation to book

Within walking distance to town, Bicheno Garden Cottages are self-contained and sleep two. Aplite House is set on an 80-hectare property that shares boundaries with Freycinet National Park and is near Friendly Beaches, a wildly beautiful and empty stretch of sand.

Must-have experiences

Friendly Beaches in Bicheno Tasmania — Friendly Beaches is a wildly beautiful and empty stretch of sand. (Image: Kathryn Leahy)

Bicheno overlooks the Governor Island Marine Reserve, which teems with kelp-covered reefs and sponge gardens. Go diving or take a glass-bottomed boat to see its biodiversity. Be sure to try Tassie’s ‘best lobster roll’ at Lobster Shack .

11. Broome, WA

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

Shinju festival — Shinju Festival is fun and family-friendly. (Image: CJ Maddock)

Before the wet arrives, make plans for a weekend in Broome. The weather is warm, there’s little rainfall, and the sparkling Indian Ocean is an open invitation for swimming or kayaking with turtles. Late winter/early spring also marks the start of the Shinju Matsuri Festival .

The best accommodation to book

Mangrove Hotel pool in Broome — Cool off in the Mangrove Hotel’s pool.

Mangrove Hotel is a contemporary stay overlooking Roebuck Bay and just walking distance from Chinatown. A local institution since 1988, Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa is perched on its namesake beach and has a range of luxury suites and bungalows.

Must-have experiences

Visit the Horizontal Falls on a day tour from Broome, either by boat, seaplane or helicopter. And learn about the town’s pearling history with a visit to Paspaley Pearls , Willie Creek Pearls or Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm .

12. Canberra, ACT

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

Floriade festival with flowers and Ferris wheel — You needn’t be a floral fanatic to enjoy Floriade.

One word: Floriade . Now in its 38th year, you needn’t be a floral fanatic to enjoy this annual festival. There are also market stalls, live music and food and wine to enjoy. There’s a buzz in the air during spring (and it’s not just the busy bees).

The best accommodation to book

Book a bed at Midnight Hotel , a sleek stay in trendy Braddon. A by Adina , on the Parliamentary Triangle, has one- and two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to five.

Must-have experiences

It’d be remiss not to make time for the city’s museums, including the National Gallery of Australia , Questacon and Australian War Memorial . For some fun in the springtime sun, skipper a boat on Lake Burley Griffin or hire a bike to loop around its 30-kilometre shore.

13. Coffs Harbour, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

Coffs Harbour on NSW’s mid-north coast shines in spring, thanks to its golden beaches and lush hinterland. Whether you’re chasing coastal walks, fresh seafood or simply a relaxed seaside escape, this coastal haven delivers the ultimate seasonal recharge.

The best accommodation to book

Darlington Beach Holiday Resort, Coffs Harbour, NSW — Park up with Star RV at Darlington Beach Holiday Resort.

From boutique seaside stays like Barellen Beach House to eco-retreats in the rainforest such as Hernani Wilderness Hut , Coffs Harbour has options for every traveller. But its coastal caravan parks and campgrounds are perfect this time of year when the days are mild, like Darlington Beach Holiday Resort . And with a Star RV rental , you’ve got your accommodation and transport in one, no matter where you choose to pull up.

Must-have experiences

Dorrigo National Park, NSW — Chase waterfalls in the verdant Dorrigo National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

It wouldn’t be a trip to Coffs Harbour without a photo at the Big Banana , where you can also go tobogganing and bowling, play laser tag, and swim at the on-site water park. Nearby Dorrigo National Park , just an hour’s drive inland, is perfect for nature hikes and chasing waterfalls. Found along the scenic Waterfall Way road trip, it’s the perfect excuse to make tracks in your Star RV motorhome.

14. Mildura, Vic

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

Mildura in Victoria — Mildura sits on the picturesque banks of the Murray River.

Recently dubbed the ‘Tropical North’ of Victoria, Mildura is a springtime oasis on the banks of the Murray River. Warm days, bespoke vineyards and flourishing citrus groves bring to mind the Med, while fresh regional produce and friendly locals hint at Australia’s heart.

The best accommodation to book

Kar-Rama in Mildura is part retro motel, part desert dream. Expect punchy colours, quirky details and major main-character energy.

From boutique hotels to riverside stays, there’s no shortage of places to rest your head. But for the ultimate weekend stay, book into the recently refurbished Kar-Rama . Part retro motel, part desert dream, this laidback gem pairs perfectly with Mildura’s easy-going vibe.

Must-have experiences

Trail of Lights by Brunce Munro in Mildura, Vic — Don’t miss Bruce Munro’s stunning Trail of Light.

Mildura bursts with flavour and fun come spring. While a cruise along the Murray and a day-trip to Mungo National Park go down a treat, you don’t want to miss Bruce Munro’s Trail of Light. The immersive outdoor installation celebrates the creative community it calls home and is best viewed at sunset.

A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating.

Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned.

Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world.

Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria — Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves.

The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.

Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions.

Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.

Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed — Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)

As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene.

Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure.

The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po , where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls.

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed , the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles.

Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

pink Lake Tyrrel, Wimmera Mallee, Victoria Australia — Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)

Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes.

Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell , which turns pink during wet and warm conditions.

The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden.

And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic.

Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

border inn in the Wimmera Mallee — Meet the locals at Border Inn.

As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area.

The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality.

The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green. For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.

A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times.

Wimmera Mallee accommodation

Fulham Homestead in wimmera mallee — Escape to Fulham Homestead.

If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest. After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge , also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway.

For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning.

The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike.

If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre.

Annual events

Wimmera Mallee Nhill Aviation Museum — Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.

You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again.

Each year, the Lake Chalegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark.

Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival , a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show , which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj , a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community.

From the quirky to the tasty, start planning at visitwimmeramallee.com.au

Look forward to warmer days, louder birdsong, blooming wildflowers, the smell of cut grass and peeling off layers by planning a weekend getaway for this spring.

1. Kiama, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experiences

2. Lismore, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experiences

3. Hamilton Island, Queensland

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experiences

4. Winton, Queensland

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experiences

5. Blue Mountains, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experiences

6. Mackay Isaac, Queensland

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experiences

7. Wilson Island, Queensland

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experiences

8. Yarra Valley, Victoria

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experiences

9. Murray River, SA

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experiences

10. Bicheno, Tas

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experiences

11. Broome, WA

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experiences

12. Canberra, ACT

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experiences

13. Coffs Harbour, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experiences

14. Mildura, Vic

Why it’s worthy of a spring weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experiences

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A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

Wimmera Mallee accommodation

Annual events