12 summer weekends away across Australia to plan now

The weather is heating up, the days are getting longer, and the break we are all looking forward to is nearing closer. Here, 12 different ways to spend your summer weekends, from beach breaks to city stays.

Past summer holidays are locked in the memory bank as the best. Long days spent at the beach; salty skin and sandy feet, iceblocks dripping down chins and hopping across hot bitumen barefoot. Afternoons splashing about in the pool. Balmy evenings around a barbecue and playing outside with siblings and cousins until it gets dark. Summer holidays have evolved from these simple times – beachside towns are no longer just fibro shacks and fish and chip shops. Cool bars and stylish restaurants have come into the mix. And we’re embracing summer spent away from the coast – in our cities, which are buzzing with events and alfresco dining. But, if we want, those classic summer moments can be found, too. Where a good book and beach towel are all we need. We get 12 summer weekends – make the most of them.

Lord Howe Island, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

If Sir David Attenborough describes a place as “so extraordinary, it’s almost unbelievable", it should be firmly in the top bucket list position. Located 700 kilometres north-east of Sydney, Lord Howe is one of Australia’s most exclusive island escapes, with just 400 lucky people allowed to visit at any one time. Summer temps hover around a pleasant 25 degrees – perfect for snorkelling in its crystalline lagoons among coral gardens, surfing at Blinky Beach and swimming with turtles at Old Settlement.

The best accommodation to book

Located on the island’s lagoon, Pinetrees has been welcoming guests since 1848. The all-inclusive lodge features a range of tropical-style rooms and suites, all connected by boardwalks through kentia palms.

Must-have experience

Book a guided tour to climb Mt Gower, the island’s challenging 875-metre peak, home to rare plant and bird species and dizzying views.

Central Coast, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

Terrigal Pavilion is the Central Coast’s hottest new favourite spot. (Image: Kitti Gould)

Plonked between Sydney and Newcastle like a summer break made in heaven , the Central Coast is packed with 40-plus beaches (including many coveted surf breaks), coastal bushwalks and laidback seaside towns. This sun, sand and sea-filled region has become somewhat of a hotspot for stylish drinking and dining venues lately, too, including good vibes-filled bar and restaurant Terrigal Pavilion , which recently opened to much fanfare.

The best accommodation to book

Check in to check out the brand-new voco Gosford , which features coastal-style rooms, an outdoor pool, gym and multiple dining venues. On its rooftop, sleek Japanese restaurant and bar Astra raises the bar – quite literally – boasting gobsmacking views over Brisbane Water.

Must-have experience

Get out on the water with Broken Bay Pearl Farm , which offers tours from Mooney Mooney on the Lower Hawkesbury River, including tours of the farm, the pearl showroom and oyster-tasting.

Sydney/Warrane, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

Get lost in the good vibes of Henry Deane. (Image: Destination NSW)

Summer in the city is definitely worth consideration. Sydney/Warrane comes alive in the summer months, with outdoor concerts, including Sunset Piazza – a 32-night pop-up concert series in Cathedral Square; alfresco dining and rooftop bars, from Joji in the CBD to the Henry Deane in Millers Point; and the harbour shimmering a little brighter in the sun.

The best accommodation to book

In the heart of the CBD, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney blends luxury and heritage within the 150-year-old former General Post Office building (of which you can join a heritage tour).

Must-have experience

If you’re up before the sun, head to Lavender Bay for a Sunrise Kayak and Coffee tour with Sydney by Kayak. During the summer months, you’ll paddle under the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the sun rises.

Newcastle, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

Bogey Hole is a picture-perfect dream. (Image: Getty Images/Alizada Studios)

Newy is the best of both worlds : stunning coast and a cool urban centre (that’s compact and easy to get around). Heritage-listed ocean baths, 29 surf breaks, the convict-built Bogey Hole ocean pool, the Bathers Way coastal walk , sailing in the harbour – these are just some of the outdoor activities you can enjoy when the sun is shining. And when it sets, Newcastle’s nightlife pulsates, with lively pubs, hatted restaurants and hip small bars.

The best accommodation to book

Crystalbrook Kingsley is housed within the iconic Roundhouse, the city’s former council administration building. It has a brilliant and sophisticated design anchored by sustainable principles (think upcycled furnishings and single-use plastic-free space), with a rooftop bar and restaurant.

Must-have experience

If air-con is beckoning, get your creative and cultural fix at Newcastle Art Gallery , which will fully reopen in February 2026 after a major expansion.

Albany, WA

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

The coastlines of Lucky Bay are pure bliss.

White sand, turquoise-hued water, nary a crowd in sight… Albany’s beaches are world-renowned . The ironically named Misery Beach was crowned Tourism Australia’s best beach in 2022 and Lucky Bay took the coveted top spot in 50 Best Beaches in the World in 2023. Aside from sand and sea, this south-west WA town is steeped in history, from whaling to war, and the emotive National Anzac Centre is a must for all visitors.

The best accommodation to book

Hilton Garden Inn Albany overlooks Princess Royal Harbour right in town. Rooms and suites are modern in a coastal white, blue and timber theme, with a restaurant and bar on the ground level.

Must-have experience

Torndirrup National Park is just 20 minutes’ drive south of Albany and is home to the 40-metre-high wind- and wave-carved Gap and Natural Bridge, where visitors can walk out to a platform that teeters above the roaring ocean below.

Rottnest Island/Wadjemup, WA

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

What better way to arrive at your summer vacay than by boat? Just 25 minutes from Fremantle and 90 minutes from Perth, Rottnest Island/Wadjemup is all about barefoot simplicity and long, languid beach days. Take your pick from 63 beaches and 20 bays with water temps around 20 degrees. Afternoons are refreshing thanks to the Fremantle Doctor (a cool summer breeze).

The best accommodation to book

Discovery Resorts – Rottnest Island is in prime position, nestled within the dunes of Pinky Beach, which has safe and calm waters and a coral reef for snorkelling. The park features glamping-style accommodation in eco tents that can sleep up to 10 people.

Must-have experience

seafood from Rottnest Cruises — Seafood lovers, there’s no better place than Rottnest Cruises.

Seafood lovers should nab a spot on a Luxe Island Seafood Cruise with Rottnest Cruises . While cruising around Rotto’s waters that shimmer all shades of blue, indulge in a seven-course feast, featuring fresh-caught western rock lobster and chargrilled Fremantle octopus with free-flowing beverages.

Canberra, ACT

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

The National Multicultural Festival is one of Canberra’s festive celebrations.

Our capital city buzzes with cicada-like intensity in summer, hosting films under the stars, high-octane car races (Canberra Festival of Speed and Street Machine Summernats 38), exciting sports matches and the vibrant National Multicultural Festival (7-9 February). Escaping the heat indoors doubles as a cultural awakening in the city’s incredible museums and galleries.

The best accommodation to book

Part of the National Zoo & Aquarium, Jamala Wildlife Lodge blends luxury with the thrill of close encounters with wildlife. The unique room types allow guests to feed the resident giraffes from their balcony or look through windows that face directly into cheetah, lion, leopard and Malayan sun bear enclosures. Your stay here also contributes to the conservation and welfare of local and overseas wildlife.

Must-have experience

Take to Lake Burley Griffin in a boat (GoBoat rents out electric picnic boats, no licence required!), cycle around its 30-kilometre edge (hire a pushy with Cycle Canberra ) or relax in one of the many shoreside bars (such as wine and espresso bar, Margot ).

Townsville, Queensland

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

In summer, this North Queensland gem is hot and humid with the occasional tropical downpour in the afternoon and night. But that’s all part of the fun. Days can be spent along The Strand, which has a rockpool for swimming and a waterpark for family fun; swimming in Magnetic Island’s calm bays or spotting koalas (a quick ferry ride away); or cooling off in the waterholes of nearby Paluma Range National Park.

The best accommodation to book

Marmor is one of Ardo’s luxe dining options.

Perched on the edge of the Coral Sea and an easy walk into town, Ardo is a luxe stay with a rooftop pool and bar, and two restaurants. Next door The Ville Resort-Casino is packed with dining and entertainment options, too.

Must-have experience

New for summer (officially launching 11 December), Flinders Street Wharves is a waterfront dining destination, including a floating pontoon bar and The Rooftop, which boasts panoramic views and live entertainment.

Mooloolaba, Queensland

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

While Noosa steals much of the Sunshine Coast limelight, Mooloolaba is a summer star in our eyes – with its wide sandy beach, gentle waves perfect for relaxing dips and learning to surf, and a beautiful foreshore (which is currently being revitalised to add more seating and parklands). It also has a bunch of excellent drinking and dining choices, such as uber chic Casa Restaurant , which serves Mediterranean cuisine, and WAT Den for killer cocktails in a brooding setting.

The best accommodation to book

Breeze Mooloolaba is perfectly positioned across from the beach and a short walk from restaurants and shopping. The self-contained one- and two-bedroom apartments are modern and spacious, some with views of the ocean.

Must-have experience

Saltwater Eco Tours seafood — Saltwater Eco Tours offer seafood delicacies infused with native flavours. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

Saltwater Eco Tours runs cruises around the waterways of Mooloolaba on a heritage vessel, including a Bush Tucker cruise – in collaboration with Local Traditional Owners of the Kabi Kabi First Nation – where guests enjoy a seafood feast infused with locally foraged native foods.

Geelong, Victoria

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

geelong arts centre — Geelong is a burgeoning arts capital. (Image: Peter Foster)

Transformed from an industrial centre, Geelong became Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Design, a dynamic city with a rich arts and culture offering (including the brand-new, bold Geelong Arts Centre ). Add to that a buzzy dining scene, surf beaches and national parks webbed with hiking tracks – and we’re sorted for a long weekend.

The best accommodation to book

Opening in January, Crowne Plaza Geelong is a sleek new stay that has 200 rooms, many of which overlook the bay Corio Bay. Another new place to check in is Bayside Geelong Hotels & Apartments , with modern rooms and apartments on Geelong’s Esplanade.

Must-have experience

Slap on some zinc and get yourself to Victoria’s largest water theme park – Adventure Park – which has launched two new free-fall waterslides for the summer. Stand on the trap door and brace yourself for 100 metres of twists and turns. It’s bound to be nostalgic fun for the adults and the-best-day-ever for kids.

Hobart, Tasmania

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

The Tasmanian Wine Festival is an annual festive celebration. (Image: Vandemonian)

Scorching summer temps aren’t your idea of a fun time? Escape the mainland to a pleasant climate of 11 to 21 degrees. While the weather is on the brisker side, Hobart/Nipaluna’s calendar heats up over summer, with the famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Taste of Summer and Tasmanian Wine Festival just a few events happening around Tassie’s capital.

The best accommodation to book

Luxury harbourside stay MACq01 positions itself as a ‘storytelling’ hotel. Each of its 114 plush rooms and suites is dedicated to a local historical character, with tours available to delve deeper into the stories that are woven throughout the property.

Must-have experience

Paddle along the waterfront with Roaring 40s Kayaking , which has a 2.5-hour Hobart tour that includes fish and chips in summer from the fish punts in Constitution Dock.

Yorke Peninsula, SA

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

Anyone else ready to tap out after a busy end-of-year? Just an hour from Adelaide/Tandanya, the Yorke Peninsula is the kind of place to slow down. Unfurling along 700 kilometres of coastline, you can almost claim a beach to yourself in these parts – many of which are postcard-worthy with white sand and sapphire waters.

The best accommodation to book

Absolute beachfront is always a winner in summer. Seagate Moonta Bay is only two hours’ drive from Adelaide and offers simple and modern rooms, including a family suite.

Must-have experience

Moonta Bay is the stuff of chilled-out summer holiday dreams. Spend days swimming and fossicking on the beaches, go fishing off the jetty, or hire a bike from Copper Trails Bike Hire to cycle along the coast and the region’s copper mines. The waters around Moonta Bay are teeming with blue swimmer crabs, which are most active during the warmer months.

Makers, bakers, artists, chefs, crafters – Ballarat and its surrounds are overflowing with creative spirits. All dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive for a city that is humming with artful energy.

Modern makers: a new generation of artists and artisans

“Keeping craft alive is a noble cause,” says Jess Cameron-Wootten, a charming and passionate master leathercrafter and cordwainer, who handmakes traditional leather boots and shoes in Ballarat’s old Gun Cotton Goods Store.

Ballarat was recognised in 2019 as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, and today it’s a place where craft traditions converge with contemporary needs. Nothing quite captures this convergence as a visit to Wootten , the workshop and store of Jess Cameron-Wootten and his partner Krystina Menegazzo.

heritage buildings in Ballarat — Ballarat’s streets are lined with heritage buildings. (Image: Matt Dunne)

Jess’s father was an artisan bootmaker, or cordwainer. Now Jess and Krys and their small team of artisans continue the tradition, but with a modern spin. The company’s boots and shoes, made completely from scratch, are renowned for their quality and longevity. Wootten also craft shoes, bags, belts, leather aprons, wallets and more.

Cosy beanies, gloves, alpaca socks, “unbreakable” shoelaces and various other goods – many from local craftspeople and small-scale makers – fill the shop’s shelves. “We’re always happy to support a mate,” says Jess. “People love to see the workshop and where things are made. Our clients care about quality and sustainability,” Krys comments. The company slogan ‘Made for generations’ says it all.

Ruby Pilven’s ceramics at Ross Creek Gallery. (Image: Tara Moore)

For Ruby Pilven, craft is also in the DNA – both her parents were potters and with her latest porcelain ceramics, Ruby’s young daughter has been helping add colour to the glazes. “I grew up watching my parents in the workshop – I’ve always been doing ceramics,” she says, although her Visual Arts degree was in printmaking. That printmaking training comes through particularly in the rich layering of pattern. Her audacious colour, unexpected shapes and sudden pops of 12-carat gold are contemporary, quirky – and joyful.

You can see Ruby’s handcrafted ceramics, and work by other local and regional artists, at Ross Creek Gallery , a light-filled space surrounded by serene bushland, across from the mudbrick house her parents built in the 1980s. A 10-minute drive from Ballarat, it’s a tangible link to the region’s well-established craft traditions.

How Ballarat is preserving the past

artisans making crafts at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — The Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades holds workshops to preserve crafts and skills.

While tradition is ongoing, there’s a danger that many of these specific type of skills and knowledge are fading as an older generation passes on. Step forward the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades .

The seven purpose-built studios occupy a fabulous modern building adjacent to Sovereign Hill, with state-of-the-art facilities, enormous windows and landscape views across to Warrenheip and Wadawurrung Country.

artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — Check out artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

Practising artisans run hands-on workshops. Fancy making your own medieval armour? Or trying your hand at blacksmithing, spinning wool, plaiting leather, weaving cane or craft a knife? Book a class and learn how. “It’s about creating awareness and also sharing knowledge and skills before they are lost,” explains Deborah Klein, the centre manager.

A city steeped in food and flavours

Chef José Fernandez preparing American streetfood at Pancho — Chef José Fernandez creates vibrant South American street food at Pancho. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

One skill that hasn’t been lost is that of cooking. Ballarat’s burgeoning gastronomy scene runs the gamut from an artisan bakery (the atmospheric 1816 Bakehouse) to cool coffee shops, speakeasy cocktail bars and distilleries to fine-dining venues. But I’m still surprised to find Pancho , José Fernandez’s South American street food restaurant, serving fried cheese tequeños, fiery fish tacos, Argentinian grilled chicken.

The room is as lively as the food – a whirl of colour filled with gifted and thrifted paintings, photos, tchotchkes (trinkets), plants. There’s a Mexican abuela aesthetic going on here. Even before the music and mezcal kick in, it’s fun. Heads up on the drinks menu – an authentic selection of mezcal, tequila, South American wines and Mexican cerveza.

a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat — Enjoy a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

The spirit is willing, so after lunch we head towards the gold rush-era Ballarat train station and across the line to the old 1860s Goods Shed for Itinerant Spirits . At one end, a massive German copper still looms behind a wall of glass. The fit-out embraces deep olive-green tones, original bluestone walls, steamer trunks as coffee tables, heritage timber floors, oversized lamp shades and cognac-hued modernist leather seating.

the Itinerant Spirits Distillery & Cocktail Bar, Ballarat — The distillery operates from an old goods shed. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Gallivanter Gin, Vansetter Vodka and Wayfarer Whiskey – the key spirits distilled – star at the bar. The spirits are crafted using grains from the Wimmera Mallee region, and native botanicals foraged in the Grampians. Seasonal cocktails are inspired by local people and places (I loved The Headland, inspired by Sovereign Hill and flavoured with old-fashioned raspberry drops). Sample the spirits, and join a cocktail masterclass or a distillery tour. It’s a seductive setting – you’ll likely find yourself ordering a charcuterie platter or pizza as the evening progresses.

The Ballarat stay combining history and luxury

one of the rooms at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — The rooms at Hotel Vera have a contemporary style. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

New lives for old buildings keeps history alive. Vera, Ballarat’s boutique five-star hotel, has taken it to the next level: it’s a palimpsest, a subtle layering of early 1900s and 1930s Art Deco architecture with a sleek new wing. There are seven spacious suites, each a dramatically different colour, with designer chairs, blissful bathrooms. High-end pottery and hand-picked artworks imbue the spaces with personality.

Vera’s intimate, award-winning restaurant, Babae, is subtly theatrical with sheer drapes and gallery lighting, its bespoke timber furniture and brass-edged marble bench setting the stage for food with a sharp regional focus. “We have goat’s cheese from a local supplier, handmade granola from local Vegas & Rose, truffles from nearby Black Cat Truffles, fresh food from our garden, and regional wines,” says joint owner David Cook-Doulton.

Celebrating the local makers, bakers, growers and producers, and the master chefs who work their magic is all part of the rich tapestry that links Ballarat’s history to its vibrant present.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s 90 minutes from Melbourne, either on the Western Freeway, or hop on a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station.

Staying there

Hotel Vera is a centrally located Art Deco boutique hotel. Consider Hotel Provincial , which feels like a sleek country house, but with its own restaurant, Lola.

a contemporary room at Hotel Provincial, Ballarat — Hotel Provincial has country house vibes.

Eating there

dining at Mr Jones, Ballarat — The table is set at Mr Jones. (Image: Tony Evans/ Visit Victoria)

Culinary whiz Damien Jones helms Chef’s Hat winner Mr Jones Dining with quiet assurance. His modern Asian food is deceptively simple with deep, intense flavours. Low-key, laid-back ambience, lovely staff, thoughtful wine list.

Cocktails are definitely a thing in Ballarat. Reynard (fox in French) is foxy indeed, a clubby space with top-notch cocktails and small bites. Grainery Lane is extravagantly OTT with its massive 1880s bar, myriad chandeliers, brass gin still, Asian-inspired food and lavish cocktails.

dining at Grainery Lane, Ballarat — Dining at Grainery Lane.

Playing there

a laneway filled with artworks in Ballarat — An artful laneway in the city. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Check out local design legend Travis Price’s wall murals in Hop Lane with its colourful canopy of brollies, or in Main Street. The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s off-site Backspace Gallery showcases early-career artists in a stylish, contemporary space. First Nations-owned and run Perridak Arts connects people to place, bringing together art and crafts in this gallery/shop.

a woman admiring artworks at Perridak Arts Gallery — Perridak Arts is a First Nations-run gallery. (Image: Tony Evans)

The wineries of the Pyrenees are close at hand with their welcoming cellar doors and robust reds. Join a behind-the-scenes tour at the Centre for Gold Rush Collections .

Don’t forget the giant bluestone Kryal Castle , ‘the land of adventure’, for a little medieval magic, and not just for the kids: get ready for Highland-style feasting, jousting, even overnight stays.

The weather is heating up, the days are getting longer, and the break we are all looking forward to is nearing closer. Here, 12 different ways to spend your summer weekends, from beach breaks to city stays.

Lord Howe Island, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experience

Central Coast, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experience

Sydney/Warrane, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experience

Newcastle, NSW

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experience

Albany, WA

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experience

Rottnest Island/Wadjemup, WA

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experience

Canberra, ACT

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experience

Townsville, Queensland

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experience

Mooloolaba, Queensland

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experience

Geelong, Victoria

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experience

Hobart, Tasmania

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experience

Yorke Peninsula, SA

Why it’s worthy of a summer weekend away

The best accommodation to book

Must-have experience

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Makers, bakers, artists, chefs, crafters – Ballarat and its surrounds are overflowing with creative spirits. All dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive for a city that is humming with artful energy.

Modern makers: a new generation of artists and artisans

How Ballarat is preserving the past

A city steeped in food and flavours

The Ballarat stay combining history and luxury

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

Staying there

Eating there

Playing there