A Unique Long Weekend Cruise Trip - Australian Traveller

Tiana Templeman recently stepped aboard Quantum of the Seas with her husband for a short cruise from Brisbane to Airlie Beach and inadvertently discovered the perfect long weekend away.

I’d never thought of cruising as something you could do on a weekend, but our recent cruise on Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas proved a Sampler Cruise isn’t just short, it’s also sweet. There was no need to take leave either, as the ship departed on a Friday afternoon, and had us back in time for work on Monday morning. I strolled off the ship and was back at my desk by 8.30am.

It was relaxing too as the biggest decision we had to make while we were at sea was where to eat dinner each night. And whether we wanted to hit new heights on the North Star, go skydiving at sea, or just sit on our balcony and watch the sunlight dancing across the ocean.

Here are seven reasons to pack your bag and spend a long weekend at sea like we did.

Budgeting is easy

If you’re like us and your love of weekend getaways is larger than your budget, a cruise could be just what you’re looking for. There’s a cabin to suit every budget, especially if you book early, and most dining and entertainment options are included in the cost of your fare. Top tip: Downloading the (free) onboard app will help you make the most of all those free restaurants, shows and activities.

a Surfing Flow Rider onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas — Ride through a simulated Surfing Flow Rider. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

Travelling as a family is child’s play

Keeping everyone happy can be hard work if you’re travelling with kids, but a mega-ship has enough facilities to ensure you all have fun. Adventurous activities like the iFly skydiving simulator , FlowRider surf simulator and bumper cars are a hit with kids (and adults) of all ages. There are also age-appropriate hang-out spaces and activities for children aged up to 17 if you feel like a break.

bumper cars onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas — Enjoy kid-friendly activities on Quantum of the Seas. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

The more, the merrier

If you’re planning a group getaway, it can be easier, cheaper and a lot more fun to go on a cruise instead of travelling to someone’s house. Whether you’re organising a hen’s or buck’s celebration or just want to get away with your besties, a weekend cruise can be a fun and affordable way to catch up. If you’re travelling with family, a cruise offers the perfect mix of time spent together and apart.

cruising The Whitsundays onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas — For a fuss-free weekend away, it is time you consider a cruise. (Image: Trevor Templeman)

You’re a first-timer

If you’ve never been on a cruise before and aren’t sure whether this type of holiday is for you, a short weekend getaway can be a great way to test the waters before you book a longer trip. Regular cruisers tend to be a friendly bunch and love sharing their expertise, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. And if you love it? Booking another cruise while you’re onboard often comes with extra discounts and perks!

roller skating onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas — The rollerskating rink has your name on it. (Image: Trevor Templeman)

It’s party time

Everyone is onboard for a good time, not a long time, on a weekend cruise. This means the mood is fun, the vibe is high, and the nights are long with people on the dance floor until the early hours of the morning. Whether you’re travelling as a group, with your partner or sailing solo, finding someone to party with is never a problem. And if you prefer to relax? That’s just as easy to do.

people enjoying onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas — Party all day and night onboard Quantum of the Seas. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

No planning, no stress

On a shorter weekend cruise, there are no ports to tempt you to give up your much-needed downtime organising everyone to go ashore and planning (and paying for) activities. Sampler Cruise itineraries typically include sea days only, with plenty of fun and relaxation available onboard and no need to leave the ship. If you do want to explore ashore, opt for a slightly longer four-night sailing that includes a port day like the one we enjoyed at Airlie Beach.

Airlie Beach on a sunny day — Soak up the sun on Airlie Beach if you opt for a slightly longer cruise and make it a 4-night sailing.

Cruising is inclusive

Enjoying a weekend away with friends or family members with special needs can require additional planning, but cruise lines make this easy. From sensory-friendly toys for families living with autism to accessible bathrooms on every floor and swimming pools with a lift, there’s plenty of assistance available on board and on shore if you fill out the cruise lines’ Guest Special Needs Form.

passengers enjoying the sunset on a paid North Star experience on a sea day — Capture incredible sunset views. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

It’s the ultimate holiday add-on

If you’re heading to Brisbane, Perth or Sydney on holiday, a weekend cruise from these popular capital city ports is a great way to wind down if you’ve been racing around sightseeing. Step onboard, find a sunlounger and enjoy a relaxing holiday from your holiday before you head back to work.

sunloungers by the pool onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas — Relax on a sun lounger.

Getting there is a breeze

As I discovered on our recent long weekend cruise from Brisbane, it was much quicker and easier getting to our local cruise port than battling the Friday afternoon traffic on the M1. Instead of arriving at our accommodation feeling stressed out, we were onboard the ship and sipping a cocktail 90 minutes after we left home. It’s hard to think of a more perfect start to a long weekend away!

a restaurant onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas — Dine and sip cocktails onboard. (Image: Jamies F)

For more cruising tips, reviews and inspiration, read our cruising travel guide.

The East Kimberley should be on every bucket list, and here’s why.

Livistona palms soar out of chasms the colour of Valencia oranges. Shady waterholes beckon travellers daring to venture off the bitumen. From the air, fruit farms give way to vast plains that meet rolling hills and fascinating geological formations centuries in the making. The East Kimberley is one of Australia’s most treasured wilderness areas, but don’t be fooled by its rust-coloured roads. This north-eastern corner of Western Australia is home to some of Australia’s most iconic stays by Discovery Resorts that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

A group of people enjoy an intimate dining experience at El Questro Homestead. — Dine in the heart of nature.

Your guide to Lake Argyle

The backstory

With rolling hills that glow amber at sunrise and glassy water that reflects the Kimberley’s bright blue sky, a visit to Lake Argyle is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As Australia’s second-largest man-made freshwater lake, travellers flock here to soak in the views from boats, helicopters and Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle .

The latter is a lakeside oasis, a resort where travellers crossing from Western Australia into the Northern Territory (or vice versa) converge. Fifty minutes’ drive south of Kununurra, the property is perched atop a cliff overlooking the sprawling Lake Argyle.

Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle was originally built in the late 1960s to provide accommodation for builders of the Ord River dam, which formed Lake Argyle. In the decades that followed it had several owners, until a Kununurra local took the reins in 2004 and reinvented the property with luxury villas and its now world-famous infinity pool. The iconic property was added to the Discovery Resorts portfolio in 2021, undergoing a major upgrade that took the resort from a beloved campground to an all-encompassing resort with premium waterfront villas.

A boat glides across the expansive waters of Lake Argyle, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberley. As part of the Discovery Holiday Parks experience, this unforgettable journey offers adventure and relaxation. — Glide across the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Argyle.

The rooms

A lakeside resort like no other, Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle offers something for everyone, from campsites to villas and cabins . The Deluxe Lakeview Cabins have views of the opposing cliff and are surrounded by bush, ensuring plenty of privacy, while both the Deluxe and Standard Cabins are ideal for families, with contemporary furnishings and one, two or four bedrooms. The campsites also come in a variety of sizes.

The facilities

There’s no doubt the biggest drawcard to Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is the lake, 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour. One of the best ways to experience it is on the Kimberley Durack Sunset Explorer Cruise , during which you’ll see freshwater crocodiles nesting along the banks (it’s home to 30,000 freshies) and even get the chance to swim in their waters. The cruise also takes in Mt Misery, towering above the original and now submerged Argyle Downs Homestead.

If you have young children who need to get to bed early, a great alternative is the three-hour Lunch Explorer Cruise . You’ll tour around the lake’s bays as you learn about the local wildlife before stopping at a remote island for a swim.

Refuel between adventures at the onsite pub-style eatery, The Lake Argyle Cafe. The cafe is the heart of the resort, bringing together friends new and old over a steak, cold beer and live music. Hours vary with the seasons, but rest assured you’ll be able to enjoy a good feed year-round, with a well-stocked general store also open during the day.

Cool off from a day of exploring in the striking infinity pool with some of the best views in the country (you’ll find sweeping views of the lake below). Or enjoy a flight with HeliSpirit, or clear your mind during a yoga class on the lawn.

Two people unwind in an infinity pool, overlooking stunning Lake Argyle at Discovery Holiday Parks. — Take a dip in the infinity pool and soak in breathtaking Lake Argyle views.

Your guide to El Questro

The backstory

One of the most famous stays in Australia is El Questro . A former cattle station, it’s evolved into one of the country’s most recognisable tourism destinations over the past 30 years, and is now embarking on a new chapter to elevate the region’s rich First Nations culture.

The property draws travellers seeking to reconnect with nature and the beauty of this country. Wild in spirit but immaculate in style, El Questro is a 283,000-hectare property like no other; surrounded by dramatic gorges, impressive mountain ranges, thermal springs, secluded waterfalls and even rainforest, it’s the perfect base for adventurous souls.

A person floats leisurely in the river at Discovery Holiday Parks, immersed in nature’s tranquillity. — Float along Zebedee Springs and immerse in nature.

The rooms

Across the sprawling El Questro are three properties catering to the wide variety of travellers who journey this way. The most impressive is the luxurious Homestead , where 10 suites perch at the edge of a burnt-orange cliff, with cantilevered bedrooms over the peaceful Chamberlain River. The adults-only, all-inclusive Homestead is a member of the prestigious Luxury Lodges of Australia collection and offers a backdrop of thick bushland; riverside, you’ll find an immaculate lawn and a shaded pool that lures guests out of their rooms.

At Emma Gorge , travellers will be immersed in the beauty of the Cockburn Ranges, falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife in safari-style tented cabins. This is where you come if you want to completely connect with your environment while retaining a few creature comforts. The Emma Gorge Tented Cabins sleep three or four people and feature private ensuites and ceiling fans.

Families also love The Station , home to simple yet comfortable air-conditioned rooms, as well as a large, leafy campground. Sitting by the Pentecost River, The Station is open from April to October and has a range of accommodation, from unpowered and powered campsites to air-conditioned tents for two people and a Gardenview Family Room for five.

Two people stand beside a suite perched on the edge of a striking burnt-orange cliff, gazing out over the serene Chamberlain River below. — Take a breather with stunning views of nature all around.

The facilities

Located in the heart of the Kimberley, El Questro retains its strong connection with its Traditional Owners, the Ngarinyin people. A highlight of a stay here is the Injiid Marlabu Calls Us experience ; over two hours, guests are immersed in the soul of Country by witnessing ancient healing rituals, listening to generational stories and learning about the land’s ancestral heritage.

Other experiences include bird watching, cruising through Chamberlain Gorge, hiking through Emma Gorge, horse riding, four-wheel-driving and soaking in Zebedee Springs. At the properties, you can also cool off in the pools, and relax in the restaurants or at private dining locations. A bonus of staying at The Homestead is the exclusive service of El Questro’s dedicated reservations team, who will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your travel tastes.

A group of people stand beside a tree, with a car parked nearby, taking in the surrounding natural beauty. — Experience thrilling nature activities.

Book your East Kimberley adventure today with Discovery Resorts.

A unique long weekend trip you’ve probably never thought of

Tiana Templeman recently stepped aboard Quantum of the Seas with her husband for a short cruise from Brisbane to Airlie Beach and inadvertently discovered the perfect long weekend away.

Budgeting is easy

Travelling as a family is child’s play

The more, the merrier

You’re a first-timer

It’s party time

No planning, no stress

Cruising is inclusive

It’s the ultimate holiday add-on

Getting there is a breeze

For more cruising tips, reviews and inspiration, read our cruising travel guide.

26 incredible ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve

Friday’s Cold Moon is your last chance to see a supermoon in 2025

Australia’s most iconic train journey is changing in 2027

The best Christmas markets to visit this holiday season

Inspire your senses with these iconic East Kimberley stays

The East Kimberley should be on every bucket list, and here’s why.

Your guide to Lake Argyle

The backstory

The rooms

The facilities

Your guide to El Questro

The backstory

The rooms

The facilities