9 rejuvenating weekend getaways around Australia

Whether it’s a city staycation, a digital detox in the wild or a long weekend exploring new places, a short break can be all the reset you need.

1. The Limestone Coast, SA

Pristine beaches, lush vineyards and dazzling sinkholes, all just a 3.5-hour drive from Adelaide. It’s entirely possible to enjoy three separate holidays around South Australia’s 350-kilometre-long Limestone Coast over one long weekend. From a refreshing dip at Mount Gambier’s Kilsby Sinkhole to an exclusive wine tasting experience with Zema Estate in Coonawarra and a boutique stay at Church on the Hill in Robe , your easy, breezy itinerary awaits.

diving in Kilsby Sinkhole — Diving in Kilsby Sinkhole. (Image: Jessie Cripps)

2. Pumphouse Point, Tas

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

If your idea of a perfect weekend means a digital detox in the wilderness, this unique, adults-only retreat in a historic hydro-electric station on a glacial lake might be just the ticket. Pumphouse Point is located on Lake St Clair in the central highlands of Tasmania Wilderness World Heritage Area, just 2.5 hours’ drive from Hobart and Launceston. Here, your boutique digs offer front-row seats to the drama of the landscape that envelops you.

the Pumphouse Point, Tasmania — Switch off in the Tassie wilderness. (Image: Adam Gibson)

3. The Hunter Valley, NSW

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

There are myriad ways to experience the Hunter Valley, just a two-hour drive from Sydney. While the region is best known for its award-winning restaurants and cellar doors, teetotallers aren’t completely left wanting. Float in the sun-blushed skies over the vineyard-laden landscape with Balloon Aloft , join an outdoor cooking class at Majors Lane in Lovedale or head to Hunter Valley Resort and Farm for a range of activities, from barrel rolling to horse riding. Squeeze every drop out of your visit with a pampered stay at Elysia Wellness Retreat .

Balloon Aloft in the Hunter Valley — Take it above and beyond in the Hunter Valley. (Image: Destination NSW/Chris Elfes)

4. Trentham, Vic

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

Like its nearby siblings Kyneton and Daylesford, the tiny gold rush town of Trentham in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges has been increasingly luring Melburnians away from the city for a weekend, if not a tree change, with its ever-expanding hit list of eateries, boutiques and galleries. The latest addition seals the deal: a luxuriously renovated two-bedroom weatherboard cottage has opened at The Cosmopolitan Hotel , a historic country pub and dining destination in and of itself.

a weatherboard cottage at The Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham, Victoria — A two-bedroom weatherboard cottage has opened at The Cosmopolitan Hotel.

5. The EVE Hotel in Sydney, NSW

Travelling with: Emily Murphy

The EVE Hotel Sydney is more than a stylish new stay – it’s a microcosm of Redfern’s creative energy and Sydney’s ever-evolving cultural landscape. Set within the heritage Wunderlich Lane precinct, The EVE blends biophilic design with thoughtful nods to the area’s past. Sip cocktails at Bar Julius or settle in for a long lunch at Lottie, where authentic Mexican flavours meet premium Australian produce. It’s a stay designed for lingering long after you’ve closed your suitcase.

the interior of The EVE Hotel, Sydney — The EVE blends biophilic design with thoughtful nods to the area’s past. (Image: Georg Roske)

6. A weekend cruise along Australia’s coastline

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

The concept of a weekend cruise has gained popularity in recent years, as the world’s best cruise lines make their way Down Under for the summer season. A two-night weekender onboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas (January/February 2026) offers the chance to bliss out on a sea day between porting in Sydney, while a three-day sampler onboard Voyager of the Seas (December to March) offers the same opportunity from Brisbane. Princess Cruises offers similar two-day ‘seacations’ sailing between Sydney and Brisbane (November 2025). Or make an extra-long weekend of it, sailing five nights from Sydney on Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning Celebrity Edge , taking in Eden on NSW’s Sapphire Coast and Hobart (November 2025). It might just prove the ideal reset between busy working weeks.

the Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning Celebrity Edge villa — Sail five nights from Sydney on Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning Celebrity Edge. (Image: Michel Verdure)

7. The Blue Mountains, NSW

Travelling with: Emily Murphy

Treat yourself to a luxury weekend in the tranquil surrounds of Spicers Sangoma Retreat , perched in the Bowen Mountain landscape of NSW’s Blue Mountains National Park. Lush bushland, sandstone cliffs and the sounds of native birdlife set the scene for deep relaxation. Indulge in spa treatments at Spa Anise, savour hatted dining at Restaurant Amara, float in the heated infinity pool or wander bush trails. It’s a secluded haven designed for restorative escapes.

relaxing in the tub at Spicers Sangoma Retreat — Lean into restorative R&R in the Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW/Jem Cresswell)

8. Explore Fitzroy in Melbourne, Vic

Travelling with: Katie Carlin

Melbourne’s oldest neighbourhood is a hub of contrasts: designer boutiques and fine-dining restaurants sit alongside graffitied terrace houses, tattoo parlours and historic pubs. Now, the world’s first StandardX hotel is drawing travellers out of the CBD and into the heart of Fitzroy. Its location, tucked behind the main drag across from Rose Street Artists’ Market, is prime for exploring Melbourne’s hidden art scene. You can’t walk a block without spotting a building-sized mural or painted stencil underfoot. To truly appreciate it, join a Street Art Tour with Blender Studios . You’ll never look at a tag the same way again.

al fresco dining at StandardX hotel, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria — Join the cool set at the world’s first StandardX hotel. (Image: Rhiannon Taylor)

9. The Lodge Wadjemup, Rottnest Island, WA

Travelling with: Fleur Bainger

the Salt Lake view at The Lodge Wadjemup — Cast away on Perth’s favourite island.

Grinning quokkas? Check. Sixty-three perfect-smile beaches? Yep. A flash new way to spend the night? Well actually, yes. The opening of The Lodge Wadjemup  may just unlock the insatiable demand for sandy-footed weekend getaways on Rottnest Island. The $40 million redevelopment will add 102 rooms to Perth’s favourite dot on the horizon once works are finished mid-May. More than half are already open, earning the resort global kudos as the only Australian hotel included in TIME magazine’s 2025 World’s Greatest Places list.

the interior of The Lodge Wadjemup — Spend the night at The Lodge Wadjemup. (Image: Shot by Thom)

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

9 restful weekend getaways around Australia

Whether it’s a city staycation, a digital detox in the wild or a long weekend exploring new places, a short break can be all the reset you need.

1. The Limestone Coast, SA

2. Pumphouse Point, Tas

3. The Hunter Valley, NSW

4. Trentham, Vic

5. The EVE Hotel in Sydney, NSW

6. A weekend cruise along Australia’s coastline

7. The Blue Mountains, NSW

8. Explore Fitzroy in Melbourne, Vic

9. The Lodge Wadjemup, Rottnest Island, WA

A Christmas gift guide for the travellers in your life

The best-rated spots for a scenic hiking and camping trip in one

The ultimate 2025 Christmas movie watchlist

The aurora australis could light up Australian skies tonight

8 Red Centre locations to explore after seeing the new movie, Kangaroo

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

3. Ormiston Gorge

4. Standley Chasm

5. Simpsons Gap

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

7. Larapinta Drive

8. Todd River