Last minute holidays are often the very best ones. They fulfil our need for spontaneity and freedom, allowing us adventurers to throw caution to the wind; to not get caught up in the details and instead embrace our free spirit! They can also mean greater savings, less stress and more unique opportunities.
A last-minute getaway can be ideal for the busy, the budget-conscious and the road trip romantic. Picture yourself hopping in the car this weekend, your favourite tunes blaring as you cruise down the road with your partner or your best mates —a weekend full of fun, fresh air, and quality time with your favourite people.
To help inspire your spontaneous adventures, we’ve compiled a list of some perfect weekend city escapes around Australia. Happy adventuring!
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The best locations for a last-minute getaway—especially if you’ve only got a weekend or a long-weekend to work with —are places less than three hours’ drive from the city. This makes your adventure accessible whether you’re hopping in the car on Friday arvo or catching a flight to explore further afield. Other great tips include checking out accommodation deals online before you decide. Holiday parks offer deals and discounts all throughout the year, often aimed at last-minute planners, or alternatively, there may be some low-cost camping options in the region you’re thinking of exploring.
The best destinations for a spontaneous weekend escape are the ones with a ‘do-nothing or do-everything’ vibe —as in, as much relaxation or adventure as you’d like.
Just over two hours from Sydney lies the lush Hunter Valley. Think vineyard views, hot air balloon rides, wine tastings, brewery tours, and a full calendar of winter events—from live music to festive markets. For those craving a laid-back escape the region can offer award-winning spas, cosy candle-lit dinners, cheese and wine platters, breathtaking winter sunrises and spectacular local gardens, spread over 25-acres to explore.
Hunter Valley is also home to a number of holiday parks and low-cost camping alternatives, offering cosy amenities such as fire-pits, wood-fire pizza ovens and spa pools. Perfect for a weekend chill. Check out some of these parks at Caravan & Camping NSW.
A short drive from Brisbane, the Scenic Rim offers a truly amazing weekend escape. In winter, the Scenic Rim has all the ingredients of a perfect getaway—winter festivals, markets, a vineyard and scenic lavender farm, national parks, mountain trails, an adventure park, local distilleries and even cooking classes. Picture yourself this weekend by a roaring fireplace, wine in hand and a local cheese plate beside you. Or maybe it’s a morning hike up Tamborine Mountain followed by exploring rustic farm shops and cosy cafes in the afternoon. Eat, drink, hike, rest, reconnect— you can do it all in the Scenic Rim.
For some popular camping spots in the Scenic Rim offering cosy firepits, riverside camping and chill, scenic surrounds, check out Caravanning Queensland.
A short 30-minute drive from Hobart and an even shorter ferry ride from Kettering, Bruny Island is a stunning weekend getaway destination. Featuring unique wildlife, scenic wilderness walks and cosy accommodations, this hidden gem is ideal for a last-minute adventure. Bruny Island is quieter during the winter months, meaning you’ll have no trouble finding affordable accommodation and less crowds to contend with while exploring its spectacular coastline and delicious local food producers.
Head to Get Shucked to enjoy the island’s famous Oysters or indulge in local artisanal cheeses at the Bruny Island Cheese Co. An added winter highlight of Bruny Island? It’s the perfect place to witness the vibrant purple and green hues of the Aurora Australis —the Southern Lights. Check out Caravanning Tasmania to find the perfect park for your stay.
Both Second Valley and Rapid Bay on the Fleurieu Peninsula are an easy 90-minutes’ drive from Adelaide, and both are definitely a worthwhile adventure. Rapid Bay offers a beautiful contrast of rolling green hills and white sandy beaches with turquoise blue waters. This peaceful, dreamy destination is perfect for exploring coastal caves, fishing, and camping under the winter stars.
Second Valley is an equally tranquil retreat offering breathtaking winter sunsets, scenic views and snorkelling opportunities. But don’t worry if you’re craving a bit more adventure—the Fleurieu coast offers plenty of exploring, including national parks, local breweries, boat tours, charming markets. Find the ideal base for your trip with SA Parks.
You’ll find the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure on a last-minute weekend getaway to the Mornington Peninsula. Ideally located just one hour from Melbourne CBD, your spontaneous escape could feature a soak in natural hot springs, exploring wineries and cellar doors, enjoying crisp coastal walks, and indulging in delicious local cuisine. If you fancy something a little more adventurous, you can step inside Arthurs Seat Eagle for a birds-eye-view of the Peninsula, embark on a sea kayaking tour or take a gin and cocktail masterclass!
You can always catch live music on at one of the fantastic venues in the region and there is a wide variety of caravan parks to choose from, offering everything from retro caravan glamping and cosy firepits to beachfront sites and heated pools. Check out Victorian Caravan and Residential Parks website for more.
An ideal weekend escape up north is Dundee Beach, only 90 minutes from Darwin. This popular dry-season holiday spot serves good weather, great fishing and beautiful natural landscapes by the bucket-load! Think stunning NT sunsets, beachside picnics and cocktails staring out at the Indian Ocean. There is plenty of fun to be had as well, with fishing charters, the Dundee Beach markets, 4WD adventures as well as music and good times at the Dundee Tavern.
For accommodation, you can’t go wrong with Dundee Beach Holiday Park. Its beachfront location is hard to beat, not forgetting the swimming pool, communal firepit, movie nights and on-site bar and restaurant.
If you’re looking for a last-minute getaway in WA, look no further than Jurien Bay. A 2-hour drive from Perth, this coastal gem is perfect for a winter weekend—pleasant temperatures around 20-degrees, warm ocean breezes and an abundance of water-based activities for you to enjoy. At Jurien Bay you can swim with sealions or cast a line fishing. For the real adventures, why not try skydiving or just relax on the beach if you’re craving a more chill vibe.
The region offers plenty of opportunity for socialising as well with fantastic bars and restaurants, delicious local seafood, live music and even a local microbrewery. A bonus? Wildflower season is beginning! Spot stunning native wildflowers popping up along the coral coast highway. You can find a place to stay with Caravan and Camping WA!
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Spontaneous escapes can lead to the best stories. Got a favourite weekend destination of your own? Tag us in your last-minute adventures on Facebook or Instagram!
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