It feels like only weeks ago old Saint Nick was emptying his swag of gifts and now we’re seeing the Easter bunny hopping through town one hot cross bun at a time. The upcoming long weekend is a favourite amongst Australians, with many departing from the inner-city buzz and flocking away to family abodes around the nation. No matter where you go and what is on the cards, there’s nothing better than taking a ‘break’ while you’re on a break. To make your Easter getaway extra sweet, we’ve rounded up the top day trips for a last minute escape from any capital this long weekend.
Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island QLD
Load up a backpack and climb aboard, in only 75 minutes from Brisbane you’ll find yourself feet deep in white stretches of sand, hugged by turquoise waters, and tempted with new adventures around every bend. Tangalooma Island Resort is one of the only locations in Australia you can escape to for one day and encounter multiple experiences across land and sea. Think quad bikes, parasailing, desert safaris, sand dune tobogganing, kayaking and snorkelling – to name a few. Get up close and personal with various species of fish, turtles and a myriad of bird life. Slide down one of the largest sand dunes in the world on a toboggan or quad bike through scenic bushland. Then to top it all off, Tangalooma also offers guests the unique opportunity to hand-feed wild dolphins each and every day at dusk – one of only three locations where this is possible in Australia!
Southern Highlands, NSW
Trading city life for the peace and quiet of the southern highlands will be the easiest decision you make over the Easter long weekend. Comprised of charming towns like Bowral, this region is the perfect destination for couples, families, and friends! Enjoy a delicious meal and great wine while you wander the grounds of Bendooley Estate, absorb the town’s history with a heritage walk, and head bush with the Sundown Nature Trail. For movie aficionados there’s also the Mad Max Museum which offers a large collection of photographs, costumes, and replica vehicles. Whatever your flavour, the attractions on offer and green rolling hills won’t disappoint!
Emma Gorge at El Questro, WA
Escape the crowds of urban living and trade it in for lush greenery and bush trails at Emma Gorge at El Questro. Spanning over 200km, Emma Gorge is the perfect place to unplug, get lost in the mountainous trails and plunge into natural springs. In addition to ticking all the native boxes when it comes to wildlife, the Kimberley offers an impeccable sunset perfectly paired with a glass of wine. Emma Gorge is a pristine destination that will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged!
Franklin River, TAS
Only a short drive from Queenstown, find yourself facing one of Tasmania’s world-renowned natural beauties, the Franklin River. Located within the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, this roaring tourist site is nothing short of iconic. Bordered with rugged rock formations and mountains, day-trippers are encouraged to try their paddle at rafting down the white currents. Being part of the Wilderness World Heritage Area, explorers can also hike around its every bend and explore native flora and fauna by foot. Picnic spots are situated sporadically around the Franklin River, providing the perfect opportunity to refuel nearby panoramic views of Tasmania’s west coast or experiencing fascinating archaeological sites.
Uluru, NT
Uluru is Australia’s number one bucket-list experience, whether you’re a local or not. If you have the time, we definitely recommend booking in a longer stay to experience the incredible nightfall experiences from stargazing to gastronomical buffets. On a one-day trip, we recommend getting amongst the traditional culture of the land by taking part tours around the red monumental rock as well as a local painting workshop with the local Maruku Arts artists.
Barossa Valley, SA
Everything is bursting with flavour and delicious scents in the Barossa. From every corner, a day-tripper will experience nothing but the perfect ambience to get away with only a limited time to experience a wealth of culture, food and of course – wine. Exploring the countryside is best done by bike and there are a range of routes for every experience level going through the heritage sites most well-known wineries. In addition to wines, the Barossa is well regarded for being an incubator for music and local artisans.
Braidwood, ACT/NSW
Drive one hour east of Canberra and you’ll stumble across Braidwood, one of Australia’s heritage-listed towns. It is one of the few heritage-listed towns left in Australia that has kept is Georgian town plan, oozing old-world charm. A historic gold-rush town, Braidwood has plenty to offer including antique shops, country pubs, and Monga National Park’s ancient forest. Before you leave, make sure you treat yourself at the old-fashioned lolly shop and the famous Dojo bakery!
Peninsula Hot Springs, VIC
Few locations are as dreamy as this and to be completely frank, it is the only one of its kind found in Australia. Only 90 minutes from the heart of Melbourne’s buzz, Mornington Peninsula is the ultimate destination for finding your inner Zen. The award-winning spa has become an institution for locals wanting to immerse themselves in natural thermal mineral waters, which flow from deep beneath the Peninsula into over 20 different types of pools and heated spas. With spas situated in idyllic locations across caves, hill top views and tree sanctuaries, you’ll be stepping into a world of bliss and serenity.
