Australia’s 7 Best Short Breaks - With a Difference

Make your next short break one to remember as you set off on a unique adventure into Australia’s heartlands. You’ll leave the everyday behind and discover incredible indigenous experiences and other adventures on these long weekend getaways, or you can incorporate these routes into a larger roadie as you explore Australia.

We’ve teamed up with Welcome to Country to put together our top short breaks for each state; places where you can satisfy your wanderlust, experience First Nations culture and come away from your trip excited, enlightened and refreshed.

These getaways are the perfect way to spend a few days with friends or family and discover new landscapes, cultural experiences and perspectives. For added convenience, all of these adventures are just a short drive from the major gateway cities of Australia, making them easily accessible to all.

Whether you’re a local or a first time traveller to Australia, we guarantee that there will be something for everyone on these wicked long weekend adventures and what’s more, we have linked all the important places to our app - CamperMate - Australia's favourite FREE travel app!.

Now you can take us on the road as your travel companion, map and local guide!

New South Wales – Yuin Country Weekend Escape

On a picturesque five hour drive down the south coast from Sydney you will find the charming seaside town of Narooma on Yuin Country. The New South Wales south coast road trip is full of spectacular sights and natural delights, so take your time and enjoy the journey. Jump out of the car and see popular beach holiday spots, tiny little-known villages, spectacular coastal landscapes and enjoy the rural country charm this area is known for.

Discover the spectacular Sea cliff Bridge and viewpoint, swim in the turquoise waters of Minnamurra River, see kangaroos on a stunning beach at Murramarang National Park and bottle feed calves at Bodalla.

And who could forget the Kiama BlowHole and the famous Kiama Blowhole Pies!

Narooma and the Tilba Region are home to rich soils, lush pastures and warm days turning into cool nights. As a result, it is a rich farming region producing excellent wines.

Explore the many cellar doors and farm gates, tasting delights fresh off the vine or still warm from the sun and enjoy the freshest of seafood from the pristine south waters.

This part of the south coast is Yuin Country. The region has many culturally significant sites in and around Narooma, Bega Valley and Bermagui while Gulaga (Mount Dromedary) which is central to Yuin culture, Dreaming and people, is another must-do.

There are a variety of cultural experiences available in Narooma, with the Yuin Retreat being a great option for an all-in-one package of beautiful accommodation and local experiences. Narooma is a place where you can find all kinds of accommodation to match your budget and style, with a fantastic holiday park and Holiday Apartments in the area.

Drop in to the visitor centre for more helpful advice while in the area.

Reconnect with nature as you leisurely pedal e-bikes on a self-guided tour around the picturesque Narooma region and stop to join a respected Yuin Nation knowledge holder, taking in wide coastal views of Gulaga and Baranguba as you listen to the rich culture and heritage of Yuin Country.

Spend a day amidst the Bingi Dreaming Track with a local Yuin Nation guide and experience a traditional smoking ceremony, hear about the local bush tucker (food) and learn from ancient sustainability practices. Later, wander to the beautiful coastal village of Tuross Head to enjoy incredible views and taste delicious, locally sourced ingredients at one of the region’s best eateries, the Pickled Octopus Restaurant.

Go on a transformative and spiritual exploration through Yuin Nation countryside as you learn the Dreaming of the region and the sacred significance of Gulaga (the mother mountain).

Listen to the mining history of the region on a guided historical walking tour of Central Tilba before enjoying a lunch and then finish the day with a wine and cheese tasting at the Tilba Valley Winery and Ale House.

Just down the road you will find Bermagui, a special place to the Yuin culture. For thousands of years, people flocked to the Bermagui waterhole to camp and hold ceremonies. It is a sacred place both from a spiritual perspective but also as a major source of food and is just one of the sites around Bermagui that you can explore. Bermagui is a great place to base yourself, with the beachside holiday park being a favourite option in the region.

Don’t miss one of the best ocean-fed pools in the world, and take a refreshing dip in the stunning Bermagui Blue Pool.

Queensland – Butchulla Country Weekend Escape

Butchulla Country in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland includes Hervey Bay, the Great Sandy Strait and the magnificent Fraser Island. A great way to explore Fraser Island is by 4WD - either via a tour or drive/hire your own and go on an off road adventure! Hervey Bay and the Fraser Coast are an easy three and half hour drive from Brisbane, making a great choice for a weekend escape. Home to some of the country’s best beaches, relaxed coastal towns and a vibrant regional dining scene, the Sunshine Coast has beauty and substance.

Heading north out of the city, the road trip from Brisbane to Hervey Bay is peppered with natural wonders. Marvel as you wind your way through the Glasshouse Mountains, and stop to experience Rainbow Beach. Once connected to Fraser Island, the beautiful curved bay is nestled between the Glasshouse Mountains and Wide Bay Bar.

Hervey Bay is the jumping off point for the Fraser Coast and with the region’s world famous status, there are numerous accommodation options including an awesome holiday park packed with coastal charm. Dotted along the esplanade, which runs parallel to the beach, are numerous dining options ranging from French to Brazilian back to Surf and Turf and Modern Australian - many delicious options catering to all tastes and budgets.

The Great Sandy Biosphere on the Fraser Coast is one of the world’s most significant ecological and cultural sites - and what a sight it is! Right on Brisbane’s doorstep, it is a must-see for all Queenslanders, Australians and tourists alike. The Biosphere includes K’gari (Fraser Island) and the Great Sandy Strait and was highlighted by UNESCO in 2009 as being in the same class as the Galapagos Islands, the Central Amazon and Uluru.

Who better to show you the spectacular and complex environment of the marine park than the region’s Traditional Owners, the Butchulla people who have known and understood this landscape for time immemorial. Choose between a walking tour or a cruising tour of this unique place.

Follow your local Butchulla guide to discover the incredible wonders it holds. Visit beaches, coral reefs, see turtles, dolphins, seabird colonies, reef sharks and dugongs. Absorb the local Butchulla culture of the region. Discover the Butchulla names and meanings of local landmarks, visit culturally significant sites and hear Butchulla creation stories. Including a private Didgeridoo performance on the beach!

There is even a stunning sunset cruise where for a spectacular 90 minutes, you watch the sun drop over the endless horizon while hearing the legendary tales of the Butchulla people of K’Gari (Fraser Island) and surrounds. You’ll cruise the spectacular Great Sandy Strait aboard the Milbi vessel while enjoying fresh local king prawns, canapes, and a glass of champagne.

Be sure to take a walk on the Urangon Pier, itself a major attraction, offering a stunning view of the Great Sandy Strait and is an instagram favourite!

While visiting Fraser Island, make sure you make a visit to the Champagne Pools, one of the best natural rock pools in the world and one of the only safe places you can swim in the ocean while on Fraser Island. You can even spot whales from the pools as their annual migration goes right past them!

The Hervey Bay Visitor Information Centre is a great place to pick up some more information on the area as is our Guide to Fraser Island.

South Australia – Kangaroo Island Weekend Escape

Four hours from Adelaide by car and ferry you will find Kangaroo Island, a wildlife paradise! Kangaroo Island is nature’s playground, with its magnificent rugged coastline, exquisitely clear waters, multiple nature reserves and historic cultural sites. Located 13 kilometres off the coast of South Australia in the Great Australian Bight, Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third-largest island.

Kangaroo Island offers more than just nature and wildlife; its rich and bountiful farmland produces mouth-watering food and wine. Local delicacies include creamy sheep’s milk cheese, freshwater marron, premium olive oil and boutique wines. The island’s many art galleries showcase the woodworking, glass-blowing and furniture-making talents of local craftsmen.

Kangaroo Island boasts ultra-luxury accommodation worthy of international stars, mid-range hotels, family friendly motels and insta-worthy campsites - Vivonne Bay campground is regularly voted as one of Australia’s best There are just as many restaurants to choose from with fresh five-star farm to plate options, wineries with lavish cheese and charcuterie boards, homestyle Italian and cheerful and cheap Thai.

The Aboriginal population that once occupied the island, sometimes referred to as the Kartan people, disappeared from the archaeological record when the land became an island following rising sea levels. Although Kangaroo Island has had a mixed history of inhabitancy, it is an interesting and important place in local Aboriginal culture. Home to a rich and intricate Aboriginal history the island has many significant sites featured in Dreamtime Stories and Songlines connecting Country, people and culture in the region.

The island is one of the best places in Australia to see wild native animals like koalas, kangaroos, sea lions, seals and penguins. You can have a once in a lifetime wildlife experience with Kangaroo Island snorkelling tour! Swim with wild dolphins or long nosed seals and snorkel some of Kangaroo Island’s stunning coastline. Spot the cheeky seals lounging on the rocks or playing in the water, then dive in with them! These curious seals can be quite interactive and playful and are super fun to snorkel with. Spot dolphin pods that live in the coastal waters. If they’re feeling playful, you’ll also be able to swim alongside them in the wild.

You can enjoy a personalised 75 minute ocean safari tour, let the knowledgeable guides know what you are interested in seeing at Kangaroo Island and they will create a unique tour just for you!

Western Australia – Wadandi Country Weekend Escape

Pile into the car and cruise just three hours south from Perth along Western Australia’s world famous coast to reach Wadandi Country’s magnificent Cape Naturaliste. This stunning location is the northernmost point of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, separating beautiful Geographe Bay from the southern Indian Ocean and giving rise to incredible panoramic views.

Cape Naturaliste is nestled amidst the Margaret River region, offering a wealth of incredible things to see and do over your short getaway. Dive into one of 50 gorgeous sandy beaches, take your pick of exceptional dining at 100 restaurants and cafes or taste your way through some of the region’s 150 wineries and breweries with the Beerfarm being a crowd favourite and one of the most unique places you will ever enjoy a pint!

The pristine natural environments to mindfully explore are unparalleled, from gorgeous coastlines to beautiful forests that make this region truly spectacular. Choose from an abundance of accommodation options in Naturaliste and Dunsborough to stay close to Cape Naturaliste, or drive a further 50 minutes to stay in the town of Margaret River. After your day of exploration, the local holiday park lies in the heart of the wine region and offers a great mix of comforts and accommodation options.

The best way to make the most of your getaway is to experience Wadandi Country with a Traditional Custodian. Tourism award winning Koomal Dreaming is owned and operated by Wandandi man Josh Whiteland. Josh grew up surrounded by family, culture and a deep understanding of connection to Country. Through a variety of Koomal Dreaming experiences (Cape Naturaliste and Ngilgi Cave), Josh charismatically shares his passion for culture and education, giving visitors a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Wadandi Country. Learn significant aspects of Wadandi Country’s interconnected landscape, natural resources and cultural practices. Whether you want to explore the natural environment, flora and fauna of Cape Naturaliste, see and taste traditional bush foods, roam deep into Ngilgi Caves to witness a unique didgeridoo performance or learn about the role of the six Noongar seasons, Koomal Dreaming is an essential aspect of any getaway to the Margaret River region.

Margaret River is also world famous for its surfing, with Smiths Beach being one of the more popular spots. Not far away is the extraordinary Hamelin Bay where you can walk into the surf and join the friendly stingrays as they sweep in between your feet with the waves!

Victoria – Geelong Weekend Escape

Venture just an hour from Melbourne CBD and enjoy a relaxing escape to beautiful Geelong in the Kulin Nation. Despite being Victoria’s second biggest city, Geelong has the charm and tranquility of a small town. Spend your morning soaking in the beauty of the beach’s shimmering blue waters, with Geelong’s waterfront being one of the most gorgeous in all of Australia. Check out Eastern Beach, a funky art-deco inspired hotspot loved by the locals.

Geelong is also home to a stunning botanical garden, the perfect place for a short walk and a picnic, or to find some much needed shade!

Wander quiet city streets as you gaze at gorgeous public art or enjoy an afternoon sipping your new favourite beverage at one of the region’s many wineries and craft breweries.

You’ll be spoilt for choice of accommodation, with ample options for every budget available throughout the city with the holiday park perfectly located to help you explore the local activities and is right at the start of the famous Great Ocean Road, one of the world's best coastal road trip routes.

The Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre is an essential place to visit during your weekend escape to learn and engage with First Nations cultures of the Kulin Nation in a relaxed environment. Truly escape from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne amidst Narana’s gorgeous surroundings, dotted with native trees, walkways and gardens as you wander to the centre.

Begin your guided tour with a Welcome to Narana before taking time to gaze at spectacular art and artefacts as your guide shares their cultural significance. Afterwards, indulge in a tasting platter of choice, featuring delicious scones starring native ingredients, or bush foods such as kangaroo with damper. Continue your guided walk through the tranquil native garden, stopping along the way to feed the friendly native wildlife or try your hand at boomerang throwing before enjoying free time to roam the stunning art gallery or sit back in Café Narana.

Tasmania – Palawa Country Weekend

Most people start their Tazzy adventure with a flight into Hobart. The Big4 Holiday Park located near the airport makes a convenient place to stay on your first or last nights in Tasmania while the NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park and the Tasman Holiday Park St Helens, with the beautiful Bay of Fires right on your doorstep, are two popular choices as you explore greater Tasmania.

One aspect of Hobart that many travellers to the region miss is the opportunity to experience the rich Aboriginal history and vibrant palawa culture. There are several First Nations cultural experiences to explore in Hobart. You can visit the two impressive permanent Aboriginal exhibitions at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Ningina tunapri means ‘to give knowledge and understanding’. “The exhibition explores the journey of Tasmanian Aboriginal people and is a celebration of all Tasmanian Aboriginal generations.”

“Parrawa, parrawa! Go away!“ tells the story of Aboriginal people and colonists following the invasion of lutruwita, now called Tasmania, focusing on the Black War. Go on an immersive journey through this dark period of history, with objects, contemporary historical accounts and specially commissioned films all helping to bring the story to life.”

For a truly unique cultural experience join palawa/warlpiri woman Nunami Sculthorpe-Green on takara nipaluna, Walking Hobart, a transformative 90 minute walking tour of the city. Takara nipaluna gives voice to the Palawa perspective of Tasmanian history and continued cultural presence within this modern city and exposes the layers of history beneath the asphalt. Nunami delivers an informative, provocative, and entertaining experience. It will lead you to a richer understanding of this place and of the Palawa experience here.

A revelatory, truth-telling performance that will resonate with you long after the walk ends.

For those really wanting to get off and stay off the beaten track, then a Mountain Valley Wilderness Holiday is just what you’ve been looking for. Hidden in the lost valley of Loongana amongst the mountains of North West Tasmania on a 61ha Private Nature Reserve are 6 cosy log cabins. You can sit, relax and watch the native birdlife as you soak up the peace and tranquillity of the forest and mountain views - you can even view the threatened Tasmanian Devil here!

Included with your stay are an evening platypus tour, night time wildlife experience, glow worm grotto & forest habitat tour!

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Escape the city for a long weekend and explore beautiful Katherine and stunning Nitmiluk Gorge on Jawoyn Country. Enjoy a leisurely 3 hours and 15 minute drive from Darwin to Katherine, slowing along the way to peer out your window at the beautiful changing landscape. Katherine is best known for its stunning surroundings, with a wealth of opportunities to explore a spectacular diversity of natural environments. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on pristine bush walks, go underground at Australia’s only tropical limestone cave systems, relax and recharge amidst gorgeous natural hot springs or indulge in delicious meals at some of Katherine’s many unique bars, cafes and restaurants.

Take your pick from over 20 accommodation options available in the heart of the town with the holiday park set on an incredible 44 acres of parklands and close to the major activities and attractions, making it a perfect option.

Just 30 minutes out of Katherine is the world famous Nitmiluk National Park, best known for its 13 incredible gorges. The only way to truly experience this magnificent landscape is in the company of First Nations cultural guides, whose wealth of knowledge about the culture, plants, animals and Dreaming of this region will deepen your appreciation of Jawoyn Country. Climb aboard Nitmiluk’s NitNit Dreaming Cruise and begin your journey across the first gorge, gazing at the limestone escarpment that surrounds you before spotting the impressive boulders, rock pools and sandy banks that separate the next gorge. Learn about why the entrance to the first gorge is known as Nitmiluk and the meaning behind the second gorge’s name, the “Blue Winged Kookaburra”. Note the changing landscape as you cruise along the waters, with the second gorge’s lush hanging gardens boasting a rainforest-like environment.

This is an unmissable opportunity to be immersed in the beauty of Nitmiluk National Park’s two largest gorges as you deepen your understanding of Jawoyn Country and culture.

These are just some of the amazing short break getaways available here in Australia, but with the amazing First Nations experiences built around them, these are roadies with a special difference.