_sm.jpg)
Time for a holiday? Check out these awesome mini-breaks
Taking a mini-break every now and then is great for your overall wellbeing. Getting away from a busy daily life and taking some time out can help to revive your mental and physical health, relieving stress and letting you relax and unwind.
Besides, Australia has a bounty of beautiful places to visit for a short break or a long weekend. So, if you’re in need of a little holiday with friends or family, check out these awesome places and tourist attractions to head to for a mini-break - right here in our own amazing country.
The Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is known as wine country, and it’s the oldest wine growing region in Australia. About a two-hour drive from Sydney, there’s a lot to see and do in the region. From tasting delicious food at top rated restaurants, to wine tasting tours, hiking through the scenic trails of Barrington Tops National Parks and Wollemi, and taking in the sights from an early morning hot air balloon flight - there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
To find out more about Hunter Valley accommodation, experiences and events, head to winecountry.com.au.
Port Macquarie
And if beaches and wildlife is your thing, Port Macquarie is rich with a wonderful trail of beaches, including Flynn’s, Shelly’s, and Nobby’s. You can even ride a camel at the awesome Lighthouse Beach.
Port Macquarie is also home to the largest population of koalas on the Eastern Seaboard, and the kids will surely love visiting with these lovable creatures at the Koala Hospital, located in the grounds of the historic Roto House. On the subject of koalas, don’t forget to check out the award winning Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, that encompasses 83 one-metre high fiberglass sculptures, all with hand-painted designs by local artists. The trail is a great way to discover new places from the mountains to the sea.
There are loads of attractions and activities to see and do, and there is something for everyone at Port Macquarie including taking a coastal walk, visiting the rainforest, checking out the local markets and restaurants, and enjoying the panoramic views from Tacking Point Lighthouse.
Port Macquarie accommodation caters to every budget, from affordable caravan parks to hotels, serviced apartments and luxury retreats.
The Snowy Mountains
The Snowy Mountains are one of Australia’s best places to go for some winter activities. It’s full of dramatic peaks and breathtaking ravines, and whether you’re seeking an adrenalin packed adventure or some peace and solitude, the Snowies won’t disappoint.
The best time to spend your mini-break there is during the winter months. Beautiful snow fills these mountains, providing a perfect haven of slopes for some snowboarding, skiing, and other winter sports.
No matter what your budget, you’ll be sure to find accommodation in the Snowy Mountains that’s perfect for you.
Bruny Island
If you’ve never experienced the rugged beauty and breathtaking vistas of Tasmania then head to Hobart and book yourself some accommodation on Bruny Island. There are cabins, cottage, villas and estates to suit all budgets, and the island is a top choice if you want to break the monotony. You can also do a quick day trip if you prefer to base yourself in Hobart itself.
The island has many swimming and surf beaches as well as natural bush and virgin wilderness areas to explore. Take a cruise where you can take in the captivating coastline while keeping an eye out for the local dolphins, fur seals and fairy penguins; book one of the many tours available or just enjoy a lazy day driving around the island and sampling some of the gourmet food available.
Bruny Island is a short car ferry ride from the town of Kettering, just 30 to 40 minutes drive south of Hobart.
Karijini National Park
Or, if what you’re looking for in a quick holiday is an adventure to the wilderness, then WA’s Karijini National Park is one of the best places to head to. Be at one with nature and savour its beauty while you hike around the majestic Mount Bruce.
You’ll want to take plenty of photos of the swirling of rock formations, some of which are over 2,500 million years old. There are many breathtaking gorges to visit, including Dales Gorge, and Weano Gorge.
Karijini National Park is located 75 kilometres east of Tom Price in the Pilbarra and has both budget and luxe camping options available.
The Beach Shack
If you’re looking for an indulgent getaway then look no further than this niche luxury accommodation. The Beach Shack on Noosa’s Sunshine Beach is definitely not your average mini-break. It features four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a media room, billiards room, a gourmet kitchen, and swimming pool. There’s even a rooftop spa overlooking the Coral Sea.
This is the type of short break where you want to have plenty of bubbly on hand as you laze the afternoon away before heading out to a local restaurant for dinner or cooking up a gourmet barbie on the deck. Priced from $1,500 a night, The Beach Shack is about 2 hours’ drive from Brisbane – not cheap but it’s a break you’ll never forget. And with all those bedroooms, why not invite your friends or family to chip in, and enjoy the staycay with you!
Go ahead - take that mini-break
These are our picks of some of the best tourist destinations you can’t miss if you’re taking that long-awaited holiday. Whether you’re in the mood for some full relaxation or heart-pumping adventure, there’s something for everyone on this list. If you need a break, but don’t have the money to pay for it right now, don’t worry - we’re here to help. Just take a look at our cash loans up to $5,000 to find out how quick and easy it is to get your hands on some extra funds. Once a loan is approved, the cash is usually in your bank account within a few hours – so you can go ahead and book that well-deserved mini-break really soon!