Last-Minute Trips To Take If You Haven’t Planned Your Summer Hols
And, just like that, the summer holidays are upon us. In a few rapid weeks, Christmas’ll be all said and done, and holiday season will be well underway. So, have you sorted your plans for those first few giddy weeks of the New Year? Or are you still scrambling for a way to spend them?
Finding the time to plan last minute can be a challenge, but we’re here to help with a hotlist of brilliant last-minute summer holiday trips, both quick and more leisurely, along with some stellar accommodation options bookable through Wotif.com, so you can kick off the next decade in style.
Sydney
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A cheeky two-hour road trip is all that separates you from the hustle of Sydney and, in Berry, a cornucopia of beach-meets-vineyard delights await. The south coast town has long been a popular day trip-slash-weekender for Sydneysiders, and there’s no better time to check out the goods than in the gorgeous summer months.
A few clicks inland from the gorgeous Kiama coast and you’re at the foothills of the stunning Kangaroo Valley: enjoy delicious single-roast coffee from The Emporium, dine at the award-winning SOUTH on Albany and Hungry Duck, wrap your taste buds around the cellar doors of the region’s incredible wineries, and shack up in style at the Berry Village Boutique Motel.
Melbourne
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With an array of amazing new food, beverage, accommodation, and wine spots popping up in the last decade, Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula has become a hotbed of gastronomic excellence. We suggest you head south and get amongst the region’s acclaimed wineries – stunning Pt. Leo Estate, Ten Minutes By Tractor, Polperro, et al. make a fine start.
Dine, meanwhile, at the vibrant Red Hill Epicurean for the region’s best woodfired pizza and salumi experience, or a long brunch at Main Ridge Harvest. Laze away in the spectacularly healing Peninsula Hot Springs (yes, even in summer), and get some sweet winks at the sensational Peppers Moonah Links Resort.
All in all, it’s a sweet deal within an hour’s drive of the CBD.
Canberra
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Of the countless virtues of living in Canberra, proximity to the Snowy Mountains rides super high on the list. If you haven’t explored the Snowy Mountain region yet, there’s no time like the present. But forget snow season – these peaks and ridges are spectacular year-round, with everything to offer the adventure-hungry day-tripper or weekender.
Jindabyne is a great HQ and starting point, offering a host of incredible outdoor action: wakeboarding, canoeing and sailing on the Jindabyne Lake, and next level mountain biking at nearby Thredbo Downhill Trail. Hiking’s the done thing here, too, but if traversing the country’s tallest peaks at nearby Kosciusko isn’t your deal, consider knocking back a few cold Kosci Pale Ales on site at the Banjo Patterson Inn’s Kosciuszko microbrewery instead.
Kick it at Rydges Horizons Snowy Mountains and give in wholly to the blissful pace of country life.
Brisbane
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Sure, you could join the masses and head for the Goldie or Byron, or you could go a few extra clicks south and indulge in something totally unique. Though you might not be in Queensland anymore, Toto, Yamba is where it’s at: a sweet spot with moment after moment of truly exceptional natural beauty, stunning surf-friendly beaches, and some of the freshest produce and seafood in the region.
Soak up the local scene at the Yamba Farmer’s Market (held each Wednesday), load up on a tantalising brunch at Irons and Craig, take the ferry to gorgeous Iluka, and retire by the nourishing lull of the front beach waves at The Cove Yamba.
Perth
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WA doesn’t get much better than a day or two nestled in the cosy, delicious hold of the Margaret River region. With its extensive list of excellent wineries and craft breweries, fabulous artisan food options, and outright superb coastline scenes, it’s nothing short of an idyllic, and well-stocked, choice.
Get your motor running, head for the tall trees of the Boranup Karri Forest and the wild formations of the Lake Cave, head south and go ‘round the twist at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, then check into Margaret River Bed and Breakfast for a decadent bush experience.
As far as wine and food goes, put Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix, and Cullen Wines on the hit list. Check out Miki’s Open Kitchen for a superb fusion tempura experience and enjoy an honest pint at the iconic Settler’s Tavern.
Adelaide
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Close to world-class wine regions, magnificent coastlines, gorgeous inland towns and natural destinations, Adelaide has always been the perfect base for a summertime jaunt. Among the very best is a journey south to the spectacular Kangaroo Island.
Check in to the delightful Kangaroo Island Seafront and let the island adventure begin: incredible rugged coastline, fresh salty air, wild rock formations, and a wealth of protected natural species. Hang with the sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park, have a dip at Emu Bay, stop off at Kangaroo Island Spirits for locally-distilled small-batch gin and vodka and, above all, eat, eat, eat the delicious local seafood – Kingscote’s Kangaroo Island Seafood is always a solid choice.
Better still, make a trip of it and check out the stunning Fleurieu coast via the 150-strong wineries of the McLaren Vale on the way up or back.
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Looking for your next trip? It’s time to Wotif it. Visit wotif.com
Tourism is vital to many Australian communities and now more than ever is the perfect time to support regional Australia. With much of the country experiencing some of the worst bushfires in Australia’s history, be sure to do your research and plan your route, before heading on your travels.
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(Lead image: The 3B’s / Flickr)
