With endless beach days, sleep-ins and festivities behind us and our feet firmly back in air-conditioned offices, it’s easy to slip into the rut of post-holiday blues. Yes, they’re a real thing, caused by an adrenaline comedown following a few weeks of holiday bliss. But what can be done? They say the best way to get over one holiday ending is to plan the next one. And while you might have blown your budget and annual leave allowances – making an international excursion is out of the question – planning a local long weekend wander or staycay could be just the ticket. Here, we reveal how to plan the ultimate staycation and share our favourite weekend wander spots to help you shake off those post-holiday blues!
How to plan the perfect staycay
Just because you’re not boarding a plane destined for international shores, your staycay needn’t feel any less exciting; here’s how to turn up the fun:
- Create an itinerary – half of the fun of a holiday is in the planning, so get researching, get excited and put together your dream itinerary.
- Make dining out a priority – there’s something about good food that makes a day special, so seek out dining spots that excite you.
- Splurge where it counts – you’ve already saved money by staying local, so choose something to splurge on during your staycation. Whether it’s a massage, helicopter ride or fine dining destination, do it guilt-free.
- Disconnect – switch your devices to aeroplane mode and don’t look back.
Ready to wander? Get inspired with 7 of our favourites:
1. Take it easy at a wellness retreat
Recharge your batteries, sink into deep relaxation, and take some time just for you at one of Australia’s many world-class wellness retreats. Do some research, and you’ll usually find a retreat nestled among lush greenery within a few hours’ drive outside most main towns or cities. They’re a space for self-reflection and switching off from the outside world, often with different focuses. These range from meditation and mindfulness workshops to clean eating, daily yoga, saunas, and day spa treatments. The best part is that these retreats usually offer weekend or long weekend stays, allowing you to sink into a state of bliss over just a couple of days.
Find inner peace at one of these mindfulness and wellness retreats across Australia and New Zealand.
2. Wine and dine with a vineyard stay
If you’re a wine enthusiast or simply enjoy a good drop, staying at a local vineyard is a must. Australia is home to some of the world’s most luxurious and picturesque wineries, so pack your bags and escape the city for an indulgent weekend wander. Many wineries provide onsite accommodation, so settling in for a relaxing weekend of quality food, wine, fresh air, and stunning scenery couldn’t be easier.
Three stand-out spots are the Jackalope Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula for its chic suites, award-winning restaurant and an infinity pool set amongst lush vineyards, Longview Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, with endless vineyard views, gourmet dining and, of course, phenomenal wine tastings, and Mona Pavilions in Hobart for being the most unique of the bunch – located at the iconic Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).
3. Be a tourist in your own city
Sling a camera around your neck, slip into some socks and sandals and make like a tourist in your own city. Jokes aside, while you might spend most of your work week traipsing in and out of the city or rarely visiting it all, a staycay in the city is a fun way to explore your city through a different lens. It’s easy, affordable, and probably stuffed with entertainment, plenty of top-notch restaurants to discover, and luxurious accommodations to rest your weary tourist head at the end of the day. Check for local events across February and March, like the Moonlight Cinema in Melbourne, the Hadestown Musical in Sydney, kids will love Blueys World in Brisbane, or the free Gathering Light exhibition in Adelaide, and start pulling together your itinerary!
4. Set off on a coastal adventure
From waterfalls to wildlife, showstopping sunsets and stunning coastlines, we’re lucky enough to have some of the best road trip routes you’ll find on the planet. And with you at the helm, every trip is guaranteed to be unique. Whether you take a longer trip or a weekend wander, you’ll quickly switch gears to holiday mode without having to catch a flight or fork out thousands.
Three of the best mini-road trip routes across Australia are the iconic Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Apollo Bay or Port Campbell for its out-of-this-world surf spots, historic Twelve Apostles and charming coastal towns, Sydney to Jervis Bay to take in a slice of city life before hitting Grand Pacific Drive for spectacular sandy stretches and shorelines, and Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive for Tassie’s famous Bay of Fires, endless hiking opportunities and pristine beaches, ending at the quaint town of St Helen’s.
Buckle up and discover your Great Australian Road Trip route with these must-try routes.
5. Make it a tiny escape
The latest getaway trend sweeping Australia (and all our social media feeds) is tiny wilderness escapes high on the luxe factor. Picture a perfect blend of glamping and luxurious cabins – decked out with outdoor baths, rustic wooden outdoor seating, a fire pit, and hammocks for whiling away the day – all set among vast natural landscapes. From New South Wales to Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, and Adelaide, these compact cabins offer the ideal chance for couples, friends, or individuals to unplug, get back to basics with compact living quarters, and soak up a tranquil backdrop of wildlife, starry skies, and silence. Eco-friendly, sustainable, and effortlessly relaxing, it’s the ultimate escape without straying too far from home.
Find your perfect tiny match in one of these Tiny House Stays across Australia.
6. Daytrippers
If you’re short on time but itching to venture beyond your usual 15-km weekend radius, plan to wander a little further for the day. Some of the best experiences lie just outside your routine, offering adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories – without needing an overnight stay. Here are some top picks:
- Fruit picking fun: seasonal fruit picking at a local farm is fun and rewarding. Try Bilpin in the Blue Mountains for apple picking from February to May.
- Hot springs bliss: unwind in mineral-rich hot springs under the stars for a serene and rejuvenating escape.
- Wildlife wonders: rediscover the childlike magic of zoos and aquariums. Visit iconic spots like Australia Zoo or meet ‘Pesto the Penguin’ at Melbourne Aquarium.
- Hike it up: get wandering with a hike on one of Australia’s many diverse trails. With beginners through to experts covered, you’ll enjoy fresh air, exercise, and stunning views.
7. The landmark explorer
For a more adventurous staycation that requires more planning, rigour, and passion for exploring, consider travelling to one of Australia’s most sacred landmarks, Uluru (Ayers Rock). It’s become easier to access and explore in recent years, with condensed 3-day itineraries allowing you to immerse yourself in the heart of Australia, learning about Indigenous culture, history, and traditions. Stay at the new Longitude 131 and blend indulgence and exploration into one. Beyond visiting Uluru, try skydiving, camel trekking, or dining under the stars with the Sounds of Silence experience. This unforgettable journey offers a deep connection to the land and its people while providing a short, refreshing escape from everyday life.
Keep the blues at bay with backyard staycays
Whether it’s a wellness retreat or a trip to Uluru, exploring Australia’s vibrant backyard is the perfect remedy for post-holiday blues, finding quick adventures, and unwinding between chaotic work weeks. Big or small, taking time to relax and let your mind wander keeps you energised, inspired, and excited by life. If your wanderings spark a life change, contact your local First National Real Estate – our property experts will help guide you to your next home or perfect investment opportunity.
DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.