Taking time to enjoy life is part of who we are as Australians…it’s what makes the Down Under lifestyle so iconic.
Our laid-back culture is the envy of the world and downtime is not just ‘nice to have’, it’s an important piece of our make-up. While 2021 has been a hard year and we’ve all felt the pressure, taking time to detach from work and everyday life is important to our well-being.
There’s never been a better time to reclaim our optimism and find enjoyment in these uncertain times - nothing does this more than a holiday. From the moment it enters your mind, to planning and finally arriving at your destination, it’s undeniable that holidays leave us feeling refreshed and inspired.
With most of our internal borders about to be thrown open, here are six suggestions for holidaying at home this year:
Sea Side Haven on Princes Highway in Narrawong is a budget country retreat with panoramic ocean views from each room and the beach right on your doorstep. Ideal for couples, families and small groups of friends, along with bushwalkers, naturalists, fishermen and horse riders; guests can access many wonderful walks and for those who bring their own horse, a ride along Narrawong Beach is the perfect escape.
The main guesthouse sleeps up to 6, with a private bathroom, laundry, lounge and kitchenette; a Continental breakfast is included as part of the bed and breakfast rate, or order a cooked breakfast of free-range eggs, grilled tomatoes, bacon, sausages and toast, with vegetables and herbs straight out of the onsite garden.
Recharge and reconnect with friends and family in pristine nature at Planetrees Estate, on Stanley Road near Beechworth. Set within a magnificent five-acre European garden in the picturesque high-country village of Stanley, this estate offers a unique experience of tranquil, luxury, self-catering holiday accommodation for groups or couples, in environs reminiscent of Tuscany or Provence.
Relax and reconnect with family and friends at Planetrees Estate near Beechworth.
Choose between the log-and-adobe Eco-Lodge (sleeping up to 10 guests) or the romantic Arts Suite, which is perfect for a couple with up to two children/friends - or rent both and create a group holiday for up to 14 guests. Both have beautifully appointed interiors with unique character and style and all the modern comforts and conveniences designed to ensure your break away is engaging and truly relaxing.
Visit Tasmania and experience natural wilderness without compromising comfort at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village, nestled in a secluded bush setting in Cradle Valley, on the edge of the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Enjoy being in the hub of native plants and wildlife, as the private, cosy, self-contained cottages have been carefully sited in the natural bushland.
Visit Tasmania and get up close with nature at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village.
After a day spent exploring the best of what Cradle Mountain has to offer, finish your adventure by sitting back and relaxing at Hellyers Restaurant. Nestled inside Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village, this stylish restaurant serves some of the best local produce on offer alongside Tasmania’s finest beverages, in rustic surrounds of a stacked stone fireplace, wooden beamed ceilings, comfy booths and intimate tables for two.
For a fun family holiday, visit the multi award-winning North Star Holiday Resort on Tweed Coast Road in Hastings Point, less than 30 minutes drive from Gold Coast Airport. Choose an accommodation style that suits your needs, whether a luxury poolside villa, spacious, self-contained family cabin, a caravan or simply a camp site and make the most of all the activities.
Fun family times can be had at North Star Holiday Resort in Hastings Point.
Tennis courts, a games room, playground, kids’ club and water park are sure to keep the kids entertained while parents relax in a leisure centre with massages and beauty treatments, unwind in the spa and sauna, or work out in the gym. Nestled between the pristine Hastings Point beach and safe tidal estuary of Cudgera Creek, families can enjoy hiking, swimming, kayaking, or take a short drive to explore the Gold Coast.
Perched on Lake Crackenback in the spectacular Snowy Mountains, on the edge of Kosciuszko National Park, sits natural playground Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa. Ideal for holidays and quiet escapes, this 4½ star resort offers award-winning accommodation in spacious lakefront apartments and studio-style chalets, in a unique setting to relax and absorb the scenery.
An endless array of leisure activities await at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa.
Quality contemporary furnishings feature in all apartments and chalets, as do fireplaces and balconies, from which to soak up the magnificent alpine vistas. Guests can enjoy lakeside dining in either of the resort’s two restaurants, plus an almost endless array of leisure opportunities - a day spa, heated pool, gym, tennis courts and golf course are all on-site.
A haven on the side of the road for weary travellers making their way amidst the arid beauty of the Northern Territory, Threeways Roadhouse & Tourist Park is a comfortable stop for those passing through via Tennant Creek. The family-run establishment offers friendly and helpful service to ensure a comfortable stay, ideal for a few days to visit nearby attractions like Mary Ann Dam, or the Devil’s Pebbles.
Admire spectacular NT sunsets while staying at Threeways Roadhouse & Tourist Park.
Spacious, shady grassed sites for caravans and campers are available, as well as units with private ensuites and verandahs, not to mention quiet motel-style accommodation with all the facilities needed to make your stay a relaxing one. After a dip in the pool, a bar and dining room await guests looking for an outback meal along with cold drinks and tasty treats.
For more holiday at home choices, click here.
