Weekend getaways

Melbourne

The best Melbourne hotels for a staycation over the holidays

Peeling prawns and watching the cricket is great, but if you’d prefer a poolside cocktail or serene getaway, check in to one of these hotels in Melbourne and beyond.

by Katherine Scott

Sydney

The best hotels for a Sydney staycation this summer

Sydney feels most Sydney in the warmer months. And to make the most of summer, why not become a tourist in your own town?

by Katherine Scott

Ballina

Eclipsed by its hip neighbour, this town has two things Byron doesn’t

Amid the glamorous surrounds of a Bunnings car park, the Big Prawn rises like Kilimanjaro from the plains.

by David Whitley

Eye-candy buildings along the Passeig de Gracia.

Barcelona

The must-do highlights of Barcelona in three days

Alongside its many must-see sights, Barcelona offers colourful local atmosphere in spades. Get the best of both with this three-day itinerary.

by Paul Sullivan

The retreat’s lap pool is shaded and private.

★★★★

Hotel reviews

This luxe Queensland retreat is a haven for foodies

A soothing stay at this south-east Queensland rural retreat also attracts food-loving day-trippers keen to linger over a long lunch at Homage restaurant.

by Katrina Lobley

★★★★★

Hotel reviews

Perfect score for this luxe NSW wine country gem

Hunter Valley newcomer Villa Alaia makes one of the strongest cases for staying indoors we’ve seen.

by Katherine Scott

Group travel is now more streamlined, thanks to a raft of new tech across booking platforms.

Opinion

Travel tips

Being travel planner for a group holiday is a pain. It just got easier

A group trip with friends resulted in me doing months of research, messy text threads, payment chasing and answering the same questions over and over. Relief is here.