Queen's birthday breaks

FROM swimming with whale sharks in WA to indulging in five-star Canberra luxury – make the most of the long weekend with these great breaks.

THE Queen's Birthday long weekend has to be one of the best times to holiday in Australia.

The ski fields of New South Wales and Victoria open with a flurry, as downhill daredevils celebrate the much-anticipated snow season.

Those looking to experience a Northern Hemisphere winter can head to the Blue Mountains and celebrate Yulefest, by sipping champagne in front of a log fire while the snow settles outside.

Pictures: Australia's best long weekend breaks »

Western Australia is the place for an underwater adventure, as Ningaloo Reef's coral spawning brings whalesharks aplenty, offering you the chance to snorkel with these gentle giants of the deep.

Explore Tasmania's Freycinet National Park along some of the county's best bush walks, and then put your throbbing feet up while you unwind in the waterfront log cabins of Freycinet Lodge.

But if you really want to de-stress this long weekend, enjoy a soak in serenity at Victoria's award-winning Pepper Springs Retreat.

From cool festivals, hot accommodation deals and dream destinations – here are the best Australian breaks this Queen's Birthday long weekend.

Pictures: Australia's best long weekend breaks