Great escapes for summer weekends in 2016

PREPARE for the year of the short escape. Here are the best places to visit if you’re looking to plan a quick summer getaway.

Take it to new heights in NT.

GONE are the days of the long, lazy holiday.

Aussies are now opting for short breaks in their working year to give them the quick rejuvenation they deserve. Here are some of the best destinations for getting away from it all in the new year.

It’s not just for the couples, as the name would suggest.

HONEYMOON BAY, CURRARONG, NSW

Located roughly 30 minutes from Jervis Bay and three hours from Sydney CBD; Honeymoon Bay is perfect for the family camping enthusiasts. It’s an exclusive location only available on weekends and school holidays and operates on a first-come, first-served basis; so you can book the campsite for a weekend of even a week in the holidays.

You can get down to basics here, as you need to bring your own water and gas cooking equipment. Although the accommodation is simple, the view is quite the opposite. You can spend the time swimming, snorkelling or even fishing in the amazing, clear waters. It’s the perfect escape from the chaos of Sydney.

La Dolce Vita.

HEPBURN SPRINGS, MELBOURNE, VIC

If there’s one short getaway we all love, it’s one that involves pampering. Situated in the middle of Australia’s largest concentration of mineral springs, you can soak up the luxury at Hepburn Springs. Only a few minutes drive from beautiful town of Daylesford, Hepburn Springs boasts the work of the beautiful Bathhouse and Spa, established in 1895. Kept in it’s traditional form, the bathhouse is communal and encourages you to try the curative mineral water baths, salt therapy pool and aroma steam rooms. If you’re after a weekend full of luxury and history, this is the place for you.

Paradise not too far from the city.

VICTOR HARBOR, FLEURIEU PENINSULA, SA

Just an hour’s drive south of Adelaide you will hit one of the most spectacular sites South Australia has to offer. Victor Harbor is a destination perfect for anytime of the year, given it’s beautiful, Mediterranean like climate. There’s plenty to do; it’s situated in between the wineries of Currency Creek and the historic river town of Goolwa, which sits at the mouth of the Murray River. You’ll also have an incredible view of the iconic Granite Island where you can enjoy the sites of a little penguin colony that lives there.

Take it to new heights in NT.

THE TOP END, KATHERINE, NT

OK, this one could be a little far if you’re from the southern states. But trust me, it’s worth a week away in a place like The Top End. A hardy three hour drive from Darwin, it’s a destination nourished in rich Aboriginal culture and Australian wildlife. Spend your quick break hiking, canoeing, fishing or even take in the Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) from the air in a helicopter. You can spend the end of your short time away relishing the breathtaking sunset over the red rocks and vast land.

Cloudy Bay, Bruny Island. Picture: Greg Faull

BRUNY ISLAND, TAS

When you’re planning a summer getaway, you want crystal blue waters, peace and quiet, good food and a good wine. Bruny Island has all that you’re after. Dine on the decadent local produce and visit the southernmost vineyard in Australia for a perfect wine. There’s a choice of accommodation to suit any taste, with a choice of camping, caravanning or staying in cottages. Nature is at its peak on the island. Take a walk along the Grassy Point to view one of the island’s whaling stations. Or, if you’re a fan of birds you won’t be disappointed — Bruny Island is home to many rare and endangered birds. Just over a two-hour drive from Hobart, you’ll be feeling refreshed and revitalised after a visit to this place.

You’ll be sharing the territory with the gulls. Picture: Tourism Western

BUSSELTON, WA

Take a walk along the southern hemisphere’s longest timber-piled jetty at Busselton and you’ll feel thousands of kilometres away from the city streets of Perth. Under a three-hour drive from the CBD, the town is home to the most beautiful, turquoise water this side of the Indian Ocean. If you’re after a more cultured experience, the town’s main street is full of fashion, homewares, antiques and restaurants so you’ll never be short of things to see or do.