52 Weekends Away: some of Australia's best escapes

When I think of weekends away 30 years ago, my mind turns to driving up to the grand old Mount Buffalo Chalet, camping with friends beside the river at Bright, hiking the Blue Mountains and staying in a B&B at Bowral - complete with scratchy towels and a quirky colour palette.

I’ve changed a lot since the 1990s and so has the short break in the three decades since Good Weekend started publishing its annual 52 Weekends Away issue. There have never been more good options for a weekend getaway, and today – pandemic restrictions notwithstanding – we’re just as likely to fly somewhere as drive.

With borders slowly opening up, we’ve included every state and territory in this 30th anniversary edition, to help with planning for summer and beyond - and because, quite simply, we could all do with a bit of inspiration right now.

- Katrina Strickland, Good Weekend editor

New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory

Lions and tigers (and bears) at Canberra's Jamala Wildlife Lodge ... oh my!

From historical homesteads and wildlife retreats to harbourside views and seaside shenanigans, there are plenty of ways to discover the charming landscapes of NSW and the ACT.

Victoria

Take in the wild interplay between the bush, big sky and the sweep of the Southern Ocean over Moonlight Head at Cape Otway's Sky Pods. Just wait until the stars come out.

With glorious glamping, cosy bush breaks and lavish inner-city stays, there's something for everyone as Victoria begins to blossom once more.

Tasmania

Enjoy a hot tub and cool climate wine against a backdrop of abundant natural beauty at Tasmania's Cradle Mountain Lodge. Credit: Emilie Ristevski

The Apple Isle serves up a crisp offering of mountain lodges, coastal treasures and splendid isolation, primed for any kind of explorer to sink their teeth into.

Queensland

The original Sanctuary Cove Resort's glitz and glamour has been superseded by a vibe more akin to a country hideaway.

Whether you're looking for eco-friendly adventure, an island getaway or rock-star indulgence, paradise awaits in the Sunshine State.

South Australia

Soak up Murray River views from your deck at The Frames before taking a sunset sail on a 100-year-old boat.

Take a cruise down the Murray, get close to the action at the Adelaide Oval or head to the hills to take in the state's glorious countryside and world-class food and wine.

Western Australia

Laze by the pool at Yallingup's Smiths Beach Resort, go surfing or drop in to a Margaret River winery or three.

Relaxing resorts, endless beaches and wondrous adventure are abundant here, so go forth!

Northern Territory

Tiwi Island Retreat pairs the best fishing in the Territory with the creature comforts of a boutique resort.

From the Red Centre's remarkable retreats to the Top End's extraordinary lifestyle and nature, the Territory combines the mesmerising and the memorable.

Behind the cover

Artwork: WEEKENDER (2020) by Tom Adair. Acrylic polymer and matte varnish on dibond, oak frame. 200cm X 150cm. NANDA\HOBBS.Credit: James Brickwood

This painting, photographed on Sydney’s Bronte Beach by James Brickwood for this year's 52 Weekends Away cover, is by Melbourne artist Tom Adair. Depicting Bronte’s ocean pool, Weekender (2020) reminds us how central water is to our sense of identity. “From beaches and rock pools to the riverbanks of the interior, on a weekend you will find us swimming and dreaming in, or next to, the water,” says Adair.

The painting is available for sale at Sydney gallery Nanda\Hobbs. In addition, 50 limited-edition prints of Weekender are available for purchase. Visit thestore.com.au/weekender for details.

To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times.

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