With the Autumn leaves turning to winter and the June long weekend next weekend, we have some of the best weekend getaways to help you make the most out of your winter weekends. Our Lifestyle team have for you a pick of destinations for a driving getaway from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Winter Weekend getaways from Sydney

   
Logan wines photo – Jack Atley

MUDGEE
Just a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney CBD, Mudgee is the perfect spot for a winter getaway of exploring and wine tasting in the country.

Wine and Dine
Mudgee has a reputation for exceptional quality wines in a diverse range of varieties.  We recommend a visit to Robert Stein, boasting a 5-star winery, cellar door, motorcycle museum, farm and restaurant – Pipeclay Pumphouse, you will not be disappointed.  Whilst Mudgee may not be as well known as a wine region, it has damn good wines.  Our last wine adventure in Mudgee we visited Short Sheep, Robert Stein, Bunnamagoo Estate Wines and absolute favourite, Logan Wines.

Stay
Sierra Escape is Mudgee’s first and only Luxury Eco Glamping experience, located only 20 minutes’ drive from the town of Mudgee.  Surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and breathtaking views – Sierra provides an opportunity to escape from busy city life and immerse yourself in country NSW.  These glamping tents are made from high quality material, which keep it well insulated during winter.  Make things extra cosy by lighting the fireplace and toasting some marshmallows or a hot bubble bath.

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Visit one of Mudgee Region’s regular monthly markets and discover a range of stall holders to grab some locally grown produce, freshly made breads and cheeses, olive oil, handmade textiles, arts and crafts, jewellery, pre-loved books, clothes, knick-knacks and more.  Juliet Horsley Homewares has a great range of timber pieces including lamps, tables and chopping boards and Deer Mudgee Boutique and Edited & Co. has you sorted for your weekend fashion fix with great Australian and International designers and gumboots for the cool weather.

ORANGE
A 3 hour and 40 minutes drive to Orange will take you northwest from Sydney, via the Blue Mountains.

   

Wine and Dine
Lolli Redini boasts 16 Sydney Morning Herald chef’s hats since 2002.  It is definitely the pick of eateries and Executive Chef Simon Hawke is revered across the country for creating an outstanding menu using mostly local produce.  Each year, Orange hosts their annual wine festival over two weeks in October, showcasing the region’s premium wines through tastings and celebrations.

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Located just off Orange’s Central business district, de Russie Boutique Orange is the perfect spot for your weekend away with 25 luxurious self-contained rooms and an elegant stand-alone 3-bedroom house, Lansdowne House.  Built in 1910, its elegantly proportioned rooms and beautiful marble fireplaces are all reminders of the high aspirations of early builders in Orange.  A visit to Ferment, the Orange Wine Centre the cellar door for wines from both the Orange region and central ranges of NSW will provide your taste buds with a sensory experience of the regions finest.  These include Carillion Single Estate, Cooks Lot, Darragh Wines, Cargo Cult Wines and many more.

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Orange has many boutiques to explore.  Make sure to visit Hawkes General Store, which provides an exciting and ever-changing shopping experience for locals and visitors to Orange.  “The White Place” is another favourite which will delight you with an extensive and eclectic mix of scouted contemporary and modern treasures for your home and life.  Browse stylish furniture, home decor products, this season’s clothing and jewellery.

BERRY
Berry is a 2-hour drive south of Sydney, along the NSW South coast through the Royal National Park, Wollongong and Kiama.  Berry is vibrant historic village nestled in luxurious dairy country, dedicated to food with a sophisticated cafe culture, making it the perfect destination to unwind and relax.

   
Haven & Space Berry photo by Samuel White photography

Wine and Dine
The Berry region is fast developing a reputation for its burgeoning foodie scene.  A visit to Emporium Good Co Cafe is a must for their great coffee, home made food and mouthwatering produce from the deli.  Enjoy SOUTH on Albany’s menu with strong modern European influence or Hungry Duck’s modern Asian cuisine.  Jump in the car next weekend to join in the festivities of the Winter Wine Festival held annually over Queen’s Birthday weekend in June.  Before leaving Berry for your drive home, pick up locally made sourdough, a delicious selection of pastries from Berry Sourdough Bakery and a coffee for the road from it’s sister cafe – Milkwood Bakery.

A visit to Berry would not be complete without a fresh cooked to order, cinnamon donut from the famous Berry Donut Van.  This village icon has been trading in Berry for sixty years.

Stay
Soul of Gerringong is an old farmhouse and homestead, located in the heart of the coastal village.  Soul includes accommodation for couples and groups up to 16, at The Soul Farmhouse, The Barn and The Cabana.  A visit to Two Figs Winery which sits at the top of Mount Coolangatta’s foothills offers panoramic views from the beaches of Shoalhaven Heads along the expanse of the Shoalhaven River and beyond.  The winery produces temperate climate premium wines, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, chambourcin and verdelho.

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With its close proximity to mountain vistas, beaches, rivers, National Parks and the famous Jervis Bay, Berry is a great base from which to explore the great outdoors.  Soak up the incredible view from The Drawing Room Rocks. ­­

Be sure to visit “Haven & Space” – the secret destination of discerning homeware shoppers. We also love Juniper Hearth, The Picnic Shed and Moss Nest.

Winter Weekend getaways from Brisbane

   

CABARITA BEACH
Located 1.5-hours from Brisbane CBD, paradise awaits at Cabarita Beach.

Wine and Dine
The dining experience at Paper Daisy restaurant is a celebration of their unique part of the world. Confident coastal cooking in a relaxed setting, the food expresses the very best of Cabarita Beach and the region’s unique produce and bourgeoning culinary reputation.

Stay
Halcyon House is the ideal setting for luxurious beach side holiday or romantic getaway.  As well as the onsite restaurant, Paper Daisy, be sure to indulge in a treatment at Halcyon Spa.  The luxury boutique hotel also provides guests with surfboards and cruiser bikes to explore the area.

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We highly recommend taking the short coastal walk from Cabarita Beach around to Norries Headland.  The scenery changes as you walk through a tunnel of remnant coastal rainforest, down along the popular surfing pointbreaks.  Make your way to the top of the headland where you can take in uninterrupted views to the north and south.

Jump in the car for a day trip to Byron Bay – visit the Byron Farmers Market, have lunch at “The Farm” or a margarita or two at Miss Margarita.  Stop in at Newrybar Merchants where you will find creative local artisans and curators of fine goods, experience rustic charm in a unique retail space. No visit to this magical part of the East Coast destination would be complete without a little boutique shopping, our absolute favourites have to be – Ahoy Trader, Spell & The Gypsy Collective, Pompidou in Byron Bay and Island Luxe & Bisque in Bangalow.

SCENIC RIM

    

Follow the changing landscape west and you’ll find yourself in the Scenic Rim, located 2 hours from Brisbane CBD.

Wine and Dine
Enjoy a long lunch at Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm.  Complete with breathtaking views of the Scenic Rim mountains and large lavender field, this is a beautiful experience.

Stay
Set on a 8,000-acre estate and private nature refuge, luxe mountain retreat Spicers Peak Lodge in the Scenic Rim is a Queensland marvel. If the dramatic peak-top location of Australia’s highest non-alpine lodge doesn’t wow you, the dreamy dining will. The architecturally designed lodge is an eclectic mix of contemporary and classic design.  With ten luxurious suites and two private lodges, the all inclusive indulgence means gourmet food, drinks and treats are yours 24/7.

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There is no shortage of adventure in the Scenic Rim with hiking trails, waterfalls, national parks and the Gondwana Rainforest.

Noosa, Sunshine Coast
Located on the beautiful Sunshine Coast,  Noosa is an easy 1.5 hour drive north of Brisbane along the Bruce Highway.  This sophisticated, stylish and cosmopolitan holiday oasis is one of Australia’s most desirable holiday destinations.  Noosa is known as the mecca for sunny skies, retail therapy, culinary dining and clean waves.

   

Wine and Dine
Enjoy a cocktail and people-watching at Noosa Beach House. Then, slip through to the contemporary dining area and be wowed as you devour a five-course degustation menu complete with matching wines.

The dining scene in Noosa has you spoilt for choice, with some of our teams personal favourites – the super plush Ricky’s River Bar & Restaurant, beachfront dining at Seasons and Sails; the relaxed and effortless atmosphere of Bistro C for breakfast and coffee or sunset cocktail; and the authentic Japanese cuisine at Wasabi is one not to be missed.

A short drive from Noosa to the Spirit House Yandina for a Thai cooking class during the day or an incredible meal in the lush Thai garden, overlooking a lake.

Stay
Perfectly situated between Hastings Street and Noosa Beach, Tingirana Noosa offers luxury apartment accommodation directly opposite the beach. Surrounded by the best of Noosa’s cafes, restaurants, bars, boutique shopping and the beach – the location is ideal.

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No trip to Noosa is complete without walking the Noosa Heads Coastal Track at least once.

Spectacular views can be seen from several lookouts along the track. As well as the beautiful beaches, koalas frequent the gum trees along this walk and honeyeaters are often seen in the flowering shrubs next to the track.

The shopping in Noosa is also incredible – we recommend your stop in at “Signature on Hastings” for unique homewares, antique jewellery gems to take home from Isabella’s” and the Eumundi Markets, held every Wednesday and Sunday is not to be missed. There you will find retail heaven with hundreds of stalls selling local, high quality artworks, furniture, homewares, fashion, jewellery and delicious food & coffee treats.

Winter Getaways from Melbourne

   

Mornington Peninsula
Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD, you will find the wine region of Mornington Peninsula.

Wine and Dine
Enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir at our favourite vineyard, Port Phillip Estate; an architectural landmark and one of the most exciting wine destinations in Australia.  Cosy up by the fireplace and enjoy an exceptional three course meal.

Stay
Escape from reality at the award-winning Jackalope Hotel, overlooking the vines.  Jackalope has a striking modern-art collection, minimalist rooms and two farm-to-fork restaurants.

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No trip to Mornington Peninsula is complete without a day at the Peninsula Hot Springs. Uncover the healing powers of the geothermal waters and treat yourself to a massage or facial.   Ladies you will love Sorrento Village, filled with the charm of an historical seaside village this cosmopolitan shopping village has a mixture of unique retailers, fashion boutiques, antiques, original galleries interior and homewares.  We always ensure we make time to visit Coastal Living for their effortless on trend homewares, Sandarne for homewares, gifts and luxurious treats; Emma Marie and Emia for a carefully curated collection of local and international designers

A sunny winters day is the perfect way to enjoy your own private picnic at one of Montalto’s ten beautiful and secluded picnic sites. Afterwards, make your way through the sculpture walk boasting 30 permanent sculptures sensitively sited throughout the Montalto vineyard and grounds.

Explore the beautiful book store “Page 8” and the many boutiques in the area especially Zen Living and Aurelia Boutique.

Yarra Valley
   
Escape to the Yarra Valley, a breezy 50 minute drive from Melbourne, it is one of the closest wine regions to a major city anywhere. Victoria’s wine industry began here in 1838 and today it is home to more then three dozen cellar doors with premium cool-climate wines, of which many have incorporating fine restaurants.

Wine and Dine
Make a day of it at TarraWarra Estate.  TarraWarra is well -known for their exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, alongside other single-block heritage varietals and estate blends.  Make sure to wander through the spectacular grounds as well.   The Yarra Valley’s fine wine and produce are well and truly showcased, then at Meletos. Located between the towns of Yarra Glen and Healesville, this casual winery restaurant’s menu boasts a delicious menu of locally sourced and seasonally fresh produce.

One weekend just may not be enough time to take in all that the Yarra Valley has to offer.  On your list of must visit – wine tasting and lunch at Oakridge Wines, classic italian dishes and pizza at Zonzo Estate, Innocent Bystander for a sourdough pizza, Ezard at Levantine Hill for an eight curse degustation; and award winning winery, a la carte restaurant, cafe and bar at Yering Station.

Stay
A weekend escape in the Yarra Valley could not be better spent than at The Farmhouse at Meletos.  Surrounded by mountain ash forests, extensive vineyards and apple orchards, this gourmet two-story retreat has 23 boutique guest rooms complete with luxury ensuites and bvlgari toiletries.

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What once was a cattle station is now home to Yarra Valley’s first vineyard, Yering Station, est. 1838.  Once a month, Yering Station hosts a Farmers Market, so you can sample and stock up on local produce before heading back to city.

Daylesford and Hepburn Springs
   
1.5 hours inland from Melbourne CBD, you will find the spa capital of Australia; Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.  This picturesque village has an eclectic mix of artists’ studios, cafes, galleries and interesting shops that reflect the interesting and creative local community.

Wine and Dine
Behind the quaint cottage doors, you will find bistro and wine bar, The Perfect Drop.  If you’re just after a drink, make your way to the wine bar where they offer daily whiskey, gin and wine tastings.  Dinner is quite an experience with the menu curated by their award winning French Michelin star chef.  The Perfect Drop pride themselves on local produce and even do all their butchery in-house, as well as curing and ageing the meats.

Stay
Set on six acres of towering trees and country gardens, the Lake House will set the scene for a magical weekend escape right in the heart of Victoria’s Spa Country.  With 34 room rural lodge, state of the art spa, tennis court, DVD library, this retreat is the ideal location to explore produce and wine of rural Victoria .  When staying at The Lakes, make sure you make a reservation to dine at one of Australia’s most highly awarded restaurants by chef Alla Wolf-Tasker and wine list and cellar with some 10,000 bottles.

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The Hepburn Bathhouse located in Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve is one of the most popular destinations for visitors looking for a luxury Hepburn day spa experience. Enjoy communal or private bathing as well as indulge in a treatment or two.

The Cookery School in Daylesford is a must for anyone who shares our passion for real food. From classic courses such as Quick & Simple Suppers and Seasonal Dinner Party, to specialised courses like Artisan Bread Making, Nose to Tail Butchery or Ferments to Eat and Drink, you’ll find practical and imaginative courses to suit all interests.  On June 24th The Lakeshouse welcomes Danielle Alvarez, owner & head chef of Fred’s, Donovan Cooke, from Ryne and Justin James from Vue de Monde.

For easy chic Autumn packing, visit our weekend escape packing list blog.

Our casual memberships are the perfect solution to kick start your next travel adventure – remember, to “travel is to live”.  Our Lifestyle Managers are here to help you plan every step of your getaway itinerary.

 

 

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