Best weekend getaways from Australian cities (for students)
Life in the city is exciting and fast-paced but sometimes the busyness leaves you wanting a change of scenery. Outside the capital cities of Australia, you’ll find destinations offering new experiences and a chance to wind down. Many of these places are just a short drive or train ride away. Whether you’re after golden beaches, mountain hikes, charming small villages or foodie adventures, these escapes will help you reset before the week begins again.
In this blog, we will highlight the top weekend getaway spots outside your campus city.
Sydney
Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Sydney, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes of sandstone cliffs, ancient caves, waterfalls, hikes and beautiful lookouts.
How to get there
Travel by train for 2 hours from Central Station to Katoomba station.
The Three Sisters
Things to do
In the Blue Mountains, there are plenty of walking tracks to explore including the popular Grand Canyon Track, Leura Cascades and Grand Cliff Top Walk. See the iconic Three Sisters from the Echo Point lookout or go to Scenic World to ride the world’s steepest railway and the southern hemisphere’s highest aerial cableway. Wander around boutique shops and relax at cosy cafes in Leura. Take in natural scenery at Govetts Leap, Lincoln Rock and Wentworth Falls lookout. Go underground at Jenolan Caves, an amazing network of chambers and rivers or stroll through a diverse range of flora at the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens.
Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is known for its world-class wineries, gourmet dining, farm-fresh produce and boutique stays.
How to get there
The region is a 2 to 2.5-hour car ride from Sydney. There are trains from Sydney to Morisset Station and connecting buses run to Cessnock twice a day.
Things to do
Hunter Valley has over 150 cellar doors for you to visit. Sample wine and share food while enjoying stunning landscapes. Visit gourmet pantries such as Lovedale Smokehouse Deli or Hunter Valley Cheese Factory for locally grown produce. Wander through the Hunter Valley Gardens to see beautifully manicured gardens.
Central Coast
The Central Coast is famous for its golden beaches, valuable waterways, outdoor adventures and lush wilderness. It is home to a gourmet foodie scene, art trails and over 3,500 Aboriginal sites of significance.
How to get there
The Central Coast is a 1-hour drive from Sydney. You can also go by train with services departing from Sydney to Gosford every 30 minutes.
Things to do
More than half of the Central Coast is a national park with plenty of hiking trails to explore including the 8km Bouddi Coastal Walk, Girrakool Falls in Somersby and the Old Great North Road in Dharug National Park. In the hinterland, visit charming country towns and farm gates, go sunflower picking or swim in hidden waterholes. Dive and swim through the Central Coast’s interconnected lakes, creeks and lagoons. Go on an Aboriginal cultural experience or an art trail.
The Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands is an area reflective of the beautiful English countryside, where you’ll find quaint villages, rolling hills and vintage shops.
How to get there
The region is a 1.5-hour drive south of Sydney. There is also a direct train line from Sydney to Bowral, the largest town in the area.
Bowral
Things to do
In the Southern Highlands, explore the town centres of Bowral, Berry, Berrima, Mittagong and Moss Vale for boutique shops, vintage goods, cafes and restaurants. Hike to the lookout at Mount Gibraltar, the highest point between Sydney and Canberra. Check out popular cellar doors such as Bendooley Estate and Centennial Vineyards.
Wollongong
Wollongong is a coastal city known for its golden beaches, bushland adventures, arts and culture.
How to get there
Wollongong is a short 1-hour drive from Sydney, or you can get to Wollongong by train or bus.
Wollongong Harbour Lighthouse
Things to do
In Wollongong, relax at any of the 17 stunning (patrolled) beaches starting from Stanwell Park to Windang. Enjoy ocean pools, surfing and picnic spots and visit Bald Hill and Mt Kiera lookouts for incredible coastal views. Go for a bushwalk at Dharawal National Park, Macquarie Pass National Park, Royal National Park or the Illawarra Escarpment. Learn about Aboriginal history and culture at Dharawal Country Experience.
Melbourne
Dandenong Ranges
The Dandenong Ranges offers walking trails through lush forests, fern-filled gullies and gardens. It is home to quaint villages such as Olinda, Sassafras, Belgrave and Emerald.
How to get there
The region is less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne and under 2 hours by public transport.
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Things to do
In the Dandenong Ranges, one of the most unique attractions is the Puffing Billy Steam Train in Belgrave, which travels through the Dandenong Ranges. Hike the 1,000 Steps (also known as the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk) or take a walk through Sherbrooke Forest, a subtropical rainforest. Wander through beautiful gardens at George Tindale Gardens, Cloudehill Gardens and The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens. Discover local products and antiques in Olinda and Sassafras.
Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is a relaxing destination with hot springs, vineyards, beaches, coastal villages, seaside restaurants and local markets.
How to get there
The area is less than an hour’s car ride from Melbourne.
Cape Schanck
Things to do
On the Mornington Peninsula, ride in a gondola at Arthur’s Seat Eagle for sweeping views across Port Phillip Bay towards Melbourne. Enjoy a soak in the Peninsula Hot Springs or go cycling along the Bay Trail for sea views. Explore the hinterland of Red Hill to find wineries and producers selling farm-fresh goods. Take a walk to the tip of Cape Schanck for unmissable coastal views and to visit the Cape Schanck Lighthouse. Visit the Ashcombe Maze and Lavendar Gardens, set among 25 acres of spectacular gardens.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is Victoria’s island sanctuary, home to penguin parades, idyllic beaches, coastlines and unique wildlife.
How to get there
Phillip Island is a 2-hour drive from Melbourne. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge at San Remo. There are coach and bus options.
Things to do
At Phillip Island, learn how to surf or stroll along the boardwalk through Rhyll Inlet. See the Pinnacles (granite rock formations) on the Cape Woolamai Walk and enjoy breathtaking coastal views on the Pyramid Rock Walk. Watch little penguins return home at the Penguin Parade. Visit local markets such as the Churchill Island Farmers Market for gourmet produce and unique arts and crafts.
Brisbane
The Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is known for its theme parks, golden beaches, surfing, vibrant nightlife and lush rainforests.
Surfers Paradise
Things to do
The Gold Coast has 57km of sandy beaches to explore, including Surfers Paradise, Burleigh and Tallebudgera Beach. Cafes, restaurants and bars line the foreshore. In Gold Coast’s hinterland, you will find rainforests, mountains, waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Marvel at the glow worm cave in Tambourine Mountain or relax under waterfalls in Springbrook National Park. Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to Australia’s largest living collection of native animals. Have fun at any of the Gold Coast’s huge theme parks such as Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild.
Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is a haven for swimming, surfing, sunbaking and relaxation.
How to get there
The Sunshine Coast is around 1.5 to 2 hours' drive north of Brisbane.
Noosa River Mouth
Things to do
The Sunshine Coast has more than 30 beautiful beaches. Mooloolaba Spit has more gentle waters, Sunshine Beach is great for surfing, and Noosa Main Beach has calm, clear waters and is close to Hastings Street, a hub of cafes, restaurants and specialty stores.
Make a trip to the Noosa Everglades (one of only two everglade systems in the world); a landscape of mirrored waterways, ancient tea trees, crystal-clear lakes and home to 40% of Australia’s bird species. Walk the Noosa National Park coastal track to spot dolphins or try stand-up paddling or kayaking on Noosa River.
Visit the village of Montville, situated on the edge of the Blackall Range, home to cosy cafes, boutique stores and art galleries. Explore waterfalls and rockpools in Kondalilla National Park.
Moreton Island
Moreton Island is a protected sand island known for its beaches and steep dunes. It is a paradise for adventurous travellers.
Tangalooma Wrecks
Things to do
From Moreton Island, at the iconic Tangalooma Wrecks, you can snorkel among sunken ships, coral reefs and tropical fish. Toboggan down Moreton Island’s massive sand dunes. Take a trek to Cape Moreton Lighthouse, Queensland’s oldest lighthouse, to find panoramic views of the Coral Sea. Swim at the Blue Lagoon or hand-feed wild bottlenose dolphins.
Adelaide
Barossa Valley
Barossa Valley is Australia’s most iconic wine region. Meet friendly locals while exploring towns surrounded by rolling vineyards and breathtaking landscapes.
How to get there
Just an hour’s drive from Adelaide. If you prefer to take public transport, you can get a train from Adelaide to Gawler Central and then a bus to local towns.
Things to do
In the Barossa Valley, visit a wide range of renowned vineyards to meet the makers, sample wines or savour a long lunch overlooking rolling hills. There are scenic bike trails, farm experiences, cooking classes and art workshops. A must-visit is Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop for a meal or artisanal goods, the Barossa Valley Cheese Company and Melba’s Chocolate Confectionary.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is renowned for its stunning coastlines and geological formations. It’s a wildlife sanctuary for many native animals, birds and plant life; earning its name ‘Zoo without walls or fences’. It is a place where you can re-connect with nature.
How to get there
A short 45-minute ferry trip from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw.
Remarkable Rocks, Flinders Chase National Park
Things to do
On Kangaroo Island, spend an afternoon at Vivonne Bay, Pennington Bay or Emu Bay. Take a walk through the rugged wilderness of the Flinders Chase National Park and marvel at the Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and a colony of long-nosed fur seals. Choose from a range of activities such as quad biking, sandboarding, kayaking or bike riding. As you explore the island, you will have chances to see kangaroos, wallabies and koalas or you can book a wildlife experience.
Fleurieu Peninsula
The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to stunning beaches, coastal towns such as Victor Harbour and Port Elliot, water activities and wine regions such as McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek.
How to get there
The region is a 45 to 90-minute drive south of Adelaide (depending on your destination).
Things to do
In the Fleurieu Peninsula, discover hidden grottos and rock pools in Second Valley, windsurf at Sellicks Beach, picnic inside Port Willunga caves or float by inlets at Port Noalunga. Experience bushland, native wildlife and coastline at Deep Creek National Park. See beautiful vineyards and sample wines in McLaren Vale.
Perth
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is a paradise rich with history, 63 beautiful beaches, abundant sea life and native wildlife and flora. A place to relax and experience stillness; it is close to the mainland (only 19km) off the coast of Fremantle.
How to get there
The island is a short 25-minute ferry ride from Fremantle or 90 minutes from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty. Bookings are recommended.
Quokkas
Things to do
Rottnest Island offers water activities, wildlife encounters and scenic trails and cycling routes. Take a selfie with a quokka, cycle around the island, relax on beautiful beaches, soak in crystal-clear waters or go for a snorkel at The Basin or Little Salmon Bay to see schools of tropical fish.
Margaret River
Margaret River is surrounded by natural beauty, open ocean and vineyards that extend for miles. It offers incredible food and wine experiences, outdoor attractions and coastal hiking trails.
How to get there
The region is a 3-hour drive from Perth.
Things to do
At Margaret River, go surfing, cycling, find swimming spots or walk along peaceful riverbanks. Sample wine at various cellar doors and experience outdoor dining with farms, bushland or even the ocean as your backdrop. Visit the award-winning Margaret River Farmers Market. Explore Mammoth Cave where you will encounter ancient fossils or Jewel Cave for massive chambers of crystal formations. Visit Gnarabup Beach, an oasis of calm waters, padding and snorkelling.
Busselton
Located on the shores of Geographe Bay, Busselton is a beautiful seaside town with streets lined with shops, cafes and eateries.
How to get there
Busselton is a 2.5-hour drive south of Perth.
Busselton Jetty
Things to do
Walk along the iconic Busselton Jetty which extends 1.8km out to sea. At the end of the jetty, you can journey 8m under the ocean surface at the Underwater Observatory. From June to December, you have the opportunity to witness whales passing through. Relax in the warm waters and fine white sand of Geographe Bay and take Instagram-worthy sunrise and sunset photos.
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