I know what you’re thinking. How is the Easter weekend almost here already? I’m with you. If you’re like me and haven’t yet sorted your plans, here are four off-the-beaten-track getaways to inspire a spontaneous long weekend away. Whether you’re…
I know what you’re thinking. How is the Easter weekend almost here already? I’m with you. If you’re like me and haven’t yet sorted your plans, here are four off-the-beaten-track getaways to inspire a spontaneous long weekend away.
Whether you’re into 4WD adventures, golden autumn hikes or beachside breaks, these escapes are quick to plan and hard to forget.
The World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain delivers all year, but there’s something extra special about Easter. April brings crisp air, calm weather and the stunning turn of the fagus—Australia’s only cold-climate deciduous tree—blanketing the mountain in deep gold and fiery red.
Spend your days fishing the nearby lakes, walking the breathtaking Dove Lake Circuit, or wildlife spotting at dusk when wombats and pademelons often appear.
Stay: For a well-positioned base, check out Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain. Don’t forget your pizza ingredients. There are communal woodfired ovens on site.
For something warmer and wilder, head to the Bendleby Ranges in the Southern Flinders. This privately owned property is an adventure playground with 210 kilometres of 4WD tracks winding through rugged terrain and mountain ridgelines with views to Lake Frome and Wilpena Pound.
Prefer to stay out of low range? There are also excellent bushwalking and bike trails packed with wildlife.
Stay: Camp under the stars or opt for a little comfort in the homestead or cottages available on-site.
Even if you’re not a surfer, it’s hard not to be impressed watching the world’s best carve it up at the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach. This legendary event is back again for Easter and brings a buzzing atmosphere to the Surf Coast.
Between heats, check out the local adventures like surf fishing in Torquay, kayaking in Anglesea or hiking the Surf Coast Walk.
And yes, there’s a chocolaterie nearby. Easter egg upgrades await.
Stay: Plenty of campsites nearby, but I recommend Jan Juc Caravan Park for a quiet base close to the action.
Seal Rocks (or Sealies to the locals) is one of my favourite hidden spots on the NSW coast. Small, scenic and blissfully quiet, it’s the kind of place where you wake up in the forest, step out of your RV and cross the road to the beach.
Swim, surf, fish, kayak, hike or just slow down and enjoy the coastal air.
Stay: Reflections Seal Rocks has powered sites as well as cabins and glamping tents if you’re in the mood to level up.
