I know what you’re thinking. How is the Easter weekend here already? I’m with you. If you’re like me and you’ve not yet scheduled your plans, then here are four off-the-beaten-track getaways to inspire a spontaneous weekend away.
1. Experience autumn at Cradle Mountain
The World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain serves up the goods all year, but April’s mild temperatures and autumnal colours make an Easter weekend here extra appealing. When I say autumnal colours, I really mean it. Autumn in Tasmania sees the changing of the fagus (deciduous tree), covering the mountain in a coat of gold and red leaves.
Enjoy a weekend in the fresh Tassie air fishing in the surrounding lakes, taking in the scenery on the Dove Circuit Walk, and spotting wildlife (dusk is the best time to meet furry mates).
Stay: If you’re looking for a great location, base yourself at Discovery Parks. Remember to bring your pizza ingredients – pizza ovens are dotted around the site.
2. Hit the tracks at the Bendleby Ranges
If you’re seeking an adventure of a warmer kind, the Bendleby Ranges in the Southern Flinders Ranges is an epic spot for the whole family to reconnect and hang out. Go nuts on the 210 kilometres of four-wheel drive tracks through the mountain ranges overlooking Lake Frome and Wilpena Pound. If bushwalking and biking are more your things, there are plenty of wildlife-abundant tracks to explore.
Stay: Camp under the stars or if you’d prefer to be indoors, a homestead and two cottages are available.
3. Watch the world’s best surfers at Bells Beach
Even if you’re not a surfer, it’s difficult not to let your jaw drop when you watch the pros carve their way around the waves at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. After a cancelled 2021 event, I was pumped to hear about the return of this iconic World Surf League competition over the long Easter weekend. The atmosphere at Bells this year will no doubt be buzzing.
In between the surf, spend the weekend soaking up the region’s outdoor adventures from surf fishing in Torquay to kayaking in Anglesea and exploring the area’s Surf Coast Walk.
Did I mention the nearby chocolaterie? Easter egg upgrades here we come.
Stay: Campsites aren’t hard to come by around here but I recommend the nearby Jan Juc Caravan Park.
4. Chill out by the ocean at Seal Rocks
Seal Rocks (or ‘Sealies’ to the locals), is one of my favourite spots on the New South Wales coast. It’s small – sure. But that’s the beauty of it. Imagine waking up in your RV (or a cabin if you’re feeling fancy), in the forest, opposite the ocean. That’s pretty much Seal Rocks; a picturesque pocket of paradise. Fish, swim, surf, kayak, hike and relax.
Stay: Reflections offers powered sites. Or if you fancy an upgrade, try out their glamping tents or cabins.