In the everyday hustle and bustle of daily life, sometimes it can feel difficult to get some time away to embrace the types of experiences you usually only make time for on holidays. Sometimes all you need is a few days to recharge those batteries and embrace the rejuvenation that an escape brings - this is when a ‘staycation’ is the perfect option. With no need to book flights and no extended travel time you’ll be able to maximise that relaxation time. By the end of it you’ll feel like a new person.
Relax and switch off in Palm Cove With a destination as beautiful as Palm Cove on their doorstep, tropical north Queenslanders are truly spoilt in the staycation stakes. Around 30 minutes from Cairns, it is the ideal spot to spend a long weekend, or perhaps sneak away in a mid-week escape. While there, embrace the little things that you wouldn’t usually make time for in the every day. Indulge in a trip to the Exclusive Spas of Australia day spa , and treat yourself to a Mala Mayi treatment, encompassing a full body mud wrap, tension releasing Quandong head massage and blissful rain therapy full body massage.
They say immersing yourself in nature is the best way to relax, so the Great Barrier Reef is a must visit, make the most of the off season, and blissfully discover the beautiful coral formations and iridescent fish without the large crowds. For those who truly desire to do nothing more than relax with a good book, that can undoubtedly be done here too. Pull up a lounge chair around a lagoon pool, situate yourself under an umbrella, and while away the afternoon in true relaxing style.
Outdoors in the Hunter Valley There are a few things people tend to think of when the Hunter Valley is mentioned, delicious wine, moreish produce and complete indulgence. However for those who are lucky enough for the Hunter Valley to be just an hour or so away, why not make the most of this picturesque destination, by enjoying not just the wining and dining, but also the beautiful outdoors.
To immerse yourself in what the Hunter is all about, a food & wine tour is an absolute must, however what better way to do it in than on bicycle. Imagine meandering around the beautiful vineyards, cycling along picturesque tracks, while compiling a basket of local treats. Perhaps you could even add into the day’s itinerary a cooking class and alfresco lunch at Sandalyn Wilderness Estate. To complete your active escape, 18-holes of golf on the beautifully manicured Hunter Valley Golf Course will round out your trip nicely.
Wine and dine in Broadbeach Over the last few years, residents of the Gold Coast have had much cause to celebrate in the culinary sense. A slew of new wining and dining hotspots have started to emerge. From Main Beach to Mermaid Beach, it’s just a hop skip and a jump from one stylish establishment to the next. For those who live on the Gold Coast, this means you no longer need to venture to Sydney or Melbourne to sample gastronomic delights; they’re now on your doorstep, dotted along this beautiful beachfront destination.
For a true weekend of wining and dining, begin with wandering down to the Oracle Precinct. Here you will be delighted with the delectable cocktails at Social Eating House, before venturing to Mecca Bah for a Turkish inspired feast. With luxurious interiors reminiscent of Ali Baba’s treasure trove, it is a must visit. The following morning join Mermaid Beach local’s to enjoy breakfast at the newly opened Bam Bam Bakehouse, where you’ll enjoy delights like the Poached Pear Danish with Burnt Honey Custard or an Apple Streusel Croissant, before venturing up the coast to Main Beach to sample the sumptuous delights of the Saturday Marina Mirage Farmer’s Markets.
Embrace the wilderness at Cradle Mountain Staying at Cradle Mountain is like escaping to a completely different part of the world, perfect for a staycation. From the mountainous craggy peaks, to peaceful Dove Lake, stars lighting the sky as far as the eye can see and deep silence you just don’t get in a city, this is where you come to switch off from everyday life and embrace the wilderness. For those lucky enough to live in Launceston, Cradle Mountain is but a picturesque 2 hour drive away. Here there is nothing better to do than simply explore your beautiful surroundings. To begin exploring Cradle Mountain, the Dove Lake circuit walk is a must do and breathtaking in its diversity. In just 6km you will admire the Cradle Mountain Peak, edge along the peaceful shores of the lake and discover the enchanting Ballroom Forest of statuesque moss-covered myrtle-beech trees, reminiscent of a fairy tale glade, you may want to sit and stay a while.
For those desiring a little more adventure, a Cradle Mountain Canyon tour is sure to get the heart-rate rising. For a truly unforgettable experience, the tour involves jumps, slides and abseiling a 50 metre deep quartzite canyon. To set a more relaxing pace, a horse-riding adventure with Cradle Country Adventures is absolutely ideal. Climbing up through the Alpine Eucalypt and Myrtle Forest before meandering along the button grass plains where the view of Cradle Mountain is absolutely spectacular.
Where to stay on your staycation...
For a truly relaxing Palm Cove experience you can’t go past Peppers Beach Club & Spa.
At Peppers Convent you’ll experience that true Hunter Valley country charm.
Make the most of your wining and dining weekend at Peppers Broadbeach.
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge will put you in the heart of the Tasmanian wilderness.