City getaway – Melbourne
For a city slicking weekend escape, Melbourne is the perfect choice. Pack your coat and boots as the below suggestions aren’t all hiding away inside!
Melbourne International Film Festival 28th July – 14th August 2016 Spanning 18 days and showcasing over 300 films, the Melbourne International Film Festival is the perfect way to spend a winter date night. Featuring independent Australian films, international headliners and student produced films; the 2016 program is the fullest to date and an event not to be missed. Go café hopping Melbourne is famous for its European inspired café culture and during winter is the perfect time to hole up in a cosy café and indulge. Pop over to Brioche by Philip on Collins Street to sample perfectly blended coffee and the flakiest of pastries. For specialist coffee, a visit to St. Ali must be made, here they brew their own coffee beans and experiment with different techniques and flavours, these guys are true coffee connoisseurs.
St Ali, Visions of Victoria
The Light in Winter In its 10th year running, The Light in Winter festival is a true Melbourne institution. The program is full of music, art installations, DJs and light shows. For a movie scene perfect night, ice skate at the Fed Square outdoor river rink before dining at your pick from the pop-up food stalls.
For accommodation in the heart of Melbourne, choose from an array of Melbourne hotels.
Seaside Village – Lorne
Get out and explore the Victorian coastline and quaint seaside village of Lorne.
Explore the Surf Coast To ease you into weekend mode, begin with a walk along the picturesque Surf Coast. Admire the ochre red cliffs of Bells Beach and the ancient eucalyptus trees lining the path. Lorne Township Situated at the start of Great Ocean Road, Lorne is a quaint, picturesque town. There is so much to explore, rug up and enjoy steaming hot coffee at any of the coffee shops, wander the unique boutiques and antique stores or come dinner time, dine on delicious freshly caught seafood.
Lorne, Visions of Victoria
Discover the Otway Ranges Drink in the beautiful rainforest scenery on a walk through the Otway Ranges. For the truly adventurous ones discover the rainforest from above on the Otway Fly Treetop Walk.
Mantra Lorne is the perfect choice for beachside Lorne accommodation.
Tropical escape – Cairns
For a tropical escape to warmer weather, a weekend in Cairns is a must do. For those in the southern states say goodbye to scarves and thermals and enjoy the beautiful temperate weather.
The Great Barrier Reef With water temps still around 22oC, sip on a wetsuit and book a tour out to the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll be escaping stinger season! Or if getting wet during winter isn’t quite your cup of tea, embark on a helicopter tour, we can guarantee the view from above is just as breathtaking as it is from below.
Darren Jew, Tourism and Events Queensland
For a delectable breakfast
Head to the cafes on Grafton and Spence Street for a delicious breakfast and morning ‘pick me up’, Caffiend on Grafton Street boast a breakfast menu with all the usual suspects as well as some different and delicious additions like chilli eggs and miso scramble. See the sights of the Atherton Tablelands Explore the quaint townships of the Atherton Tablelands. Enjoy fresh local produce, visit the farms themselves to see where the produce is coming from and immerse yourself in the picturesque environment with walks through the tropical hinterland.
For central Cairns accommodation, Mantra Trilogy is the ideal place to stay.
Maxime Coquard, Tourism Australia
If you aren't able to get away for the weekend, be sure to also check out date ideas in Australia's capital cities.