Annabelle Allpass

Long gone are the days when caravan parking was reserved for the Aussiest of ockers. Caravan parks are having a bit of a revival with their swanky done-up cabins and powered sites for the humble mobile home. Whether camping beachfront is a little bit of you, or you’re looking for a scenic detour from your Great Ocean Road adventure, these caravan parks around Australia are pulling out all the stops. 🌞 The best family-friendly resorts in Australia🚘 All the best day trips to take from every capital city⛺️ The best and cheapest camping spots in Australia

Nothing hits quite so right as a mini holiday mid-week. Waking up somewhere new on Saturday morning is like hacking the corporate system, getting extra time off AND being able to say something smug on Monday morning about your very eventful weekend. Wins only. Down Under, there's a dizzying array of options for short weekend getaways that are super close to all our major cities. To help you out with your whole 'enriching my life' plan, we've pulled together eight weekend getaways from every state and territory in Australia that each offer up something different.  RECOMMENDED: The most epic Aussie roadtrips you should drive away on before you die. From wineries to cute country towns to World Heritage wilderness, there's something epic on this list for everyone. Plus – every inclusion on this list is driveable or quickly accessible from a major city, meaning you don't need to drive for half your weekend to get there and/or fork out major dollars for airfares. Begone, boring couch-ridden Saturdays, and fighting off the scaries while washing towels on Sundays. This is your life folks. Go on a bloody mini break.  Want more Aussie travel inspo? Hit up one of these 25 incredible places you can only find Down Under.

Brisbane and its amazing nearby caravan parks offer more than just a place to park your rig – they’re your ticket to serene riverside and beachfront views, lush parklands and cozy campfire vibes, all within arm's reach of the city’s top attractions.  From family-friendly spots to luxe stays with all the mod cons, pack the marshmallows and hit the road with our ultimate guide to the best caravan parks in and around Brisbane. ✨ The best hotels in Brisbane🏞 The best caravan parks in Australia⛺️ Where to go camping in Australia

Ok, so we’ve all been there. Your job is annoying you, the traffic is annoying you, even the mere sounds of Brisvegas are getting on your last nerve. There’s only one thing that can remedy it, and that, without a doubt, is a little staycay. Taking time offline to reset works wonders for honestly your whole life. Without having to hack into the interstate flight sales and the stress of attempting to navigate an unknown place, here are the best Airbnbs in (or close enough to drive to them from) Brisbane.  RECOMMENDED: Here are the best things to do in Brisbane.

So you’re one of the many Southerners who flocked to the Sunshine State. You like our friendly people, warm weather and distinctly unpretentious all-round ambience, but what is there to actually do and see?  Queensland is a warm combination of all our country’s best bits – the coolness and culinary prowess of Melbourne meets quintessential outback Australia, UNESCO World Heritage sites meet annual leave submission-worthy events, and unbelievable road trips meet unbeatable surf culture and hospitality. These are the eight best places to visit in Queensland. RECOMMENDED: Travel further afar with our ultimate guide of the best things to do in Australia.

In North Queensland, Cairns and Port Douglas serve as the quickest entry points to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest and most stunning coral reef ecosystem on Earth. Beaches surrounding Cairns are downright tropical and destinations in their own right. With Cairns as your hub, you can opt for a luxury cruise, sail through the islands, dive to your heart's content or board a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach. When you’re all dried off, hop back in the car and journey to what Sir David Attenborough called “the most extraordinary place on earth”, the Daintree Rainforest. It's bigger than the entire area of Sydney, millions of years older than the Amazon and you can stay in it in luxe treehouses hidden in the rainforest canopy. In North Queensland, Cairns and Port Douglas serve as the quickest entry points to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest and most stunning coral reef ecosystem on Earth. Beaches surrounding Cairns are downright tropical and destinations in their own right. With Cairns as your hub, you can opt for a luxury cruise, sail through the islands, dive to your heart's content or board a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach. When you’re all dried off, hop back in the car and journey to what Sir David Attenborough called “the most extraordinary place on earth”, the Daintree Rainforest. It's bigger than the entire area of Sydney, millions of years older than the Amazon and you can stay in

Dramatic arbours of huge Camphor Laurel trees line the streets here, and amidst fresh garden strolls and heritage walks, you can indulge in expertly brewed espresso at stylish cafés, explore an unparalleled urban art scene, sip on afternoon cocktails or catch a show at the theatre. You don’t want to miss the Carnival of Flowers, Festival of Food and Wine, Gather and Graze or the Curve Ball, so plan trips for September and October.

A friendly, sleepy seaside village waits for you at Peregian Beach, located just over ten kilometres south of Noosa Heads. Its neighbouring beaches are just as lovely, but the quiet ambience and shade of the village square paired with the diverse range of boutique shops, cafés and restaurants is unbeatable. Perigean is the perfect distance from the Noosa National Park, Mount Coolum and stunning neighbouring beaches.

This national park in the remote northwest corner of Outback Queensland is an absolute must-do. The park is currently closed due to damage sustained by flooding but when it’s open you can canoe through sparkling emerald water surrounded by soaring vibrant rock, see native wildlife on walking trails and even spend the night camping under the stars. The World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Site is close by too.

In the vast and vibrant landscape of Outback Queensland, you'll find a warm and inviting atmosphere, where friendly locals are eager to share stories, crack a cold one and embody the true essence of Outback hospitality. The pinnacle of the Bush, towns in Queensland’s far west are an essential part of Queensland’s tapestry. If you’re road-tripping, be sure to pull off in Longreach and check out the Stockman’s Hall of Fame before arriving in Birdsville, a once-in-a-lifetime experience of a town. Have a beer with locals at the infamous Birdsville Hotel, book a charter flight over the Diamantina channel, Lake Eyre and the Simpson Desert, or (our favourite) board the Big Red Dune Sunset Desert Tour. If you organise your trip for July or September you’ll make it in time for the Birdsville Big Red Run, afterparty Big Red Bash and the Birdsville Races.

In Queensland, most of the time a destination is kind of a three-for-the-price-of-one situation. In the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, you can work your way through a string of charming country towns like Maleny, Montville and Kenilworth, each offering a collection of antique stores, markets, bed and breakfasts, and galleries. The Glass House Mountains, rolling green pastures and rainforests will serve as the backdrop for your winding journey to each town. Australia Zoo is also on the way, as is Nambour and the Big Pineapple. Pull up for the day at one of the many microbreweries or wineries in the area.

With its convenient proximity to Brisbane (just an hour's ferry ride away), Moreton Island is an ideal getaway for unwinding in both luxury and nature over a weekend. Whether you opt to camp behind the sandy dunes, rent one of the island's numerous holiday houses or stay at Tangalooma Island Resort, you'll have plenty of opportunities to indulge in swimming, snorkelling and for 4WD owners, cruising the island's beach highways. The hand-feeding wild dolphin experience is a must, as is donning your finest snorkel and exploring the breathtaking Tangalooma Wrecks. Bonus: there are no requirements to wear a stinger suit in Southeast Queensland because there are no Box jellyfish or Irukandji.