Long weekends are few and far between. So, when a holiday like Australia Day comes up and falls on a Friday, it’s best to make the most out of it. And if you’re up for a long weekend escapade, you should pack your bags and head over to the Land Down Under.
While staying at home to binge-watch your favourite TV shows on Netflix is fine, there are many things you can do to make Australia Day even more enjoyable. To help you celebrate this national holiday, the good folks at Alpha Car Hire has come up with a list of some fantastic places you can visit in the land of Oz.
Make sure you got your transportation covered.
With plenty of gorgeous beaches, vibrant cities, and unique destinations to choose from, having a reliable vehicle is key, especially when you’re travelling with a large group or with children. You can always choose to take public transportation. However, being able to drive around the country is more convenient and can save you a lot of time.
Melbourne, VIC
The city of Melbourne is perfect for a short getaway. With trendy cafes, boutique shops, and a bustling city centre to choose from, Melbourne turns into an even more festive place during Australia Day.
This national holiday is not complete without a spectacular fireworks display which you can witness at Docklands Harbour. You can also catch the yearly Australia Day parade with more than a thousand participants from various communities and groups.
Victor Harbour, SA
Located 80 kilometres south of Adelaide, Victor Harbour offers almost everything you could ever want in a satisfying weekend escapade. You’ll never run out of interesting places and exciting things to do in this picturesque coastal town.
Meet and greet the adorable penguins in Granite Island or get an up close and personal encounter with the Southern Right whales in Encounter Bay. These are just a couple of unique experiences you can only find at Victor Harbour.
Hobart, TAS
Hobart will not be bested when it comes to celebrating Australia Day. The city is full of activities, parties, and events lined up for vacationers like you. Start your day right by participating in the celebrations happening on the Bellerive Boardwalk. Enjoy eating a hearty breakfast while watching the local performers and emerging musicians.
If that’s not enough to satisfy you, head over to Nubeena to catch the annual Tasman Regatta and Peninsula Feast. This scenic village is just an hour and a half away east of Hobart. You can experience plenty of free and exciting family-friendly activities, such as fishing competition, boat racing, kayaking, to mention a few.
Newcastle, NSW
For the life of me, I don’t really understand why this harbour city doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Newcastle is just a two-hour drive from Sydney, and it’s one of the best places for a quick weekend holiday. You can go swimming or just relax at any of the beautiful beaches that are within walking distance or a short ferry ride away.
If you’re in the mood to commune with nature, you can bring the entire family to Blackbutt Reserve. Don’t let the name mislead you. This impressive nature reserve covers nearly 200 hectares of natural bushlands. So, if you’re a big fan of nature trails, wildlife exhibits, and enjoy having picnics, then Blackbutt Reserve is for you.
Australia Day only happens once a year. So, don’t miss out on any of these wonderful destinations and memorable activities you can only experience in the Land Down Under. If there’s anything we’ve missed, please let us know. We’d love to hear your ideas for a weekend getaway.
