When is the June long weekend? June 7th-9th. That’s right. It’s SOON and you have planned NOTHING. ZERO. NADA. Crap. And then you start asking yourself: what can I do over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend?
And the answer is: plenty.
It’s true. Some of us never learn our lesson. We get so caught up in planning who we’re going to see and where we’re going to go over the Easter break that by the time it’s over, we’ve forgotten there’s another public holiday just around the corner. Oops. (Followed by a joyous “yay!”)
It’s at this point you find yourself wondering how you’re going to spend it. The questions roll around in your head: how can I make the most of my three-day break? Is there anything even open on the holiday Monday? Is it TOO LATE to book an escape with my other half?
Never.
Table Of Contents:
How to decide what to do over the long weekend
Our guide to staycations
Our guide to country escapes
Where to stay and what to do in the Blue Mountains
Where to stay and what to do in the Hunter Valley
Where to stay and what to do in Byron Bay
Where to stay and what to do in the Central Coast
Where to stay and what to do in Wollongong
Where to stay and what to do in Canberra
Our guide to city hopping
Our guide to staying home over the long weekend
How to decide what to do over the long-weekend
No brainer, really. We give you options, you choose which one suits you best. Remember, there’s always the option to stay at home, catch up with family, clean the house, do some admin… you’re right. It’s a freaking THREE-DAY WEEKEND! You’re not spending it like every other weekend. You’ve got to make the most of this baby because (trying to break it to you nicely here) unless you’re American and are celebrating your Independence or fake a sicky at work, you won’t get another “day off” until October.
Don’t Google it. It’ll only make you cry.
First, you’ll have to consider your company. Will you be taking your better half away on a holiday? Or will you be travelling with mates? Think of how much money you’d like to spend over the three days, as this will make it easier to decide whether you’ll stay closer or further away from home.
Also, don’t forget about other people’s schedules. Some may not be able to leave on Friday evening, but will have to wait until Saturday morning to get going. Others may be able to take the Tuesday off and so be able to spend more days away.
The way we see it, you have three options:
Staycation: Stay in the city, but spend the evening away from home. This way you can feel like you’re indulging in an escape without having to think about all those niggling travelling details. You’ll also get a nice turndown service in the morning.
Country escape: Get out of the city and leave all remnants of your working life behind. Spend the weekend somewhere within driving distance, but outside of the ordinary. At least an hour away from home should do the trick.
City hop: Hop to the next major city and go nuts. Remember: Melbourne is just over an hour away by plane.
Our guide to staycations
Staycations are great for relaxing and re-energising yourself. For those with a limited time off and a small budget, they can make you feel special and pampered in just one evening. Don’t let that stop you from spending three nights away from home, however.
Here are some great hotels in the city that still have rooms available for the long-weekend:
Amora Hotel Jamison, Sydney from Hotels.com
Check out the Amora Spa when you check into Amora Hotel Jamison. Its avocado body moisturising treatments will have you feeling brand new.
View details
Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney from Hotels.com
See this view? Now imagine that Opera House all lit up. There are still rooms available for the long weekend and guess what? Vivid will be on all. Weekend. Long.
View details
Pier Sebel One from Expedia.com.au
One of the most luxurious hotels this side of the bridge is the Pier Sebel One. It sits directly below the Harbour Bridge and is a stone’s throw away from Vivid Festival’s installations at Walsh Bay, the Finger Wharves, and The Rocks.
View details
Find Sydney Attractions & Family Fun Things to Do in Sydney from Expedia.com.au
You might only use Expedia to book hotels, but they’ve got a bunch of fun experiences on the site, whether you stay in the city or not...
View details
Make the most of your staycation by sleeping in, ordering breakfast in bed, treating yourself to one of the hotel’s spa packages, and leaving all your towels on the floor. For funsies.
If you feel like venturing out after all that, why not try one of these activities?
Vivid Sydney Sightseeing Cruise, 45 minutes from Adrenalin
Sailing, takes me away… sorry, got distracted there. Here’s one for the lovebirds, the besties, or the mother and daughters. It’s a 45-minute cruise around the harbour in an open vessel – so you’ll be able to see EVERYTHING and be able to take as many “where’d you take that photo?” shots as possible and make everyone else jealous. Don’t forget to take one of the actual ship either, as it’s also part of the festival and will be lit up in all manner of decorative lighting.
View details
Sydney Combination 5 Pass from RedBalloon
Go on. Be a tourist. It’s actually quite fun seeing Sydney from a different perspective. Over the three days, visit up to five of our iconic tourist attractions. Too much packed into too few days? That’s okay, this pass is valid for one-month. Just another excuse to head into the city.
View details
Helicopter Scenic Flight for 2, 20 minutes from Adrenalin
When else are you ever going to get into a helicopter and see Sydney Harbour from a bird’s eye view?
View details
Bondi Beach surfing lesson from Expedia.com.au
It’s never too late to learn how to surf. Keep with the theme of being a tourist in your own city and learn how to surf on Sydney’s iconic Bondi beach.
View details
Our guide to country escapes
There are plenty of beautiful cities you can drive to within a few hours of Sydney that have such a changed landscape you’ll think you’ve stepped into another world. Head north and you’ll find yourself up near the Central Coast or even the Hunter Valley. Head south, and you could be in Wollongong. Head west and you could spend a night or two in the Blue Mountains. Completely up to you.
To whet your appetite, here are a couple of hotels that just happen to still have availabilities over the long weekend.
Blue Mountains hit pick
The Hideaway Retreat, Blue Mountains from Expedia.com.au
This luxury retreat in the heart of the national park has it all: an outdoor pool, easy access to the Three Sisters and Wentworth Falls
View details
Madison’s Mountain Retreart from Expedia.com.au
If you don't like the first hotel, why not try this one?
View details
Our top three things to do in the Blue Mountains
Segway Tour of the Blue Mountains from RedBalloon
The easiest way to explore the area without having to move yours muscles. Much
View details
Horse Riding and Cellar Door Tour from RedBalloon
Spend two hours riding along Megalong Creek and sipping award-winning wine. Not at the same time, mind you.
View details
Jenolan Caves Plughole Caving Experience from RedBalloon
Abseil, climb, and squeeze your way through natural tunnels. Time to get your Dora the Explorer on.
View details
Hunter Valley hit pick
Tuscany Wine Estate Resort, Hunter Valley from Hotels.com
Off to the Hunter? Clearly you’ve a cheeky tipple or two in mind for this long weekend. The Tuscany WIne Estate Resort can sort you out. Nearby wineries include: Mistletoe Wines, Scarborough Wine Co., and Brokenwood Wines.
View details
Cypress Lakes Resort from Hotels.com
If you don't like the first hotel, why not try this one?
View details
Our top three things to do in the Hunter Valleys
Hunter Valley Winery Tour from RedBalloon
Naturally, wine has to be on your to-do list. We don’t need to tell you twice
View details
Hunter Valley Helicopter Scenic Flight from RedBalloon
20 minutes to capture the beauty of the Hunter region? Impossible. But we’re game to try.
View details
Hot Air Ballooning in the Hunter Valley from RedBalloon
Exactly our sentiments. 20 minutes is not enough, so here’s a second option: a one-hour hot air balloon ride.
View details
Byron Bay hit pick
East on Byron, Byron Bay from Expedia.com.au
This beachfront hotel is a stone’s throw away from the glistening ocean, and sparkling waters.
View details
Lennox Beach Resort from Expedia.com.au
If you don't like the first hotel, why not try this one?
View details
Our top three things to do in Byron
Tandem Sky Dive from RedBalloon
Do you feel the need? The need for speed?
View details
Learn stand up paddelboarding from RedBalloon
Feel the balance and away you go
View details
Learn to Fly Trapeze from Adrenalin
It’s all about the adrenalin rush in the Byron, clearly.
View details
Central Coast hit pick
Crowne Plaza, Terrigal from Hotels.com
Close to Broken Head, Terrigal Beach and Breakers Country Club, and Copacabana Beach, don’t forget to grab a mojito before you venture out.
View details
Oaks Waterfront Resort at The Entrance from Hotels.com
If you don't like the first hotel, why not try this one?
View details
Our top things to do on the Central Coast
Learn to surf from Adrenalin
Can you think of anywhere better to do it?
View details
Book in for a spa from Expedia.com.au
Spas are always on the cards, and with Expedia’s Wellness Spa card, getting a well deserved pamper is easy
View details
Wollongong hit pick
Mercure Gerringong Resort from Hotels.com
With easy access to the Crooked River Winery and the Kiama Blowhole, the Mercure is a relaxing getaway spot for you to rewind and relax in
View details
Park Ridge Retreat, Gerringong from Hotels.com
If you don't like the first hotel, why not try this one?
View details
Our top three things to do in The Gong
Pitts Special Extreme Beach Aerobatics from RedBalloon
Oh lord, hold on to your stomach. It’s going to be a mad ride.
View details
Scenic Biplane Flight over Wollongong from RedBalloon
It’s a mighty fine view from this beautiful historical biplane
View details
Steakhouse Dining Rib Feast for 2 from RedBalloon
Not to be eaten in conjunction with ideas one and two. This one’s in Shellharbour and well worth the journey.
View details
Canberra hit pick
Burbury Hotel, Canberra from Expedia.com.au
Three days in Canberra? Can most DEFINITELY be done. Make this a luxe stay at the Burbury Hotel. Fellas, she will LOVE you for this
View details
QT Canberra from Expedia.com.au
If you don't like the first hotel, why not try this one?
View details
Our top three things to do in Canberra
Cheetah Encounter at the National Zoo from RedBalloon
And you thought Canberra was boring and safe! Well, it is. At least this up-close-and-personal encounter is.
View details
Paintball Skirmish Adventure Experience from RedBalloon
This paintball experience gift entitles one player to three hours of paintball, camouflage overalls and a barbeque burger following the game. A perfect gift for a lover of extreme adventure.
View details
Canberra Tour from Expedia.com.au
A must for anyone who’s popping the cherry on Canberra.
View details
Our guide to city-hopping
With only three days to get thee to a city and explore it, our advice is to book in a package tour to get all the fine details sorted. Expedia has an amazing array of tours, and if you keep on Travel Factory, you can also snatch a deal package with accommodation, breakfast, and perhaps even flights.
Check their newsletters for last-minute deals as they come. Otherwise, here are a few knocking about to inspire your three-day holiday away.
Peppers Broadbeach (flight + accomo) from Expedia.com.au
Knock knock. Peppers Broadbeach is calling. The luxury aparthotel has bedrooms to spare and Expedia can organise a flight and hotel package for the weekend, too.
View details
Somerset on the Pier, Hobart (flight + accomo) from Expedia.com.au
You can spirit away to Hobart for a few days for under $800 per person. No joke. The price include accommodation and flights. You know you want to!
View details
Rydges Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne (flight + accomo) from Expedia.com.au
Melbourne is probably one of the most accessible cities from Sydney, with multiple flights every day. Their small bar scene is pretty damn good, too. So take the long weekend to party with the locals with this stellar package.
View details
Sunshine Coast Family Escape from Travel Factory
This is a steal whether you manage to book over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend or not. For five days, you can plan ahead with the family for when the weather starts to get warmer
View details
Colonial Villae Motel, Warrnambool 3-Day Escape ($189) from Travel Factory
This escape includes three nights accommodation for two, as well as a wealth of dining and attraction discounts. Pay only $18 now to secure it now. No, really.
View details
Daydream Island Resort, Whitsundays (flight + accomo) from Expedia.com.au
Stop daydreaming about an island getaway and start booking it instead. That’s not a request – it’s an order. If you need more convincing, this resort has its own private beach and full service spa
View details
Our guide to staying at home for the long-weekend
Bank account looking a little sad? Thinking of saving up your pennies for a longer holiday somewhere closer to Christmas, perhaps? Perhaps the other half just doesn’t feel like doing anything. None of those are a bad thing, and all of those don’t mean you can’t have a great long-weekend here on home base.
We’re not being sarcastic.
And to prove it, here it is, the ultimate guide to staying at home for the long weekend:
Don’t get stuck doing the housework
If you feel like splashing out, then leave the housework for someone else. And by someone else, we mean your very own concierge. RedBalloon sells a Personal Concierge service for 3-hours so you won’t have to sweat the small stuff, but instead can kick your feet up and relax.
Sort out your in-house entertainment
Movies, games, books. We’ve got all of those covered. Catch up on your TV series with DVD Land – they’ve got Downton Abbey Season 4 and The Walking Dead Season 4 in stock. Or catch up on you reading with The Book Depository. The Fault In Our Stars has just been turned into a movie, and you know what they say: the book is ALWAYS better than the movie. So you better start reading this page turner.
Update your wardrobe
Winter is here and while you’re sitting there with your snuggie or blanket typing away, you may as well do some online shopping and update your wardrobe –er prepare yourself for the winter ahead. The Iconic does 3-hour rush shipping in Sydney and Melbourne, while ASOS pretty much stocks everything under the sun.
Check out our deals page to save even more on your winter threads with all our special coupons and codes.
And because we’re online shopping addicts ourselves (guilty!), we’ll leave with these winter warmers. Just to get you started…
Ripcurl Shambala Cardi from The Iconic
Can’t say no to a good, oversized cardi.
View details
Urban Originals Foxy Scarf from The Iconic
Brighten that drab, winter wear with a colourful scarf
View details
Paisley Beanie from ASOS
There’s only one rule with beanies: they have to be cute
View details
HAPPY QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY LONG-WEEKEND, EVERYONE!
The post Last minute June long weekend escapes appeared first on finder.com.au.