Whether you're jumping on an interstate flight or driving a few hours south, each Australian state and territory has something unique to offer. With so much to choose from, you can make this long weekend a time to remember - leaving you refreshed and recharged as you eagerly await the next public holiday!

1. Coastal serenity destinations you should see

Australia is known the world over for its beaches. Think pristine sand, world-class surf, deep blue waters and the weather that is perfect for a day by the water. If you’re looking to relax and unwind, head to the coast this long weekend.

One of the cleanest beaches in Australia is Palm Beach. Known as the backdrop for Home and Away, Palm Beach has the perfect coastal vibe with the beach to match. If you want a break from all that relaxation, you can hike up to Barrenjoey Head for a spectacular view.

Kangaroo Island is another great destination for a coastal escape. Sparsely inhabited, the island is dotted with towns and farming communities. With vast stretches of sand, you can spend the day by the water and the night with the kangaroos at the nearest winery.

Looking for the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure? Head to the coastal gem that is Noosa. Think pristine beaches complete with golden sand, world-class dining and the lush Noosa National Park.

2. Must try weekend cruises

Also known as a short break, teaser or sampler cruises, a weekend cruise is the perfect way to escape and unwind over the long weekend. Ranging from two to five nights in length, you can choose to stay at sea or dock in some of Australia’s best locations.

With a cruise, you get a variety of choices. This is because sampler cruises can be themed such as Comedy, Country or even 80’s Disco. They can also be destination-oriented and head to places like Moreton Island, the Whitsundays or Kangaroo Island.

Whatever cruise you choose, you will be sure to have a good time. From specialty restaurants and bars to clubs and activity areas, you can relax one day while embracing all that the cruise has to offer the next. In essence, a cruise really is the best of both worlds. 

Consider if you need cruise cover for your next cruise getaway.

3. The best staycations

With so much variety of choice in the lucky country, you can choose to have a staycation this long weekend and still enjoy a great time. In fact, Sydney is one of the best cities in the world for a staycation.

In Sydney alone, you can head to the beach or to the city and still be able to fill the day with a host of different activities. From exploring natural wonders to enjoying the vibrancy of the city, there is always something to do.

If you’re looking for a relaxing staycation, you might choose to take the ferry to Manly and stroll around the beaches ranging from Freshwater Beach and Manly Beach to Shelly Beach, having an ice cream or some fish and chips.

Looking for adventure? Head to the city. Circular Quay has one of the best vistas in the world. You can start underneath the Harbour Bridge and walk around to the Sydney Opera House, stopping at the Opera Bar for a quick drink before strolling through the Botanic Gardens.

4. Thrilling outdoor activities

The sunburnt country doubles as a backdrop to some adrenaline inducing activities. For those who love adventure and the water, you can go white water rafting in the Murray River or Mitta Mitta River in NSW, and the Tully River in QLD.

Adventure caving is another great sport for adrenaline junkies. Trek through the very depths of the underworld in NSW’s Jenolan Caves.

For those looking to get their heart rate up in the midst of unforgettable scenery, look no further than trekking in the Blue Mountains. Around every turn you will find something spectacular about this World Heritage Site.

Mixing adventure and relaxation is a camping trip in the Adelaide Hills. Spend the day exploring the vineyards or quaint villages before setting up camp at the Mount Lofty Summit.

Consider if you need travel insurance for adventure activities.

5. Dive into Australia’s rich culture

Often referred to as the culture capital of the country, every suburb of Melbourne offers something new and unique. The city is synonymous with arts and culture thanks to the myriad of museums and graffiti laneways such as Hosier Lane.

Meanwhile, the suburbs offer a different way of life. In Armadale, you have High Street which offers world class shops in a suburban, leafy setting. Or you can even hit the road and see the Great Ocean Road!

In Sorrento, you have a town that is located on the bay. This coastal vibe is infused into everything from the dining locations to the local supermarket.

What trip to Melbourne would be complete without heading to the Fashion Capital? Chadstone blends everything that Melbourne is known for into one location. Making Melbourne the perfect destination for those looking to try something new this long weekend.

Read our travel guide on the best places to visit in Australia for more inspiration.

6. Long weekend festivals

Another great way to spend the long weekend is by visiting local festivals. Start the day early in the Hunter Valley by attending the Balloon Aloft Fiesta and watching the morning sky fill with colourful hot air balloons.

You know that Spring has sprung when the Leura Gardens Festival kicks off for another year. Stroll through the magnificent gardens for a feast of colour and of course, floral smells!

For something a little different, head to Starfest in Coonabarabran. Australia’s largest optical astronomy site opens its telescopes to the greater public only one day a year so you do not want to miss out on this one.

Another festival to visit is the Good Old Days Festival in Barrellan. Celebrating the best of Australian heritage, attending is a great way to feel connected to the country.

Our top travel tips for your long weekend getaway

Long weekends present as a great opportunity to escape to different regions of the country. However, thousands of other Australians will also have the same idea. To make the most of your trip, follow a few simple tips.

The best day to travel on the road

To make the most of the long weekend, a lot of people hit the road on Friday night. However, mixed in with peak hour traffic, departing at this time may add extra hours to the trip. 

With this in mind, a great tip is to head off around 7pm on the Friday night. This way, peak hour traffic has cleared. If this isn’t possible or it would be unsafe to travel that far at night, hit the road early on Saturday morning. 

Read our tips for a budget friendly road trip in Australia.

Booking in advance

A lot of people use the long weekend as an excuse to go away for the week. This means that a lot of hotels, restaurants and attractions have the tendency to be booked out.

To avoid disappointment, look to book as early as possible. This way, you can ensure your spot while also potentially nabbing the early bird discount. 

Safety measures

As with all holidays, it’s important to remain safe. With increased traffic on the road you will need to be alert and cautious. Also, if you are driving a long distance in the car, make sure to take breaks to stop and revive in order to survive.

Packing essentials

Long weekend packing essentials will vary depending on your location and the activities you will be doing. Check out our guide on how to pack light for a holiday.

As a bare minimum, look to pack both casual and formal clothes and footwear, this way you can enjoy the best of the day and nightlife. Don’t forget medications and your phone charger!

If you're flying interstate, read our tips on what to pack in your carry-on luggage.

FAQs

Is Labour Day a public holiday in every state?

Labour Day is a public holiday that is celebrated by all states, just at different times of the year. Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia recognise Labour Day in March. 

The Northern Territory and Queensland celebrate Labour Day in May.

Meanwhile, New South Wales, the ACT and South Australia take their Labour Day public holiday in October. 

Are shops open on Labour Day?

On the Labour Day public holiday you will find shopping centres, restaurants and fast food chains, among others, open.

However, there are some smaller establishments such as cafes who may be closed on Labour Day or at the very least, operating under reduced hours.

Why travel insurance matters

Regardless of how you choose to spend your long weekend, one thing remains constant: the importance of domestic travel insurance. Whether you're exploring the coast, setting sail on a weekend cruise, or simply enjoying a staycation, unexpected incidents may happen. For instance, coastal trips often involve water sports that can be risky, while cruises come with their own set of uncertainties like trip cancellations. Even staycations aren't without their risks, such as last-minute accommodation cancellations. And let’s not forget the adrenaline seekers who engage in high-risk outdoor activities. Each of these scenarios has unique insurance needs, and that's why it's crucial to choose a policy for you that suits your specific type of getaway.