Five mini-breaks to get you to Christmas
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It’s that time of year.
We get it—you’re tired. 11 months into the working year and life is starting to feel like Groundhog Day.
It’s time to shake things up. You have just enough time to break out of your routine and show the waning months of 2019 that there is still life left in you.
But where are you going to go? Your remaining annual leave may be limited but I am a big believer in taking anything you can and running with it—here’s how
A Big Day Out
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Modern life is fast and sometimes it doesn’t feel like there is time to jump off the speeding train. Maybe you work six days a week, have no leave and are exhausted.
Even if you only have one day available to you there are so many great adventures to be taken within Canberra and surrounds.
GET BACK TO NATURE
If you have a 4WD head out to Flea Creek in the Brindabellas, take a picnic and swim at the base of the cascading water in the dappled light coming through the canopy. Lay back, float along on the surface and it’s easy to think you are a million miles away.
A little further away but still can still be done in a day trip is the incredibly unique landscape at Tuross Cascades.
A wooden staircase takes you to a deep dark pool of water that has formed in the crevice of the massive boulders. You can slide down the smooth rock face in the flow of the water or wallow in the afternoon sun surrounded by nature.
WITHIN CANBERRA
I would recommend a day out starting with the Segway ride around the lake. It’s not just for tourists or kids—it’s loads of fun and much less effort than riding a bike, then take a picnic lunch on a Go Boat and sundowner drinks at Kokomo’s in the city.
It may not seem like a grand plan but trust me, if you can peel yourself away from Netflix you will stimulate your sense of adventure and be able to head into the working week with a fresh outlook.
The Weekender
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If you get the weekend off then two days is enough time to head somewhere new, enjoy the warmer weather and shake away the winter blues that can easily settle in Canberra.
The key here is maximising your time. Choose somewhere close, maybe knock off early on Friday and make two nights of it or just get away early Saturday morning and be in your destination by lunchtime.
The first of my top picks is Bannisters in Mollymook. With a driving time of 2 ½ hours from Canberra, you could easily sneak out late afternoon on Friday and be enjoying a late afternoon drink on your balcony overlooking the ocean before dinner.
Bannisters offer a wide range of accommodation styles from ocean view rooms and spa retreats up to luxury penthouses and pavilions. Be sure to book into the restaurant when you are booking your accommodation. The seafood at Rick Stein’s is a must-do.
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If getting back to nature is more your thing then head to Paperbark Camp at Jervis Bay. They offer 12 safari-style permanent canvas tents with all the amenities.
Drinks on your wrap-around verandah will be the order of the day or take a soak to unwind in your free-standing bath. With a stunning restaurant, on-site dinner and drinks will be a breeze.
During the day complimentary bikes and canoes are provided so you can explore the local area or stay in and get a massage or beauty treatment for some real pampering.
The Long Weekend
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In my books, you only need three nights available to you to justify the expense of a plane trip. It’s amazing how recharged you can feel after a long weekend so choose your destination based on your interests and go.
My pick to refresh yourself for the last three months of the year would be Hamilton Island. It’s accessible via one flight from Sydney but remote enough that you get those small island vibes…you know the ones, cocktails at lunchtime, bare feet and sandy hair.
What I most like about Hamilton compared to the other islands in the Whitsundays is choice. You have a range of accommodation options from bungalows and hotel rooms to apartments and luxury hideouts.
For those on a budget head to Palm Bungalows. For families, I would recommend the space of the Whitsunday Holiday Apartments, for a good, reliable 4-star hotel with great view take the Coral Sea view room at the Reef View Hotel and if you recently won the lotto you will be at Qualia.
There are some great activities on Hamilton as well. You can breakfast with the Koalas, hike to the lookout point, swim in the crystal blue waters or scoot around on a golf cart to mini-golf, golf or the day spa.
The Longer Weekend
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Only a three and a half hour flight from Sydney, Vanuatu is perfect for a short getaway. You could do this destination in three nights but if you have four nights available to you even better.
That short flight will take you a world away from Canberra, the main island of Efate is a mix of rugged beaches, blue lagoons, tropical harbours and a local population that is known for being one of the friendliest in the world.
For couples who want a little rustic charm and a magnificent location, I would recommend Breakas Beach Resort. Only a 20-minute drive from the airport you will be relaxing by the beachfront infinity pool with a cocktail in no time.
For families, I would recommend the Holiday Inn. The sheltered harbour location is the perfect spot for kids to paddle and the resort comes with all the add on’s families need. Kids stay, play and eat free, a kids pool, activities program and kids club and for the adults it has golf, day spa and gym…everyone is catered for.
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If you have a little more cash to spare you must stay at The Havannah it is what your tropical dreams are made of. If you can’t afford to stay at least head over for lunch or dinner. The open-air, waterfront restaurant has views that can’t be missed.
My absolute favourite thing about Vanuatu is that you can do everything or nothing. You could easily entertain yourself for a week with all the sightseeing and activities on offer.
I would recommend the Mele Cascades, the walk up alongside these cascades is stunning but the highlight is swimming under the waterfalls at the top.
Avoid this attraction on days where there is a cruise ship in port and go late in the day to get the pleasure of seeing the local children ascend on the waterfalls just after closing time.
Your hotel can hook you up with loads of wonderful day trips or hire a car and explore the island on your own. One main road encompasses the island and once out of Port Vila you will be lucky to see another car.
Why not take a week?
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If you can spare a week you absolutely have enough time to pop over to Asia.
Of course, to save time you could jump on the Capital Express direct from Canberra to Singapore but why not take it one step further and connect through Singapore to somewhere like Beijing?
Once in China, you could split your time between Beijing and Xian. The two are connected by high-speed rail which will take you between the two cities in less than six hours and the two cities are different enough to make them both well worth a visit.
Beijing has great shopping, nightlife, the Forbidden City, The Summer Palace and, of course, the Great Wall.
Xian is an eclectic and beautiful city with old city walls you can walk and ride around and an old Muslim quarter with winding narrow alleys selling all sorts of curios. The big drawcard is the ancient army of terracotta warriors dating from 210 BC.
If it has been a long year then splurge a little and stay at the Waldorf Astoria in Beijing and the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square.
As always, check with your local travel agent for the best deals. Your local agencies here in Canberra will be able to take your holiday to the next level and assist you with the red tape like visas and travel insurance.
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