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Natasha loves exploring her own backyard. The fact she doesn’t drive hasn’t put her off – there’s always someone with a car keen for an adventure.
10 Nature rules
From the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the southern hemisphere to swathes of rainforest, there’s a lot to love about Port Stephens. Now you have an added incentive to venture north of Sydney – to check into the freshly minted, eco-friendly villa precinct at Reflections Hawks Nest Holiday Park, replete with solar power and recycled timber furnishings.
Six of the 14 villas are pet-friendly, so bring your pooch.
11 Southern calling 12 Wine time
In the south, near the Victorian border, Wagga Wagga unites world-class wineries with epic adventures along the Murrumbidgee River. Base yourself at the new St Hugh Hotel, which is like a shrine for local design – expect murals, furnishings and sculptures created by Riverina talent.
Book a Bundyi Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge tour while you’re in town.
You’ll be spoilt for space at The Lane Retreat in the Hunter Valley, newly opened and set in one of Bimbadgen Estate’s vineyards in Pokolbin. The 60 self-contained villas are surrounded by vines – when you’re not lounging by the communal pool, enjoy a glass of wine in one of the outdoor gathering areas.
Check out the Hunter’s new Tower Whiskey Distillery, set on the grounds of luxe Tower Lodge.
13 On ya board! 14 Beach bliss
On the Mid North Coast of NSW, Crescent Head is a mecca for avid surfers. In the coming months, the town will up its accommodation ante with the opening of Sea Sea, a retro motel-turned-design-driven-bolthole thanks to fashionista George Gorrow (ex-Ksubi).
Forgot your board? You can rent one from the hotel’s Surf Club.
Steps from Werri Beach near Gerringong on the South Coast of NSW, Uma on Werri looks like it has slipped from the pages of a design magazine. The newly opened holiday house comes with seven rooms, a pool and a spa, with everything decorated just so.
You don’t have to leave your cocoon – your hosts can organise everything from on-site yoga and massages to a private chef.
15 Walk this way
The first phase of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail recently welcomed outdoor enthusiasts, running through the Tweed and connecting Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek. When complete, it will span 132km through this fertile region.
While you have your hiking boots on, set out on the multi-day, 39km Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk, slated to open
TSail in style
Raes on Wategos has long been one of NSW’s most exclusive stays. And now the boutique Byron Bay hotel has another sleep-in-style offering: all aboard Sea Raes, a luxe, 101-foot yacht with space for eight guests and just as many crew. She’s based in NSW for the spring/ summer seasons, which means you can explore Sydney Harbour, Pittwater and the Hawkesbury on a private charter. mid-2024, and passing through World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. BYO tent.
16 Be wowed at W Sydney
Darling Harbour’s towering new hotel, W Sydney is affectionately known as the ribbon building thanks to its glassy curves sandwiched between two frenetic motorways. Inside the glass is all class, however. Featuring 588 stylish rooms and suites with a marinehued theme and bright pops of colour, it’s the ideal place to slumber whether you want to explore the city or just enjoy cocktails at the Wet Deck pool club.
Book midweek to secure a budget-friendly stay and a lounge poolside.
17 Capital assets
Staycation in the nation’s capital? We have you covered. Canberra’s newest attraction, Hijinx Hotel, is seriously fun. It’s also not a hotel that you check into, but rather a series of challenge rooms where your objectives become more difficult as time ticks down.
Meriton Suites has just opened nearby, with a range of one- to three-bedroom accommodation options on offer.
18 Amid the vines
The Canberra region is home to some of Australia’s most exciting cool-climate wineries, not in the least Contentious Character in the hills of Wamboin. Drop in for a cellar-door tasting or lunch in the restaurant, then check in to the nearby 1885 Carrington Inn – grand doesn’t even begin to describe this historic place.
This year, the estate will open an urban winery experience in the heart of one of Canberra’s most exciting new precincts: Dairy Road.
contentiouscharacter.com.au 19 Go underground
In winter in the ACT, we truffle! From June through August the prized black Périgord truffle is on the menu at restaurants, cafés and wineries across the Canberra region, with the cool-climate conditions ideal for growing this umami-rich fungus.
Enjoy a truffle hunt at one of the newest jewels in Canberra’s culinary-experience crown, Beltana Farm.
Go off-grid
Escape to calm serenity at The Cabin at Arcadia Nimbin, a one-bedroom off-grid hideaway replete with an outdoor granite bath, indoor wood fire, rain shower and a dreamy bedroom with huge picture windows perfect for feeling close to nature. The cabin is on a working farm, which will open garden tours to the public later this year.