Let’s face it: the past two and a bit years have been less than ideal. Between lockdowns, natural disasters and new waves of COVID variants, it’s been pretty tough to get out and explore our own backyard.
But taking care of ourselves and putting our wellbeing first has never been a bigger priority. Carving out time to rest, recover and recharge is what can help us navigate the ups and downs of life and safeguard our physical and mental health. Plus, it gives us a chance to support local businesses and wellness providers who have been doing it tough, too.
With the Easter long weekend right around the corner, we’ve pulled together a quick list of self-care ideas and mini-adventures you can try (no matter where you’d located in Australia). Ready to add a dash of wellness to your long weekend? Keep reading to find out how!
Sydney self-care itinerary ideas
It’s time to get out of the big smoke and back to nature, Sydneysiders. Our tip? Jump in the car and head south for a day in the historic township of Berry (just over a two-hour drive from the CBD).
Once you’ve made it to the end of the stunning Grand Pacific Drive, you’ll be greeted by a cosy town filled with country cottages, boutique pubs, farm stays and top-notch bakeries.
Make a bee-line straight for the iconic Berry donut van and take a stroll around the quaint antique shops or even the historic Berry Museum. Then, you can take a scenic drive up Berry Mountain to Kangaroo Valley, stretch your legs with a walk along Seven Mile Beach or stop by Silos Estate for a delicious winery experience.
Melbourne self-care itinerary ideas
Ready to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? If you’re based in Melbourne, hit the road and head to the Mornington Peninsula for a relaxing wellness adventure this Easter.
Just over an hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD, you’ll find a series of sparkling seaside villages packed with fresh produce markets, art galleries and walking trails.
Our pick? Book in for a relaxing day at the Peninsula Hot Springs, a natural geothermal mineral spring and day spa. Choose from over 70 bathing and wellness experiences, including massages, facials, hot springs yoga and even a body clay ritual.
After your self-care session, take a quick drive to Pt Leo’s Estate, a gorgeous winery and restaurant set on 330 acres of land. There’s even an incredible on-site sculpture park to explore, set on the edge of the coast.
Brisbane self-care itinerary ideas
Want to add a dash of wellness to your long weekend in Brisbane? We’ve got you covered with two activities located close to the Brisbane CBD.
Stretch your legs with a hike along the Mount Coot-Tha Summit Track (located just 7km from the city, with a free shutter bus to take you there and back again). After your hike, head to The Calile Hotel for a luxe wellness experience in their medispa.
Adelaide self-care itinerary ideas
Escape the city this long weekend and head out to the Adelaide Hills for a relaxing and rejuvenating wellness adventure.
Book in for a forest bathing wellness walk in the Belair National Park (the perfect way to unplug and recharge in nature). Then, take a short drive to a small-batch winery in the Adelaide Hills, such as CRFT Wines’ stunning tasting room.
Canberra self-care itinerary ideas
Looking for a relaxing and fun way to prioritise wellness this long weekend? Canberrans, here are a few self-care ideas to get you started.
Why not take a stroll through the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (just a 45-minute drive from the CBD) and explore one of the 24 trails throughout the site. If a relaxing afternoon at a vineyard is more up your alley, hit the road and head to Four Winds Vineyard, Eden Roads Wines or even the award-winning Lake George Winery.
Perth self-care itinerary ideas
There are stacks of ways to get outdoors and get active in Perth this Easter long weekend. Why not book in for a guided eco-tour, with everything from kayak tours to bird-watching and even star gazing experiences available.
You can even book a spot at Perth’s SUP School to master the art of stand-up paddleboarding or join a boozy bike tour that takes you along the foreshore before finishing at a whiskey distillery.
Hobart self-care itinerary ideas
Just a 30-minute drive from Hobart you’ll find the stunning Huon Valley, the perfect spot for a self-care experience this long weekend. Along the drive, stop in at the Willie Smith’s Apple Shed and Cider House before a visit to Franklin or Port Huon for river cruises and water views.
If you’re in the mood for adventure, keep driving to the Tahune AirWalk, an incredible steel canopy walkway located in the stunning Tahune Forest.
Craving a massage, manicure or relaxing beauty treatment? Don’t let a booked out or closed salon stop you from having a self-care treatment this Easter long weekend, an experienced Blys provider can come to your home or hotel instead.
