A rejuvenating holiday in just five days? This is where you need to go

East Gippsland’s coast is both wild and mild. You can be stand-up paddle-boarding along the calm waterfront of Lakes Entrance, then just a few minutes later be feeling the power of the ocean on sprawling Ninety Mile Beach.

Sink into seclusion at the magnificent Cape Conran Coastal Park, then enjoy the local conviviality in the lovely villages of Metung and Mallacoota. Accommodation options include the Esplanade Resort & Spa at Paynesville, The Moorings at Metung, and the atmospheric Karbeethong Lodge at Mallacoota. Boating is a favourite pastime here: skipper your own craft or join a relaxing cruise.

With an abundance of fresh produce on its doorstep, East Gippsland’s food scene shines. Eat at the much-loved Sardine at Paynesville, or at Soda Fish or Albert & Co in Lakes Entrance. Be sure to set aside time for a session at the legendary Metung Hotel and for tastings at Lightfoot Wines.

And don’t overlook Bairnsdale: see the Under the Surface artworks along the East Gippsland Rail Trail.

Don’t miss: Soak in the mineral goodness and treat yourself to a spa session at Metung Hot Springs.

Bali, Indonesia

The beautiful Indonesian island is a long-holiday “home away from home” for many Australians, but you don’t need a lengthy stay to experience the warmth and welcome of Bali. You can discover small villages, witness smouldering, volcanic Mount Agung and dive the colourful reefs all in a few days – distances in Bali are short.

Choose Seminyak for beach sophistication: fine dining can be found at La Lucciola, spectacular sunsets at famous bars like the Double-Six Rooftop, and dancing at Ku De Ta.

Indulge in a more serene stay in Ubud, with its yoga classes and rice-paddy walks as well as the art market and writers’ festival. Or go for barefoot luxury at Canggu, eating at The Slow and drinking cocktails at Old Man’s between surf sessions and spa treatments. Whichever option you choose, the warmth of the people and the charm of their customs and culture will refresh your outlook on life.

Don’t miss: Bali’s beautiful sea temple, Pura Tanah Lot, about 20 kilometres north-west of Kuta. The sunset here is particularly spectacular.

Melbourne, VIC

If it’s a vibe you’re after, welcome to Melbourne. Sure, there’s that whole “world’s most liveable city” thing, but it could also be “world’s most visitable”.

The city is best savoured like a flat white: stroll the laneways filled with street art, and delight in classy restaurants such as Gimlet, the buzzy Asian-inspired Supernormal, or Panda Hot Pot, where you’ll be watched over by a giant dragon. The inner north is where the bar scene sizzles – experience it at Nick & Nora’s or Bar Liberty.

Experience the yin and yang of Melbourne: culture and sport. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria, the Melbourne Museum and the vibrant theatres and arts festivals, then boost your adrenaline level with an AFL game at the MCG, or time your holiday to coincide with the Melbourne Grand Prix or Australian Open.

Melburnians like to play – join them surfing at the wave park at Tullamarine, vintage shopping in Brunswick or buying fresh produce at the heritage-listed Queen Victoria Market.

For truly impressive accommodation, book a room at the new Ritz-Carlton Melbourne. Try the sexy, independent Next Hotel in the theatre district or, for a budget-friendly option with style, stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

Don’t miss: A visit to quaintly iconic St Kilda beach, where you can enjoy a cocktail along with a breathtaking sunset view in The Ghost of Alfred Felton bar at the Hotel Esplanade.

The Ghan

The Ghan is one of the world’s great train journeys, and it’s right on our doorstep. Traversing Australia from Adelaide to Darwin, the nearly 3000-kilometre trip takes 54 hours and includes stops at Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy.

Into those 2½ days you’ll pack in a lifetime of memories – this is one of those wish-list journeys that will linger in your mind forever for its unique impact. On the train, the experience is luxurious, with two classes of cabin and exemplary service.

Off-train, there are some captivating excursions on offer, including Standley Chasm near Alice Springs and The Painted Hills & Lake Eyre Scenic Flight in Coober Pedy. There’s enriching, enlightening engagement with Indigenous heritage throughout the journey, too.

The on-board dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant highlights local produce, with menus designed to be journeys into flavour to complement the physical trip.

Evening drinks and canapés are an opportunity to meet fellow travellers and perhaps make new friends.

Don’t miss: The Uluru Fixed Wing Scenic Flight from Alice Springs to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It includes time on the ground at Uluru with a guide while showcasing the extraordinary landscape from the air.

Goldfields, VIC

Yesterday’s gold rush is today’s holiday bonanza. The 19th century left rural Victoria with gracious cities that feature wide boulevards, manicured gardens and impressive architecture, and beautifully preserved towns surrounded by nature and farming where creative communities thrive.

Base yourself at the luxurious and artistic Hotel Ernest in Bendigo, or its sister property, Hotel Vera in Ballarat. Other options are the cute B&Bs and boutique stays dotted throughout the region in places such as Castlemaine, Heathcote and Daylesford.

Plan for amazing eating: Bar Midland in Castlemaine, Masons of Bendigo, Winespeake Cellar & Deli and Underbar in Ballarat are just some of the many acclaimed options. Find a spot by the fire at Bendigo’s Wine Bank on View for a tipple and at nearby Harcourt taste innovative ciders. You are, of course, in wine country. Map out a cellar door route through Heathcote and beyond.

Time your visit to coincide with one of the fab food festivals in the region, and bring your mountain bike (or hire one) for exhilarating riding at Black Hill, or hike the bush at St Georges Lake or Enfield State Park.

Don’t miss: Schedule time at the Bendigo Art Gallery: it often hosts major international exhibitions, but the permanent displays are exquisite and worth your time.

Tweed Coast, NSW

NSW is blessed with 2137 kilometres of beautiful coastline. The Tweed Coast only takes up 37 of them, but the beauty of a holiday in the region is that it packs plenty into a tight space.

The Tweed has a vibrant creative spirit: head to Murwillumbah and the M|Arts Precinct to meet craft-makers and artisans, buy pieces and indulge in local food and drink.

Cabarita and Kingscliff beaches are renowned for surfing – and sublime stays. Try Mantra on Salt Beach at Kingscliff and the gorgeous Halcyon House at Cabarita.

Camping and caravanning spots abound, and Kingscliff’s Blue Water Motel is a sweet retro option at budget-friendly rates.

The area’s culinary scene is buzzing. Highlights include Paper Daisy at Halcyon House, Ben Devlin’s Pipit at Pottsville and Tweed River House at Murwillumbah. Visit Husk Distillery to try virgin cane rum and the Still & Barrel whisky bar at Twin Towers.

Other activities include boating, water sports and learning about local Indigenous history. You might also spot a migrating whale or two.

Don’t miss: The Margaret Olley Art Centre at the Tweed Regional Gallery, which includes a re-creation of the late and much-loved artist’s Sydney studio.

Vanuatu

A direct flight from Sydney to beautiful Vanuatu takes just 3½ hours. From Melbourne it’s around five, and from Brisbane less than three. But the short flight leads to a wildly different cultural experience; you’re visiting a stunning South Pacific island nation with French influences that run deep.

A further 50-minute flight from Port Vila is Vanuatu’s largest island, Espiritu Santo, which is remarkable for its “blue holes”: swimming spots created by fresh water flowing into limestone caves.

Swaying palm trees, crystal-clear waters, lush mountain trails, fresh seafood feasts and welcoming locals will leave you with memories that are sure to lure you back.

Stay at the Barrier Beach Resort, Turtle Bay Lodge or Black Pearl, and after diving, snorkelling, caving or enjoying the laid-back lifestyle, sample the hospitality at The Tu Restaurant & Bar and the Natangora Cafe.

Don’t miss: Champagne Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand alongside sparkling aqua waters where market vendors greet you as you arrive.

Central Tablelands, NSW

Beautiful landscapes, winding country roads, gourmet trails, welcoming wineries, hatted restaurants, boutique stays … No, it’s not Tuscany, it’s the NSW Central Tablelands.

Pack the car, include a picnic blanket (but leave room for cases of wine) and start in Orange, where the tree-lined streets are home to fabulous eateries like Charred Kitchen & Bar.

Spend a stylish night at Byng Street Boutique Hotel, another at Bishop’s Court Estate at Bathurst, and maybe try glamping at Evamor Valley in Mudgee. Stop where the mood takes you, be it a winery like Tamburlaine, Lowe or Logan Wines, or a provedore such as Larder & Home at Lucknow.

Explore Abercrombie House at Bathurst and perhaps partake of high tea at the 1870s landmark building, then experience some of the local Indigenous culture at Mudgee’s Warakirri Dining Experience.

Before you head home, rise early to get a bird’s-eye view of the countryside while enjoying a champagne breakfast on a hot-air balloon cruise with Balloon Aloft at Mudgee.

Don’t miss: A trip to Oberon to visit Mayfield Garden and the Hawkins’ Private Family Estate. Together, at 65 hectares, they comprise one of the largest, most spectacular cool-climate gardens in the southern hemisphere.

Wellington, NZ

There are plenty of reasons why Wellington, at the southern end of New Zealand’s North Island, is known as one of the world’s coolest capitals.

The city centre is compact and navigable, and, being surrounded by sea, mountains and greenery, it affords easy access to wonderful outdoor experiences, from hiking mountain trails to swimming, sunning and strolling at beautiful beaches.

Stay at character-filled hotels like QT Wellington, Naumi Studio or Mövenpick Wellington, and indulge in the city’s legendary culinary offerings, including accomplished restaurants such as Logan Brown, Little Penang and Boulcott Street Bistro. After dinner, visit an atmospheric bar: we like The Library, Lola Rouge and The Puffin.

Wellington is famously a destination for Tolkien fans – locations for Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movies are dotted throughout. It’s also the home of Weta, the creatives behind the series’ special effects. It’s well worth doing a tour of the sites and visiting Weta Cave.

Other highlights include the funicular railway to Kelburn, a visit to Zealandia at night to see kiwis foraging, and a stroll along buzzy Cuba Street.

Don’t miss: Wellington’s Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Maori for “container of treasures”, which lives up to its name.

Sydney, NSW

Whether you’re after iconic beaches or city sophistication, Sydney is the destination that has it all. Spend days soaking up the scene at Bondi Beach, or culture at the city’s many brilliant galleries and museums. Take a ferry to anywhere – it’s a Sydney must – and explore the eclectic inner west.

If luxury stays are your thing, the sumptuous Capella Sydney awaits. On a budget? Try the surprising YHA The Rocks. For a mid-range option, the Little National Hotel delivers.

Sydney’s dining scene is legendary. Consider an upscale classic such as Peter Gilmore’s Quay, and something cutting edge, like Josh Niland’s Saint Peter. Then, if you’re ready to give the budget a breather, feast on delicious Malaysian cuisine at Ho Jiak.

Time for a tipple? Sydney’s home to Maybe Sammy, a regular in the list of the World’s 50 Best Bars. You should also schedule Bar 83 and Aster at the InterContinental Sydney for their amazing views, or just wander the inner-city ’hoods and discover hidden gems.

Don’t miss: Savour the dazzling six-kilometre Coogee to Bondi Walk, stopping for breathtaking vistas, coffee and maybe a swim.

Pacific Cruises

You don’t need weeks to experience the amazing hospitality of Cunard. The cruise line’s beautiful ship Queen Elizabeth is calling Melbourne home for the southern hemisphere summer season, allowing sea-lovers to taste life aboard while traversing the Pacific on mini cruises.

The three-night Australia Short Break trip, departing Melbourne in January, goes up the coast to Sydney, stopping at Eden along the way. It’s the perfect amount of time to sample the art deco-inspired ship’s acclaimed dining options (including traditional afternoon tea), top-class shows, live music and a full program of activities for adults and children.

Alternatively, enjoy a round-trip from Brisbane on Quantum of the Seas for three nights, experiencing the Royal Caribbean ship’s next-level entertainment, including the North Star, an exhilarating 100-metre-high observation capsule.

Carnival Luminosa also sets sail on three-day round-trip cruises from Brisbane, plus one out of Sydney.

Don’t miss: Try the on-board alternative dining; highlights include Jamie’s Italian aboard Quantum of the Seas and Steakhouse at the Verandah on Queen Elizabeth.

Fiji

Fiji is the ultimate family destination, with resorts set up to look after kids while weary parents replenish their energy levels. But it’s also a fabulously welcoming place for solo travellers, romantic for couples and lots of fun for groups of friends.

For a short break, stay on the main island, Viti Levu, to cut out transfer times: the Outrigger Fiji and InterContinental Fiji Resort & Spa are beautiful choices. (Though some transfers, such as to Shangri-la Yanuca Island, are relatively quick.) And eat and drink at your resort: Fiji does not have a dining “scene” as such. (If you do eat out, try the Pacific fusion cuisine at Kanu Gastropub – there’s one in both Nadi and Suva.)

Most resorts also have excursion programs. Go diving, snorkelling, island hopping or river tubing in the Pacific nation’s renowned stunning natural environment. Or just do very little. You’re on Fiji time, after all.

Don’t miss: Basking in the glow of a Fijian sunset; they might just be the best on the planet.

Bay of Islands, NZ

The Bay of Islands subtropical micro-region may only be a short flight or three-hour drive north of Auckland, but it’s a world away from the everyday with its 144 islands, cute towns, rainforest, beaches, rivers and heart-melting views.

Stay at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs or Eagles Nest and indulge in a truly high-end experience, or for something more boutique, Russell Cottages offers well-appointed villas (closes seasonally). At the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, you’ll find pretty rooms in historic surroundings at budget prices.

Once you’re settled, join a daily cruise or air tour, charter a yacht, or hire a sea kayak; you might encounter penguins, dolphins or even migrating whales. Walking, or “tramping” as the locals call it, is big here and many of the islands accommodate this activity with picturesque trails.

“Fresh local produce” is not just a buzz term in these parts: the restaurants serve seafood straight from the boats, and at wineries suchas Omata Estate Vineyard and Paroa Bay you can sample the terroir.

One of New Zealand’s more important cultural sites is also in this region. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to explore the two museums and program of cultural performances.

Don’t miss: The Otehei Bay Ferry takes you to Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island from Paihia or Russell in 40 minutes. The island reserve is a paradise for both walkers and bird watchers.

Hamilton Island, QLD

If any destination is a no-brainer for a short break, it is surely Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays. Custom-designed for holidays and bathed in year-round warmth, Hamilton Island fast-tracks relaxation.

It also offers easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, whether you want to dive, snorkel or just gaze upon its wonders through a glass-bottom boat.

The world-famous and luxurious Qualia is the pinnacle of resort life on the island but the destination has plenty of other stays, ranging from apartments strewn across various locations to the Reef View Hotel’s comfortable rooms.

Jump in a golf buggy, the island’s preferred mode of transport, to visit eateries with a view: the South-East Asian-inspired Coca Chu or Romano’s Italian. Then there’s Popeye’s for takeaway fish and chips you can eat with any view you choose. Toast your good fortune with other holidaymakers at Verandah Bar, One Tree Hill or Bommie Deck.

Don’t miss: Take a scenic helicopter flight to witness the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from above.

Tasmania and Kangaroo Island Cruises

If you have five nights to spare, you can join Queen Elizabeth’s round trip from Melbourne to Hobart, which provides two days and an overnight stay in the Tasmanian capital.

Meanwhile, P&O’s four-night cruise aboard Pacific Explorer is a round trip from Melbourne to South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, where you can watch sea lions amid the island’s extraordinary rugged beauty.

There’s also the four-night Southern Getaway cruise, which starts and finishes in Adelaide, taking guests to Tasmania and Kangaroo Island.

If you’re travelling with the whole brood, this family-friendly ship has plenty for kids to do. (P&O also offers fun options for adults such as its comedy cruises, which run for three nights and offer a wide range of shows to suit all tastes.)

Sydneysiders can join Carnival Splendor on a five-night cruise which stops in Port Arthur as well as Hobart before heading back to the NSW capital.

Don’t miss: Spending an afternoon at Carnival Splendor’s Cloud 9 Spa, the Serenity adults-only retreat, and the amazing thermal suites and hydrotherapy pool, which will be almost impossible to leave.

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