The 6 best deals for an Aussie escape – at 40 per cent off

Australia is emerging from lockdown – with the exception of Western Australia and Tasmania, most states should be open for travel by July 20.

Our tourism operators are also coming out of hibernation, with great deals for your next short break.

From spa and wellness retreats to tropical getaways, here are some of the best deals starting from just $122 per person per night.

High-tea in the mountains

Stay at the iconic Hydro Majestic Hotel for two nights at the Blue Mountains with breakfast and high tea for two at the chef-hatted restaurant, The Wintergarden with prices starting at $489 per room and valued at $728. The iconic art deco hotel is about a 10-minutes drive from the Blue Mountain’s famous tourist sites including the Three Sisters at Echo Point and the Scenic Skyway cable car. You will also receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine per person when you have dinner at The Wintergarden and a $50 spa credit to the used at either Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges or Lilianfels Resort & Spa. The hotel is located in the historic town of Medlow Bath, about a 90 minutes drive from Sydney. For more information, call 1300 88 99 00.

An island getaway

Experience a tropical island paradise at Green Island Resort, just 45 –minutes off the coast of Cairns with prices starting from $1,499 per suite for a four night stay and valued at $3,584. You can take a Great Barrier Reef tour in a semi-submersible vessel with onboard lunch, go for a snorkelling in the pristine waters and take a trip on a glass-bottom boat. You will enjoy daily breakfast, a sunset drink per person each night, $50 dining credit at the resort’s restaurant and complimentary kayaking and snorkelling. You can also sign up for scuba diving lessons at a 20 per cent discount. Children up to the age of 14 stay free and eat free when dining with an adult. Guests can also enjoy daily fish-feeding presentation. For more information, call 1300 88 99 00.

A romantic Southern getaway

Head to NSW Southern Highlands for a short three-night getaway at the elegant country retreat, Pepper Manor House for travel between 1 August to 15 December 2020 with prices starting at $419 per person. Southern Highlands is about 90 minutes drive from Sydney and two hours from Canberra. You will visit Robertson, home where the Australian movie Babe was made. Stop by Robertson Pie Shop for a savoury pie or sample some homemade cheese at the old Robertson Cheese Factory established in 1936. For more information call Flight Centre at 1300 413 389.

Glamping in Byron

Drive to Byron Bay, the jewel of NSW’s north coast and stay for four nights at the Discovery Parks in a deluxe safari tent from $239 per person. You can discover family-friendly beaches including Main Beach, Clarke and Wategos Beaches, popular hangouts for surfers. You will be spoilt for choice for hunting for hand-made souvenirs at Byron Bay’s many local markets and discover its fabulous produce. For more information call Fight Centre at 1300 424 051.

Vino in the Hunter Valley

If you fancy a weekend of great wine, fabulous food and open fireplace, drive to the Hunter Valley and stay at the five-star, intimate Spicers Vineyard Estate with only 12 rooms. You can stay in a king-spa room with prices starting from $859 pp including buffet breakfast with a complimentary room upgrade and late check-out. Spicers has an excellent restaurant Botanica, an outdoor pool and a spa. Drive to vineyards and sample some of the best wine Hunter Valley has to offer. For more information, call Travel Associates at 137071.

Take a hike

For a walking holiday, drive to the Blue Mountains and discover the eco-retreat, Spicers Sangoma Retreat tucked away among giant boulders and stunning eucalypts. Prices for a three-night stay start from $1969 pp which includes all meals, full mini bar, replenished daily, house beverages and complimentary room upgrade and late check-out. Meals at Sangoma are sourced locally from farmers and feature hearty cuisine, full of flavour, colour and spice.  It is surrounded by walking trails and has a spa and infinity pool with panoramic views of the valley. The tranquil retreat is about a hour’s drive from Sydney. For more information call Travel Associates at 137071.