We’re on holidays! Here are our Melbourne & Perth getaway suggestions…

2021 has been a long road but the biggest light at the end of this particular tunnel is… a holiday! (Most) borders are open and those airbnb’s haven’t been cancelled (fifth time lucky?). If you’re anything like us, a getaway has literally never sounded better. We’ve rounded up a few places to add to your growing summer list because we reckon you’ve had enough accounting content for this year.

Melbourne getaways 

Mackenzie Falls

The Grampians is a must-do for any Melbournian with hikes and wineries and other attractions coming out of it’s very pretty landscape left right and centre. Mackenzie Falls is one of its main drawcards – the water thunders to the below pool so loudly that you’ll hear it before you see it. Bring your bathers for a dip on a hot day. If you’re a foodie, you can’t visit the area without dining at The Royal Mail Hotel. It’s one of the state’s best restaurants.

Flinders Rockpools

Or more specifically, Mushroom Reef Marine Park. Whether you like to snorkel or walk or enjoy a relaxing dip, this part of the coast is spectacular. You might find starfish, weedy seadragons (trivia fact: they’re Victoria’s marine fauna emblem) or even a small shark. Lunch at Pt Leo Estate and a massage at Jackalope wouldn’t go down badly either…

The NGV pink pool

This is a great one for the kids. This year’s Architecture Commission for the gallery is a 21 metre pink paddling pool. Pick a sunny day so you can relax (perhaps with a takeaway cocktail) on the grass and the kids can wade through this very pretty installation. It’s open all summer.

Our picks for the Mornington Peninsula…

Montalto for a picnic on the grass

Polperro for lunch and a wander through the vines

Ten Minutes By Tractor for a delicious meal

Doot Doot Doot for fine dining

The Portsea Pub for drinks in the sunshine

Our picks for the Yarra Valley…

Four Pillars Distillery for a gin tasting

Tarrawarra Estate for art with your wine

Healesville Hotel for a great pub meal with a big group

Medhurst for epic food and wine

Peyton and Jones for a unique tasting (order a plate of oysters while you’re there)

Perth getaways

Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef

WA is known for its unbelievable coastline and Coral Bay is some of the best our country has to offer. If you’re a diver or wildlife junkie, this trip needs to be on your bucket list. You can swim with whale sharks in the UNESCO marine park, enjoy one of many boat tours or simply lie on the pristine sand and have a read *drooling*. Here’s a list of gorgeous places to stay in the Coral Bay area.

Margaret River

If you’re into wine we’re sure a Margaret River trip is on your to-do list. Food and drink aside,  the region has breathtaking hikes, mountain bike trails, sailboat adventures and bird watching… the list goes on. The cultural experiences in the area where you can learn about the Indigenous communities whose land Margaret River is on are also not to be missed. Here’s a great website to plan your trip.

Yallingup

This town is in the Margaret River region but is so good that it deserves its own mention. Yallingup has been named #1 in the Australian Travellers list of top towns to visit and it’s not hard to see why. Surfing, snorkelling, swimming, walking, drinking and eating is the name of the game. Ngilgi Cave is also well worth a visit. 

Rottnest

Quokka selfie, anyone? Many WA natives will say Rottnest is overrating… but that’s only because they’ve had the luxury of visiting so many times! As with anything in this state, it’s all about the beach. Sea kayaking is one to try, or hire a bike and have a leisurely pedal around the entire island. The ferry to get there is part of the fun too. 

Nomatter what you’re up to this holiday season, we hope you all find some relaxation and give yourself time to reflect on the year that was. With challenges always comes growth and everyone should be proud of themselves for getting through this year! We’ll catch you in 2022.