Why go through airport queues, delayed flights, and baggage fees when the perfect girls’ trip is right here in Australia? Whether your crew is craving city vibes, salty hair and beach walks, wine-fuelled afternoons, or country calm, you don’t need to leave the country to have a weekend that feels like a proper escape. So if you’ve been tossing around ideas in the group chat but no one can commit to Bali, here’s your no-fuss guide to planning a staycation that ticks all the boxes.
Planning your trip?
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
SIM Cards: Simify
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First: Feel the vibe
Before you start frantically searching for hotels and making spreadsheets, take a moment. What kind of trip are you actually craving? Spa robes and zero responsibilities? Long brunches and coastal walks? Something that feels luxe but still chill?
Getting the vibe right is everything. It sets the tone for the whole weekend and cuts down on the chaos of last-minute plan changes. Once you know whether the mood is “pop bottles and hit the town” or “early nights and eucalyptus oil,” the rest sorts itself out.
Gold Coast: City lights with a beachside bonus
Okay, hear me out — the Gold Coast is actually kind of perfect for a girls’ trip. Fancy hotels? Tick. Killer restaurants? Tick. Ocean views and cocktail bars you don’t have to Uber across town for? Big tick.
We stayed at The Langham once and honestly didn’t want to leave the building. Their spa is next-level, and the afternoon tea situation is dangerously good. If you’re after something a little more casual, JW Marriott has that breezy, holiday feel with enough space for everyone to hang out without stepping on each other’s toes.
For dinner, you can’t beat Rick Shores at sunset — order the bug rolls and thank me later. Lazy arvo? Grab a spot at Burleigh Pavilion, drinks in hand, eyes on the water. If the group’s feeling a bit more active, hire paddleboards at Tallebudgera Creek or do a quick loop through Pacific Fair for a little retail therapy. Just pack light — those Zara bags add up fast.
Byron Bay: Always a good idea
There’s a reason Byron never goes out of style. Even if you’ve been before, it somehow always feels fresh. That barefoot luxury thing just works — and it’s ideal for a girls’ getaway where you want to unwind but still do a little bit of showing off on Instagram.
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Raes on Wategos is the ultimate splurge — think white linen everything and that beachfront calm you can’t fake. For something more spacious, Elements of Byron has self-contained villas, private beach access, and enough hammocks to go around.
Mornings here start slow. Smoothie bowl from Combi, maybe a yoga class at Creature Yoga, then beach time. Nights are for cocktails at The Mez Club and one too many small plates at Light Years.
If you’re planning ahead, lock in a long lunch at The Farm. It’s all rustic tables, open space, and food that’s made to share. Just be warned: it may inspire at least one person to start planning a tree change.
Barossa Valley: Wine not?
If your group chat starts and ends with “where are we drinking?”, the Barossa is calling. You don’t come here to hustle. You come here to sip. And nap. And then sip again.
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For a luxe base, The Louise is hard to beat. But a big Airbnb with a view, a fire pit, and a fridge full of cheese is equally iconic. Book your tastings in advance — Two Hands and Seppeltsfield are reliable crowd-pleasers. Let lunch at Fino roll into the afternoon, and if you’re feeling extra, hire a private driver so no one has to draw the short straw.
Pro tip: cellar doors don’t open super early, so take your time in the morning. Sleep in, make pancakes, and roll out when you’re ready. It’s a slow burn kind of weekend.
Daylesford: Cold-weather goals
If your group leans toward “cosy jumpers, books, and red wine,” Daylesford is the move. This little country town is all about slow living, natural springs, and boutique everything.
Base yourself at Lake House if you’re in the mood to splurge, or find a cute cottage where everyone can wear robes and slippers 90% of the day. First stop: Hepburn Bathhouse. Think hot water, eucalyptus steam, and no responsibilities.
Brunch at Cliffy’s is basically a rite of passage, and the Sunday market is surprisingly great for local treats and random treasures. If you feel like doing something, there’s the Mineral Springs Walk, art galleries like The Convent, or a casual pottery class that’s more fun than you’d think. You’ll need a car here, but the drives are gorgeous and the playlists hit different on those winding roads.
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Pack like a pro
You do not need five outfit changes a day. Bring one dress that works for dinner and drinks, something comfy for lounging, and maybe a matching linen set for maximum photo ops. Toss in flat sandals, a good tote, snacks, a robe you didn’t steal from the hotel, and a portable speaker. That’s all you need.
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Go big (just once)
Every trip deserves one over-the-top moment. It doesn’t have to be a private jet (although… if you’re splitting it five ways, maybe?), but it does have to be something memorable. Think a private chef, a boat day, or a long-table lunch in the middle of nowhere. That one big gesture makes the whole trip feel special — and gives you a great excuse to plan the next one.
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Two things a day… max
Here’s the golden rule: don’t overdo it. One thing in the morning, one thing later on. That’s it. Trying to fit three brunches, four wineries, a hike, and a beach day into one weekend? Chaos. Leave room for naps, unexpected chats, and doing absolutely nothing together.
The best bits stick
The best girls’ trips aren’t about where you stayed or what time the dinner booking was. It’s the spontaneous dance party in the lounge room. The terrible joke that becomes a running gag. The photo where someone blinked, but it’s still your favourite. So don’t stress about making it perfect — just make it shared.
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