It was quite fitting that I sat down to write this editor’s letter for our annual 52 Weekends Away issue while I was still basking in the afterglow of my own short break. A weekend of sightseeing, shopping and dining had provided an opportunity to decompress and re-energise after a particularly hectic few months. It was a timely reminder of how much impact a quick getaway can have. With today’s issue, I hope we can inspire you to achieve a similar circuit-breaker, whether you’re after a city staycation or wanting to disconnect further afield. You’ll find a curated list of mini-break ideas, compiled in collaboration with Julietta Jameson and Jane Reddy from our stablemate, Traveller. Our team of writers reviewed accommodation across Australia to suit a range of budgets and itineraries – the result should provide plenty of ideas for your next weekend escape, with the only decisions remaining being what book to read or cocktail to try! – Melissa Stevens, editor
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Geothermal-pool paradise, off-grid glamping, a pet-friendly coastal nirvana … Victoria’s latest weekend whirls are all within easy reach of the big smoke.
Luxury lodges, lake-edge lolling, seaside stunners, glam-amid-grit CBD staycations and wine-country wonders: 16 great escapes in NSW.
Hamilton’s five-star resort reset, a hinterland haven that becomes stargazer heaven at night, mid-rainforest luxury – and more.
A revived Rottnest resort, a 1960s-groove beach shack, a Busselton beauty and moonlight magic – Western Australia’s weekend-away options keep getting better.
From safari and outback escapes to CBD cool and cottagecore cosiness – here are fresh ways to recharge from the everyday in SA, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
After a rocky beginning, Kazumasa Yazawa and his wife Thana fell in love. Ten years later, they made a radical call: moving from Jakarta to small-town Tasmania.
The businesswoman and former world champion surfer on coping with grief, life awakenings – and a memorable first date with her INXS musician husband.
Inspired by a quintessential cool guy from an old TV series, dark-and-denim fashion pairings are enjoying new life.
Getting into an ongoing, back-and-forth game of tossed-butt fence-tennis could have consequences, warns our Modern Guru.
Fresh artichokes and spring garlic are the stars of this fabulous pasta.
Hot pot places are bubbling up everywhere, but BiZu’s broth is brilliant, and the dipping ingredients are high-quality and beautifully prepared.
The “best place for a meat-free meal in Sydney’s inner west” has a chef skilled at reformatting dishes from Oaxaca and Baja California.
Trivia buffs: can you get a perfect score in the interactive superquiz.
The 52 Weekends Away + Short Breaks issue: fast, fresh ways to have a swell time | Coastal chic, city stays, offgrid getaways | Looking after Lady Elliot Island
What is football club culture teaching men about women? | Jelena Dokic on a crucial life lesson | Chris Bowen’s make-or-break moment | Comedian Dara Ó Briain
