Long weekend insider tips

Haven’t booked your June long weekend accommodation yet? Don’t stress! It’s not too late to score yourself a great getaway.

Here are our top three tips for nabbing yourself a deal at the last minute:
1. Be flexible – Your favourite hotel might already be booked out but why not try a different one in the same area or try a new location all together?
2. Don’t be afraid to be a little daring! – If you know the location you want to stay but aren’t too fussed about the actual hotel, a Secret Hotels® deal could be your new best friend. Offerings savings of up to 70% per night, these deals are super low and offer accommodation to suit champagne taste on a beer budget.
3. Think outside the square – Why not go away with your best mates or another couple? Bargains can often be found with two or three bedroom apartments or penthouses.
Our team of hotel experts have kindly given us their hot tips for accommodation in their regions for the long weekend.
If you’re not lucky enough to be scoring this particular public holiday (sorry WA!) or if other commitments are getting in the way of you getting out of town, keep these babies in mind for your next escape.

Top pick from Neal, our Melbourne hotels expert

Which hotel would you recommend for the June long weekend?

Clarion Suites Gateway
Why is this hotel your pick?

The location is awesome: circle tram on your doorstep, it’s right on the river and opposite the Crown Entertainment Centre so you can see the famous fire show from your apartment at night. And it’s a great spot for discovering the trendy laneways of Melbourne. The super friendly staff are also a major drawcard.
What’s your number one insider tip for travellers here?

Make sure you visit Naked for Satan in Brunswick, just a short cab ride from the Clarion Suites.
Head here for a cider, wine, boutique beer or of course, the famous house infused vodka.

The evening view from The Riverview room at Clarion Suites Gateway

Top pick from Chris, our Sydney hotels expert

Which hotel would you recommend for the June long weekend?
Swissotel Sydney
Why is this hotel your pick?
With generous rooms, a sensational location and unbelievable staff, the Swissotel Sydney is the perfect place to spend a long weekend in Sydney! Stroll down to the bars and restaurants of Darling Harbour or take in some culture with a selection of the Sydney Film Festival films showing in the State Theatre just across the road.

Classic king room

What’s your number one insider tip for travellers here?
Make the most of Swissotel’s location just around the corner from Pitt Street Mall and shop ‘til you drop in Zara, DKNY, Guess and hundreds more. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can’t go past Sky Phoenix, located in the Westfield complex, for some yum cha action.

Top pick from Kate, our SA hotels expert

Which hotel would you recommend for the June long weekend?
Abbotsford Country House – Barossa Valley

Abbotsford main homestead

Why is this hotel your pick?
This is a magnificent traditional hosted B&B country retreat. It sits on a hillside in the Barossa Valley, surrounded by lovely vineyards, rose gardens and a 50 acre working cattle farm. The rooms are extremely luxurious and the breakfasts are delicious, using regional produce sourced from the Barossa. The hosts are also very passionate about the region and can give great tips on the best wineries to visit.

One of the gorgeous rooms at Abbotsford Country House

What’s your number one insider tip for travellers here?
A must do in the Barossa is to visit Maggie Beers’ Farm Shop where you can pick up some of her goodies to take home and enjoy her all day ‘picnic fare’ eating. I highly recommend purchasing some of her ‘Verjuice’ and checking out the daily 2pm cooking demonstration.

Top pick from Tori, our QLD hotels expert

Which hotel would you recommend for the June long weekend?
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel

Relaxation Room with spectacular Ocean Views

Why is this hotel your pick?
This is the Gold Coast’s newest luxury hotel and ideal for a luxurious getaway. You just can’t beat those gorgeous views over the iconic Surfers Paradise beach.
Its central location – a short walk from the beachfront esplanade and Cavill Mall – means everything is at your fingertips.

Have a pre-dinner drink at the Hiltons Fix Bar

What’s your number one insider tip for travellers here?

You’ll probably find it tough to drag yourself away from the hotel! You must have a meal at celebrity chef Luke Mangan’s on site restaurant; Salt grill. The stylish cocktail bar, Fix is definitely worth a visit and for a dose of pampering, the Eforea Spa has you covered.

Top pick from Karly, our Regional NSW hotels expert

Which hotel would you recommend for the June long weekend?
Terrigal Hinterland Bed and Breakfast

Enjoy your stay in a Joy suite!

Why is this hotel your pick?
If an indulgent getaway is what you’re after, look no further.
This couples only property provides boutique accommodation with relaxation in mind. The five-star retreat is secluded, thanks to its location in the peaceful hinterland. You’re only a few minutes drive from the ocean and popular cafe and shopping strip so you can have the best of both worlds.
They also do a scrumptious a la carte breakfast included in your deal. Bliss!

Beachside at Terrigal

What’s your number one insider tip for travellers here?
The Central Coast is known for its beautiful beaches. Why not catch some rays and enjoy a winter stroll along Avoca, Copacabana or Killcare beaches.
Or hit the shops and treat yourself to some retail therapy at Crowne Plaza Terrigal. There are over a dozen boutiques and cafes to suit any taste.