{"id":37096,"date":"2015-01-21T07:00:45","date_gmt":"2015-01-20T21:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/blog\/?p=37096"},"modified":"2018-05-14T07:39:08","modified_gmt":"2018-05-13T21:39:08","slug":"australia-day-long-weekend-activity-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/australia-day-long-weekend-activity-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Australia Day Long Weekend Activity Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

There’s nothing that excites me more than a long weekend. But with a long weekend comes the responsibility of using that extra day off wisely.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Under normal circumstances, the occasional binge-sesh of Sex and the City re-runs is a totally legit way to spend your Saturday, BUT when it comes to Australia Day, I’m a firm believer in spending as much time as possible in the great outdoors. So to ensure you #liveeverylastminute this Australia Day long weekend, here’s my top picks for experiences guaranteed to get you out there. Get ready for the best weekend ever!<\/p>\n

Island Escapes <\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re short on time but in need of some serious R&R, why not take a daytrip to one of Australia\u2019s beautiful islands? Unwind with a cocktail at picture-perfect Daydream Island<\/a>, or check out Moreton Island<\/a> – a great option for those living in Bris Vegas!<\/p>\n

Retreat to the Islands for a day – <\/em>book here<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Whitsunday<\/a>

Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach<\/a> – bliss!<\/p><\/div>\n

If a daytrip isn\u2019t going to cut it, check in and check out these island hot spots (in no particular order):<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Hamilton Island<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Magnetic Island<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Rottnest Island<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Kangaroo Island<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Phillip Island<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Fraser Island<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Daydream Island<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Lord Howe Island<\/a><\/li>\n
  9. Green Island<\/a><\/li>\n
  10. Norfolk Island<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Crikey!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    If you\u2019re looking for a genuinely unique and Aussie adventure, take a trip to Darwin to try out the world\u2019s only Salt Water Crocodile Cage Diving<\/a> experience. Get up close to fascinating and prehistoric creatures at Crocosaurus Cove \u2013 you can read all about lastminute lovely Nihal\u2019s experience here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    If you don\u2019t quite want to get quite that close, check out Australia Zoo. Try out your best \u201cCrikey!\u201d\u00a0and catch the Wildlife Warriors show.<\/p>\n

    \"Australia<\/a>

    Australia Zoo<\/a> – crikey!<\/p><\/div>\n

    Entertaining the kids<\/strong><\/p>\n

    As much as we all love a long weekend, if you\u2019ve got little ones it can sometimes be difficult keeping them entertained. If you\u2019re stuck for family activities, here\u2019s a couple of tried and tested kid-friendly attractions that are sure to put a smile on everyone\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

    Ahoy there, matey! Take the kids out for a magical day on Sydney Harbour with this\u00a0Attack of the Pirates Tall Ship Theatrical Cruise. It’s a swashbuckling adventure that’s both fun and educational.<\/p>\n

    It\u2019s also a good idea to have a few all-weather activities up your sleeve. A\u00a0Sydney attractions Combo Pass\u00a0gives you admission to a couple of Sydney favourites. Choose from SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney, Sydney Tower Eye, Madame Tussauds, and Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary.<\/p>\n

    Sydney is great, but there’s a reason why Queensland’s one of Australia\u2019s top family destinations; it\u2019s a mecca for kid\u2019s activities. Experience the famous Big 9 Thrill Rides at Dreamworld<\/a>. Ride the roller coasters at Movie World<\/a>, encounter abundant wildlife at Sea World, and slide down the Super 8 at Wet ‘n\u2019 Wild with a 3 for 3 Theme Park Pass<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    \"Family<\/a>

    Family fun at Movie World <\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

    Speaking of Wet ‘n’ Wild, check out this water slide like none other in Australia – the infamous Aqualoop<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Get gnarly <\/strong><\/h3>\n

    From Bondi to Bells, one of the best places to spend your Australia Day long weekend is at the beach. Rather than lazing the day away working on your tan, book yourself in for a surfing lesson. You\u2019re guaranteed to have a blast, even if you do wipe out! Get surfin\u2019 <\/em>here<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

    Set sail <\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Sometimes it’s difficult rounding up all your mates, but there’s something that almost everyone’s up for – spending a few hours on the water. Although it may sound exxy, when a group of you chip in chartering a yacht<\/a> is a really affordable and special way to spend a few hours.<\/p>\n

    \"Get<\/a>

    Get on the water with Sydney Harbour Luxury Sailing<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

    See more sailing activities <\/em>here<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

    Enjoy a few bevvies<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    A drink with friends is standard Australia Day practice, but for something different go straight to the source. Whether you like your wines chilled and crisp or fruity and bold, there\u2019s a wine region bottling up your perfect drop right now. Book a tour <\/em>here<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

    \"Full<\/a>

    Full Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour with Lunch<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

    Not to harp on alcohol, but this is a long weekend guide. We know wine\u2019s not for everyone (we hear you, lads), so if the amber ale is more your thing, hop on a beer-tasting experience. You\u2019ll be amazed by how much you learn about your favourite bevvies! Plus with tours starting at just $25, it\u2019s cheaper than buying a round at a bar. Book your beer-tasting experience <\/em>here<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

    What’s your fave way to spend a long weekend? Tell us in the comments!<\/strong><\/h2>\n