Top Australian Destinations for a Girls’ Weekend Getaway

Leave your partners, kids and pets at home. It's time for a weekend getaway with your girlfriends. 

Discover the best destination for your girls' weekend, whether you’re keen to hit a big city for some retail therapy, escape to the country on an active weekend, or simply sample the local food and drink. 

This is your guide to the best girls' weekend getaway destinations in Australia.

Where: Sydney, New South Wales

Never have time to shop for yourself? Spoil yourself with a girls’ shopping weekend in Sydney.

A mecca for lovers of all things fashion, Sydney doesn’t fall short when it comes to shopping. From high-fashion brands and department stores to classic Australian brands, Sydney is a hotspot for the latest trends. 

From busy Pitt Street to the beautiful Queen Victoria Building, the Strand Arcade and iconic World Square, the CBD should be your first point of call. 

Spoil yourself with something sparkly in The Rocks. Packed full of handmade goods, boutique clothing stores, bakeries and unique luxury designs, this is the place to be for all things luxury.

If your style is a little edgier, then consider Surry Hills. It’s tranquil, tree-lined streets are lined with eclectic boutiques specialising in everything from handmade jewellery to organic knits. 

After a day out shopping – and with a free evening away from kids and partners, it’s time to let loose. Sydney is renowned for its nightlife; from harbour side bars with swanky cocktails to venues where you can really get your boogie on and dance the night away.

Sip cocktails overlooking the beautiful Sydney Harbour at Hyde Hacienda or hit Soda Factory for some 90s tunes that you can really belt out. 

Don’t Miss: Oxford Street (which runs from Darlinghurst to Paddington) is where you’ll find designer flagship stores alongside high street chains and pint-sized boutiques – it’s the perfect middle ground for all styles. 

Where to stay: If you’re going to spend the weekend shopping in the city and surrounds, location is key and Accor has plenty of great hotels throughout Sydney. From hotels in The Rocks and scenic Darling Harbour to the city centre, you’ll always have shops right on your doorstep. 

Where: Margaret River, Western Australia

Sick of always cooking dinner or eating what everyone else wants? Then it’s time you had a foodies’ weekend escape to Margaret River with your girlfriends.

Located on Western Australia's charming southern coastline and overflowing with wineries, cafes and restaurants, Margaret River is the perfect place to catch-up with your girlfriends over delicious meals and few glasses of wine. 

You can’t visit Margaret River without winery-hopping around the local vineyards. Drive yourselves or book into a tour, and sample some of the best the region has to offer. What could be better than sipping delicious wine all day long in a beautiful setting, with your best ladies by your side?

We also recommend slipping in a visit the chocolate factory and cheese factory along the way. Everyone knows you can’t have wine without cheese and chocolate.

If the weather holds out, be sure to hit some of the local beaches like Yallingup Beach and Smith Beach. 

Don’t Miss: If you want somewhere special to spoil your friends on your winery tour, Vasse Felix is one of the oldest and most beautiful wineries in the region. Book in for lunch at their award-winning restaurant and enjoy sweeping views of the vineyard, over a glass of Margaret River’s finest.

Where to stay: After a day out visiting Margaret River's wineries, you need somewhere cosy to come home to. The Grand Mercure Basildene Manor Accor Vacation Club Apartments is set amongst manicured gardens in the Margaret River wine region. With an outdoor heated swimming pool, reading room with a fireplace and rooms fit for queens, it’s perfect for a girls’ weekend away.

Alternatively, the Pullman Bunker Bay Resort in Margaret River has luxuriously appointed bungalow-style villas, dotted around the resort’s grounds which are big enough for your whole friendship group. With a heated infinity pool, easy beach access and an award-winning day spa, it’s hard to say no.

Where: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

When was the last time you had a spa day?

If it’s longer than you can remember, then it’s time to book yourself a weekend of complete pampering and relaxation with your girlfriends. And the Mornington Peninsula is the perfect place to do so.

Make sure you stop by the Peninsula Hot Springs for the ultimate day of relaxation. Wrap yourself up in a fluffy robe, laze in the thermal hot spring or walk through the beautifully manicured, lush grounds. The Hilltop Pool has the best views across rolling, green hills and is most definitely worth a visit. 

If hot spring aren’t your thing, then book into one of the many day spas in the area. Spoil yourself with a gold facial at 1028 Mornington Day Spa or choose from the range of calming and refreshing spa experiences at Alba.

Don’t Miss: No girls’ pamper weekend is complete without chocolates. Stop by Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery and pick up a selection of chocolates to share over the weekend. 

Where to stay: The Mornington Peninsula is a 1½ hour drive from Melbourne, making it the perfect day trip from the city. And Accor has Melbourne accommodation to suit every budget 

If you want luxury, then the glamorous 5-star Sofitel Melbourne On Collins has a range of rooms with city, bay, or river views and plenty of space to enjoy each other's company over glasses of bubbles.

Where: Noosa, Queensland

If your girls’ weekend is all about chilling out and enjoying each other’s’ company, then Noosa is the perfect place to reconnect and channel those laid-back Queensland vibes.

Start your day by finding your zen at one of the many yoga studios in town and follow it with a stroll along the coastal walk for great ocean views and hidden paths to tucked away beaches.

If the weather is good (let’s face it, the weather is always good in Noosa) then why not try out a surfing lesson?

After you’ve worked up and appetite, hit Hastings Street to find a great selection of restaurants and cafes – plus some great little shops, if you’re hoping to slip in a bit of retail therapy.

Don’t Miss: Grab a coveted seat outside, under the lush trees at Aromas on Hastings Street and enjoy the afternoon lounging in the shade while sipping cocktails. 

Where to stay: Just moments from Noosa’s town centre and surrounded by world-class restaurants, cafes and boutique stores, Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort is an oasis in the heart of Noosa. Think lush palms, plantation shutters and light, bright rooms with soft furnishings. Book out a luxurious room and lounge by the pool in style, or head to the beach and bask in the sun.