Whether you’re hitting a big city for some retail therapy, escaping to the countryside on an active weekend or simply sampling the local food and drink, there is something for every friendship group, in Australia.
With cheaper accommodation and less busy attractions, winter is the perfect time to round up your girlfriends and embark on a girls’ weekend escape.
Retail Therapy
Where: Sydney, NSW
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 prescient’s. From high-fashion brands and department stores to classic Australian brands, Sydney is a hotspot for the latest trends. Plus, shopping with your girlfriends makes the occasion more fun and means you’ll always have a second opinion.
From busy Pitt Street to the beautiful Queen Victoria Building, the Strand Arcade and iconic World Square precinct, the CBD should be your first point of call.
Spoil yourself with something sparkly in The Rocks Precinct. Packed full of handmade goods, boutique clothing stores, bakeries and unique luxury designs, this is the place to be for all things luxury. However, 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 Hacienda Bar Sydney 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 the glamorous Rocks and scenic Darling Harbour to the city centre, you’ll always have shops right on your doorstep.
Moment of Surprise & Delight - "We surprised a busy regular guest with some designer treats, balloons and irresistible chocolates, to make their stay luxuriously memorable." - Meaghan at Swissôtel Sydney
Wine & Food
Where: Margaret River, WA
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. Nestled along WA’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 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 sneaky visit the chocolate factory and cheese factory along the way too. 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, even if it’s just to ogle at surfers, from the shore.
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 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.
Spa Weekend
Where: Mornington Peninsula, VIC
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. 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. P.S. 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 14 day spas in the area. Spoil yourself with a 24 Carat Gold Facial at 1028 Mornington Day Spa or choose from the range of calming and refreshing facials at Red Hill Spa.
Don’t Miss: No girls’ pamper weekend is complete without chocolates. Stop by Mornington Peninsula Chocolates and pick up a selection of chocolate truffles for you to share over the weekend.
Where to stay: The Mornington Peninsula is only a 1 ½ drive from Melbourne, making it the perfect day trip from the city. And Accor has over 30 hotels and apartments in Melbourne to suit every budget.
If you want luxury, then the glamorous 5-star Sofitel Melbourne On Collins has Prestige Suites with large, separate living rooms for gossip sessions over glasses of bubbles.
Outdoor Activities
Where: Flinders Ranges, SA
If you and your girlfriend are more excited by hiking and camping than shopping and swimming, then you need to hit the Flinders Ranges.
Hike, climb, explore and disconnect from your everyday work life in the fresh, South Australian air. Trek up Wilpena Pound, marvel at Aboriginal art, pan for opals or even visit the wacky town of Cooper Pedy. We guarantee you’ll totally forget about checking social media for a few days.
Don’t Miss: If you want an unforgettable experience that you and your friends will remember forever, then take in the views from above on an incredible scenic flight over Wilpena Pound. It’s the best way to see this giant natural amphitheatre in all its glory.
Where to stay: To complete your perfect girls’ weekend to the outback you need the right accommodation. Wilpena Pound Resort Hotel is the only accommodation actually located within the Flinders Ranges National Park and offers a great range of hotel rooms. However, it’s their secluded safari glamping tents that are perfect for friendships groups looking for some space, just to themselves. What could be more memorable than waking up alongside your best friends in a tent overlooking the magnificent Flinders Ranges?
Chilled Out Vibes
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 Track 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 Hotel is an oasis in the heart of Noosa. Think lush palms, plantation shutters and light, bright rooms with soft furnishings. Book out a luxurious cabana and lounge by the pool in style with your own personal butler, or head to the beach and bask in the winter sun.
After a long hard day relaxing, head home to your French-inspired room. If you’re looking for more space to spread out, book one of the two-storey villas with a private courtyard and direct pool access.
Still haven’t booked your accommodation yet? Accor can help you find the perfect hotel to fit all your friends.
