Quiet Summer Retreats Around Australia

Hatchers Richmond Manor

Located 20 minutes from Hobart, Hatchers Richmond Manor is a modern day old fashioned hideaway. This family run business which is settled on 100 acre working farm and orchard is just remarkable and truly an insight into the process of fresh produce to the finished good. You can sample the domestic wines and witness the harvesting process in January. Take a horse-drawn carriage around the property on the famous Clydesdale horses. With a variety of comfy home style rooms on the panoramic acreage it is perfect for the family to relax and enjoy what nature has to offer.

Clydesdale Horses at Hatcher Richmond Manor, Tasmania

Cradle Mountain Chateau

Cradle Mountain Chateau is an absolutely breathtaking destination situated in the serene alpine woodland setting of Cradle Mountain. Near is the world-heritage Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park which has some spectacular bush walks and look outs to explore that lead to the gorgeous Dove Lake. You can explore the surroundings and local cuisines by participating in regional beer tasting and complimentary foods, Tasmania’s Tiger exhibition and Night time Animal exploration. Onsite there are multiple dining areas including The Grey Gum, Quoll’s Restaurant and Brushtails Bar which provide warm hearty meals all from local produce to match the rugged atmosphere. You will definitely find a warm burning fireplace to rug up next to and enjoy the spectacular views. 

Picturesque Cradle Mountain Chateau, Tasmania

Chardonnay Lodge

For the fine food and wine lover you need to enter paradise at Chardonnay Lodge in the heart of the Coonawarra Vineyards midway between Adelaide and Melbourne is the pinnacle to places to go. With a modern and modest feel and ample landscape ground to wonder it is perfect for families and anyone who needs a quite and relaxed getaway. Some attractions and facilities include a pool, the world heritage listed Naracoorte Caves, Blue Lake, Penola and the Mary MacKillop Centre.


Across the road is The Poplars Cellar Door Precinct which is an enjoyable location featuring a cheese bar and local produce store. It has an award winning onsite art gallery which displays the works of Australia born artist Jenny Johnson and others. This is an easy going, relaxing destination perfect to unwind and appreciate the local produce and wine. 

Chardony Lodge, South Australia

Bloomfield Lodge

If you want to experience Cairns in a picturesque, quiet sanctuary then Bloomfield Lodge is the place to escape. Located 140m north of Cairns, in the world heritage listed Daintree Forest also boarder line with The Great Barrier Reef this is a match made in heaven. You can indulge in the breathtaking scenery of either water or wilderness and experience all the beauty Cairns has to offer. With ample relaxation facilities and actractions to discover including the secluded Kangaji Beach, it has something for everyone.

The 17 individual retreats all built from local timber with colonial-style elegance and first class amenities really embraces and displays the natural heavenly surroundings. 

View from balcony at Bloomfield Lodge, Queensland

Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris

If you want to experience nature it is natural form and to learn and enjoy Australia’s history then Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris is a great destination. Situated in an exclusive area of the Northern Territory on the sacred Arnhemland it is truly an escape from the busy city and  allow yourself to unwind. This national treasure chest has countless experiences and activities including guided tours through ancestral caves with stunning original rock paintings and carving. It also accommodates for the more adventurous by providing bushwalks, 4WD adventures, wildlife spotting through the adjacent Kakadu National Park as well as fishing and swimming.

There is a variety of accommodation from luxury to earthly options of campfire cabins. No matter where you are you will see and appreciate the beautiful wilderness and atmosphere of this sacred land. 

Cabins at Davidson's Arnhemland Safari Lodge, Northern Territory

Eco Beach Broome

Eco Beach Broome is a lovely quite escape hidden at the top of Wester Australia near Broome. This award winning resort is the perfect blend of beach and bush referred to as an ‘accessible wilderness’.

The modern and stylish accommodation located right on the beach front and a backyard of bushland really captures all of Northern Territory’s beauty. You can explore the remarkable wilderness by participating in turtle and whale spotting and talking, multiple bushwalks, kayaking and end the day with yoga or a Kimberly Taste where you try some local delicacies. Another unique and fun activity is the Mud ‘n’ Fun which is a natural local treatment comprising of sand exfoliation and covering yourself in mud crab mud.

Beach and Bush blend at Eco Beach, Western Australia

After a long day of adventure and exploring you can reenergise at Jack’s Bar & Restaurant. It is an onsite water coastline restaurant providing outstanding cuisine looking at a picturesque view. 

Outstanding Cuisine at Jack's Bar & Restaurant

For assistance booking your Australian holiday call Sunlover Holidays on 13 88 33.

Top 5 hikes and walks in Australia

Bondi to Bronte

It’s no wonder this walk has been rated as one of the world’s most picturesque walks, as it will have you gazing across beautiful beaches, parks and spectacular views. This unique walk includes Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte Beach plus a medium gradient cliff-top path from Bondi to Tamarama, with occasional seating and several staircases.

The beachside parks offer picnic shelters, coin-operated barbecues, play areas, kiosks, toilets and change-rooms. Good for short walks or a day trip, this walk will show you the best of Sydney’s coastline.

Ocean Baths - Bondi Beach

                                                                                           

Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

On a walk through Cradle Mountain you are able to witness the wild landscape of Australia’s natural beauty at its best. This area is one of the most popular natural areas in Tasmania, and for good reason. A part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain’s jagged contours, ancient rainforest, alpine heathlands, buttongrass and the colours of the deciduous beech provide a range of environments to explore. 

The park contains an extensive network of walking tracks to suit everyone's tastes. Walks through Cradle Mountain are good for day trips and short walks (under 2 hours).

Cradle Mountain - Tasmania

Kimberley’s

If you want to explore the Kimberley’s, then head to Purnululu. This World Heritage listed park contains the famous Bungle Bungles, which is seen as one of the scenic jewels of outback Australia. Famous for its 45 000 hectare range, walks through the Purnululu will reveal natural formations that are millions of years old. You will see huge banded beehive structures, sandstone cliffs and towers. On the northern side of the Bungle Bungle range is Echidna Chasm. This unspoiled scenic area is considered as one of Australia’s most amazing walking destinations and is relatively easy going. 

Walks can be done in a day or you can camp overnight depending on the season.

Purunululu National Park - Bungle Bungles

Blue Mountains

There are so many amazing bushwalking tracks to explore throughout the stunning World Heritage listed Blue Mountains region. There are walks for all ages and fitness levels. The Blue Mountains boasts one of the most complex track systems of any national park in Australia. Dating from as early as 1825, many of the constructed tracks have national, state and regional significance, and several are named to commemorate significant periods or events in our history.

While walking the Blue Mountains you can hike down the Giant Stairway past the Three Sisters, retrace the route of early mountain explorers or check out the recent discovery of the prehistoric Wollemi Pine.

Three Sisters - Blue Mountains

Victoria

There is an extensive network of tracks and trails around Victoria’s High Country where you can admire the stunning scenery of Victoria’s highest peaks. Alpine National Park is Victorias largest National Park. One of the Parks most impressive features is Bryces Gorge, which is reached via a 7.5 km excellent family walking trail, providing good views of the gorge and also of two waterfalls along the route. 

When walking along the panoramic alpine plains around Falls Creek, or trek along Mount Buffalo’s walking tracks, make sure you keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, possums or falcons.

Another fantastic day walk is around the coastline of Victoria - particularly Great Ocean Road. Short walks (under 1 hour) to day walk are available, along stunning coastline, rugged cliffs and sandy beaches.

Hiking in Victoria

5 Australian honeymoon ideas

Looking for a great honeymoon escape that suits you?

We have 5 great romantic holiday ideas that suit all tastes and budgets.

qualia, Hamilton Island

1. The Extravagant

qualia on Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays offers a private, world class luxury retreat for couples. The resort is situated on the northern most tip of Hamilton Island overlooking the gorgeous Whitsunday islands. Every thought has been given to make your stay special, from VIP chauffeur service, private golf buggy hire and private individual pavilions you can’t help but relax at qualia. Take a dip in one of the properties two serene pools, enjoy find dining at the Long Pavilion restaurant, or spend the day at a private beach upon a near by island – there are plenty of activities both inside and outside the complex. qualia offers a 3 night romantic getaway with gourmet dinner on one evening, breakfast daily, VIP airport transfers, beach picnic with bottle of French champagne, sunset cruise on one evening and use of 2 seater golf buggy during your stay.  Flights are available to Hamilton Island from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Snorkelling at Heron Island

2. The Adventurous

Heron Island situated just a 30 minute helicopter ride from Gladstone and is set upon a Great Barrier Reef coral cay. Wildlife abounds, from turtles, whales and birdlife - all protected at this World Heritage Listed Marine National Park. You will need at least 4 nights to explore all the island has to offer, from guided reef walks to semi-sub cruises scuba diving, snorkelling and nature walks. At the end of your day relax with a pamper package from Aqua Soul Spa then enjoy dinner overlooking the setting sun. Heron Island offers a 4 night romantic escape with sparkling wine on arrival, all meals and 2 x 60 minute spa treatments per person.

Gold Coast

3. The Beach Lover

The Gold Coast is world famous for sun, sand and fun! Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa Gold Coast, at the northern most end of the coastline, offers a beachfront location surrounded by sparkling blue lagoons and tropical gardens. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the three restaurants or visit one of the 5 theme parks within 20 minutes. For those wanting to stay close, pop across the road to Marina Mirage, an upmarket shopping complex offering 80 speciality shops and restaurants. Enjoy a 2 night romantic escape with bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, buffet breakfast daily and romantic dinner including a bottle of house wine at Terraces Restaurant on one evening.

Cypress Lakes Resort

4. The Wine Enthusiast

Hunter Valley, just a 2.5 hour drive from Sydney, offers over 120 wineries including the crisp Hunter Semillon and the ripe Hunter Shiraz. The attractions don’t stop at vineyards – the village shops offer locally produced cheese, smokehouse goods, chocolates, coffee and olives. Take your special one on a hot-air balloon ride, shop for antiques or browse the local artworks from Pokolbin to Cessnock. Cypress Lakes Resort offer 2 night romantic getaways with bottle of wine, and chocolate dipped strawberries and cheese platter on arrival, full buffet breakfast daily and dinner on one evening. 

Cradle Mountain Chateau

5. The Mountaineer

Love the idea of a cosy cabin in the mountains, huddling by the fire? Cradle Mountain offers cool evenings and stunning scenery all year round. From majestic peaks and still lakes, covered in snow during the winter months, the landscape could not be more romantic. Enjoy Tasmanian produced cheeses, chocolate and freshly caught seafood at local restaurants and cafes. Discover rainforests and waterfalls on one of the 20 walks nearby, canoe, horse ride or take in the Wilderness Gallery, a photographic gallery featuring wilderness and landscape photography. Cradle Mountain Chateau offers 3 night romantic escapes with a bottle of Tasmanian wine and cheese platter on arrival, buffet breakfast daily, two course set dinner on one evening, beer tasting on another evening plus a 60 minute spa treatment per person.