So often it’s the beach and nature that gets all the attention when it comes to a small break away from regular life, however staying in the city can also be both relaxing, and invigorating! Check out these top four city break locations where you can spend a jam-packed weekend.
3 great city break locations
1. Melbourne
Melbourne, the city of coffee, laneways, and amazing street art. Regularly being voted the most liveable city in the world, Melbourne is sure to give you a great time while visiting!
A good place to start is to visit the heart of the city, Federation Square and Flinders Street Station. The main entrance to the station is an iconic symbol of Melbourne, built in 1910 and listed as a Victorian Heritage site. From here you have easy access to Federation square just across the road, which has a unique and interesting architectural design, and a short walk away is Southbank with its tree lined street teaming with restaurants.
Fancy a spot of shopping after you’ve eaten your fill of pizza and gelati? Visit the Bourke Street mall full of the Australia’s biggest brands, sitting alongside international favourites. Just next door is Melbourne’s GPO, a former post office that was transformed into a boutique shopping hub which includes local brands as well as international clothing store H&M. Among many other options there is also Emporium, a shopping centre focusing primarily on high end labels, or if you’re looking for a bargain visit Queen Victoria Market to experience true market atmosphere (and don’t forget to look out for the famous donut truck!).
If you need a rest after all that shopping, look no further than the Royal Botanic Gardens. Within an easy walking distance from the city’s centre you will find this oasis of peace and greenery which is the ideal spot for a relaxing walk to take in the beautiful plants, or a gondola ride on the idyllic lake. Once the day turns to night there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Melbourne is well known for its festivals so check the calendar so see what’s on when you will be travelling. Some favourites include White Night, Moomba Festival, Lonsdale Street Greek Festival, and the Melbourne Comedy festival.
2. Sydney
Sydney, the most populous city in Australia is sure to give you that authentic city stay vibe. The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sydney is most likely the Opera House. This stunning building is impressive during the day and comes to life in a whole other way at night with its beautiful illumination. There’s always something on in the Opera house, from events to shows, or you can even just grab a bite to eat while inside.
A short stroll away from the Opera house you will find Darling Harbour. With its beautiful river views and range of attractions you’re surely going to want to spend a while exploring all it has to offer. From the Chinese Garden of friendship and its exotic plants and scenery, to excellent shopping, an aquarium, and even a Madam Tussauds, you can easily spend a whole day on the Harbour and not run out of things to do.
Prefer to be on the water rather than walking? Take a cruise or ferry which will take you to see all that the harbour area has to offer. If you are after a bit of adrenaline, there’s no better place to go than Luna Park. Opened in 1935, Luna Park’s historical roots can still be seen today through its architecture – going just to take a photo in front of the entrance is reason enough to visit! Once you are there you will be met with plenty of rides to choose from, such as the Wild Mouse, or the less scream inducing ferris wheel.
After a day filled with activities and exploration, you’ll want to grab some dinner and drinks. Head to The Rocks, shadowed by the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, has many different restaurant and bar options to choose from.
3. Brisbane
When you want a city break but don’t want to compromise on the warm weather, Brisbane is your go-to city. The capital of the Queensland boasts an impressive 283 days of sunshine per year, so you are sure to get your fill of sun when you visit!
One fantastic place to go to relax and enjoy the warmth this city has to offer is South Bank. Here you will find a man-made beach within a botanical garden named Epicurious Garden, as well as the famous Wheel of Brisbane which gives you amazing views of this charming city. However, this is only one of Brisbane’s beautiful gardens, you can also check out the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, as well as the Roma Street parkland, which is located in the middle of the city, acting as Brisbane’s version of Central Park!
Out of all the capital cities included in this list, Brisbane gives the most authentic Australian flavour, and what better way to experience this than a visit to Australia Zoo. Famous for its legendary owner Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo is a place where you can learn about and visit native wildlife, including crocodiles! There’s also plenty of things to do after dark in Brisbane. Visit the city’s party district, Fortitude Valley and dance the night away in one of its many iconic nightclubs.
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