Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Everyone knows the northern of our coastal neighbours is famous for its beaches, but taking your girl gang to the Sunshine Coast hinterland is a little life hack you will thank yourself for. Get amongst these lush ideas for how to live it up in the crisp hinterland air.
There ain’t no party like a spa party, because a spa party is one of the most relaxing activities out. Make a booking at Spa Anise for you and your crew to get pampered – take advantage of a mineralised spa, hydrotherapy treatments, a steam room and a tailored spa menu that includes luxurious Australian made Waterlily products.
Cooking is way more fun with a killer view and an expert chef showing you the ropes, so sign up for a lesson at the Tamarind Cooking School. You can choose between long course classes and short course demonstrations, so there’s something for every appetite (and attention span). If you’d rather skip the lessons and head straight to the delicious meals, nab a table at The Tamarind for dinner – this is fine modern Asian cuisine done to perfection.
The best place to rest your bones after a day of exploring is no doubt Spicers Tamarind Retreat – this secluded hideaway is peak tranquillity meets luxury. If you book in around the first Sunday of the month, keep an ear out for Jazz in the Forest – it combines chill live tunes with a delectable lunch onsite.
Byron Bay Hinterland
If you’re itching to post a few sneaky #wanderlust snaps on your Instagram, a leisurely trip to Byron with the girls is just the ticket. The beach is obviously stunning, but we guarantee that if you ditch the traditional tourist spots in favour of the lush hinterland it will be well worth your while.
To really make the most of your Byron sojourn, book out The Old Church for you and your posse – setting up your home base here will ensure you’re close to all of the action, plus this Newrybar gem is loaded with old-world charm.
A good getaway should always leave you feeling hungry. Conveniently located near The Old Church, the award-winning Harvest Newrybar is a haven for all things foodie – you can dine on mouth-watering fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all made with the best in local produce.
Image Credit: Demetre Minchev
For those taking a trip to get fully recharged and max out those chill vibes, Gaia Retreat & Spa is the place to do it. This intimate boutique retreat is zen central (not to mention visually stunning) – the space offers everything from day spa treatments to a yoga lookout.
James Street
For fans of retail therapy, James Street is the ultimate girls weekend destination. Known around Brisbane as the height of style and luxury, this little slice of paradise boasts some of the hottest spots in town to eat, stay and play.
When it comes to food, Fortitude Valley is teeming with cool spots to try. Whether it’s a snack on the run to refuel from a hard day of shopping or a more hearty meal, you will find it here. Start your day on the right note with a killer breakfast at King Arthur Cafe, swing by Jamie’s Espresso Bar for the perfect pick-me-up and treat yourself to a decadent lunch at the famous Harveys Bar & Bistro. Sweet tooths best make a pit stop at Jocelyn’s Provisions – the selection of treats will blow your mind. Be sure to save room for a modern Australian dinner feast at Gerard’s Bistro, then cap off your night with a beverage (or several) at Cru Bar + Cellar and At Sixes & Sevens.
We did caution that this is a serious shopping hub, so come prepared to either flex your wallet or do some serious window lusting. The brand-new boutique David Jones is packed with amazing designer pieces, while the rest of the street is a treasure trove of gorgeous boutiques and local labels – you can shop the latest collections from Zimmermann, Camilla, Assembly Label and Scanlan Theodore, or build your perfect outfit with pieces from Carmague, Samantha Ogilvie and Calexico. Be sure to scope the perfect accessories at Dinosaur Designs, then nab some fancy footwear at Zomp and Maryon’s Shoes.
This weekend is all about treating yo’ self, so be sure to choose your accommodation accordingly. Book in a night or two at Sage Hotel, one of Brisbane’s freshest faces – it only opened up in March this year and it is brimming with all of the new-hotel luxuries you could possibly desire. Sage is placed right in the middle of the action, but if you feel like going for a zip around town the hotel offers a complimentary Mercedes-Benz Brisbane town car (yasss). For another extra touch of luxe, swing by the Brooklyn Beauty Bar for a little pampering sessions – where else can you get your nails done whilst sipping on a gin and tonic?
Cabarita Beach
When the name of your destination sounds like a faraway secret Mexican bay, you know you’re on a good thing. Cabarita Beach is a hidden gem on the northern New South Wales coastline, making it the perfect place for an interstate girls weekend. Bundle some provisions for a sandy beachside picnic, indulge in some yoga by the water, scope the local art scene and go all out with a massage date – this weekend is all about soaking in those coastal vibes.
When it comes to Cabarita dining, Paper Daisy should be your first port of call. The food on here is a celebration of all that’s great about the area, served up in a relaxed and vibrant setting. No matter what you choose from the menu here, you won’t forget it – this is confident coastal cooking at its finest.
If you’re going to do Cabarita, you may as well do it all the way up – be sure to book a stay at Halcyon House, a luxury boutique hotel that will have you feeling like a movie star. This former surf motel has been resurrected as a very swanky place to stay, offering world-class facilities and an unbeatable location.
This post was created with our good friend Sofie Formica, ambassador for our official site partner Mercedes-Benz Brisbane.
