The 52 Weekends Away edition
It was quite fitting that I sat down to write this editor’s letter for our annual 52 Weekends Away issue while I was still basking in the afterglow of my own short break. A weekend of sightseeing, shopping and dining had provided an opportunity to decompress and re-energise after a particularly hectic few months. It was a timely reminder of how much impact a quick getaway can have. With today’s issue, I hope we can inspire you to achieve a similar circuit-breaker, whether you’re after a city staycation or wanting to disconnect further afield. You’ll find a curated list of mini-break ideas, compiled in collaboration with Julietta Jameson and Jane Reddy from our stablemate, Traveller. Our team of writers reviewed accommodation across Australia to suit a range of budgets and itineraries – the result should provide plenty of ideas for your next weekend escape, with the only decisions remaining being what book to read or cocktail to try! – Melissa Stevens, editor
From a mudbrick hut to a tranquil harbourside B&B – 17 perfect getaways in Victoria
Geothermal-pool paradise, off-grid glamping, a pet-friendly coastal nirvana … Victoria’s latest weekend whirls are all within easy reach of the big smoke.
Just 90 minutes from Sydney, you can relax in your own balcony bathtub with stunning views
Luxury lodges, lake-edge lolling, seaside stunners, glam-amid-grit CBD staycations and wine-country wonders: 16 great escapes in NSW.
From farm stays to island escapes – five perfect Queensland getaways
Hamilton’s five-star resort reset, a hinterland haven that becomes stargazer heaven at night, mid-rainforest luxury – and more.
‘More Med than Rotto’: Four of the best weekend getaways in WA right now
A revived Rottnest resort, a 1960s-groove beach shack, a Busselton beauty and moonlight magic – Western Australia’s weekend-away options keep getting better.
An hour from Adelaide, you can wake up to giraffes outside your window
From safari and outback escapes to CBD cool and cottagecore cosiness – here are fresh ways to recharge from the everyday in SA, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
- Two of Us
- Two of Us
How a shared passion project (and a lot of fighting) saved this marriage
After a rocky beginning, Kazumasa Yazawa and his wife Thana fell in love. Ten years later, they made a radical call: moving from Jakarta to small-town Tasmania.
- Katrina Strickland
Layne Beachley felt ‘no sparks’ with Kirk Pengilly. Then a restaurant owner stepped in
The businesswoman and former world champion surfer on coping with grief, life awakenings – and a memorable first date with her INXS musician husband.
- Benjamin Law
Is the Fonz our next style icon? The updated 80s uniform making a comeback
Inspired by a quintessential cool guy from an old TV series, dark-and-denim fashion pairings are enjoying new life.
- Damien Woolnough
Is it OK to return my neighbour’s cigarette butts to his side of the fence?
Getting into an ongoing, back-and-forth game of tossed-butt fence-tennis could have consequences, warns our Modern Guru.
- Danny Katz
Artichoke, spring garlic and mint tagliatelle
Fresh artichokes and spring garlic are the stars of this fabulous pasta.
- 30 mins - 1 hr
- Danielle Alvarez
- Review
- BiZu Hotpot
This rollicking all-you-can-eat restaurant is Melbourne’s only hatted hot pot spot
Hot pot places are bubbling up everywhere, but BiZu’s broth is brilliant, and the dipping ingredients are high-quality and beautifully prepared.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Maiz Mexican Street Food
Think you can’t get good Mexican food? You haven’t been to this Newtown one-hatter
The “best place for a meat-free meal in Sydney’s inner west” has a chef skilled at reformatting dishes from Oaxaca and Baja California.
- Callan Boys
Put your general knowledge to the test with the Good Weekend quiz
Trivia buffs: can you get a perfect score in the interactive superquiz.
Other editions
The March 21 edition
Stephanie Alexander and The Cook’s Companion at 30 | Free-diver Ant Williams | Debra Adelaide and Gabrielle Carey | How to deliver a baby on a plane
- 11 stories
The March 14 edition
The high-strung, low-key world champ who could become our most-capped swimmer | Ukraine’s world-leading robotics work | Filmmaking at -50C | Consoling a friend
- 13 stories