5 Places to hideaway for the weekend

YHA Blue Mountains (Katoomba)

The fresh air of the mountains simply can't be beaten. A short drive from Sydney, you'll feel miles away from the hustle and bustle when you're cozied up in the artsy town of Katoomba. Rich with local creative culture, there's always something on to inspire and delight. Of course, you can't miss the natural wonders, and with walks of all sorts, reconnect with the world around you with sights that are too stunning to miss! Stay at YHA Blue Mountains (Katoomba), and relax on the sprawling lawn, play some chess, and bring along a book to enjoy the mountain magic in Katoomba.

YHA Grampians Eco

Situated on the outskirts of Grampians National Park, when you hide out at YHA Grampians Eco (Halls Gap), you’ll be surrounded by the calming aura of lush forest. Native birds chirping, treetops swaying in the breeze with the sunshine seeping through, you'd be hard-pressed not to find your inner peace here. The Grampians is beautiful all year round, but is truly something special in winter, waterfalls run rampant and the greenery comes to life.

The atmosphere at YHA Grampians Eco makes your time in the Grampians all the more magical. Warm up by the fire pit at night, and feel your worries drift away into the air, along with the smell of burning wood and the soothing sounds of a crackling fire. The best part? This accommodation is famous for its ecological sustainability, who doesn't love an escape while actively reducing your footprint on Mother Earth!

YHA Port Elliot

No need to listen to ocean sounds through your headphones to help you sleep. At YHA Port Elliot, you’ll fall asleep to the sound of the sea for real, every single night. A historical boutique Beachouse, YHA Port Elliot is the best spot to base yourself when in the Flerieu Peninsula for a relaxing getaway. With 270 degree views of the Southern Ocean coastline, you’ll find it difficult to drag yourself away from the balcony, but the breathtaking walks, beaches and lookouts of Port Elliot should provide sufficient motivation.

Once you’ve explored the day away, a friendly, homely and beachy vibe at YHA Port Elliot awaits you. Enjoy the best sleep you’ve had in a long time, and wake up feeling about a tonne lighter. And you didn’t even check Instagram once!

YHA Port Fairy

Just as magical as the name implies, Port Fairy is an idyllic seaside town on the Great Ocean Road, a hidden gem, yet constantly voted as one of the best towns in Australia. Just a stone's throw from the centre of town, YHA Port Fairy is heritage listed and is the former home of the town founder, a true relic of the Victorian era.

It won’t take you long to get swept up in the friendly, charming and above all relaxed vibe of the town, you can watch the fishermen unload their catch for the day, laze on the beach, meet the local wildlife and wander the wide streets lined with adorable nineteenth century cottages. At the YHA, you can breathe in the salty air as you spend some me-time in the beautifully kept garden, or curl up by the open fireplace with that book you’ve had for months but never got around to reading.

YHA Pittwater Eco

Need to get out of the city, without actually leaving Sydney? Say hello to YHA Pittwater Eco, your personal, enchanting oasis away from the metro crazy. Set on the hillside of Morning Bay in Ku-ring-gai National Park, you’re truly away from the world here, so much so that you’ll need to bring your own food, as you won’t find any shops around!

You won’t be wanting for entertainment, spend your days kayaking and picnicking around magical Morning Bay, bushwalking to lookouts and exploring Aboriginal engraving sites and waterfalls. You’ll also see plenty of native animals in their natural habitat. Basically, Pittwater has everything you need for time spent away detoxing the soul and inner rejuvenation. When night falls, roast marshmallows upon the fire pit under the stars. Now that's what we call getting back to the beautiful, brilliant basics.