It’s that time of year again where it seems like almost every person you know has left the country to live it up in the sunshine of the Northern Hemisphere.
But there’s no denying the best cure for seasonal depression is a change of scenery — even if it’s just booking a weekend away closer to home.
Below, find 12 relaxing stays around Australia that will help you beat the winter blues.
Baia is a coastal getaway in Jervis Bay. Photo – Nic Gossage
Photo – Nic Gossage
Baia is a new holiday retreat on the South Coast of New South Wales that’s just as dreamy as its peaceful location.
Sydney-based sisters Gemma Cavallaro and Brooke Cavallaro spent more than two years renovating the cosy coastal cottage, turning it into a thoughtful home away from home. with both the bush and Jervis Bay’s beautiful beaches nearby!
LogBox Red Hill is a rural escape set amongst the undulating landscape of the Mornington Peninsula. Photo – Madeleine Burke
The Cabin sleeps two people. Photo – Madeleine Burke
Inside the larger Green House. Photo – Madeleine Burke
Photo – Madeleine Burke
Sliding doors immerse the home in nature. Photo – Madeleine Burke
For a winter getaway close to Melbourne, look no further than LogBox Red Hill. Guests can take their pick from three cabins on the tranquil former farm, including a converted dairy, a charming worker’s cottage, or a larger two-bedroom abode.
Each one hides playful interiors set to the backdrop of relaxing views, where guests are encouraged to ‘choose their own adventure’, whether that’s exploring the Mornington Peninsula’s coastline, or winery hopping.
Barfold Estate is tucked into Heathcote’s famous wine region. Photo – Victor Vieaux
A king bed is separated from the lounge by a double-sided fireplace. Photo – Victor Vieaux.
Layan was responsible for the architectural design and the interior design. Photo – Victor Vieaux
Set 15 minutes from the idyllic country town of Kyneton, Barfold Estate is perhaps one of the best-kept secrets of the Heathcote wine region.
The 100-acre farm, winery, and vineyard features a series of stunning architectural guest suites that are perfect for a weekend of enjoying country views by the fire, with a glass of wine in hand. Taking inspiration from Japanese and Scandinavian architecture, the simple interiors will encourage you to slow down and switch off.
Slow Beam is nestled within the West Hobart bush. Photo – Emily Weaving
The architectural holiday home. Photo – Emily Weaving
Photo – Lauren Bamford
Talk about sweeping views! Photo – Emily Weaving
Many trips to Hobart inspired Melbourne photographer Lauren Bamford to create the accommodation of her dreams: Slow Beam.
The dazzling holiday home by architect Hearth Studio feels like a moody bunker, filled with works by some of Australia’s best designers and artists, while windows frame views of the river and Hobart city. Better yet, they offer complimentary Taylor & Smith cocktails and Le Labo toiletries as part of your stay!
The two-year restoration of Sabi was a labour of love for the owners. Photography – Marnie Hawson. Editorial styling – Belle Hemming Bright
The handcrafted stone and timber cabin is located in the Bay Of Fires. Photography – Marnie Hawson. Editorial styling – Belle Hemming Bright
Photography – Marnie Hawson. Editorial styling – Belle Hemming Bright
Located in Binalong Bay in Tasmania’s famously scenic Bay of Fires region, Sabi is beautiful handcrafted stone and timber cabin.
It took more than two years of restoration, but the owners Fred and Jessica Eggleston have successfully brought the traditional Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi to life in their rustic sanctuary. There’s even an onsen, outdoor shower, and an epic fireplace inside!
Sona Molong is a 1930s bank building turned boutique accommodation in NSW. Photo – Milly Mead
The exterior reveals Spanish Mission style details. Photo – Milly Mead
Founder of home and lifestyle brand Jumbled, Pip Brett, renovated the art deco building to feature playful interiors. Photo – Milly Mead
Photo – Milly Mead
Originally an old Commonwealth Bank branch, this elegant 1930s building has been given a second life as luxurious boutique accommodation.
Pip Brett, founder of home and lifestyle brand Jumbled worked with Studio Esteta to convert the art deco beauty into an ideal base for exploring the Central Tablelands of NSW. And the interiors are delightful!
Ross Farm in South Gippsland. Photo – Eve Wilson
The farm property features three holiday homes to pick from. Photo – Eve Wilson
Photo – Eve Wilson
The serene view from The Dairy. Photo – Eve Wilson
Ross Farm is one of Australia’s most beautiful farm stays. Interior designer Andrea Moore and her dad Lindsay meticulously transformed what was a neglected old dairy farm on the outskirts of Meeniyan (a small town in South Gippsland) into a peaceful escape.
About two hour’s drive south-east from Melbourne, the accommodation is perfect wholesome activities like home cooking and quiet nature walks. Stay in the cabin, the barn or the dairy, and large groups can even book out the entire property.
The outdoor fire pit is the perfect spot for roasting marshmallows. Photo – Nick Skinner
The rustic log cabin feels like a taste of Scandinavia in Melbourne. Photo – Nick Skinner
The cosy bedroom. Photo – Nick Skinner
You can now experience what it’s like to stay in a chic Scandinavian log cabin, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne in Macedon.
Norsu Cabin is a unique A-frame retreat that’s been carefully converted into a getaway by the team at Norsu Design, created as a fitting extension of their boutique. And because the property was designed with families in mind, it sleeps up to eight guests.
The Rare Earth Retreats villas are located on a McLaren Vale winery. Photo – Harry Vick
The Clay villa. Photo – Harry Vick
Inside the earthy getaway. Photo – Harry Vick
Photo – Harry Vick
Go off-grid in style at Rare Earth Retreats in the wine region of McLaren Vale. Located in the midst of a picturesque working vineyard, the sustainable accommodation runs entirely off solar power, recycled rainwater, while the villas themselves were built to showcase natural materials.
Indulge in a bottle of wine, a soak in the outdoor bath, or book an in-house massage for complete R&R!
Provider House is the accommodation arm of Provider Store. Photo – Adam Gibson
The accommodation is surrounded by bush in in Lenah Valley, Hobart. Photo – Adam Gibson
Photo – Adam Gibson
Whether you like venturing out or prefer staying in, Provider House is perfect for a winter trip to Tasmania. Run by Tara Bennett, the Japanese-inspired timber home surrounded by bushland is only 15 minutes from the centre of Hobart.
Plus, the accommodation is styled to perfection with homewares from Tara’s business Provider Store, so if you fall in love with the kitchen knives or ceramics, you can buy them for your own home.
Ogee Guesthouse is a great option for those travelling to Tasmania. Photo – Lean Timms
The accommodation adjoins the restaurant of the same name next door. Photo – Lean Timms
Heritage flair has been maintained in the renovation. Photo – Lean Timms
Photo – Lean Timms
North Hobart’s newest accommodation is a sibling to one of its most acclaimed modern restaurants, Ogee.
Aptly named Ogee Guesthouse, the heritage 1900s terrace is an extension of the neighbouring restaurant that exudes the same warmth, sumptuous interiors, and appreciation for good music and food.
Yarra Valley No.1 is DSTNTN’s first accommodation. Photo – Alberto Zimmermann
The 19-square-metre mirrored home is nestled into the historic Tara Rise gardens. Photo – Alberto Zimmermann
Soak in the outdoor bathtub. Photo – Alberto Zimmermann
There are a few famous mirror houses around the world, and now, Australia has one too. DSTNTN has just opened a new mirror home retreat that almost disappears into the natural surrounds of Victoria’s beautiful Yarra Valley.
The reflective retreat is a romantic getaway for two, or even for a solo trip, where you’ll feel immersed in the historic gardens — and you don’t even have to step outside!
