easter adventures

There’s a long weekend getaway to suit everyone and best of all, these destinations are just a hop, skip and a jump away

DAYLESFORD

Photo: Visions of Victoria
\ Mike DunnWash away your worries in this quaint Victorian town, where the natural springs and therapists have launched it as the spa capital of Australia.

Daylesford Day Spa (25 Albert St, tel: +61 (3) 5348 2331) is the area’s most well-established day spa. Its signature treatment is stone therapy, but why not break out the chocolate and celebrate Easter with a Chocolate Decadence Package (180 minutes: single AU$290, double AU$550)? It begins with a vanilla spa, then a luscious one-hour chocolate massage with chocolate-scented massage oil, followed by a 45-minute chocolate scrub and a 45-minute chocolate wrap. Teens are not forgotten with all-natural Jurlique facials and men’s facials, both 60 minutes for AU$100.

Get ahead with a scalp
massage at Daylesford
Day SpaSalus Spa (Lake House, King St, tel: +61 (3) 5348 3329) is a retreat-style spa that you’ll want to call home, especially if you indulge in the Private Tree-top Mineral Spa treatment (30 minutes, AU$70 for two, AU$60 for singles). Cosy up in your own private cedar-lined tree-top cabin overlooking a lagoon and private Japanese-style tub filled with heated mineral water. Just pour in some aromatherapy oils for complete relaxation. Longer treatments (around two hours) start from AU$255.

East meets west at the blink-and-you-miss-it retreat, Peppershell Place Day Spa (49 Ingrow Ln, off Vincent St North, tel: +61 (3) 5348 3135). Packages are designed for two and you can mix and match facials with massages. A blissful choice is the Massage, Face and Scalp package: a 45-minute aromatherapy facial massage including a soothing scalp massage plus a 45-minute body massage of your choice. Our pick is the traditional Shiatsu Japanese Massage: acupressure, relaxation massage and aromatic oils all rolled into one! Package prices from AU$270 for two people. – Hope Twyford

Accessible from Melbourne-Tullamarine and Melbourne-Avalon.

MARGARET RIVER

The once-sleepy surfing town of Margaret River, equally acclaimed for its wines, is now an adventurers’ paradise.

The best way to get a bird’s eye view of some of the region’s dramatic scenery is to grab a rope and hang off one of the towering cliffs. Mick from Margaret River Climbing Company (tel: +61 415 970 522) specialises in abseiling, rock climbing and caving.

He has tours for all levels of experience and fitness. Kitesurfing – a combination of parasailing and surfing – is the new action sport. Margaret River Kitesurfing & Windsurfing (tel: +61 419 959 053), located alongside the world-renowned Prevelly Park surfing breaks, will have you gliding along the waves in no time; group or one-on-one lessons are available.

If you’re not quite so fearless, take a joy ride with Ecostar Helicopters (tel: +61 405 756 189) and view the famous region in comfort. Staff can also organise whale watching and wine tours with your very own chopper! Get your blood rushing with a Dirty Detours (tel: +61 417 998 816) mountain bike ride through some of the most scenic forest in the area, on either a hair-raising or laid-back track.

Ladies can find relaxation and action in one place with Escape Safaris for Women (tel: +61 (8) 9755 2488). Activities include surfing and yoga lessons, bushwalking and sea kayaking. For something more chilled out but just as much fun, join one of John’s Wine for Dudes bus tours (+61 427 774 994) to some of the region’s best cellar doors and on to a gourmet picnic lunch. If wine isn’t your drop, visit one of the local breweries and sample the hand-crafted beers. Many of the bigger breweries have live entertainment planned for Easter – check out Bush Shack Brewery (Hemsley Road, Yallingup, tel: +61 (8) 9755 2848) and Bootleg Brewery (Cnr Johnson & Puzey Roads, Wilyabrup, tel: +61 (8) 9755 6300). – Matt Kinder Accessible from Perth.

NOOSA

Wash away your worries
at Aqua Day SpaAfter dining, shopping and sunning in style, scrub, massage and soothe your worries away with Noosa’s extensive choice of heavenly massage treatments.

Feel like a Roman emperor at Noosa Springs Resort (tel: +61 (7) 5440 3333), which boasts a heat and water facility based on European bathing rituals. The HydroMassage & Steam Experience, which features a muscle-soothing underwater jet massage, is great value at AU$60. Try some self-worship at The Noosa Spa (tel: +61 (7) 5447 1424) with the Caribbean Therapy Treatment, which includes exfoliation, seaweed masque, scalp and face massage, as well as a restorative body massage, for just AU$145. Head to the Eumundi Markets (tel: +61 (7) 5442 7106) in Noosa’s lush hinterlands, where healers and therapists deliver no-frills reflexology and chair massage sessions; on Saturdays from 6.30am to 2pm. Sunkissed and soporific best describes the result of the one-hour beach massages (AU$70) given underneath a gazebo in front of the Sea Haven Resort by therapist Lyn (mobile: +61 411 212 329). For upscale luxury, Aqua Day Spa (tel: +61 (7) 5449 4777) at Sheraton Noosa Resort offers memorable rituals such as Nirvana in Noosa, a 90-minute scrub and massage (AU$185). Alternatively chill out in their Aqua Therapy Centre, an oasis of water therapies and steam rooms (day pass AU$30). It feels more authentic to have treatments with local ingredients and Coral Moon (tel: +61 (7) 5474 1444), Noosa’s native aromatherapy brand, has long been found at the town’s best spas. Now you can pick up a bottle of luscious oil for DIY massages. You’re in glamorous company too: Elle McPherson and Madonna reportedly adore Coral Moon. Keep in shape over Easter at Yoga Central (tel: +61 427 485 178), an Iyengar-style yoga studio with lush rainforest views situated just 10 minutes from town. Beginners, advanced and private classes are available (casual class AU$17). – Judy Chapman

Accessible from the Sunshine Coast.

AKAROA

If French whaling captain Jean Langlois had got his way in 1838, locals in this beautiful town just beyond Christchurch, New Zealand, would be speaking French too. Unfortunately for him, the British Union Jack flag was hoisted above the harbour town six days before he returned.

Memories of that time are displayed at the Akaroa Museum (cnr rue Lavaud and rue Balguerie, tel: +64 (3) 304 1013) and at Langlois-Eteveneaux (also on rue Lavaud), a French colonial-style cottage where lipstick-red geraniums spill over window boxes and the aroma of freshly-baked croissants from the Akaroa Bakery fills the air.

Cafés chalkboard local delicacies such as Akaroa salmon and greenlip mussels and a lavender-fringed path leads to Le Jardin (43 rue Lavaud, tel: +64 (3) 304 7020) where Thai cuisine is the speciality. Check-out Ca Bouge which stocks cutting-edge New Zealand fashion (31 rue Lavaud, tel: +64 (3) 304 8024) while at Naturally Jade’s tranquil showroom, master carver Graeme Wylie cuts New Zealand jade with perfect precision (57 rue Lavaud, tel: +64 (3) 304 7781).

For gorgeous harbour views, breakfast through dinner, visit Bully Hayes (57 Beach Rd, tel: +64 (3) 304 7533) where the seafood chowder is famous. Ma Maison restaurant and bar has the best seats in town for sunset cocktails and innovative local cuisine (2 rue Jolie, tel: +64 (3) 304 7668).

On the pier, look for the blue artisan shop where Murray Brereton crafts Akaroa blue pearls (Main Wharf, tel: +64 (3) 304 7877) into conversation-piece jewellery. Then board the Akaroa Dolphins cruiser (65 Beach Rd, tel: +64 (3) 304 7866) to search for rare Hector dolphins.

Observe traditional cheese-making at Barrys Bay Cheese (Barrys Bay, tel: +64
(3) 304 5809) where cheeses are produced using milk from Akaroa’s pristine pastures. Then follow the inlet to French Farm Winery & Restaurant (French Farm Valley Rd, tel: +64 (3) 304 5784) for a platter of local produce and a glass of signature pinot noir. – Carol West

Accessible from Christchurch.

ADELAIDE HILLS

An old sign reminds us of
Hahndorf’s historyHead for the hills and the great food and wine available in the charming towns and villages of the Mount Lofty Ranges

The biggest picnic race meeting in the southern hemisphere takes place over Easter at the Oakbank Racing Club (Oakwood Rd, tel: +61 (8) 8388 4072). The Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival has two race days – Easter Saturday and Easter Monday – and the big prize money involved draws thousands of spectators, making for a great carnival atmosphere. After all that cheering, you’ll probably go in search of a cold beer; but you’ll soon find the town’s two historic breweries have a new purpose these days: one is home to J&AG Johnston (18 Oakwood Rd, tel: +61
(8) 8388 4263), which sells cordials and soft drinks; the other houses the Oakbank Weaver (9 Elizabeth St, tel: +61 (8) 8388 4597).

You might try a winery instead. The Shaw + Smith Tasting Room (Jones Rd, Balhannah, tel: +61 (8) 8398 0500) is only open weekends. Make time for lunch at Petaluma Restaurant at Bridgewater Mill (Mount Barker Rd, Bridgewater, tel: +61 (8) 8339 9222) and admire the heritage-listed stone flourmill and water wheel.

Make a day of it at the
Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival

A favourite destination for visitors is Hahndorf, settled by Germans in 1839 and still retaining an authentic flavour. Head to the main strip and mingle with the new “settlers” over a European big breakfast at the Goulash Pot (2/42 Main St, tel: +61 (8) 8388 1366). Down the road Pot Belly Pies (37 Main St, tel: +61 (8) 8388 7591) – voted “best pies in South Australia” – may have new owners but the original recipes have remained; down one on the spot and pack as many as you can to go. Culture fiends should visit Udder Delights Cheese Cellar (91A Main St, tel: +61 (8) 8388 1588), which specialises in goat’s milk cheeses – enjoy a tasting platter on the verandah.

For an unforgettable dinner, go to Piccadilly Restaurant & Wine Bar (tel: +61 (8) 8339 6777) at the historic Mount Lofty House in Crafers, showcasing exceptional regional produce; bookings recommended. – Anne Loh

Accessible from Adelaide.

TWEED HEADS

Photo: Caroline MoranoIf you’re searching for a different, more relaxed take on the usual Gold Coast beach holiday, then New South Wales’ Tweed Heads is your destination.

The crowds are usually smaller on the Tweed Coast beaches, but don’t let this fool you – surf’s up! Head to Tweed Coast Adventures (the office is at the Boat House at Salt, Point Break Circuit, Kingscliff South, tel: +61 (2) 6674 1039) for surf lessons with instructor Simon Whicker. Whether you’re the next Layne Beachley or just improving your “pop up” move, the Surfing Australia-accredited surf school offers lessons with professional coaches whatever your experience.

If you don’t want to hit the beach, Melaleuca Station (9394 Tweed Valley Way, Chinderah, tel: +61 (2) 6674 3777) – a recreated 1920s Victorian Railway station – offers some of the simpler pleasures of country life such as a ride on a coal-fired steam train, a farm tour, fishing and sheep races. Families can have a laugh reliving the “good ol’ days”, playing the didgeridoo and bush dancing.

The Tweed’s only winery, ILNAM Estate Winery (750 Carool Rd, Carool, tel: +61 (7) 5590 7703) is worth a visit. Just 15 minutes from Tweed Heads, it not only offers a wide array of wines and a café, but also has a unique “Bottle Your Own Wine” tour.

Practise your bartering skills at the markets in nearby towns. Try the Kingscliff Markets (Marine Parade, Kingscliff tel: +61(2) 6674 0827) on a Saturday, or on Easter Sunday, drive to the Murwillumbah Markets in the showgrounds of this tranquil country town. The kids can get their faces painted while you shop for preserves and plants.

Cabarita Beach is all about fun in the sun! Celebrate Easter with a day of beach cricket and a barbeque under the shaded facilities on the headland. Follow one of the walkways through the forest or around the headland and cool down with an ice cream at Froggy’s Gourmet Munchies (Coast Rd, tel: +61 (2) 6676 3122). – Jacinta Cummins

Accessible from the Gold Coast and Ballina Byron.

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