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Never underestimate how pleasurable it can be to holiday at home. A city staycation can be as relaxing as a week-long holiday to a far-flung destination. Check into a lovely hotel and let it become your home away from home as you enjoy a break in one of these great Aussie cities. Don a fluffy bathrobe and run a bubble bath, lounge around the pool, sip on a cocktail in a rooftop bar, then get out and explore your own backyard.
The Harbour City: Sydney
Sydney has a great line-up of music, art, and cultural events for 2022, kicking off with the ever-popular Sydney Festival. Begin your staycation with a glass of wine at Above 319, the stylish rooftop bar at the Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun go down and is guaranteed to put you into holiday mode.
The hotel is within walking distance of shops and restaurants in the CBD, Darling Harbour, King Street Wharf and Barangaroo. Get out and enjoy Sydney’s fabulous shows and exhibitions, including Girl From The North Country, which boldly reimagines Bob Dylan’s songs, and The Way We Eat, a fascinating exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW.
Marvellous Melbourne
Dine at one of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Attica, for sheer indulgence before being further pampered at Vibe Hotel Melbourne. With unrivalled views, this gorgeous hotel is perfectly located for exploring the city’s beating heart, its famous alleyways and cafés, colourful street art and fantastic bars.
Check out the imaginative new 80 Collins development or head across the river to Southbank for more restaurants and bars. Hire a Go Boat on the Yarra or swim with the seals and dolphins in Port Phillip Bay with the eco-conscious Sea All Dolphin Swims.
How Good is Hobart?
Hobart is an insanely beautiful place for a staycation, nestled as it is around the picturesque River Derwent with lovely old sandstone buildings and colonial-era cottages. In the historic centre, the Vibe Hotel Hobart is strikingly modern, its trademark coloured fins a little avant-garde, just like many of the city’s events and attractions.
Chief amongst them is MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art which challenges perceptions with its quirky and contemplative installations. Take the ferry to arrive at Mona in style for special experiences like high tea in the Ladies Lounge, a rockstar afternoon, a guided tasting of Moorilla wines or a posh day out.
MONA FOMA, Hobart’s summer festival of art, music and other fun things, is back this year with concerts on the lawns, Midnight Oil, 18 straight hours of Bach, new works from Pakana artists, you name it …
Soak up the Sunshine in Perth
Australia’s sunniest state capital, Perth, is perfect for a city staycation, its laidback ambience easily putting you in holiday mode. Relax around the sun-kissed pool and rooftop bar at the Vibe Hotel Subiaco Perth, in the heart of buzzing ‘Subi’ as the locals affectionately call it.
Perth is blessed with beautiful beaches within easy reach of the city. The white sands of Cottesloe will be transformed in March when Sculpture by the Sea, showcases the talents of more than 70 artists from around the world.
For outrageous fun, the internationally acclaimed circus comedy troupe, Dummies Corp, presents Dumtectives in Cirque Noir in Perth’s Pleasure Garden Spiegeltent. Following its premiere there, it will move to Melbourne.
With Australia’s live entertainment industry back in the swing of things, a city staycation also beckons for productions such as The Wedding Singer (Sydney, Melbourne and Perth) and Moulin Rouge! The Musical! (Melbourne and Sydney from May). Live large for a night or two!
** Peace of mind when you stay with us: Introducing Clean Touch. Note some activities listed may be subject to Covid restrictions.**
