The Local Getaways Worth Moving To The Top Of Your List In 2026
Kayla Wratten
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List Queensland
As travellers swap big-ticket holidays for more frequent getaways, local travel has never been more appealing. Weekend city breaks and closer-to-home escapes come with all the benefits of a rejuvenating holiday, sans the jet lag.
Luckily, we’re spoiled for choice Down Under with dozens of destinations to satisfy our travel cravings year-round, from Queensland’s white-sand beaches to Sydney’s world-class dining scene. And across the country, Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites properties are perfectly positioned to help you make the most of your stay. Keep reading for Urban List's edit of the hidden haunts and local favourites worth planning a trip around.
These are the kinds of local discoveries worth telling your friends about—or even sharing for your chance to win a $5,000 Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites escape. Interested? Read on to find out how you could be a winner.
Jump ahead:
NSW
Spice Alley
Chippendale, Sydney
There’s more to Sydney than the Opera House and east-coast beaches. Tucked away in Chippendale, an inner-city suburb just a short stroll from the CBD, Spice Alley is a buzzing laneway lined with hawker-style eateries serving everything from steaming bowls of ramen and handmade dumplings to Malaysian curries and Singaporean street food. Pull up a seat beneath the glowing lanterns and order a few dishes to share in this local hideaway.
Insider's Tip: Going with a group? Pre-order Sedap Malaysian's iconic 'Sydney’s largest fried rice', piled high with dozens of satay skewers, shrimp crackers and fried eggs for an epic feed.
Clayfields Artisan Honey
Hunter Valley
Image credit: Clayfields Artisan Honey | Instagram
This boutique honey farm is one of the Hunter Valley's sweetest hidden gems. Pop in to sample small-batch raw honey, browse locally made honey products and learn about the important role bees play in the region's vineyards and native bushland. It's a unique alternative to the Hunter's famed cellar doors and a great stop for food lovers looking to discover something a little different.
Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery
Crackenback
In the Snowy Mountains, Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery is the highest distillery in Australia. Wander through the striking sculpture garden, settle in for a long lunch overlooking the alpine landscape or sample the distillery's award-winning schnapps, vodka and gin. Whether you're visiting after a morning on the trails or looking for a cosy après-style stop, this local favourite is well worth adding to your itinerary.
Where To Stay
Base yourself at Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites or Oaks Sydney Castlereagh Suites, both perfectly placed for exploring Sydney's neighbourhood gems, from Chippendale's buzzing food scene to hidden city laneways. If you do decide to extend your escape beyond the city, the Hunter Valley and Snowy Mountains make for easy road-trip additions. For when you're in the Hunter the Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort is your player of chouce and in the Snowy Mountains you're going to want to pay Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort a visit.
QLD
Moffat Beach
Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
While Kings Beach is undoubtedly the most popular beach in Caloundra, walk a little further around the headland and you’ll find a white-sand haven: Moffat Beach. This peaceful slice of paradise pairs a surfing point break with a family-friendly creek perfect for paddling. Beyond the beach, expect a relaxed village atmosphere with boutique shops, fish and chipperies, and cosy cafes.
Insider's Tip: Don't skip The Pocket Espresso Bar, a killer cafe by day and a laidback bar with live music and cocktails by night.
California Lane
Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
Image credit: California Lane | Brisbane
California Lane is a heritage-listed 1960s-styled laneway packed wall-to-wall with juice bars, restaurants, coffee shops, galleries and even a new whimsy-themed bookstore. The pastel-hued street is home to frequent creative markets, music trails and record fairs; keep an eye on their Instagram for event updates.
Logan Road Antique Street
Wooloongabba, Brisbane
You’d never expect to find a pocket of vintage charm just across from The Gabba, Brisbane's sporting precinct. Housed within beautifully restored 1880s heritage buildings, Logan Road Antique Street has transformed into one of Brisbane’s most interesting dining and nightlife destinations, with cool wine bars, Italian enotecas and hidden speakeasies to discover. There’s even the chance to dine inside a vintage tram at Mr Badgers, adding a quirky twist to your night out.
Insider’s Tip: Before a game at The Gabba, gather your mates for a drink at Stickybeak, a self-serve wine bar with a sunny verandah that’s perfect for pre-match drinks.
Where To Stay
Whether you're planning a Sunshine Coast beach break or a Brisbane city escape, Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort and Oaks Brisbane on Charlotte Suites put you within easy reach of local favourites like Moffat Beach, California Lane and Logan Road Antique Street. The best part? These are the kinds of lesser-known spots Oaks guests love discovering—and sharing.
VIC
Cathedral Arcade
Melbourne CBD
Melbourne City is bursting with beautiful arcades. For a lesser-known arcade and creative hub, Cathedral Arcade is a must-visit. The L-shaped gallery is stacked with vintage stores and independent slow fashion boutiques, such as Melbourne labels Kuwaii and Obus. As the only remaining Art Deco arcade in Melbourne with a vaulted, lead-light ceiling and central dome, it's worth a visit for the architecture alone.
Insider’s Tip: Shopped up a storm? Rest and reset at Cathedral Coffee, a cool cafe and wine bar found right at the entrance of the gallery.
Il Papiro
Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Il Papiro | Instagram
Stationery lovers need to pay a visit to Il Papiro. This authentic Florentine stationery shop imports hand-decorated marbled paper, leather-bound journals, and Venetian glass pens straight from Italy. Pick up leather-bound photo albums, wax seals, stamps, desk accessories, and their famous Florentine paper, or simply swing by for an inspiring browse.
Insider’s Tip: Keep the stationery crawl going with Melbourne-founded brand Milligram and Austrian brand Paper Republic, both located in the CBD.
Federal Mills
North Geelong
The gateway to the Great Ocean Road, Geelong is a stunning waterfront destination for a local getaway. Another reason to visit is Federal Mills, a restored wool mill precinct that's home to specialty cafes, artisan retailers, local makers and regular community markets. Swing by Paddock Bakery for brunch, join a gin tasting at Anther Distillery or book a table at 1915, a premium restaurant inside a century-old boiler house. Keep an eye on their website for upcoming markets, workshops and events.
Where To Stay
Stay at Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel or Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites and you'll be perfectly positioned to explore Melbourne's iconic arcades, independent boutiques and hidden cafes before venturing further afield to Geelong for a day trip. It's proof that the best city escapes are often found just beyond the obvious.
WA
London Court
Perth CBD
While most people stroll straight through heritage-listed shopping destination London Court, few take the time to explore the surrounding laneways branching off this historic arcade. Venture beyond the Tudor-style facades to uncover hidden cafes, independent boutiques and small bars tucked between heritage buildings, offering a quieter side of Perth's bustling CBD.
Laneway Bars
Perth CBD
Image credit: Varnish On King | Instagram
Beyond Perth’s wide streets and sunny plazas, a network of character-filled laneways reveals a more intimate side of the city. Hidden between office towers and heritage buildings, these tucked-away streets are where you’ll find colourful street art, snug cafes and some of Perth’s best after-dark gems. Wander through Wolf Lane, Shafto Lane or Prince Lane to discover rooftop bars, cocktail lounges and relaxed wine bars perfect for a nightcap.
Insider's Tip: When the sun goes down, head straight to Varnish On King, a basement bar tucked beneath King Street, specialising in American whiskey, classic cocktails and Southern-inspired snacks.
Short St Gallery
Broome CBD
Tucked away on a quiet street just behind Chinatown, Short St Gallery showcases contemporary Aboriginal art from some of the Kimberley's most celebrated artists. Housed in a heritage-listed 1890's building, it's a peaceful place to browse, chat with knowledgeable staff and perhaps even take home a meaningful piece of the region, whether you're an avid collector or simply appreciate local creativity.
Where To Stay
For a Perth city stay, Oaks Perth Hotel, Oaks Broome Hotel or Oaks Perth on Murray Hotel make the perfect launchpad for uncovering hidden laneways, small bars and local galleries. Looking further north? Pair your Kimberley adventure with an Oaks stay before or after your journey to discover even more of Western Australia's lesser-known treasures.
From tucked-away eateries and creative laneways to quiet beaches and artisan makers, Australia's best travel moments are often the ones you stumble across yourself. Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites makes it easy to stay close to the action, wherever your next local escape takes you.
Think you've discovered a hidden gem of your own? Share it for your chance to win a $5,000 Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites escape*, and inspire someone else's next weekend away.
The Details:
The prize: $5,000 Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suite voucher
Dates: 13 July–31 August 2026
How to enter: Submit your hidden gem from across Australia and New Zealand here for your chance to win. One winner will be drawn on 1 September 2026. T&Cs apply.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suite and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suitel | Supplied