Byron Bay, NSW

Byron delivers every single time. Start at the weekend markets, where you'll find good food, local makers and the kind of relaxed browsing that stretches a morning in the best possible way. From there, do the lighthouse walk. The track curves around the headland and finishes at one of the most iconic views on the east coast. Work up an appetite and take your time over a long lunch at Rays. Then end the day at the Beach Hotel for live music and pub classics done genuinely well. The front bar, the beer garden, a cold drink and a band. That's a perfect day.

Lennox Head, NSW

Lennox is the kind of town that makes you want to move there immediately. Drive up to the headland first. The view over the ocean from up there is worth the detour, then walk the track South with the ocean below you the whole way. The beach is beautiful, the surf break loyal, the main street easy to wander. It doesn't perform for anyone and that's exactly the appeal. Park up, walk to the water and the rest of the day sorts itself out.

Easy to get to and very easy to leave late.

Mullumbimby, NSW

Mullumbimby is doing its own thing entirely and it's completely worth the visit. The main street has independent galleries, great coffee, wholefood cafes and a farmers market that's worth setting the alarm for. Book into Banya Bathhouse while you're there. Hot and cold pools, steam and somewhere to properly slow down. The surrounding valley is green, quiet and beautiful on a misty morning

If you haven't been, add it to the list.

Murwillumbah, NSW

Murwillumbah sits at the foot of the Tweed Valley with Mount Warning (Wollumbin) rising behind it, and the scenery alone makes it worth the drive. The town is finding its feet with good food and creative businesses establishing themselves alongside the long-standing charm of the place. The Tweed Regional Gallery is here too and is absolutely worth a visit. Hire a bike and do the rail trail. It follows the old cane railway through the valley and the views along it are something else.

Springbrook, QLD

Head inland from the Gold Coast and within forty-something minutes you're in ancient rainforest. Springbrook National Park genuinely stops you in your tracks. Waterfalls, enormous trees, lookouts over the coast and cool, damp air that makes the Gold Coast feel like a completely different place.

The Natural Bridge circuit is a favourite for good reason. The Canyon Lookout on a clear day is hard to forget.

Mount Tamborine, QLD

Mount Tamborine is a great day out for almost anyone, which is part of what makes it so good. The Gallery Walk has boutique shops, local wine, fudge in more flavours than seems reasonable and a lovely slow energy that suits a weekend morning perfectly. Away from the strip, the national park sections are quiet and genuinely stunning.

It's the kind of place that works for everyone, which is a harder thing to pull off than it sounds.

Brisbane, QLD

Sometimes you just want a city fix, and Brisbane is right there. Close enough to home that it doesn't need to be a big production. Head up for South Bank, Fortitude Valley, West End, a good restaurant or just the feeling of a skyline and a bit of urban energy. You can be home the same night without it feeling rushed.

An easy day well spent.