Autumn has arrived in Australia which means Easter is just around the corner. And while we're excited about the (dairy-free) chocolate, it's the long weekend + thoughts of a relaxing getaway that are front of mind. 

We’ve rounded up some fabulous recommendations of places to eat, stay + play all around Australia.  And, of course, we've got the perfect travel bags to accompany you on your Easter getaway adventures.

Victoria

Stay: Jackalope Hotel in Merricks North, on the Mornington Peninsula, is set amidst an 11 hectare winery with close to 50 more cellar doors nearby.  With contemporary art installations dotted throughout, Jackalope is a spectacular destination for lunch, dinner, or a weekend stay.

Eat: Try Red Sparrow in Collingwood for delicious plant based pizza, the Cornish Arms in Brunswick for a huge array of vegan options + the fun of a rooftop bar, or Shu in Collingwood for moreish plant based Sichuan cuisine.

Play: Spark creativity + soak up inspiration from the arts community - the Melbourne Comedy Festival is on from 29 March - 23 April, or check out & Juliet  running until 9 April at the Regent Theatre.

 

New South Wales

Stay: Crystalbrook Albion is an intimate, luxury guesthouse in Surry Hills, with nooks to linger in + a rooftop designed for relaxation + conversation.  And we love that it's pet friendly.

Eat: Wherever you stay in Sydney, there are vegan restaurants + cafes aplenty for a getaway filled with plant based goodness. Check out The Green Lion for plant based versions of pub favourites, or Bad Hombres for Mexican inspired vegan plates, tequila + cocktails.

Play: Visit the Sydney Vegan Market on Sunday March 19 + April 30 for an impressive array of vegan goodies, free yoga sessions + live music.

 

Queensland

Stay: Ovolo The Valley is a luxury boutique hotel with an artistic + opinionated vibe.  It has a vegetarian restaurant + vegan cocktail bar onsite, and even a 'V.I.Pooch' option that provides a dog bed, toys + treats for your furry travel companion.

Eat: Visit I Like Ramen at Nobby's Beach for plant based ramen, cocktails + Japanese whisky, or go for traditional Italian food made vegan at Nonna's Nightmare in West End.

Play: Take a guided walk around the Burleigh Headland with a Traditional Custodian + learn the indigenous history of the Gold Coast and dreamtime stories of Jellurgal, the 'Dreaming Mountain.'

 

South Australia

Stay: The Hotel Indigo celebrates + honours the local history of the Adelaide Market Precinct + juxtaposes this with contemporary architecture + art - try the rooftop bar for drinks with a view.

Play: Explore 'Andy Warhol + Photography: A Social Media' at the Art Gallery of SA until 14 May.

Eat: Two-Bit Villains in the Grand Ballroom of Adelaide Arcade melds an American diner menu with a plant based philosophy, so enjoy vegan tacos, burgers, hotdogs and mac + cheese, or head to Staazi + Co for classic Greek food made vegan.

 

Tasmania 

Stay: The MACq 01 on the Hobart waterfront is, rather delightfully, a ‘storytelling hotel’, with each of its rooms referencing a local Tasmanian character, and a huge fireplace in the main reception area purposefully designed to encourage guests to sit + share their own stories.  

Eat: If you're heading north, visit the Launceston Harvest Market to stock up on Artisa plant based cheeses, or if you're staying down south, make sure you check out Veg Bar in Hobart for a colour riot of plant based food + drinks.

Play: Recharge in world famous nature by exploring Tasmania's World Heritage Wilderness. Plan your route for anything from a leisurely 40 minute walk to a 6 day hike, taking in spectacular views of the Franklin River, Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair + more.

 

Western Australia

Stay: Balingup Highview Chalets boasts some lush views from each of its one room studio chalets, plus there's an animal sanctuary with rescued cows, sheep, alpacas, kangaroos + more on the property. Immerse yourself in this stunning + peaceful landscape, just an hour from the Margaret River region.

Play: Be inspired by 'Beyond Surface', an exhibition of works in paper + clay by Valerie Schönjahn and Miguel Castro at the Rockingham Arts Centre. Thoughtfully described as an 'internal dialogue about peace + connection', the exhibition runs from 8 March - 2 April.

Eat: Flora + Fauna is a tiny hole-in-the-wall cafe in Northbridge, with an extensive vegan menu + a frankly adorable outdoor seating area. Mother in Fremantle has a focus on plant based food + sustainability, with a long list of vegan wines.

 

What bag to pack for your Easter getaway?

Wherever you're headed, the Daytripper is our tote of choice for an Easter getaway - it's designed as a weekender / overnight bag, or a carry on if you're managing a longer trip. 

If you only have space to pack one handbag (quelle horreur!), make it a crossbody bag like the Reader Satchel or Bright Spark.  Dress it up or down, go hands free while walking + sightseeing, take it to a glamorous dinner or a casual brunch - it will do the most jobs in your holiday wardrobe.

We'd also suggest tossing in an Xtra Overflow or Traveller Tote, super useful canvas totes that can be rolled up or flattened + popped in your suitcase. They're ideal to take to farmer's markets, to the beach, to hold newspapers + fresh bread, to carry shopping....all the fun things. 

We hope you are able to take some peaceful time out this Easter, to enjoy visiting somewhere new in cruelty free style.

XO,

Studio Sans Beast