Our suggestions for lavishing some attention on your closest circle: spa treatments, cocktails, retail therapy and more. Because, as the advert says, you’re worth it. So gather the girls and go!
Big-zero birthday? Pre-wedding? Post-divorce? There are many reasons why you and your closest besties may need some time out together. And who cares if your Significant Other must find their own socks and undies while you’re away? They probably have the pizza home delivery number memorised already.
But there’s no need to trudge all the way to the flashy Gold Coast to cut loose from your routines. We have all the makings for a fabulous getaway for you and your gang right here.
One important point: the night life here doesn’t include pumping nightclubs. But you’ll find plenty of live music at venues across the region, with regular live shows from local musicians and visiting bands. And you know there’s always a space big enough to dance on and have fun with your girls, even if just for that one OMG-fave song.
Accommodation options
First you should check our accommodation suggestions for girls-only getaways, you’ll be spoilt for choice: secluded farm stays, luxury apartments in the middle of the action, Insta-worthy beachside shacks, charming country cottages, campgrounds with luxe facilities, laid-back resorts and motels that Johnny Rose would be proud of. Even a genuine American tipi and barn for a country-western-Shania-Twain moment to laugh about for years to come.
Spa treatments
Let’s start with the princess (or queen) for a day options: day spas, treatments, therapies, skin and body rejuvenation, non-toxic products… you can unwrap and unravel yourself here. You’ll also find waxing, tanning, cosmetic tattooing, injectables, lash extensions and acrylic nails if you and your crew need a whole new look.
Cocktails and wine tasting
You’ll need a designated driver for some of these… whose turn for the short straw?
- Award-winning gin tastings at the Farmers Wife Distillery or Forster’s Wharf Street Distillery.
- Wine tastings at cellar doors scattered like pearls across our region.
- Flow Bar at Old Bar do the whole package: great cocktails, great food and great live music. You can even stay upstairs at Boogie Woogie Beach House. (No designated driver needed that night!)
Dining out
Some simple advice: eat well, be happy. And who cares if you eat three dozen oysters at lunch? So treat yourselves to something special.
How about Asian tapas, modern Mexican, Korean barbecue or Asian fusion? Hate fishing but love seafood? Leaning towards vegetarian or vegan for your principles? The best schnitzel you’ve ever tasted? How about an award-winning pie or a competitive French vanilla slice judging? You can taste it all here.
Retail therapy
Maybe you’ve spent your money on cocktails and canapes, but you can still get some awesome retail therapy - and also help save the planet - at op shops around our region. For op shop ocations and handy tips we have you covered.
Otherwise you’ll find a surprising collection of can’t-live-without-it items, just waiting to accompany you home. Stand-outs include: The Shed Luxe, Diamond Boho, Green Patina Home, Forest Of Play, Deep Water Shark Gallery, Bohemian Spirit, Gloucester Creatives, Shelleys Country Wear and Heidi’s Attic Wares.
Healthy stuff too
Say goodbye to the past and clear the head for a whole new beginning. Age or life-stage, connection with yourself matters most, and even better if you’ve got own (small) barmy army by your side. Try these options with your besties:
