Life moves quickly. One minute it’s Christmas, the next it’s spring, and somewhere in between the months blur into work, chores, and routine. Holidays give us a chance to hit pause — but do we really need to save all our leave for one big overseas trip each year?
Research says maybe not. Short, more frequent getaways can boost wellbeing, reduce stress, and give you more to look forward to. And here in the Grampians, we’ve seen first-hand how much these mini escapes mean — not only for travellers but for the communities that host them.
Why This Matters to Us
At the end of 2024, our region faced devastating bushfires. Although the fire physically didn’t damage any commercial structures, for many local businesses, it was a tough few months. Now, as we rebuild and look ahead, every visitor who books a cabin, glamping tent, powered site, enjoys a meal in town, visits the Halls Gap Zoo, or stops by a local winery makes a real difference.
That’s why we’re so passionate about welcoming people back to the Grampians and showing them everything, this region has to offer — from hiking trails and waterfalls to cosy nights under the stars and swims in our woodfire-heated pool.
Why Short Getaways Make Sense
Short breaks are simple to plan, affordable, and surprisingly refreshing.
Here’s why they work so well:
- Less planning, less stress: A weekend road trip or a few nights in the Grampians takes little organising.
- Supports local communities: Every booking helps regional towns recover and thrive.
- Budget-friendly: Fewer nights away and no flights mean you can treat yourself without overspending.
- More to look forward to: Studies show anticipation boosts happiness — so several short breaks give you multiple joy boosts a year.
- Easier for pet owners: A weekend sitter is far easier to find than someone to care for your furry friends for weeks.
- Boosts creativity: New surroundings and time outdoors give your brain space to reset and spark fresh ideas.
- Connect and unwind: Evenings around the campfire or a soak in the woodfire-heated pool turn a short break into something truly memorable.
One Australian study even found that 3–4 day breaks can be as restorative as longer holidays, especially when they include time in nature and new experiences.
Rethinking Annual Leave
Instead of saving all your leave for one big trip, why not spread it out across the year? Taking a Monday or Friday off to create a long weekend escape gives you regular mini resets — without the big disruption of a long overseas holiday.
Here at Lakeside, we want to make it even more attractive for people to enjoy a break. That’s why we offer Stay 3, Pay 2 deals during the off-peak season, including weekends. It’s a little way to help you relax more often — and help our local community keep bouncing back.
What About Long Overseas Holidays?
Big trips have their place — cultural immersion, bucket-list experiences, total disconnection. But they also bring higher costs, jet lag, months of planning, and sometimes, more stress than relaxation.
For many people, the perfect balance is an occasional big holiday paired with regular local getaways to stay refreshed all year round.
Why the Grampians is Perfect for Mini Escapes
Just three hours from Melbourne and five from South Australia, the Grampians offers mountain trails, waterfalls, wineries, wildlife, and nights under the stars. Here at Lakeside, you can gather with friends or family around the campfire, share stories under a sky full of stars, and enjoy a relaxing swim in our woodfire-heated pool — all while surrounded by nature.
Every visit here supports the small businesses, families, and communities that make this region special, and for that we are super grateful!
Final Thoughts
Life moves fast. Short getaways help you slow it down, breathe, and enjoy what really matters — while supporting the communities that make regional Victoria so unique.
So why not plan a Grampians weekend escape? A few days in nature, evenings by the campfire, and swims in the woodfire-heated pool might be exactly what you need to come back feeling refreshed, recharged, and connected.
Book online or call 5356 4281 to lock in your mini Grampians getaway.
