Stress-Free Breaks in Australia 

As one expert puts it;  "Breathe deep into the belly as a stress-reliever" and you probably should follow his advise when booking any of the following alternatives which are all high-end solutions to a stress-free break. 

Most emails and calls can wait. Will the world stop turning if you don't answer the phone for a couple of days?  If you think it will there are alternatives here for you as well, resorts and guest houses with telephones, tv, internet connection and the lot.

Bay of Fires Walk. - At the edge of Mt. William National Park, the magnificent wilderness coastline known as the Bay of Fires invites you to experience its dramatic landscape, ecology and wildlife. Led by well-informed, young Tasmanian guides, small groups can explore both the fascinating beach environment and the rich diversity of the nearby woodlands. And at the Bay of Fires Lodge, the only building in this near-unknown wilderness paradise, both solitude and comfort are guaranteed.

The Riesling Bike Trail - With beautiful historical villages and rolling vines, the Clare Valley is one of Australia's premium wine regions. Its fashionable rieslings are in such hot demand that a bike trail has been opended in their honour. The winding 25 km ride is built on a disused railway line and runs the length of the valley stopping at the pretty villages of Watervale, Leasingham and Auburn. 

Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness, the trail loops through some of Clare's best vineyards and yoiu can hop on and off as you please. In the heart of Clare, Skillogalee Winery Restaurant provides the perfect lunch venue and the beautiful Skillogalee House offers a comfortable bed for the night. 

Glenworth Valley Horseriding - Glenworth Valley is situated in a deep valley in the hinterland region behind the Central Coast, a leisurely one hour drive north of the Sydney CBD.There is 3500 acres of unspoilt wilderness that you ride through with 50 kms of private trails to explore. In most cases we follow the creek as it meanders its way through the valley either up the valley towards the natural rock pools or down the valley to coolness of the ancient rainforest trails. The valley is nestled amongst thousands of acres of National Park and along the way you will ride through a wide diversity of environments including lush green valleys, open pasture lands, impressive rock formations and through tall stands of shady eucalypt trees. Popran Creek, the purest tributary to the Hawkesbury river, runs the length of the valley and riders can refresh themselves with a swim in the natural rock pools. The valley is also home to many species of native flora and fauna including wallabies, several species of reptiles, bellbirds, Kookaburras and Lyrebirds. 

There are 200 happy, healthy horses to cater for all ages and levels of ability from nervous beginners through to experienced riders. Horses are individually selected for each rider's ability and needs. 

Lake Crackenback/Kosciouszko Walk - KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK The magnificence of the Kosciuszko National Park, located in the Australian Alps, is unique to the world’s geographic alpine terrain and is internationally recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 

Experience the beauty and solitude of the Kosciuszko National Park with one and two day guided treks featuring fully catered, in-field, star-covered, overnight campsites. 

This means walkers are able to experience the beauty and wilds of the Kosciuszko National Park in comfort, with the luxury of local guides sharing intimate knowledge and the hassle and hardship of carrying equipment being tended to by the KOSCIUSZKO ALPINE GUIDED WALKS staff. 

THE EXPERIENCE Envisage the sky turning into a palette of evening colour after spending a day ascending Australia’s highest peak and discovering pristine glacial lakes in remote areas of the Kosciuszko National Park. 

FULLY CATERED Your guide will lead you through outlying alpine terrain to a prepared campsite with creature comforts including personal tents, rolled out bedding ready for your weary body and a change of dry, warm, clothing. Don’t lift a finger, a hearty meal will be prepared while you relax, soak up the sunset and easy conversation around a star-covered campsite. 

El Questro Wilderness Park -El Questro Wilderness Park is without doubt, one of the world's unique holiday destinations. A working cattle station with a herd of approximately 5,000 head of crossbred Brahman and Shorthorn cattle, El Questro was developed in 1991 to provide a truly Australian holiday experience. 

A million acres in size, El Questro is located on the eastern perimeter of the Kimberley region, and extends for approximately 80 kilometres into the heart of the region. 

The Kimberley region in far North Western Australia is one of the world's last unspoilt frontiers - an ancient land extending from Broome in the South West to Kununurra and Wyndham near the Northern Territory border.  

 Chapel Hill Gourmet Retreat - ( 45 min. drive from Adelaide) a must for a self confessed foodie, the Gourmet Retreat at Chapel Hill is an all-inclusive cooking experience with nights spent at the winery's guest house, 100 m away. Your weekend will involve shopping  for ingredients at the local farmer's market, learning to cook a lazy Sunday lunch, and enjoying up in front of the log fire with a glass of wine in hand. The classes are held in a stete-of-the-art kitchen, which boasts inspirational views over racks of cabernet and shiraz. 

At the end of the week, if you have had enough of cooking there are excellent eating spots nearby.

Stranraer Homestead - Kangaroo Island -   The perfect country B & B, "Stranraer" is set on 1290 hectares of working property, producing prime lamb, wool and grain. Adding to its beauty, the property has two large, bird filled lagoons surrounded by hummocks, beautiful scenery and wildlife. "Stranraer" offers a country experience with peace and tranquility. The homestead's central location on the island, makes it convenient for exploring local highlights, natural beauty and wildlife. Relax in one of the four guest rooms, which have cosy fireplaces, and indulge in gourmet meals served in the elegant dining room.