Group Getaways: Unlocking the Joys of Travelling Together
Ahh the joys and benefits of travelling in a large group! Nothing beats the opportunity for shared experiences and good times with family and friends. Imagine exploring a bustling market, discovering a hidden gem in a new place or hiking a scenic trail with your favourite people. It can deepen your connections – you’ll laugh till you cry and be awestruck together, which makes the journey even more enriching and memorable.
Also, group travel can also be surprisingly economical. Splitting the costs for accommodation, transport and even meals, means you can enjoy more for less. Hiring a private tour guide customised to your large group can become more affordable too and that way, you can splurge on other activities if you want.
So round up your closest friends, pack your bags, and unlock the joys of travelling together! Here’s a tailor-made itinerary with essential group travel tips and recommended large group accommodation to enhance your getaway travel experiences.
Planning Ahead: Practical Tips for Seamless Group Travel
Planning a trip for a large group requires a bit of extra effort but it can be incredibly rewarding when done right. Clear communication is key—make sure everyone knows the plan and their responsibilities. and build a flexible itinerary to accommodate different interests and unexpected changes. Whether you’re coordinating transportation, booking accommodation, or planning activities, a little extra organisation goes a long way in ensuring everyone has a fantastic time. Here’s a few practical tips to help you coordinate large group travel –
Tips and Strategies:
- Firstly, start early. Booking accommodation early can save $$$
- Agree to a budget. This avoids any awkward moments and ensures you’re all on the same page financially.
- Appoint a trip leader. This can be helpful to streamline decision-making. Communication with an up to date contact list, is also easier with shared calendars, note-taking apps, and travel planning tools to keep everyone informed and on track. Even group chats are great for quick decisions.
- Don’t forget to include some chill out time. Planned activities with free time makes the trip more balanced and relaxing.
- Keep your itinerary flexible. You don’t want to lose some spontaneous fun either in a too rigid schedule. Sometimes unexpected changes occur too, so you may need a Plan B up your sleeve.
- Pack light. We can’t stress this enough. It eases stress, speeds up packing and lowers your carbon footprint. Packing light prevents physical strain, adapts to changing travel, keeps belongings secure, and leaves room for souvenirs. Embracing minimalism simplifies your trip entirely – you’ll be so glad you did it!
- Use a packing list. Include essential items and roll your clothes to save luggage space and avoid wrinkles.
- Choose your travel clothes carefully. Depending on where or how you’re travelling, generally wear bulkiest items on board saving luggage weight. Also, lightweight layers can be worn together for warmth or separately for cooler days. Include tops, bottoms, under and outer wear and limit shoes to walking shoes, dressy shoes or sandals and thongs or flip flops. Include toiletries, electronics (devices, chargers, adaptors), documents (including passports, reservations and ID if not on phone) plus miscellaneous items like a reusable water bottle, first aid items and sunglasses. Multipurpose items such as a scarf can be useful. It’s also helpful to coordinate on shared items like toiletries or electronics to avoid duplicates if you like. All these tips make group travel smooth, enjoyable and incredibly memorable.
Safety and Logistics:
When travelling with a large group, prepare for the unexpected too. Consider dietary allergies and emergency protocols, and pack a small first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, wipes, and pain relievers. Don’t forget medications for the entire trip and a few extra days. Choose reliable transportation with a professional driver to help ensure a smooth, safe journey.
Destination Delights: Ideal Destinations for Group Adventures
Travellarks has a diverse range of destinations suitable for group getaways from winery stays to beach resorts to wilderness retreats and cultural hubs, offering something for every group’s interests and preferences.Â
For those who love the natural environment – earthy woodlands, sand between the toes and know there’s no better place than to escape the city, check out our eco retreats. The philosophy in our collection is strongly associated with eco-friendly with sustainable practices, repurposing or have strong elements of going green.
Eco and Nature Retreats
Natural destinations such as The Blue Mountains, Great Ocean Road, the Byron Bay Hinterland, The Otways, The Bay of Fires all offer breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for group bonding amid nature’s beauty. These eco and nature retreats are perfect for those who love the natural environment – earthy woodlands, sand between the toes etc and know there’s no better place than to escape the city. The philosophy in Travellarks Eco Collection is strongly associated with eco-friendly with sustainable practices, repurposing or have strong elements of going green. Imagine spectacular sunrises and sunsets, lush rainforests with many properties offering unique opportunities for closer encounters with wildlife and a chance to explore some truly untouched parts of Australia.
Top 10 Nature Destinations in Australia
- The Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays
- The Daintree Rainforest
- The Blue Mountains
- The Bay of Fires
- Twelve Apostles
- Uluru and Kata Tjuta
- Bruny Island
- Cradle Mountain
- The Great Ocean Road
- Victoria’s High Country
Explore Travellarks Eco Collection and Group Getaways. You’ll get plenty of outdoor fun – bush walking, hiking, cycling and skiing and water sports activities such as canoeing, kayaking, surfing perfect for group travellers wanting a memorable holiday experience. If you’re a nature lover at heart and love natural scenic wonders, this collection is for you. Here’s a taster…
Benny’s at Byron
Benny’s is a luxury farm stay perfect for a large group, and the fun begins with the giant saltwater swimming pool, the giant vegemite sandwich floatie and the giant jenga. Pick up some excellent local produce and picnic on rolling green lawns or get cosy on the sunny verandah or by the sizzling outdoor fire pit. You can feed happy cows, collect eggs, fruit, herbs or enjoy an outdoor massage in the rainforest. And laugh like there’s no tomorrow from one of the four baths on ‘Bath Hill’ (Girls Getaway FYI).
Forrest Haus Retreat, The Otways
Whether you’re chasing the highs of the action-packed trails or keen to rejuvenate and recapture your zen, Forrest Haus Retreat is your welcoming base for an unforgettable stay in this beautiful part of Victoria. You’ll love getting to Forrest, entrance to The Otways, via the spectacular Great Ocean Road or chase instead the earthier delights of the Otways hinterland. Either way it’s likely your 2-hour drive from Melbourne will be longer than 2 hours with ooh and ahh stops and starts. All worth the while.
Tin Dragon Eco Retreat, TasmaniaÂ
Your group of travellers will be met with open arms the minute you step into nature at Tin Dragon. Explore, hike, mountain bike on world class mountain bike trails, or trout fish, kayak and even participate in sensational art retreats by renowned artists (if pre booked). This place fully embraces the principles of eco-tourism in a profoundly peaceful spot on 36 private acres in Branxholm. It’s a mere 75 mins from Launceston and only 8 mins from Derby.
It is here in the North East of Tasmania, you’ll discover great natural beauty, best preserved heritage places plus world class mountain bike trails. Tin Dragon is only 500m from the MBT Trail to Derby. It accommodates up to 18 guests with self contained studios and spas.
Painting the Bay of Fires with renowned artist at Tin Dragon Eco Retreat, TasmaniaOmaroo High Country Retreat, Victoria
Up in the high country stands Omaroo Retreat, catering for group travellers who enjoy the snow season or those who love exploring everything else this area has to offer – national parks, Victoria’s highest mountains, lakes, walking and rail tracks, vineyards and its rich history of gold discovery and bushrangers. Group horse riding adventures is also possible from here and history lovers will be thrilled to explore the Ned Kelly Touring Route and the fascinating Eldorado Museum.
Cultural Journeys
Discover more at Travellarks Group Accommodation. Cultural destinations such as Adelaide, Alice Springs, Ballarat, Canberra, Cairns, Hobart, Hunter Valley, Melbourne and Sydney, are renowned for their rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks and immersive cultural experiences, and are ideal destinations for group travellers interested in the arts, music and local culture. Explore culturally immersive group accommodation with Travellarks, perfect for experiencing Australia’s rich heritage and continuing connection to Indigenous culture and its stunning landscape. Each property ensures a deep connection to local culture while providing comfortable, group-friendly amenities.
Top 16 Cultural Destinations in Australia
- Alice Springs NT
- Hunter Valley, NSW
- Sydney Opera House, Sydney
- Mona (Museum of Old and New Art) Hobart Tasmania
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria
- Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
- Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), Brisbane, Queensland
- Port Arthur Historic Site, Tasmania
- Melbourne Cricket Ground, Vic
- The Rocks, Sydney, NSW
- Sovereign Hill Ballarat NSW
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory
- Launceston (top foodie destination) Tasmania
- Adelaide Festival Centre, South Australia
- Barossa Valley, South Australia
- Art Gallery of NSW
Tilba Coastal Retreat, Tilba NSW
Consider Tilba Coastal Retreat. Tilba has a unique identity drawn from its continuing connection to Indigenous culture, its rich and diverse history and its stunning landscape. It also has the charm of the heritage village set in the foothills of Mother Gulaga Mountain, a sacred place for the Yuin Aboriginal people, and provides a tranquil and nostalgic experience for visitors, allowing them to step back in time and explore the beauty of the region. The combination of heritage architecture, local produce, and natural surroundings makes Tilba a unique destination.​ Both Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba are listed on the National Trust register, preserving their historical character. The surrounding region is a truly magical place to explore whilst staying at the adults only and pet friendly, Tilba Coastal Retreat.
Winmark Winery, Broke, NSW
Another great option is the Hunter Valley Vineyard stay at Winmark Wines – Mio Monte and Rockview cater beautifully for large groups and you can lap up the wine tastings, local food experiences, and tours of the region’s German heritage. Unique to almost any wine experience in Australia, is Winmark’s Art Gallery featuring an impressive collection of works by talented Australian artists. Then there’s the outdoor sculptures, appreciated by taking a self-guided walking tour of this picturesque property with time immemorial sculptures, overflowing rose garden, dams and natural landmarks of historical significance that dot the landscape.
The Slate House, Healesville, VIC
Experience an unforgettable group travel adventure at the Slate House, Healesville in Victoria’s Yarra Valley! Just an hour out of Melbourne’s CBD, this culturally immersive retreat offers wine tours and tastings at renowned Yarra Valley wineries, close encounters with wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary, and visits to TarraWarra Museum of Art, local markets specialising in handcrafted goods and fresh produce. Explore historical sites and museums that delve into the region’s rich heritage, enjoy gourmet dining experiences and participate in vibrant cultural festivals and events. Immerse your group in the rich culture and stunning landscapes of the Yarra Valley.
Tocal Homestead, Paterson, NSW
Nestled in the picturesque Hunter Valley, Tocal offers a culturally immersive experience ideal for group travel. This historic homestead provides an authentic glimpse into Australia’s agricultural past, featuring beautifully preserved buildings and stunning landscapes. Guests can explore Tocal Homestead and Tocal College, learning about the region’s farming history and enjoying the serene countryside. The property hosts various events and workshops, providing ample opportunities for groups to engage with local culture and heritage. With spacious accommodations and a rich cultural backdrop, Tocal promises a memorable group getaway. Discover more and book your stay at Travellarks Group Accommodation.
Travelling in a large group amplifies the fun with shared experiences, collective exploration, and meaningful connections. Imagine discovering and learning about new destinations together with plenty of laughter and creating memories of a lifetime.
With Travellarks, finding the perfect group accommodation is effortless. Explore the diverse range From spacious country houses to serene eco-retreats and cultural destinations, we offer a variety of properties designed for large groups, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable group adventures.