How to have a Euro Summer-style weekend without leaving Australia

The cost of living is getting us all, so if you can’t afford to have a real Euro Summer this year, this is how I had one in 48 hours without leaving the country.

Inspired by the ‘dupe’ trend, I popped over to Busselton, WA, for a quick weekend away and ticked off all my Euro-style bucket list dreams.

Where to stay

The perfect place to stay is the Hilton Garden Inn Busselton, a super brand new (it only opened in late December 2023) hotel right on the Busselton foreshore, in the heart of the town. Not only does it feel luxe, it’s also loved by the locals and is within walking distance of everything you need.

The Hilton Garden Inn is not only the largest international hotel in Busselton, but it’s affordable, stylish and welcoming. I stayed in an incredible King Guest Room with an Ocean View, and since the sun sets over the ocean in WA, it was a great way to watch the sunset from the comfort of the room!

RELATED:

• Kmart shoppers blown away by simple $20 travel hack: 'This is awesome'

• Discover Auckland: The girls' weekend away you never knew you needed

• The Hilton Sydney: The perfect spot for the ultimate girls' weekend

What to do

For a more Euro-style experience, Vasse Felix’s Original Tour at the vineyard will have you feeling like you’re in France! The experienced guides took me through the history of the Vasse Felix brand, let us explore the vineyards and finished with a tasting of their iconic wines.

If you’re looking for some relaxation on the beach, you don’t need to go all the way to Greece or the South of France. Busselton beach is covered in white sand and crystal clear water you won’t be able to take your eyes off.

Almost right on the doorstep of the Hilton Garden Inn is the famous Busselton Jetty, home to an incredible Underwater Observatory - one of only six in the world! Catch the solar-powered train to the end of the nearly two-kilometre-long jetty and witness the amazing marine life. Plus, if you’re keen, visitors can dive, swim and snorkel here too.

Where to eat

Ooze & Tang offers a modern French/Australian bistro vibe with an ever-changing menu perfect for sharing. Everything is made from scratch in-house with local ingredients, giving you the taste of the Margaret River region.

The Goose sits right on the foreshore, giving you a beautiful view of the stunning Geographe Bay. With all-day dining, The Goose has something for everyone, from breakfast to sunset drinks - I particularly enjoyed the delicious mocktails!

Shelter Brewing Co.’s casual dining experience is perfect for tourists and locals alike. The Main Hall is where you’ll find the fresh beer that’s brewed right in the building, as well as a south-west inspired wine list and food for everyone. They’ve also got a restaurant with a Marana Forni pizza oven imported from Italy, so your Italian pizza dreams can be found here!

Or, if you’re keen to try the local produce but want to have a night in, the Hilton Garden Inn Busselton’s Together & Co. restaurant offers Australian cuisine made from local ingredients.

How to get around

While many places are within walking distance of the hotel, many of the vineyards are about a 30-minute drive away. I was lucky enough to be driven around all weekend by South West Luxury, a premium transport service run by a local team. They made me feel so welcome, and their combined knowledge of the South West region added so much value to my experience.

The team offers a variety of services, including day tours, airport and restaurant transfers. Not only did it make me feel like a celebrity, it was a great way to feel completely relaxed in an action-packed 48 hours!

SHOP:

• The 'game-changing' serum that helps clear acne: 'Magic in a bottle'

• The award-winning mattress that's 'like sleeping on a cloud'

• The 'game-changing' fashion trick women can't get enough of: 'The best buy ever.'

Yahoo Lifestyle was a guest of Hilton Garden Inn Busselton.

Want the latest celebrity news? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.