Hidden secrets on the Mornington Pen, Barrington Tops and foodie Sicily: travel deals July 21, 2013

Discover the hidden secrets of Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, NSW's Barrington Tops, or a kids' getaway in Sydney.


GO NOW: Discover the Big Blue Backyard at the Mornington Peninsula’s secluded St Andrew’s beach. Until August 31, stay three nights and pay for only two in one of their three retreats, with Cape Schanck nearby. Costs from $1191, three nights. 1300 896 627, mrandmrssmith.com.

Big Blue Backyard

GO SOONER Enjoy a home amongst the gumtrees near Barrington Tops, three hours north of Sydney. Stay three nights, pay two in one of Yeranda’s three bush hideaways with $50 credit at nearby café. Costs from $325, three nights. (02) 4992 1208, yeranda.com.au.

Yeranda’s bush hideaways

GO LATER: Get a free night’s stay when you book a cooking tour of Sicily with chef Dominique Rizzo before July 31. The 15-day tour departs May 3, 2014. Costs from $6095 a person, twin share. (07) 3267 1667, purefoodcookingtours.com.au.

Dominique Rizzo

KIDS

Planning a weekend away in your own backyard? Upgrade the kids to Swissotel Sydney’s kids’ rooms, chocked full of toys, dvds and kids’ minibar. The rooms, for kids age two to 12 years, can be a separate room or set up in the parents’ room. Costs from $229 a room a night (half-half) or $299 for two rooms (interconnecting available). 1800 334 888, swissotel.com/sydney.

Swissotel Sydney’s kids’ rooms

SOURCE: Belinda Jackson, Sun Herald