Why Everyone’s Talking About Summer 2026 Coolcations
Look, people are already thinking about their summer 2026 escapes Australia, even though it’s winter now. Searches for “summer escapes Australia” have jumped about 30% in the last year, and “December getaways 2025” are already up 25%. Clearly, Aussies want to get ahead of the heat and the crowds.
Cool spots like Healesville, Tasmania, and alpine NSW are getting heaps of attention, with “cool climate accommodation Australia” searches up over 40%. Even the word “coolcation” has shot up 60% globally, it’s the new way to do summer.
So, if you want to avoid the usual beach madness and melt-down, booking a spot like The Slate House for summer 2026? Sounds pretty smart to us.
Why Healesville Is the Ultimate Summer Chill Spot
An hour from Melbourne’s CBD is The Slatehouse. Refreshing is an understatement. Surrounded by towering mountain ash trees, soft ferns swaying in the breeze, and that invigorating, earthy smell that instantly clears your head. Peace.
What you will hear is the quiet breeze in the trees, the soft rustle of leaves underfoot, and plenty of birdsong. Walking trails start from the front door to head into the forest. Explore a little, or a lot, to hidden waterfalls, or a nice clearing for a picnic (be on the lookout for beautiful crimson rosellas and lyrebirds fanning their plumes) And when you get back, that soothing cane swing on the deck is waiting.
Relax with a glass of excellent, local wine and some seriously good food. It’s exactly the kind of cool climate accommodation Australia travellers chase when they need peace, nature, and a real break.
Yet it’s only a short drive into Healesville with all of its wonderful cafes, distilleries, wine bars, and wineries for those wanting to enjoy the experiences that the Yarra Valley has to offer.
The Slate House, Healesville for Summer 2026
Large windows everywhere frame the lush greenery outside and natural light spills onto warm timber flooring. The interior is very stylish, open-plan living with soft textures, and plush cushions and throws of earthy tones. The big, rustic dining table made from a fallen ash tree from the property, is perfect for shared meals or lazy evenings with a glass of wine and a map of tomorrow’s walk. The Falcon stove adds charm and warmth, doubling as a wood-fired fireplace that takes the edge off crisp mountain nights. And with gas ducted heating throughout, the house stays toasty in winter, but in summer, the air carries the cool scent of the forest inside.
It comfortably sleeps up to six guests with three bedrooms, four beds, and two bathrooms, ideal for families, friends, or couples wanting space and privacy.
Things to Do: Wander, Sip, and Slow Down
Once you’ve switched into forest mode, you don’t have to go far to find magic. The Healesville Sanctuary which first opened in 1934 is a short drive away, and perfect for wildlife lovers. It offers close-up encounters with koalas, ‘roos, platypus, emus and more, along bushland paths.
Healesville has a vibrant food-and-wine scene: drop into boutique cellar doors like Four Pillars Distillery or Watts River Brewing, tuck into delicious wood-fired pizza and local beers at Innocent Bystander, and grab a great café breakfast at Chachi – an Italian influenced restaurant and espresso bar.
Or head to the very popular Healesville Hotel or new kid on the block, Herd, an American Steakhouse where Chef Trevor’s food style is Modern Australian influenced by his love for Middle Eastern flavours.
To walk lunch off, there’s the nearby green trails of the Yarra Ranges National Park, or the easy Badger Weir – a shaded fern gully route with cool flowing streams and wildlife spotting On weekends, nostalgic travellers can ride the heritage Yarra Valley Railway from Healesville station through forest to historic Tarrawarra.
There’s also the top tier Tarrawarra Estate Winery and restaurant here too, as well as The TarraWarra Museum of Art a short drive away, combining contemporary exhibitions with gorgeous valley views and a hilltop restaurant.
Coolcation Calm, Just an Hour from Melbourne
Whether you’re planning your Summer 2026 coolcation or just craving a place where the pace slows and the trees do the talking, The Slate House, Healesville, is a beautiful base to rest, wander, and feel grounded again. It’s not just about where you stay, it’s how you feel when you’re there. And here, the calm lingers long after you’ve left
Ready to plan your Summer 2026 coolcation? The Slate House, Healesville is open for bookings now, discover more at Travellarks.
