Tired? Stressed? Stuck in a Ricky Ponting commercial? Then it’s definitely time to run away from home for a few days. As you pack your bags, get set in the blocks and wait for the starters gun, just picture yourself crossing the finish at a fabulous event surrounded by the Adelaide Hills, Grampian National Park,  Sydney Harbour or Gold Coast beaches. *Bang* – take it away Forrest…

Get into training for your sprint down the aisle at the Adelaide Hills Weddings Showcase on 1 May. There’s no need to plan your big day in a dull convention centre over stale sandwiches when you can meet photographers, jewellery designers and claw at other brides-to-be over gorgeous wedding gowns amongst stunning vineyards and blooming gardens.

Book a gal pal night at the Grand Mercure Mount Lofty House Adelaide Hills, lounge around, wine and dine, get out in the fresh air for a game of tennis – or bring the boy along for a honeymoon rehearsal.

See more great Adelaide hotel deals for 30 April -1 May.

The race itself may be over in seconds, but the fun runs right across the Easter weekend at the 133 year old Stawell Gift Festival on April 22-25.  Watch sprinters dash 120 metres to claim the prize, bid in the auction, join the Fashions on the Field competition, dance to live music and ditch the kids in the activities tent for hours of fun.

A short drive away in Ballarat is the Novotel Forest Resort, packed with activities such as golf, tennis, bush walking mountain biking and…ahhh a Day Spa.

See more great Ballarat hotel deals for 22-25 April.

Watch runway clothes horses in teetering heels at the Rosemount Australia Fashion Week for Spring /Summer collection from 2-6 May in Sydney Harbour. Designers come to wow buyers and audiences with classic and bold creations— and there’s plenty of people-watching around Circular Quay too.

Get your beautiful people sleep at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney – after a relax in the steam room and drinksat the bar.

See more great Sydney hotel deals for 2-6 May.

Whether you race, plod or walk, there’s loads of fun for all level of fitness freak at the Gold Coast Triathlon on 30-April-1 May. Swim, bike and run your way through beautiful scenery in grades ranging from the challenging QTS to the Enticer Tri and Kool Kids Tri—just make sure you leave enough energy for the night life!

Start your nocturnal adventure off with a protein restoring meal at the Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort & Spa’s Benihana Japanese Steakhouse, the largest specialist teppanyaki restaurant on the Gold Coast.

See more great Gold Coast hotel deals for 30 April – 1 May.