Long weekends are the perfect excuse to get out and about with friends and family to explore what’s on offer closer to home.

With the Australia Day long weekend upon us, ensure you make the most of that extra quality time off by looking for the T-QUAL Tick when deciding what to do.

The T-QUAL Tick is the government’s national symbol of tourism quality; representing businesses that have undergone rigorous assessment to ensure they deliver a quality experience.

Whether it is a day trip or the full three-day weekend away, a short break is always a good break when it’s got the T-QUAL Tick!

Celebrate Australia Day this year by experiencing some of the best tourism experiences that our great country has to offer. 

There are thousands of tourism operators that now carry the T-QUAL Tickl. Here are a few suggestions just to get you started:

Kite Republic Australia, Melbourne, VIC

Take off and get adventurous at Melbourne’s St Kilda Beach with Kite Republic Australia. Make the most of summer by getting in the water and learning a new sport. Being Victoria’s only International Kite Boarding Organisation Affiliated Centre, you’ll work with a fully-qualified, experienced team for introductory, through to advanced kite boarding lessons.

The Old George and Dragon Restaurant, East Maitland, NSW

Indulge in the Hunter Valley’s rich offering of vineyards and eateries. Centrally located in the heart of the Hunter Valley this multi-award winning restaurant serves up some of Australia’s best French-European style cuisine delivered in its own unique and distinctive ambiance.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Cairns, QLD

Taking you on an amazing experience over Australia’s World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest canopy and deep into the rainforest, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns is a world first in environmental tourism. The Skyrail experience spans 7.5kms of pristine rainforest allowing you to experience the wonders of an ancient tropical rainforest and to learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth.

Two Feet & a Heartbeat, Perth & Sydney

Explore Perth or Sydney in a unique fun and relaxed way with Australia’s most awardedwalking tour company. Two Feet & a Heartbeat strives to pique the interest of visitors by introducing them to the sights, sounds and tales of the city’s interesting history, culture and heritage. Private guiding services are available upon request.

Novotel Barossa Valley Resort, SA

Treat yourself to a visit to one of Australia’s top wine regions. The Barossa Valley is renowned for its food and wine, cultural experiences and easy-going lifestyle. Whether you need a romantic weekend escape, some time away with friends or family or a great location from which to conduct your business, the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort offers the perfect destination. On site activities include the 18-hole Tanunda Pines Golf Club, endota day spa, meet the wine maker and complimentary wine tastings amongst many others.

Ningaloo Reef Dive, WA

Dive with whale sharks, manta rays, hundreds of varieties of reef fish, green turtles, bottlenose dolphins, dugong and reef sharks at Coral Bay in the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. Allow Ningaloo Reef Dive’s professional, friendly and fun-loving crew to show you the many wonders of The Ningaloo Reef. Their passion for this amazing environment will soon become obvious and infectious, with their professional PADI training you can be confident that you are in safe hands.

Port Elliot Beach House YHA, Fleurieu Peninsula, SA

Take a 45 minute drive from the centre of Adelaide to the Fleurieu Peninsula which offers locals and visitors alike some of the best food, wine, wildlife and events South Australia has to offer. Stay in a historic building, the Port Elliot Beach House YHA where you can wander across the road to the beach, surf, swim, kayak, explore the towns of Port Elliot and Victor Harbour or even try sky-diving and ballooning!

BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park, TAS

BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park is the perfect holiday destination with a large variety of accommodation options. Suited to everyone from family holidays to camping and caravan stays to the corporate traveller. Family villas and Valley View Units, standard units, and budget ensuite cabins. Powered and unpowered sites, camping area and ensuite sites.

BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park - winner of the Tourism Tasmania State Awards 2008, 2009 & 2010 Hall of Fame winner. Closest caravan park to Bay of Fires - voted by Lonely Planet as the world's No.1 Beach and the gateway to the East coast tourist attractions Binalong Bay, Freycinet.

Holiday Inn Gagudju Crocodile, NT

Explore the breathtaking scenery of the North Kakadu region of the Northern Territory. Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn is located in the township of Jabiru and is ideally located for visitors to explore the north of Kakadu including Ubirr, Cahills Crossing and Magella Creek. This indigenous owned luxury accommodation is uniquely shaped to represent Kakadu’s most famous inhabitant, the saltwater crocodile.

Crowne Plaza Canberra, ACT

Get to know the heart of the nation and stay at one of Canberra’s premier hotels. The Crowne Plaza Canberra is only minutes’ walk to the Central Business District and national attractions such as Parliament House, National Gallery of Australia and the National Convention Centre. Unwind after a busy day sightseeing at one of the local restaurants and cafes, or treat yourself to some retail therapy at Canberra’s main shopping fair.