Cool escapes for summer

Tip: Be careful if you take an afternoon nap on one of the day beds that line the living room - they are so comfy that you may never get back up.

Summer deals: Two-night mid-week deals from $1900. Ph: 0415 954 913. Web: oceanfarm.com.au.

2) Beachside bliss

Seahorse Inn, Eden: A boutique beachfront hotel set among sprawling green lawns on an historic estate. The Seahorse Inn was built in 1843 as part of entrepreneur Benjamin Boyd's planned south coast empire. Unfortunately, Boyd's vision collapsed with his finances and the Inn was left empty and vandalised for more than 100 years. Since then it has been refurbished a number of times and now lures travellers with its laid-back charm.

Getting there: Boydtown Park Rd, just south of Eden, a 3-hour drive south-east of Canberra.

Suitable for: It's tailor-made for twosomes. Also history buffs.

Cool off: No pool, but the gently lapping waters of Twofold Bay are right outside your window.

What's different: The decor: hand-carved doors, stained-glass ornamentation, winding staircases and large open grates.

Best bit: Direct access to Twofold Bay. Perfect for sunrise or sunset strolls.

What to do: Enjoy fine food and wine, relax with a book on your balcony or take a short drive to another of Boyd's follies - his 20-metre high sandstone ''lighthouse'' perched on a nearby cliff-top.

Cuisine: Two choices in-house: Battena's Restaurant offers a la carte dining for lunch and dinner and a more informal brasserie which dishes up locally produced seafood. There's also a cocktail lounge boasting a wide selection of beverages and fine wines.

Did you know? The foundation of the inn was made of sandstone from Pyrmont in Sydney, lugged from the shore to the site by bullock wagon. The rest of the hotel was constructed of local stone, thousands of red bricks (from clay quarried nearby) and pit-sawn hardwood, with cedar and oak fittings from England.

Summer deals: Downstairs rooms with king bed, airconditioning, shower en suite and balcony garden views from $194 anight mid-week. Ph: 02 6496 1361 or web: seahorseinn.com.au.

3) Alpine adventure

Caves House, Yarrangobilly: Be the first in almost half a century to enjoy a summer getaway at this elegant guesthouse. After more than 40 years of neglect, historic Caves House ( built 1917) has been given a stunning make-over and has just swung open its doors to those wanting to slumber in some fresh mountain air.

Getting there: Located in the northern section of Kosciuszko National Park, 6½ kilometres off the Snowy Mountain Highway and 77 kilometres from Tumut and 109 kilometres from Cooma. If you live in Belconnen or Gungahlin, it's quicker to go via Tumut. For south-siders the road via Cooma is the best route.

Suitable for: Couples, small groups and families with a sense of adventure.

Best bit: Relaxing on the shady verandah with a cool drink and watching the passing parade of day trippers.

Cool off: Take your pick: above or below ground. On a hot day, inside the caves, with air temperatures averaging just 8-12 degrees all year around (you might even need a jacket) is the coolest place within cooee. If you want to get wet, jump into the 20-metre outdoor thermal pool (water at a constant 27 degrees) or the Yarrangobilly River (much colder). The pool (and river) are accessible via a steep 700-metre walk so only take the esky (or toddlers) down if you are prepared to carry it (or them) all the way back up.

What's different: Shared kitchens and lounges, and no mobile phone reception. A great chance for a digital detox amid spectacular surroundings.

What to do: Head underground - there are regular guided tours and also a self-guided cave waiting for you to explore.

Cuisine: Apart from the visitor centre, there are no shops or cafes on site. Bring all your food with you and cook up a feast in one of the modern kitchens.

Tip: BYO entertainment - there is no TV, DVD or stereo. Enjoy the gentle pace and beauty of your surrounds and revel in a bygone era of the early 1900s when Caves House was one of the most popular holiday destinations in NSW.

Did you know: Although there are only five ''show caves'', there are a total of over 250 caves (there are new ones being discovered all the time) in the Yarrangobilly precinct.

Summer deals: From $115 a night for a double . Ph: 1300 072 757 or web: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/bookings.

4) Summer safari

Zoofari Lodge: Bunk down in your own luxury safari tent (with built-in en suite) nestled deep in the heart of the African Savannah at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Getting there: The zoo is on the outskirts of Dubbo - around a 5-hour drive north-west of Canberra.

Suitable for: Families with children from five up (kids any younger may struggle with the late night and early morning tours) and anyone who loves exotic animals.

Cool off: Adjacent to the luxury tents is the main lodge which has a restaurant, bar, library, lounge and an in-ground saltwater pool. After your long drive, check in as early as you can (1.30-3pm) and laze the afternoon away around the pool - you will have plenty of time to see the animals zoo on day two of the Zoofari experience.

What's different: Waking up to the sounds of lions roaring. Don't worry, there are a number of secure fences between your tent and their den. Phew.

Best bit: The feeling of having the zoo to yourself after the gates close and the day-trippers go home. Also hard to beat spying on a hippo enjoying a mid-evening dip.

What to do: The Zoofari experience includes three behind-the-scenes tours (one before dinner, a spotlight tour after dinner and an early morning jaunt before breakfast) where you get up close and personal with some of the world's most exotic and endangered animals.

Cuisine: Packages include an evening African-inspired banquet and buffet-style breakfast in the Zoofari Lodge. Try Bakhita's Cafe for lunch - it's near the entrance to zoo and overlooks the spider monkeys and lemur enclosures.

Tip: After check-out, hire a bike to explore the zoo's 6 kilometre circuit. Pedalling is much better than driving and having to park countless times and has the bonus of getting you between exhibits quicker than on foot. Plus it'll help you work off your breakfast feast. It will be hot, so take a backpack full of drinks as the bikes don't have water bottle holders. There's also a kiosk about half-way around the circuit to indulge in that well-deserved ice-cream.

Summer deals: Packages from $254 each, including one night's accommodation, two-day zoo admission, three exclusive tours, dinner and breakfast. Ph: 02 6881 1488. Web: zoofari.com.au.

5) Family fun

Murramarang Beachfront Nature Resort: If you are after absolute beach frontage, then this holiday park and resort overlooking the pristine waters of Beagle Bay is for you.

Getting there: Located at South Durras, about a 20-minute drive north of Batemans Bay.

Suitable for: Families and nature lovers. If you go during school holidays or at weekends, it's kid central. A bit quieter for couples mid-week out of school holidays.

Cool off: Take your pick between the resort-style pool (and wading pool for the toddlers), or the gentle waters of Mill Beach - both at your doorstep.

What's different: Don't be deterred by the small-sized bedrooms - you'll be spending most of your time enjoying the outdoors.

Best bit: The party-type atmosphere over summer with children making ''holiday friends''.

What to do: If you can tear yourself away from your beach tent or your deck chair, there are a number of short walks in adjoining Murramarang National Park. Go early before it gets too hot. Ask at reception for a brochure.

Cuisine: Most cabins are self-contained but if you want to avoid cooking for a night or two, the Beach Bistro serves breakfast and dinner. There is also a more informal takeaway cafe and barbecues aplenty. And there's also a poolside bar for mum and dad to enjoy a sundowner.

Tip: Kangaroos aren't the only native critters abundant here - dolphins are often spotted frolicking just off the beach.

Summer deals: Prices vary significantly from unpowered camp sites to luxury villas. Ph: 1300 795 813 Web: murramarangresort.com.au.