9 Of The Best Weekend Trips To Take Around Sydney
BLUE MOUNTAINS
No matter how many times you go to the Blue Mountains, there is ALWAYS something new to do. It’s the perfect destination to take yourself on a self-guided tour and avoid the rigidity and overpopulation of group excursions. Whether you want to do this as a day trip or a weekend getaway, you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful nature with breathtaking scenery, waterfalls and hikes. Even though I’m definitely more of a summer girl, I love escaping to the Blue Mountains during winter – whilst it definitely is chilly, it’s a lot less busy and gets the vibe of a winter wonderland!
Things to do:
Take a ride on the Scenic Cableway
Check out the views from the Scenic Skyway with 360 degree views out over Katoomba Falls, The Three Sisters and Jamison Valley
Sip a cocktail in the Sublime lounge, where you can toast your toes in front of the wood fire
Walk the Wentworth Falls track (a Hayes family favourite)
Head into the quaint village of Leura and check out the local waterfalls and cute cafes
If adrenalin tickles your fancy, spend a day exploring the Jenolan Caves (there are guided tours available for a range of difficulties)
This is home to some of the most idyllic beaches in NSW and is a must see if you’re visiting Sydney. With the most beautiful white sandy beaches, breathtaking views and even some dolphin and whale watching tours, there’s something for everyone. Things to do:
Head to Hyams Beach to check out Australia’s whitest sand
Take a dip at the beautiful Murrays Beach
Do the White Sands Walk
Board a Whale and Dolphin watching tour
Take a walk around Booderee National Park, making sure to check out Kitty Beach and Cave Beach
This is a perfect place to relax and have a chilled weekend by the beach without the crowds you find at most Sydney beaches. The benefit of Avoca is that it is only an hour outside of Sydney. As well as having the luxury of the beach at your doorstep, you have some amazing brunch spots and beautiful sunsets to witness.
Things to do:
Make sure you check out the nearby Winnie bay
Have coffee and brunch at Like Minds Cafe or The boy & the rose cafe
Take a drive to the Entrance and feed the Pelicans at the Jetty
Take a surf lesson on Avoca beach
Newcastle is filled with delicious food spots, hipster bars and some picture perfect beaches.
Things to do:
Take a walk at the Heritage Walking Track
Head to Myall Lakes National Park
Check out the Newcastle Art Gallery
Surf at Nobby’s Beach
Check out the Ground Up Espresso for some amazing coffee
Hit up their vegan hot spots: Organic Seed Cafe, Momo Wholefoods and The Bhakti Tree
Bowral is a picturesque country town in the Southern Highlands, only an hour and a half from Sydney. This is a perfect winter getaway, with hotels and Airbnbs completed by spas and wood fires. Cosy up around the fire whilst sipping on some local wine and enjoying some heart-warming food.
Things to do:
Spend a night in either the Peppers Craigieburn, Milton Park Country House or the Gibraltar hotel
Take a day to winery hop around all the vineyards
Enjoy brunch and cakes at the Raw & Wild whole food cafe
For dinner, be sure to check out Biota Dining (they even have a vegan and vegetarian menu on offer)
In the evening, check out the local cinema – it’s just what you’d expect from a quaint country town
Yes, you can do this in just one day, but doing a weekend getaway here means you can really relax and enjoy what Palm Beach has to offer. Whilst only an hours drive from the CBD, you definitely feel like you have left the craziness of Sydney behind and are instantly caught up in vacation mode upon arrival. Palm Beach boasts beautiful golden sand, glittering blue waters, good surf and a heart thudding climb to the lighthouse all on your doorstep. Things to do:
Take a walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Enjoy a picnic under the pine trees
Have a wine and some food at the Boathouse
Have a drink or some food at the famous Jonah’s whilst enjoying spectacular views
If you’re a Home and Away fan, take a walk around and see the sights from the show or join the Flamin’ Galahs Sydney Tours to relive your favourite scenes
These are luxurious and deluxe bungalows and spa villas nestled in the subtropical rainforest, with the ocean on your doorstep. Enjoy your own little spa or jacuzzi, soak up the sun around the pool or head in to Toowoon bay and enjoy the overflowing buffet that is on offer 3 times a day. This is the perfect relaxing beach style getaway for couples or groups of friends.
Get yourself to the Hunter Valley to explore not only the great selection of the finest vineyards, but also the breweries and wildlife parks too. If you’re travelling with friends and want to do all this on a budget, check outKangarrific Tours. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a more luxurious weekend getaway I would definitely recommend staying at the Long House. I have stayed here twice now and it is absolute heaven.
Things to do:
If you’re a beer lover, check out Potters Brewery
Check out the multiple lunch options at the Roche Estate
Swing past the Wildlife Park to get up close and personal with Koalas and Roos
Explore the beautiful vineyards - Blueberry Hills, Mount View Estate, and Tempus Two. For a more detailed list, see here.
Orange is a beautiful country town with all the food and wine you could ever need. Due to its popularity, there are many cute Airbnbs in town, or for those looking for a magical experience it is worth checking out Dragonfly Cottages. Orange offers some perfect country hikes, amazing wines at the local wineries and delicious food.
Things to do:
Head to the wineries for some wine tasting
Take a hike up to the Pinnacles
Take a morning walk to Bills Beans for a Coffee
Head to Orange for their for FOOD week in April
Hike Mount Canobolas
Visit Cook park for a beautiful walk
Have you got another favourite destination near Sydney that you would recommend for a weekend getaway? Comment below so I can try it for my next weekend away.
If you’re after some more inspiration for your next getaway, check out this article by Your RV Lifestyle!