Top 5 Locations for a Weekend Getaway from Sydney

Are you looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Sydney? Do you want to explore some of the amazing places that NSW has to offer? Whether you’re looking for a beach escape, a mountain adventure, a wine country retreat, or a wildlife encounter, there’s a perfect destination for you within a few hours’ drive from Sydney. In this blog post, we’ll share our top 5 locations for a weekend getaway from Sydney and give you some tips on what to do, see, and eat in each one. Let’s get started!

1. The Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning scenery, hiking trails, waterfalls, and charming towns. It’s only a 90-minute drive from Sydney, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. You can enjoy the world-famous site of the Three Sisters from Echo Point and discover the valley below by scenic railway or cable car at Scenic World. You can also stroll through the cool climate gardens of the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah, where kids can participate in the Children’s Adventure Quest, a self-guided, hands-on tour. Or you can take to the bush along one of the many mountain trails and walks¹.

Some of the best places to stay in the Blue Mountains are:

• Lilianfels Resort & Spa: A luxury hotel with an award-winning restaurant, a day spa, and stunning views of the Jamison Valley.
• The Carrington Hotel: A historic hotel with elegant rooms, a grand dining room, and a cocktail bar.
• Katoomba YHA: A budget-friendly hostel with cosy rooms, a fireplace lounge, and a rooftop terrace.

Some of the best places to eat in the Blue Mountains are:

• Darley’s Restaurant: A fine dining restaurant with seasonal dishes made from local produce and served in a heritage-listed building.
• The Gingerbread House: A cafe with delicious cakes, pastries, and coffee served in a fairy-tale cottage.
• The Yellow Deli: A quirky cafe with homemade sandwiches, salads, soups, and smoothies served in a rustic setting.

2. The Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is a wine region with vineyards, cellar doors, gourmet restaurants, and hot air balloon rides. It’s about a two-hour drive from Sydney, making it a great destination for wine lovers and foodies. You can taste some of Australia’s finest wines at over 150 wineries and learn about the winemaking process from expert guides. You can also indulge in local delicacies such as cheese, chocolate, olives, and honey at various farms and shops. Or you can soar above the vineyards and enjoy breathtaking views of the valley on a hot air balloon ride².

Some of the best places to stay in the Hunter Valley are:

• Spicers Vineyards Estate: A luxury boutique hotel with spacious rooms, a spa, an outdoor pool, and an acclaimed restaurant.
• Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley: A family-friendly resort with modern rooms,

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3. Jervis Bay & the South Coast

Jervis Bay & the South Coast are coastal areas with white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and abundant marine life. It’s about a three-hour drive from Sydney, making it a perfect destination for a beach getaway. You can relax on some of the world’s whitest sand at Hyams Beach, swim with dolphins and seals at Jervis Bay Marine Park, or explore the stunning rock formations and caves at Booderee National Park. You can also visit the charming towns of Huskisson, Vincentia, and Milton, where you can find cafes, shops, galleries, and museums¹.

Some of the best places to stay in Jervis Bay & the South Coast are:

• Paperbark Camp: A luxury eco-resort with safari-style tents, outdoor bathtubs, and a fine dining restaurant.
• Dolphin Shores: A family-friendly motel with spacious rooms, a pool, a barbecue area, and a playground.
• The Woods Farm: A farm stay with cosy cottages, farm animals, yoga classes, and a fairy garden.

Some of the best places to eat in Jervis Bay & the South Coast are:

• Pilgrims: A vegetarian cafe with delicious burgers, wraps, salads, and juices.
• The Quarters: A modern Australian restaurant with seafood dishes, pizzas, and cocktails.
• The Huskisson Bakery & Cafe: A bakery with fresh bread, pies, cakes, and coffee.

4. Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie is a coastal town with a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and wildlife attractions. It’s about a four-hour drive from Sydney, making it a destination for a diverse weekend getaway. You can enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at one of the many beaches in Port Macquarie, such as Town Beach, Flynns Beach, or Lighthouse Beach. You can also visit the iconic Tacking Point Lighthouse, where you can admire the views of the coast and spot whales and dolphins. Or you can walk along the Breakwall Waking Path, where you can see colourful rocks painted by locals and visitors⁵⁶.

Some of the best places to stay in Port Macquarie are:

• Rydges Port Macquarie: A waterfront hotel with contemporary rooms, a heated pool, a spa, and a restaurant.
• NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park: A family-friendly holiday park with cabins, villas, tents, and caravan sites.
• Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges: A resort-style hotel with stylish rooms, a poolside bar, a marina, and a private jetty.

Some of the best places to eat in Port Macquarie are:

• The Stunned Mullet: A fine dining restaurant with seafood dishes, local wines, and ocean views.
• The Burger Rebellion: A casual eatery with gourmet burgers, fries, shakes, and craft beers.
• The Pancake Place: A family-friendly restaurant with pancakes, crepes, waffles, and salads.

Port Macquarie is also home to some amazing wildlife attractions that will delight animal lovers of all ages. You can visit the Koala Hospital, where you can see rescued koalas and learn about their care and conservation. You can also visit the Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park, where you can see exotic animals such as snow leopards, red pandas, meerkats, and cheetahs. Or you can visit the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre Port Macquarie, where you can walk through a subtropical rainforest on an elevated boardwalk⁵⁶.

5. Orange

Orange is a city in the Central Tablelands region of New South Wales, with a rich heritage, award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, and magnificent gardens. It’s about a four-hour drive from Sydney, making it a destination for a gourmet escape. You can taste some of the finest cool-climate wines at over 80 cellar doors and enjoy local produce at acclaimed restaurants such as Charred Kitchen & Bar, Racine Restaurant, and Lolli Redini. You can also visit the Orange Regional Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of Orange and its surrounds. Or you can explore the Orange Botanic Gardens, where you can see native plants, exotic species, and seasonal displays¹²³.

Some of the best places to stay in Orange are:

• Byng Street Boutique Hotel: A luxury hotel with elegant rooms, a cafe, and a courtyard.
• Mercure Orange: A modern hotel with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a pool.
• Nashdale Lane Glamping: A glamping experience with luxury tents, vineyard views, and a fire pit.

Some of the best places to eat in Orange are:

• Groundstone Cafe: A cafe with healthy and delicious dishes made from local and organic ingredients.
• The Agrestic Grocer: A cafe with farm-fresh food, craft beer, cider, and live music.
• The Beekeepers Inn: A cafe with homemade cakes, scones, and honey products.