Vacation In Sydney
If you’ve ever visited Australia then you know that there are plenty of awesome things to do and see all over the country, this is especially true of Sydney, one of the most famous cities in the world which is also known as the Harbour City. From many different tourist attractions to the beautiful landscape to some of the best beaches you’ll ever come across, Sydney is one of those places that would be great for anyone who has never been before or if you have been there before chances are it was awhile back or maybe even many years ago and are thinking about going back.
Sydney is the gateway to Australia and it’s a stunning city to visit. I’ve been lucky enough to spend some time on the shores of Sydney and have tried to capture its beauty with some amazing pictures.
If your visit to Sydney includes vacation time, the best areas for basing yourself and exploring outside the bright lights of the city are Potts Point and Surry Hills. What do you do in a place like Sydney? Should you eat at fine restaurants? Stroll through picturesque parks, or visit some nearby beaches? These are all excellent choices. However, you can’t take it all in in just a few days. If this is your only time to explore Australia’s most populous city, it’s best to view things like a tourist. This isn’t something that should be avoided. It is good to get lost in well-known areas so that you can stumble upon new things on your own. So combine these two approaches for a more fulfilling trip.
Sydney is Australia’s most beautiful city. To relax on Bondi beach, to walk along the harbour, to discover the history and famous landmarks in Darling Harbour and the Rocks, Sydney has a lot to offer to every visitor. Moreover, Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in the world for a reason — it’s just spectacular!
Vacation In Sydney
One of the world’s most dazzling cities, Sydney is packed with exciting things to see and do, but even hardcore city slickers need a weekend getaway every now and then. Luckily, you’ll find plenty of options for weekend escapes within a short drive of Sydney’s hustle and bustle.
World Heritage-listed wilderness areas, cute country towns, mountain peaks, lush valleys, and sun-soaked beaches are all within easy reach of the city, and families will find great options for cheap weekend getaways with kid-friendly attractions. Whether you’re planning a mini-vacation with the kids, plotting a romantic weekend getaway, pining for an epic road trip, or looking for short breaks for singles, find ideas with our list of the best weekend getaways from Sydney.
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1. The Blue Mountains
For an exhilarating dose of nature and breathtaking vistas, you can’t beat the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. About an hour’s drive from the CBD, this is one of the best short breaks from Sydney. It’s an especially popular last-minute weekend trip in the summer, when the mercury soars and temperatures are cooler at the higher elevations.
Winter brings possible sprinklings of snow and opportunities for couples to snuggle up in a cozy cabin by a crackling fire.
Choose from a long list of invigorating things to do in the Blue Mountains. Inhale the fresh eucalyptus-tinged air in the beautiful Blue Mountains National Park, gawk at the famous Three Sisters rock pinnacles shrouded in mist, hike the extensive network of trails, and see cool-climate plants at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden. Sightseeing in the surrounding towns is also rewarding. Explore charming mountain villages with art galleries, boutiques, and tea shops.
For a unique perspective of the park’s natural wonders, you can soar across the valley on the Scenic World Skyway or glass-floored Scenic Cableway, or ride the steepest railway in the world through an ancient rainforest. Waterfalls, wildlife, and lookouts are other top attractions. This is also one of the few easy weekend getaways from Sydney by train.
If money is no object, stay at the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, the perfect luxury winter escape, and if you’re planning a romantic getaway in NSW, Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges is an excellent choice, with 28 acres of gardens, elegant decor, and a luxurious day spa.
2. The Hunter Valley
Just over a two-hour drive north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is a haven for foodies. This is the oldest grape-growing region in Australia, but you can also sample farm-fresh produce on multi-course tasting menus at top-notch restaurants. Chocolates, cheeses, chutneys, fresh-from-the-hive honey, olives, and aromatic oils are just some of the region’s specialties.
After indulging, you can work off all the gourmet delights by hiking the scenic trails in nearby Wollemi and Barrington Tops National Parks.
You’ll find plenty of family-focused things to do in the Hunter Valley, too. Soar over the valley in a hot air balloon, bike along quiet country roads, cuddle kangaroos at the Hunter Valley Zoo, and admire the botanical beauties at the Hunter Valley Gardens.
Active couples can play a few rounds of golf or tennis, and unwind at one of the region’s luxury day spas at the end of the day.
In a convenient central location, Pokolbin Village makes a great-value base for a short break from Sydney. Here, you’ll find cozy cottages, an inviting outdoor pool, tennis and boules courts, and a popular little Italian eatery. Seeking a unique weekend getaway in NSW? Book a stay at Elysia Wellness Retreat.
3. Jervis Bay & the South Coast
It’s no secret. Most Sydneysiders agree that the South Coast has some of the state’s best beaches, especially in the Shoalhaven region. In fact dazzling Hyams Beach, about three hours south of Sydney, near Jervis Bay, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. It’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway if you want to bask on snow-white sands (reputedly the whitest in the world) and slip into the silky, sparkling blue water on a hot summer’s day.
But Hyams isn’t the only stunning slice of coast. Murrays Beach, Huskisson, and Steamers Beach are other top choices. Hiking trails lace the surrounding bushland of Booderee National Park, and other popular things to do here include kayaking, dolphin and whale-watching cruises, fishing, boating, stand up paddleboarding, and scuba diving in Jervis Bay Marine Park.
Head farther south from Jervis Bay, and you can surf the breaks at Mollymook Beach, come face to face with kangaroos at Murramarang National Park or Pebbly Beach, and soak up the sunshine on true-to-its-name Pretty Beach. For a relaxing splurge, stay at Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook, a luxury oceanfront resort with a vanishing edge pool; posh day spa; and highly-acclaimed seafood restaurant by famed chef, Rick Stein.
On the way to Jervis Bay, Kiama makes a wonderful weekend getaway in its own right.
4. Kiama
About 90 minutes south of Sydney, Kiama is home to the famous Kiama Blowhole, one of the world’s largest blowholes. But there’s more than just the hiss and fizz of water to lure you to this South Coast beauty.
From the air, you could be forgiven for thinking that this is a little slice of Ireland. Lushly-cloaked hills roll to the sea, and pristine beaches rim the coast below steep sea cliffs. Head to Saddleback Mountain Lookout for bird’s-eye views.
Along the coast, you can bask on the soft sands, paddle in rock pools, surf the swells, or watch the experts ride world-class breaks at a surf competition. Need some exercise? Soak up the salt-tinged sea air on the Kiama Coast Walk, and capture an image of the iconic Kiama Lighthouse.
Inland Kiama attractions are just as enticing. Drive about 15 kilometers from Kiama to Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park. From here, you can hike The Falls walk to see rainforest cascades and a fern-filled canyon.
Kiama also has a rich history and Indigenous culture. Learn more about it on a Kiama Heritage Walk. Soar through the canopy on a zipline tour at Illawarra Fly, catch a music festival or a lazy river ride in Jamberoo, or linger in a Kiama café for a relaxed lunch. Options for rewarding adventures in Kiama and the surrounding region are endless.
5. The New South Wales Central Coast
The New South Wales Central Coast is a picturesque playground right on Sydney’s doorstep. Only an hour’s drive from the city, this beach-rimmed stretch of coastline is one of the best short getaways from Sydney.
The main hub is Gosford. But most weekend warriors base themselves in one of the small Central Coast beach towns. Avoca Beach, Terrigal Beach, and The Entrance are the most popular, and water sports are among the top things to do. Swim, fish, surf the swells, or rent a kayak to paddle along the coast.
Avoca Beach is all about its namesake feature, an inviting arc of Norfolk pine-fringed sand and sea. Splash in the waves, dive the ex-HMAS Adelaide wreck offshore, or book a surf lesson. Prefer calmer waters? Head to Avoca Lake. Here, you can rent a pedal boat, kayak, or SUP to explore the lake.
Terrigal also has a lovely golden-sand beach with a small rock pool, and The Entrance has some of the most unspoiled beaches on the Central Coast – Shelly and Bateau Bay beaches are favorites.
Hikers are also in luck. Take the eight-kilometer Bouddi Coastal Walk to see wave-thrashed beaches, whales, woodlands, and wildlife.
Looking for a romantic place to stay on the Central Coast? The region is known for its top-notch boutique hotels. The five-star Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant and Spa and its sister resort, Pretty Beach House, are peaceful escapes surrounded by bird-rich bushland and gorgeous beaches. Both offer weekend getaway deals for couples, including babymoon packages and midweek breaks.
6. Port Macquarie
Beaches, bushwalking, wildlife, and water sports are some of the top ingredients of a weekend getaway in Port Macquarie. Called “Port” by the locals, this holiday hot spot lies about four hours north of Sydney.
Gorgeous beaches stretch north and south of the busy little town: Flynn’s Beach, Nobby’s Beach, and Shelly Beach are among the most popular, and you can ride camels at beautiful Lighthouse Beach, which seems to stretch on for miles.
A great way to explore the coast here is on the nine-kilometer Port Macquarie Coastal Walk in Sea Acres National Park, and you can break it up into several smaller sections if you’re traveling with kids or short on time. For a breathtaking overview of the region, stroll the short hike up to Tacking Point Lighthouse or head up North Brother Mountain to Laurieton Lookout in Dooragan National Park.
Thanks to the town’s enviable position at the mouth of the Hastings River, fishing is also excellent. Sign up for a deep-sea fishing trip, cast a line off a local pier, and make sure you can sample some of the fruits of the sea at the town’s excellent restaurants.