Stuck for where to venture out from Sydney for a weekend away? These five spots will have you in holiday mode before you know it.
1. Port Stephens, North Coast
Almost three hours’ drive from Sydney you’ll find Port Stephens, the perfect spot for swapping the city for a relaxing beach getaway.
Get out and about with a walk on one of the 26 sandy beaches, go dolphin-watching or get adventurous and explore the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes on a quad bike. Then after working up an appetite, be sure to enjoy regional flavours with locally sourced avocados, figs, macadamia nuts and oysters. Yum!
2. Kiama, South Coast
Scenic coastline and lush countryside meet in Kiama, a picturesque seaside town less than two hours’ drive south of Sydney.
Spend a day on the green at any of the three golf courses in the area, walk the 22km Kiama Coast Walk or join the crowd at the world’s largest blowhole, a natural water spout that shoots water high up into the air when the wind, waves and tides come together with explosive energy!
If you have a bit more time, visit the beaches for a surf at nearby Gerringong and go canoeing or fishing at Lake Illawarra near Shellharbour. And you’ve GOT to make a little detour for a sugar hit at the Famous Berry Donut Van. Mmm!
3. Pokolbin, Hunter Valley
If good food and wine are your weakness, pay a visit to Australia’s oldest wine region with a stay in Pokolbin.
Guided tours of local wineries are a great option but if the weather is good (and you want to work up an appetite for all the cheese plates that are inevitably on offer in a wine region 😋), hiring a bike to ride between cellar doors is a stunning way to experience the Hunter.
It’s not all about the wine, though. Little kids and big kids alike will love the Magical Storybook garden at the Hunter Valley Gardens. And you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company.
4. Katoomba, Blue Mountains
The historic town of Katoomba is a great pick for anyone wanting to explore the natural beauty that the Blue Mountains has to offer.
Take time to spot native animals, sandstone plateaus and waterfalls that drop deep into the Blue Mountain valleys below with a hike along a walking trail. Or visit Scenic World Blue Mountains to experience the thrill of riding the steepest passenger railway in the world, the Scenic Railway.
5. Terrigal, Central Coast
Lined with majestic Norfolk Island pines, Terrigal’s beachfront esplanade will have you soaking up those holiday feels – and it’s just over an hour from Sydney.
The vibrant coastal town has something to suit everyone. Hit one of the many cafes or grab fish and chips to eat by the beach (with an ice-cream to follow, of course). Visit the many boutiques, settle in for an afternoon at Crown Plaza’s Terrigal Beach Bar, take a leisurely walk to the Skillion Lookout, or if you’re feeling adventurous, dive and explore the wreck of the Ex-HMAS Adelaide.
Dining options are plentiful (and delicious!). And if you want to explore even further, check out Wamberal and North Avoca beaches to the north and south.
Heads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change between when you make your booking and when you travel. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before visiting, take extra care and follow all rules to ensure their own health and safety. This post was updated on 9 November 2021 and 24 October 2022.
