Sydney is packed with exciting things to do and see, and fortunately, within a short drive from Sydney, you will find plenty of options for weekend getaways.
That is exactly what I will be sharing below; the best weekend trips from Sydney! From World Heritage-listed areas to small country towns to mountains and sun-soaked beaches, all are within easy reach of the city.
Whether you’re planning a short and simple holiday with the kids or planning a romantic retreat, this is the ultimate guide for you.
Short Drive To The Best Weekend Trips From Sydney
Living, working or even exploring a big metropolis like Sydney can live you a little depleted but within just a short drive there are plenty of opportunities for weekend getaways Sydney.
Below are 10 amazing places whether you are after relaxing romantic weekend getaways Sydney or quickly family breaks, many of these are suitable for couples and families alike.
The Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley
Location: Hunter Region NSW, 2310
Length of Journey: 2-3 hours
What to do there:
The home of wine lays in the Hunter Valley, so why not visit wine tasting destinations? Take a wine tour to taste wines made from classic and evolving grape types as well as to learn more about the environmental influences of the region and develop a deeper understanding of the vineyard to bottle winemaking process, taking you to the heart of Hunter Valley. Among the best short drives from Sydney as its only 2-3 hours.
Food and wine go exceptionally well together so why not immerse your tastebuds to enjoy both wine and cheese at Scarborough on Hermitage in Pokolbin also located in the Hunter Region. Want to visit attractions in the Hunter Valley?
Visit Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin to see their 14 hectares of gardens where they also host signature events and festivals or to take your kids on rides.
Another popular activity to do at the Hunter Valley is to go horse riding, whether it’s at the Hunter Valley Resort or the Adventure Centre Hunter Valley, it is perfect and fun for all ages.
The Hunter Valley
Also Read: The Perfect Sydney & Melbourne Itinerary
Canberra
Location: Canberra ACT, 2601
Length of Journey: 3-4 hours
What to do there:
Australia’s capital city is filled with attractions where you could learn about Australia’s culture and history. Places to visit include The Parliament House, The Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, The National Zoo & Aquarium, Royal Australian Mint where all the Australian coins are produced, and finally, Questacon which is a National Science and Technology Centre filled with over 200 interactive based exhibits related to science and technology.
Tick of your short holidays from Sydney with a hop-on sightseeing cruise or a full-day tour to introduce you to Canberra from museums to political battlegrounds to monuments. Go cruising in Lake Burley Griffin, which is an artificial lake that is in the heart of Canberra where multiple cruises are available for you to go on for you to enjoy the breathtaking view.
National Museum of Australia – Canberra
The Entrance
Location: The Entrance NSW, 2261
Length of Journey: 1-2 hours
What to do there:
The Entrance is a town in the Central Coast of New South Wales and is a popular holiday resort and destination with many attractions to visit.
The best attractions you must go to include Memorial Park, Pelican Feeding, North Entrance Beach, The Entrance Baths, The Entrance Boardwalk, The Entrance Market at 46 Marine Parade that is held every Saturday, The Coast to Lake Scenic Walk, Norah Head, Wyrrabalong National Park and of course, a historical landmark in The Entrance, The Entrance Historic Carousel.
The Entrance is crowded with resorts and hotels, but you could even go camping or glamping! A popular and highly rated camping ground is Dunleith Tourist Park at 2 Hutton Rd, The Entrance where you could also enjoy swimming, surfing, boating, fishing, kayaking and many more.
Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay
Location: Nelson Bay NSW, 2315
Length of Journey: 2-3 hours
What to do there:
Located in Port Stephens, Nelson Bay is another popular destination and perfect for weekend trips from Sydney with pristine beaches, aquatic activities and restaurants on the waterfront.
Some great and fun suggestions to do during your stay in Nelson Bay include Dolphin watching, Dolphin cruise, go on a Panoramic Hike, Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse and Reserve, Splash Waterpark, Camel Riding at Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides, Snorkeling, Bike Riding along Shoal Bay, Sand Boarding at Worimi Conservation Lands and an iconic tourist attraction on Lilly Hill Road, The Gan Gan Lookout.
Nelson Bay has everything you need for your perfect weekend getaway, from a relaxing swim to a strong encounter with marine life, and cruise tours to sandy tours.
Also Read: Two Days In Sydney
Newcastle
Location: Newcastle NSW, 2300
Length of Journey: 1-2 hours
What to do there:
Surrounded by astonishingly unique landscapes, Newcastle is an easy day trip from Sydney but even better for the weekend.
The things you must do while you are staying in Newcastle are going to the beaches, swim in a rock pool at the The Bogey Hole, take a trip to the Anzac Memorial Walkway or the Newcastle Memorial Walk.
Go hiking at the Glenrock Conservation Reserve, visit a nature preserve like Blackbutt Reserve, take a tour in Fort Scratchley, visit Newcastle Museum, swim at Merewether Ocean Baths. Go to the Newcastle Breakwall for a breathtaking scenic view, visit Christ Church Cathedral, and enjoy great entertainment at the Newcastle Civic Theatre. So clearly the moral of this is that you will never be bored in Newcastle!
Blue Mountains
Lake Macquarie
Location: City of Lake Macquarie NSW
Length of Journey: 1-2 hours
What to do there:
Lake Macquarie is an underrated and enjoyable destination whether you are going with your partner, friends or your family. If you do go to Lake Macquarie, here are the attractions, places and things you must put on your list: take a bike or walk the Warners Bay waterfront, visit the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, visit Watagans National Park, abseil through Gap Creek Falls, do aquatic activities like surfing and kayaking, go touring at Lake Macquarie airport where you could also do activities such as sky diving, and dine at the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club with a view of the marina. Despite it being ‘less talked about’ than other destinations, visiting Lake Macquarie should be on your bucket list and is enjoyable for everyone and anyone.
Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains
Location: Blue Mountains NSW, 2780
Length of Journey: 1-2 hours
What to do there:
The famous Blue Mountains, heading west of Sydney, have so much to offer that it’s hard to know where to start, especially with their many iconic and famous attractions. Some of their brilliant attractions you must visit are the Three Sisters, Scenic World, Leura Cascades Picnic Area at Blue Mountains National Park, Echo Point Plaza, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Wentworth Falls, Mount Solitary where you can hike, Govetts Leap lookout, Katoomba Falls, Evans Lookout, Grand Canyon Walking Track, Pulpit Rock Lookout, Kings Tableland, National Pass, Lincoln’s Rock and Everglades Historic House and Gardens. As you can see, the Blue Mountains is packed with attractions, and there are tonnes more than listed here.
Port Stephens
Port Stephens
Location: Port Stephens NSW, 2319
Length of Journey: 2-3 hours
What to do there:
Port Stephens is a beautiful beach escape on a dazzling blue harbour, ranging from majestic natural beauty to freshly caught seafood. Relax on the sandy beaches, discover giant sand dunes, embrace water activities, explore with the native bottlenose dolphins and try out tasty places to eat on the waterfront. The lush cove in the vast Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, home to many dolphins, is twice the size of Sydney Harbor.
Here are ten best things to do at Port Stephens: attend Port Stephens Surf School to learn how to surf better than ever before, hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, watch native animals at Oakvale Wildlife Park, walk through Tomaree National Park, watch the koalas at the Tilligerry Habitat, interact with marine life at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, go 4WD on sand dunes with Sand Dunes Adventure, play golf at David Graham’s Golf Complex, have fun with Go Karting at Go Karts Go, and tick the top of your bucket list by renting a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible from Mustang Memories in Corlette.
Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley
Location: Kangaroo Valley NSW, 2577
Length of Journey: 2-3 hours
What to do there:
There is something for everyone that Kangaroo Valley offers, from connecting with nature to kayaking to learning how to cook gourmet foods to exploring museums! The ten best things to do and places to visit include going to The Friendly Inn which is one of the regions oldest pub, Kangaroo Valley Fudge House and Ice Creamery for the best old fashioned confections, go wine tasting at Yarrawa Estate, take some unique cooking lessons at Flavours of the Valley, take a trip to the Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Village Museum, go olive picking at Kangaroo Valley Olives, spoil your taste buds with some pie from Southern Pies Kangaroo Valley, go on a canoeing and kayaking adventure in the Kangaroo River by hiring with Kangaroo Valley Kayaks, take a stroll in the Kangaroo River, and enjoy a handmade aromatherapy treatments in a luxury private cottage at Crystal Creek Meadows Day Spa.
Jervia Bay
Jervis Bay
Location: Jervis Bay Territory NSW, 2540
Length of Journey: 3 hours
What to do there:
Jervis Bay has one of the best beaches in Australia, so make a plan to visit the majority of them during your stay! The season can never shorten your list of places to go to in Jervis Bay because it’s perfect all year round and there are plenty of things to do during the winter and summer. The most iconic beaches you must consider going to are Mollymook Surf Beach, Caves Beach, Culburra Surf Beach, Murray’s Beach, Steamers Beach, Hyams Beach, White Sands Walk, Blenheim Beach, and Chinaman’s Beach. Attractions you could also visit are Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay National Park, Point Perpendicular, Jervis Bay Maritime Museum and Booderee Botanic Gardens.
Planning Your Short Escapes From Sydney
- Unless you already have a car, you can rent a car via EasyCar where you can compare cars and rents from a wide range of rental companies.
- Book your weekend stay for hotel, villa or apartment via Booking.com which has a amazing range of places for romantic retreats and family-friendly accommodation.
- Unless you are already in Australia, you can find flight deals to Sydney from Expedia.
- For tours, day and multi-day Sydney weekend getaways packages check out Viator.
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- Unmissable Street Art In Hosier Lane
- The Best Markets In Sydney
- Tips For Travelling Solo In Australia
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