Sydney, resplendent day or night, is easy to love. Built around a spectacular harbour and fringed by glorious beaches and bays, the city pulsates with energy and bustles with activity. But when you need to step away from all the hubbub, there’s plenty of quiet, tranquil escapes — hinterlands, mountains, beaches, vineyards — just an hour or two from the city. This is our list of the best locations for a weekend getaway from Sydney.
Sydney Weekend Getaway Regions
Palm Beach | Blue Mountains | Central Coast | South Coast | Hunter Valley
Mid-North Coast | Sydney
PALM BEACH
Style: Summer Playground
Distance: 1-1.5 hours from Sydney CBD
Attractions: Palm Beach, Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach Golf Course, Hawkesbury River Cruises, Home and Away Tour
Popularly known as the set of iconic Australian television soap Home and Away, Palm Beach is a long and lovely paradise at the exclusive end of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, fringed by the surf on one side and a tranquil strip on the other, where the calmer strands are perfect for young kids. This amazing area offers plenty of activities and unique experiences that will keep couples and families entertained, such as kayaking, river cruising, and whale watching.
Barrenjoey Villa
Palm Beach, New South Wales
Located on the edge of Pittwater, Barrenjoey Villa is a luxury beachfront holiday home, perfect for relaxing getaways or family holidays.
The Pavilion House
Palm Beach, New South Wales
Located in Palm Beach, The Pavilion House features 5 bedrooms & 4 bathrooms spread over two individual buildings, ideal for a family or group of 10.
Palm Beach Villa
Palm Beach, New South Wales
Palm Beach Villa is the ultimate luxury holiday accommodation that boasts spectacular views across Palm Beach and the Pacific Ocean.
Elysium
Palm Beach, New South Wales
Located in the popular Palm Beach area, Elysium is a stunning luxury holiday home boasting beautiful views over Whale Beach.
Pacific Blue
Palm Beach, New South Wales
Perfectly located in Palm Beach, Pacific Blue is a lovely 3 bedroom holiday home boasting breathtaking views & plenty of space for up to 8 guests.
BLUE MOUNTAINS
Style: Mountain Adventure
Distance: 1.5 hours from Sydney CBD
Attractions: Three Sisters Rock Formation, Jenolan Caves, Scenic World, Waradah Aboriginal Centre, National Parks
Surrounded by spectacular scenery and fresh mountain air, the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains are perfect for those who want to relax and unwind in tranquillity. This idyllic destination also offers numerous exhilarating activities, including rock climbing and abseiling, guided walks to waterfalls and cliff top lookouts, and even learning about the region’s ancient Indigenous heritage.
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
Greater Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Indulge in the ultimate sanctuary of privacy and comfort at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, an ultra-luxury resort set in the Greater Blue Mountains.
Spicers Sangoma Retreat
Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Spicers Sangoma Retreat is the ultimate luxury hideaway, just a 70 minute drive from Sydney.
Banjara Retreat
Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Boasting an intimate setting and complete privacy, Banjara Retreat in the majestic Blue Mountains is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway.
Mending Wall
Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Set upon five acres, this spectacular holiday home is a striking countryside residence hidden away at Mt Irvine in the Blue Mountains
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Set in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, the Fairmont Resort is a fabulous luxury hotel ideal for romantic getaways and special occasions.
CENTRAL COAST
Style: Seaside Sojourn
Distance: 1.5 hours from Sydney CBD
Attractions: Gosford Classic Car Museum, Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk, Glenworth Valley, Beachfront Cafés
Drive an hour and a half north of Sydney and you’ll discover a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The NSW Central Coast is a region brimming with picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches, and exciting outdoor activities. Coastal towns such as Terrigal and Avoca are the places to go for those looking to relax by the seaside, enjoy scenic coastal walks, and explore the vibrant food scene.
Le Chateau
Central Coast, New South Wales
Experience French chateau living and utmost privacy at Le Chateau, a stunning holiday home with 8 bedrooms ideal for families or groups of up to 18.
The Residence
Central Coast, New South Wales
Set amongst the pristine hinterland of Matcham, The Residence is a 6 bedroom holiday retreat offering both relaxation and recreation in spades.
Pretty Beach House
Central Coast, New South Wales
Situated 100 kilometres north of Sydney, Pretty Beach House is a luxury, private guesthouse that boasts stunning views of the Bouddi Peninsula.
Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel & Spa
Central Coast, New South Wales
Located just one hour north of Sydney, Bells at Killcare is a boutique hotel offering superb accommodation, a multi-award winning restaurant and spa.
Elanora
Central Coast, New South Wales
Situated near the beautiful Wamberal Beach, Elanora is an amazing resort-style retreat with 6 bedrooms ideal for families or groups of up to 16.
SOUTH COAST
Style: Scenic Coastal Retreat
Distance: 1.5-2,5 hours from Sydney
Attractions: Montague Island, Jervis Bay, Royal National Park, Kangaroo Valley, Ben Boyd National Park, Eden, Mystery Bay, Kiama Blowhole
Drive down the coast south of Sydney and you’ll find some of the most amazing scenery and white-sand beaches in the country. The South Coast boasts plenty of activities that will keep you busy for days, including swimming with seals, dolphin and whale watching, as well as ziplining and surfing. If you’re not the adventurous type, you’ll enjoy visiting the region’s national parks, and the excellent food and wine scene. Tour the microbreweries, gourmet restaurants, and feast on fresh local produce or catch of the day.
The Headland by Dovecote
South Coast, New South Wales
A stunning architectural masterpiece, The Headland is a 4-bedroom holiday home on the picturesque NSW South Coast that caters for up to 8 guests.
Eagleview Park
South Coast, New South Wales
A modern countryside retreat for groups of up to 12, The House at Eagleview Park boasts 5 bedrooms and a superb location on the NSW South Coast.
The Range by Dovecote
South Coast, New South Wales
Perfect for romantic or intimate family getaways, The Range is a stunning 2 bedroom retreat near the idyllic coastal town of Gerringong.
Indigo Retreat East Lodge
South Coast, New South Wales
Located on the South Coast of New South Wales, Indigo Retreat’s East Lodge boasts 5 spacious bedrooms and is ideal for couples & adult-groups.
Paperbark Camp
South Coast, New South Wales
Surrounded by pristine Australian bush & native wildlife, Paperbark Camp offers a unique luxury camping experience in Jervis Bay in New South Wales.
HUNTER VALLEY
Style: Food and Adventure Weekender
Distance: 2.5 hours from Sydney
Attractions: Barrington Tops, Devil’s Hole, Thunderbolt Lookout, Hunter Valley Gardens, Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club, Tyrell’s Vineyard
Just over 2 hours north of Sydney is one of Australia’s premier wine and food destinations. Featuring more than 150 excellent wineries and cellar doors you can tour, as well as upscale restaurants, the Hunter Valley attracts more visitors than any other wine region in the country. That’s probably because it also offers a myriad of other activities, including hot air ballooning, open-air concerts and festivals, golfing, and spa treatments. It’s a fabulous weekend getaway for couples and even families.
Loggerheads Homestead
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Loggerheads Homestead is ideal for families or groups of up to 12 people who are looking for a secluded and sophisticated country getaway.
Spicers Vineyards Estate
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Located in the tranquil heart of the Hunter Valley, Spicers Vineyards Estate features twelve spacious and luxury suites perfect for a couples retreat.
Lodge at Mount Rivers
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
A beautiful holiday retreat in the upper Hunter Valley, the Lodge at Mount Rivers offers families and groups a taste of real Australian luxury.
Alphawood
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Set in the Hunter Valley near the foodie haven of Polkolbin, Alphawood is a luxury hilltop retreat with outstanding views over surrounding vineyards.
Hunter Valley Lodge & Retreat
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Perfect for large families or groups, Hunter Valley Lodge & Retreat is an amazing luxury accommodation with 11 bedrooms in the heart of the wine region.
MID-NORTH COAST
Style: Relaxing Hinterland Escape and Seaside Adventure
Distance: 4.5 Hours from Sydney
Attractions: Nelson Bay, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Myall Lakes National Park, Crowdy Bay National Park, Dorrigo National Park, Port Stephens
If you don’t mind driving a bit further, you will love what the Mid-North Coast of NSW has to offer. Explore its lush river valleys, uncrowded beaches, and dramatic hinterlands. Join a cruise to see the whales and dolphins, or snorkel and dive to view the region’s teeming marine life. Drive down the Legendary Pacific Coast route, through national parks, verdant forests, and quaint towns and villages. Or try something new like sand-boarding on the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.
Anchorage Port Stephens
Mid-North Coast, New South Wales
With a beautiful Hamptons-style, The Anchorage hotel and spa is a luxurious seaside escape, perfect for romantic getaways and intimate corporate events.
The Waterfront
Mid-North Coast, New South Wales
Located on the shores of picturesque Nelson Bay in NSW, The Waterfront is a 3 bedroom holiday apartment ideal for families & groups of up to six.
Friday Creek Retreat
Mid-North Coast, New South Wales
With 9 cottages that cater for couples or families, Friday Creek Retreat is a private hideaway nestled within the hills of Coffs Harbour’s hinterland.
Salt At Shoal Bay
Mid-North Coast, New South Wales
Set directly across from a fabulous beach in Port Stephens, Salt at Shoal Bay is a beautiful waterfront property for families or large groups.
SYDNEY
Style: City Staycation
Distance: 0-30 Minutes from Sydney CBD
Attractions: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Royal Botanic Garden, Word-Class Dining, Theatre & Entertainment
Sometimes, there’s no need to head far just to enjoy a weekend getaway. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and stunning attractions, Sydney offers a myriad of delightful activities that will certainly excite just about everyone throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing time on the beach, craving for exceptional cuisine and world-class wines, or getting a taste of the local attractions, you can have it all in your own backyard.
The Old Clare Hotel
Sydney, New South Wales
Nestled in the heart of Sydney, The Old Clare Hotel is a stylishly-designed boutique hotel with a collection of 62 fabulous and well-appointed rooms.
The William Inglis Hotel
Sydney, New South Wales
Situated alongside the Warwick Farm racecourse, The William Inglis Hotel is an equine-themed boutique hotel with 144 spacious rooms and suites.
Larmont Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales
Boasting unrivalled location and bespoke amenities, Larmont Sydney is an urban boutique hotel ideal for those keen to experience the soul of Sydney.
Spicers Potts Point
Sydney, New South Wales
Enjoy a quiet weekend without leaving the city at Spicers Potts Point, a refurbished 19th century boutique hotel close to Sydney CBD and the Harbour.
Looking for the perfect accommodation for a weekend away? Browse our full collection of luxury retreats in New South Wales. If you require any assistance in helping you book your perfect getaway, contact one of our friendly Getaway Specialists.
Images Credit: Tourism Australia
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