Sydney is one of my favorite cities in the world. But, it’s also one of the most-visited cities in the world, so, as you can imagine, it can feel pretty packed-to-the-rafters here at times! And even though I love spending time in the city, I lived here for 4 years after all. I have to admit, sometimes it feels too ‘hustle and bustle’ for me.
So, if, like me, you’re keen to escape the city for the weekend, then boy, have I got you covered.
In this blog, I list 10 of the best weekend getaways from Sydney. And all of them are within easy driving distance. I’ve included some gorgeous beachy towns like the lovely surf haven of Jervis Bay. And the coastal towns of Terrigal and Avoca Beach, dotted along the Central Coast, are another of my favorite spots to spend a weekend.
So, let’s explore 10 of the not-to-be-missed weekend getaways from Sydney. There’s something for everyone on this list!
Where to go for a weekend away from Sydney?
The best weekend getaways close to Sydney include the Central Coast (only an hour’s drive from the city) and the famous Blue Mountains (a 90-minute drive from Sydney). A little further drive, you can get to Canberra, Australia’s capital city. And the Hunter Valley – easily the best wine-tasting region in the country!
10 Weekend Getaways from Sydney
1. Central Coast
- Distance from Sydney: Around 90 km
- Best for: Families, beach-lovers
The Central Coast is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway from Sydney. Not only is it home to one of the most stunning coastlines in New South Wales, including gorgeous beaches (we love Budgewoi Beach). But it is also home to a number of charming seaside towns like Avoca Beach, Killcare, and Terrigal, which you will instantly fall in love with.
Over on the scenic Brisbane Water, Gosford, Woy Woy, and Ettalong Beach are terrific spots for boating, fishing, and swimming. Similarly, attractions like the Australian Reptile Park and the Bouddi National Park are well worth checking out, especially if you love wildlife and nature.
Throw in plenty of boutique stores, a fabulous cafe and dining scene, and the fact that it is only an hour or so drive from the city, and you have plenty of reasons to visit the Central Coast for a weekend getaway from Sydney.
Where to stay on the Central Coast:
We recommend basing yourself in Terrigal as it’s home to a lovely beach and a decent-sized town with plenty of restaurants and Cafes. Our favorite coffee spot here is Legend Coffee on Pine Tree Lane. And for food, we love The Cowrie (it’s got epic ocean views).
As for where to stay here, we recommend the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific – it’s right on the beach and has a lovely outdoor pool. The rooms are bright and comfortable, and many come with balconies.
2. Blue Mountains National Park
- Distance from Sydney: Around 60 km
- Best for: Hikers, nature lovers
Given that it is only a 90-minute drive from Sydney, a visit to the Blue Mountains National Park should be on every road tripper’s bucket list. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to rugged cliffs, deep canyons, and eucalyptus-filled valleys that provide a peaceful escape from the frenetic pace of life in the city.
The iconic Three Sisters rock formation, best seen from Echo Point, is arguably the park’s highlight. However, the variety of hiking trails here, including the legendary Grand Canyon walking track is one of our top things to do here. You’ll also find the world’s oldest limestone caves and the world’s steepest railway here, which is not for the faint-hearted!
For those wanting a peaceful escape from the fast pace of city life in Sydney, the Blue Mountains provide that in spades. Local towns like Katoomba, Blackheath, Leura, and Glenbrook also make for a pleasant place to stop to shop, explore, and eat.
Where to stay in the Blue Mountains:
We recommend basing yourself in Leura, although Katoomba is the largest town here; to us, Leura is much more charming. The village is renowned for its beautiful gardens, especially during the annual Leura Gardens Festival, where vibrant blooms and expertly curated landscapes are on full display. And we loved strolling along the Leura Mall, which is lined with quaint shops, cafes, and heritage buildings that exude a sort of timeless charm.
The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is a great choice if you want a hotel with an epic view, as this one has easily the best view in the region. The views are wow-worthy! It’s a few kilometers from Leura and the rooms are so luxurious, as is the rest of the resort.
3. Hunter Valley
- Distance from Sydney: Around 200 km
- Best for: Wine drinkers
A two-hour drive from Sydney will have you in the scenic Hunter Valley. This picturesque region is well known for being Australia’s premier wine region and is home to several world-class vineyards, wineries, and cellar doors where you can do a wine tasting and stroll amongst the idyllic vineyards.
Set against the Brokenback Mountain Range, the Hunter Valley is a lovely destination to explore on foot or by car. However, if you have a head for heights, you can also choose to experience its beauty from the lofty vantage point of a hot air balloon ride. It’s an early wake-up call, though (4 am!) But it will be worth it to catch the first sunlight over the vineyards below.
Speaking of vineyards, the best ones here include Tyrrell’s Wines, a family-owned establishment that has been producing remarkable wines since 1858; their Semillon is delicious. Another standout is Brokenwood Wines, famous for its iconic Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz. Tamburlaine Organic Wines offers an impressive selection of organic wines. And Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard boasts stunning panoramic views of the valley.
This 3-hour wine tour visits 3 boutique vineyards and includes a cheese and wine masterclass and wine tastings at all the vineyards. It costs $109 AUD per person.
Where to stay in the Hunter Valley:
Spicer’s Vineyard Estate is probably the best hotel here; this 5-star, luxurious property is set amongst rolling bushland and has a lovely (small) outdoor pool. The rooms are spacious, stylish and come with a fireplace!
4. Jervis Bay
- Distance from Sydney: Around 200 km
- Best for: Surfers, beach-lovers
A three-hour drive south of Sydney will take you to the pristine beaches of Jervis Bay. So, if you fancy a spot of sunbathing and surfing this weekend, then this is the spot for you!
With its dazzling white sands, notably at Hyams Beach, which is often labeled as having the whitest sand in the world, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, beach-lovers will be in their element.
The Jervis Bay Marine Park is perfect if you want to do some snorkeling and/or diving. There’s heaps of marine life to be seen in these waters, like bottlenose dolphins and over 220 different species of fish. If you prefer staying on land, then explore the lush trails of Booderee National Park, where you can enjoy bushwalking, birdwatching, and even visit the historic Cape St George Lighthouse.
If you are into marine life, you’ll love the chance to go on one of the many whale or dolphin-watching tours that venture out into its surrounding waters during migration season (from May to November).
📖 Your Next Read: Check out my guide to the best whale watching tours in Sydney!
Where to stay in Jervis Bay:
We loved our stay at Dolphin Shores – this casual spot has a small outdoor plunge pool and is a 5-minute walk from Collingwood Beach. Our room here was clean and comfortable, and the staff are really friendly.
5. Kangaroo Valley
- Distance from Sydney: Around 150 km
- Best for: Hikers, anyone who wants to escape the crowds
Tucked away in the Southern Highlands, Kangaroo Valley will captivate you with its rustic charm and natural beauty. It will take you about two hours to drive there from Sydney, but once you are there, you will be surrounded by lush landscapes that will take your breath away.
The drive to Kangaroo Valley, particularly along the scenic Macquarie Pass, is an experience in itself. This narrow and windy section of the Illawarra Highway is very pretty, but you’ll need to drive slower – around 60 kph as the twists and turns can be quite sharp. And be sure to stop off at the Robertson Pie Shop and Clover Falls within Macquarie Pass National Park along the way.
And when you get here, you can explore the historic Hampden Bridge, go kayaking on the Kangaroo River, and take bush walks through Morton National Park
The quaint village itself offers a range of cafes (we really like KV Coffee Co.), boutique shops, and historic buildings.
Where to stay in Kangaroo Valley:
Wildes Boutique Hotel is one of the most popular places to stay in Kangaroo Valley. From the outside, it looks quaint and historic, but the interiors are super-stylish. There’s also an outdoor pool and lush gardens.
6. Port Stephens
- Distance from Sydney: Around 180 km
- Best for: beach-lovers, wildlife-lovers
If you are a beach lover, you will be spoilt for choice in Port Stephens. Because in this drop-dead-gorgeous coastal region, just over two hours north of Sydney, you can explore no less than 26 outstanding sandy beaches. Including the iconic Zenith Beach and the expansive Stockton Beach.
The region is also famous for its resident bottlenose dolphins, which are best seen on dolphin-watching cruises that skirt the picturesque bay. And if you want to stretch your legs, you should head over to Tomaree National Park, where a hike up to the Tomaree Head Summit reveals fantastic panoramic views of the area.
Another popular thing to do here is to go sandboarding on the towering dunes of Stockton Beach. It’s so fun!
In addition to its natural attractions, there are a few charming seaside towns that you should definitely spend a couple of hours in, like Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, vibrant markets, and take in the relaxed coastal lifestyle. I remember thinking to myself when we last visited that I could easily live here.
Where to stay in Port Stephens:
We came here for our birthday weekend not long ago (yep, we both have the same birthday) and we treated ourselves to a stay at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. This glamping-style accommodation is set within a Koala sanctuary (hence the name), and our glamping tent was comfortable and had an ensuite bathroom. There’s also a lovely outdoor pool on-site.
7. Southern Highlands
- Distance from Sydney: Around 130 km
- Best for: Hikers, art-lovers
The Southern Highlands is a picturesque region just 90 minutes southwest of Sydney that is characterised by rolling hills, lush countryside, and heritage villages. Its cooler climate creates some jaw-dropping landscapes, and the area also boasts well-manicured gardens, wineries, and historic estates.
The largest town there is Bowral, which is famous for its tulip festival (held at Corbett Gardens) and for being the hometown of Sir Donald Bradman. Cricket lovers will enjoy the museum that is dedicated to his life and the game he loved.
During your visit here, you can also check out the area’s fascinating collection of art galleries and antique shops, and stop off at the scenic Fitzroy Falls.
Where to stay in the Southern Highlands:
We advise basing yourself in Bowral to explore this region. And we just love the Berida Hotel here. This charming and small hotel is set amongst lovely gardens and is just minutes’ walk from the town. There are plenty of amenities on-site, including a tennis court and spa.
8. Canberra
- Distance from Sydney: Around 280 km
- Best for: Those who are after history and culture
For a weekend getaway that combines history and culture, head to Canberra, the nation’s capital.
The drive will take you about three hours to complete from Sydney, but once there, you will be able to immerse yourself in learning about Australia’s rich political history and check out Canberra’s expansive green spaces and cultural institutions.
Kickstart your weekend here at the Australian War Memorial, a poignant tribute to the nation’s military history. Then, head to the National Gallery of Australia to admire its extensive collection of artworks, including an impressive display of Aboriginal art.
The nearby National Museum of Australia offers fascinating insights into the country’s social history and culture. Next, take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride around Lake Burley Griffin, where you’ll find stunning views and beautifully landscaped gardens.
And don’t miss a visit to the Australian Parliament House to witness the country’s political pulse and admire its architectural magnificence. Also, don’t miss out on a visit to the Old Bus Depot Markets – where you can taste some awesome food and get some great coffee.
Where to stay in Canberra:
We stayed at Ovolo Nishi and highly recommend it – this modern 5-star hotel is conveniently located in the city centre. And it’s just so cool inside, the interiors really reminded me of a hotel in Tokyo.
9. Snowy Mountains
- Distance from Sydney: Around 489 km
- Best for: Skiers and snowboarders
If you love the snow, then the best place to go on a winter weekend getaway from Sydney is the Snowy Mountains. This majestic alpine region is renowned for its snow-capped peaks, pristine landscapes, and, of course, its skiing.
It is headlined by Mount Kosciuszko, the highest peak in Australia, which is the main drawing card for hikers and photographers, as it offers superb panoramic views of the Snowy River and surrounding wilderness. As I said, it’s also a major hotspot for skiers and snowboarders, with popular resorts like Thredbo and Perisher attracting scores of adrenaline seekers in the winter months.
As it is situated about a five-hour drive from Sydney, you will need to factor in a couple of stops on the way there and back. It’s also important to take snow chains with you in the winter months to help you navigate the roads more easily.
All that being said, if the thought of visiting the Snowy Mountains in winter runs shivers down your spine, don’t worry. It is also a lovely place to visit in the summer, when hiking, mountain biking, and fishing in crystal-clear lakes are the most popular activities.
Where to stay in the Snowy Mountains:
Whether you plan to visit in the winter or summer, I recommend basing yourself in Thredbo. Known for its vibrant skiing and snowboarding scene, this resort village offers a range of slopes suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. While the village itself boasts charming hotels, great restaurants (we really enjoyed TBar Restaurant), and a welcoming community atmosphere.
We spent a couple of nights at Bernti’s Mountain Inn in the winter. It’s a little reminiscent of a Swiss Alpine Lodge, and our room was cozy and comfortable.
10. Wollongong
- Distance from Sydney: Around 90 km
- Best for: Surfers
Situated just an hour south of Sydney, Wollongong is a vibrant city that is known for its stunning coastal setting and industrial heritage. Two of its main attractions are the iconic Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse and the scenic Grand Pacific Drive, which are the first ports of call for most visitors.
The Illawarra Escarpment is the perfect place to go bushwalking, and if you’re feeling brave, you can go hang gliding from Bald Hill here. While North Wollongong Beach is perfect for swimming and surfing. Also, the Wollongong Botanic Garden is well worth checking out, whilst the city also boasts a diverse dining scene – the seafood restaurants here are particularly awesome.
And for a unique experience, head to the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere!
Where to stay in Wollongong:
We spent two nights at Surfside 22 Hotel, which was handily just 200 meters from the beach. Our room was bright and clean, and there’s a small outdoor pool (which we didn’t get the chance to use).
Renting a Car in Sydney
It’s so worth renting a car in Australia. And although it can be expensive to do so, you will be able to go wherever you want, whenever you want, without being constrained by a timetable. Like you would if you were to do a guided tour.
The cost of renting a car in Australia can be expensive. However, there are some ways you can save money. We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.
Thanks for Reading!
Whew, thanks for reading the whole blog post – there sure was a lot of information to take in. As I said, I lived in Sydney for several years, and so I may be biased, but I reckon it’s the best city in the country to go on a weekend getaway – there are so many beautiful regions close to downtown!
So, whether you choose to hit the beach, explore the countryside, or tackle the state’s highest alpine mountains, there is no shortage of things you can do.
All you have to decide is where you are going to go first.
Before you go! You may also enjoy reading some of my other most popular blog posts, including –
3 Days in Sydney With Kids (Fun Weekend Sydney Itinerary)
Can you visit Queenstown New Zealand on a budget
How to have the BEST 24 hours in Queenstown
What they don’t tell you about moving home after living abroad
Last Updated on October 24, 2025 by snaphappytravel