We love living in beautiful Sydney. However, there are any number of weekend trips from Sydney that make for an enjoyable escape from the city. A quick road trip to discover heritage towns, stunning wineries or pure white sand beaches. There’s so much to see and do within a few hours drive.
In this post we’re sharing what we believe are 15 of the best weekend trips from Sydney. Living in Sydney for most of our lives, we’ve taken too many weekend getaways to count. So, this list includes the places we continually go back to. Or, some memorable trips that we can’t wait to do again.
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15 of the best weekend trips from Sydney
#1 Jervis Bay
Long stretches of white sand, crystal clear water and beautiful national parks full of native wildlife. This is the gorgeous region of Jervis Bay. My top pick for a weekend trip from Sydney.
Base yourself in Huskisson, the gateway to the region. Stay at one of the many B&Bs, motels or caravan parks. You’ll be blessed with numerous beaches in walking distance plus loads of cute cafes for breakfast. This stunning town is the spot I spent every single summer holiday growing up. It holds a special place in my heart and is a destination we return to for a short weekend getaway every chance we get.
Spend a day beach hopping and take a drive out towards Booderee National Park. You can choose to visit Hyams which is famed for having the “whitest sand in the world”. Whilst it is beautiful (and indeed, very white), I often find it too crowded. Instead, drive on a little further and pay a small fee for 48 hours entry into the national park. One of our favourite spots here is Murrays Beach. Or for a chance to have a small spot to yourself, check out Hole in the Wall beach. Just remember to bring water and other supplies as you won’t find many shops inside the national park.
If you’d like to get out onto the water, Huskisson is a perfect spot for it. Taking a dolphin watch cruise is one of the most popular things to do in Huskisson. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins out at sea whilst you’re walking along the beach.
For dinner, you’ll be spoilt for options. You can keep it casual and spend the evening at the Husky Pub. This iconic country pub by the water is a great spot for afternoon drinks and dinner. If you’re after something a little fancier, sample some Asian-fusion at Wild Ginger.
If it’s raining or you want a break from the beaches, catch one of the latest movies at Huskisson Pictures, a very cute little local cinema.
Where to stay in Jervis Bay
We’ve stayed in plenty of different accommodation options in Jervis Bay, but the pick of them all is Huskisson. Here are a few favourites plus a dream bucket list stay:
Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach: one of several caravan parks in the area, this one wins out due to the prime location along the Huskisson beachfront. There are onsite cabins for those who don’t have a caravan or want to pitch a tent. There are a range of options to suit different budgets, with the best cabins offering a sea view.
Dolphin Sands Bed and Breakfast: located on the road into Huskisson town, this B&B offers cosy rooms and a wonderful fresh breakfast. It’s a good 15 minute walk to Huskisson beach. But a great spot if you plan on driving around to different beaches in the area.
Paperbark Camp: this 5 star glamping destination has been on our bucket list for a very long time. Located in a bushland setting in the neighbouring town of Woollamia, it’s the premier destination for those seeking a spot for a special celebration.
Distance from Sydney
The best thing about Jervis Bay is that it is located just 2.5 hours away from Sydney. The drive is getting easier and shorter thanks to multiple upgrades along the Princes Highway.
Our tip: Make sure you stop at the Famous Berry Donut Van about 20 minutes before you get into Nowra. You’ll be rewarded with the most deliciously fresh cinnamon donuts you’ve likely ever had.
#2 Culburra Beach / Callala Bay
Staying down south, the area of Culburra Beach is the perfect spot for a laidback beach break. The highlight of the area is Culburra Beach itself, 3.7km of wonderful surf beach. Swim, surf or enjoy a long walk along the sand. If you’re looking for fresh open air and to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this is your spot.
Culburra Beach has a great array of restaurants, such as The Little Snapper and the Loco Lane Mexican Cantina & Cocktail Bar. If you’d like to self-cater, there is a well stocked Woolworths in town too. Finally, no trip to Culburra is complete without a trip to the Bowlo. Head down to Culburra Bowling Club to play some lawn bowls with your family and friends, and then head to the bistro for dinner and see what is on the specials board.
Just a 10 minute drive from Culburra Beach is Callala Bay. This is the perfect place to swim with kids given the calm waters of Jervis Bay. In this area, there is actually Callala Bay and Callala Beach, two separate areas just a short drive apart from each other. We love the Bay, given the waters here are generally calmer. A sleepy little beach town, it does have a well-stocked IGA and some other boutique stores. Don’t miss the pies from Remos Bakery!
Where to stay in Culburra / Callala Beach
We’ve stayed in a few different spots over the years in this special spot. There are any array of beach shacks and as the years progress, seemingly more modern properties popping up. The quality of accommodation improves with each year. On our most recent visit, we stayed here:
The Salty Marlin: Purchased and renovated in 2022, it’s had its first summer season just recently. We shared with another family and their two kids and it was the perfect home away from home. Well located within Callala Bay, only a short distance from the beach and town. And if the weather turns south – which it did for us – there’s always the undercover BBQ area. That’ll keep you occupied along with the table tennis set up in the garage.
Distance from Sydney
Culburra Beach and Callala Bay is a slightly shorter trip from Sydney than Jervis Bay, at just over 2 hours.
#3 Shoalhaven Heads
If you’re looking for an underrated beachside town with lots of activities for the kids, or a luxury weekend stay, check out Shoalhaven Heads.
This area is situated just north of Culburra Beach, but so much closer to Sydney in driving distance. It’s in a nice little corner with the gorgeous Seven Mile Beach on one side, and the Shoalhaven River on the other. Long days on the beach, going for a surf or hiring a boat for some fishing are some of the best things to do in Shoalhaven Heads.
There’s some fantastic wineries just a short drive from the main town too. Coolangatta Estate has a great restaurant, or book in for some wine tasting. Make sure you have a designated driver, then head on to Two Figs Winery for another tasting.
Where to stay in Shoalhaven Heads
This beachside escape has options available for all budgets and groups. Here are our picks:
Bangalay Luxury Villas: Looking for a luxury weekend away from Sydney? Head to Bangalay Luxury Villas, a posh boutique hotel right next to the beach. With a chic outdoor pool, in house yoga and day spa, this is a place to celebrate a special occasion. What’s more, the onsite restaurant is one of regional NSW’s best, even earning a chef’s hat.
Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads: For a weekend away with the kids, you can’t beat Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads. This holiday park has a large array of self-contained villas to choose from, a large pool, jumping pillow for the kids and a big playground. Our daughter loved it here! It has easy access to the river with a long paved pathway for some family walks.
Distance from Sydney
It takes about 2 hours to drive to Shoalhaven Heads from Sydney. This town is the northernmost coastal town of the Shoalhaven region.
#4 Austinmer
If you like the idea of heading down south, but don’t want to spend too long in the car, consider a weekend trip to Austinmer. For minimum effort you’ll be rewarded with spectacular coastal views and much less crowded beaches compared to Sydney.
Heading south from Sydney, make a stop at the Bald Hill lookout at Stanwell Tops. From this spot you can see the stunning coastline as it carves a path down south. If you’re lucky, you might spot the resident hang gliders taking off for a spot of adrenalin here too.
Continue down the Grand Pacific Drive (Lawrence Hargrave Drive) for a drive across the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge. You’ve probably seen it on TV, as it seems to feature in every second car ad these days. This bridge wraps around the imposing cliff face as you drive above the crashing sea. There’s a small car park at the end, so you can stretch your legs here and walk along the pedestrian path for another perspective.
From here, it’s not much further to Austinmer as you follow the coastline down south. Consider a stop in at the perfectly positioned Scarborough Hotel for lunch with an incredible sea view.
In Austinmer there’s not much to do here except relax, head to the beach for a swim and soak in the salty air. For dinner, I’d recommend a booking at the South Sailor restaurant in Thirroul. The menu hosts a lot of fancy seafood options or a regular fish and chips. It’s popular with the locals, so make sure you book in advance.
Where to stay in Austinmer
There’s not a huge range of options in Austinmer or the immediate surrounding suburbs. You could try hiring an AirBnB, or stay in the Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach. We spent a few nights here on a slow drive down to Eden. We had a massive one bedroom apartment with a balcony that could host a huge party. It’s located right on the headland with an adjoining restaurant and bar if you don’t want to venture out too far. It’s just a short walk down to the beach too.
Distance from Sydney
It takes just over one hour to drive from central Sydney. Austinmer is one of the easiest and most scenic weekend trips from Sydney.
If you’ve got a few more days up your sleeve, why not continue further down south and explore the stunning Sapphire Coast on a road trip from Sydney to Eden?
#5 Kiama
With rolling green hills beside the beach, the area of Kiama is one of the most breathtaking you’ll see on a weekend trip from Sydney.
The highlight here, and what Kiama is most known for, are the two blowholes. That’s right, two! The Kiama Blowhole and the Little Blowhole, are two different spots where you can view seawater shoot up into the air. Whilst it doesn’t sound like much, it needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated. This free spectacle is hard to turn yourself away from, as you await another big display from the tumbling waves hitting the cliffs.
Like all our South Coast options above, there are lots of beaches in the area to choose from, including Bombo Beach, Werri Beach, Easts Beach and Kiama Main Beach. You can go for a walk, swim, surf, or watch the surfers!
A visit here isn’t complete without a trip to the Bombo Quarry Headland. I’d driven past this spot for over 30 years, never realising what was here until recently. It’s one of the most unique places I’ve seen on the East Coast of Australia, and so close to home! Huge basalt columns line the rugged coast here, a result of blue metal quarrying in the late 1800s. We’ve only visited in the middle of the day, but sunrise here on a nice day is meant to be a true spectacle.
You won’t go hungry on a trip to Kiama, with a fantastic array of restaurants and cafes littered throughout the town. It’s hard to beat grabbing some fish and chips and sitting on the hill watching the Blowhole do its thing.
Where to stay in Kiama
There are any number of small AirBnbs that you can call home for the weekend. But our pick would have to be:
Big 4 Easts Beach Holiday Park: With a stunning location right on the beach, this is the perfect place for those seeking quick access to the water. It’s also a hit with families and kids alike with plenty of fun activities for all ages.
Distance from Sydney
You’ll need around 90 minutes to reach Kiama from Sydney. It’s a nice drive, and could be made more leisurely dropping into some of the other places mentioned on this list.
#6 Berry
Searching for a quaint country town with antique stores and fabulous brunch options? Look no further than Berry.
On the drive down to Jervis Bay, you would have passed through Berry, until recently. In 2017 the Berry bypass opened, diverting traffic away from the town. This has made the area even more inviting and much more peaceful.
Most of the action around Berry is along one strip of shops, with a few side streets thrown in. Boutique stores, bakeries and gelato shops abound. It’s a wonderful spot to support the locals with a bit of retail therapy. There are also some wineries in the surrounding area where you can opt for a long lunch or sample their product. Silo’s Estate Berry has a picturesque patio where you can enjoy some of the finest local produce amongst the vineyards.
Where to stay in Berry
The beauty of Berry is in the multitude of luxury accommodation options. Boutique B&Bs and luxury AirBnBs are all within the area. One Easter weekend we treated ourselves to a stay at the stunning Mt Hay Retreat.
Mt Hay Retreat is a boutique accommodation provider with just 5 self contained luxury suites on site. It makes for a private and personal experience. Perched up on the mountain, each suite has a stunning view over the valley towards the ocean.
You could easily stay at My Hay Retreat the entire weekend. With a 33m heated indoor pool and an insta-worthy swing, there’s plenty to keep you occupied on the property.
Distance from Sydney
Berry is approximately 2 hours from the Sydney CBD via the Princes Highway.
Our tip: Try and time your visit with the local markets, which run on the first Sunday of every month at the Berry Showground.
#7 Southern Highlands
With fresh country air, historic towns and some stunning wineries, the Southern Highlands is a wonderful weekend getaway from Sydney.
This region holds a special place in our hearts. We got married at a winery in the Southern Highlands. We’ve spent so many weekends away in the area. Yet we keep discovering new places and experiences.
There’s too much to do here to fit into one weekend. If you’ve never been, consider a start at Bowral. The largest and most well-known town in the region, it is home to a thriving retail centre. Grab some brunch at one of the many cafes. The Press Shop is one of our favourite spots. Offering tasty food, a wonderful ambience and some gorgeous locally made stationary to peruse on site.
If you’re a cricket fan, you can’t visit the area and not stop in at the Bradman Museum. You’ll learn all about the history of Australia’s favourite game. It’s now also in possession of Shane Warne’s beloved baggy green.
Grab an afternoon treat back in town. The Gumnut Patisserie offers award winning vanilla slice. I haven’t tried every vanilla slice in Australia, but it’s definitely No. 1 in my book!
In the afternoon, consider a drive out to the historic town of Berrima. Visit the old Berrima Courthouse for some beautiful architecture. The Little Hand Stirred Jam Shop sells an amazing array of boutique jams. We never leave without grabbing a jar of our favourite, the humble strawberry jam.
The Southern Highlands has been home to many fine dining restaurants over the years. Our favourite, Biota Dining is no longer there, however Eschalot in Berrima comes with great reviews.
On Sunday, choose a spot for a long lunch. The Burrawang Village Hotel serves up some hearty pub meals in a pretty country setting. Some of the beautiful wineries in the region specialise in their lunch offerings, including Centennial Vineyards and Southern Highland Wines. Southern Highland Wines will always have a special place in our heart – it’s where we tied the knot!
If you were looking to partake in something more active, consider a bushwalk through the stunning Fitzroy Falls area.
Where to stay in the Southern Highlands
You’re spoilt for choice for accommodation options in the Southern Highlands. It’s a large area with a great array of hotels, B&Bs, motels and country house stays for all budgets. Below are just a few options.
The Sebel Bowral Heritage Park: located a one minute walk to Biota Dining, it’s the perfect option if you’ll be dining at that restaurant. You can enjoy a few good glasses of wine with your award winning meal and don’t have to worry about grabbing a taxi home.
Gibraltrar Hotel Bowral: located a few minutes drive out of central Bowral, this upmarket hotel has an onsite golf course and spa.
Peppers Craigieburn Bowral: set in homestead built in 1887, this hotel oozes country charm. With an onsite restaurant, 9 hole golf course and tennis courts, you could spend your entire weekend here.
Distance from Sydney
Bowral is approximately 90 minutes from the Sydney CBD. However it’s much closer if you’re coming from south-west Sydney.
#8 Blue Mountains
Enjoy the fresh air and take in the beautiful views of the Blue Mountains, one of the most iconic natural attractions in Australia.
You can’t visit the Blue Mountains without a trip to the Three Sisters. This natural rock formation draws huge crowds due to the impressive view but also the easy accessibility from multiple viewing platforms. If you’re able, go on one of the short hikes nearby to get away from the crowds and see the Sisters from a different perspective.
Another popular hike in the area is to see the incredible Wentworth Falls. There are many spots to stop along the way and you don’t even need to make it all the way down to the bottom for a view of the falls.
If you’re up for a little adventure, spend some time at Scenic World in Katoomba. Here you can ride the Scenic Railway. It’s the steepest passenger railway in the world, hitting an incline of 52°. It’s been many years since we’ve visited this spot, but the train journey is one that we’ll never forget.
Whilst the Blue Mountains are a great spot to visit year round, our favourite time of year is during Autumn. We love to see the gorgeous fall foliage as the leaves amongst the streets of the small towns turn orange. It can also get very cold during winter in the Blue Mountains. However, throughout April and May it isn’t usually too chilly to enjoy visiting the scenic lookouts.
There are lots of great dining options around the Blue Mountains. One of our favourite spots for lunch or dinner is the Leura Garage*, right in the centre of town.
*not an actual garage 🙂
Where to stay in the Blue Mountains
On our last family trip to the Blue Mountains we chose to stay at the Fairmont Resort in Leura. It offers reasonably priced rooms, multiple on-site dining options, a pool and indoor kids facility. If you do stay here, make sure you take a few minutes drive down to the Sublime Point Lookout for sunset. You may find yourself lucky enough to have it all to yourself.
Distance from Sydney
The Blue Mountains are approximately 90 minutes from the Sydney CBD. However it’s much closer if you’re coming from Western Sydney.
#9 Terrigal
All of our Sydney weekend getaways have so far been down south or inland. It is about time we took you on a north coast escape!
One of our favourite spots on the Central Coast is the beachside suburb of Terrigal. With a patrolled beach, great walking tracks and loads of restaurant options, it makes a perfect weekend getaway.
Plan a trip here for the warmer months and you could spend your day down by the beach. Stretch your legs with a walk up to The Skillion, for some dramatic cliff views. During migration season it’s also a great area to spot a few whales.
When it comes to eating, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Terrigal. Many of the eateries are located directly across from the beach, so you can dine with some great sea views. The Terrigal Beach Fish and Chip Co serves up delicious local seafood. It’s hard to go past some traditional fish and chips by the beach. For some more sophisticated brunch options, head to Bellyfish Café. For a cheap and cheerful dinner, Spice Noodle Bar & Takeaway is a great spot for some fresh Thai.
Terrigal is a popular spot for a weekend getaway as the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific is located directed across the beach. The on-site Florida Beach Bar has a large outdoor area to enjoy some sunset cocktails with an ocean view. If you’re after a cosier spot though, just take a walk down the main promenade and pick a spot that takes your fancy.
Where to stay in Terrigal
The largest hotel in the area, the Crowne Plaza, is a popular pick. It’s in an enviable position right along the waterfront. A large onsite pool adds to the appeal if you’d prefer to relax on a sun lounger for your weekend trip from Sydney.
If you’re looking for an option that is better on the budget front, you’ll also find a lot of different motels and Airbnbs in Terrigal. We’ve stayed at the Terrigal Sails Serviced Apartments a number of times and continues to be our pick in the area. The rooms aren’t anything fancy. However, they are large, comfortable and come with a little kitchenette. Also, Terrigal is set back amongst a large hill. These apartments are located in the flat part of town just a short walk to the beach.
Distance from Sydney
You’ll need around 75-90 minutes to get to Terrigal from Sydney, straight up the F1.
#10 Umina Beach
Another fantastic spot for a weekend away from Sydney, particularly if you have young kids, is Umina Beach. Head here in the warmer months for an outdoorsy weekend by the beach.
The highlight here is a stay at the NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort. One of the best holiday parks in Australia, your kids will be talking about your weekend away here for a very long time. Situated right along the beach, the park offers up multiple pools, a splash park, two jumping pillows and playgrounds. There’s an activity centre that runs on most weekends and the park often holds fun evenings with food trucks, and activities like free face painting. If this doesn’t sound up your alley, you’ll still find lots to do in Umina Beach. Head here on the 3rd Sunday of the month to visit the Umina Beach markets. Use it as a base and visit the nearby attractions, such as the Mount Ettalong lookout. Go for a walk through the Brisbane Water National Park. Or go beach hopping, from Umina to Pearl Beach and Patonga Beach.
Where to stay in Umina
NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Park: You’ve already heard us wax lyrical about this place, but it’s difficult to see how you can go wrong. Whether it is with family or friends, this is a holiday park on another level. It does tend to book out well ahead of time, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Distance from Sydney
It takes just over an hour to drive from Sydney to Umina Beach, so it’s one of the easiest weekend trips you can do. Well, a little longer for those of us coming from the very south of Sydney, but you get our drift!
#11 Newcastle
If you’d like to head further north for your weekend trip from Sydney, a weekend in Newcastle is a great option. Despite being the second most populated city in NSW, it still retains a small-town feel. Being a harbour city with beautiful stretches of sandy coast and beach baths, it is a wonderful Sydney escape. And an easy weekend trip from Sydney.
Spend a lazy day beachside at one of the 6 city beaches, from Nobby’s Beach to iconic Merewether. Or choose one of the ocean baths to take a dip. There are some great coastal walks in Newcastle too, our favourite being along the Newcastle Memorial Walk.
Escape the beach for some eats along the trendy Darby Street precinct. Reminding us of the inner west in Sydney, this small strip of shops has some of the best cafes in Newcastle. The Autumn Rooms with its chic décor is our pick for brunch. The Beach Burrito Co is a great spot for a casual Mexican lunch or dinner. Don’t forget to grab a cocktail or two.
For dinner and drinks with a view, the Merewether Surfhouse is tough to beat. Situated right along the coast it boasts sensational views out across the water. The oven baked pizzas here get our tick of approval.
Where to stay in Newcastle
Being a populated city, there are a huge range of different accommodation options in Newcastle. Below are two places we’ve personally stayed in, plus an extra for consideration.
Crown on Darby: a boutique hotel offering up serviced apartments of different sizes, this is our favourite place to stay in Newcastle. The drawcard for Crown on Darby is its perfect location right along trendy Darby Street. Heading out for brunch or a quick bite is easy with everything on your doorstep. It is however a short drive or long walk to the beaches, so if you’re just after a summer beach break you may want to consider another option. We have stayed in a one bedroom apartment here which was super spacious and comfortable. It came with full amenities including a kitchen and balcony.
Rydges Newcastle: the Rydges is a large hotel located in the city centre opposite the Newcastle Harbour. The rooms are plush and there is an onsite pool for those wanting to take a dip. The harbour foreshore boasts many restaurants and is perfect for a long walk.
Novotel Newcastle Beach: located directly opposite Newcastle Beach and the Ocean Baths, this is a great option for the avid beach goer. We haven’t personally stayed here, but it gets great reviews with its location being the real winner.
Distance from Sydney
Newcastle is approximately 2hrs and 15 minutes from the Sydney CBD.
#12 Hunter Valley
For a weekend trip of wine tasting it’s hard to go past NSW’s premier wine region, the Hunter Valley. With more than 150 wineries, some incredible restaurants and beautiful hotels, the Hunter Valley is a great spot for some well-earned indulgence.
If you’d like to leave the planning to the experts, and partake in lots of wine tasting, we’d recommend a wine tour. Head down on Friday after work, so you’re ready to be picked up from your accommodation on Saturday morning. Enjoy being taken around the region and learning all about the wine making process too. We’ve been on a number of tours and we love that they usually take you to some popular wineries, as well as a few boutique finds too. By the late afternoon you’ll need that afternoon nap, and your guide will get you back to your accommodation.
If you can rope someone into being the designated driver for the day, a self-guided tour is also super easy. Plan in advance by noting down your wine tasting wish list, or throw caution to the wind and go for a drive around the area. If it’s your first time in the Hunter Valley, plan a visit to the Audrey Wilkinson winery. Dating back over 150 years, it has the most incredible views over the valley below.
Where to stay in the Hunter Valley
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley: If you’re planning a weekend trip from Sydney with friends, this is a wonderful option. The Crowne Plaza is a huge resort with options ranging from double rooms to large villas. With an onsite golf course and a large heated outdoor pool, you can plan a morning of activities before the wine tasting begins. There are restaurants on site too so you don’t have to go far if you choose.
Spicers Vineyard Estate: Unfortunately we haven’t stayed at this property yet, but it’s on the wish list. We’ve loved other Spicers hotels, and this one looks just as heavenly. If you’re looking for a luxurious couples weekend away, consider a stay here. Boasting 5 stars and just 12 suites, this is definitely the spot for a special celebration.
Distance from Sydney
The Hunter Valley is approximately 2hrs and 15 minutes from the Sydney CBD.
#13 Canberra
Escape New South Wales altogether with a trip to our nation’s capital. Canberra is a super easy weekend getaway from Sydney and has something for everyone.
If you’ve never been, make sure to check out Parliament House. You can just admire the building from outside. Or head inside to view the grand Marble foyer, the interesting art collection and the Members Hall.
Nearby, the Australian War Memorial is a must do whilst in Canberra. The memorial was built in 1941 and houses both a shrine and a large war museum. If you’re short on time, pay a visit to the shrine. Here you’ll see the Roll of Honour adorned with poppies and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The free museum is well worth your time to learn about Australia’s involvement in World Wars 1 and 2.
There are many other amazing museums you could add to your list too. You won’t be able to visit them all on a weekend trip, so choose wisely! The National Gallery is free, and one of my favourite museums in Australia. It has one of the largest art collections in the world. There are often some very interesting exhibitions on here, so check out the website in advance. Some other notable museums include the National Portrait Gallery and Questacon.
Finally, Canberra is not just all about politics and museums. You can spend time outdoors with a walk along Lake Burley Griffin. Then dress up for a fun night out along Lonsdale Street in Braddon, which is home to many trendy restaurants.
Keen to explore Canberra in greater detail? Here’s our 2 day itinerary for a trip to Canberra.
Where to stay in Canberra
The great news is, Canberra is home to a huge amount of accommodation. Provided there are no major events on and it’s not a sitting week for Parliament, you’ll find major high end hotels can offer excellent value. Our pick however has to be:
Deco Hotel, Canberra: Located in Braddon, the Deco Hotel is an excellent option. Here you can stay in a luxury one or 2 bedroom apartment with comfortable furnishings and facilities such as a kitchen. And outside of sitting weeks, it offer fantastic value.
Distance from Sydney
The drive from Sydney to Canberra will take just over 3 hours. You’ll be heading south along the Hume Highway. Take a quick stop at Goulburn to admire the Big Merino.
#14 Orange
Staying on the winery theme, next up on our list of best weekend trips from Sydney is the beautiful town of Orange. From here we head even further from the coast to explore some of the most beautiful inland regions of NSW (that are doable in a weekend of course!).
A heritage town surrounded by lush countryside, Orange is a perfect weekend getaway for the foodies. Join a wine tour or check out a few of the wineries yourself. Philip Shaw Wines is located close to town and has a gorgeous cellar door and plenty of tables to try a tasting with cheeses. Borrodell Vineyard, sitting higher up in the mountains, affords a visitor with lovely views of the surrounding area. Try and check out a few of the smaller vineyards too, with one of our favourites being Sassy Wines.
There are loads of great food options but my top pick would be Lolli Redini, an amazing fine dining restaurant. The only hatted restaurant in Orange, it serves up regional produce with a European influence.
Whilst you’re in the area, drive out to Milthorpe, which is a very cute heritage town. You could spend a few hours here perusing the boutique stores or having afternoon tea in a local café.
Where to stay in Orange
De Russie Boutique Hotel: arguably the most luxurious of the accommodation options in Orange, De Russie is located in the centre of town. There are 25 rooms here, from studios to spa suits. The location is perfect for a short walk to the towns restaurants, cafes and bars, including Lolli Redini.
Best Western Plus Ambassador Orange: on the main road into town you’ll find a lot of mid-budget accommodation options. We’ve stayed at the Best Western here before and found it clean and comfortable. It’s perfect if you’re just looking for a place to rest overnight and plan to be out and about exploring Orange and surrounds.
Distance from Sydney
Orange is approximately 3hrs and 30 minutes from the Sydney CBD.
#15 Mudgee
Last up on our list of best weekend trips from Sydney is the town of Mudgee. Like Orange, a trip here is one for the foodies. It’s a similar theme of picturesque wineries, beautiful countryside and superb local dining.
Our favourite indulgence in Mudgee is to partake in a long lunch at the Zin House. Dubbed the Ultimate Saturday Long Lunch, an outing here will take the best part of 3-4 hours. In that time you’re served up a set menu of 6 courses with matching wines. Seated in a communal setting and long timber tables, you can walk straight up to the kitchen to see your meal being prepared. Think hearty country meals with the freshest of local produce. In between courses you’re encouraged to take a break and go for a wander around the rural property. At the time of writing, it costs $195pp for the 6 courses with matching wines. So definitely a more pricey experience for those special occasions.
If you’re just after a more casual weekend away, Mudgee is still a wonderful option. You could book a wine tour, opt for lunch at the Pipeclay Pumphouse and enjoy a night out at Elton’s. For a lazy Sunday brunch, there are a number of great café’s to choose from, including our favourite Alby & Esthers.
Where to stay in Mudgee
Perry Street Hotel: this is our pick when we stay in Mudgee. It’s a luxury boutique 4 star hotel located in the Mudgee CBD. The rooms are ‘Berlin inspired’ and filled with plush furnishings. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, this is a wonderful option.
There are a lot more options in Mudgee too, including mid-budget motels and farm stays.
Distance from Sydney
Mudgee is approximately 3hrs and 30 minutes from the Sydney CBD.
That completes our list of 10 of the best weekend trips from Sydney. We hope this has some provided some inspiration and help for your weekend trip planning.
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Can’t wait to visit Sydney again .
And around Sydney too 🙂
Great tips
Thank you mate! Lots outside of Sydney to explore!