Think Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour, and Port Jackson Bay is all that NSW offers for a sneaky weekend getaway? Think again!
Whether you’re in the mood for a beach break, a thrilling skydive from 15,000 feet up, or a relaxing wine tour at Hunter Valley, New South Wales is bursting with many opportunities! To help you plan your long weekend in NSW, we’ve put together a list of the top destinations and things you can do a short drive away from Sydney!
But first, mark your calendars for Australia Day 2022, plus these Sydney public holiday dates!
Holiday | Date (2022) | Day |
New Year’s Day | January 1 | Saturday |
Additional Day | January 3 | Monday |
Australia Day (public holiday) | January 26 | Wednesday |
Good Friday | April 15 | Friday |
Easter Saturday | April 16 | Saturday |
Easter Sunday | April 17 | Sunday |
Easter Monday | April 18 | Monday |
Anzac Day | April 25 | Monday |
Queen’s Birthday | June 13 | Monday |
Bank Holiday | August 1 | Monday |
Labour Day | October 3 | Monday |
Christmas Day | December 25 | Sunday |
Boxing Day | December 26 | Monday |
Additional Day | December 27 | Tuesday |
1. Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley, Australia’s wine central, features charming vineyards and stunning landscapes that rival the Italian countryside. Only a two-hour drive from bustling Sydney, it is Australia’s oldest wine-growing region, overflowing with 180-year-old wineries and proud winemakers who’ve perfected the craft.
Apart from wine, this picturesque valley also produces cheese, olive oils, beef, and smoked fish. Expect cellar doors, wine trails, gourmet thrills, and scenic views when visiting Hunter Valley!
- How far from Sydney? 2 to 2.5 hours
Things to do
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride - 265 AUD
Up, up, and away! Image Credits: Klook
Embark on a journey to see all of Hunter Valley’s wine regions. The Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride departs at sunrise and flies across Lovedale, Rothbury, and Broke, the valley’s lovely towns. Take in the views and feel the breeze, then, finally, end the experience with a tasty breakfast with champagne served at Peterson House in Pokolbin. Bon appétit!
All-Inclusive Hunter Valley Winery Tour and Experience - 189 AUD
Wine flies when you’re having fun! Image Credits: Klook
The long weekend in NSW is better spent with friends, so grab your best mates and get ready to sample Hunter Valley’s world-famous wines and artisanal cheese! The All-Inclusive Hunter Valley Winery Tour and Experience walks you through the best vineyards in town for the ultimate wine fix!
Hunter Valley Wine Tasting by Helicopter - 280 AUD
Enjoy a romantic flight up above Image Credits: Klook
Out to celebrate a special occasion? Do it in the flashiest way possible! This 2-hour Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour takes your wine experience to the next level with a scenic helicopter ride. You and your significant other can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Glandore Estate Wines or spot the grand cellar doors of Keith Tulloch Wine from high up in the clouds for the ideal romantic getaway in NSW!
2. Blue Mountains
Fancy ticking an item off your bucket list? Head east and grab the chance to visit one of the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in NSW. From Hunter Valley going back to the city, make a short detour to the Blue Mountains to see the spectacular mountain ranges covered in a blue haze.
The Blue Mountains National Park spans across 267,954 hectares of land, filled with walking trails that lead to breathtaking sceneries. Trails vary for beginners, novices, and veteran hikers, so bring the entire family for a weekend of fun and adventure!
How far from Sydney? 1 to 1.5 hours
Things to do
Blue Mountains Stargazing - 85 AUD
Twinkle twinkle little star Image Credits: Klook
Spot the Orion Nebula, Saturn’s rings, and your favourite stars (Hugh Jackman not included!) behind the lens of a telescope. As night falls, the clear skies of Blue Mountains transform to display the Milky Way’s greatest treasures. From the moons of Jupiter, satellites, the galaxy, and beyond, the Blue Mountains Stargazing Tour is an unforgettable experience everyone will enjoy!
Wombat Adventure Tour in Blue Mountains - Starts at 85 AUD
Go off-road and into the great outdoors Image Credits: Klook
Embark on the ultimate wilderness adventure at Katoomba Valley with a 3-hour wombat tour. Take the high road as you journey through the valley’s rugged terrains, where Australia’s wombats, native koalas, and kangaroos hang around. This tour is a great opportunity for the kids to learn about Mother Nature.
Megalong Valley Winery Shuttle Bus from Blue Mountains - 45 AUD
Take the scenic route to Megalong Valley Image Credits: Klook
Need a way to get around Blue Mountains? We’ve got your long weekend in NSW covered! Book the Megalong Valley Winery Shuttle Bus and get picked up from your hotel and back. The chauffeured shuttle will take you around Katoomba and Megalong Valley, where plenty of hiking trails, farms, and world-class wineries can be found.
3. Jervis Bay and the South Coast
If you love beaches, seaside landscapes, and friendly coastal towns, you’ll love Jervis Bay on the South Coast of NSW. This hidden gem is home to Oz’s most pristine beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and best of all, Bottlenose dolphins!
Strung along the coast are several shacks that offer fantastic opportunities for watersports and dolphin watching activities. Snorkel, deep-dive, and paddle-board your way to meet the adorable aquatic mammals as well as fur seals and penguins.
- How far from Sydney? 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours
Things to do
Jervis Bay Dolphin Watch Cruise Tour - 35 AUD
Watch out for dolphins! Image Credits: Klook
Who doesn’t love dolphins? These friendly sea mammals freely roam the waters of Jervis Bay. Drop by Plantation Point and Callala, and you’ll see them dancing and racing each other. Of course, the best way to meet these lovely critters is with the Jervis Bay Dolphin Watch Cruise that’ll take you to the best dolphin watching spots in the bay.
Jervis Bay Passage Sightseeing Cruise - 75 AUD
Marvel at the thousand-year-old limestone cliffs of Honey Bay Image Credits: Klook
Going around the coastal town isn’t a problem when you book the Jervis Bay Passage Sightseeing Cruise. See the famous towering cliffs of Point Perpendicular, the turquoise lagoon of Honey Bay, and the white sands of Hyams Beach. This 2-hour boat ride is a feast for the eyes!
4. Byron Bay
The hub for surfers, backpackers, and Hollywood celebrities, Byron Bay is a coastal paradise in the north of Sydney. Here lay golden beaches, sunset views, and endless opportunities for rest and relaxation.
In Byron Bay, you’ll find easy-going surfers riding the waves, lifestyle gurus on yoga retreats, whales frolicking in the waters, and even Chris Hemsworth himself. Catch the sea, sand, and serenity at Byron Bay! Spend the NSW long weekend in total bliss with your partner or BFF.
How far from Sydney? 8 hours
Things to do
Dolphin Watching and Kayaking Experience from Byron Bay - 65 AUD
Grab the chance to meet the lovely sea turtles up close and personal Image Credits: Klook
Meet Bryon Bay’s most famous residents—the Bottlenose Dolphin and the Humpback Whale—with a dolphin watching and kayaking tour of Byron Bay. By kayaking along Main Beach, you’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make friends with them as well as other cute sea critters. Say hello to the sea turtles, rays, and corals during the guided tour. And don’t forget to snap a pic of the magnificent sunrise over the bay!
Looking for more whale watching experiences around Sydney? Check out our list!
Byron Bay Tandem Skydive Experience - 359 AUD
Take a selfie in the sky as a souvenir Image Credits: Klook
Here’s one for the thrill-seekers! Tick off skydiving from your bucket list when you do the Byron Bay Tandem Skydive Experience. Get your adrenaline pumping by taking the plunge from 15,000 feet up. Your tandem master will guide you the whole time, so, all you have to do is to keep your eyes peeled for the best coastal views from above!
Byron Bay Sunrise Air Balloon Experience - 289 AUD
Byron Bay is blessed with beauty Image Credits: Klook
Once you’re ready to take a break from action-packed activities, unwind with a relaxing Byron Bay Sunrise Air Balloon Experience. This sunrise flight adventure offers breathtaking sceneries of the ocean and the colourful “Rainbow Region” near Nimbin that can’t be missed! Float through the skies, afterward, top off the experience with a hearty breakfast at The Farm Byron Bay. Now, that’s one for the books!
5. Port Stephens
Can’t get enough of vitamin sea? Port Stephens’ white sand beaches and clear blue waters are the ultimate beach break you’ve been dreaming of!
Besides Byron Bay, another quaint beach town in the north of Sydney is the small island of Port Stephens, where the dolphins swell and the largest coastal sand dunes in Australia is located. Bring the entire gang for a weekend of cool coastal adventures, quad biking, and sightseeing. And as for the crowds? There’s none to spoil the fun! Port Stephens is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
This coastal town is only 210 kilometres from Sydney, so you can visit the place anytime–during a long weekend in NSW or not!
How far from Sydney? 2 hours and 30 mins
Things to do
Port Stephens Quad Biking Experience - 106 AUD
Hop on the quad bike and race through the Worimi Sand Dunes Image Credits: Klook
Prepare to bash through the sands and ride the dunes with the Port Stephens Quad Biking Experience! With your best pals, enjoy an hour of driving up and down the Worimi Sand Dunes, racing past each other, and conquering the desert like true warriors.
Port Stephens Broughton Island Cruise Tour - 120 AUD
Get a load of this blue! Image Credits: Klook
When you’re ready to simmer down, go for a cruise to Broughton Island and spend the day relaxing, snorkelling, and exploring its idyllic beaches and secret coves. The Port Stephens Broughton Island Cruise Tour brings the squad to see the local rays while sharing a meal onboard or ashore.
6. Central Coast
If you’re not keen on long road trips, the Central Coast offers an escape from the city just an hour away from Sydney. Discover beach-side markets, boutique hotels, stunning waterfalls, and plenty of wildlife to go around.
Popular activities include pelican feeding at Pelican Plaza, canoeing at Tuggerah Lake, and reptile spotting at Australia Reptile Park. This holiday destination is perfect for families who don’t want to stray far from home!
How far from Sydney? 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes The lively coast sits 88 kilometres away from Syndey CBD, or roughly only 54 miles north of the bustling
Things to do
Waterfalls and Nature Photography Experience from Sydney - 327 AUD
Master the art of photography Image Credits: Klook
You don’t have to be a pro to be able to capture Central Coast’s natural beauty! The Waterfalls and Nature Photography Experience from Sydney will teach you all the tips and tricks to make the best shots of NSW. Tour Brisbane Water National Park and have the native birds be your muse. This guided tour departs from Sydney and lasts the entire day.
Want more nature? Check out our road trip recommendations around Sydney!
7. Mudgee
NSW isn’t short of romantic destinations, and Mudgee’s Mid-Western town is the perfect backdrop with its 19th-century charms and picturesque wineries. Whether you’re in the mood for art galleries, lovely B&Bs, or distilleries, Mudgee has it all.
Grab your partner and explore the Central West of NSW! Visit the gold-mining town of Gulgong, lined with heritage buildings, or have a sip-see sesh at Lowe Wines. We’ve got plenty more experiences to make your long weekend in NSW shine.
How far from Sydney? 3 hours and 30 minutes
Things to do
Tiny House Living Experience in New South Wales - Starts at 190 AUD
Get a good view of the lush green farms in town Image Credits: Klook
A cabin in the woods, wine, and s’mores awaits when you book the Tiny House Living Experience in New South Wales. After a long day of sightseeing in Mudgee, you and your partner can cosy up at the trendiest tiny houses in Australia. Build a campfire, soak in the outdoor jacuzzi, and even bring along your furry friends (yes, these fun-sized homes are pet-friendly!). Simply choose your house, set the date, and use our voucher to get a discounted price during your stay.
Mudgee Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight - 279 AUD
Mudgee’s best ride yet! Image Credits: Klook
Then…as the sun rises the next morning, catch the spectacular sight of Mudgee’s gorgeous mountains and lush valleys! Enjoy captivating sceneries, plenty of photo-op sessions, and the cherry on top: gourmet breakfast and champagne that come with your Mudgee Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight.
8. Canberra
Escape the grind of city life by visiting Australia’s capital in the southwest of Sydney. A fusion of history, art, and the great outdoors, Canberra’s got the small-town vibes to help you relax and recharge for the week ahead.
Although small, Canberra offers tourists and vacationers lively attractions—from exciting scavenger hunts, winery tours, museum hops to the National Gallery of Australia and the Australian Parliament House, stargazing adventures at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, to family-friendly festivals during Australia Day and local events.
How far from Sydney? 3 hours
Things to do
Canberra Half-Day Brewery Tour - 125 AUD
Taste the brews! Image Credits: Klook
Don’t know where to start? Book our Canberra Half-Day Brewery Tour to kick off the long weekend! Discover the best beer spots, and go behind the scenes on how to make tasty Aussie brews. Of course, free tasting is included!
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