Bondi to Manly Walk, Bondi BeachCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk along Bondi Beach, Sydney.
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A weekend away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is a welcome break you need every now and again. New South Wales offers plenty of options for a quick trip away centred around natural wonders, with beaches, bushland and bountiful experiences ready to enjoy. Here are a few places to consider for your next weekend escape.
Sydney
There’s plenty to see and do in the state’s largest city. Start with a 30-minute walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the city centre and enjoy sweeping views of the harbour and the Sydney Opera House. Catch the train back to Circular Quay, then hop on the ferry for an afternoon at Taronga Zoo — you can stay overnight at the zoo’s Wildlife Retreat or have a Roar and Snore experience.
Make the most of the sunshine and tackle a section of the four-day Bondi to Manly Walk, an 80km track of iconic beaches, ocean pools and secluded picnic spots from Bondi in the Eastern Suburbs through the city and on to the southern end of the Northern Beaches.
Looking for a bite to eat in the city? Popular Bondi Italian eatery Totti’s has a sister venue in the city centre, Bar Totti’s, which serves up amazing house-made antipasti. For more Italian fare, head to Restaurant Leo or Ragazzi, which have revitalised the nearby Angel Place. And if you’re looking for bars, find a seat at Cantina OK! or PS40, or Maybe Sammy in The Rocks.
Stay at the minimalist Little National Hotel Sydney in the city for easy access to the Barangaroo dining precinct; or soak up harbour views from your room at Pier One Sydney Harbour - a stone's throw away from Circular Quay.
Taronga Zoo, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Curious giraffes peering over their enclosure at Taronga Zoo, Sydney.
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Taronga Zoo, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Curious giraffes peering over their enclosure at Taronga Zoo, Sydney.
The Shoalhaven
The Shoalhaven region of the South Coast, around a three-hour drive south of Sydney, shines with 170km of pristine coastline. There are many beaches to choose from – you can swim at the calm Callala Beach or Scottish Rocks, or camp at Green Patch. Book a tour with Dolphin Watch Cruises, or a whale-watching cruise with Jervis Bay Wild for the ultimate Jervis Bay experience during whale migration season (May to November).
At Stonegrill steakhouse in the bustling coastal town of Huskisson, you cook meat or seafood on a heated volcanic stone yourself. Explore the region’s increasingly sophisticated wine offerings at Two Figs Winery, or have lunch at Cupitt’s Estate, a destination in itself only minutes away from the South Coast towns of Milton, Mollymook and Ulladulla.
Stay on the coast at Bangalay Luxury Villas, on the beach at Shoalhaven Heads, or book an escape for the whole family at The Shore at Gerringong, The Pause, The Shed Gerroa or Beach House Gerroa, at the other end of Seven Mile Beach from Bangalay Luxury Villas. And Kangaroo Valley Getaways can match you with your ideal holiday home in the lush Shoalhaven hinterland.
Whale Watching, Jervis Bay Credit: Jordan Robins
Humpback whale breaching off Jervis Bay on the south coast of NSW.
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Whale Watching, Jervis Bay Credit: Jordan Robins
Humpback whale breaching off Jervis Bay on the south coast of NSW.
Blue Mountains
A 90-minute drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains is home to incredible outdoor activities and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Soak up breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley with a Scenic World experience, from the world's steepest passenger railway, to the recently launched Beyond Skyway experience. Go canyoning, abseiling and rock-climbing via High and Wild Australian Adventures and Blue Mountains Adventure Company.
Head to Red Door Café in Leura for breakfast, or enjoy afternoon tea at Megalong Valley Tea Rooms. Once you're finished exploring one of the region's many walking tracks, head to Bilpin at the foot of the mountains for refreshments at Hillbilly Cider and Bilpin Cider, or get your hands dirty picking fruit at Bilpin Fruit Bowl.
Sip pre-dinner drinks at Champagne Charlie’s at The Carrington in Katoomba, then enjoy dinner with a view at Echoes Restaurant & Bar, or Bar NSW at the Lookout. For self-contained accommodation just five minutes from town, The Kyah is a Palm-Springs inspired converted motel in Blackheath.
Three Sisters, Blue Mountains Credit: Filippo Rivetti
Sunrise over the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary in the Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba.
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Three Sisters, Blue Mountains Credit: Filippo Rivetti
Sunrise over the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary in the Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba.
Mid North Coast
Go on a jet ski experience, river cruise or dolphin spotting on the pristine waterways of Port Macquarie, a four-hour drive north of Sydney, with Port Jet Cruise Adventures. A camel safari along Lighthouse Beach with Port Macquarie Camels may be more your speed, or you can get up close to a koala at Billabong Zoo.
For lunch, head to The Hilltop Store in Sawtell, a 90-minute drive north of Port Macquarie. Another nearby lunch option is the refurbished The Kiosk Sawtell.
Fresh oysters are shucked to order at Hamiltons Oysters in Tuncurry, an hour south of Port Macquarie. And off the Pacific Highway in Wauchope is Bago Maze and Wine, where the vineyard, cellar door and a hedge maze are surrounded by eucalypts.
Just a short drive from Port Macquarie, Telegraph Retreat Cottages cater to couples and families. And inland from the coast, The Lodge in the laid-back town of Bellingen is a 16 acre property with 30 rooms with views over the Bellinger Valley towards Dorrigo National Park.
Bago Maze and Winery, Wauchope Credit: Destination NSW
The architecturally designed native Lilly Pilly hedge maze at Bago Maze and Winery, Wauchope.
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Bago Maze and Winery, Wauchope Credit: Destination NSW
The architecturally designed native Lilly Pilly hedge maze at Bago Maze and Winery, Wauchope.
Country NSW
For a taste of the good life, you can’t beat Orange, a 3.5-hour drive west of Sydney. At Ferment, a slick wine centre showcasing 19 wineries in the region, you’ll get a well-rounded introduction to the local wine scene.
While you’re in town, hop into Jumbled store to browse its interesting edit of homewares, fashion and art. Then head to Byng Street Local Store for brunch. For a sophisticated dining experience, make a reservation at Printhie Wines Cellar Door. Stay at The Oriana, which has rooms to suit couples and families alike. There’s the farmers market on every second Saturday, and just 15 minutes from Orange is the family-friendly Heifer Station Wines and its petting zoo.
Three hours south of Sydney, between Canberra and the South Coast beaches, you’ll find the country town of Braidwood. Don’t miss Braidwood Bakery and its excellent pies and pastries, and find treats for the drive back at The Boiled Lolly. Stop off at the Braidwood Farmers Market for regional produce if you’re visiting on the second or fourth Saturday of the month. Extend your stay at Mona Farm, a restored homestead with luxe self-contained accommodation outside of Braidwood.
In the heart of the Riverina, named for the mighty Murray River that flows through the region, you’ll find the town of Wagga Wagga. Start your weekend early on Thursday at the Riverina Producers' Market at Wagga Showgrounds. For dinner that celebrates local produce, dine at The Roundabout Restaurant or The Oakroom. Set up base at The Houston, a boutique hotel created within the grand neo-gothic Belmore House.
Heifer Station, Orange Credit: Destination NSW
Group of friends enjoying a private food and wine tasting experience at Heifer Staton Wines, Orange.
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Heifer Station, Orange Credit: Destination NSW
Group of friends enjoying a private food and wine tasting experience at Heifer Staton Wines, Orange.
Peppers Craigieburn, BowralCredit: Destination NSW
The heritage property at Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral.
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Promenade back in time as Netflix’s Regency-era romp returns for Season Three, escorted by the elegant Bridgerton in Bowral extravaganza from 16-23 April. And whether you’re visiting The Ton for these enchanting festivities or simply searching for a sophisticated sojourn, all year round Bowral offers decadent feasts, opulent stays, charming countryside and more – all just 90 minutes from Sydney. Read on, Gentle Reader, to learn why the Southern Highlands are the Diamond of the Season and beyond.
Make your grand entrance
Emerald hills garnished with vineyards, grand estates and a bewitching village atmosphere… Bowral’s highlights harken back to a most refined moment in history – and now they’re celebrating Bridgerton’s greatly anticipated return with a host of soirees. As befits such a momentous occasion, Empire Cinemas Bowral will host four exclusive screenings for The Ton before the new episodes hit Netflix (from May 16). Plus, you’re cordially invited to a Regency-themed Garden Party amid the stately grounds of the Milton Park Country House Hotel, where you’ll see and be seen in sprawling formal gardens, and enjoy a host of Bridgerton-themed entertainment. Nearby, Retford Park also entices with a picturesque 1887 homestead, self-guided art trail and a picnic-perfect historic garden for all seasons.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
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Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
Sip your way around The Ton
Raise a toast to Lady Whistledown’s long-awaited new chapter with Sohi’s mouth-watering tipples – their premium gin, vodka and vermouth are available to quaff all over town, including at Hearth by Moonacres, Bistro Sociale and The Royal Hotel. And, let your thirst for discovery lead you along the Southern Highlands Wine Trail, where you’ll sample the region’s cool-climate drops at more than 60 vineyards and 15 cellar doors. Swill Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Albariño, Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer at Centennial Vineyards; unwind between the vines at the grand Bendooley Estate; and clink glasses at Mount Ashby Estate, where red, white and culinary delights are served alongside French antiques and lashings of bucolic charm.
Shall we promenade?
Whether you’re courting a suitor or slipping out of the drawing room for fresh air, a gentle wander is one of life’s simple pleasures. Take a leisurely turn through historic Berrima; Australia’s best-preserved Georgian village unveils an intriguing selection of Regency-era relics, including the 1830s Courthouse, convict-built Surveyor General Inn and the National Trust-listed Harper’s Mansion. Bask in the majesty of manicured gardens in Bowral, Mossvale, and Robertson, where lavish plantings reveal nature’s extravagance – especially during the Tulip Time festival each spring. Afterwards, assemble your favourite dukes and duchesses to while away the day with croquet, cycle between quaint villages, or saddle up your trusty steeds for a relaxing meander along the Canyonleigh Trails.
Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
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Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
Discover the talk of The Ton
Bowral boasts a bounty of treasures old, new and noteworthy if you’re seeking a modiste-crafted frock for your society debut, exploring the arts, or collecting key pieces to makeover your manor. Start with a visit to Dirty Janes, a unique marketplace where 90 individual sellers peddling all manner of retro, vintage, antique and artisan-made finds. Indulge your guilty pleasure for scandalous storytelling at Books Ever After, a romance-genre specialist home to an impressive selection of special editions to tantalise your imagination. And, take your cue from Bridgerton’s elite and let your impeccable taste in art and furnishings do the talking. The Ngununggula Southern Highlands Regional Gallery, Bowral Art Gallery and Milk Factory Gallery showcase the cultured art and soul of this inspired region, while Suzie Anderson Home has a wide range of premium style essentials to create your own Regency-influenced sanctuary.
Retreat to elegant chambers
From plush private residences to luxe suites catering for your every whim, the Southern Highlands offers a host of auspicious accommodations worthy of society’s highest echelon. Revel in the prestige of a grand estate to call your own on the grounds of The Rift Estate. This palatial 19th Century mansion presents a self-contained Coach House to accommodate 13 people, complete with cosy fireplaces, claw-foot bathtubs and lush lawns perfect for croquet and bocce. For a gracious stay amid rustic vistas reminiscent of the English countryside, look no further than the five-star boutique hotel, Osborn House. Nearby, the chic comforts continue at the Georgian Moss Manor, where thoughtful creativity and interior design unite for an exclusive art-hotel experience. Around the town, the historic flair also rolls into the early 20th Century, with the Berida Hotel, Peppers Craigieburn and the Links House Hotel delivering memorable stays where modern amenity and heritage flourishes converge. Wherever you choose to rest your tiara-toting head, you can find your own Bridgerton in Bowral all year round.
Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
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Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands
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Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands