Bubbletent Australia, Capertee ValleyCredit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying Bubbletent Australia's outdoor bathtub with scenic views over the Capertee Valley.
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Travel in style across the state, from five-star city experiences to wine- region indulgence and luxe country retreats.
Take a break and let your everyday worries melt away with these unforgettable luxury stays across Sydney and New South Wales. From isolated tropical islands to five-star hotels and floating sanctuaries, treat yourself to a stay that will make you feel completely renewed.
Indulge your urge to splurge
Gather your family or inner circle of friends for an idyllic weekend of bonding at Burrawang House, a newly opened luxury holiday home sleeping up to 14 guests in the Southern Highlands village of Burrawang. Or ramp up the romance on your Southern Highlands escape with a memorable stay at Osborn House, a welcoming luxury boutique hotel radiating understated elegance on the edge of Morton National Park in the village of Bundanoon.
Take in the endless ocean views from Dovecote’s two-bedroom Range or four-bedroom Headland property, set on 60 hectares of coastal farmland above the seaside town of Gerringong, a two-hour drive from Sydney on the NSW South Coast.
Dovecote, Gerringong Credit: @dovecote @alexsprichard
Dovecote, Gerringong.
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Dovecote, Gerringong Credit: @dovecote @alexsprichard
Dovecote, Gerringong.
Totally disconnect in paradise
Reconnect with untouched nature on World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, where you can snorkel pristine coral reefs in the shadow of the world’s tallest sea stack, climb Mount Gower by via ferrata, forget your car keys and cycle everywhere and swim with turtles. Immerse in luxury in between blissful hours of snorkelling and hiking at Capella Lodge, Lord Howe’s premium retreat with nine opulent suites, a serene spa and a fine dining restaurant showcasing regional produce. Escape to your own private oasis at the beautifully appointed homes of Island House, or settle in to one of only four suites at Arajilla Retreat, before enjoying the fresh fare from the resort’s organic kitchen garden at Arajilla Restaurant and relaxing with a treatment at the yurt-style day spa. Explore the island in style by ordering a picnic from Love Lord Howe, which will set you up at a glorious location with deluxe grazing platter and everything you need for a picnic, including a table, cushions and rugs.
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island Credit: tom-archer.com
Woman relaxing by the pool at Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
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Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island Credit: tom-archer.com
Woman relaxing by the pool at Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
Wing it to romance
Take your love to dizzy new heights on a sunset helicopter tour over Sydney Harbour after checking into a plush harbourside palace such as Park Hyatt Sydney, Crown Towers Sydney, Pier One Sydney Harbour or Ovolo Woolloomooloo.
Or whisk away your loved one away for the ultimate romantic getaway with a seaplane flight to the northern reaches of the city. Sydney Seaplanes and Sydney by Seaplane both offer unforgettable flights from the eastern suburb of Rose Bay, soaring over the harbour and high above the surf and sand of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and landing on the sheltered waters of the Hawkesbury River and the Pittwater. Marvel at the beauty of Broken Bay Pearl Farm, the state’s only pearl farm, at Mooney Mooney, or relish the refined lunch fare at Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel at Whale Beach.
Savour the experience for longer by staying at the exclusive Marramarra Lodge on the Hawkesbury; Cottage Point Inn, a fine-dining waterfront restaurant with a one-bedroom apartment hidden away in rugged Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park; or the refreshed Lilypad Palm Beach, a luxurious villa floating off Palm Beach in the Pittwater.
Sydney Seaplanes, Rose Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Enjoy a Sydney Seaplanes flight from Rose Bay, Sydney.
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Sydney Seaplanes, Rose Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Enjoy a Sydney Seaplanes flight from Rose Bay, Sydney.
Look for luxury among the vineyards
Soak up a sense of luxurious comfort as you roam across New South Wales. In the historic Hunter Valley wine region, a two-hour drive north of Sydney, renew your body and soul with treatments at plush day spas, luxury stays at Spicers Guesthouse and Chateau Elan, and fine dining at Muse and Margan. Gain a new perspective as you take to the skies on a hot-air balloon ride or a helicopter flight.
Cosy up in style in the Mudgee wine region, a 3.5-hour drive northwest from Sydney in the NSW Central West. Soak in the outdoor bath and bask in the starry skies at Sierra Escape, a luxury eco-glamping experience a 20-minute drive out of Mudgee, or stay close to the action at Perry Street Hotel, housed in a 19th-century civic building in the heart of town. Enjoy the fruits of this fertile region at Robert Stein Winery, Vineyard & Farm’s fine-dining Pipeclay Pumphouse Restaurant or Lowe Family Wine Co.‘s on-site restaurant Zin House.
Wander out west to discover the Orange wine region, a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney via the Blue Mountains. Feel the warm welcome at Byng Street Boutique Hotel, in the heart of the town’s heritage precinct, before touring some of Orange’s outstanding wineries, including Borrodell Estate and Ross Hill Wines. Anchor a memorable day of wine tasting with a long lunch at Printhie Wines’ excellent fine dining restaurant a few minutes outside of town.
Sierra Escape, Piambong Credit: Guy Williment
Couple enjoying the firepit while stargazing from the Dulli Tent at Sierra Escape, Piambong.
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Sierra Escape, Piambong Credit: Guy Williment
Couple enjoying the firepit while stargazing from the Dulli Tent at Sierra Escape, Piambong.
Recharge in high country havens
Head for the hills to free your imagination. Surrender to the sublime at Nimbo Fork Lodge, an opulent country retreat around a four-drive from Sydney between the towns of Gundagai and Tumut. Take in the soothing Snowy Valleys scenery before sitting down to a memorable farm-to-table meal at the lodge’s Three Blue Ducks restaurant.
Marvel at the sandstone cliffs dotting the world’s second largest canyon at Capertee, less than three hour’s drive northwest of Sydney, then kick back in your bubble tent and drift away to sweet dreams as you count the stars above.
Nimbo Fork Lodge, Killimicat Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over accommodation at Nimbo Fork Lodge, Killimicat.
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Nimbo Fork Lodge, Killimicat Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over accommodation at Nimbo Fork Lodge, Killimicat.
Bouddi National Park, BouddiCredit: Destination Central Coast
Scenic coastal views from Bouddi National Park, Bouddi.
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What better way to keep the adventure going after your Vivid Sydney visit by exploring our natural wonders just outside of the city? A treasure trove of experiences await: hike into the mountains, taste wine from the barrel and walk among the treetops. And best of all, these trips are all within 2.5 hours’ drive of Sydney – perfect if you’re looking to extend a holiday for just a few days.
Blue Mountains | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Named for the beautiful haze that hangs over the sleepy villages, ancient rock formations and bushland, the magnificent Blue Mountains is one of Sydney’s favourite weekenders for good reason.
There’s nothing quite like a hike in the fresh mountain air at golden hour, though taking in the expansive valleys atop a lookout or cable car comes close. Whether you adventure and abseil all day or focus on fine-dining and uncovering some stunning op-shop finds, soak off the day at luxury accommodation.
Things to do
- Take a sunset selfie at Three Sisters
- Ride the Skyway into the clouds at Scenic World
- Soak into true serenity at the Japanese Bath House
- Explore Jenolan Caves’ limestone labyrinth
- Embrace the wilderness at Turon Gates Mountain Eco-Retreat
- Learn about Indigenous culture on a walkabout tour
Central Coast | 1 HOURS’ DRIVE
A stone's throw from Sydney, a million miles from a care in the world… that wraps up the Central Coast region in a nutshell. There’s an enviably relaxed beach lifestyle here – with kilometres of sand and Pacific Ocean to explore – but national parks abound, too, and calm waterways ideal for throwing in a line, or conquering with a kayak. The coast with the most? You bet.
Things to do
- Take in the eight kilometre Bouddi Coastal Walk
- Zip-line through the Ourimbah State Forest at Treetops Adventure
- Embrace First Nations knowledge and culture with a Girri Girra walking tour
- Have breakfast with alpacas
- Whale watch and explore coastal rainforest at Wyrrabalong National Park
- Catch a flick at the colourful Avoca Beach Theatre
- Stay at the idyllic The Boathouse Hotel Patonga
The Hunter Valley | 2.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
The Hunter Valley is renowned for its Sémillon and shiraz varietals, acclaimed wineries and restaurants, luxury resorts, world-class spas and championship golf courses.
Wander through the wine-tasting hotspot of Pokolbin, explore the majestic Hunter Valley gardens, picnic amongst the vines on fresh local produce and don’t miss spying the lush Hunter from above in a hot-air balloon.
Things to do
- Try out top-drops from the historic Tyrrell’s, explore organic wines at Tamburlaine or biodynamic options at Krinklewood
- Visit a Provencal pocket at Bistro Molines
- Take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise with Beyond Ballooning
- Stay in luxury at the Crowne Plaza
- Ride through bushland and vineyards with Hunter Valley Horses
Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
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Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
Beyond Ballooning, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arriving for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Beyond Ballooning in the Hunter Valley.
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Beyond Ballooning, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arriving for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Beyond Ballooning in the Hunter Valley.
Kiama, Jamberoo & More | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Feel the sea spray hit your skin at the blowhole at Kiama, only 30 minutes south of Wollongong. Away from the famous rock formations, epic waves and grassy seaside slopes, Kiama is a place of nature hikes, fancy seafood feasts on waterside decks and unique adventures. Take yourself on a wild and wonderful trail winding through windswept headlands and extraordinary beaches.
Things to do
- Get your Tarzan on and try the after-dark zipline at Illawarra Fly
- Swoosh down a waterslide at Jamberoo Action Park
- Enjoy breakfast with a beach view at Penny Whistlers
- Have a surf lesson with Surf Camp Australia
- Hike through Minnamurra Rainforest
- Stay in luxury at The Pause, Gerringong
Newcastle | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Newcastle is an unbeatable mix of golden beaches, luscious food and buzzing culture that makes you feel high on life. Have a dip at Merewether, dine overlooking the surf break and delve into the edgy boutiques and bars. This coastal hub is also in a sweet spot with the Hunter Valley less than an hour west.
Things to do
- Hop between cafes, museums and more at the waterfront Honeysuckle precinct
- Stay at the boutique QT Newcastle
- Take a long stroll along Bathers Way
- Visit Newcastle Art Gallery
- Dine on fresh seafood at Merewether Surf House
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Minnamurra River Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Minnamurra River Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
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Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
Southern Highlands | 1.5’ HOURS DRIVE
Located midway between Sydney and Canberra, the NSW Southern Highlands provides a welcome relief to the hustle of city life – a meld of classic and contemporary country culture. Innovative winemakers immersed in traditional methods. Morning truffle hunts evolving into modern dégustations. Pack your gum boots and head off to stay in an ivy-draped country manor or an architecturally designed farmhouse.
Things to do
- Get back to nature with a forest bathing session at Osborn House
- See cutting-edge art in a restored dairy turned art gallery, Ngununggula
- Browse literary treasures at Berkelouw Book Barn
- Antique the afternoon away at Dirty Janes Bowral
- Enjoy sustainable wines at Tractorless Vineyard Cellar Door
- Visit picture-postcard village Robertson (the setting for Australia’s hit film Babe)
- Spend a night at the charming Old Bank Boutique Hotel
Wollongong | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Adorned by rainforest-covered escarpment and the stunning golden beaches of the South Coast, NSW’s third-largest city is a fun, vibrant and delicious urban centre that offers diverse appeal.
Just getting to Wollongong from Sydney is a tourist attraction. Instead of taking the M1 Princes Highway, take the Grand Pacific Drive, a spectacular touring route through the Royal National Park to Stanwell Park and south over the Sea Cliff Bridge.
Things to do
- Spot fairywrens, herons and more at Puckey’s Estate Nature Reserve
- Dine at the award-winning Babyface Kitchen
- Spend an afternoon at Wollongong Art Gallery
- Explore the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Buddhist Temple, Nan Tien
- Take a guided tour of the historic Blue Mile
- Catch live tunes and good vibes at La La La’s
Looking to go further afield?
If you have time on your hands, NSW has plenty more wonders to explore. Head to the Snowy Mountains for some time on the ski slopes; venture west towards the edge of the Great Dividing Range for world-heritage wilderness and Mudgee’s wine region, or escape it all on the Sapphire Coast.
Plan your Vivid Sydney trip now: vividsydney.com
Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
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Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.