Bouddi National Park, BouddiCredit: Destination Central Coast
Scenic coastal views from Bouddi National Park, Bouddi.
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Keep the dream alive beyond Vivid Sydney by exploring everything NSW has to offer – hike the mountains, taste drops from Australia’s oldest wine region and take a zipline through the treetops. All of it within 2.5 hours’ drive of Sydney – perfect for a short-but-sweet getaway to add to your Vivid Sydney holiday.
Central Coast | 1 HOURS’ DRIVE
Close enough to the city for a breezy journey, but far enough away that you’ll feel a million miles from Sydney’s bustle, the eco-certified Central Coast is an easy choice for a post-Vivid Sydney jaunt. The laid-back lifestyle goes hand in hand with the 41 stunning beaches that form the region’s 80km coastline. But that’s not the only natural beauty to explore here. Rivers and streams snake through this special place, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking and boating while connecting national park with coastline. The vibrant ecosystems encompassed by the area’s waterways and bushland exist as a haven for bird, marine and all manner of wildlife so you’ll find so much to discover on the Central Coast.
Things to do
- Make a date for brunch with alpacas at Iris Lodge Alpacas
- Hike the 8km Bouddi Coastal Walk, exploring beaches, birdlife and boardwalks
- Zipline through the Ourimbah State Forest at Treetops Adventure
- Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture with a Girri Girra walking tour
- Sample just-shucked oysters on a Sydney Oyster Farm tour
- Pick a bunch of sunflowers at The Bloom Barn Farm
- Indulge in the wares of 13 skilled artisans and award-winning providores along the delicious Central Coast Makers Trail
- Catch a flick at the colourful Avoca Beach Theatre
- Fall asleep to the sound of the ocean at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga
The Hunter Valley | 2.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
As Australia’s oldest wine region, The Hunter Valley is rich with history – its soils renowned for producing excellent semillon, tempranillo and shiraz varieties. But, alongside its acclaimed wineries, you’ll find a leisure-seeker’s paradise including exceptional restaurants, luxury resorts, world-class spas and championship golf courses. Wend your way through wineries, sampling the bounty of each vineyard, explore the majestic Hunter Valley Gardens, feast with abandon at venues celebrating fresh local produce and innovative culinary techniques, and don’t miss spying the tapestry of Hunter countryside from above in a hot-air balloon.
Things to do
- Try out top drops from the historic Tyrrell’s Wines, and taste the award-winning, vegan-friendly options at Tamburlaine Organic Wines and the biodynamic offering at Krinklewood Estate
- Learn about sustainable wine production with a tasting at Mercer Wines, or get hands-on with the ‘winemaker for a day’ experience at McCaffrey’s Estate
- Imagine you’re lunching in the south of France at Bistro Molines or lean into relaxed Italian vibes at Harkham
- Take an accessible hot-air balloon ride at sunrise with Balloon Aloft
- Ride through bushland and vineyards with Hunter Valley Horses
- Delight in a show-stopping degustation at two-hatted Muse on Hungerford Hill Estate or at acclaimed EXP. Restaurant
- Stay in luxury at the Rydges Resort Hunter Valley or sleep within walking distance of a cellar door at Winmark Wines
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 and more | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Not only bestowed with famous rock formations, epic waves and subtropical rainforest, Kiama lets you choose your own adventure with multi-terrain hikes, prime lookouts, lush seafood feasts and adventure. Whether you’re looking for action-packed, laid-back, or just a sight of the area’s famous blowhole, you’ll find a wealth of options geared to your pace in Kiama, just 30 minutes south of Wollongong.
Things to do
- Get into the swing of things with a zipline at Illawarra Fly Treetops Adventures
- Swoosh down a waterslide at Jamberoo Action Park
- Tuck into a bacon and egg roll with a beach view at Penny Whistlers
- Paddle out for a surf lesson with Surf Camp Australia
- Learn the art of cheesemaking, sourdough starting, or fermenting with an on-farm class at Buena Vista Farm
- Explore waterfalls, suspension bridges and panoramic views with a hike through Minnamurra Rainforest
- Take in the views of Kiama Harbour from your room at the impeccably styled Sebel Kiama
Newcastle | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Newcastle is a mix of golden beaches, diverse cuisines and buzzing, urban vibes making for a dynamic coastal city with the perks of a small-town feel. On-trend cafes, boutiques and wine bars just off the alluring shore of Merewether Beach, street art dotting the city, a surf-friendly culture and innovative restaurants show that sweet spot between relaxed coastal and finger-on-the-pulse energy. You can even add a Hunter Valley visit to your itinerary, as it’s less than an hour west.
Things to do
- Hop between cafes, restaurants, hotels and the Newcastle Museum at the waterfront Honeysuckle Foreshore
- Pop on a life jacket and jump aboard a Coast XP vessel as you jet past Caves Beach and Catherine Hill Bay – keep an eye out for dolphins!
- Check in at boutique beauty QT Newcastle and have a sunset tipple from the rooftop bar or a plate of handmade pasta at the hotel’s luxe-casual restaurant Jana’s
- Get a bird’s-eye view (plus a spike of adrenaline) with Skydive Newcastle
- Enjoy the postcard-perfect views along the 6km Bathers Way Walk
- Uncover the secrets of this city while seeing the sights with a mini-bus-meets-walking loop tour with Newy Tour Co.
- Embark on a tasting trail of 14 independent venues including, breweries, pubs and a distillery on the Brewcastle Trail
- Don your mixologist’s hat and blend your own gin, vodka or rum at Earp Distilling Co.
- Watch the waves crash as you dine from the deck of Merewether Surfhouse
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 between Sydney and Canberra, the Southern Highlands is a slice of country life a few steps back from the pace of the city. Pack your gumboots and live out your cottage-core dreams in this historic enclave with contemporary flair. Here, you’ll find innovative winemakers honoring traditional methods, stunning seasonally driven menus at rustic-meets-recent restaurants, a treasure trove of antique sellers and opportunities to join a truffle hunt. Rug up!
Things to do
- Get back to nature with a forest bathing session complete with sauna, jacuzzi, fire pit and ice bath at Osborn House and stay the night too
- See cutting-edge art in a restored dairy turned art gallery at Ngununggula
- Find your page-turning holiday read after a meal between the bookshelves at Berkelouw Book Barn
- Antique the afternoon away at Dirty Janes Bowral
- Sample sustainably made wines and meet the resident sheep at Tractorless Vineyard Cellar Door
- Don a bee suit and meet the stars of Bowral Honey Farm
- Stroll the picturesque village of Robertson (the setting of Australia’s hit film Babe)
- Enjoy the run of the grounds with a stay at ultra-whimsical country estate Isca House
Wollongong | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Turn onto the Grand Pacific Drive and marvel at the spectacular sights of the Royal National Park on your way to Wollongong. As NSW’s third-largest city, this coastal centre is rich with culture, a wide variety of dining options and cool coffee spots, all complemented with the chill vibes of its sparkling location. With beautiful beaches and the rainforest-covered escarpment above, Wollongong also delivers on nature-focused adventures, easily accessible from the city or Sydney. Be sure to drive in via the coastline-hugging Sea Cliff Bridge – a feat of engineering and Instagram-famous locale with views over the sea.
Things to do
- Spot fairy wrens, herons and more at Puckeys Estate Nature Reserve
- Experience sunrise over the ocean with Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
- Spark your creativity browsing Wollongong Art Gallery’s collection of Japanese ceramics and Aboriginal art
- Pause for reflection at one of the biggest Buddhist temples in the Southern Hemisphere, Nan Tien
- Catch live tunes and good vibes at La La La’s
- Take your pick from classic-meets-contemporary Italian dishes at award-winning Restaurant Santino
- Check into industrial-style digs in the heart of the buzz at Hotel TOTTO
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.
Blue Mountains | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Named for the beautiful haze that hangs over the sleepy villages, ancient rock formations and bushland, the magnificent, eco-certified Blue Mountains is one of Sydney’s favourite weekenders for good reason. There’s nothing quite like a hike in UNESCO World Heritage-listed nature, finishing by taking in the expansive valleys atop a lookout or cable car. Whether you adventure and abseil all day, focus on fine dining, fossick op shops and bookstores, soak off the stress at a Japanese bath house or simply settle into luxury accommodation, you’ll find something that stirs your soul here.
Things to do
- Take a sunset selfie at Three Sisters
- Connect with Aboriginal culture on a Buunyal Tour or ride the Skyway into the clouds at Scenic World
- Soak in true serenity at the Japanese Bath House
- Get back to nature with a stay at Turon Gates Mountain Retreat
- Strap on your hiking boots for the 19km Grand Cliff Top Walk
- Taste the Blue Mountains terroir with a wine tasting at Dryridge Estate
- Settle into a multi-course culinary journey at Megalong Restaurant at Lot 101, taste the freshness of hyper-local produce at Blaq by Kyah, indulge in big Mediterranean flavours cooked in a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven at Ates, Blackheath or dine with a view at The Lookout Echo Point’s Bar NSW
- Marvel at the galaxy with Blue Mountains Stargazing
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 truffle hunting in Oberon and Mudgee’s wine region or go on an oyster tasting and beach trail on the Sapphire Coast.
Plan your Vivid Sydney trip now: vividsydney.com
More Inspirational Stories
Wilga Station, Evans PlainsCredit: Destination NSW
Wilga Station offers exceptional levels of contemporary, luxury accommodation. This idyllic country lifestyle is now open to guests, and you are invited to explore the winding, walking tracks and willow-lined creek, before settling in to toast marshmallows and watch the sunset at one of the two beautiful accommodation options.
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Escape to a luxe countryside retreat
Wilga Station, Evans Plains Credit: Destination NSW
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Whether you’re travelling as two or 10, the NSW countryside has an array of premium accommodation options to make your rural stay feel unique, luxurious and designed just for you. With your retreat as a base, sojourn in some of the state’s most spectacular landscapes.
Mudgee
Set on a scenic farm along the Cudgegong River, Evamor Valley lets you revel in luxuriously furnished glamping tents that are fitted out with plush king beds and a private hot tub. The family-run Budgalong Spicers Creek similarly offers a luxury safari-style set up. Accommodating eight guests across two camps, be treated to mountain or countryside views; minimal, refined amenities; and ensuite bedrooms. Wherever you stay, after a day spent exploring Mudgee’s charming town centre and surrounding wineries, relax with a glass of your favourite local wine by the fire pit, cook up a feast or just while away an evening, surrounded by nature. a luxury safari-style set up. Accommodating eight guests across two camps, here you’ll be treated to mountain or countryside views; minimal, refined amenities; and ensuite bedrooms. Wherever you stay, after a day spent exploring Mudgee’s charming town centre and surrounding wineries, relax with a glass of your favourite local wine by the fire pit, cook up a feast or just while away an evening, surrounded by nature.
Bathurst
Experience a different kind of farmstay at Wilga Station, just outside of Bathurst, where the secluded Farmers Hut blends into the surrounding landscape via a living-grass roof. Enjoy luxe touches including a designer bathroom, king-sized bed, wood-burning fireplace and kitchenette complete with a gourmet breakfast hamper. Treat yourself to a lie-in and luxuriate with views across the 100-hectare working sheep farm from the comfort of your bed. Visiting with a group? Retreat to the station’s characterful but stylish, five-bedroom Shearers Hall, which sleeps 10.
Spicers Guesthouse, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Spicers Guesthouse in Pokolbin.
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Spicers Guesthouse, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Spicers Guesthouse in Pokolbin.
Wilga Station, Evans Plains Credit: Destination NSW
Wilga Station offers exceptional levels of contemporary, luxury accommodation. This idyllic country lifestyle is now open to guests, and you are invited to explore the winding, walking tracks and willow-lined creek, before settling in to toast marshmallows and watch the sunset at one of the two beautiful accommodation options.
#newsouthwales #feelnsw
Wilga Station, Evans Plains Credit: Destination NSW
Wilga Station offers exceptional levels of contemporary, luxury accommodation. This idyllic country lifestyle is now open to guests, and you are invited to explore the winding, walking tracks and willow-lined creek, before settling in to toast marshmallows and watch the sunset at one of the two beautiful accommodation options.
The Blue Mountains
Find yourself drawn into nature on an escape to Spicers Sangoma Retreat, situated on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, 90-minutes’ drive from Sydney. Here, every stay is an all-inclusive package featuring fine dining catering, cosy evenings spent by the fireplace and utter comfort in nature-surrounded lodgings (book in a spa treatment for an extra luxe stay). Further up the mountain, Chalets at Blackheath boasts luxury chalets with fireplaces, soaking baths and king-sized beds, ideal for a getaway for two. Belle Bois resides on the north-west side of the mountains. Set on 40 hectares with views of the escarpment and Capertee Valley, this luxury country house is ideal for those wanting to stay put and unwind in comfort, as much as it is for those wishing to explore the nearby Wollemi National Park.
Snowy Valleys
Marvel at the morning mist gracing the Snowy Valleys when you wake up at Nimbo Fork, nestled between Gundagai and Tumut, a little over four hours’ drive from Sydney. Choose from one of six charming standalone cottages overlooking Tumut River or check into one of six upstairs suites in the main lodge. After a day spent walking, cycling or peddling the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, trying your hand at fly-fishing with Tom’s Outdoors or exploring Yarrangobilly Caves and Thermal Pool, tuck into a wholesome feast at Nimbo Fork’s on-site Three Blue Ducks restaurant, lauded for its dedication to sustainable dining.
Hunter Valley
Lean into the relaxed luxury experience at Spicers Guesthouse in Pokolbin, a contemporary property in the Hunter wine region. Begin your stay on a high note with a hot-air balloon rideover the vineyards (straight from the property) followed by a refreshing dip in the infinity pool overlooking serene bushland. After a day exploring the area's , enjoy the convenience of an evening meal at the in-house Italian restaurant, éRemo, or take a seat on the terrace to enjoy a lighter meal before retiring to your elegant room. Cedars Mount View similarly offers luxury in the Hunter with self-contained romantic villas kitted out with spa baths and fireplaces cellar doors and restaurants, enjoy the convenience of an evening meal at the in-house Italian restaurant, éRemo, or take a seat on the terrace to enjoy a lighter meal before retiring to your elegant room. Cedars Mount View similarly offers luxury in the Hunter with self-contained romantic villas kitted out with spa baths and fireplaces.
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.
Balloon Aloft, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
A girl looks out over the Hunter Valley during a ballon flight with Balloon Aloft. Balloon Aloft has been offering balloon flights over the Hunter Valley - Australia’s premier vineyard region - for over forty years. Flights begin at sunrise and take in views of the picturesque wine regions of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury or Broke.
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Balloon Aloft, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
A girl looks out over the Hunter Valley during a ballon flight with Balloon Aloft. Balloon Aloft has been offering balloon flights over the Hunter Valley - Australia’s premier vineyard region - for over forty years. Flights begin at sunrise and take in views of the picturesque wine regions of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury or Broke.
Southern Highlands
Make new memories with your favourite people at Burrawang House, a designer five-bedroom, 14-guest holiday home in the Southern Highlands hamlet of Burrawang. Enjoy leisurely days lazing by the nine-metre pool, and cosy nights with a glass of local wine beside one of the property’s three fireplaces. Flex your culinary skills in the huge high-end kitchen, or head out for a meal at the renowned Burrawang Village Hotel. During your stay, enjoy the ease of getting out into nature, with Morton National Park’s breathtaking Fitzroy Falls, just a 10-minute drive away.
Nearby, Osborn House in Bundanoon is a charming hotel offering sweeping views and laid-back elegance. Here, premier suites are home to four-post beds, double showers and juliette balconies, while Forest Lodges have uninterrupted views of the national park, baths, fireplaces and bespoke lighting. Drop into the onsite Fire Kitchen for a taste of Latin American over-fire cooking made with premium Australian produce.
Central West
Take in the uninterrupted views of the surrounding plains from one of the four Sky Suites at Callubri Station, a luxury outback farmstay experience near Nyngan. Sign up for a fascinating farm tour or ask your hosts for a map and head out to explore the 11,500-hectare property by foot, mountain bike or car, followed by a restorative dip in the heated mineral pool. Spot birds of the Aussie bush while sipping a sundowner, then head back to the station and book into the Premium Moonbathing Experience. The property also offers an accessible River Suite.
Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the cabins at Osborn House.
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Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the cabins at Osborn House.
Callubri Station, Buddabadah Credit: Monique Wye
Woman relaxing in a hammock with views across the countryside during a stay at Callubri Station, Buddabadah.
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Callubri Station, Buddabadah Credit: Monique Wye
Woman relaxing in a hammock with views across the countryside during a stay at Callubri Station, Buddabadah.
The Tweed
Nestled in the foothills of the Tweed, Avion Retreat is an exclusive adults-only retreat set on 65 hectares. The glasshouse-like cabins give you uninterrupted access to the surrounding mountains, as does the outdoor stone bathtub. Nearby, spend time exploring Husk Farm Distillery, Australia’s only single-estate paddock-to-bottle rum distillery, or fill your day with activity tackling the accessible Northern Rivers Rail Trail, passing through villages, farmland and scenic valleys.
South Coast
Tranquil, rural extravagance and abundant, expansive views await at Somnium at Bingie, tucked away on a private lakeside peninsula on NSW’s South Coast. This luxurious stay sleeping 14-16, has two bespoke dwellings: a four-bedroom house and an accompanying two-storey barn. Both spaces have oodles of room and are fitted out with floor-to-ceiling windows, polished concrete, marble textures, bespoke joinery and brass finishes. The Main House has underfloor heating, an outdoor fire pit, kayaks, mountain bikes and two living rooms. Over in The Barn (which can only be reserved with a Main House booking) find a spacious loft bedroom, a cosy living room with water views and a kitchenette.
Husk Distillers, North Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW
Couple touring the Husk Farm Distillers property in North Tumbulgum and meeting the resident cattle.
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Husk Distillers, North Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW
Couple touring the Husk Farm Distillers property in North Tumbulgum and meeting the resident cattle.