Region X Kayak Experience, Batemans BayCredit: Destination NSW
Kayaking and oyster tasting on the Clyde River, Batemans Bay. Friends tasting fresh oysters.
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Sixteen accommodation options across New South Wales have been named in Good Weekend’s 2024 edition of its annual 52 Weekends Away feature, published on Saturday, 28 September.
This highly anticipated issue is part of the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age supplements, showcasing a handpicked selection of Australian weekend getaways, chosen by Good Weekend and Traveller’s editorial teams.
This year, New South Wales has once again proven itself a prime destination, offering everything from pure luxury to charming beach shacks and hidden bushland retreats, including several pet-friendly options perfect for family holidays.
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.
Cape Byron Kayaks, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Experience all the fun and adventure of a Cape Byron Kayaks guided tour in Cape Byron Marine Park. Feel the exhilaration as you paddle your kayak with the dolphins, turtles, and whales that frequent the enticing waters of Byron Bay. Whether you are a novice or an experienced kayaker your adventure will include paddling the magnificent protected bay, surfing the waves, encountering abundant marine life, relaxing and enjoying all the Tim Tams you can eat once back at the beach.
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Cape Byron Kayaks, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Experience all the fun and adventure of a Cape Byron Kayaks guided tour in Cape Byron Marine Park. Feel the exhilaration as you paddle your kayak with the dolphins, turtles, and whales that frequent the enticing waters of Byron Bay. Whether you are a novice or an experienced kayaker your adventure will include paddling the magnificent protected bay, surfing the waves, encountering abundant marine life, relaxing and enjoying all the Tim Tams you can eat once back at the beach.
NSW's Weekend Getaways
To complement the accommodation list, the issue also features recommendations for local dining, cultural experiences and outdoor adventures, ensuring visitors have everything they need for an unforgettable stay.
The North Coast boasts five properties included in the feature, from a beautifully restored 1948 seaside inn called Il Delfino in Yamba to Swell Hotel Byron, an adults-only escape, and The Writer’s Room, a peaceful retreat nestled in the Byron Hinterlands.
Visitor experiences highlighted for the North Coast region included dining and drink options like Paradiso where you can enjoy an Asian feast with natural wine, The Wobbly Chook for craft micro beers, and Husk Farm Distillery for the gin lovers. The North Coast also offers a wide range of activities like climbing aboard a vintage school bus named Salty Pineapple with Bush to Bay Tours, taking a ride with Zephyr Horses, getting amongst the elements with Cape Byron Kayaks and enjoying a chilled-out morning at Byron Farmers Markets.
Zephyr Horses, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Horses standing on the shore of the beach with riders in Byron Bay.
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Zephyr Horses, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Horses standing on the shore of the beach with riders in Byron Bay.
Sydney sees three entries, ranging from Wildacres in Blackheath, a bushland haven, to the exclusive Cottage at Trincomalee, only accessible by boat, plus a city stay where dogs are greeted with a warm welcome too.
While staying at Blackheath in the Mountains, enjoy Mediterranean-themed share plates from a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven at Ates after your guided walking tour through the mountains with Tread Lightly Eco Tours. In Pittwater taste the good life with fresh seafood at Barrenjoey House, explore Pittwater by kayak, and live your private-jet dream on a seaplane.
The Sydney Surrounds North region shines with two distinctive offerings, including Little National Hotel in Newcastle and the luxurious Wallaringa Farm, while the Sydney Surrounds South region highlights Moss Manor, a contemporary, arts-focused retreat in the Southern Highlands, perfect for travellers seeking a blend of sophistication and natural beauty.
TreeTop Adventure Park, Newcastle Credit: Eluminate Media
Women crossing over an obstacle at the Treetop Adventure Park in Newcastle.
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TreeTop Adventure Park, Newcastle Credit: Eluminate Media
Women crossing over an obstacle at the Treetop Adventure Park in Newcastle.
Newcastle operators who were mentioned included Treetops Adventure Newcastle and hyped eateries Cake Boi, Flotilla and Light Years. In the Hunter whether you’re after a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting, a self-guided wine exploration, decadent lunch canapes with a matching wine flight or a personalised soil-to-cellar experience, Brokenwood Wines’ five-star estate is a must visit as well as making a visit to the Hunter Valley WIldlife Park.
When you visit Moss Vale be sure to visit Highlands Brewing Co’s Taphouse which offers a tasty seasonal menu of burgers, pasta and brasserie favourites alongside interesting craft brews. Kick back and relax with a charcuterie platter and matching wine at provincial-style Mount Ashby Estate or visit the venerable dairy farm turned winery St Maur Wines.
Mount Ashby Estate, Moss Vale Credit: Kramer Photography; www.kramer.photography
Resident ducks on the grounds of Mount Ashby Estate, Moss Vale.
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Mount Ashby Estate, Moss Vale Credit: Kramer Photography; www.kramer.photography
Resident ducks on the grounds of Mount Ashby Estate, Moss Vale.
Region X, Batemans Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Freshly open oysters available for guests to enjoy on the Oyster Tasting Kayak Tour with Region X in Batemans Bay.
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Region X, Batemans Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Freshly open oysters available for guests to enjoy on the Oyster Tasting Kayak Tour with Region X in Batemans Bay.
In Southern NSW, 52 Weekends Away highlights Common Kosci, a premier luxury experience, while the Central West offers rustic elegance at The Black Shed and artistic allure at Sona Molong.
While in the Snowy Mountains make sure to take in nature on the Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk in the stunning Kosciuszko National Park followed by a beer at Jindabyne Brewing bar and tasting room with views across Lake Jindabyne.
St. Maur Wines, Exeter Credit: Destination NSW
Signage welcoming visitors to St. Maur Wines, Exeter.
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St. Maur Wines, Exeter Credit: Destination NSW
Signage welcoming visitors to St. Maur Wines, Exeter.
Meanwhile, if you decide on Malua Bay be sure to head to the Farm Gate and Oyster Shed on Wray Street and Pearly Oyster Bar and Farm on the banks of the Clyde River at Batemans Bay to enjoy shucked Sydney Rocks and Angasi oysters while soaking up sublime views. Or consider Region X’s Oyster Tasting Kayak Tour where, over a two-hour tour, visitors kayak the river, sample delicacies and meet a fourth-generation oyster farmer.
The full list of the sixteen NSW properties is below:
North Coast
Sydney
Sydney Surrounds South
Sydney Surrounds North
Southern NSW
Central West NSW
To see the full issue online in the Sydney Morning Herald visit smh.com.au.
More Inspirational Stories
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