Ready for a change of scenery but don’t want to travel far? The best weekend escapes in NSW are all about switching off, slowing down and seeing somewhere new.
New South Wales is home to a plethora of peaceful pockets that will transport you worlds away from reality. Spanning boutique farms and city staycations to national park adventures, these NSW weekend trips provide the perfect excuse to press pause.
A quaint farmhouse getaway in the Hunter Valley
Wallaringa Farm makes for a cosy weekend just 90 minutes from Sydney. (Credit: Laura Grzelak)
What? Slow the pace and reconnect surrounded by nature at Wallaringa Farm’s luxury farmhouse in the Hunter Valley.
Tell me more: If you’ve ever dreamed of relocating to the country, this is the house for you. The three-bedroom property sits on a 303-hectare working cattle farm. Instead of a TV, you’ll find the indoor wood-burning fireplace is focal point to the open-plan living area, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing an altogether better view than your latest Netflix binge. Pop on a record, start cooking in the chef’s kitchen and make your way to the outside firepit at sunset with a generous pour of red from local Boydell’s Cellar Door.
A road trip through the Clarence Valley
Visit the stunning Yamba Ocean Pool. (Credit: Destination NSW)
What? A river town, a ferry crossing and oysters worth the drive.
Tell me more: Base yourself in Grafton before venturing through the valley to Yamba, where its famed ocean pool sits below the landmark Pacific Hotel and the Wednesday farmers’ market draws growers from across this Northern Rivers region. Catch the historic MV Mirigini across to Iluka, a sleepy fishing village at the river mouth, for rainforest walks at a gentle pace. All this make the Clarence Valley one of the best weekend escapes in NSW.
A luxe pontoon stay on Sydney’s Pittwater
Lilypad Palm Beach is moored on Pittwater. (Credit: Lilypad/@_jampal)
The pontoon stay is all about soaking up the slow moments. (Credit: Lilypad/@_jampal)
What? Lilypad Palm Beach is an all-inclusive luxury floating villa moored on Pittwater in Sydney/Warrane’s Northern Beaches.
Tell me more: Arrive by chauffeured tender boat or seaplane for a taste of life on the water. The champagne is chilled, seafood platter waiting and fridge stocked for dinner and breakfast. The architecturally designed, split-level villa caters to every whim: on deck, find an infrared sauna, outdoor shower, barbecue and entertainment area; inside, a fireplace, smart TV, kitchen and loft-style king bedroom. All that’s left to do is watch the sun set and moon rise over the water and let yourself float away – metaphorically speaking.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
A waterfall-chasing adventure on the Barrington Coast
Ellenborough Fallas are a dream for hikers. (Credit: Destination NSW)
What? Waterfalls, lakes and empty beaches are all within cooee of each other on the Barrington Coast.
Tell me more: Get active in Barrington Tops National Park, and visit Ellenborough Falls – the tallest single-drop waterfall in the state, with a lookout for every fitness level, tumbling 200 metres. Paddle the mangrove-lined Myall River with Lazy Paddles, then finish at the coast, where Bennetts Head offers prime whale-watching throughout winter and spring.
Stargazing in NSW’s Big Sky Country
Wilderluxe’s Gilay Lounge provides front-row seats to the stars above Big Sky Country.
What? The elevation and lack of light pollution at Lake Keepit, between Gunnedah and Tamworth, make it one of the best places for stargazing in Australia.
Tell me more: Stay in a Star Tent at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit with a retractable skydom where Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters threads Dreaming stories into the astronomy experience over dinner. Kayak the lake by day, then roll into Tamworth for dinner and drinks at Hopscotch Restaurant & Bar.
A gourmet road trip through the Southern Highlands
A drive through the Southern Highlands reveals scenic pastures.
Stop in for top drops at Bendooley Estate. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Peppers Manor House has beehives onsite. (Credit: Elizabeth Whitehead)
What? Get a taste of the good life on a Southern Highlands road trip with stops in Mittagong, Berrima and Sutton Forest.
Tell me more: After soaking views of cow-dotted paddocks and rolling hills from the car, start with a guided the Mittagong Mushroom Tunnel then explore the historic country town of Berrima, which is all sandstone buildings, bakeries and little country stores. Check into Peppers Manor House and sample honey straight from the hive at its onsite beehives or head to Bendooley Estate to enjoy a glass of pinot by a crackling fire – sure to convince you you’ve found one of the top weekend escapes in NSW.
Sydney’s ultimate wildlife stay
The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is a family-friendly escape in Sydney.(Credit: Tourism Australia)
What? Expect to spot koalas curled up in the gum tree outside your Animal View Room at Sydney/Warrane’s harbourside Wildlife Retreat at Taronga.
Tell me more: Five low timber lodges make up the 62-room eco retreat, which is built around a sanctuary for native Australian animals on Cammeraigal Country. A stay includes after-hours access to the zoo, a guided night walk through the native animal habitat and dinner at Me-Gal.
Weekly travel news, experiences insider tips, offers, and more.
A nature break in Narooma, far South Coast
Hop on a guided snorkel tour with Underwater Safaris. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Mix retro-chic with incredible views at The Whale.
Slurp your way through the Narooma Oyster Festival. (Credit: Destination NSW)
What? The laid-back town of Narooma, an hour south of Batemans Bay, will have you regretting not visiting sooner.
Tell me more: Blessed with crystalline waters, resident seals, world-class mountain biking and oysters so fresh they’ll win over even the staunchest sceptics, Narooma has long been cherished by adventure seekers and foodies alike. Now – with the reopening of retro stay The Whale – it’s catching the eyes of design lovers, too. Plan your trip with our pick of the best things to do in Narooma.
A food-focused weekend in the Riverina
Linger in Griffith for the fantastic food. (Credit: Visit Griffith)
What? Griffith lies at the heart of the Riverina region, NSW’s largest food bowl.
Tell me more: More than 60 per cent of Griffith’s residents claim Italian heritage, which the town celebrates during the annual Taste of Griffith festival in August. Calabria Family Wines pours durif and Montepulciano at its cellar door, while Zecca transforms Riverina wheat into delectable handmade pasta. Close out a weekend at Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, rolling cannoli since 1952.
A South Coast sojourn in Milton and Mollymook
Linger longer in Mollymook. (Credit: Destination NSW)
What? Affectionately known as Milly and Molly, the South Coast towns of Milton and Mollymook present a two-for-one treat for weekenders, close enough to easily flit between.
Tell me more: The best weekend escapes in NSW favour flavour as well as scenic delights, and this trip is no different. You can sample the chic shopping and cafes along the main thoroughfare of Milton, before heading through rolling green countryside to the beaches and whale watching spots of Mollymook. Enjoy the waterfront glam of Bannisters Mollymook and fresh seafood at Rick Stein at Bannisters, the on-site restaurant co-owned by the celebrity chef.
Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?
Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and...
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship...
Katie Carlin is Australian Traveller's Head of Content and when she’s not travelling or behind her computer, she’s hosting a dinner party (likely cooking an Alison Roman recipe), at brunch, working on extending her running k’s, or has her nose...
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and...
The Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.
The world moves more slowly in Moree, and that’s how it should be. Here, country charm and heritage buildings fill the town’s wide streets. While the surrounding farmland mixes with lush riverways to create a fascinating landscape.
But the biggest pull? Moree is known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia. It’s truly a place to slow down and disconnect, all an easy train ride from Sydney.
Soak in Moree’s artesian water
Dive in to Moree’s artesian waters.
Moree is not your typical wellness retreat, replacing pretence with casual and easy. Blessed to be sitting above the Great Artesian Basin, it feeds the town (and surrounding villages) with hot, mineral-rich water. Loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, this water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.
And the town’s crown jewel, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, has reopened after extensive upgrades. This state-of-the-art aquatic centre offers accessible facilities with multiple artesian baths of varying temperatures between 38 and 41°C.
Feel like exploring a little further? About an hour’s drive from Moree, the village of Boomi also offers public access to this same artesian water. Pop into Boomi Artesian Pool to make the most of a 25-metre cold pool, a wading pool and a hot artesian spa pool.
Just an hour west of Boomi, you’ll also find Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, another relaxing place to rejuvenate for the afternoon in the mineral-rich water.
Moree’s best stays
Stay right by Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.
There are several motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre, so you linger longer in its therapeutic waters. A day pass not enough? Really soak in the benefits of Moree at three local stays with their own artesian baths.
Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort boasts five artesian pools for motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.
The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation features outdoor artesian thermal pools and six indoor artesian spas, all 34 to 42°C, plus regular pools for guests staying in their accommodations.
While the Artesian Spa Motel matches 46 comfortable budget rooms set across five acres of landscaped grounds, with direct access (for guests) to its own natural artesian hot thermal pool.
Moree’s location at the crossroads of the Newell and Gwydir Highways makes it the ideal resting place for those road tripping through country NSW. With plenty of accommodation options, including farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.
Delving into nature around Moree
Find plenty of natural beauty in and around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Beyond the baths, find calm in Moree’s nature. Soak up the impressive Gwydir River from the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area. Popular with locals, this scenic spot is perfect for fishing, kayaking and picnics. Delve into local history at the Terry Hie Hie Picnic Area – a significant Gamilaroi cultural site. The picnic area is still used today as a ceremonial gathering ground, with educational signage sharing the history of the Gamilaroi People and the mission which used to reside here in the early 20th Century. Follow the Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track to explore the area’s box pine forest.
Combine nature and culture at the Jellicoe Park Open Spaces Aboriginal Art Trail along the scenic Mehi River Walk. Find artworks from local Indigenous artists across a range of different mediums, like carved logs, engraved and painted sandstone and scar tree paintings.
A taste of Moree
Sit down for a tasty meal after a game of golf. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Taste the best of local cafes as you wander past the Art Deco architecture of Moree’s tree-lined main streets. Join the locals each morning at Brooker Trading Co as they line up for their morning java. Stay for classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and Dutch pancakes, or arrive later in the day for a hearty lunch menu. Inside a gorgeous Art Deco building, 61 Balo is another tasty breakfast option, with pet-friendly service. The recently renovated Cafe Omega is another popular stop for fresh, hearty meals – the chicken burger is a particular crowd pleaser – all served with a smile.
Get inspired as you wander the CBD’s Mural Trail, stopping at some of Moree’s six art galleries along the way. Bank Art Museum is a must-see, housed in the town’s heritage bank building and home to a collection of First Nations art, plus a changing calendar of touring exhibitions.
Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Get active with a round on the beautiful riverside course at Moree Golf Club (and refuel afterwards at the delicious onsite restaurant) or a game of bowls at Moree Services Club’s state-of-the-art facility. Visit on the last weekend of September to join (or watch) Run the Plains, Moree’s annual two-day running festival.
Known as ‘white gold’ country, Moree is Australia’s most productive agricultural region. Visit from April to September to join a cotton farm tour and get to know one of Moree’s major exports.
However long you choose to stay, there’s plenty to soak in around Moree.
