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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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...
From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.
Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.
Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.
1. Gosford’s glow up
Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.
Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.
Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.
Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG). Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery, the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.
Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.
2. Newcomers to the dining scene
Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.
The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.
Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.
Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.
Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.
3. New Central Coast experiences
Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.
It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.
Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.
Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast, which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.
For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.
4. Central Coast accommodation
Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.
There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.
Allawah, a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.
In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.
To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort. This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.
5. Shopping on the Central Coast
Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.
For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.
Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets, where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.
Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.
Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics, or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.
For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co. This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.
