Best Weekend Breaks in NSW | Australian Traveller

Weekends are made for soaking up the views. From the rolling green countryside to ocean blue views and many more besides, NSW offers them up in abundance. Here, the best weekends away in NSW for your hit list.

Albury

The border town of Albury is often mentioned as the starting point for road trip explorations of the mighty Murray River, but there are many reasons to visit that don’t involve leaving as soon as you get there.

Albury’s prosperous history is writ large along its main street where heritage buildings spanning the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco architectural eras sit proud.

The delightful boutique design hotel Circa 1928 fills a regal 1920s former bank building (complete with an original safe in one of the bathrooms), while a short walk away the modern outline of the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) dominates.

Visit Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA). (Image: DNSW)

And that’s Albury to a T; the joy of exploring here is in walking its streets, pausing in its parks and gardens, eating at its proudly local restaurants and cafes, and sitting at the edge of the Murray River instead of driving by it.

Broken Hill

Just over three hours’ flying time from Sydney and Melbourne, and a short-break-friendly 75 minutes from Adelaide, Broken Hill holds almost mythical status in many people’s minds as the embodiment of what an Australian outback town should be.

Maybe it has something to do with its starring roles in two of the most famous outback movies ever made: Mad Max 2 and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Whatever the reason, the town owns its reputation proudly.

The mining industry still thrives here but the offering for those visiting now includes local galleries, historic walking tours, weekend markets, great eats like those served up at the 1950s Bell’s Milk Bar, tastings at Broken Hill Distillery, the discovery of the area’s rich Indigenous history at Mutawintji National Park and sculptures at Living Desert Reserve.

Moonrise over Broken Hill. (Image: DNSW)

The ACT

While Canberra is the Australian Capital Territory’s favourite weekend retreat, filled with museums and attractions befitting a national capital, it’s easy to forget that the territory has other allures to divert visitors.

Namadgi National Park, just under an hour’s drive from the city, stretches over 106,000 hectares, covering nearly 50 per cent of the territory, and offers intrepid weekenders the chance to camp at any number of campsites including the delightfully named Honeysuckle Campground.

Oberon

The Central Tablelands town of Oberon has always provided visitors with lots of choices to fill their time, from exploring the nearby Jenolan Caves to fossicking for gold to strolling (and glamping) the delightful grounds of Mayfield Garden.

But it is also a burgeoning foodie hotspot where you can hunt for wild mushrooms, follow a winemakers and brewers trail, do a foraging tour during the annual Field to Forest Festival and unearth pungent black truffles at Lowes Mount Truffiere (June to August).

Embrace strolling (and glamping) the delightful grounds of Mayfield Garden.(Image: DNSW)

Bermagui

Located on the Sapphire Coast, Bermagui benefits from its sparkling waterfront position, with awe-inspiring scenery, aquatic pursuits and an abundance of fresh seafood on offer.

Qantas and Rex Airlines fly into nearby Merimbula Airport, so you can get straight down to the business of enjoying yourself without delay.

Wonder at Horse Head Rock, estimated to be 500 million years old, the Camel Rock formation (a youngster at 470 million years old) and the town’s most compelling sight: the mesmerising Blue Pool. Take to the water for game and reef fishing and eat your fill at Bermagui Fishermen’s Wharf.

Horse Head Rock, Bermagui (Image: Above Down Under by Kramer Photography)

Southern Highlands

It’s impossible to pick a favourite from the charming towns and villages of the Southern Highlands, so we haven’t.

For a weekend break here, choose to base yourself in Bowral, Berrima or Moss Vale (all have abundant rentals) or head for quieter villages such as Bundanoon or Exeter and then spend your time puttering along country roads and stopping for Devonshire tea (try the scones at Highlands Merchant in Moss Vale) or wine tastings (Joadja Estate and Centennial Vineyards both have cellar doors) whenever the opportunity arises.

Winter is the optimum time to visit, when the air is crisp and the smell of wood smoke hangs in the air.

cellar doors in southern highlands — Enjoy a wine tasting at one of the Southern Highland’s cellar doors. (Image: DNSW)

Milton and Mollymook

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.

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.

Grafton

The city of Grafton, situated in the Clarence Valley, in the Northern Rivers region, has hit a purple patch in the last few years as its annual Jacaranda Festival has become an international Instagram sensation. Having been established in 1935, it’s the oldest floral festival in the country.

Come spring, the wide streets here are painted in a pretty palette of purples and lilacs, and the locals lure visitors with parades, markets, high teas and jacaranda ice-cream.

Book your accommodation well in advance and start practising your best Insta-ready smile now.

Walk the picture-perfect streetscapes of Grafton. (Image: My Clarence Valley)

Lismore

A weekend escape in Lismore offers a grab bag of delights that stretch far beyond the limits of the buzzing regional city itself.

Once you have sampled the local art scene here, strike out to the Richmond Valley’s other drawcards, like the alternative living, vivid murals and boho festivals of Nimbin, the laid-back charm of Kyogle and the rural charms of Casino.

Add ancient rainforests and untouched beaches and there is enough to fill short breaks aplenty.

Spot the street art in Lismore. (Image: DNSW)

Lord Howe Island

It’s only a two-hour flight to Lord Howe Island from Sydney, but it is a world away from the everyday of the mainland.

Ringed by impossibly clear waters and covered with subtropical vegetation, life here moves at a languid pace. Take up residence at one of its lovely resorts and reset your clock to island time.

Fill your days with swimming off pristine beaches like Lovers and Blinky, feed the fish at Ned’s Beach and spot wildlife from your bike, the preferred mode of transport here.

If you are on the island during the official Bird Week, take the opportunity to do some twitching, and definitely to do a boat tour to see Ball’s Pyramid, the remnants of a long extinct shield volcano, spotting dolphins and whales along the way.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

Ultimate weekends away in NSW & ACT