Stuck in Sydney and feeling burnt out by the city hustle? Sometimes, all you need to do is step away from the noise, plan a getaway, and touch some grass. Luckily, you don’t have to travel too far for a quick reset. From coastal views to wineries, national parks, and even an escape overseas, this guide is here to give you an idea of the best weekend trips from Sydney.
1. Jervis Bay
About a 3-hour drive from Sydney, Jervis Bay is part of a protected marine park. This means the water remains clear and teeming with wildlife all year round! It’s also a popular site for marine encounters and scenic viewpoints, perfect for a slow weekend outdoors. If you’re down for a weekend by the sea, here are some things to do in Jervis Bay:
Whale watching 🐋
Get up close and personal with Australian humpback whales
Jervis Bay is known as a hotspot for whale migration. A majority of humpback whales in Australian waters move up north from June to August and come back south to the Southern Ocean from September to November. Catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures through a whale watching cruise tour.
Dolphin watching 🐬
The crystal blue waters allow you to see these dolphins in their natural habitat easily
Bottlenose dolphins are also local residents of Jervis Bay, which means they can be seen almost year-round. To see them up close, you can book a dolphin-watching cruise that runs regularly in the area. If you’d like to be super sure, it’s best to come during the warmer months from October to April for higher chances of spotting them.
Sightseeing cruise 🛳️
One of the secret passages you could only access through a cruise tour | Photo by Klook User
A sightseeing cruise tour takes you to the parts of Jervis Bay you can’t get to on foot. You’ll get to explore secret passages and marvel at clear water and big limestone formations that make the city feel a world away. It’s the kind of view that makes your weekday worries shrink a little.
2. Pokolbin
If you’re a wine connoisseur, you can’t miss out on Pokolbin. Just a 2-hour drive from Sydney, it’s the wine capital of the Hunter Valley. With vineyard views and plenty of great food spots, it’s the perfect weekend escape for anyone who enjoys a glass (or two). Here are a few ways to make the most of your time in Pokolbin:
Wine, cheese, and chocolate tour 🍷
Photo caption + alt text: Great sips and good views | Photo by Klook User Cheska ****************
Spend your weekend sampling three of Australia’s finest boutique wineries and enjoying a delicious lunch with stunning vineyard views. You’ll also stop by a local distillery for small-batch spirits and experience wine pairings with cheese and chocolate. When you book this wine tour, all you have to do is sit back and relax, as transportation is already included.
Hot air balloon ride 🎈
Views of Pokolbin while on a hot air balloon | Photo by Klook User KANG *******
Catch the sunrise from a different view. Book this hour-long hot air balloon ride, then toast the morning with a gourmet champagne breakfast in a beautiful winery setting. It’s one of the most special weekend trips from Sydney if you’re celebrating something special!
Klook tip: Make reservations at least a month in advance before your target visit date. Slots fill up pretty quickly!
3. Kiama
Just under 2 hours from Sydney by train or car, Kiama is best known for its rugged coastal views and the famous Kiama Blowhole. It’s one of the quickest weekend trips from Sydney. If you’re after fresh air and salty scenery, we recommend this tour:
Kiama tour 📸
The famous Kiama blowhole | Photo by Klook User YIYING ***
This small group tour will bring you to Kiama’s coastal highlights in a single day. If you like ocean views, chill beaches and farmlands, and if you’d like to see the famous Kiama Blowhole (one of the biggest blowholes in the world!) in action, this is a must-do for the weekend. Depending on the season, you may also spot native wildlife like kangaroos and wombats, and even migrating whales between May and November.
4. Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains National Park is one of the most popular nearby weekend trips from Sydney. You can get there by train, and it only takes approximately 2 hours. With mountain views and easy trails, it’s a great place to get in touch with nature. If you’re looking for a guided experience, check out the following tour:
Cable car ride and zoo tour 🚠
One of the pretty sights at Blue Mountains National Park | Photo by Klook User KOK *****************
Book this small-group tour to see the highlights of the Blue Mountains in one smooth itinerary. You can ride a cable car for views of valleys and cliffs, then take an easy rainforest walk beneath the forest canopy. You’ll visit lookouts to see the Three Sisters up close before heading to the Sydney Zoo to meet native wildlife, such as koalas and kangaroos.
5. New Zealand
If you’re up for a quick international trip, New Zealand gives you the shortest travel time, making it one of the most accessible weekend trips out of Sydney. Auckland and Queenstown, in particular, are only a 3-hour flight away! There’s so much to see and do, we recommend staying for at least 2 nights. Here are some to give you an idea:
Dart River adventure 🛶
Funyak = an inflatable kayak
This tour takes place in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dart River! Expect a bit of an adrenaline rush as you first hop on a jet boat, followed by a peaceful break on the water as you self-drive on a funyak. Book this guided day trip that also includes transport and paddling gear.
Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves visit ⛰️
Experience the Lord of the Rings set in real life!
The mesmerizing Glowworm Cave
One of New Zealand’s claims to fame is that it was where the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed! Get to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, as well as the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a boat ride under a cave full of glowing worms through booking a tour. Trust us, it sounds better than you think!
With all these refreshing, nature-filled adventures within reach from Sydney, all that’s left is to pick the weekend trip that calls your name.
FAQs
Where to go for 2 nights from Sydney?
If you’ve got a full weekend to spare, Jervis Bay, Pokolbin (Hunter Valley), or the Blue Mountains are great options for 2-night escapes. New Zealand is the quickest international option for weekend trips from Sydney that still feel like a proper holiday.
What is the shortest international trip from Sydney?
New Zealand, especially Auckland and Queenstown, is the quickest escape overseas at just about a 3-hour flight from Sydney.
Where to go for a day trip from Sydney?
The Blue Mountains are the easiest day trip if you want nature and views without going too far. Kiama is also doable in a day if you start early and have a solid plan on what you want to see.
Where to go by train from Sydney?
The Blue Mountains (about 2 hours) and Kiama (under 2 hours) are both accessible by train, making them great car-free getaways.
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