10 Easy Places to Go For a Weekend Getaway from Sydney

Weekends are for resting and recharging after a week of work or study. It’s a chance to get away from it all and escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city and take in the relaxing nature sights. The only downside of weekends is that it only has two days. That’s hardly enough time for a truly relaxing escapade, right?

Well, the truth is, there are plenty of places to go on a weekend getaway near Sydney without the lag of a 16-hour plane ride!

From Hunter Valley to Port Stephens, here are our top picks for the best weekend getaways from Sydney. The best part, all of these destinations are at most 5 hours away by car or plane!

1. Go on a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Hunter Valley

2. Take a tour of Blue Mountains Scenic World Tour 

3. Watch the whales and dolphins at Jervis Bay

4. Go kayaking and dolphin watching at Byron Bay

5. Discover the sights of Central Coast

6. Go on a Quad Biking and Sand Dunes Adventure from Sydney in Port Stephens

7. Explore the attractions of Orange City, NSW

8. Wine and dine and marvel at the fine views of Mudgee

9. See the natural beauty of Snowy Mountains

10. Tour the breweries of Canberra 

You’ve probably already watched the sunrise, but have you ever been on a hot air balloon ride? Well, with the Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Hunter Valley, you can do both!

Watch the sun paint beautiful colours on the sky as it rises, and check out the view of the wine regions down below—from Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury, to Broke. It’s the perfect opportunity to bond with your friends and fam while taking in all the sights from the sky to the ground. 

After the 1-hour ride, you’ll definitely feel famished, but don’t worry! A delicious gourmet breakfast and champagne celebration awaits you at the famous Peterson House Winery.

Go on a weekend getaway a mere 2 hours away from the city. Take a tour of Blue Mountains Scenic World, a picturesque haven for flora and fauna. Bring the whole fam and go on a 90-minute scenic tour of the area aboard the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus.

Sit back and relax while listening to the live onboard commentary, where you’ll learn more about the mountains’ history and its famous attraction. With this tour, you can opt for the Boomerang Pass (which is eligible for the Dine & Discover vouchers) where you can enjoy all the sights without leaving the bus, or upgrade to the Explorer, Lyrebird, or Kookaburra Pass which include the hop-on hop-off option. With this you can get off at any stop you want, such as Katoomba, the Arts Corner, Carrington Park, and more. Once you’re done, you can hop on the next bus and hop off again at another destination of choice.

Witness the wonders of Jervis Bay’s marine wildlife and catch them in action in their natural habitat with the Jervis Bay Dolphin Watch Cruise Tour. With this cruise tour, you can sit back, watch the wildlife, awe at the clear waters, and learn more about the area and its inhabitants, thanks to your professional guide. 

Jervis bay is home to over 100 Bottlenose dolphins, and if you’re lucky they might even challenge your boat to a little race. You can also spot fur seals, sea eagles, turtles, and even the magnificent sight of a breaching whale!

Want a more physically active way to watch the dolphins? Then be the captain of your own ship - or in this case kayak - and go on the Dolphin Watching and Kayaking Experience from Byron Bay.

Have a relaxing kayaking session down at Byron Bay, and paddle away to a spot where you can catch a glimpse of dolphins and whales. Professional guides will be kayaking along with you to lead the way and share some insights on the area and the wildlife. 

Maybe you can even give some of the turtles and dolphins a high five?

The Central Coast of New South Wales offers stunning beaches, coastal attractions, and lush hinterland forests. This makes it a great weekend getaway destination from Sydney. Only one hour away from the bustling metropolitan, Central Coast is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike.

Race down the sand dunes of Port Stephens with your friends and family with the Port Stephens Quad Biking and Sand Dunes Adventure. Feel the rev of a 400cc quad bike and explore the views of Stockton Beach with this unique and exciting experience. 

You’ll also have two guides that will tell you about Aboriginal basic survival skills in the Worimi Conservation Lands bush and keep the group safe during the whole trip. 

It’ll definitely be a getaway you’ll never forget!

A mere 3-hour drive away from Sydney, Orange City is great for foodies, wine lovers, and nature explorers. Home to numerous wineries and nature parks, it’s perfect for a weekend getaway near Sydney. 

You can also visit Orange Botanic Gardens, home to native and exotic plants that create a magical autumn-colored scenery and  pick berries and shop for gourmet jams at Huntley Berry Farm. If you enjoy visiting museums, then the Orange Regional Museum and Orange Regional Art Gallery are a must visit.

Mudgee is another NSW town known for its food and wine scene. While this town may be tiny, it’s still the largest grape-producing region in NSW. There’s a slew of restaurants and wines to choose from, and since it’s only a 3-hour drive from Syndey, you definitely have to wine and dine here. If you love food and wine tasting, Mudgee is a must-see!

The Snowy Mountains, or the Snowies, is a region in NSW blessed with stunning terrains and dramatic summits. You’ll find peace and solitude as you explore the region, all while marvelling at the steep ravines and towering mountain peaks. Here you’ll find Mount Kosciuszko, the highest point on the Australian Mainland.

Have a weekend getaway 3 hours away from Sydney and taste the world-class beers of the nation’s capital Canberra.

With the Canberra Half-Day Brewery Tour, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in every step of the brewing process at the region’s finest breweries. Learn about the process from the experts themselves and smell the aroma of the brewing beer. 

If you’re a beer-lover, you don’t want to miss out on this all-out beer tasting experience!