From the best snorkelling beaches to scenic mountain trails, stargazing to whale watching, we’re here to help you find your next adventure with New South Wales weekend getaways.

Inspiration for things to do and weekend getaways

If you’re looking for things to do in destinations we happily weekend in, you’re in the right spot.

2-day New South Wales weekend getaways

Weekends are made for adventures and we spend plenty of them exploring this beautiful backyard of ours. With 48 hours (or more if you leave on a Friday afternoon), there’s plenty you can do and some great places to stay. The hardest choice will just be whether go go coastal or head inland.

3-day New South Wales weekend getaways

We love a long weekend. They’re practically an invitation to go on a mini-break. With an extra day, we can get a bit further out there or even hop on a plane to reach all corners of the state. From Byron Bay to Merimbula or inland to the Warrumbungles and, one day, Broken Hill, our guides are here to help you make the most of your extra day off.

New South Wales getaway ideas: Where to go for a weekend away

As much as we love the city, we also love getting out of it. With New South Wales being our home state, we do plenty of short trips here. Whether it’s a long weekend or we’re after just a quick, 48-hour getaway, here are our some of our favourite regions to escape to.

Mid-North Coast

• Coffs Harbour: So much more than the Big Banana, explore beautiful beaches, kangaroo-filled peninsulas and even swim with turtles if you’re lucky.
• Port Stephens: Just north of Newcastle, this region is home to a few towns with perfect holiday vibes with palm-lined beaches and plenty of dolphins swimming in the bay.

Blue Mountains

• Katoomba: The first port-of-call for many tourists, Katoomba is home to the iconic Three Sisters and Scenic World
• Wentworth Falls: Our go-to for scenic hikes, Wentworth Falls has dozens of tracks that all connect that let you choose you own adventure, all with a stunning waterfall as a backdrop.
• Western Blue Mountains: Beyond the popular tourist spots of Katoomba and Leura, there’s quiet towns with epic scenery and plenty of hiking trails to explore.

Central West and North West Slopes

• Coonabarabran and Warrumbungle National Park: Home to some of the country’s best stargazing, this national park is packed with scenic bushwalking tracks through the rugged bushland.
• Mudgee: Our favourite wine region in New South Wales (sorry, Hunter Valley), here there’s laid back vineyards, rolling green hills and delicious regional cuisine.
• Orange: Beyond the Blue Mountains lies this a wine region that’s home to more than 80 vineyards growing grapes in the volcanic soil of the long-dormant Mount Canobolas.

Know you want to go away, but not sure where to start? We break down dozens of destinations by type to help you find your perfect escape. Some places do fit into a few categories, so if you’re looking for a combo holiday, be sure to check out each section.

Cheap weekend getaways in New South Wales

“Cheap” and destinations within Australia don’t often go hand-in-hand, but there are affordable breaks to have without leaving New South Wales if you know where to look.

• South Coast: Travelling from Sydney, once you get south of Jervis Bay, accommodation prices drop significantly but the beauty certainly doesn’t. Sure, it’s a bit of a longer drive, but the beaches are beautiful and much less crowded down here.
• Mudgee and Orange: Like the South Coast, the further away from Sydney, the more affordable things get. While prices in the Hunter Valley can soar, Mudgee and Orange are also stunning wine regions that don’t come with the same high room rates.
• Country towns: Skip Sydney and ditch the beach; New South Wales is home to some incredibly charming small towns that offer the perfect amount to fill a weekend at a nice slow pace. (They’re also home to some of the best bakeries around!) Some of our favourites can be found in the Southern Highlands and Blue Mountains.
• Camping: The ultimate cheap weekend away, there are plenty of affordable (and even free!) campsites within New South Wales National Parks. Some of our top picks are Camp Blackman in Warrumbungle National Park and Yagon and Mungo Brush in Myall Lakes National Park.

And it’s not just about the destination, but where you stay when you get there. Consider a cabin at a caravan park instead of a hotel room (they can be surprisingly nice!) or stay a block or two away from the beach instead of right on it.

Where to go for a romantic New South Wales weekend getaway

Whether it’s a honeymoon or a couples’ getaway, New South Wales has some lovely destinations and accommodations that will suit just about any couple’s ideal weekend away. Here are some of our top picks:

• Mudgee: If wining and dining is your idea of romance, head to Mudgee. Here, you’re less likely to encounter big bus tours like in the Hunter Valley and may find that you have the entire cellar door to yourself.
• Blue Mountains: In autumn or spring, the nighttime temperatures drop just enough that you’ll want to cosy up by a fireplace with a glass of red. During the day, though, the temperatures are just perfect for a secluded nature walk or a dip at the Japanese bathhouse.
• Lord Howe Island: Technically, this is part of New South Wales! And if seclusion is your idea of romance then this is it. The island paradise actually limits the number of tourists that can visit at any given time so a quiet holiday is just about guaranteed.
• Hunter Valley: Lush vineyards, a rural setting and great restaurants are the name of the game here with plenty of options when it comes to cosy accommodations or luxe resorts.
• Sydney: Sneak away to the big smoke or tuck into a big city hotel for a staycation if you already call it home. The city is home to plenty of luxurious hotels with incredible restaurants and relaxing spas.

Things to consider when planning a weekend away in New South Wales

• Timing: School holidays seem to always be just around the corner. If you’re not travelling with kids or restricted to these dates, you may want to avoid travelling during them as it can increase prices. Similarly, consider when public holidays are, too. It’ll either mean you’ll be paying a premium, or that you can enjoy a bonus day of holiday without sacrificing your annual leave.
• Getting there: There’s loads of destinations that are easily accessed from Sydney by train, and a lot more that aren’t. If you’re avoiding driving because of fuel costs or don’t have a car, consider your options on how you’ll get to your destination.
• Events: Whether you’re wanting to attend a festival, big concert, or any other major event, consider booking as early as possible as prices can be influenced by large events.
• Seasonality: If you’re thinking about doing a seasonal activity, such as whale watching or skiing, it’s best to double check those dates before locking into something to avoid disappointment.