Top 5 Weekend Getaways in Sydney Everyone Should Try
Sydney is recognized in the world as a wonderful place that has a lot to offer to both tourists and residents, and it’s not that bad to escape the city and enjoy a relaxing weekend getaway. However, it’s great to explore just a bit further afield and to experience the diversity of Australia.
So to help you look for inspiration for your next long weekend, we’ve picked out several top weekend getaways that we’ve made sure you will love!
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#1 COFFS HARBOUR AND WATERFALL WAY
To get to the Waterfall Way, you would have to take a scenic drive between Coffs Harbour and Armidale, passing through New England and Dorrigo national parks, with plenty of impressive waterfalls as the main attraction. Although there are plenty of stunning sights to visit, the Waterfall Way is known to be a lovely weekend getaway destination in northern New South Wales.
All you need is just an entire day to normally see most of the highlights along the Waterfall Way, however, you may easily allocate two full days in this area which will give you the chance to stroll along some of the walking tracks and see all the lookout points. The best waterfalls you’re going to see is the Ebor Falls, a wonderful cascade waterfall on the Guy Fawkes River with a huge viewing platform next to it. Also, don’t miss out on the Wollomombi Falls which is close to Armidale, It is also a nice place to visit. It was even recognized as the highest waterfall in Australia.
#2 NEWCASTLE
Although Newcastle may not be on the peak of people’s list of go-to weekend getaway destinations, this Australia’s 7th biggest city has many great things to offer. After so many years of changes, growth, and upgrades that have happened, Newcastle is now more than just an industrial hub. It’s now filled with beautiful beaches, coastal walks, ocean baths, pubs, and a lively CBD Area.
One of the most interesting places to visit there is the Anzac Memorial Walk that has a lovely 450m long bridge and boardwalk, devoted to the memory of fallen soldiers from World War I. It was intended to commemorate not only the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC’s landing at Gallipoli but also the celebration of the steel industry in Newcastle. There are a few viewing platforms along the way to give visitors amazing views of Newcastle and its beaches.
#3 SNOWY MOUNTAINS/ MOUNT KOSCIUSZKO
Mount Kosciuszko in the Snowy Mountains located in New South Wales is the highest point in Australia that reaches at 2,228 metres above sea level. Although Mt Kosciuszko is recognized as an active ski destination during winter, the place is also known as a great spot for hiking, additionally for mountain hiking during the warmer summer months.
There are a few walking tracks that will take you to the summit of Australia’s most towering mountain, providing picturesque views of Kosciuszko National Park. The Thredbo has become the most alluring village to utilize as your base. Thredbo is the only starting point of the main track to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, but it’s also home to plenty of family-friendly attractions, restaurants, cafes, and shops.
#4 SHELLY BEACH
If you’re planning out some things to do for your Sydney Itinerary, Shelly Beach or also called as Manly Beach is a must-visit. Plenty of people are drawn to this golden shore since it provides no shortage of coastline which makes it one of the best beaches near Sydney.
It’s soft, velvet-like sand stretches for three kilometers along the sea, and white-tipped waves curl in the direction of the beach as their rhythmic sounds drown out the unnoticeable chatter of visitors. You will fall in love with the yummy smells of grilled meat and French fries whirling over, as the crowing birds brawl over scraps of food scattered about by generous tourists.
#5 HUNTER VALLEY
The popular Hunter Valley is located north of Sydney and west of Newcastle has been one of Australia’s major wine regions during the early 19th century. The region is a palace to great collections of wineries, ranging from international brands to smaller family-run businesses. These wineries usually offer cellar door wine tastings and tours.
#6 PORT STEPHENS
Port Stephens is a famous coastal destination with amazing beaches, snorkeling and diving spots, and varieties of cafes and restaurants, which is located just north of Newcastle in the Hunter Region.
There are two main towns in Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, and Shoal Bay, which have lots of accommodations available to make your long weekend in this area a memorable experience.
Author Bio: Ivandrea Ollero is a writer for Kims Romantic Getaways Sydney, one of Australia’s beach retreat places immersed in subtropical rainforest offering a cluster of lavish individual timber bungalows and spa villas on the beach. She is also a content crafter who researches and writes custom content about travel, fashion, finance, business, home improvements, health, and beauty in order to provide helpful information and tips for her readers. Ivandrea graduated from St. Scholastica’s College, Manila, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism in 2016.