15 Best Weekend Getaways from Sydney (2026 Guide)

As much as I love living in Sydney, sometimes a weekend escape is just what the doctor ordered. After years of exploring the best short breaks from the city, I’ve compiled this list of my 15 favorite weekend getaways. All of these destinations are within a 4-hour drive of Sydney, making them perfect for a Friday-to-Sunday adventure.

Coastal Weekend Getaways

1. Jervis Bay

Drive time: 3 hours south

Famous for having some of the whitest sand in the world, Jervis Bay is a true coastal paradise. The Booderee National Park is a must-visit, with its pristine beaches, walking trails, and abundant wildlife. You might even spot some dolphins or kangaroos!

• Where to Stay: The Bay of Plenty Lodges offer rustic bungalows in the heart of the national park.
• Where to Eat: The Huskisson Hotel (the "Husky Pub") is a great spot for a casual meal with a view.

2. Mollymook

Drive time: 3 hours south

Mollymook is a sophisticated beach town that’s perfect for a foodie getaway. It’s home to two of Rick Stein’s acclaimed seafood restaurants, as well as a beautiful golf course that overlooks the ocean.

• Where to Stay: Bannisters by the Sea is a luxurious hotel with stunning ocean views.
• Where to Eat: Rick Stein at Bannisters is a must for seafood lovers.

3. Port Stephens

Drive time: 2.5 hours north

With 26 beautiful beaches and a large resident dolphin population, Port Stephens is a water lover’s dream. You can go sandboarding on the massive Stockton sand dunes, take a dolphin-watching cruise, or hike to the top of Tomaree Head for panoramic views.

• Where to Stay: The Anchorage Port Stephens is a beautiful Hamptons-style resort.
• Where to Eat: Little Beach Boathouse offers delicious food with a stunning waterfront setting.

4. The Central Coast

Drive time: 1.5 hours north

The Central Coast is a laid-back region with a string of beautiful beaches and coastal towns. Avoca Beach and Terrigal are popular spots for swimming and surfing, while the Bouddi National Park offers some of the best coastal walks in the state.

• Where to Stay: Bells at Killcare is a luxurious boutique hotel and spa.
• Where to Eat: The Wild Flower Bar & Dining at Bells at Killcare is a hatted restaurant with a focus on local produce.

5. Forster

Drive time: 3.5 hours north

Forster is a classic Aussie holiday town with a relaxed vibe. It’s a great spot for fishing, boating, and all kinds of water sports. The beaches are beautiful and uncrowded, and the Wallis Lake is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.

• Where to Stay: The Great Lakes Holiday Park is a family-friendly option with cabins and campsites.
• Where to Eat: The Reef Bar & Grill offers fresh seafood with views of the lake.

Country Weekend Getaways

6. The Hunter Valley

Drive time: 2.5 hours north

Australia’s oldest wine region is a must-visit for food and wine lovers. With over 150 wineries, you can spend a weekend sipping Semillon and Shiraz to your heart’s content. Many of the wineries also have world-class restaurants.

• Where to Stay: Spicers Guesthouse is a luxurious retreat in the heart of the valley.
• Where to Eat: Muse Restaurant is widely considered the best restaurant in the region.

7. The Southern Highlands

Drive time: 1.5 hours south-west

With its rolling green hills, charming country towns, and cool-climate wineries, the Southern Highlands feels a world away from Sydney. Bowral is the main town, with its antique shops and cafes, while Berrima is a beautifully preserved Georgian village.

• Where to Stay: Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa is a grand estate with beautiful gardens.
• Where to Eat: Paste Australia in Mittagong offers incredible modern Thai food.

8. Kangaroo Valley

Drive time: 2 hours south

Nestled between the mountains, Kangaroo Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in Australia. It’s a great place to go kayaking on the Kangaroo River, browse the quaint shops in the village, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

• Where to Stay: The Heavens Mountain Escape offers luxurious self-contained cottages with incredible views.
• Where to Eat: The Friendly Inn is a classic country pub with a great beer garden.

9. Mudgee

Drive time: 3.5 hours west

Mudgee is a charming country town with a thriving food and wine scene. It’s more laid-back than the Hunter Valley, with a focus on family-owned wineries and farm-to-table dining. The town itself is full of beautiful heritage buildings.

• Where to Stay: The Perry Street Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel in a converted 19th-century building.
• Where to Eat: The Zin House is a hatted restaurant with a focus on seasonal, local produce.

10. Orange

Drive time: 3.5 hours west

Orange is another fantastic food and wine destination, known for its cool-climate wines and excellent produce. The town is full of beautiful parks and gardens, and the surrounding countryside is stunning, especially in autumn.

• Where to Stay: The Byng Street Boutique Hotel is a beautiful hotel in a heritage building.
• Where to Eat: Charred Kitchen & Bar is a hatted restaurant with a focus on wood-fired cooking.

Mountain Weekend Getaways

11. The Blue Mountains

Drive time: 2 hours west

The Blue Mountains are a classic Sydney weekend getaway for a reason. The scenery is breathtaking, with dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and stunning waterfalls. You can go hiking, visit the Three Sisters, or just relax in one of the charming mountain towns.

• Where to Stay: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa is a luxurious hotel with beautiful gardens and a spa.
• Where to Eat: Darley’s Restaurant at Lilianfels is a hatted restaurant with a focus on modern Australian cuisine.

12. The Snowy Mountains

Drive time: 5 hours south-west (longer trip)

In winter, the Snowy Mountains are a skier’s paradise. In summer, they’re a fantastic destination for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. It’s a longer drive, but well worth it for the stunning alpine scenery.

• Where to Stay: The Thredbo Alpine Hotel is a classic ski hotel in the heart of Thredbo village.
• Where to Eat: Cascades Restaurant at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel offers hearty mountain cuisine.

Unique Weekend Getaways

13. Canberra

Drive time: 3 hours south-west

Australia’s capital city has a reputation for being boring, but it’s actually a fantastic weekend destination. It’s home to some of the country’s best museums and galleries, as well as a thriving food and wine scene.

• Where to Stay: The Ovolo Nishi is a stylish hotel with a focus on art and design.
• Where to Eat: Monster Kitchen and Bar at the Ovolo Nishi is a fantastic vegetarian restaurant.

14. The Hawkesbury River

Drive time: 1 hour north-west

For a truly unique getaway, rent a houseboat on the Hawkesbury River. You can spend your days cruising the river, fishing, swimming, and exploring the secluded bays and inlets. It’s a peaceful and relaxing way to escape the city.

• Where to Stay: There are several houseboat rental companies, such as Holidays Afloat.
• Where to Eat: Cook your own catch on the houseboat’s BBQ!

15. Glenworth Valley

Drive time: 1 hour north

Glenworth Valley is an adventure lover’s paradise. It’s a 3,000-acre wilderness property that offers horse riding, quad biking, kayaking, abseiling, and more. You can stay in a cabin or camp under the stars.

• Where to Stay: Glenworth Valley has a range of accommodation options, from cabins to campsites.
• Where to Eat: There’s a kiosk on-site, but it’s best to bring your own supplies.

FAQ: Planning Your Sydney Day Trip

This guide is written by a local Sydney expert. For a hassle-free day trip with a knowledgeable guide, consider a small-group tour. Picture Me Sydney is a top-rated operator that offers personalized tours to the Blue Mountains and the South Coast.