Ready for a change of scenery but don’t want to travel far? The best weekend escapes in NSW are all about switching off, slowing down and seeing somewhere new.
New South Wales is home to a plethora of peaceful pockets that will transport you worlds away from reality. Spanning boutique farms and city staycations to national park adventures, these NSW weekend trips provide the perfect excuse to press pause.
A quaint farmhouse getaway in the Hunter Valley
Wallaringa Farm makes for a cosy weekend just 90 minutes from Sydney. (Credit: Laura Grzelak)
What? Slow the pace and reconnect surrounded by nature at Wallaringa Farm’s luxury farmhouse in the Hunter Valley.
Tell me more: If you’ve ever dreamed of relocating to the country, this is the house for you. The three-bedroom property sits on a 303-hectare working cattle farm. Instead of a TV, you’ll find the indoor wood-burning fireplace is focal point to the open-plan living area, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing an altogether better view than your latest Netflix binge. Pop on a record, start cooking in the chef’s kitchen and make your way to the outside firepit at sunset with a generous pour of red from local Boydell’s Cellar Door.
A road trip through the Clarence Valley
Visit the stunning Yamba Ocean Pool. (Credit: Destination NSW)
What? A river town, a ferry crossing and oysters worth the drive.
Tell me more: Base yourself in Grafton before venturing through the valley to Yamba, where its famed ocean pool sits below the landmark Pacific Hotel and the Wednesday farmers’ market draws growers from across this Northern Rivers region. Catch the historic MV Mirigini across to Iluka, a sleepy fishing village at the river mouth, for rainforest walks at a gentle pace. All this make the Clarence Valley one of the best weekend escapes in NSW.
A luxe pontoon stay on Sydney’s Pittwater
Lilypad Palm Beach is moored on Pittwater. (Credit: Lilypad/@_jampal)
The pontoon stay is all about soaking up the slow moments. (Credit: Lilypad/@_jampal)
What? Lilypad Palm Beach is an all-inclusive luxury floating villa moored on Pittwater in Sydney/Warrane’s Northern Beaches.
Tell me more: Arrive by chauffeured tender boat or seaplane for a taste of life on the water. The champagne is chilled, seafood platter waiting and fridge stocked for dinner and breakfast. The architecturally designed, split-level villa caters to every whim: on deck, find an infrared sauna, outdoor shower, barbecue and entertainment area; inside, a fireplace, smart TV, kitchen and loft-style king bedroom. All that’s left to do is watch the sun set and moon rise over the water and let yourself float away – metaphorically speaking.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
A waterfall-chasing adventure on the Barrington Coast
Ellenborough Fallas are a dream for hikers. (Credit: Destination NSW)
What? Waterfalls, lakes and empty beaches are all within cooee of each other on the Barrington Coast.
Tell me more: Get active in Barrington Tops National Park, and visit Ellenborough Falls – the tallest single-drop waterfall in the state, with a lookout for every fitness level, tumbling 200 metres. Paddle the mangrove-lined Myall River with Lazy Paddles, then finish at the coast, where Bennetts Head offers prime whale-watching throughout winter and spring.
Stargazing in NSW’s Big Sky Country
Wilderluxe’s Gilay Lounge provides front-row seats to the stars above Big Sky Country.
What? The elevation and lack of light pollution at Lake Keepit, between Gunnedah and Tamworth, make it one of the best places for stargazing in Australia.
Tell me more: Stay in a Star Tent at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit with a retractable skydom where Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters threads Dreaming stories into the astronomy experience over dinner. Kayak the lake by day, then roll into Tamworth for dinner and drinks at Hopscotch Restaurant & Bar.
A gourmet road trip through the Southern Highlands
A drive through the Southern Highlands reveals scenic pastures.
Stop in for top drops at Bendooley Estate. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Peppers Manor House has beehives onsite. (Credit: Elizabeth Whitehead)
What? Get a taste of the good life on a Southern Highlands road trip with stops in Mittagong, Berrima and Sutton Forest.
Tell me more: After soaking views of cow-dotted paddocks and rolling hills from the car, start with a guided the Mittagong Mushroom Tunnel then explore the historic country town of Berrima, which is all sandstone buildings, bakeries and little country stores. Check into Peppers Manor House and sample honey straight from the hive at its onsite beehives or head to Bendooley Estate to enjoy a glass of pinot by a crackling fire – sure to convince you you’ve found one of the top weekend escapes in NSW.
Sydney’s ultimate wildlife stay
The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is a family-friendly escape in Sydney.(Credit: Tourism Australia)
What? Expect to spot koalas curled up in the gum tree outside your Animal View Room at Sydney/Warrane’s harbourside Wildlife Retreat at Taronga.
Tell me more: Five low timber lodges make up the 62-room eco retreat, which is built around a sanctuary for native Australian animals on Cammeraigal Country. A stay includes after-hours access to the zoo, a guided night walk through the native animal habitat and dinner at Me-Gal.
Weekly travel news, experiences insider tips, offers, and more.
A nature break in Narooma, far South Coast
Hop on a guided snorkel tour with Underwater Safaris. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Mix retro-chic with incredible views at The Whale.
Slurp your way through the Narooma Oyster Festival. (Credit: Destination NSW)
What? The laid-back town of Narooma, an hour south of Batemans Bay, will have you regretting not visiting sooner.
Tell me more: Blessed with crystalline waters, resident seals, world-class mountain biking and oysters so fresh they’ll win over even the staunchest sceptics, Narooma has long been cherished by adventure seekers and foodies alike. Now – with the reopening of retro stay The Whale – it’s catching the eyes of design lovers, too. Plan your trip with our pick of the best things to do in Narooma.
A food-focused weekend in the Riverina
Linger in Griffith for the fantastic food. (Credit: Visit Griffith)
What? Griffith lies at the heart of the Riverina region, NSW’s largest food bowl.
Tell me more: More than 60 per cent of Griffith’s residents claim Italian heritage, which the town celebrates during the annual Taste of Griffith festival in August. Calabria Family Wines pours durif and Montepulciano at its cellar door, while Zecca transforms Riverina wheat into delectable handmade pasta. Close out a weekend at Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, rolling cannoli since 1952.
A South Coast sojourn in Milton and Mollymook
Linger longer in Mollymook. (Credit: Destination NSW)
What? Affectionately known as Milly and Molly, the South Coast towns of Milton and Mollymook present a two-for-one treat for weekenders, close enough to easily flit between.
Tell me more: The best weekend escapes in NSW favour flavour as well as scenic delights, and this trip is no different. You can sample the chic shopping and cafes along the main thoroughfare of Milton, before heading through rolling green countryside to the beaches and whale watching spots of Mollymook. Enjoy the waterfront glam of Bannisters Mollymook and fresh seafood at Rick Stein at Bannisters, the on-site restaurant co-owned by the celebrity chef.
Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?
Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and...
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship...
Katie Carlin is Australian Traveller's Head of Content and when she’s not travelling or behind her computer, she’s hosting a dinner party (likely cooking an Alison Roman recipe), at brunch, working on extending her running k’s, or has her nose...
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and...
An untapped side to this popular holiday spot is hiding in plain sight.
Laidback Lake Macquarie draws in holidaygoers and day trippers with its casual coastal allure and raw beauty. But even though it’s just 90 minutes from Sydney, most visitors have only scratched the surface of what this region has to offer.
Foodie hotspots, quaint towns, tranquil waterways and compelling art are all waiting to be discovered. You just need to know where to find them.
1. Most visitors don’t make it to the western side
Explore beyond the western side. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)
While there’s no harm in walking the well-worn path in this idyllic pocket of the world, the area west of Lake Macquarie is defined by stretches of ancient rainforests and quaint towns with a more local feel. Toronto is the largest town on this side and features a golf course and sailing clubs, while peninsula-based Wangi Wangi is fantastic for bushwalking and swimming.
2. There’s a booming arts scene
Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG.
Lake Macquarie is a must-visit destination for creatives. Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG; this modern gallery is set on a five-hectare sculpture park and showcases a free rotating program of exhibitions and events, with a strong focus on contemporary Aboriginal art. In Wangi Wangi, explore the Wangi Owl Trail, which includes Dobell House, the preserved home of prolific artist Sir William Dobell. And enjoy live music every Saturday evening at the recently renovated Toronto Hotel.
3. It’s a nature lover’s paradise
In and out of the water, find a natural paradise. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)
Lake Macquarie is a playground for nature lovers. It’s home to Australia’s largest saltwater lake, a 110-square-kilometre haven for swimming, fishing, boating and sunset views. Another oasis is the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, a 761-hectare protected reserve with wildflowers, Second World War heritage sites and spectacular views to Pulbah Island. The upgraded Toronto baths, complete with jetty decking and netting, make for a sheltered spot for a refreshing dip, while the Awaba Mountain Bike Park gives adrenaline junkies their fix.
4. The dining scene is unbeatable
Treat yourself to 8 at Trinity.
Gourmands are well looked after in Lake Macquarie. At Emerson’s on the Lake in Toronto, the modern Australian fine dining menu spoils seafood lovers with the freshest ocean produce and stunning lake views. Sitting on Trinity Point’s waterfront, 8 at Trinity is another standout offering, serving Mediterranean fare in an open-air setting. For a more relaxed affair, the microbrewery trail lets craft beer enthusiasts sip on inventive brews from The Yard, Lake Mac Brewing and Bread & Brewery.
5. There are hidden coves and waterways
Get out onto the lake. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)
There’s no better way to experience Lake Macquarie than directly on its waters, and in doing so you’ll discover a world of hidden coves and secluded waterways. Jump in a kayak for a tour with the friendly team at School of Yak and paddle to Cockle Creek, Awaba Bay, Green Point and Fennel Bay, discovering underwater life along the way. Or go all in and stay the night on one of Lake Macquarie Houseboats’ spacious vessels or hire a BBQ pontoon boat for the day from Lake Macquarie Boat Hire to enjoy a feast in the sunshine while admiring the marine life and picturesque waterscape.
6. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise
Keep an eye out for local birdlife. (Credit: Walter Coppola)
Twitchers are in for a real treat as hundreds of fascinating bird species such as Australian pelicans, black swans, white-bellied sea-eagles and superb fairy-wrens call this area home. Take a self-guided tour around top spots including Bird Cage Point and Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area (near Morisset) or be guided in a clear-bottom kayak through the waterways with Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures, observing feathered friends as you go.
7. The lake has islands
Charter a boat to see Lake Macquarie’s islands.
Hop on a private boat, kayak or charter around the lake to discover the plethora of small islands peppered around Lake Macquarie. The largest is Pulbah Island, a 69-hectare nature reserve home to goannas and sugar gliders with secluded beaches. Sandy islands such as Spectacle Island and Pelican Island have a tropical lagoon-like look to them as they sit in the tidal path of Swansea Channel, which filters the sand and creates a pristine environment. Stop by for a dip and a picnic.
