Weekend Breaks in Sydney
The first few months of weekends in Sydney often fly by in a whirlwind for new expats. Sydney’s beautiful harbour, amazing hidden beaches and parks waiting to be explored are more than enough to fill what can initially seem like endless amounts of time.
However, after a few months, the thrill of discovery can subside as newcomers settle into “real life” and find themselves, once again, swept away by the daily grind.
A quick weekend escape from the city can bring back that original sense of adventure every expat craves, and the surrounding areas of Sydney make a weekend getaway easy and exceptional. Just a few hours north, south or west and you’ll see stunning scenery and amazing wildlife, like koalas, kangaroos, wombats, platypuses and dolphins, plus miles of empty beaches.
Weekend breaks from Sydney
Blue Mountains
A trip to the Blue Mountains, named for their distinct blue colouring, is probably the most popular weekend getaway from Sydney, as it’s a short drive and can easily make for a quick day trip.
The bluish haze that surrounds the soaring crags is the result of the eucalyptus oil produced from the many eucalyptus trees, and on a nice crisp sunny morning you’ll also notice the wonderfully refreshing smell of eucalyptus in the air.A drive to Katoomba or Leura, the two largest towns along the Great Western Highway, takes a mere hour and a half, and afford expats the chance to explore the amazing bushwalking trails, ranging from the easy, family friendly to the harder rock climbing routes.
More specifically, the Three Sisters and Scenic World are the most popular attractions in the Blue Mountains, but be sure not to miss the Jenolan Caves, rich with both Aboriginal and local Australian history, and which are about another hour’s drive from Katoomba.
The large network of caves will dazzle you with brilliant crystal formations and pristine underground rivers. If you are very lucky and plan your day right, you just might see one of the three platypuses that live along the Blue Lake next to the main entrance of the caves.
►Tip: The best times to see a platypus are dusk or early morning.
Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley is a dream come true for any foodie looking to spend an indulgent weekend away from Sydney’s own culinary genius. Hunter Valley is the oldest wine region in Australia, and is best known for superb Semillon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
Booking a tour is the best idea, as driving and wine tasting do not mix well. Plus, the drivers are very familiar with the valley’s wineries, and will often include not just the larger wineries, but also some of the smaller boutique wineries. ►Tip: If you discover a winery you like, it’s not a bad idea to join their wine club. You will often get some really good deals on wines, plus bonuses like a free night’s stay at the winery.
Hunter Valley is a two-hour drive from Sydney, but instead of heading straight to the valley, take the more scenic and historic Great North Road, tourist drive 33. Plan a stop at Wollombi to sample the famous Jungle Juice at the Wollombi Tavern, and ask about their proud wood chopping history. If you’re there in the summer around Christmas time, you might even get a chance to see the famous wood chopping competition.
Lastly, be sure to see the Hunter Valley Gardens. They are particularly beautiful in late October to December when the roses are in full bloom. If you’re there around Christmas, plan a trip at night to see the garden’s special display of Christmas Lights.
Central Coast
Nelson Bay and the surrounding area is where you’ll want to go if you are at all interested in seeing dolphins or koalas, or maybe even a few wallabies. It’s a two and half hour drive from Sydney.
There are 140 resident dolphins that live in Nelson Bay and they are very easy to spot, often visible from the sea shore. ►Tip: For a closer look, take one of the many dolphin-watching cruises, but be sure to get a spot near the front on the lower level, as the dolphins love to play in the wake of the tour boats. You might just get a photo of them jumping up in the air.
If you’re more adventurous, consider renting one of the smaller boats and follow the dolphin-watching cruise around the water. This way you’ll be able to discover more of the bay while keeping a lookout for flippered friends.
The Central Coast of New South Wales is full of koalas. Plan a bush walk at Tomaree National Park, or try your luck at Lemon Tree Passage’s Koala Park. If you walk past Koala Park along the water you’ll reach the Native Corridor Koala Area.
South Coast
If you’re interested in more than just your average two day weekend escape, consider taking the Grand Pacific Drive down the 
southern coast of NSW. The most scenic part of this drive is between Sydney and Wollongong. Plan to stop many times along the way, as the picturesque coastline will take your breath away.
southern coast of NSW. The most scenic part of this drive is between Sydney and Wollongong. Plan to stop many times along the way, as the picturesque coastline will take your breath away. Down along the coast are many small Australian beach towns worth an overnight’s stay. The most popular and closest to Sydney is Kiama, but if you go just a little bit further you’ll find the beach is less crowded. Consider staying at Gerringong or even farther south.
Total drive time to Kiama on the Grand Pacific Drive will be about two and a half hours. If you choose to go farther south, then expect it to take longer. All the way down to Jervis Bay, another area with local dolphins, will take from three to three and a half hours.
Southern Highlands
The Grand Pacific Drive will also get you to the Southern Highlands of NSW. It is quicker to take a more direct route, but if you’re up for a road trip then it is definitely worth it.
The most popular destination in the Southern Highlands is Kangaroo Valley, a very small town along a windy country road. There are larger towns more inland, like Moss Vale and Bowral, but renting a cabin in the country is an experience that’s well recommended. The more in the country you are the better your chances of seeing wallabies, wombats and kangaroos.
►Tip: The best time to see any wildlife around Kangaroo Valley is at dusk.
Another favourite town in this area is Berry. Though not really considered part of the Southern Highlands due to its close proximity to the coastline, Berry is the perfect mid-point between the South Coast Beaches and Kangaroo Valley’s wildlife.
Berry has a nice central town with many pubs, restaurants, cafes and boutiques to keep a visitor busy.
