Sometimes, the best way to recharge is to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, even if just for a weekend. Luckily, Sydney is surrounded by a variety of incredible destinations that are only a 2 to 4-hour drive away. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil beach retreat, a scenic mountain escape, or a charming countryside getaway, these quick escapes offer the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the beauty waiting just outside the city.
Related Reading: Sydney weekend getaways under 2 hours
Driving Time for Top Weekend Getaways from Sydney (2-4 hours away)
Sydney to Southern Highlands 2 hours
Sydney to Port Stephens 2 hours 30 minutes
Sydney to Hunter Valley 2 hours 30 minutes
Sydney to Jervis Bay 3 hours
Sydney to Mudgee 3 hours 30 minutes
Sydney to Orange 3 hours 40 minutes
Travel tip: Allow extra time if you are travelling on a public holiday or around peak hour on Friday afternoons returning Sunday afternoons
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Weekend Getaways from Sydney 2 – 4 hours away
Southern Highlands – a popular Sydney Weekend Trip
How To Get To The Southern Highlands by Car
From Sydney take the M7 or M5 motorways south to Mittagong and use Mittagong EXIT 11 for Mittagong, Bowral or Moss Vale as the scenic route.
Car Rental Deals – click here
How To Get To The Southern Highlands by Train
Sydney trains and NSW Trainlink services stop at various Southern Highlands towns daily.
For more information call 131 500 or visit https://transportnsw.info/
The fastest train service is the Southern XPLORER TRAIN 631 which you can take from Central Station to Bowral with a journey time of 1 h 36 min and ticket cost from $18. For ticket booking and planning see here.
Optionally you can take the T8 (Macarthur via Airport) to Campbelltown and change service to the SHL (Campbelltown to Moss Vale) train and disembark at Bowral with a journey time of 2 h and 24 min and ticket cost from $6.20. For times and journey planning see here.
What is the closest airport to the Southern Highlands?
Sydney Airport is 104 km away from Bowral in the Southern Highlands.
A smaller airport – Shellharbour on the South Coast – is 50 km away from Bowral. Flights are available to and from Melbourne and Brisbane.
Related Reading: The Best Southern Highlands NSW Getaway Guide
Top Things to Do in the Southern Highlands of NSW
Bowral and Berrima are the two top towns that spring to mind when you mention the Southern Highlands. There are other towns that you should consider putting on your itinerary – Mittagong, Moss Vale, Bundanoon, Burrawang, Exeter and Robertson.
Visit Fitzroy Falls – the 81 metre high falls are located at 1301 Nowra Road Fitzroy Falls and is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Closed on Christmas Day. For more information click here
Visit Mount Gibraltar between Mittagong and Bowral and enjoy the scenic views from 4 lookouts
The Southern Highlands is home to cool climate wines. There are 60 wineries to visit and 16 cellar doors. One of our favourites is Bendooley Estate.
Are you a cricket fan? Head to the Bradman Museum and the International Cricket Hall of Fame in St Jude Street Bowral.
In Berrima visit the Berrima Court House and Harpers Mansion. If you love shopping Berrima is the village for you from locally produced jams and sauces, to leather works and homewares.
Bowral and Moss Vale are great for shopping from clothes to homewares. Enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner in a range of cafes and restaurants.
Bundanoon has a range of tearooms and cafes. There are local walks in Morton National Parks.
Robertson is home to the Big Potato and a range of art and craft shops too! It is the town that “Babe” the movie was filmed. The Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk is only 10 minutes from the town. You can book your tickets here.
Where To Stay in the Southern Highlands
Mittagong
In Mittagong the Fitzroy Inn for a unique stay.
- Fitzroy Inn proudly offers pet-friendly accommodation
- 12 lovingly restored suites with Queen or King sized beds
- 4 spacious bedrooms in the School Masters Cottage
- Fascinating history
- Daily continental breakfasts
- Situated close to Southern Highlands wineries and restaurants
- Book here
For mid-range accommodation, we recommend Springs Mittagong with a range of accommodations from Executive, Deluxe and King Rooms some with spas. Just a 5-minute walk to the shops and restaurants of Mittagong.
Bowral
Berida Hotel has 46 well-appointed luxury rooms, conference facilities, gym, spa and tennis court. Bistro Sociale the in-house European Bar and Restaurant is popular with guests and locals, you will need to make a reservation in advance. The hotel is an 8-minute walk to the centre of Bowral.
Briars Country Lodge – halfway between Bowral and Moss Vale
A firm favourite for accommodation and dining at the Briars Inn. Rooms available are a King Room, King Room with roll in shower – disability access, Deluxe King Suites and a three-bedroom apartment.
Moss Vale
Our favourite is the small boutique Old Nunnery Hotel in Moss Vale. You can book accommodation here – as there are only a. few rooms we recommend booking well in advance of your travels. You can read our full review here
Berrima
The popular Bendooley Cottages are our recommendation for Berrima. The Bendooley Estate has a cellar door, restaurant and book shop located in a beautiful country setting. For more details and bookings click here
Bundanoon
Bundanoon Lodge has a range of accommodation that includes rooms with a spa bath and all look out onto a verandah and manicured gardens. You can book your room here
Robertson
The Greengate Bed and Breakfast accommodation is a popular choice for Robertson. There is a range of rooms available, ensure that you book one with an ensuite. A hot breakfast is served daily. For bookings click here
Where to Eat in the Southern Highlands
Our favourites are:
Briars Inn on the road between Moss Vale and Bowral for lunch and dinner
Bendooley Estate – 3020 Old Hume Highway Berrima for lunch and dinner
Raw & Wild Market Cafe in Bowral located at 250 Bong Bong Street Bowral – open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Surveyor General Inn Berrima 26 Old Hume Highway Berrima for lunch and dinner
Burrawang Village Hotel at 14 Hoddle Street Burrawang
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Southern Highlands
Spring is the best time to visit the Southern Highlands. The region can be visited all throughout the year. Although winters can be cold it is a popular time to experience Christmas in July in many of the hotels and restaurants. In September Tulip Time is a major festival in Bowral.
Port Stephens – Central Coast NSW Escape
Port Stephens and Nelson Bay are popular weekend trips from Sydney on the coast of NSW.
How to get to Port Stephens by car?
Port Stephens is a 2½ hour drive north of Sydney along the M1 Motorway. At the end of the M1, turn right at the roundabout, following the sign ‘Hexham & Pacific Highway’ (BP service station and Hungry Jacks will be on your next left). The road will veer to the right and merge with the New England Highway after which you should merge to the left lane taking the sign ‘Taree & Pacific Highway’, which will direct you over the Hexham Bridge.
Look for the sign ‘Next Exit Richardson Road – Raymond Terrace/Nelson Bay’ to get to Lemon Tree Passage, Soldiers Point, Nelson Bay, Corlette, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, One Mile Beach or Anna Bay. You continue along Richardson Road, following the Nelson Bay signs, until you reach a roundabout. Then… follow the signs to the destination of your choice! (source: https://www.portstephens.org.au/stay/travel-information/getting-here/)
How to get to Port Stephens by rail?
NSW TrainLink provides services in and out of Newcastle from all over New South Wales.
To find out more and to book, visit www.transportnsw.info/regional
How to get to Port Stephens by air?
Newcastle Airport hosts direct flights to and from Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Gold Coast, Ballina/Byron, Adelaide, Sunshine Coast, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Cairns (seasonal) and Dubbo. International seasonal flights operate to and from Auckland.
For more information on Newcastle Airport call 02 4928 9800 or visit www.newcastleairport.com.au
How to get to Port Stephens by bus?
Port Stephens Coaches depart daily from Sydney via Chatswood, Pymble, Hornsby and Raymond Terrace to Port Stephens (including Soldiers Point, Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay).
Phone 1800 045 949 or visit pscoaches.com.au
Transfers
Newcastle Airport Information Services is your one-stop-shop for transfers. Book a door to door transfer to meet any flight in or out of Newcastle.
Phone 02 4928 9822 or visit newcastleairport.com.au
Port Stephens Coaches provide a pick up from Hamilton Railway Station and Newcastle Airport to Port Stephens on a regular basis.
Phone 1800 045 949 or visit pscoaches.com.au
Shoal Bay Shuttle Services. Bookings required. Phone 0439 155 845 or visit shoalbayshuttleservice.com.au
Newcastle Shuttle Services. Bookings required. Phone 0414 945 660 or visit newcastleshuttleservices.com.au
Taxis…
If you need to catch a taxi from Newcastle Airport, you will find the Taxi rank conveniently located adjacent to the departures end of the terminal. To book your taxi simply call 133 300.
Please note: there is a $3 plus GST airport levy added to all fares leaving Newcastle Airport.
Source for the above information is from: https://www.portstephens.org.au/stay/travel-information/getting-here/
Car Rental
For the latest car rental deals click here
Related Reading: Our guide on visiting the Port Stephens region
Top Things To Do In and Around Port Stephens
Other things to do in Port Stephens
Visit the many beaches of the Port Stephens Region:’
- Little Beach
- Stockton Beach
- Box Beach
- Fingal Beach
- Anna Bay
- Samurai Bay
Visit the towns of the Port Stephens Region:
- Nelson Bay
- Salamander Bay
- Anna Bay
- Fingal Bay
- Corlette
- Soldiers Point
- Shoal Bay
- Raymond Terrace
Take a ride on the Tea Gardens Ferry
Camel Riding on Birubi Beach
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
Nelson Bay Lighthouse
Toboggan Hill Park
Where To Stay in Port Stephens
Our favourite accommodation is the Oaks Pacific Blue Resort in Salamander Bay with the largest pool in the region. The location is perfect to see the major sites of Port Stephens. There is also a shopping centre within walking distance for those who wish to self-cater. You can read our review here.
For more accommodation in the Port Stephens region click here:
Where To Eat in Port Stephens
We have some favourite places to eat in Port Stephens too, check them out here.
- Nelson Bay Lighthouse Cafe
- Murrays Craft Brewing Co
- In House Kitchen Nelson Bay
- The Little Nel Nelson Bay
- Mavericks on the Bay Nelson Bay
When is the Best Time To Visit Port Stephens
Port Stephens is a good destination to visit throughout the year.
In Summer temperatures range from 18 – 28 degrees.
In Autumn temperatures range from 12 – 24 degrees
In Winter temperatures range from 9 – 18 degrees
In Spring temperatures range from 13 – 25 degrees.
Hunter Valley – Wine Tours and Romantic Getaways from Sydney
Depending on what destination you are visiting in the Hunter Valley the average travel time is between 2 hours 10 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes.
How to travel to the Hunter Valley by car?
Take the M1 from Sydney and follow the signs to Cessnock. We recommend visiting the Hunter Valley Visitor Tourist Centre located at 455 Wine Country Drive in Pokolbin on arrival. They have maps of wineries, things to do and more.
How to travel to the Hunter Valley by train?
You can catch a suburban train from Sydney to Morisset Station, using your Opal card to pay. Connecting buses run to Cessnock twice a day, one early in the morning and one in the evening. The whole journey takes around three hours. Regional TrainLink trains run between Sydney and Maitland, with regular buses running to Cessnock. The trip takes around 4.5 hours and you’ll need to book ahead. (source: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/hunter/hunter-valley/getting-to-hunter-valley)
How to travel to the Hunter Valley by plane?
Newcastle Airport is 50 minutes away. There are flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth. Check the latest deals here.
You can rent a car from Newcastle Airport. Check out latest deals here.
Related Reading: Best Wineries and Tours in the Hunter Valley
Top Things To Do in The Hunter Valley
There are over 140 wineries and cellar doors to choose from in the Hunter Valley.
Some of our favourites are:
Where To Eat in The Hunter Valley
A favourite for casual dining is Nineteen Bar and Bistro in the grounds of Chateau Elan.
For breakfast we loved the Deck Cafe in Lovedale
Blaxland Inn in Pokolbin for lunch and dinner
Circa 1876 at The Convent for dinner
Where To Stay in the Hunter Valley
Chateau Elan is where we like to stay when visiting the Hunter Valley. Check our review out here.
The Hunter Valley has a huge range of accommodation from hotels, bed and breakfasts, cabins and tourist parks. Click here for the latest prices.
Best Time To Visit The Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is a year round travel destination. If you enjoy festivals and music events plan to visit in Spring.
Jervis Bay – South Coast NSW Beaches
How to get to Jervis Bay by car?
Travel via the M1 and the Pacific Highway from Sydney. You can stop off in Wollongong along the way to break the journey.
How to get to Jervis Bay by train?
Take the South Coast line from Sydney to Kiama by train. In Kiama take the 737 Bomaderry bus to Bomaderry and then take the 103 Hyams Beach Bus. Total journey around 5 hours 20 minutes.
How to get to Jervis Bay by bus?
There is a Jervis Bay Airport shuttle bus to Jervis Bay. For more details click here.
What is the closest airport to Jervis Bay?
If you are travelling from Sydney – Sydney Airport is the closest.
If you are travelling from Brisbane or Melbourne you can fly into Shellharbour airport and rent a car.
Related Reading: Top Things to do in Jervis Bay
Top Things To Do in Jervis Bay
Visit the famous beaches of Jervis Bay:
- Hyams Beach
- Murrays Beach
- Cave Beach
- Blenheim Beach
- Collingwood Beach
- Nelson Beach
- Greenfields Beach
- Huskisson Beach
Visit the lighthouse at Point Perpendicular – Lot 51 Lighthouse Road Beecroft Peninsular
Visit the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum at 4 Wollamia Road Huskisson
The Shoalhaven wineries are a good day out from Jervis Bay to visit. Check out the wine trail here
Where To Stay in Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay has a range of accommodations from holiday parks, motels, apartments and camping sites to suit all budgets.
Check out the range here.
Where To Eat in Jervis Bay
The Jervis Bay Brewing Company for draft beer, gin, and good trucks are two of our favourites in the area.
Another favourite in the area is the Huskisson Hotel at 75 Owen Street Huskisson.
Best Time To Visit Jervis Bay
Summer is the busy tourist season and the prices are higher than at other times of the year. It is an all year destination but spring and autumn would be preferable.
Mudgee NSW Weekend Escape
How to get to Mudgee by car?
Travel on the Great Western Highway from Sydney to Lithgow. The turn-off to Mudgee is just outside Lithgow.
How to get to Mudgee by train?
Take the train from Sydney to Lithgow. There are buses from Lithgow to Mudgee. More information here.
Can you fly to Mudgee?
Fly Pelican flies from Sydney to Mudgee. For the latest fares click here.
Related Reading: What To Do in Mudgee
Things to do in Mudgee
Take a sunrise 1-hour hot air balloon ride over the vineyards and enjoy a breakfast after your flight.
There are over 60 wineries and 35 cellar doors to visit in and around Mudgee. Our favourites were:
Mudgee is home to some great markets – for the full list click here
Love to walk? Check out these walking activities in and around Mudgee
Visit the High Valley Cheese Company
Enjoy a gin and spirit tasting at Baker Williams Gin Distillery
Visit Gulgong on a day trip and follow the Gulgong Symbol trail
Where To Stay in Mudgee
There are over 170 properties to choose from in Mudgee to stay from apartments, parks to hotels and motels.
Where To Eat in Mudgee
We loved:
- Kellys Irish Pub
- The Zin House
- Moothi Estate for wine tasting and platters
- Lawson Park Hotel for a pub lunch
- Dancing Goat Cafe
- The Barn
When is the best time to visit Mudgee
Mudgee is a year-round destination to visit. With hot summers and cold winters, you may want to consider visiting during Spring and Autumn.
Visit Orange – Famous for its local produce and wines
How to get to Orange by car?
To travel to Orange by car take the Great Western Highway and then the A32.
How to get to Orange by train?
Travel is by train from Sydney to Lithgow with a connecting bus to Orange. Click here for more information.
What is the closest airport to Orange?
Qantas has regular flights to Orange NSW – the journey time is 45 minutes.
Things to do in Orange NSW
Related reading: Things to do in Orange
Visit over 60 wineries and 40 cellar doors in and around Orange NSW – our favourites were
Visit the historic town of Milthorpe
Visit Lake Canobolas Reserve
Take a hike through the countryside there are many trails to enjoy.
Take the Orange Heritage Walk
Where To Stay in Orange
Related Reading: Stay in Borodell Vineyard
Orange has a range of accommodation to suit all budgets from apartments to hotels. For the range of accommodation available and prices click here
Where To Eat in Orange
Some of our favourites places to eat in Orange are:
- Tonic in the town of Millthorpe – hatted restaurant for dinner
- Lakeside Cafe Lake Canobolas for brunch or lunch
- Hotel Canobolas for lunch or dinner
- Agrestic Grocer
- Racine Bakery
- Byng St Cafe for the best coffee in town
- Sister’s Rock Restaurant at Borrodell Vineyard
When is the best time to visit Orange
Autumn is a spectacular time to visit Orange. Summers are hot and winters are cold. Spring is also a good time to visit.
Conclusion
No matter what kind of break you’re after, these weekend getaways just a few hours from Sydney offer something for everyone. From picturesque beaches to tranquil countryside escapes and thrilling outdoor adventures, these destinations provide the perfect opportunity to unwind, explore, and experience a change of pace. So, pack your bags and hit the road—your next unforgettable escape is just a short drive away.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance offers protection when things go wrong before or during your travels, that is why we highly recommend that you take out travel insurance. For the latest prices click here.
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