4 Essential Getaways Right Outside of Sydney
Carolin Pilligrath – Travel Blogger
Sydney is blessed with an abundance of nature, national parks, mountains and valleys right on its doorstep. Even as a Sydneysider you sure don’t want to miss out on the fun of going on a little weekend road trip adventure and leave the beloved city behind for a while. Whether you’ve got your own four wheels or not, here are 4 handpicked weekend getaways which are easily accessible from the city. So turn up that road trip playlist, we are going away!
Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains, given that name due to the azure haze that often covers them, are possibly one of the easiest and most popular places to go for a quick getaway from the city. Pack your walking shoes and follow one of the countless tracks between steep ridges, gorges and viewpoints, the scenery will sure blow your mind! Don’t forget to pay the famous Three Sisters a visit and ride in the world’s steepest railway. You can also organise for a rock-climbing trip if you fancy hanging upside down from the cliffs. Or if you are looking for a more relaxed activity, try the enchanting Leura Cascades, which are wonderful for cooling off on a sunny day and so much better than any of the crowded city beaches. Of course there are plenty of camping opportunities or alternatively you can stay in one of the charming cottages in the flower town of Leura, the prettiest village in the Blue Mountains.
Getting there: 2 hour train ride or 1.5 hour drive from Sydney
Hunter Valley
Time to get a little tipsy! The scenic Hunter Valley is best explored by booking a day tour or organising yourself a chauffeur so all you need to worry about is sampling on the finest wines in New South Wales from over 150 wineries, vineyards and cellar doors. Indulge at award-winning restaurants and follow the gourmet trails, which will leave you humpty-dumpty or well, very satisfied! No matter if it’s a weekend away with your girlfriends or a romantic trip with your other half, the Hunter Valley knows it all!
Getting there: 2 hours drive north of Sydney, accessible by train too
Palm Beach
For many Sydneysiders this stretch of fine golden sand could easily get the award for the most beautiful beach around! And have you heard of the TV soap Home & Away? You certainly have if you are Aussie! So maybe it’s about time to visit the home of Summer Bay? As a die-hard fan you’re in good hands to join a behind-the-scenes tour and (fingers crossed) see some actual filming on the day or get an autograph signed.
If you just want to relax and catch some of the chilled vibe, the only choice you have to make here really is if you want to throw yourself into the ocean waves to one side of the peninsular or simply drift in the tranquil waters on the other side. Decisions, decisions!
And once you’ve seen Palm Beach there are still 22 other amazing beaches to explore around here!
Getting there: 2 hour bus ride or just over 1 hour drive from Sydney
Royal National Park
Outdoor fanatic? Hiker soul? The Royal National Park in sydney boasts with beautiful beaches, lush rainforest, hidden waterfalls and endless coastal views, perfect for a Sunday cruise or if you are up for it, tackle the challenging 2 day hiking track with all your camping gear! The world’s second-oldest national park will impress with dramatic coastal views and spoil you with a natural playground perfect for swimming, canoeing, paragliding, fishing, hiking or simply sunbathing. Don’t miss the naturally created Figure 8 rock pools, which will leave you wondering if you just stumbled into a scene of Jurassic Park. North Era Beach and the freshwater Karloo Pool are also well worth visiting.
Getting there: 1 hour drive south from Sydney or by ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena
A thing to remember about Sundays: all journeys within NSW are $2.50 using the Opal card, which will even get you to the Blue Mountains and Palm Beach!
Carolin Pilligrath is a passionate traveller soul and digital nomad. Her passport states she’s German but really, her heart loves the open road. She has lived in many places, among them Australia, Singapore, Peru, Thailand, Spain and currently calls the beaches of Bali her backyard. Today, she enjoys a fully nomadic life with diverse offices and constantly following the sun while working as a social media specialist, travel writer, and running a blog called breathingtravel.com.