Now that we can book hotels and go on road trips, it is time to explore this beautiful state. If you haven’t already booked a weekend away, it is time to start planning and here are some ideas on where to spend this weekend in NSW.
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Where to spend this weekend in NSW
Bowral
The Southern Highlands is a beautiful part of New South Wales, and it is only a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney, making it an ideal location to spend this weekend in NSW. Bowral is the largest town in this region, so there are plenty of activities to keep yourself busy for a getaway weekend in NSW.
Things to do in Bowral this weekend.
Shop the local boutiques
The main street in Bowral has some lovely local stores ranging from homewares to clothing and a few things. Browsing the stores is a great way to get a feel of this beautiful country town, allowing you to take a little bit of Bowral back with you.
Visit The Bradman Museum
For those who know their Australian History, Bowral is where our beloved Sir Donald Brandman spent his early years. The Bradman Museum is a short 15-minute walk from Bowral Railway station, which makes it a perfect place to start the day; a cost of a family pass is $50, and if you are booking 24 hours in advance, then secure yourself a free guide.
Explore the Local Markets
There are a few local markets in the area, so check online before heading to Bowral to ensure they are open when on the weekend that you are arriving. The regional markets are where you will find fresh produce straight from the local farms. You may also find local products that are Australian-made and sometimes handmade.
Eat at Burrawang Village Hotel
I am always looking for a great place to eat, and although Bowral has plenty of options, Burrawang Village Hotel has excellent food and a lovely atmosphere. If it isn’t too cold, I highly recommend sitting outside in their beautiful garden, because nothing is more relaxing on your weekend than a beautiful view.
Accommodation this weekend in NSW
Peppers Manor House Sutton Forest
Peppers Manor House is a beautiful country retreat that makes you feel at home as soon as you check-in. This beautiful manor house is only a 15. minute drive from Bowral centre, which makes it an ideal place to get away and relax this weekend in NSW. The rooms are beautifully decorated and comfortable.
Mudgee
Mudgee is just under a 4-hour drive from Sydney, and the journey there is beautiful. There are many stops along the way worth exploring, but if not, the drive is easy and enjoyable. Mudgee is a small town with so much to offer, with many wineries and fresh produce. So it is a great place to spend this weekend in NSW.
Things to do in Mudgee this weekend in NSW
Enjoy a trip to Baker Williams Distillery
Baker Williams Distillery is a Micro Distillery with handcrafted spirits and liqueurs. The Baker Williams distillery was established in 2012 with a vast range of delicious spirits and liqueurs. Visit the cellar door, where you can taste the beverages yourself.
Stop by Lowes Winery
You can not stop at Mudgee without a bit of wine tasting! Visit Lowes Winery Cellar Door, where you can immerse yourself in the whole experience by attending a guided wine tasting. Where you will be shown through the winery, get to taste the delicious wine and enjoy a platter, now that is the perfect way to spend this weekend in New South Wales.
Eat at Pipeclay Pumphouse
Booking is essential at this trendy restaurant. The Pipeclay Pumphouse is known for its paddock-to-plate menu. With every ingredient coming straight to you with exceptionally fresh homegrown produce. If this is your only stop in the region, team it up with a winery tour and a visit to the motorbike museum.
Shop the local markets
The markets in Mudgee are a great way to find little bits of Mudgee to take back with you. Here you will find mainly fresh produce from the local area or Australian-owned products. Check which markets are available before your weekend getaway.
Mudgee Accommodation this weekend in NSW
Parklands Resort & Conference Centre
The Parklands Resort & Conference Centre is in a great location in Mudgee, with ample parking; the rooms are clean and comfortable and won’t break the bank account. Included is a buffet breakfast that won’t make you hungry for the day.
Wollongong
Woolongong is a little over 1-hour drive from Sydney, which makes it the perfect location to spend this weekend in NSW. The “Gong” is situated in the region of Illawarra, which was once known for its mining industry.
Now it is an area full of beautiful coastal residences with its surfing beaches and laid-back attitude, making it the perfect long weekend NSW location.
Things to do in Wollongong this weekend in NSW
Visit Wollongong Beaches
Wollongong has some beautiful beaches, so if you go in Summer, there are many places to swim, surf and spend the day on the beach. However, if you do not want to brave the water in winter, there are many fantastic cafes to choose from along the beachfront.
It is also a great place to walk; from Wollongong Beach to North Woolongong beach takes approximately 30 minutes.
Eat at The Scarborough Hotel
On your way out of Wollongong or into Wollongong, you must stop at the Scarborough Hotel. The hotel is about 30 minutes from Wollongong, so it is the perfect location to stop by on your weekend getaway.
Booking online is easy and highly recommended. The view is worth dining here, and a bonus is that the food is also delicious. Want to know more? Check out the post here.
Stop by Stanwell Park
There are ample activities to keep yourself occupied at Stanwell Park. Stanwell Park is as pretty as any National Park and is a great place to Hang Glide or paraglide. If this is not your thing and beautiful views are, head up to Stanwell Tops and watch the hang gliders from above.
Get up close and personal with Symbio Wildlife Park.
Not far from Stanwell Top is Symbio Wildlife Parks, where you can get up close and personal with Australia’s wildlife. In the summer months, Simbio also offers Simbio Splash Park, where you can spend hours of fun with friends and family. Both parks are excellent places for kids; adults will love them too.
Wollongong Accommodation this weekend in NSW
Novotel Northbeach
Ideally located in Wollongong, the Novotel Northbeach has beautiful sea views. With a 2-minute walk to North Wollongong beach, this hotel is the perfect place to stay this weekend getaway in NSW. The rooms are clean, the view is calming, and the lobby entertainment will relax you in no time.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is the perfect location for those not in the Northern Beaches area to spend this weekend in NSW. Palm Beach is situated approximately 1-hour drive from Sydney CBD. Palm Beach is best known for the Australian TV show “Home and Away”, as this is where “Summer Bay” is set.
However, there is more to see than a tv set; there are gorgeous boutiques, coastal walks and great cafes and restaurants, making it the ideal location for weekend getaways in NSW.
Things to do in Palm Beach this weekend in NSW
Eat at Barrenjoey House Palm Beach
This restaurant has fabulous views of Palm Beach, and its beachy design makes you feel like you are on holiday when you step inside. As part of the popular Boathouse Franchise, The Barrenjoey House is the perfect place to eat a deliciously healthy lunch.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse
You can either enjoy this walk to Barrenjoey Lighthouse on your own or join the guided tours for a small fee on Sundays. The hike to the top is not challenging, and you have two options, either via stairs or via the windy path; both possibilities have gorgeous views and are worth the hike to the top.
Go Whale Watching
The Pittwater Whale Watching tour will pick you up from the Palm Beach ferry Pier. The guided tour will include an experienced guide sharing her knowledge of whales and the Northern beach’s history. The cruise is approximately 2.5 hours long, but it does get cold, so bring your jacket!!! Bookings are essential!
Walk from Palm Beach to Whale Beach
The walk from Palm Beach to Whale Beach will take approximately 1 hour. Enjoy this beautiful part of the Northern beaches and its surroundings.
There is some great place to take photos, so whether you go for a stroll or a brisk hike, this coastline will have you. Stopping to take pictures almost every turn makes it an ideal place to spend a long weekend in NSW.
Palm Beach Accommodation this weekend in NSW
Luxury 3 Level Beach House with Scenic Views
Why not try something different and book a whole house for the weekend? This way, you can set the pace for the weekend as you feel the best suit you.
This way, you can choose to chill in the luxury of your BnB, or there is a great place to eat in this area! You can play it by ear or book ahead of time, which makes it the perfect way to spend this weekend in NSW.
Would you like to read more about Sydney Destinations?
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
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Love how you have covered all bases for each getaway spot. So many gems to get away to as a great way to support smaller communities!
Thanks! It is time to help out those small country towns now.