Seven Short Getaways from the City After Vivid Sydney
Seven Short Getaways from the City After Vivid Sydney
14 Jun 2022There’s plenty more fun to be had after you’ve finished exploring the lights, music and ideas of Vivid Sydney. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the iconic harbourside city reveals even more adventures. Hike into the mountains, glide down golden sand dunes or taste wine from the barrel. And the best thing? These hand-picked micro breaks are less than three hours’ drive from Sydney.
The Hawkesbury | 2.5 hours’ drive
There’s something perennially peaceful about the Hawkesbury region. Far from crashing surf and the city bustle, you’ll wind down almost immediately to a soundscape of birdsong and river ripples. Breathe in fresh air on a bushwalk, taste the freshest produce from fruit trees or get Zen meditating by the river.
Things to do
- Sample sparkling cider at Bilpin Cider Co.
- Stay in luxury at Spicer’s Sangoma Retreat
- Follow the Farm Gate Trail, Hawkesbury
- Taste a local drop at Tizzana Winery
- Take the kids to a farm at Madisons Mountain Retreat
Blue Mountains | 1.5 hours’ drive
Home to the famous Three Sisters rock formation and the steepest incline railway in the world, the magnificent Blue Mountains has long been a drawcard for adventurers, with bushwalking, rock climbing and a cooler climate with altitudes of up to 1,000 metres. Take a selfie at a lofty lookout, discover secret waterfalls and stay in luxury accommodation.
Things to do
- Abseil through a waterfall with High & Wild
- Live it up in luxury at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
- Take a sunset selfie at Three Sisters
- Learn about Indigenous culture on a walkabout tour
- See stunning local art at Gallery H
- Ride the Skyway into the clouds at Scenic World
Southern Highlands | 1.5 hours’ drive
By its very nature, the Southern Highlands is a place of classic and contemporary country culture. Innovative winemakers immersed in traditional methods. Morning truffle hunts evolving into modern degustations. Pack your gum boots and head off to stay in an ivy-draped country manor or an architecturally designed farmhouse.
Things to do
- Get back to nature with a forest bathing session at Osborn House
- See cutting-edge art in a restored dairy turned art gallery, Ngununggula
- Browse literary treasures at Berkelouw Book Barn.
- Enjoy wine tasting at Peppergreen Estate
- Visit picture-postcard village Robertson (the setting for Australia’s hit film Babe).
- Stay overnight in historic Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa
Newcastle | 2 hours’ drive
Newcastle is a popular weekender out of Sydney for many reasons. It’s got an unbeatable mix of golden beaches, luscious food and buzzing culture that makes you feel high on life. Have a dip at Merewether, dine overlooking the surf break and delve into the edgy boutiques and bars. This coastal hub is also in a sweet spot with the Hunter Valley less than an hour west.
Things to do
- Stay in the brand-new QT Newcastle
- Take a long stroll along Bathers Way
- Visit Newcastle Art Gallery
- Try urban wine tasting at Inner City Winemakers
- Meet local artisans at Olive Street Market
- Dine on fresh seafood at Merewether Surf House
The Hunter Valley | 2.5 hours’ drive
The Hunter Valley is renowned for its semillon and shiraz varietals, acclaimed wineries and restaurants, luxury resorts nestled among vineyards, world class spas and championship golf courses. Wander through the wine-tasting hotspot of Pokolbin, explore the majestic Hunter Valley gardens, picnic amongst the vines on fresh local produce and don’t miss spying the lush Hunter from above in a hot-air balloon.
Things to do
- Enjoy a Grange Masterclass at Wine House
- Take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise with Beyond Ballooning
- Taste a local drop and have a picnic at Audrey Wilkinson
- Have a long lunch at Muse Kitchen
- Enjoy a small group tour with Kangarrific Tours
- Stay in luxury at the Crowne Plaza
Port Stephens | 2.5 hours’ drive
Port Stephens has 26 golden beaches, a bay more than twice the size of Sydney Harbour and many beautiful inlets. Outside the shelter of the bay you’ll find the rolling surf of stunning One Mile Beach, and further south, Australia’s largest coastal dune system where you can explore ancient Indigenous sites on a quad bike cultural tour across Stockton Sand Dunes.
Things to do
- Sand board down huge golden sand dunes
- Take a dolphin-watching tour from Nelson Bay or swim with dolphins!
- Dine on fresh seafood at Tea Gardens
- Take the Tomaree Head summit walk
- See the rescued marsupials at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
- Stay in luxury by the sea at The Anchorage Port Stephens
Kiama, Jamberoo and more | 2 hours’ drive
Feel the sea spray hit your skin at the blowhole at Kiama, only 30 minutes south of Wollongong. Away from the famous rock formations, epic waves and grassy seaside slopes, Kiama is a place of nature hikes, fancy seafood feasts on waterside decks and unique adventures. Take yourself on a wild and wonderful trail winding through windswept headlands and extraordinary beaches.
Things to do
- Get your Tarzan on and try the after-dark zipline at Illawarra Fly
- Swoosh down a waterslide at Jamberoo Action Park
- Enjoy breakfast with a beach view at Penny Whistlers
- Have a surf lesson with Surf Camp Australia
- Hike through Minnamurra Rainforest
- Stay in luxury at The Pause, Gerringong