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, well then it is time to start planning and here are some ideas on where to spend this weekend in NSW. 

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, so it makes 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, that range from homewares to clothing and a few things in between. Browsing the stores is a great way to get a feel of this beautiful country town, and it allows you to take a little bit of Bowral back with you. 

Visit The Bradman Museum

 For those who know their Australian History, Bowral is the place 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

For me, 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 would highly recommend sitting outside in their beautiful garden, because nothing is more relaxing on your weekend away 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 right 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. 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 but has 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 and now has 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 little wine tasting! Visit Lowes Winery Cellar Door where you can immerse yourself in the full 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 very popular 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, then team it 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 amounts of parking, the rooms are clean and comfortable and won’t break the bank account. Included is a buffet breakfast that won’t have you going 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 residence with it’s surfing beaches and laid back attitude which makes 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, then there are many places to swim, surf and spend the day on the beach. However, in winter if you do not want to brave the water, then there are many great cafes to choose 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.

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 known for a great place to Hang Glide or paraglide. If this is not your thing and beautiful views are then head up to Stanwell Tops and watch the hang gliders from above.  

Get up close and personal Symbio Wildlife Park.

Not far from Stanwell Top is Symbio Wildlife Parks, a place where you can get up close and personal to 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 not only an excellent place for kids; adults will love it 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 have you relaxed in no time. 

Palm Beach

For those not in the Northern Beaches area, Palm Beach is the perfect location 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 the location “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 and makes it the ideal location on your weekend getaways 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 holidays the moment 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 Sunday’s. 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 who will share her knowledge on whales and the Northern beaches 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 each way. Enjoy this beautiful part of the Northern beaches and its surroundings. There is some great place to take photos, so whether you choose to go for a stroll or a brisk hike, this coastline will have you. Stopping to take pictures at almost every turn which makes it an ideal place to spend a long weekend NSW.

Palm Beach Accommodation this weekend in NSW

AIR BNB

Why not try something a little different and book an AIR BNB 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 ample place to eat in this area! You can play it by ear, or book ahead of time, which make it the perfect way to spend this weekend in NSW.

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