Come June 1, when holiday travel within NSW is permitted once more, you can just about guarantee every NSW resident with itchy feet will be heading out on the open road for a post-isolation escape.
Lucky for us, there are tons of beautiful towns ready and waiting to host visitors again, some of which are relying on passers-through to help make up for tourism dollars lost by both COVID-19 and the bushfire season earlier this year.
If you’re unsure where to go, or are looking for a spot a bit less frequented by Sydneysiders (check our guide to avoiding the crowds here), then we want to help inspire you with our comprehensive guide to the towns of NSW, all of which are ideal for a weekend away.
Get browsing now and start planning your first post-isolation escape.
1. Cabarita Beach
You’re familiar with Byron Bay, but nearby Cabarita Beach is the town’s cool younger sibling. Sure it’s a little ways away from Sydney (an 8.5-hour drive), but it’s perfect for those really looking to stretch their legs and escape the city. An easy 30-minute drive from Byron, visitors can experience the charm of the local town while still being close to the action. As for where to stay, might we suggest the ever-so-stylish Halycon House?
2. Culburra
Located in the Shoalhaven region of the South Coast, Culburra makes for a secluded beachy escape within 2.5 hours of Sydney. It’s a spot that offers privacy and tranquillity, yet is within easy distance of Nowra plus its own town centre equipped with supermarkets and some truly awesome vintage furniture shopping. Whatever you do, make sure to stop in at Pelican Rocks Seafood Restaurant & Cafe for a feast of fresh seafood and “NSW’s best fish and chips”.
3. Kangaroo Valley
Get back to nature in Kangaroo Valley, just a short two-hour drive from Sydney. The picturesque area offers experiences for those both active and lazy, with cafes, shops, nature walks, hikes and water sports. Fresh produce is easy to come by here, and you’ll be surrounded by greenery and those critters who live among it wherever you go. Our favourite way to get back to nature here is with a stay in the Miguel Unyoked tiny home. We can’t tell you where it is (we’re sworn to secrecy), but it’s an easy drive away from the town.
4. Killcare
Just one hour’s drive away from Sydney lies the Central Coast. With coastal lookouts and hinterland beauty, plus tranquil beaches (41, to be exact), idyllic waterways and national parks, the area has something for every keen traveller looking to find some well-deserved space after months inside.
You could easily spend a week town-hopping here, but the charming village of Killcare is a great place to start. Book a luxurious stay at Bells at Killcare — the landmark, five-star property is set against the Bouddi National Park, which has a range of tracks for all fitness types.
5. Wingham
Camping more your style? Wingham, with all of its nature walks, waterfalls and campgrounds, lies in the heart of the Manning Valley on the North Coast of NSW. The drive can take some four hours, though flights do run too.
You may rough it while you sleep, but the town has some incredible food offerings. Try Bent on Food and Garden Grub for a delicious meal to fuel the many bushwalks you take on the pursuit to find Ellenborough Falls, one of the Southern Hemisphere’s longest single-drop waterfalls.