Last Minute Getaways in NSW

March 04, 2022 8 min read

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Last Minute Getaways in NSW


Last Minute Getaways in NSW

Written for Auski by Pink Lemonade Social

Autumn has just begun in Australia, and with that warm weather on its way out, now is the time to get in a last-minute weekend escape! Whether you're jumping in the car or hopping on a plane, there is no shortage of fun destinations in NSW that will make you want to spend a whole week here. Now is the time to make the most of the upcoming long weekends with ten last-minute weekend getaways in New South Wales.

Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay has to be one of Australia's most beautiful beaches, known for its white sand and perfect blue water. Within 3 hours from Sydney or Canberra, you will find yourself in this coastal haven known for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and penguins. Callala Bay sits at the North and Hyams Beach in the South of the Jervis Bay strip, with many small towns in between. Beachside cottages are available to stay in and if you want to stay closer to the beach, book a campsite at Green Patch, Bristol Point, or Cave Beach.

What to do in Jervis Bay

Join dolphin and whale watching cruises or book an underwater snorkelling adventure with Dive Jervis Bay.

Where to eat at Jervis Bay

Not far from Jervis Bay is the small town of Huskisson. For a tasty cafe meal and coffee, visit Salty Joes.

Where to stay at Jervis Bay

Camp in the Booderee National Park at one of the coastal campgrounds.  

Tathra

Tathra is a small town on the Sapphire Coast in Southern NSW. This little town doesn't have a supermarket but has a fantastic pub that sits on the point overlooking the ocean. When visiting Tathra, the Tathra Pub is a great place to start with locally brewed beer and fresh fish on the menu. The pub is also a heritage building and accommodation, so book yourself in to stay there for a treat. The long stretch of beach at Tathra is perfect for a swim, surf, or even an afternoon fish.

What to do in Tathra

Head to the beach for a swim, surf or walk. Or bring the fishing rod for a spot of beach fishing or throw in a line at Tathras Historic Wharf

Where to eat in Tathra

Enjoy fish and chips or a hearty pub meal at the Tathra Pub. For breakfast and coffees, Wild Orchid Cafe is located accross the road from the Tathra Beachside Caravan Park.

Where to stay in Tathra

Tathra Beachside Caravan Park has a range of accommodations, from campsites to deluxe cabins. The caravan park is a 1 minute walk from the beach.

The Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is an iconic getaway spot located about an hours West of Sydney. The area is the perfect spot to explore on foot or even on a bike. Many hiking trails lead to breathtaking viewing points that look out over the region. Make sure to pack your golf clubs to tee off at one of the four picturesque golf courses in the Blue Mountains. And if you're after a bit more excitement, there are plenty of other activities to do like horse riding, rock climbing, and canyoning.

What to do in The Blue Mountains

Head to Scenic World to ride the Scenic Railway and take in incredible views of the Jamison Valley.

Where to eat in The Blue Mountains

Boasting an outstanding menu of regional produce and dinner with a view, book into the Boiler House Restaurant.

Where to stay in The Blue Mountains

The Carrington is one of the Blue Mountains' most iconic accommodations. Dating back to 1882, this historical hotel even has a cocktail bar that serves champagne from 10 am.

Berry

Berry is located 2 hours south of Sydney and has a great blend of city style and country charm. Famous for its gardens, arts and crafts, and markets, the small town of Berry is one of the oldest in the region. At Berry, visitors can enjoy award-winning cafes that serve produce from many local farms. And if you feel like immersing yourself in the country lifestyle, several farm stay accommodations are located nearby.  

Things to do in Berry

The Jasper Brush and Bottle painting workshops are held at the former Historical Jasper valley Winery.

Where to eat in Berry

Join a full-day food and wine tour that visits some of Berrys best restaurants, wineries, and cafes.

Where to stay in Berry

Stay at Berrys newest boutique hotel, The Berry View.

Merimbula

Merimbula is a quiet seaside town known for its surf beaches, fishing, and coastal walking trails. One of the larger seaside towns along the South Coast, Merimbula, sits between Tathra and Pambula. For a quiet swimming spot for the whole family, head to Lions Beach. Lions Beach sits not far from the ocean river mouth and has a shallow beach with clear blue waters. Surfers should head to Bar Beach or Merimbula Beach to catch a wave. There are plenty of accommodation options from beach houses to non-powered campsites all over town.

Things to do in Merimbula

Hire a surfboard and head to Merimbula Beach for a paddle in the surf. If you're visiting Merimbula on the weekend, there are markets in Ford Park (next to the Surf Club).

Where to eat in Merimbula

For burgers and oysters all under the same roof, make a booking at Dulcie's Cottage. The best fish and chips in Merimbula can be found at Fishpen Takeaway, accross the road from the beach.

Where to stay in Merimbula

Set between two beaches, the NRMA Beach Holiday Resort is an excellent spot to stay for the whole family.

Bowral

Bowral is 90 minutes west of Sydney and is the largest town in the Southern Highlands. The cool climate of this country town makes it a great place to visit all year round. Bowral is home to many award-winning restaurants that showcase local produce like, Onesta Cucina. A local, family-run Italian restaurant. And a delicious meal wouldn't be complete without a wine pairing. Join one of the Grape Escape Wine tours to have you sipping your way through several cellar doors. And for a slice of history, a visit to the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall Of Fame will round off any visit to Bowral.

What to do in Bowral

Spend the afternoon strolling through Corbett Gardens to see the cherry and magnolia trees.

Where to eat in Bowral

Visit traditional Italian family restaurant Onesta Cucina, which serve dishes from their home country and feature local produce.

Where to stay in Bowral

The Hopewood House is set in the Southern Highlands countryside and is often host to spectacular garden weddings. It's also an incredible place to stay to immerse yourself in nature and history in Bowral

Mollymook

Reconnect with nature with a trip to Mollymook in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales. Just a 3-hour drive from Sydney will have you in the relaxed-yet-chic town of Mollymook. The regional town has excellent surf beaches, renowned seafood restaurants, and endless ocean views. Mollymook Beach stretches for 2km and is a great place to spot dolphins in the surf. Learn to surf with Mollymook Beach Surf School or snorkel around the rocky headlands.

What to do in Mollymook

Mollymook has some top golf courses in the area, so bring your golf clubs and tee off at the Mollymook Golf Club.

Where to eat in Mollymook

Dine at the popular, award winning Asian Fusion restaurant Gwylo at Mollymook Beach.

Where to stay in Mollymook

Cupitt's Estate is a short drive from Mollymook Beach and offers luxury farm-style accommodations. The Cupitt's Estate has a winery, brewery, restaurant, and fromagerie.

Mullumbimby

A 15-minute drive from Byron Bay will bring you to Mullumbimby. The small rural town is a perfect base for exploring the hinterland of Northern NSW. Mullumbimby is nestled beside the Brunswick River and is a short distance to many rainforest hiking trails. Every Friday, the town puts on the Mullumbimby Farmers Market with local produce, fresh food, and coffee live music. Crystal Castle is another place to visit nearby Mullumbimby, and visitors can take a guided meditative tour around the Shambala Gardens. The gardens are filled with giant crystals, a labyrinth, and various reflective experiences.

What to do in Mullumbimby

Visit the Brunswick Valley Heritage Park, a botanical haven full of hundred of rainforest species.

Where to eat in Mullumbimby

Enjoy breakfast and coffee at Punch & Daisy. Try the mushrooms on toast!

Where to stay in Mullumbimby

If you want to camp in Mullumbimby, the Showground Camping Precinct offers a range of sites. Or enjoy a quiet stay at Mullum River House, a newly renovated 1940’s era home big enough for six guests.

Gundagai

A 6-hour drive from Sydney will bring you to Gundagai, a town steeped in rich cultural heritage. The country town is written about in the famous Australian poem, on the road to Gundagai by Banjo Patterson and later in a song by Slim Dusty. On the Architectural Heritage Walk, you can see 27 interesting places in Gundagai. The 2km walk Gundagai stops at the famous Dog On The Tuckerbox monument, the Gabriel Historic Photo Gallery, and finishes at the Old Gundagai Gaol. You can visit the gaol for a glimpse into old-fashioned prison life. Gundagai hosts many events like the Gundagai Rodeo and the Battle on the Bidgee, a stockman's challenge.

What to do in Gundagai

Visit the Gundagai Historical Museum to learn about the areas rich history.

Where to eat in Gundagai

Believed to be the oldest working bakery in Australia, The Historic Gundagai Bakery is the perfect spot for morning tea.

Where to stay in Gundagai

For incredible views on a boutique farm, Kimo Estate offers eco huts, cottages, and the shearer's quarters to stay in.

Thredbo

Thredbo might be more well known as a winter destination, but during summer, the alpine town becomes one of the mountain biking hubs of NSW. A 5-hour drive from Sydney will take you through Jindabyne and up the alpine way to Thredbo Village. Join a guided tour from the top of Thredbo to Mt Kosciusko and learn about the native species living only in the Snowy Mountains. Or challenge yourself to ride the TVT, Thredbo's most extreme mountain bike trail. Thredbo Village has several restaurants and cafes open during summer, including the Thredbo Alpine Hotel. And if you're visiting Thredbo, you should stop in Jindabyne for a locally brewed beer at the Jindabyne Brewery or for a swim in the lake.

What to do in Thredbo

Apart from mountain biking at Thredbo, there are many high country trails that run from and through Thredbo Resort. It is possible to hike to Mt Kozciuscko from the top of the Kosciuscko Express on a 13km return hike.

Where to stay in Thredbo

There are many lodges, hotels and backpackers located in Thredbo. For a quiet, farm style stay book yourself in to stay at Tinkersfield in one of their luxury cabins. Tinkersfield is located 10 minutes along the Alpine way towards Thredbo from Jindabyne.

Where to eat in Thredbo

The Denman Hotel is a full service hotel with a restaurant and often two bars operating year round. The Denman Restaurant serves incredibly delicious meals that wont last long on your plate. After dinner, head down to the Apres Bar for a cocktail and a 'Money Shot'.


Make the most of this warm weather and get out there on a last minute adventure and escape in NSW.

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