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Weekend getaways in Sydney

Places within easy reach of Sydney, with how long they take, how to get there and what a weekend costs. Filter by time and mode.

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12 getaways from Sydney

  • Manly

    25 min · Ferry

    The harbour crossing is half the point; then a surf beach, the walk to Shelly Beach and the North Head lookout.

    Stay
    Day trip
    Per person
    A$20–A$80
    Ferry from Circular Quay, every 20–30 minutes on an Opal tap
    All year

  • Palm Beach and the northern beaches

    1 h · Car, Bus

    The Barrenjoey lighthouse walk, Pittwater on one side and the ocean on the other.

    Stay
    Day trip / 1 night
    Per person
    A$20–A$300
    Car up Pittwater Road, or the B-Line and route 199 bus
    Spring to autumn

  • Royal National Park and Bundeena

    1 h 15 min · Train, Ferry, Car

    The world's second-oldest national park: sandstone cliffs, the coast track and rock pools with almost no crowds.

    Stay
    Day trip
    Per person
    A$20–A$80
    Train to Cronulla, then the small ferry across Port Hacking
    Autumn to spring; whale watching May to November

  • Southern Highlands

    1 h 30 min · Car, Train

    Cool-climate villages, cellar doors and Fitzroy Falls. A change of air when the city is hot.

    Stay
    Day trip / 1 night
    Per person
    A$40–A$350
    Car down the Hume, or train to Bowral via Campbelltown
    Autumn for the colour; winter for open fires

  • Blue Mountains

    2 h · Train, Car

    Eucalyptus valleys, sandstone cliffs and the Three Sisters. Walk the cliff tops at Wentworth Falls, and it can snow in winter.

    Stay
    Day trip / 2 nights
    Per person
    A$30–A$400
    Train from Central to Katoomba on an Opal tap
    All year; spring and autumn for walking

  • Kiama and the south coast

    2 h · Train, Car

    The blowhole, coastal walks and the Sea Cliff Bridge on the way down.

    Stay
    Day trip / 1 night
    Per person
    A$30–A$300
    Train along the coast via Wollongong, or the Grand Pacific Drive
    Spring to autumn

  • Hunter Valley

    2 h 10 min · Car, Bus

    Australia's oldest wine region, best known for semillon and shiraz. Book a driver if you plan to taste.

    Stay
    1–2 nights
    Per person
    A$250–A$700
    Car up the M1; tours collect from the city
    Autumn, during vintage; cheaper midweek

  • Port Stephens

    2 h 30 min · Car, Bus

    Calm bays, dolphins all year, and the huge Stockton sand dunes.

    Stay
    1–2 nights
    Per person
    A$250–A$600
    Car up the M1 and Pacific Highway
    Summer for swimming; winter for whales

  • Jervis Bay

    2 h 45 min · Car

    Some of the whitest sand in the country at Hyams Beach, clear water and Booderee National Park.

    Stay
    1–2 nights
    Per person
    A$250–A$650
    Car down the Princes Highway; buses are slow and infrequent
    Summer; book well ahead for school holidays

  • Canberra

    3 h · Car, Bus, Flight

    The national galleries, museums and parliament, free to enter, and a calmer pace.

    Stay
    1–2 nights
    Per person
    A$200–A$550
    Car down the Hume, or coach from Central
    Autumn; Floriade in September and October

  • Melbourne

    3 h · Flight, Train, Car

    Laneway cafés, galleries, sport and a different city culture. Day-return flights work for the keen.

    Stay
    2–3 nights
    Per person
    A$450–A$1,000
    One of the world's busiest air routes, with flights every few minutes
    Autumn and spring; summer for the tennis

  • Byron Bay

    3 h 30 min · Flight, Car

    Surf, the lighthouse walk to Australia's most easterly point, and a hinterland of rainforest towns.

    Stay
    2–4 nights
    Per person
    A$500–A$1,200
    Flight to Ballina or the Gold Coast, then a shuttle
    Autumn and spring; summer is busy and expensive

Budgets are per person for the whole trip: return travel, a mid-range double room shared, and food.