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There are so many options for day trips and weekend getaway from Sydney, from the rugged mountains ranges in the West to lush rainforest and rivers that meat wine growing valleys in the North, to long stretches of pristine beaches on the South Coast.
Getting there is part of the fun, especially if you take advantage of great rates from Budget car rental. Cross rivers home to rustic oyster farms, discover deserted beaches and stops for a break in tiny townships that produce hand-made and organic produce.
North Coast’s Hunter Valley Wineries
Since the 1820s wines have been produced in this picturesque region with over 130 vineyards to sample. Pokolbin and Cessnock is the centre of the Hunter Valley Wine Country, specialising in Shiraz, Semillon as well as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and small quantities of Pinot noir.
The Hunter Valley is around 2 to 3 hours from Sydney along the Pacific Highway until you reach the F3 freeway.
West of Sydney Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains National Park offers majestic scenery and very dense vegetation with lots of accessible walks through ridged rock valleys rich in indigenous cultural attractions and wildlife.
Hike to the Three Sisters from the Giant Stairway that descends at the bottom of the Jamison Valley- it’s just 2 km from the highway but a complete other world. From there you can walk back along the top of the cliff, via Price Henry Cliff Walk to Echo Point and Katoomba Falls.
Take the M4 out of Sydney, and then continue until the M4 becomes the Great Western Highway.
South Coasts’ Tranquil Beaches
Crystal bays, long empty beaches and tranquil rivers, Kiama’s stunning scenery winds along the 22-km Kiama Coast Walk which you can start or finish wherever you want. See fur seals basking on the beach and pelicans coming into play and feed at sunset.
From Sydney take the Eastern Distributor to the Old Hume Highway.
