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Are you in a Sydney funk?
Despite our boundless beaches, restaurants, bars and activities – sometimes we just need a reset with a change of scenery.
Enter: the day trip to cure your malaise.
If you don’t have any plans this upcoming weekend, why not pack up a bag and hit the great open road for a day trip to one of these NSW gems. Lots of delicious snacks are mandatory.
Kangaroo Valley
If you need to warm your cockles, Kangaroo Valley is an idyllic town two hours outside Sydney. You’ll be greeted by rolling hills, expansive countryside full of furry friends, the Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park and plenty of cute places to stop for a bite to eat like The General Cafe or Osteria La Vallata.
Bowral
The Southern Highlands is as charming as the name suggests and you simply can’t go past adding Bowral to the top of your list when visiting. Around an hour and a half’s drive out of Sydney, Bowral is a step back in time rich in history and beauty in equal measures. Marvel at the stunning tulips in Corbett Gardens and visit the Retford Park National Trust for a guided tour through the palatial grounds.
RELATED READ: This historic NSW estate is reopening soon as a luxury hotel – and it's just 1.5 hours from Sydney
Mudgee
Microbreweries, wineries and scenic walks are all ripe for the taking when visiting Mudgee just a three-hour drive from Sydney. Perfect for kids and big kids too, Mudgee has long been a popular weekender for Sydneysiders keen to slow down, whet the whistle and nosh on some delightful food. Be sure to stop by the Lowe Family Wine Co for a taste of the area's most impressive drops.
Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to get outside of the city hustle and bustle for the weekend. The area is expansive, so depending on what you’re keen to do, there are boundless options to tickle your fancy. Leura is home to picturesque bushwalks and a cute main street full of quaint shops. Set off from Katoomba to tackle the Three Sisters Walk, or head further north to Blackheath for a walk around the positively adorable town.
Shoal Bay
Looking for more of a beachy day trip? Shoal Bay must be top of your list! Around two and a half hours north of Sydney is the bustling suburb located in the Port Stephens area. Lace up your sneakers to climb the Tomaree Head Summit walk to get a glorious 360-degree view (heads up – she’s steep!) and toddle down for a hearty pub feed at the Shoal Bay Country Club.
Berry
A two-hour drive just to wrap your lips around a donut might seem like a long walk for a short drink of water – but maybe you’ve just never visited the Berry Donut Van. Once you’ve enjoyed a fresh, hot, cinnamon sweet treat, the delights of Berry continue on. You can head for a walk through town and satiate your sweet tooth at The Treat Factory or stop for a hot brew at The Berry Tea Shop.
Palm Beach
This gem of Sydney’s north isn’t too much of a trek if you’re wanting to spend less time on the road. Head off on the scenic hike to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, then cool off in the stunning Palm Beach ocean rockpool. And of course no trip to Palm Beach is complete without a meal at Barrenjoey House. Prawn cocktail? Yes, please.
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