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If you ask us, the best getaways aren’t all about five-star resorts and stacked itineraries. Sometimes, all you need is a quiet place to walk at sunset and a well-prepared picnic. And having travelled all across NSW, we’re confident in stating that this sunny state is home to peaceful picnic spots aplenty. According to travel publication World Atlas, there are seven small towns in NSW that stand out for their peaceful surroundings – from coastal villages shaped by ancient volcanic activity to mountain towns surrounded by bushland. And while we wouldn't necessarily describe every one of these places as completely sleepy – Byron Bay, we're looking at you – they all offer the chance to slow down and get out of the city. Here are the seven towns World Atlas reckons are among the most peaceful in the state.
Kiama
Just under two hours south of Sydney, Kiama is an easy choice for a restorative, pretty low-effort weekend away. The seaside town is best known for its enormous blowhole (the biggest known blowhole in the world), where waves can send up to 50 litres of seawater into the air, but there's plenty more to do once you've watched the ocean put on its show.
The Kiama Coast Walk is the obvious place to start, winding along 20 kilometres of dramatic coastline, and the up-and-coming town itself has plenty of cafés, boutiques and historic buildings to poke around in.
It’s worth noting that Kiama is one of the easier NSW getaways to reach without a car, with trains from Central taking around two hours and ten minutes.
Yamba
If Byron Bay feels a little too busy these days, Yamba is the obvious alternative. The northern NSW beach town has long had a reputation for being laid-back, although its increasingly good food, drink and accommodation scene (notably The Surf and Il Delfino) means the secret is very much getting out.
In my opinion, Yamba’s gorgeous beaches are its key calling card, with the town’s headlands meaning you can always find somewhere sheltered to stretch out on the sand. Nearby Angourie is a top-tier surf beach, and there are some magical rockpools hiding beside the cliffs for when the beach gets too wild and windy. You can also hike through Yuraygir National Park, or simply grab a drink and watch the sun go down from the clifftop Pacific Hotel.
Mudgee
Peace and quiet doesn't have to mean ocean views. About three-and-a-half hours west of Sydney, the charming town of Mudgee serves up a slower-paced country escape surrounded by vineyards, historic buildings and rolling countryside.
The town’s main street dates back to 1837, with its gold-rush history still visible in the heritage buildings. World Atlas points to the Mudgee Museum and Sculptures in the Garden, while the region is also home to wineries, cellar doors and some excellent places to eat.
Byron Bay
Yes, Byron Bay made the list. And yes, it might seem slightly strange to call one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations 'peaceful'. But, having lived there for almost a year, take it from me: escape the crowds around the main strip and there's a lot of peaceful magic to be found in this famously picture-perfect beach town.
The beaches, rainforest and surrounding hinterland are a big part of the appeal, and the Cape Byron Walking Track, which stretches out above the beaches to the easternmost point in Australia, is a particularly special way to experience the landscape.
These days, Byron is undeniably more polished – and more expensive – than its old hippie-town reputation suggests. But there’s a reason people keep coming back, and it’s not all about the buzz.
Narooma
Down on the NSW South Coast, Narooma is all about exceptionally blue water, dramatic rock formations and abundant Aussie wildlife. The special little coast town sits beside the Wagonga Inlet, with Narooma Surf Beach looking out towards Montague Island meaning heaps of water views (and famously excellent oysters).
The Glasshouse Rocks are the headline attraction, but we'd be tempted to spend most of the day in and around the water. Montague Island is home to seals, dolphins, seabirds and penguins, and the surrounding Sapphire Coast is particularly good for swimming, walking and (as mentioned) top-tier seafood.
It’s also a little too far from Sydney to visit for just a weekend, meaning fewer day-trippers (and more peace as a result).
Leura
For a peaceful escape with mountain views, point your car west towards Leura. The Blue Mountains village is surrounded by walking trails, dramatic lookouts and old-world gardens, with the town's pretty, tree-lined streets adding to its old-world appeal.
Everglades House and Gardens is one of the area's highlights, and there are heaps of gorgeous peaceful bushwalks and lookouts in the area to get your fix of awe.
Plus, you don't even need a car to get there – Leura can be reached by train from Sydney, making it a particularly good option if you'd rather leave the traffic at home (bonus points on the peaceful front).
Bowral
The Southern Highlands town of Bowral has been attracting Sydneysiders looking for a country escape for generations – and it's not hard to see why.
There's the gardens, the vineyards, the antique shops, the cosy restaurants and, of course, the annual Tulip Time Festival, when thousands of tulips transform Corbett Gardens into a riot of colour.
Outside festival season, Bowral makes for a particularly good slow weekend. Take a slow walk through town, browse the boutiques, stop for something sweet and head out towards Mount Gibraltar for panoramic views across the Highlands.
Want more weekend inspo? These are the best day trips in NSW to take this spring.
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