10 Best Holiday Destinations from Sydney

Are you a Sydney local looking for a short escape from the hustle and bustle? Or maybe a visitor wanting to explore New South Wales beyond the confines of the cosmopolitan city? This list of 10 Best Holiday Destinations from Sydney is here to help you with one of the toughest travel decisions… which places to go!

If you can’t narrow it down, don’t worry – the best option is to organise a campervan hire from Sydney. This will afford you the freedom and flexibility to change your itinerary at a moment’s notice, allowing you to spend more time in your favourite spots and move on quickly from those you don’t fall in love with.

Sapphire Coast

For those seeking beachside relaxation, water activities, National Park wilderness, 1800’s history and fresh local produce – you will find all this and more on the Sapphire Coast.

This dazzling Coastline of Australia is a five to six hours drive south from Sydney, and includes beautiful towns like Eden, Bermagui, Bega, Tathra and Merimbula.

Fill your days swimming in turquoise water, taking scenic coastal walks, visiting local museums and indulging in fresh, gourmet food.

Must-do’s of the Sapphire Coast

- Killer Whale Museum
- Mumbulla Falls
- Blue Pool
- The Merimbula Boardwalk
- Green Cape Lighthouse
- Ben Boyd Tower

Potoroo Palace

Blue Mountains

The vast expanse of the Blue Mountains National Park, is only one and a half hours inland from Sydney. Forming part of Australia’s Great Dividing Range, the Blue Mountains provide a panorama filled with untamed wilderness and native wildlife.

Spend your vacation exploring ancient caves and glow worm tunnels, admiring famous rock formations and photographing incredible waterfalls.

Must-do’s of the Blue Mountains

Scenic World
Visit “The Three Sisters” Rock Formation
Glow Worm Tunnel
Echo Point lookout
Govetts Leap
Convict Trail
Leura Cascades

Canberra

This completely underrated city, just over three hours’ drive south-west from Sydney, is a holiday gem! Filled with a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities and attractions, it’s perfect for a visit any time of the year.

Australia’s Capital City, Canberra, is a multicultural mecca. Dive into art & history at the in-depth galleries and museums, immerse yourself in science at Questacon, or discover native birdlife in the lush, nearby wetlands.

Must-do’s of Canberra

Jerrabomberra Wetland
Questacon
Royal Australian Mint
Mount Ainslie Lookout
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Australian War Memorial
Parliament House
National Portrait Gallery
Canberra Glassworks
Old Bus Depot Markets
Australian Institute of Sport

Central Coast

A little over an hour north of Sydney, the Central Coast is ideal for holidaymakers enjoying anything from a weekend getaway, to a fully fledged holiday location.

Popular towns in the area include The Entrance, Terrigal and Avoca, all of which are beautiful coastal towns, surrounded by national parks, stunning beaches and with delightful dining options.

Must-do’s of the Central Coast

Terrigal Beach
Somersby Falls
Evoca Beach
Crackneck Lookout Coastal Walk
Norah Head Lighthouse
Distillery Botanica
Long Jetty Foreshore Reserve
Wyrrabalong National Park

Hunter Valley

If you are searching for an indulgent place to escape, then look no further. This major wine region, famous for its vineyards and cellar door tastings, is just three hours north of Sydney.

With over 150 wineries open to visitors, many of which also offering gourmet dining, you will have no shortage of options. As well as wineries, you can find an abundance of other activities here too, including cooking classes, hot air balloon rides, hiking trails, luxury spa treatments and charming local markets.

Must-do’s of the Hunter Valley

Cellar Door Wine Tastings
Cessnock Regional Art Gallery
Australian Army Infantry Museum
Maitland Regional Art Gallery
Tourist Drive 33
Barrington Tops National Park
Maitland Gaol
Big Kookaburra

Outback NSW

If a long drive isn’t out of the question, head west to the New South Wales Outback, and experience the regions historic mining background, art galleries and fascinating communities.

Towns like Cobar, White Cliffs and Broken Hill, will give you a glimpse into the opal mining industry, and the 1800’s architecture along with heritage attractions, provide captivating historic insight.

Must-do’s of Outback NSW

Fort Bourke Hill Lookout
Mount Grenfell Historic Site
White Cliffs Dugout Dwellings
Pro Hart Gallery
Outback Heritage Experience at the Royal Flying Doctor Service
Broken Hill Heritage Walking Tour

Central Tablelands

Continue driving for about two hours’ west of the Blue Mountains, and you will reach the Central Tablelands region of New South Wales. Including well-known towns like Bathurst and Orange, this area is celebrated for its food production, including wine, apples, cherries and berries.

In harvesting season, you can pick your own at some of the orchards and in any season, you will have plenty of gourmet dining options in the region’s variety of restaurants.

Must-do’s of the Central Tablelands

Abercrombie House
National Motor Racing Museum
Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum
Wine Tasting
Fruit Picking
Borenore Caves
The Drip Gorge
Cowra Prisoner of War Camp

Port Stephens

Only two and a half hours north of Sydney, this coastal region is a hub for water activities and escaping into nature, courtesy of the 26 surrounding beaches.

The Harbour of Port Stephens is surrounded by exceptional seaside towns, including Fingal Bay, Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay.

The sand dunes are an attraction in their own right, and the many breweries, wineries and restaurants will keep your appetite satiated.

Must-do’s of Port Stephens

Stockton Sand Dunes
One Mile Beach
Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse & Reserve
Big Rocky
Gan Gan Lookout
Fighter World

Dubbo

Five hours north-west of Sydney, in Macquarie Valley, you will find the vivacious city of Dubbo – on the banks of the Macquarie River.

A favourite for inter-state and local visitors alike, its perfect mixture of history, nature, wildlife and adventure, provides a variety of attractions and experiences to suit every travellers wants and needs.

Must-do’s of Dubbo