Six places to go this long weekend

Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region and is conveniently located in New South Wales, only a 2 hours drive from Sydney. It’s an idyllic place to relax and unwind, as well as explore over 100 wineries.

Wine tasting is naturally one of the most popular activities to do and there are plenty of tours for you to choose from to ensure you really get the Hunter experience. Book with Two Fat Blokes for a range of exciting tours available including the Hunter Gatherer’s Full Day Tour, a private tour and more. They pick you up straight from your location or hotel and drop you back, so you don’t need to worry. Alternatively, if you’d rather visit the wineries directly and organise your own experience you can do this too.

Explore the Hunter region on a Segway. Riding a Segway is an exciting way to get around, and see more of the area in a shorter amount of time. You might be lucky enough to spot the odd wombat or even kangaroos!

For all of the cheese lovers, if your wine tour doesn’t include cheese tasting then why not look into cheese tasting experiences! The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory is a great place to start, and the perfect place to learn from the experts.

How to get there: It takes around 2 hours to drive from Sydney to The Hunter Valley.

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains Park is just a two hour drive from Sydney and well worth the drive! There are plenty of attractions to keep you busy and magnificent views. Tourist hot-spots including Wentworth Falls, the Three Sisters, Leura Falls and Blackheath are all closely located around the main town Katoomba.

Bush walkers and hikers will discover lots of different walks and treks to choose from, fit for different levels. The 6km long Grand Canyon track is just one example, which takes you along creeks and waterfalls. Or try the walk from Echo Point to Leura Cascades. It takes between 1.75-2.5 hours to get there, but the walk is certainly worth it! You will pass plenty of lookouts along the way, offering views soaring across the Blue Mountains and you will end up at the bottom of the beautiful Leura Falls.

Whilst families might like to explore the swimming holes located across the park. Jellybean pool is a great place to visit with the kids, offering a pleasant beach just by the deep pool where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.

How to get there: It takes around two hours to drive from Sydney to the Blue Mountains.

Royal National Park

Located South of Sydney along the eastern coastline of Australia, the Royal National Park is a beautiful spot to visit. It covers 15,091 hectares of bushland, so there is plenty to keep you occupied. Whether it be for a day trip or a full weekend, there are multiple activities do to and areas to see.

Offering opportunities to go bush walking, swimming, bike riding and more there are enough activities for a weekend adventure.

Visit the famously known Figure of Eight Pools which are a natural beauty. Just make sure you go prepared. It takes around 3 hours of walking to get there and the track can be slippery. Ensure you stock up on water, and keep hydrated.

How to get there: The best way to reach Royal National Park is to drive. It takes less than 1 hour from Sydney.

Kiama

Head to Kiama, a beautiful seaside coastal town located in the Illawarra. Located on the NSW South Coast, Kiama is easy to get to from Sydney via car or train and a great place to spend the weekend.

Visit the ‘Blowhole’. Kiama is famously known for the blowhole which is a rock formation spirting seawater through a small hole high up into the air. Why not try the Kiama Coast Walk? The walk starts at Minnamurra and ends near Gerringong. During the walk, you’ll be able to see right across the beach, rivers, the town and the famous blow hole.

Alongside this must-see attraction, there is plenty to do in the area. From shopping, to long walks along the beach and numerous cafes to visit, you can keep yourself and the family entertained all weekend.

How to get there: You can get to Kiama easily via train or car. From Sydney, Kiama is only a 90 minute drive along the Grand Pacific route. Or take the 2 hour scenic train route.

Kanangra-Boyd National Park

If you’re looking for a nature-filled escape, then Kanangra-Boyd National Park might just be the place for you! The park is part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and full of beautiful scenery as well as wildlife.

Take a day trip from the Blue Mountains or travel 180km from Sydney for a nature inspired adventure. From cycling route to walking trails and perfect picnic spots, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.

Read more about Kanangra-Boyd National Park.

How to get there: You can reach Kanangra by car from Sydney in about 3 hours. Or from Katoomba in the Blue Mountains it takes around 1.5 hours.

Sydney

Sydney is the most popular city in Australia and certainly one to visit! With plenty of beaches close to the city, including world-famous Bondi and Manly beaches, there are activities to keep the kids and whole family entertained too. Taronga Zoo Sydney and Sea Life Sydney Aquarium are just a couple of examples.

How to get there: Getting around the city doesn’t need to be difficult! Have you tried using the ferries at the harbour?