Stay a little longer:

New Sydney experiences and NSW escapes to discover

Think you know Sydney?
The harbour city always delivers, but there’s never been a better time to discover something new. From fresh city experiences to easy escapes across New South Wales, explore coastlines, wine regions and ancient landscapes.

A long weekend in Sydney is always a good idea. Boasting one of the best dining scenes in the world, vibrant neighbourhoods, a packed events calendar and stunning beaches, the city offers culture, cuisine and coastal relaxation, all set around a sparkling harbour.

For anyone with a few extra days, there’s plenty more to discover within easy driving distance of Sydney. Beyond the city’s iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, there’s heritage-listed wilderness, wine country, and sandy beaches waiting to be explored.

A 90-minute drive west from Sydney takes you into the eucalyptus-scented Blue Mountains, while just an hour north, Hawkesbury is home to NSW’s only pearl farm and fresh oysters shucked straight from the river. Head around two hours north-west to the bucolic Hunter Valley to sample award-winning wines, or continue north to Port Stephens, where 26 stunning beaches and abundant wildlife await.

Sydney

Sydney is calling and the harbour city's experiences
are more enticing than ever.

Visit the spectacular new Sydney Fish Market, now at Blackwattle Bay. The project is so stunning that TIME magazine named it one of the “world’s greatest places” for 2026. Pull up a seat overlooking the water and enjoy something delicious from one of the 40 diverse food vendors.

Slow the pace at Coogee Beach, where laid‑back coastal charm meets refined indulgence. Following its transformation, the InterContinental Coogee Beach invites travellers to dine at Rick Stein’s elegant new restaurant, pairing signature fish and chips with ocean breezes, sunset light and a chilled glass of rosé.

Take to the water with Captain Cook Cruises, whose Harbour Explorer makes discovering Sydney effortless. Hop between icons like Taronga Zoo and Manly or pause at Watsons Bay for a classic Sydney moment at Watsons Bay Hotel with cold prawns, striped umbrellas and postcard views of the skyline.

Or for a bird’s‑eye view, climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, where sweeping panoramas reveal the true scale and beauty of the city with BridgeClimb Sydney. End the day in the heart of it all at A by Adina Sydney, raising a glass high above the streets at Dean & Nancy on 22, a glamorous nod to old‑world cocktails and modern Sydney energy.

BridgeClimb Sydney

Stockton Sand Dunes, Port StephensS

Before any Sydney trip, it pays to check the events calendar, which on any given week is filled with live music, theatre and comedy, sporting matches, art exhibitions, cultural festivals and markets. Or plan your trip around key annual events such as Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, Sculpture by the Sea, Vivid Sydney and more.

Hawkesbury

Famous for its mighty river, historic towns and surrounding national parks, Hawkesbury is just an hour north of Sydney

A short drive from Sydney, the Hawkesbury region offers a scenic counterpoint to the city, with national parks rich in native bush and the Hawkesbury River winding 120 km to the coast.

Mooney Mooney is known for its abundant oyster farms, and travellers can experience one of NSW’s most unique seafood experiences where the Hawkesbury River meets the sea. Sydney Oyster Tours offers a guided boat ride from Kangaroo Point Jetty to a working oyster farm where guests don green waders for a short walk to white tablecloth-covered tables immersed in water. It’s a surreal chance to learn how to shuck and enjoy freshly harvested Sydney Rock Oysters with a glass of bubbles and a bowl of prawns for good measure.

The Hawkesbury River is also home to New South Wales’ only pearl farm. Visitors can tour Broken Bay Pearl Farm’s oyster leases to learn and see how Akoya pearls are grown, taste oysters by the river, and shop for jewellery at the “shellar door”. A multi-generational, family-run business, Broken Bay has a range of immersive tours designed to shed light on the art of pearl farming and rock oysters.

Sydney Oyster Farm Tours

Port Stephens

Home to 26 golden beaches, this stunning coastal region is abundant with sea life – and koalas.

If there’s a wow moment on offer in Port Stephens, it’s the Worimi Sand Dunes, the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. Aboriginal-owned Sand Dune Adventures offers an experience like no other with its Cultural Quad Bike Riding tour, which combines thrilling quad biking up the dune’s steep peaks with a traditional Aboriginal cultural experience, which shares the Worimi’s long connection to these majestic lands.

For an offshore adventure, climb aboard Moonshadow - TQC Cruises on a 1.5-hour Dolphin Discovery Cruise of Port Stephens’ eastern harbour in search of resident Bottlenose Dolphins.

Or for a truly unique stay, book a four-star glamping tent at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. Set in bushland just beyond the sanctuary enclosure, guests can wake to the sound and sight of koalas in their natural habitat. It’s a chance to visit the working koala hospital, learn about conservation and have the stay of a lifetime.

Sand Dune Adventures, Port Stephens

Hunter Valley

One of Australia’s pre-eminent wine destinations, Hunter Valley houses over 150 cellar doors and luxury stays dotted among the vineyards.

Nestled atop a foothill of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges, the award-winning Audrey Wilkinson offers a range of unforgettable cellar door experiences. First planted in 1866, the colonial-style winery is not only Pokolbin’s oldest vineyard but one of the oldest in Australia. To truly immerse yourself in the 270-acre estate, opt for a picnic among the vines, with a bottle of Audrey Wilkinson wine and a goodie-filled hamper where you can sit back and soak in the surroundings.

For those looking to linger a little longer in the Hunter Valley, famous for its semillon, shiraz and chardonnay, two to three nights is ideal. The boutique voco Kirkton Park Hotel, set in 70 acres of manicured gardens, offers luxury accommodation with views over the valley’s vineyards.

In the morning, book in for a hot air balloon flight with Balloon Aloft, and drift over the rolling hills and vineyards before landing for champagne and a gourmet breakfast.

Audrey Wilkinson, Pokolbin

Blue Mountains

The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains are famous for crisp mountain air and tons of adventure, all under two hours from Sydney.

The Blue Mountains take their name from the eucalyptus that blankets the sandstone peaks, creating a signature bluish haze over the valleys below. From the Three Sisters lookout to cascading waterfalls and misty bushwalks, the region offers adventures for every pace.

Scenic World, aptly named, is famous for the world’s steepest passenger railway and aerial cable car, which climb vertiginously into ancient rainforest. Its newest attraction, Beyond Skyway, takes visitors 270 m above the Jamison Valley, allowing them to step atop the carriage for 360-degree views of seemingly endless national park, followed by a glass of champagne, cold beer or wine.

Beyond these adrenaline-filled experiences, the mountains also reward slower pursuits – from e-biking and hiking to stargazing under pristine skies or enjoying high tea at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel.