long-weekend-sydney-ideas

13 Long Weekend Ideas Out Of Sydney 2024

Looking for long weekend ideas in Sydney? If you’re feeling like it’s time for some Sydney getaways, look no further.

There’s so many incredible places to visit in Sydney that we’re here to inspire you to have the best long weekend in Sydney!


Low on cash this long weekend?

If you’re looking to stay home and need some cheap things to do in Sydney this long weekend, click on the link below!


We’re going to share all of our tips to have the best long weekend in Sydney 2020. There’s literally something for everyone! If you’ve not explored the area around Sydney yet, this is your opportunity!

1. FOR THE FAMILY

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Just 3 hours north of Sydney lies the ultimate family destination at Port Stephens. Expect to see something for everyone!

From horse riding on the beach, the incredibly popular sand dunes tour (book here) or the equally popular quad biking tour (book here).

There are so many things to do in Port Stephens, you’ll have no problems keeping the kids entertained!

Watch our video of Port Stephens below!

Book a Port Stephens tour!

 


2. FOR THE MOUNTAINS LOVER

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Click here to read our best 30 things to do in Blue Mountains >

There are so many things to do in Blue Mountains, it’s not just for the hiking types.

Read our 30 Romantic things to do in Blue Mountains here. You might just be surprised with what’s on offer!

If you want a relaxing weekend away, then the Japanese Bath House in Blue Mountains is the place for you. A Japanese Bath House you say? That’s right. And did we mention it’s just $70 pp. It’s honestly one of the best things we’ve done near Sydney.

Click here to read our Japanese Bath House review >

Watch our video at the Japanese Bath House below!

Looking for Blue Mountains accommodation ideas?

Click here to read our favourite 13 places to stay in Blue Mountains.

From a tree house to a backpackers, to an awesome couples retreat – there’s something for everyone!

Looking for a Blue Mountains tour?

 


3. FOR THE CITY LOVER

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Newcastle is located just a two hour drive north of Sydney and is often overlooked by many. We’ve lived there for most of this year and I can admit it’s a proper little gem. There’s so much to see there that you really need to check it out.

Think of brilliant beaches (read about our favourite beaches here), rock pools, great places to eat and some proper gems like the best cinema we’ve ever been to and more!

Click here to read our top 38 things to do in Newcastle >

Looking for a Newcastle NSW tour?

 


4. FOR THE ART LOVER

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We were completely blown away by Canberra during our recent visit. If you’re looking for a weekend away near Sydney which has some of the best art currently in Australia as well as some awesome hidden things to do, you must check it out!

Read: 27 Amazing Things To Do In Canberra >

If you’re looking for Canberra accommodation, click here to read all about our stay at Ovolo Nishi. 

Watch our video of our stay at Ovolo Nishi below!

Looking for a Canberra tour?

 


5. FOR THE BEACH LOVER

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Expect the world’s whitest sand, the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen with pristine clear waters, plenty of dolphins, some of Australia’s best camping spots, and a vibe that’s comparable to Byron Bay. All of this is just a 3 hour drive South of Sydney at Jervis Bay!


6. FOR THE ONE THAT NEEDS SOME TIME OUT

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If you need a bit of time out from your current life, I’d recommend Sunnataram Forest Monastery in Bundanoon.

They usually hold a meditation retreat once a month on a weekend but during long weekends the retreats last a bit longer. I’ve been to this place 3 times in the last year, it’s amazing! Expect a combination of walking and sitting meditation, dharma talks, tai chi and awesome vegetarian food.

Click here to read our review of Sunnataram Forest Meditation Retreat >


7. FOR THE ISLAND STAY

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If you want to get away from Sydney but not drive very far, Scotland Island ithe place to go. It’s an amazing little gem, located on Pittwater.

We’ve stayed at Scotland Island Lodge twice now and it’s absolutely perfect. Their home cooking doesn’t get much better, and you’ll be able to do various hikes around the small island (30 minutes each) and even hire out a kayak to get around the area. Just make sure you ask for the room with the spa 🙂

Click here to read our review of Scotland Island >

Watch our video of Scotland Island below!


8. FOR THE GARDENS LOVER

breenhold-gardens-mount-wilson

If you love gardens then you’re in luck because the beautiful Breenhold Gardens in Mount Wilson in the Blue Mountain have opened their doors for Spring.

They are only open during Autumn and Spring but it’s worth going to as it’s incredible. I got a lot of British vibes from these gardens in a really nice way when I visited.

Click here to read our review of Breenhold Gardens >

Watch our video at Breenhold Gardens below!


9. FOR THE WATERFALLS LOVER

BEST-WATERFALLS-IN-SYDNEY(1)

If it’s warm enough during the long weekend why not try and find some of my favourite wild swimming spots and beach spots around Sydney?

You’ll feel like you’re in paradise and be wondering how on earth you’re so close to Sydney and never knew any of these places existed?

Click here to read our top 9 Wild Swimming Spots Near Sydney >


10. FOR THE ROMANTICS

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If you’re stuck for ideas to impress a loved one, I’ve planned 16 romantic getaways all within a 3 hour drive of Sydney.

From sleeping in a tree house, to bush walks, to romantic waterfalls, to staying in one of the most beautiful and luxury hotels near Sydney, it’s all here in this post.

Click here to read Top 16 Romantic Getaways Out Of Sydney >


11. FOR THE BYRON BAY LOVER NEAR SYDNEY

avoca-beach-central-coast

If you love the chilled out beach vibes of Byron Bay but don’t want to travel far, I’d definitely recommend spending the weekend at Avoca Beach.

There’s some really great beaches up there, one of the healthiest cafes in Australia, a gorgeous cinema and a chilled vibe that will make you think you’re in Byron Bay.

Avoca is only 1h 30min drive from Sydney so you can save the cash from the flights and time.

Click here to read our review of  Avoca Beach >


Want to travel a bit further away from Sydney? Check out some of our favourite places to visit in Australia!

12. FOR THE ACTUAL BYRON BAY LOVER

BYRON-BAY-RESTAURANTS

It’s not quite a 3 hour drive out of Sydney, but if you want to get far, far away, then Byron Bay is a must visit. Check out the most amazing airbnb right on the beach, and another amazing airbnb at the famous Wategoes Beach and my top 14 places to eat. Byron Bay is the quintessential Australian beach town to chill out and relax in.

Read more: Top 13 things to do in Byron Bay

Read more: Top 14 places to eat in Byron Bay

Looking for Byron Bay tours?

 


13. FOR THE GUARANTEED HEAT AND SUNSHINE

Palm-Cove-or-port-douglas

Let’s face it, we have to prepare ourselves for rain (hopefully not!). But, if you want guaranteed sunshine and a hot weekend, why not catch the end of the season in Northern Queensland.

The three main areas to stay in can be a hard choice to decide upon, and based on my experience of visiting them all, I’ve broken it down into what each area offers best for a holiday.

Click here to read: Port Douglas v Palm Cove v Cairns

 


And here’s a few more ideas.

Visit paradise at Seal Rocks and Pacific Palms

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We’re currently living in Pacific Palms which is near to Forster and I have to say this area is out of this world. Honestly we have back to back beaches that are so incredibly beautiful and deserted, it’s honestly one of the biggest gems in NSW.

Just a three hour journey from Sydney, if you’re looking to get away from it all, this is THE place to go!

You can thank me later for introducing you to paradise 😉

Read more: 7 reasons why you must visit Seal Rocks


Visit the amazing Bellingen

things-to-do-in-bellingen-nsw

You know when you visit somewhere and you’re in two minds about whether to share it because it really is that amazing? Yep, well that’s Bellingen for you. It’s our absolute favourite place in the whole of Australia. Why? Expect 1 million year old rainforests in Dorrigo that will make you wonder how on earth they aren’t jammed packed full of people, incredible places to eat and awesome pubs.

If we could live anywhere, it would be in Bellingen. And it’s a 5 hour road trip from Sydney.

Click here to read our favourite 27 things to do in Bellingen > 


Make sure it’s sunny in Sunshine Coast

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If you’re thinking of heading up to the Sunshine Coast for the long weekend and have no idea where to stay, check out our post which mentions the reasons to stay in either Noosa, Mooloolaba or Glasshouse Mountains.

We’ve written a lot of posts about the Sunshine Coast so start here with this one to start your adventure.

Click here to read Noosa vs Mooloolaba vs Glasshouse Mountains >

Looking for a Sunshine Coast tour?

 


Long Weekend Ideas Near Sydney

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