Winter Getaways: 5 Beautiful NSW Escapes for the Ultimate in Winter Wanderlust

If the early sunsets and week-long-rain-bombs are getting you down, maybe it’s time to plan a little escape. We’re thinking countryside escapes, mountain-side red wine, roasting marshmallows by the fire… scenes straight from a Hallmark movie!

So whether you’re looking to plan a romantic weekend getaway, a babymoon or a group getaway, there are our favourite NSW destinations for a winter getaway.

You might think you have a handle on all the best things to do in the Hunter Valley, but trust us, there’s so much more than just wine – although the wine is truly epic! From the breathtaking landscapes to local artisans and plenty of red wine to keep you warm this is one of our all time favourite winter destinations in NSW.

Image credit: Talits Estate (@ginny_dougherty), Tinonee Estate, Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley: Explore

To handle the Hunter Valley like a true local, work your way through our checklist of epic hidden gems.

Hunter Valley: Stay

There are so many gorgeous places to stay in the Hunter Valley but our top pick for a romantic getaway would have to be to sleep among the vines at Vinden Estate Wines, Wandin Estate or Tinonee Estate. Or if you want to go full Under The Tuscan Sun for a truly memorable girls’ trip, check out Talits Estate, they sleep 10 and boast impeccable vibes with gorgeous manicured gardens and cosy fireplaces.

Hunter Valley: Eat & Drink

There’s no denying that when it comes to the Hunter Valley foodie scene, it’s all about the wine! Here are our favourite local restaurants as well as a edit of the best cellar doors and wineries to visit.

Maybe you haven’t been to Canberra since your year six school camp but, trust us, it’s more than worth another visit! With a huge student population, a thriving cultural scene and amazing foodie scene with slews of Sydney chefs making the pilgrimage down each year, Canberra has an almost unbeatable energy. We’re moving this destination to the top of your winter getaway bucket list, gather the gang, choose the perfect playlist cause it’s time for a road trip.

Canberra: Explore

 With artists and artisans galore, a weekend in Canberra is not complete without a visit to their famous local markets. If you’re feeling thrifty, Canberra also offers an amazing selection of free things to do with entrance to national galleries and museums ringing in at an very affordable zero dollars! Canberra also plays hosts to a heap of seasonal events and exhibitions, so make sure to check out what’s happening in Canberra this month.

Canberra: Stay

Per capita, Canberra might have more boutique hotels than anywhere else in the world. Our personal pick would be East Hotel, perfectly located in the heart of Kingston!

Canberra: Eat & Drink

Canberra’s foodie scene has been absolutely flourishing in recent years and delicious new restaurants are opening up every single month. Of all these new restaurants, our favourite would have to be Wilma from two-hatted chef James Viles and Brendan Hill (formerly of Sydney’s Aria and 12-Micron), It’s a delicious Asian barbeque spot with a focus on rich Australian ingredients.

With a village feel contrasted against the sheer majesty of the natural landscape, even the briefest mini-break to the Blue Mountains feels like a true getaway. With a World Heritage National Park and some true gastronomic delights, there’s no end of epic things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Blue Mountains: Explore

The breathtaking beauty of the Blue Mountains demands you get up close and personal. Check out the best hikes and walking trails around the Hunter Valley.

Blue Mountains: Stay

If you’re keen to stay in the heart of the Blue Mountains, check out our edit of the best local hotels or, if you’re looking for something a bit further afield check out Foy’s Folly in the breathtakingly beautiful Megalong Valley or the chic and romantic Chalets Blackheath.

Blue Mountains: Eat & Drink

The Blue Mountains foodie scene offers a treasure chest of hidden local gems. Head here to check out our favourite cafes and restaurants (the coffee culture up in the mountains is such a treat!) or, if you’re into the harder stuff, check out our favourite bars and pubs.

A bit further afield than some of our other choices, Orange is the crown jewel of the Central Tablelands. With gorgeous boutiques – everything at Jumbled, for example, is absolutely swoon-worthy – artists, artisans, vineyards and a blossoming foodie scene, Orange is absolutely worth the four-hour drive from Sydney.

Orange: Explore

It may seem a bit of a hard call to ask you to come to Orange and then explore an entirely different down but we have such a soft spot for Mudgee. If you’re a wine lover, you absolutely must explore the Mudgee Region, head here to check out our favourite tours. Or, if you’re all for staying in Orange, check out Orange’s hidden gems.

Orange: Stay

If you’re going on a group trip, we highly recommend the beautifully decorated White Place Home in Orange. It sleeps eight so you can bring the whole gang! Or, if you absolutely fall in love with Mudgee and decide to stay there, you cannot beat Sierra Escapes for a luxury glamping experience. Mountaintop bath anyone?

Orange: Eat & Drink

There are so many great local restaurants to explore and discover on your own but, if we had to narrow things down we’d recommend the tasting menu at Charred or the amazing Sister’s Rock Restaurant which was worth it for the view alone!

Grab the girls and get on the road to an epic locale with untouched natural beauty and a whole host of truly epic country pubs and unique accommodation. We promise you, this is the start of a truly memorable group getaway!

The Hawkesbury: Explore

One of the Hawkesbury’s best-kept secrets, Marramarra National Park is has something for everyone with canoeing, kayaking, swimming and cycling opportunities galore. It’s hard to believe that this national park is just a few hours from Sydney.

The Hawkesbury: Stay

One of our favourite unique rentals in NSW, St Joseph’s Guesthouse is – as you may have guessed – a former church! Stunning in sandstone, the convict-built church has been standing in St Albans since 1839. There’s a firepit for toasting marshies in the church steeple, and it sleeps 10 comfortably with grounds big enough to throw a truly epic gathering!

The Hawkesbury: Eat & Drink

How good is a country pub? With wholesome vibes and deliciously hearty meals, our faves in the area have to be the Berowra Waters Inn and The Royal Richmond Hotel. 

If you’re planning a getaway, firstly, please invite us, secondly make sure to check out our Destination pillar for all the travel inspo you’ll need from romantic getaways to tiny cabins and even retro-chic motels.