Winter Getaways NSW: 7 Beautiful Location for the Ultimate Cosy-Core Escape

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 slow country hangs, mountain-side red wine sipping, roasting marshmallows by the fire. 

So whether you’re looking to plan a romantic weekend trip, a babymoon or a group vacay, these are the best winter getaways in NSW. And don't forget to pack your best cosy-core clothes (cable-knit jumpers, ugg boots, chunky scarves, silk PJs... you know the vibes).

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, the Hunter Valley 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, we've unearthed some of the best hidden gems on offer. Our first pick is the charming Broke Village Market, held on the first Sunday of every month. McNamara Park is transformed into a market with over fifteen stalls popping up across the park. Expect BBQs, toy stalls, gourmet food products and, of course, wine (it is the Hunter after all). 

Then, of course, there is the natural beauty of the region. The best way to see the area is via the Around Hermitage Wine and Food Trail, which takes advantage of the new cycleway along Hermitage Road. Along the trail, you'll pass through boutique wineries, an art gallery and sculpture garden, antique stores, a chocolate shop, wine and cooking schools, and a day spa. 

Hunter Valley: Stay

There are so many gorgeous places to stay in the Hunter Valley. But our top pick for a cosy winter getaway would be to sleep among the vines at Vinden Estate Wines, Wandin Estate or Tinonee Estate.

Nestled in Pokolbin, The Lane Retreat stands as a serene haven mere moments from Hunter Valley Gardens. This unassuming escape features 60 studio retreats, each with a captivating view of the timeless Broken Back Range and the 1968 Bimbadgen vineyard. You won't run out of things to do with this Hunter Valley gem. You can unwind by the pool, enjoy wine in the peaceful outdoor areas, or discover gourmet delights at the Lane Pantry.

Hunter Valley: Eat & Drink

There’s no denying that the Hunter Valley foodie scene is all about the wine, but the restaurants are just as impressive. For modern Australian, éRemo Restaurant should be at the top of your list. For heavenly local meat, Yellow Billy will not disappoint. And for a gorgeous local café vibe, Cafe Enzo is the place to dine. 

As for the wineries, there's simply far too many to name. Head here for our definitive breakdown of the best wineries in the Hunter Valley. 

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 shortage of amazing 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 Blue Mountains.

Blue Mountains: Stay

If you’re keen to stay in the heart of the Blue Mountains, you can't go past the timeless elegance of The Carrington, or, equally as iconic, The Hydro Majestic. For a cute motel vibe, the newly renovated Kyah is a fabulous option. Set on two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens in a quiet backstreet in the Blue Mountains' bohemian Blackheath, there's an on-site restaurant, spa and complimentary breakfast. 

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 town, but we have such a soft spot for Mudgee. If you’re a wine lover, you absolutely must explore the Mudgee Region, which is a two-hour drive from Orange.

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 Kitchen & Bar, 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 options. We promise you, this is the start of a truly memorable group getaway!

The Hawkesbury: Explore

One of Hawkesbury’s best-kept secrets, Marramarra National Park 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 fire pit for toasting marshies in the church steeple, and it sleeps 10 comfortably with grounds big enough to throw a truly epic gathering!

For a dose of luxury, a stay at the Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley will have you feeling like royalty.

Set within eight hectares of landscaped gardens, the property features a fitness centre, tennis courts, two golf courses, a day spa, an indoor heated swimming pool, and a sauna.  The rooms are modern and well appointed with an en suite bathroom, heating/air conditioning and Smart TVs.

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.

Oh, beautiful Berry! With its heritage buildings, enviable foodie scene, boutique shopping, beautiful homesteads and wineries aplenty, this nostalgic lifestyle makes the perfect backdrop to any winter getaway. 

Berry: Explore

A must when it comes to things to do in Berry is the view at Drawing Room Rocks Bushwalk and Lookout. It’s a 4.5km return walk, so don your walking shoes and be ready for some incredible views.

Or, if bushwalking isn't your thing, work up your heart rate with a stroll along the main shopping strip, because after all, it is one of the best things to do in Berry. Around Berry village, it’s brimming with boutiques and homeware stores that ooze country charm. Moss Nest is an eclectic treasure trove while Few and Far is a beautiful curation of homewares from around the world.

Berry: Stay

For something different, stay at the recently revamped Berry View. This new boutique hotel in the heart of Berry is a retro step back in time and features 13 well-appointed rooms. For a more classic option, the Drawing Rooms of Berry offer four stylish self-contained lodges tucked away on beautiful acreage. 

Berry: Eat & Drink

Berry may be a small town but it sure packs a big punch when it comes to its incredible foodie scene. First off, Berry's bakery and cafe are unbeatable. From Milkwood Bakery to the famous Berry Donut Van, this town knows how to do it. 

It's also brimming with a slew of local wineries. At Silos Estate Cellar Door, taste the flavours of the Shoalhaven region in their fully restored 1870s building. Coolangatta Estate is a little further out of Berry, but it’s well worth the trip for its award-winning wines and beautiful grounds. The boutique winery, Two Figs Winery, produces wines that are equally as impressive as the views that look out over the Shoalhaven River.

Bowral is all about the finer things in life: sipping wine by a crackling fire, waking up to misty mountains, strolling through gorgeous gardens, and feasting at chef-hatted restaurants. There's an abundance of things to do in Bowral, but most of all, it’s a foodie and shopping destination, making it the perfect base for a weekend getaway. And, like the other Southern Highlands’ villages, it’s bursting with country charm.

Bowral: Explore

One of the best things to do in Bowral is the Mt Gibraltar Reserve walk. At 864 metres, it’s the highest point between Sydney and Canberra, and the views are incredible. Roll out a rug and catch up on each other’s lives while soaking up the scene. Easily one of the best free things to do in Bowral! 

The exhibitions at this contemporary art gallery are beautiful and change all the time. You'll find everything from photography exhibits to ceramics, printmaking, painting and sculpture. There are also plenty of lovely local made goodies for you to purchase as a memento of your trip. 

Bowral: Stay

The Southern Highlands has long been a retreat for Sydney’s elite. To join them, book a room at the five-star Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa. If we had to use one word to describe it, it’d be ‘grand.’ Set on 120 hectares of hilltop woodlands, it has tree-lined walkways, four-poster beds, marble bathrooms, a Wellness Spa, and more antiques than you can count. 

For a modern yet affordable option, Park Proxi is the perfect spot to base yourself for a weekend of exploring the best of Bowral. With an indoor pool, 18-hole golf course, restaurant and bar, all the comforts are accounted for. When it comes time to venture out, you're just a two-minute drive from Centennial Vineyards, a three-minute drive from the shops and a 12-minute walk from a scenic stroll through Gibbergunyah Reserve. 

Bowral: Eat & Drink

Your visit to Bowral is not complete without a stop at Gumnut Patisserie. Peruse shelves stacked with exquisite pastries, pies and breads that look almost too good to eat. 

The Royal Hotel Bowral is a relaxed family-owned pub and the ideal place to soak up the last hours of a day spent exploring. Sit by the fire with a drink or in the sundrenched courtyard. If you fancy a bite to eat, the elevated pub classics menu is a treat. Fancy a spot of live music? Swing by on a Saturday for some tunes. 

While not technically in NSW, Canberra is just a three-hour drive from Sydney so earns a well-deserved spot in this winter getaway wrap-up. 

Maybe you haven’t been to Canberra since your year six school camp, but trust us, it’s changed a lot since then and is well worth another visit. With a huge student population, a thriving cultural scene, and an amazing foodie scene, with slews of Sydney chefs making the pilgrimage down each year, Canberra has an unbeatable energy. 

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 a very affordable zero dollars! Canberra also plays host 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 places, our favourite would have to be Louis, where you can expect classic European dishes paired with exquisite cocktails and a backdrop of luxe interiors. We're talking a custom-built mosaic bar, marble, leather, pendant lighting and bentwood chairs. 

Now you've got all the inspo for your next winter getaway in NSW, check out our edit of the best glamping locations in NSW, and then have a look at our edit of Australia's best motels for luxury on a budget.