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Winter Getaways NSW: 7 Beautiful Locations for the Ultimate Cosy-Core Escape
We’re walking in a winter wonderland with these gorgeous winter getaways in NSW.
If the early sunsets and week-long-rain-bombs of winter get you down, maybe it’s time to plan a little escape to look forward to. We’re thinking slow country hangs, mountain-side red wine sipping, roasting marshmallows by the fire.
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).
NSW Winter Escapes: Hunter Valley
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.
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.
NSW Winter Escapes: 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. Once you’re done head to Blue Mountains Sauna to rest your weary muscles.
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.
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.
NSW Winter Escapes: Orange
Orange: Explore
Alongside hitting up the regions abundance of wineries, be sure to check what ‘s in season fruit wise and soak up some sun with a spot of fruit picking at Hillside Harvest.
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!
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 amazing Sister’s Rock Restaurant, which is worth it for the view alone!
NSW Winter Escapes: The Hawkesbury
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.
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.
NSW Winter Escapes: Berry
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. Berry village is 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.
NSW Winter Escapes: Bowral
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.
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. If you’re feeling French, Franquette Creperie is perfect for crepes and cider.
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.
NSW Winter Escapes: Canberra
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. If you’re not sure where to start, head to Paranormal Wines for a natty drop, Recess for coffee, Intra for quick bites and Pilot for a dinner to remember.
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.
Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
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