Spending a Few Days in NSW? You Can’t Miss This
Planning a short escape in New South Wales? Whether you’ve got a long weekend or a few midweek days to play with, this part of Australia serves up everything. Did you know that in this part of Australia, you’ll hear more than 275 different languages spoken; you will find the largest population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (3.4% of the NSW population); one of the oldest mountain chains on Earth; and one of the most beautiful and diverse coastal lines in Australia? NSW really does have a bit of everything, and, luckily, you don’t need weeks to see something special.
This guide rounds up some of the best spots for a quick trip (or combine them, if you end up staying longer), plus a few tips to help you travel smart, pack light, and make the most of every kilometre.
Blue Mountains (1–2 days)
Just 90 minutes west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains are an easy first escape for visitors who want big views and a cool change from the city:
- The first must-do on your list is to head straight to Echo Point Lookout in Katoomba for views of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation and the Jamison Valley.
- Then, ride the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest passenger train. You’ll first go down into the gorgeous rainforest, then return via an equally memorable Scenic Cableway (or Skyway).
- If you have time, wander through Leura, a cute little town known for its many trendy cafés, antique shops, and beautiful gardens.
- For a small taste of art, a building steeped in very interesting history, and a wee bit of juicy scandal (who doesn’t love a bit of gossip?), visit the Norman Lindsay Gallery.
For accommodation, we recommend going beyond the standard hotel if you can. Stay in a mountainside retreat like the Hydro Majestic Hotel, a favourite with Sydney celebrities since 1904, and you’re in for a truly unique experience.
Coastal Getaways for Families (1–2 days)
For those of you with kids, we’ve got you covered. These trips are all easygoing, have something for everyone, and they’re super low-stress:
- Forster offers calm beaches, lake swimming, paddleboarding, dolphin-watching cruises, and lots more outdoor fun. It’s relaxed and super family-friendly with plenty of fish and chip shops for dinner.
- Try Lake Conjola or Smiths Lake for outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and low-key camping. Both locations are ideal for slower trips, with close-to-nature experiences.
- Batemans Bay is another great place, as you’ll find playgrounds, picnic areas, and plenty of spots to try local seafood or grab a classic Aussie ice cream. Don’t forget your esky for beachside snacks!
- Many coastal spots have weekend markets or roadside produce stands with honesty boxes. This is a very typical Aussie way to shop, but you’ll need cash for most of them. If you’re not from Australia, order Aussie cash before heading out of the city.
The Grand Pacific Drive & South Coast (2–3 days)
This coastal route south from Sydney is perfect if you want sea views and small-town charm all within a few hours’ drive. Make sure you tick off a few of these:
- Cross the famous Sea Cliff Bridge, a dramatic stretch of road built out over the ocean. Opened in 2005, it offers fantastic views, a chance to stop and rest for a bit, and you can even see whales during migration season.
- Stop in Wollongong for beaches, botanical gardens and a growing foodie scene. The local lighthouse and harbour walk are perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
- Visit Jervis Bay, known for its white sand and fantastic dolphin-watching cruises. You can swim or snorkel, or if you just want to relax, there’s plenty of space to sunbathe on the beach, but the UV rating is often high, so remember sunscreen.
- Don’t miss the bakery in Berry, a country town with excellent coffee, boutique stores, and markets.
- Kiama is a great overnight base. Check out the blowhole and grab fish and chips by the harbour.
Outback NSW & Thunderbolts Way (3–4 days)
What’s an Aussie road trip without the outback? Thunderbolts Way takes you through dramatic country landscapes with a wild west feel and big starry skies. It’s the kind of route that feels entirely middle-of-nowhere remote without being too far off the map.
- Start in Gloucester, a country town with views of the Bucketts Mountains. It’s also a great base for supplies before heading to quieter territory.
- Drive north through Barrington Tops, a national park full of rivers, forest, and plenty of wildlife. Looking for a platypus in the streams, or go for a bushwalk.
- Follow Thunderbolts Way, named after the bushranger Captain Thunderbolt. Stop in Walcha or Uralla, both tiny towns with a surprising amount of art, history and great local pies. Visit the local museums to dig deeper into the past.
Just remember: this is the outback. Your vehicle needs to be in top shape, have more than enough water (plan for extra days, just in case!), and get a full tank before you start your journey. Also, phone reception can be very patchy, so download those Google Maps while you’re on WiFi.
To explore NSW, you don’t need weeks, but you’ll want them. But with a bit of careful planning, you can get a lot done in just a few days. We’ve given you a range of options depending on your likes and travel preferences, but NSW has even more to offer.