You don’t need to go outside of Australia or even New South Wales to have an extraordinary getaway. Take New South Wales for instance, a region with a wide scope of exciting events and hotspots, from the ski fields of Thredbo at Mount Kosciuszko to the shorelines of Byron Bay, world-renowned Sydney Opera House, to the small towns that are just a couple of hours of Sydney.

Sydneysiders have an abundant amount of decisions when it comes time to leave the city and hit the road for a short break. What’s more, winter is a brilliant time to get out and investigate the numerous areas that are just simply a stone throw away.

Not only is the state overflowing with extraordinary attractions and activities – from world-class wine districts to ravishing hinterland towns – yet New South Wales likewise offers delightful and one of a kind accommodation types simply ideal for any sort of getaway with either the one you love or the whole family. A winter getaway goes in either 2 directions, escaping the winter and seeking the sun, or embracing it and only retreat into the coziness of the cabin to rest.

Here are the top 5 winter getaways in New South Wales for those that want a little bit more:

Kosciuszko National Park

Winter is here, so might as well embrace it and enjoy what the season has brought along with it. Mount Kosciuszko is a whooping six and a half hours drive from Sydney, but offers some wonderful views of the white glistening snow, and that is before you even hit the slopes.

Although Thredbo accommodation types typically operate during June to September. You can ski, snowboard, snowshoe about or simply gaze at the white backdrop from a jacuzzi from one of the many resorts. But, there are much more to Mount Kosciuszko than just the snow, it is great all year round.

Tourist info: Kosciuszko National Park

Embrace The Hunter Valley

Cessnock is the passage to the Hunter Valley district, overflowing with endless supply of grapevines and stunning vineyards. Visit one of the many wineries and partake in tastings or feast at the gourmet eateries that are on offer. At the same time, you’ll be dealt with ravishing sights to behold.

Maybe you could even appreciate a sentimental hot air balloon ride over the vineyards? Or, on the other hand just get comfortable in a secluded and cozy house with beautiful surrounds. Although that is not all, you can horse ride, hike, quad bike and much more.

Explore Wollongong

The next biggest city in New South Wales after Sydney is Wollongong. It is only 1 and a half hours’ drive from Sydney, and it presents some genuinely lovely shorelines. While you won’t be really swimming in winter, there are couple of things that are a bit sentimental to partake in, such as a long stroll on the sand or to simply explore the many great restaurants on offer.

Being a bustling metropolitan it poses as a great base to explore the many great attractions this town has to offer. Be sure to check out Nan Tien Temple which is one of the biggest buddhist temples in the Southern Hemisphere, or check the sights of Wollongong from one of the Mountain lookouts.

Tourist info: Wollongong

 

Stay In Sydney & Experience The Light Festival

Sydney is always a great fallback with plenty of options to keep you entertained throughout the day and even the night. Locals & tourists alike escape to the CBD especially amid this cold season particularly for the famous Vivid festival. The city is the delightful setting to the abundantly adored winter celebration of lights, music and ideas. It is one of the biggest and most unique festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Commencing on the 26th of May till the 17th June this year, Vivid showcases daily light shows that consists of mind boggling craftsmanship, with the sails of the Sydney Opera House coming to life with intricate shapes and designs. Along the great display there are numerous pubs and theatres scattered around the area with renown music performers. Definitely book well ahead of time, as crowds do flock the streets and waterfront hotels.

The Shorelines Of Byron Bay

Flights to Byron Bay takes about 1 and a half hours from Sydney. Here, visitors are left with the assortment of unwinding exercises, for example, yoga, rainforest strolls and spa packages to more adventurous acts like kayaking and circus arts. However, why make go to a beach front town when it’s winter? Well swimming is not by any means the only fun thing, one notable attraction amid winter is the sights of whales migrating. You may get an opportunity to see these majestic creatures swim elegantly through the water.

But, not only is Byron Bay a great destination for this, but anywhere from the North to South Coast of New South Wales poses as a great destination. Not just that, you can appreciate a marvelous road trip to Byron Bay, winding along the edge of Australia with numerous extraordinary landmarks on the way.

So plan ahead this winter and enjoy the many marvels of Australia.

Tourist info: Byron Bay

Author Bio:

Recently having moved from the States to Sydney, Olivia spends her time exploring the great hidden gems of New South Wales. Enjoying the golden sandy beaches and lush forests of the Land down under, she occasionally writes for Great Lost. In hope of motivating, learning and informing others.