Last-minute getaways in NSW that you are going to love

There’s a last-minute holiday in NSW that’s just right for you.

Need destination inspiration? Read on.

Sure, we all love the excitement of planning a holiday, but sometimes the best trips are those spur-of-the-moment escapes. You know the ones; the sun is shining, your schedule is miraculously free, and you pack a bag, jump in the car and hit the road.

Yep, it’s hard to beat the freedom, flexibility and fun of spontaneous travel, and with so many amazing destinations to choose from in Australia, we are a little spoilt for choice. One thing is certain, though: from glamping by a gorgeous beach to an old school bush break, a fun foodie escape or weekend winery visit, there’s a last-minute getaway in NSW that’s just right for you.

Best last-minute getaways in NSW

Cruisy coastal escapes

Jimmys Beach

Dreaming of being lulled to sleep by the sound of waves lapping the shore? How about a sunset stroll on a long, sandy, deserted beach? Peaceful bushlands meet gorgeous golden sands with great options for camping, glamping and villa stays at Jimmys Beach, a pristine back-to- nature experience in the Great Lakes district.

Jervis Bay

With stunning white sand beaches lapped by a sparkling blue ocean, dolphin watching cruises and national parks home to kangaroos and other wildlife, Jervis Bay is a justifiably popular bolthole easily reached from Sydney.

Lennox Head

A haven for surfers and anyone after a chilled-out coastal vibe, there’s much to love about laidback Lennox Head. Sprawled along the seafront, the town is cruisy, the beaches are divine, plus there are beautiful national parks nearby and all the fun of Byron Bay just up the road. Check out Reflections Lennox Head, NSW, for a last-minute getaway right on the beach.

Terrigal

Fancy a beachside getaway with a side of boutique shopping, socialising and gourmet dining? Terrigal, just north of Sydney, is just the place, and is small enough that you can stroll from surf to spa in under five minutes.

Peaceful country and inland retreats

Lake Keepit

Craving a recharge in nature? Lake Keepit is a beautiful spot to set up camp with the kids – there’s plenty of wildlife about, and the lake provides idyllic conditions for boating, kayaking and swimming. Travelling as a couple and can’t be bothered packing a tent? Stylish eco tents with a private lakeside setting are just the spot for a last-minute romantic getaway.

Orange

A go-to for foodies, wine aficionados, and nature lovers. Think cellar doors, farm-fresh produce and food trails amidst spectacular scenery in the central highlands of NSW.

Copeton Waters:

The shores of beautiful Copeton Dam set the scene for a relaxing escape filled with bushwalking, kayaking, boating and stargazing. # Tip: You’ll find some great accommodation options at Copeton Waters Holiday and Caravan Park, which is also dog-friendly, so there’s no need to find a last-minute dog sitter.

Mudgee:

Head to Mudgee in the central west of NSW to sip and stroll your way through a weekend getaway of boutique wine tastings, country pubs and farm-to-fork experiences in picturesque surroundings.

Idyllic South Coast getaways

Bermagui:

Ok, it might sound like a cliché, but the Blue Pool really is a gem, and this sparkling ocean pool is reason enough to make the trip to Bermagui on the Sapphire Coast. Add in fresh oysters, coastal trails and a super-chilled vibe for a last-minute weekend getaway in southern NSW you will never forget.

Mollymook:

Calling all foodies. For a relaxed yet refined escape, Mollymook on the south coast, combines fabulous fine dining with top surf beaches, epic coastal scenery and a stunning golf course.

Eden:

Come for the humpback whales and stay for the seafood and epic coastal scenery. Eden combines historic charm with natural wonders, and the Whale Trail is an absolute must if you’re visiting between May and November. Fancy a water view from your campsite or cabin? Eden Holiday and Caravan Park is your spot.

Fun weekend escapes from Sydney

Kiama

As well as the famous Blowhole (the largest in the world), you will find charming cafes and dramatic cliffside paths, plus ancient rainforests and waterfalls in the surrounding hills. For a scenic drive, leave Sydney via Royal National Park and drive over the Sea Cliff Bridge – it’s a trip in itself!

Kangaroo Valley

Sydneysiders searching for a ‘last-minute getaway near me’ are bound to see Kangaroo Valley pop up on their screen. Come for lush green landscapes, quaint villages set amidst rolling hills, and yes, plenty of kangaroos (as well as wallabies and if you are lucky, maybe even a wombat.)

Blue Mountains

Waterfalls, hikes, and misty views await. Fancy a two-day bush walk? The newly opened Grand Cliff Top Walk leads you through stunning mountain scenery with endless panoramas.

Lake Macquarie

How about golden beaches, quaint waterfront towns and endless opportunities for water sports? Lake Macquarie is close enough to Sydney for an easy weekend getaway but feels worlds away.

Last-minute getaways near Newcastle

Seal Rocks

Rugged and remote, Seal Rocks has a unique kind of magic and some of the most magnificent coastal scenery in NSW. Soak it up from a campsite or cabin, or treat yourselves to a very special last-minute getaway and book a villa with sea views at Seal Rocks Holiday and Caravan Park.

Barrington Tops:

Ready for an outdoor adventure? Think world heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest, dramatic waterfalls, fascinating gold rush heritage and fast-flowing rivers.

Port Stephens:

Who doesn’t love dolphins? Known as Australia’s dolphin capital, Port Stephens is a top spot for dolphin cruises (and whale watching in the winter). You will also find the amazing Stockton Bight Sand Dunes here – the largest in Australia.

Easy trips from Canberra

Lake Burrinjuck

Fancy a quick fishing trip? How about hiking scenic bush trails? Or maybe a spontaneous camping adventure with the kids? Beautiful Lake Burrinjuck is just a couple of hours from the capital and ticks all the last-minute getaway boxes. Treat yourselves to gorgeous views with a lakefront stay at Reflections Lake Burrinjuck.

Batemans Bay

A classic coastal escape easily reached from Canberra, Batemans Bay has calm water conducive to all types of water sports, while the seafood is phenomenal. Make sure to try the famous Clyde River oysters.

Braidwood

A historic gold mining town, Braidwood is easily visited on a day trip from Canberra, but its closeness to the capital also makes it an easy getaway of the last-minute persuasion. Stay for the weekend to really appreciate all its charms, including fabulous antique stores, atmospheric cafes, bakeries filled with all kinds of goodies, and pretty countryside.

Getaways from the Gold Coast & Brisbane

Leave the urban sprawl of the Gold Coast behind and make a dash across the border. Both Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay are just over an hour away, and are top picks for a rejuvenating weekend of surf, sun and sand on the far north coast of NSW.

Byron Bay

Craving surf, sunshine and laid-back vibes? Byron Bay is the ultimate last-minute coastal escape. Whether it’s sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse, a lazy afternoon on Main Beach, or browsing the boutique shops and markets, this iconic town always delivers. Stay just steps from it all at Reflections Byron Bay and soak up the best of beachside living.

Brunswick Heads

Chilled, charming and effortlessly cool, Brunswick Heads is a North Coast gem perfect for an impromptu getaway. Paddle the calm waters of the Brunswick River, grab fish and chips by the footbridge, or kick back in one of the town’s retro-style cafés. For a relaxed riverside stay, Reflections Brunswick Heads is just the spot.

Quick planning tips for a stress-free escape

• Book online or call ahead:
  Remember too that you will often find the best deals if you travel outside of peak season, and try to avoid last-minute getaways on busy long weekends.
• Pack light and smart:
  You don’t need much for a weekend away, so just pack a few changes of clothes, swimmers, thongs, a torch and something warm just in case. If you like camping but can’t be bothered organising your camping gear, definitely consider staying in an on-site glamping tent or simple cabin.
• Don’t overthink meals:
  Keep things easy and pop a few staples in the esky – including snacks for the drive, obviously! Then look for local takeaways, because Friday night fish and chips by the beach always taste so good!
• Be flexible:
  Spontaneity and freedom are the name of the game when setting out on a last-minute holiday, so stay open-minded and go with the flow – you never know what hidden paradise you may discover.