Whether you're in need of a getaway with your better half or a long weekend with the kids in tow, escaping the hustle and bustle of Sydney is a great way to get back to nature. Fresh air, clear skies and no traffic are just a few of the reasons you should get out of the city.
With no need to book flights and spend hours in an airport queue or to take extended leave from work, there's plenty of perks to being able to head on a quick escape to switch off and relax.
Within just a few hours of Sydney you can find some of the best hikes and whale watching in NSW - and then there’s the surf to match.
So, whether you are looking for a way to kick back for a relaxing escape or raise your heart rate with some adventure, we’ve got some of the best spots for a break in NSW to enjoy.
Hawks Nest - Jimmys Beach
Hit the road and head north on the M1 towards Hawks Nest where you’ll find a sleepy coastal town with the best of what nature has to offer to keep you entertained.
2 hours and 30 minutes from Sydney, Hawks Nest is a tranquil slice of paradise.
Enjoy Bennetts Beach, or the nearby town of Tea Gardens where you can visit the art gallery or take a trip to Nelson Bay on the ferry.
If you are looking for a challenge then take on the Yacaaba Headland walking track for a 7km return hike while taking in the best view of both Myall Lakes and Port Stephens.
Nearby you can kick your heels up and relax at one of Reflections Holidays (and take your furry friends along as well, these parks are dog friendly). If you are looking for accommodation with all the bells and whistles, go glamping in a Deluxe Beach Tent or Villa at Jimmys Beach. For all rigs great and small and deluxe cabins, book into Reflections Hawks Nest.
Booti Booti National Park – Seal Rocks and Forster
Head to Booti Booti National Park for a long weekend if you have an extra day to get away or a long weekend to experience one of the most diverse landscapes on Australia’s East Coast.
The 8km peninsula stretching between Forster and Pacific Palms is the perfect location for bird watching, hiking, swimming or whale watching, and offers an abundance of nature’s best so you’ll have every activity at your fingertips during a weekend away. With such a large abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy, this area is one of the best cheap weekend getaways in NSW.
Enjoy the view at Cape Hawke and take in the scenery, or check out the Green Cathedral at Wallis Lake and you might even catch a glimpse of a wedding. The best hike in the area is Booti Hill where you can enjoy both the ocean and the lake on a 7-kilometre loop where you’ll spot wildlife and even some whales in winter.
Stay beachfront at Reflections Forster to be close to town for cafes and restaurants, and keep your eyes open for the nearby markets.
Just over the bridge you can also stay at Reflections Tuncurry and get surfing at 9 mile beach or a more leisurely pace in the rock pool. Both parks offer plenty of amenities and practically sit on the water for a seaside escape.
If you're looking to book your next back-to-nature getaway, head here.
Images supplied by Destination NSW.
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