The first snow of the season is already here, and winter is inching closer, which means it’s time to start planning your seasonal getaways and snow day adventures. A winter holiday is one of the best ways to beat the blues that can creep in as the cold sets in. What that holiday looks like is up to you: maybe it’s ski resorts and mulled wine, snow-dusted mountains and crisp morning walks, or cosy cafés with crackling fireplaces. Whatever your preference, this list has a little bit of everything. So bundle up, bring your sense of adventure and prepare to be charmed by the best winter towns NSW has to offer.
1. Katoomba
A classic winter favourite and the most popular town in the Blue Mountains, Katoomba is made for cold-weather escapes. Wander down its vibrant main street and you’ll find cosy cafés, boutique shops, and heritage buildings, mingled with lovely mountain views in the distance. It’s also home to stunning hikes that go nicely with the fresh mountain air, Art Deco buildings, waterfalls and world-famous structures. Just 1.5 hours from Sydney and easily accessible by public transport, it’s our pick for a low-effort, high-reward winter getaway that ticks all the boxes. Discover our favourite things to do in Katoomba.
Highlights: Katoomba Falls night-lit walk for an after-dark adventure, Scenic World for the world’s steepest railway and Street Art Walk for local art.
Distance: 1.5-hour drive from Sydney
2. Oberon
If you don’t want to travel all the way to the Snowy Mountains for your snowy adventures, Oberon is the next best thing. With crisp frosts, regular dustings of snow, and nearby pine forests that are occasionally blanketed in white, it’s no wonder Oberon is considered one of the best winter towns in NSW. Prefer to stay warm and cosy? This high-elevation town also boasts sun-drenched gardens in winter, charming farmstays, and natural wonders that are best explored when the air is cool and crisp. Bonus: Winter is truffle season in Oberon, so come hungry.
Highlights: The Oberon Community and Farmers Market for baked goods and fresh produce, and truffle hunting with RedGround Truffle Hunts.
Distance: 3-hour drive from Sydney
3. Blackheath
With its quaint cafes, antique stores, walking trails, and charming main street, Blackheath embodies the quintessential mountain town. It’s a fantastic base if you want to explore the Blue Mountains National Park, offering easy access to iconic hikes like the Grand Canyon Track, scenic lookouts, native wildlife, and clifftop walks. Just a stone’s throw from Sydney, Blackheath makes for a cosy, quick winter escape when you just want to get out of the city.
Highlights: For a taste of local life, stop by the popular Blackheath Growers Market or hunt for unique treasures at the Victory Theatre Antique Centre.
Distance: 1.5-hour drive from Sydney
4. Jindabyne
Jindabyne is a popular alpine town, nestled on the shores of the picturesque Lake Jindabyne at the edge of the Snowy Mountains. As the base for major ski resorts like Thredbo and Perisher, it sees frequent snowfall throughout winter, making it the go-to destination for skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers, and snow-lovers alike. Jindabyne also delivers on the cosy factor, with plenty of natural scenery, welcoming pubs, hearty eateries, and charming cottages and resorts perfect for warming up after a day in the snow.
Highlights: Spend a day at Charlotte Pass, take a walk through Kosciuszko National Park, or go horse riding with Thredbo Valley Horse Riding.
Distance: 5-hour drive from Sydney
5. Bowral
This Southern Highlands hotspot is a local favourite all year round, but it’s something special in winter. Misty and romantic, Bowral comes alive with eclectic cafés, blooming tulip gardens, country pubs, and cosy bookshops perfect for curling up in on a chilly day. You’ll also find colourful markets serving up hearty baked goods and great coffee, along with plenty of countryside scenery to soak up. Cool-climate wineries and national parks round out the winter experience here.
Highlights: Dirty Janes Antique Market for vintage treasures, the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame for a dose of history, and Harry’s on Green Lane for a classic breakfast or brunch.
Distance: 1.5-hour drive from Sydney
6. Armidale
Armidale is absolutely ablaze with colour in autumn, but don’t overlook it in winter. As Australia’s highest city, it regularly drops below freezing, but if you want a true-blue winter experience, this picturesque regional hub is well worth the detour. Swap the usual ski resorts for a scenic drive along the Waterfall Way, admire heritage architecture on a walking tour, and sip local craft beer at New England Brewing Co. You’ll also have nearby national parks largely to yourself, minus the scorching heat. Armidale seldom sees snow, but the days can be frosty, so pack your warmest clothes.
Highlights: Sample cool-climate wines at Petersons Winery, find local art at Armidale Art Gallery, and explore the wild and wonderful Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
Distance: Less than a 6-hour drive from Sydney
7. Kangaroo Valley
For a town that looks almost postcard-perfect and offers so much natural beauty, Kangaroo Valley still flies surprisingly under the radar. Wrapped in fog and surrounded by rolling hills and rainforest views, it’s hard to believe a place this tranquil is just a stone’s throw from major cities. Winter is one of the best times to visit — there are fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation deals, and bushwalks are more pleasant without baking in the sun.
Highlights: Look out for Australia’s last surviving wooden suspension bridge, the stunning Fitzroy Falls, and warm up with a drink at the heritage-listed local pub, the Friendly Inn.
Distance: 2-hour drive from Sydney
8. Leura
As one of the prettiest towns in the Blue Mountains, Leura is a delight no matter the time of year, but winter transforms it into a magical escape. Elegant cottages, beautiful gardens overlooking the mountains, boutique shops, and cafes with crackling fireplaces line the main streets of the town. Pack a picnic and enjoy the winter sunshine at one of its many gardens, surrounded by mountain views, hike to the Leura Cascades or tackle the more challenging 13km Federal Pass walk, and warm up with what many say is the best hot chocolate in the Blue Mountains at Josophan’s Fine Chocolates.
Highlights: Everglades House & Gardens, browse the quirky teapot collection at Bygone Beautys, and Leura Cascades walk.
Distance: 1.5-hour drive from Sydney