The King’s Birthday long weekend offers the perfect excuse to swap the city for a few days in the country. While it’s tempting to stick to the usual coastal hotspots, Regional NSW is also rich with historic spots that come alive in the cooler months — with quaint cafes, scenic countryside trails, cosy pubs with fireplaces and old-world charm without the peak-season rush. Best of all, these hidden gems are situated within an easy, scenic drive of Sydney. Whether you are chasing a spontaneous road trip or a quick reset, these charming country towns offer the perfect winter escape this long weekend.
1. Berrima
Just a 1.5 hour drive from Sydney, Berrima is touted as mainland Australia’s best preserved Georgian village. The heritage village has changed remarkably little since the 19th century with sandstone buildings, historic churches and a charming main street. Spend your mornings wandering along the Wingecarribee River or browsing the quaint local boutiques in town. When the temperature drops in the evening, grab a stool by the roaring open fire at the Surveyor General Inn — the pub has been pouring drinks since 1834 and holds the title of the country’s oldest continuously licensed inn. Plan your perfect winter getaway to Berrima with our seasonal guide.
2. Kangaroo Valley
Flanked by dramatic rainforest escarpments and lush farmland, Kangaroo Valley feels like its worlds away despite being just two hours south of Sydney. The charming country village offers a brilliant alternative to the busy coastal destinations that often draw long weekend crowds. Here you can browse the boutique shops and galleries in town or head to nearby attractions including Australia’s last surviving wooden suspension bridge — the heritage-listed Hampden Bridge, the stunning Fitzroy Falls and a network of walking trails through surrounding national parks, then head straight to the beer garden at The Friendly Inn, one of the region’s oldest pubs.
3. Milton
If you thought the South Coast was all beaches and coastal adventures, Milton will make you rethink your winter itinerary. Located just under three hours from Sydney, this trendy country town offers the best of both worlds — rolling green pastures on one side and the turquoise ocean on the other. Start your day at Milk Haus, a garden-to-plate eatery housed in an old 19th-century cheese factory, before strolling through the heritage streetscape lined with quality local boutiques and antique stores. Then spend a lazy afternoon at Altar Wine Bar, tucked away in an 1880s churchyard, or head to nearby Cupitt’s Estate to sample boutique wines and local cheeses right next to a crackling open fireplace.
4. Morpeth
If a long weekend calls for slowing down, few places do it better than Morpeth. Perched on the banks of the Hunter River, the historic town is one of the best-preserved heritage destinations in NSW, with a collection of beautifully restored buildings, antique stores and speciality shops. It’s also a fantastic alternative for those who want the Hunter Valley experience without the crowds. You can spend a quiet morning picking up a sourdough loaf from the historic Morpeth Sourdough bakery, which operates out of the original 1860s Arnott’s bakehouse or grab a craft beer or a hearty pub lunch by the open fire at the Commercial Hotel. Plan your getaway with our guide to Morpeth.
5. Carcoar
For a town with fewer than 300 residents, Carcoar packs a great amount of history into a remarkably small footprint. The third-oldest settlement west of the Blue Mountains, it’s often dubbed as the “town that time forgot” and it is easy to see why. It is so beautifully preserved and practically unchanged since the 19th century that it is frequently used as a backdrop for period films and television shows. Spend a crisp winter morning wandering down the main street, grab a hot coffee and a homemade pie from The Village Grocer or take a crisp winter walk along the Belubula River.
