NSW is dotted with several picture-perfect towns with miles of rolling hills, lush forests, cascading waterfalls and spectacular beaches. These small towns offer unique experiences and natural scenery perfect for all types of travellers. Resisting the pace and bustle of their metropolitan counterparts, you’ll get everything at these quaint spots from cobblestone streets and vintage shops to well loved wineries and more. If you’re looking to get out of the city, add these small towns just under two hours from Sydney to your list.
1. Berrima, Southern Highlands
Berrima is considered Australia’s best-preserved village from the 1800s with plenty of old-school buildings and shops that are still standing. Take a step back in time and enjoy a moment of pause at this idyllic spot within easy reach of the city. The Berrima Heritage Walk will take you through the town’s history from the 1830s. As you saunter along Berrima’s main street, you’ll find a number of quaint cafés, antique shops and bakeries lined throughout the historic village. Other must-do activities include the Berrima River Walk where you can spot a platypus or two and the heritage Courthouse Museum.
If your idea of an ideal weekend includes a book, a cosy corner and a drink, make sure to stop by Berkelouw Book Barn. At the century-old bookhouse, you’ll find many literary treasures and a quiet space all to yourself. It also doubles up as a winery which is a plus. Find more things to see, eat and do in Berrima here.
Distance: 2-hour drive from Sydney
2. Berry, South Coast NSW
Berry has been named NSW’s best Small Tourism Town and it’s a fail-safe weekend getaway from Sydney with plenty on offer. Located in the Shoalhaven region of the NSW South Coast, Berry provides visitors with a little bit of everything along with a tight-knit community atmosphere. Head to the Berry Historic Museum and learn more about the town’s history or browse for souvenirs in one of its many heritage shops. Spend a lazy afternoon at The Berry Tea Shop or indulge your sweet tooth at The Treat Factory. A visit to Berry is incomplete without a stop at its iconic Donut Van which serves delicious cinnamon-spiced donuts and coffee.
Don’t forget to make a pitstop at the The Berry Markets, famous for their local produce, flowers, breads and cheeses. See our full guide to Berry here.
Distance: 2 hour drive from Sydney
3. Bowral, Southern Highlands
If you can’t get enough of Bridgerton, you’ll want to plan a trip to Bowral ASAP. The picture-perfect town could be from the Regency era and offers exceptionally Instagrammable cafés, cool-climate wineries and excellent boutique shops. Find your next read at Plantation along with brunch or enjoy high tea at Your Vintage Occasion — a cafe plus vintage emporium and antique market. Lookouts and walking trails at Mount Gibraltar Reserve, Corbett Gardens and a picnic at Cherry Tree Walk are also worth exploring. Here’s all you need to know about Bowral.
Distance: 1 hour, 45-minute drive from Sydney
4. Wollombi, Hunter Valley
Located 29 kilometres southwest of Cessnock, Wollombi might be the Hunter Valley’s best-kept secret. The historic town is a maze of well-preserved streets, pretty cottages and fine country pubs. The town will also throw you back to the 19th century with its magnificent architecture. Head to St Michael’s Church, St John’s Church and the Wollombi Endeavour Museum for a little glimpse of the past. If you’re visiting Australia’s oldest wine region, make sure to stop by its many wine shops.
The Undercliff Winery comes highly recommended for some of the best wine tastings in the region. If you’re visiting around Easter, make sure to stick around for the Wollombi markets, popular for their cheese, jams, breads and of course, wine.
Distance: 2-hour drive from Sydney
5. Leura, Blue Mountains
Leura is a small town just east of Katoomba and is often hailed as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Blue Mountains. The town offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor attractions to choose from. Head for brunch to the Instagram-famous Sorensen’s Glasshouse or get your fill of Mediterranean cuisine at Leura Garage.
Take a leisurely stroll down the expansive Everglades Gardens which beautifully blend the Australian bush with European-style landscapes or just walk around taking in the sights. Some lookouts and walks to add to your list: Leura Cascades, Gordon Falls, Leura Forest, Sublime Point and Jamison Lookout. There are heaps of warm and pleasant cafes lining the main street and a distinct Edwardian-style charm to the village.
Distance: 1.5-hour drive from Sydney
6. St Albans, Hawkesbury
The drive to St Albans is as pretty as the town itself. Passing through the outer suburb of Dural, you’ll travel along the Old Northern Road to the village. Here you can have lunch at the delightful Settlers Arms Inn, nestled between mountains and valleys, it serves both amazing pub grub and genuinely great views. The Maltings Mall offers plenty of theatre, entertainment and dining options. Water enthusiasts will want to add Stanborough Lakes to their list for sailing, rowing, and other activities, a beautiful 126-acre countryside park with two lakes.
Distance: 2-hour drive from Sydney
7. Blackheath, Blue Mountains
The quiet town of Blackheath is another gem in the Blue Mountains which is especially lovely during spring and autumn. And all the best things in the village are free. Anchored by stunning lookouts, from Govetts Leap to Anvil Rock, Blackheath is the place to be for those who love being out amongst nature. Lined along its beautiful streets are a number of cafes and galleries and the village also offers a great local shopping scene. The Grand Canyon Track is an excellent bushwalk to add to your list with rainforests, glow worms and waterfalls.
Distance: 2-hour drive from Sydney
8. Mittagong, Southern Highlands
Mittagong is a relatively underrated destination compared to the likes of Berry and Bowral but it’s one of our favourite small-town escapes in NSW. The heritage town is packed with sandstone cottages, lovely walking trails, local art galleries and very good wineries. Check out the Box Vale Walking track that follows a historic railway line out the back of Mittagong, discover the many heritage buildings splattered around town, or explore local art at Sturt Gallery.
Distance: 1.5-hour drive from Sydney
9. Terrigal, Central Coast
While there’s no dearth of stunning beaches in Sydney, if you’re looking to get away from the maddening crowds, Terrigal on the Central Coast is an easily accessible town to visit from Sydney. Expect sandy beaches, exciting nightlife and plenty of underwater adventures. Check out the picturesque Terrigal Beach, the Terrigal Haven, a small, sheltered cove across the main beach and its local markets by the beach. Also recommended is The Skillion, a local landmark with spectacular, gold-from-the-sun views of the town. The Avoca Beach Theatre built in 1951 and famous for its old-world charm is also a must-visit.
Distance: 1.5 hour drive from Sydney