Tired of the plummeting temperatures and short days? While Sydney is spoilt with an abundance of winter festivals, cosy pubs with fireplaces, immersive experiences and vibrant markets, sometimes a road trip out of town is the best way to banish those seasonal blues and get you out of a funk. Whether you’re after a snowy getaway, a comfy cabin by the fireplace, or want to discover a quaint and cosy town not too far from the city, there a number of drive-worthy places in NSW you can escape to. Get out someplace local and lean into winter with these excellent winter trips from Sydney. Even better, they’re just a few hours’ drive from town.
1. The Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are a great time all year round but especially lovely during winter. Want to see snow? Check. Want to explore the gardens? Check. Want to go on a glow worm adventure? Check.
At just a 90-minute drive from Sydney, the region is chock full of iconic lookouts, spectacular waterfalls, picturesque villages and much more. Whether it’s the charming vibe of Leura, the old-world charm of Wentworth Falls or the natural landscapes of Katoomba, there are several stunning towns and villages in the mountains that are ideal to visit this time of the year. Keen to stay overnight? Choose from one of these excellent accommodation options.
Distance from Sydney: 1.5-hour drive
Why we love it: Lookouts, historic sites, stunning views and villages
2. Bowral
Bowral is full of cosy cafes, reading nooks with stacked bookshelves and an irresistibly easy vibe that makes it the perfect day trip from Sydney. Located just an hour and a half drive southwest of Sydney, Bowral offers a variety of activities for out-of-towners and plenty of nostalgia to warm up your soul. For a bite to eat, head to the famous Gumnut Patisserie or try the cakes and pastries at Flour Water Salt. You can also get your hands on vintage treasures and retro goods in one of Bowral’s many antique stores. We recommend Dirty Janes and The Bronte Tram for homewares, silverware, furniture and more. Find out where to stay, eat and more in Bowral here.
Distance from Sydney: 1.5-hour drive
Why we love it: Bookshops, cafes and vintage shops
3. Berry
Berry is the perfect country escape from Sydney with a number of historical buildings and boutique shops. It’s also just a 2-hour drive from Sydney which makes it the ideal day trip destination. Explore the lush and green landscape or dig into the pastries and pies at Milkwood Bakery, enjoy the local cuisine at South on Albany or grab artisan made accessories, homewares and more from Juniper Hearth. Berry is beautiful for a weekend meander around town with ample wineries, views and shops to keep you busy all day.
Distance from Sydney: 2-hour drive
Why we love it: Shopping, countryside, heritage buildings and food scene
4. Kangaroo Valley
Nestled between the Southern Highlands and NSW South Coast, the Kangaroo Valley offers something for everyone. Full of peace and plenty of solitude if that’s what you’re after, the small and picturesque town is perfect for a daytime winter adventure. Among its many offerings are lush bushwalks, waterfalls and seriously good food. Head to The Friendly Inn Hotel for a taste of the countryside and to nibble on classic pub bites, get a taste of local olives and olive oil at Kangaroo Valley Olives or get out in nature and check out the Three Views walking track at the Morton National Park which offers all the scenic views and then some. Want to make a trip out of it? You can pick from a range of accommodation options here.
Distance from Sydney: 2-hour drive
Why we love it: Bushwalks and waterfalls
5. Port Stephens
You can’t keep a Sydneysider away from the coast for too long which is why Port Stephens makes for an excellent getaway from the city. Offering a smorgasbord of restaurants, beaches and outdoor activities, Port Stephens is full of gorgeous gems. Located about two and a half hours north of Sydney, it’s also an excellent spot for some whale watching. If you’re visiting, don’t miss out on the Stockton Sand Dunes where you can enjoy a range of activities from 4WD tours to sandboarding and quad biking or check out the Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse and Reserve for a step back in time.
Distance from Sydney: 2.5-hour drive
Why we love it: Outdoor adventures and beaches
6. Snowy Mountains
What’s winter without a little snow and what’s a winter getaway list without a mention of the Snowy Mountains? The Snowies are perfect for all sorts of wintery adventures, whether you want to curl up with a book by the fireplace, hit the slopes, or explore the jaw-dropping walks and bike trails. While it can take over 5 hours to get there, the views and drive are totally worth it. The alpine town of Jindabyne is a must-visit for hiking and bushwalking while Perisher and Thredbo are the places to hit if you’re keen for some snowboarding or skiing. Further out lies Charlotte Pass — the highest snow resort in the Snowy Mountains and the closest village to Mount Kosciuszko, the tallest mountain in Australia. It’s also your best chance at seeing snowfall in winter.
Distance from Sydney: Over a 5-hour drive
Why we love it: Winter sports, dramatic views and snow resorts