Looking for the perfect escape from Sydney for your next long weekend? Whether you’re into wine, beaches, city vibes, or countryside charm, we’ve got your next road trip covered. We’ve done the legwork to bring you the ultimate guide on where to stay, eat, drink, and explore. Pack your bags and hit the road for a memorable getaway!
1. Murrumbateman – Perfect Weekend Break for a Country Escape (3 hours)
Just before Canberra lies the hidden gem of Murrumbateman, a charming countryside town set amidst stunning landscapes. As part of an emerging wine region, it’s an ideal destination for a relaxing country escape. Visit the Alpaca Farm, enjoy a winery tour, or browse the local market on weekends. You can even pop down the road to Canberra to explore the National Gallery and Parliament House.
- Where to Stay: Abode Murrumbateman
- Where to Drink: Eden Road Wines, Shaw Wines ( new restaurant coming) & Clonakilla Wines
- Where to Eat: Four Winds Vineyard
- Best Bakery: Clementine’s Bakery
- Where to Visit: Blackwattle Alpaca Farm, The Market & National Gallery of Australia (Canberra)
2. Newcastle – Perfect Road Trip for a City Escape (2 hours)
Vibrant and exciting, Newcastle is a city brimming with life. Discover fantastic restaurants, trendy bars, boutique hotels, captivating street art, and beautiful beaches. Take day trips to nearby Port Stephens or the Hunter Valley for even more adventure.
- Where to Stay: Crystalbrook Kingsley.
- Where to Dine: The Flotilla – Elevated Dining, Light Years – Asian Flavours, Roundhouse – Modern Australian & Signal Box – Unique Heritage Setting.
- Where to Drink: Coal & Cedar – Speakeasy Whisky Bar, The Lucky Hotel – Lively Pub, Merewether Surfhouse – waterfront views & Rooftop at QT – cocktail vibes
- Best Café: Bolton Street Pantry – Instagram Brunches
- Where to Visit: Hunter Valley, Merewether beach and baths, Blackbutt Reserve, Newcastle Art Gallery & Civic Theatre.
3. Corlette, Port Stephens – Perfect Road Trip for Beach Lovers (2 hours 45 minutes)
For crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, coastal walks, and national parks, Port Stephens is the ultimate destination. Corlette offers a tranquil escape, perfect for relaxing or enjoying adventures like sandboarding and dolphin watching.
- Where to Stay: The Anchorage
- Where to Eat: Rick Stein at Bannisters – Seafood and Modern Australian, & Atmos – Greek delights
- Where to Drink: Shoal Bay Country Club – Trendy, casual vibes, Moby’s Bar – Hampton’s Chic, Sea Breeze – Local pub & Murray’s Brewery – beer lovers
- Best Bakery: Two Bob’s Bakery
- What to Do: Dolphin tours, sandboarding, beach walks, or simply unwind in serene surroundings.
4. Orange – Perfect Weekend for Foodies (3 hours 45 minutes)
Orange is a treasure trove for food and wine lovers. This vibrant country town boasts renowned wineries, gourmet restaurants, and scenic landscapes. The town’s charming heart features quaint cafés, bars, and shops, making it a perfect weekend getaway.
- Where to Stay: De Russie Boutique Hotel.
- Where to Drink: Washington & Co – whisky bar, Ferment The Wine Centre – wine lovers & Parrot Distilling Co. – gin fans & The Oriana – Cocktail vibes
- Top Wineries: Phillip Shaw, Rowlee, Heifer Station, Printhie & Swinging Bridge Wines.
- Where to Eat: Mr Lim – Korean & Chinese Fun, The Union Bank – Modern Australian, Tonic– Fine Dining (Millthorpe – worth the travel).
- Best Bakery: Racine Bakery
- What to Do: Explore Mount Canobolas, visit the Blue Mountains or Bathurst en route, and don’t miss the Orange F.O.O.D Festival in April.
5. Mudgee – Perfect Weekend away for Wine Lovers (3.5 hours)
For a boutique wine experience, head to Mudgee. With its intimate, community-focused vibe, this region offers exceptional vineyards, country restaurants, and local bars. It’s a haven for those who’ve already explored bigger wine regions like the Hunter or Orange.
- Where to Stay: Peppertree Hill
- Where to Drink: Roth’s Wine Bar – local live music vibes, Three Tails Brewery – smokehouse and beer & Mudgee Brewing Co. – laidback pub.
- Top Wineries: Lowe Family Wine Co., First Ridge & Burnbrae Wines.
- Where to Eat: Pipeclay Pumphouse – casual fine dining , The Cellar by Gilbert – seasonal produce & The Zin House – Farmhouse dining
- Best Café: Alby & Esther’s
- Best Bakery: Althea by Zin
- What to Do: Visit local markets, explore the Gulgong Gold Experience, or kayak at Ganguddy.
For more travel and food tips head to – https://spritzinguplife.com/
