6 Unforgettable NSW Escapes to Plan for 2026

NSW is full of weekends simply waiting to happen. Think wine by the fire in the country, sea swims between long drives, and small towns where good food and friendly faces are part of the charm. Here are six inspiring ideas for your NSW getaways in 2026.

New South Wales Getaways for 2025

You don’t need a boarding pass to feel far away. A few hours in any direction in New South Wales and you’re tasting, laughing, discovering, swapping deadlines for long tables, sea breeze, and stories shared over that extra glass you swore you wouldn’t have.

The secret? Sometimes, the closer you stay, the further you actually feel.

6 Unforgettable NSW Escapes for 2026

Salt on your skin, dust on your boots, and nowhere you’d rather be, this is the state at its most vivid.

1. Hunter Valley

The good old Hunter Valley is one of those places that never gets old. Effortlessly beautiful, it’s a natural contender for a weekend escape in NSW. Just two hours from Sydney, the region is built around good wine, good food, and wide open views that transport you to Italy.

Spend your days visiting cellar doors, meeting winemakers, or tasting your way through local cheeses and chocolates. If you want to get outside, there are walking trails through the Broken Back Range and early morning hot air balloon rides that show the valley at its best.

Escape the city and spend a weekend somewhere that feels a world away; it’s that simple.

Where to stay

Estate Tuscany is one of those places that captures the essence of the Hunter Valley; relaxed, super scenic, and built around good food and wine.

Set against rolling vineyards with views of the Broken Back Range, it offers rustic-chic rooms, an award-winning restaurant, and easy access to nearby cellar doors. Unwind with a glass in hand and watch the sun dip behind the vines.

2. Byron Bay

Yes, Byron Bay might be one of Australia’s most famous coastal towns, but it still finds ways to surprise you every time you visit.

Beyond the beaches and boutique shops, there’s a creative, grounded side that locals hold onto tightly. Start your day with a surf or a sunrise walk to the lighthouse, then wander inland to The Farm for breakfast made from ingredients grown right there on site.

You can spend an afternoon kayaking with dolphins, exploring the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens, or visiting the hinterland villages of Bangalow and Newrybar, where farm-to-table cafés dominate.

Byron works on its own terms. You feel it in the slow mornings, the surfboards propped outside every café, and the sense that no one here’s measuring time by the clock.

Where to stay

The Sebel, Byron Bay is ideal for travellers who want the freedom of a self-contained stay without losing that easy, coastal atmosphere Byron is known for.

Just a short walk from Main Beach and the town’s best cafés, the apartments offer modern, spacious interiors with everything you need to settle in and live like a local. It’s ideal for longer stays, families, or anyone who prefers slow mornings, home-cooked meals, and the space to unwind between swims and sunset walks.

3. Port Macquarie

In Port Macquarie, the ocean sets the tone. Locals talk to strangers, surfers share space with pelicans, and every day ends somewhere with a view.

You can start with the Coastal Walk, a 9km trail linking quiet coves and headlands, or visit the Koala Hospital, one of the most loved wildlife centres in NSW. Beyond the beaches, the hinterland unravels into rainforest trails and secret swimming holes.

In town, chefs and brewers are giving the old favourite spots some competition, proving Port Macquarie’s food scene has real flavour now.

Whether you’re here for surf or just a slower pace by the sea, Port Macquarie strikes that balance between adventure and ease.

Where to stay

Ibis Styles Port Macquarie is an easygoing base for exploring the coast, with a prime spot right across from Town Beach and close to the main café strip.

The rooms are bright and comfortable, many of which come with ocean views that make mornings feel a little special. This one’s perfect for people looking for simple stays with a good location (and great views!).

4. Mudgee

Sweet little Mudgee has all the charm of a country town with the polish of a destination that really knows how to wow.

In fact, it’s one of NSW’s top wine regions, but at the same time it’s not pretentious. So, you’ll find small, family-run cellar doors here where the winemaker is often the one pouring your glass.

The town itself is full of heritage buildings, bakeries, and boutique stores, and the surrounding countryside is perfect for slow drives, picnics, and long lunches. You can cycle between some of the vineyards, visit the local farmers market, or head out to Wollemi National Park for bushwalks and lookouts.

Lunch turns into afternoon drinks, then laughter turns into evening plans. Time slips quietly in places built for pleasure.

Where to stay

Parklands Resort Mudgee is a favourite for travellers who want space, comfort, and a touch of country elegance. You’ll love the country inspired decor.

Set on landscaped grounds just outside the town centre, it features large rooms, an indoor pool, and a restaurant that showcases local produce and wine. Parklands Resort is an absolutely ideal base for exploring Mudgee’s cellar doors and countryside by day, and then for unwinding with a drink on the terrace as the sun sets over the hills.

5. Tamworth

Tamworth earns its reputation as Australia’s country music capital every January, when the Tamworth Country Music Festival brings the streets to life with performances, pop-up bars, and a festival madness that’s hard to match anywhere else in regional Australia.

Throughout the rest of the year, it’s a relaxed inland escape with plenty to do; think walking trails to Oxley Scenic Lookout, paddleboarding at Chaffey Dam, or just sampling local produce at the Tamworth Regional Farmers Market.

Tamworth is an easy-going base for exploring the the region, and has no shortage of boutique wineries, wide open drives, and that small-town warmth that NSW does best.

Where to stay

Best Western Sanctuary Inn Tamworth is a great choice for travellers looking for both comfort and convenience in the core of the country music capital.

The rooms are modern and well-equipped, there’s an on-site restaurant serving hearty Australian meals, and the location makes it easy to reach both the festival venues and local attractions. Dependable and relaxed, it’s a fantastic base for exploring Tamworth’s mix of live music and country charm.

6. Kangaroo Valley

In many ways, Kangaroo Valley feels like it was made for switching off. Positioned nicely between the Southern Highlands and the Shoalhaven coast, it’s all about rolling green hills, winding country roads, and one very photogenic and historic bridge.

Days here move slowly, you can kayak along the Kangaroo River, hike to Fitzroy Falls, or wander the village for antique shops, pie cafés, and friendly local pubs. Head here to be surrounded by rainforest, and at night, watch the valley sky light up with more stars than you’ve probably seen in years.

Kangaroo Valley is peaceful without feeling too remote, and it reminds you how much you needed to hear the sound of cicadas and running water.

Where to stay

Wildes Kangaroo Valley provides guests with the kind of stay that fits perfectly with its surroundings. It’s stylish, calm, and connected to nature.

Right in the charming little centre of the village, it blends contemporary design with country warmth, featuring elegant rooms that open onto lush gardens and a heated outdoor pool made for slow afternoons. There’s pretty much no better base for exploring nearby trails, waterfalls, and river adventures, or simply settling in with good food and good wine.