Getaways from Sydney

1. Avoca Beach

One of the most popular spots on the gorgeous Central Coast, Avoca Beach is a family-friendly stretch of golden sand framed by two rocky headlands. It's a popular surf spot, but it's also an excellent beach for recreational swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and strolling along the sand.

There's also a peaceful lagoon right behind the beach, and kayaks and peddle boats can be rented on-site. A market takes places in a park just behind the beach on the fourth Sunday of every month, but there are also plenty of wonderful restaurants and shops for visitors to enjoy when the market isn't on. Avoca Beach

2. Berrima

Nestled in the countryside of the Southern Highlands, Berrima is an incredibly well-preserved Georgian village that was established in the 1830s. It's known for its charming atmosphere and its historical colonial buildings, many of which now house boutique shops, art galleries, and upscale restaurants. One of these buildings is the Surveyor General Inn, which was built in 1834 by a group of convicts and is recognized as one of the oldest pubs in the country. After you're done wandering through the town's charming streets, head up the hill to visit Harper's Mansion, a historic brick house with beautifully landscaped grounds that include a hedge maze. Berrima

3. Berry

If you want to get out of Sydney but you're not in the mood to give up sophisticated city amenities, Berry is the perfect place to go. This stylish little village is one of the most charming country getaways in the region, and for good reason. It's surrounded by wineries and award-winning restaurants, making it particularly popular with culinary enthusiasts, but there are also plenty of boutique shops selling unique finds. If you come on the first Sunday of the month, you can also browse the stalls at the Berry Country Fair for antiques and local, handcrafted products. Map

4. Blue Mountains National Park

Named for the blue eucalyptus trees that cover the mountain slopes, the Blue Mountains National Park is home to some of the country's most spectacular natural attractions, including the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. The park is made up of six distinct areas; the Katoomba area is the most popular, particularly with first-time visitors, but every area of the park boasts spectacular hiking trails that wind through forested valleys, past sparkling creeks and waterfalls, and along sheer cliff faces. Aside from hiking, visitors can ride the gondola at Scenic World, explore the awe-inspiring Jenolan Caves, and visit the beautiful Botanic Garden.

New South Wales, Australia, Phone: +61-2-47-87-88-77

5. Breenhold Gardens

Created in the 1960s by Thomas and Charlotte Breen, the Breenhold Gardens are one of the most impressive privately-owned gardens in the country. The 110-acre property consists of both landscaped gardens and native bushland, and it's home to thousands of different species of exotic and native plants, which are divided into sections like the Daffodil Lawn, the Compass Garden, and the Cypress Meadow. The park is open to the public during the spring and autumn when the plants are particularly spectacular, but it can be booked for weddings and private events throughout the rest of the year.

Breenhold Gardens, 29 The Avenue, Mount Wilson NSW 2786, Australia, Phone: +61-2-99-68-12-32

6. Canberra

As the capital of Australia, Canberra is an excellent place to get a taste of the country's history and culture. Free guided tours of the Parliament House are available every day of the week, and art lovers are in luck as well; the city boasts some of the best art galleries in the country, including the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of Australia. If you want to incorporate a bit of nature into your trip, visit the National Arboretum or rent a kayak and spend some time paddling around on the beautiful Lake Burley Griffin. Canberra

7. Glenworth Valley

Family owned and operated since 1972, Glenworth Valley is an adventure center dedicated to providing visitors with exciting, unforgettable experiences. The 3,000-acre property offers the perfect blend of unspoiled nature and modern attractions; immerse yourself in natural beauty by taking a self-guided tour of the trails on horseback or on foot, or bring a group of friends to challenge at the state-of-the-art laser tag facility. Visitors can also choose from an excellent selection of guided tours, including kayak tours, rock climbing and abseiling tours, and quad biking tours that take riders across the property and through a purpose-built circuit. Glenworth Valley

8. Hawkesbury River Valley

Sitting right on Sydney's doorstep, the Hawkesbury River Valley is a barely touched piece of wilderness dotted with charming historic towns. There are plenty of opportunities to hike and mountain bike, but if you'd prefer to spend the day in a more leisurely way, you can simply drive through the hinterlands to admire the scenery, stopping at sandstone pubs along the way. The river that runs through the valley provides endless opportunities for fishing and swimming, and if you'd like to spend the day out on the water, you can rent a houseboat in the riverside village of Brooklyn. Hawkesbury River Valley

9. Jervis Bay

Thanks to its powdery white sand and turquoise blue waters, Jervis Bay is easily one of the most popular seaside destinations in the entire country. There's something here for everyone; families with children will appreciate the calm waters of Hyams Beach and Huskisson Beach, while scuba divers and snorkelers will find themselves mesmerized by the clear water and marine life of Jervis Bay Marine Park. If you want to stretch your legs rather than lay on the beach, you can take the White Sands Walk along the coastline or check out the trails in Booderee National Park. Jervis Bay

10. Kangaroo Valley

Tucked in between the Barrengarry and Cambewarra mountain ranges, Kangaroo Valley is a wonderful place to visit if you're looking for some peace and quiet with a healthy dose of natural beauty. The valley is filled with vineyards and rainforests, and there are several pleasant walking and cycling trails for visitors to use, although many people choose to kayak or canoe down the Kangaroo River instead. If you need something to eat or drink, the village of Kangaroo Valley offers excellent tea rooms and pie shops as well as a historic pub that boasts an incredible view of the surrounding valley. Kangaroo Valley