Buckle up and head to the highway. There’s tranquil escapes hidden in the hillsides, chic cottages and beachside boltholes up and down the coast and bucolic retreats waiting in the bush. The best part? You don’t have to go very far to feel a world away. Here’s our pick of the best weekend getaways from Sydney.

Glenworth Valley

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While Central Coast beaches may hog the spotlight, the region’s hinterland is sneaking toward centrestage with its rolling green hills, misty valleys and walking, horse riding and mountain bike trails. Book a weekend with the family at Glenworth, see the animals at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary and stop for lunch or dinner at Saddles in nearby Mount White.

Driving distance and time from Sydney: 74km/55 minutes

Berowra Waters

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With barely more than a clutch of homes and a handful of boats bobbing on the water of Berowra Creek, this secluded hideaway north of Sydney embraces anyone craving the quiet. While you may have heard of Berowra Waters Inn, the Modern Australian fine diner accessible only by complimentary boat transfer, get to know Marramarra Lodge (pictured), a luxury 28-guest retreat tucked within the bush above the Hawkesbury River.

Driving distance and time from Sydney: 51km/1 hour

Image credit: Lean Timms

Kangaroo Valley

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If the name doesn’t sell this South Coast idyll, consider this: rolling pastures, a tiny township with shopping (find treasures at Valley Vintage), a relaxing beer garden with pub staples at The Friendly Inn Hotel and excellent takeaway from Terre & Mare Pizzeria. Explore the mighty Kangaroo River on a kayak safari before turning in at The Cottage (pictured), a chic boutique stay with an open fireplace and soaking tub in the former HQ of the Kangaroo Valley Times.

Driving distance and time from Sydney: 156km/2 hours

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Image credit: Ella Ottaviano

Bowral

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The jewel in the Southern Highlands’ crown, Bowral is all manicured European-style gardens, elegant heritage architecture and jam-packed antique stores. Settle in at ultra-chic The Coach House at The Rift Estate (pictured) and wander the manicured grounds before heading to town. Take a table for two at Italian fine diner Onesta Cucina then stop by the bar at Bistro Sociale for a craft cocktail made with one of the 100 gins.

Driving distance and time from Sydney: 117km/1 hour 45 minutes

Image credit: Getty Images

Kiama

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Best known for its blowhole and family beach holidays, Kiama has had a gourmet glow-up as seachanging Sydneysiders migrate south. An Ottolenghi alum opened Middle Eastern-inspired cafe Otis Deli and bar Miss Arda, sophisticated Silica serves a tasting menu right by the beach, plus there’s real deal croissants at Parfait Patisserie and wholefoods at Wild Patch Cafe. Your appetite might be the only thing to lure you from the spectacular design and views at four-bedroom stay, The Headland (pictured).

Driving distance and time from Sydney: 120km/2 hours

Image credit: Destination NSW

Blackheath

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Pretty as a picture, this upper Blue Mountains village is a tableau of russet, orange and golden leaves in autumn. However at any time of year you’ll see the best produce of the season at the Growers Market (second Sunday of the month), enjoy scones and cream with escarpment views at the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms (10 minutes’ drive away) and find treasures at Victory Theatre Antique Centre. Grand hotel The Hydro Majestic is just five minutes down the mountain.

Driving distance and time from Sydney: 112km/1 hour 50 minutes

Image credit: Leigh Griffiths

Avoca

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Architect-designed beach houses, a crescent of picture-perfect stretches of sand and a charming township have made this the most exclusive enclave on the Central Coast. Enjoy the sea and sand, catch a movie at Avoca Beach Theatre, circa 1948, and enjoy a seafood feast at Hamptons-style Avoca Beach House. Ten minutes drive away, stay at neighbouring Macmasters Beach House, which boasts chic interiors, four bedrooms and ocean views.

Driving distance and time from Sydney: 99km/1 hour 25 minutes

Dangar Island

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This spot north of Sydney proves an island getaway needn’t be tropical. Board the ferry or water taxi at Brooklyn and cross the Hawkesbury River in 10 minutes to find an idyll with no cars (just bicycles and wheelbarrows), a general store, bowling club and water views from everywhere. Pack all your supplies and stay at this gorgeous four-bedroom 1950s beach shack just a stroll from shore.

Driving distance and time from Sydney: 61km/50 minutes

Image credit: Destination NSW

Bilpin

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A heritage town on the winding road that leads over the Blue Mountains to Bathurst, Bilpin is now attracting visitors for more than seasonal fruit picking at its orchards and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden. Check out cider makers (Bilpin Cider Co and Hillbilly Cider; pictured), stay at Eden Farm Escape by Eden Equine, a collection of five bespoke cabins set on 90 acres of paddocks where you can book yourself in for a horse riding lesson and enjoy a sophisticated lunch of local produce at Mélange Bilpin.

Driving distance and time from Sydney: 90km/1.5 hours

Image credit: Destination NSW

Katoomba

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This charming Art Deco-era town is perched at the edge of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains wilderness. Families must spend a day at Scenic World and ride the cable car across Jamison Valley or, if you’re planning a romantic getaway, hole up at boutique Lilianfels Resort & Spa. It’s barely a five-minute walk to the Three Sisters lookout where a range of bushwalking tracks begins.

Driving distance and time from Sydney: 102km/1 hour 40 mins

Killcare

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Head for this haven on the Central Coast, where the bush meets the sea, to immerse yourself in sun, saltwater and Bouddi National Park. Surf the break at Killcare Beach and snorkel at nearby Putty Beach before or after hiking the 8.5-kilometre Bouddi Coastal Walk. A seven-minute drive away, Pretty Beach House (pictured) is an all-inclusive luxury stay with views through the angophora trees to the water.

Driving distance and time from Sydney: 104km/1.5 hours

Image credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Wisemans Ferry

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Kids will love crossing the Hawkesbury River on the eponymous ferry – the oldest in New South Wales – at this blip of a town (there’s a club, a pub and a general store). You might even convince them to tackle part of The Convict Trail, an historic bushwalk that offers panoramic views of the region at its high points. The clincher? Book a family-sized berth at Able Hawkesbury River Houseboats and sleep on the river.

Driving distance and time from Sydney: 75km/1.5 hours

Berry

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Berry is so much more than a pit stop. Plan a couples’ gourmet getaway and book ahead to experience the European influences of South on Albany. Former Merivale chefs John Evan and Sonia Greig plate seasonal south-coast produce over a three-course set menu, or nab a table in flower-and-book-filled Harry’s on Green Lane for a stellar lunch. Stay at The Berry Inn and join the line at the Donut Van on Queen Street – it’s a local institution.

Driving distance and time from Sydney: 143km/2 hours

Image credit: Paul Foley / Lightmoods

Lake Macquarie

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Not to be confused with Port Macquarie further north, this coastal lake district south of Newcastle is a playground for the whole family. Get out on the water (it’s one of Australia’s biggest saltwater lakes) in a boat or on a stand-up paddleboard, or splash about in the shallows. After the sun sets, Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows has your dinner and accommodation sorted.

Driving distance and time from Sydney: 138km/1 hour 40 minutes

Bundeena

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The gateway to the Royal National Park, this sleepy hamlet is the ideal start or finishing point for hikers tackling the multi-day coast track walk to Otford. Drive or catch the ferry from Cronulla, drop your bags off at elegant 1860s sandstone Simpson Cottage and spend the afternoon beachcombing and swimming before sundowners and a scotch-fillet steak with the locals at the Bundeena Bowling Club.

Driving distance and time from Sydney: 69km/1 hour 20 minutes