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Sydney’s hustle and bustle makes it an exciting place to live, but when the weekend rolls around sometimes you just need time to catch your breath. Thankfully, there are endless options right at Sydney’s doorstep…
So where will you start? Do you like the sand between your toes? The wind in your hair? A book in hand? We’ve made you a shortlist of romantic weekend getaways a stone’s throw from Sydney.
Couples retreat: Sydney’s best weekend getaways
See the mountains
The Blue Mountains are famous for a reason – the dramatic cliff faces of The Three Sisters, the sweeping green plains, the waterfalls – if you haven’t yet made the trip, make sure to put it on this year’s to-do list. The walking trails are incredibly picturesque, and the scenery exudes calm and serenity. While only an hour’s drive from Sydney, The Blue Mountains will give you the feeling you’re a million miles away!
Go bush
If you feel at home among the gumtrees, a bush retreat may be the way to go. Nestled in the Hawkesbury Highlands on the edge of the Wollemi National Park you’ll find the beautiful Sunset Cottages – Victorian and Colonial era sandstone cottages on ten acres of native bushland. Perfect for adventurous couples, this weekend getaway has endless bush trails, orchards and canyons to explore nearby.
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Live the island life
Sometimes you need to get in a plane in order to get the feeling that you’re really going somewhere. If that’s the case for you, Lord Howe Island is the perfect Sydney weekend getaway. Just two hours flight away, this island offers impossibly blue water, rugged mountains and – if that’s not enough – the promise of tranquility; no more than 400 guests are allowed on the island at any one time. It’s also home to one of the world’s best one-day hikes – the trek to the summit of Mount Gower.
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Go glamping
200km south of Sydney lies a Caribbean-like paradise. The crystal blue water of Booderee National Park is astounding (especially under the midday sun) and the nearby Green Patch campsites are fit with all the facilities to turn camping into ‘glamping’ (glamourous camping!). While cheap and cheerful, this Sydney weekend getaway will have you feeling like a million dollars.
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Be by the sea
Want some luxury? Palm Beach is your answer – but prepare to get out your purse! Rockridge is a superbly romantic beach villa with rockpool-style pools at the front and a sweeping deck overlooking the ocean. This Sydney weekend getaway option accepts a maximum of eight guests, so if you’re on a budget you could always split the costs and enjoy it with a few friends or couples.
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Spoil your loved one
If you can’t decide between the sea and the bush, why not have both? Head to the Central Coast of New South Wales to the aptly-named ‘Pretty Beach House’, just 100km from Sydney. Nestled right in the middle of bushland, yet with views of the ocean, this luxurious apartment has everything you could ask for. Oh, and a little more; the star of the show – the infinity pool – offers stunning views of the Brisbane Water National Park.
So what are you waiting for? Choose a trip and get packing!
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