The Best Weekend Getaways for Your Time in Sydney

By: Jacob Beyer

Sydney is a fantastic city, there is no doubt about it. You have beautiful beaches, great food, and plenty of historical places all accessible by foot or public transport. But, you are likely going to want to explore more of Australia during your time here. Lucky for you, there are plenty of places just a short plane ride away to scratch that travel itch. 

Melbourne is a fantastic option if you are wanting a place with great culture and restaurants. It’s a little over an hour by plane and there are plenty of budget friendly accommodation options. Check out the State Library Victoria, ACMI, or the National Gallery of Victoria for some art and history. Stop for a bite to eat at Lune Croissanterie or Operator Diner. There are plenty of places to go out at night if that’s your vibe too. You are sure to have a great weekend in this city. 

If you are looking for a beach heaven consider the Whitsundays. Flights from Sydney can go to Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach. It is about 2.5 hours. The views are out of this world. If you’re up for it, book an overnight stay on a boat and sail around the islands. There are so many great snorkeling spots and fun things to do. If your captain likes you, you might get to jump off the top of the boat and swim under it. 

Another great option for any beach lover is Noosa. It is an hour and a half plane ride to Sunshine Coast and then a 30 minute drive to Noosa Heads. Check out Noosa National Park and do one of the many trails. You can walk along the coast and see the fairy pools, Hell’s Gate, and many other iconic spots. Afterwards, head to Noosa Main Beach to relax on the sand. There are plenty of great restaurants with a wide variety of options, so everyone will find something that suits them.

EXPLORE SYDNEY