Sydney... we know you love it, but sometimes you just need to get away. Whether you're yearning for waterfall hikes, ocean adventures, or charming towns outside of the big smoke (but still serving up excellent coffee), there's a perfect escape waiting for you. Best of all, with GoGet, hopping in a car and hitting the road for the weekend (or long weekend) couldn’t be easier.

1. The Blue Mountains

Yes, it's popular, but for good reason! Think scenic lookouts (go beyond just Echo Point!), breathtaking hikes, and cozy mountain villages. Opt for lesser-known trails like the National Pass or a guided walk in the less-crowded Grose Valley. The Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) and Furber Steps-Scenic Railway Walking Tracks are some of our favourite Blue Mountains hikes, and you can check out some more of our favourite Blue Mountain and NSW hikes here.

The Blue Mountains have it all. Just a 90 minute drive from Sydney, this World Heritage-listed gem offers stunning vistas, eucalyptus forests, and hidden swimming holes perfect for cooling off on a warm day. Winter brings its own charm, with crisp days, cozy cottages and the chance of snow if you’re lucky.

GoGet Blue Mountains Top Tips:

• Avoid the traffic out of Sydney and grab a GoGet from Katoomba Station. GoGet has cars at Katoomba Station in partnership with TfNSW.

• Save some money and check out our guide to the best free Blue Mountain camp sites, though make sure to pack a warm sleeping bag if you’re braving this in winter.

2. Scotland Isle

This island escape, nestled in Pittwater and just a short ferry ride from Church Point, is a world away from city life. Explore the bushland trails, relax on the small beaches, and soak in the peaceful island atmosphere. Even though you are technically still in Sydney, you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. With no cars allowed on the island itself it’s not a spot to take your GoGet, but it is a perfect place to unwind.

GoGet Scotland Isle Top Tip:

• Church Point, where the ferry leaves from, is worth spending a bit of time in. The Waterfront Cafe & General Store at Church Point is a great spot for a drink or meal and they have live music on Sunday afternoons too.

3. The Hunter Valley

As with the Blue Mountains, this isn’t a hidden gem, but it’s well worth it’s place on the list for a reason. For over 180 years, this region has been a haven for NSW growers, winemakers, and food artisans, earning its stripes in both Aussie and global wine scenes. But it’s not just about swirling glasses and clinking cheers (though we recommend doing a bit of that too!). There’s hot air balloon rides painting the sky, cheese platters begging to be paired, and gastronomic delights to indulge in.

Just a scenic two-hour drive north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley beckons with its lush vineyards and farm-fresh bounty. Indulge in multi-course tasting menus at esteemed eateries (Cafe Enzo is a GoGet team fave), sample chocolates, cheeses, and chutneys at local markets, and then burn off those culinary delights with hikes in surrounding national parks like Wollemi or Barrington Tops.

Of course stopping by a winery or two (with a designated driver in your GoGet of course) is a great way to spend time in the Hunter. A few recommendations include Lake’s Folly who make some of Australia’s best red wines - though check they are open, their wines sell out quickly each vintage - Thomas Wines and Blueberry Hill.

GoGet Hunter Valley Top Tip:

• Take the scenic Tourist Route 33 to get to the Hunter via the Central Coast's western bushlands. It’ll take longer than the highway, but it’s worth it we promise. And don’t forget the mandatory pitstop Wollombi Tavern on the way - it’s tradition!

4. Port Stephens

The water is king at Port Stephens. It’s an aquatic paradise, less than three hours north of Sydney. You’ll find picture-perfect bays, more than 20 stunning beaches, and a marine wonderland that awaits your exploration. From surfing and kayaking to whale watching, there’s an adventure for every water enthusiast and there’s plenty to do in the colder months too. It’s one of Australia’s top fishing spots, if you fancy catching your supper.

Head to Tomaree Head Summit Walk for breathtaking views of the Port Stephens shoreline, or dive into the biggest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere for adrenaline-pumping fun. And for a touch of culture, explore pockets of unspoiled bushland and indigenous heritage that dot this coastal gem.

GoGet Port Stephens Top Tip:

• Want some more ideas for what to do in Port Stephens? Check out our GoGet guide to a weekend in Port Stephens.

5. NSW Central Coast

Right outside Sydney's front door lies a lovely beach playground - the NSW Central Coast. This coastal gem is where foodie delights meet sun-kissed beaches and a laid-back vibe that’ll have you coming back again and again. Think Long Jetty’s hidden eateries, Avoca’s surf and turf, Terrigal’s beachfront indulgences, and Woy Woy’s waterside charm—all served with a side of coastal cool.

While Gosford might be the region’s hub, we’d recommend one of the coastal towns for your weekend getaways. Avoca Beach’s golden sands beckon surfers and sunbathers alike, while The Entrance flaunts some of the coast’s most pristine stretches of beach. And for adventurers, Bouddi Coastal Walk’s eight-kilometer stretch unveils a world of rugged beauty and hidden coves begging to be discovered. For something diffreent, explore stunning sea caves at Caves Beach in Swansea. Just make sure to go at low tide as they aren’t accessible at when the tide’s high.

GoGet Central Coast Top Tip:

• Stop by Saddles Mount White for an epic meal on your roadtrip up to the Coast. Or grab a takeaway from the on-site bakehouse if you’re in a rush. The beek brisket pie is well worth the stop.

6. Jervis Bay & the South Coast

Head 2-hours south of Sydney for a coastal wonderland that’ll appeal to nature lovers, beach bums, and water sports enthusiasts alike. For those who like their weekend escapes with a side of adventure, there are plenty of places to go surfing, cliff climbing, and some fantastic and challenging coastal hikes. But if you'd rather sit back and relax, there are plenty of options for that too! Sample fresh seafood, regional products, and a booming culinary scene.

And if beaches are your thing, you’ve come to the right place. Hyams Beach steals the spotlight with its famously white sand. While unfortunately the urban legend about it being the whitest sand in the world is a myth, it’s still up there as one of Australia’s best beaches. Murrays Beach, Huskisson, and Steamers Beach all offer their own slices of paradise (and fewer tourists to boot). Booderee National Park has hiking routes crisscrossing the surrounding bushland. Kayaking, dolphin and whale watching cruises, fishing, boating, stand-up paddleboarding, and scuba diving in Jervis Bay Marine Park are among other popular activities here.

GoGet Jervis Bay Top Tip:

• Step back in time and catch a film at Huskisson Pictures, a delightfully old-school cinema that has been screening movies for over 80 years.

7. Port Macquarie

If your idea of a great weekend away includes wildlife, beaches, bushwalking, and water sports, look no further than Port Macquarie. This popular vacation destination is located around four hours north of Sydney. Beautiful beaches can be found both north and south of the bustling little town; including Flynn's, Nobby's, and Shelly Beaches. At stunning Lighthouse Beach, which appears to go on forever, you can even take a camel ride. The nine-kilometre Port Macquarie Coastal Walk in Sea Acres National Park is a terrific way to see the area's shore, and if you're travelling with kids or pressed for time, you can divide it up into shorter segments. Take the short trip to Tacking Point Lighthouse or climb North Brother Mountain to Laurieton Lookout in Dooragan National Park for a spectacular panorama of the area.

It’s also home to one of the largest koala populations on the East coast of Australia. Keep your eyes peeled for these adorable marsupials (no they aren’t bears!) while exploring the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, or visit them at the Koala Hospital.

GoGet Port Macquarie Top Tip:

• Take a detour to Heron’s Creek in the Port Macquarie hinterlands along the way, and stop off at the delicious Baba Lila’s for some handmade chocolates

8. The Snowy Mountains

Outdoor activities are the name of the game at the Snowy Mountains, whether it's summer, winter, spring, or autumn. Some of Australia's top ski resorts can be found in the Snowy Mountains, where you can ski or snowboard, make snow angels or just cuddle up by a roaring fire. In other seasons of the year, hiking through the Kosciuszko National Park, mountain biking along the huge Snowy River, and trout fishing in the area's beautiful streams and lakes are all popular. Fancy enjoying the the untamed alpine landscape while driving in the comfort of your GoGet? Take the 108-kilometer Kosciuszko Alpine Way, a beautiful self-drive road that connects Canberra and Albury.

GoGet Snowy Mountains Top Tip:

• GoGet cars are not 4-wheel drive so if you are planning on driving above the snow line, it’s best to leave the GoGet at the foot of the mountain and catch a shuttle to the top.

9. Kangaroo Valley, Southern Highlands

In the verdant Kangaroo Valley, time goes by more slowly. It's a 2-hour journey south-west of Sydney and is the ideal getaway for those needing a break from the city. Here, traffic lights are swapped for rolling green fields, farms, and a one-lane historic bridge that whispers tales of yesteryears. Bushwalks, horseback rides, and pie pitstops define days in this picturesque slice of the Southern Highlands.

Don’t miss Fitzroy Falls’ breathtaking cascade or the charm of a Kangaroo River kayak adventure. And for foodies, the local tearooms and farmer’s markets offer a taste of rural delights that’ll leave you planning your return visit before you’ve even left. Take afternoon tea in one of the town's charming tearooms (the Valley Fudge & Teahouse do a great cream tea), shop for fresh vegetables at the farmers market, and try a freshly baked pie from the renowned Kangaroo Valley Pie Shop.

GoGet Kangaroo Valley Top Tip:

• Stopping off at the famous Berry Donut Van on your way to Kangaroo Valley is an absolute must. It’s famous for a reason and their cinnamon donuts are the best in the state.

10. Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is located around 5.5 hours' drive north of Sydney, but it's worth it if you have a long weekend planned. Families in particular will have no trouble finding things to do here. Enjoy the stunning beaches, get up close and personal with cute marine creatures at the Dolphin Conservation Park, or go to the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve to trek the lovely walking paths. Other popular activities include surfing, swimming, fishing, and kayaking. From May through November, keep an eye out for migrating whales.

And of course, any trip to Coffs Harbour wouldn't be complete without taking a picture op at the famous Big Banana Fun Park. The water park, attractions, and pastries with a banana theme will be a hit with the youngsters.

GoGet Coff’s Harbour Top Tip:

• Break up the drive and check out the quirky painted rocks at Nambucca Heads.

GoGet Getaway Tips

• Beat the Traffic: Leave Friday late evening or early Saturday to avoid the worst of the weekend rush on Friday arvo. Or take the Friday off and roadtrip at your leisure.

• Stay Flexible: With GoGet, you can easily extend your stay if you discover a place you just have to linger in a bit longer. Plus, with free cancellations right up to the start of your booking, flexibility is the name of the game.

GoGet Outta Here

Looking for hassle-free car or van rental by the hour or day to take on your next adventure? Discover the convenience of GoGet Carshare today. Search for GoGet vehicles near you available when you need them and join today.