Weekend escapes in regional NSW

As communities around Australia begin to rebuild and recover following the recent bushfires, chances are you have probably heard about campaigns like Keep on Camping, which encourage Aussies to visit affected areas and support Australian tourism.  

If you want to show your support but don’t have the flexibility for a big trip right now, don’t worry! There are plenty of options for weekend escapes around Australia, with some incredible parks and towns in every state just a few hours away from capital cities.

By visiting these towns, you are investing in small businesses, spending money at local tourist attractions, and assisting in their long-term sustainability.

Here are a few options for a weekend getaway if you are travelling from Sydney. These towns were all affected by bushfires over the summer, and are eager to welcome visitors with open arms!

Shoalhaven

Located just under three hours away from the city, Shoalhaven offers a delightful combination of arts and culture, family friendly activities, and is conveniently located in close proximity to beautiful beaches. Whether you want to explore food and wine trails, delve into local art galleries and museums, or simply kick back and relax, this beautiful region has something for everybody!

Batemans Bay

It’s a little further away from the city, but Bateman’s Bay is well worth the four-hour drive (or if you’re travelling from Canberra, it’s only two hours!). This beautiful seaside town is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The region is home to ancient walking tracks, an animal park, and of course a host of water-based activities including swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and even a snorkeling trail! If you have a few days up your sleeve, Batemans Bay is the perfect base for exploring the rest of the Eurobodalla region and make the most of the area’s beaches, tours, adventure activities and incredible wildlife.

Ulladulla

Another south coast seaside escape, Ulladulla is well worth either a day trip from Shoalhaven or a whole weekend itself! This vibrant town is home to picturesque national parks, a beautiful harbor, wineries, heritage walks, markets, quirkly local stores, Indigenous culture and much more. There’s no shortage of fantastic food options either, especially for seafood lovers! You can enjoy freshly caught fish from restaurants and shops, visit a local vineyard, or relax with a coffee in one of the locally owned cafes.