USD 
Written by Sarah Wilkes
Leave the chaos of the city behind and try something new: hike up UNESCO World Heritage-listed mountains, hop between top-tier wineries and swim in untouched waters – all while staying in luxurious hideaways. With each haven within a four-hour drive from Sydney, there’s every reason to uncover the best of New South Wales’ regional backyard.
The Anchorage Hotel & Spa, North Coast
Sitting on the waterfront at Corlette with marina views and a Hamptons-style fit-out, The Anchorage is one of the more complete packages on the NSW coast. Two pools (including an adults-only infinity pool), Spa Lucca, The Galley Kitchen for seasonal dining and Moby’s Bar for sundowners — all within steps of Corlette Beach and a short drive from Tomaree National Park. About 2.5 hours’ drive from Sydney.
The Convent Hunter Valley, Hunter Valley
Pepper Tree Wines is literally next door, which sets the tone for a stay at this relaxed vineyard retreat in the heart of Pokolbin. Breakfast at Restaurant Eighty Eight, dinner at the farm-to-fork Circa 1876, a game of boules in between, and some of the Hunter’s best cellar doors within easy reach. About 2.5 hours from Sydney.
The Beachcomber Hotel & Resort, Central Coast
Renovated and relaunched in 2021, The Beachie sits on Budgewoi Lake on the Central Coast with Hamptons-inspired interiors, lake-view rooms, a heated pool with poolside bar, the upmarket Pelicans restaurant and the more casual Bistro at The Beachie for pizzas and cocktails. Surfing beaches are five minutes away, the Norah Head Lighthouse is close, and Wyrrabalong National Park is on the doorstep. About 90 minutes from Sydney.
The Hydro Majestic Hotel, Blue Mountains
Experience Art Deco-inspired luxury, award-winning dining and timeless heritage design at this historic retreat in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Just a short drive from the iconic Three Sisters at Echo Point and the Scenic Skyway cable car, this spectacular getaway promises a blend of elegance and nature.
Crystalbrook Byron, Byron Bay
Celebrate the harmony of nature and barefoot elegance at this five-star eco-luxurious sanctuary nestled amid 45 acres of lush subtropical rainforest in Byron Bay. Rejuvenate your senses at the world-class Eléme Day Spa and cool off from the heat by the shimmering outdoor lap pool.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay, Hunter Region
This family-friendly spot combines resort perks with self-contained one-, two- and three-bedroom suites on the calm shores of Shoal Bay. With a sprawling lagoon-style pool, 25-metre lap pool, three hydrotherapy pools and day spa, there’s plenty of space for both family fun and adults-only relaxation.
Château Élan at The Vintage, Hunter Valley
With an 18-hole golf course and views of rolling vineyards, Château Élan at The Vintage is the ultimate Hunter Valley sanctuary. Steeped roofs, arched windows and manicured hedges reflect a Tuscan estate, while each suite and villa has its own built-in spa bath. The Spa at Château Élan is a standout, boasting 17 treatment rooms, a float tank and two outdoor mineral baths.
Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges, North Coast
This Hamptons-inspired sanctuary sits on the water’s edge in Port Macquarie, a gem of the New South Wales North Coast celebrated for glorious beaches and lush hinterland.
This tranquil hotel has mastered the art of laid-back luxury: guests can fish from the private jetty, hit the bay on a complimentary kayak or kick back in a private poolside cabana. The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant epitomises coastal cool – sit back with a cocktail in one hand and an oyster in the other with the Port Marina as your backdrop.
Peppers Craigieburn Bowral, Southern Highlands
Tucked in the Southern Highlands, this more than 100-year-old Edwardian-style estate offers a romantic retreat. Whether you’re teeing off on the onsite nine-hole golf course, exploring nearby vineyards or saddling up for a countryside horse ride, life at this serene property moves at its own pace. Hickory’s Restaurant and Bar uses ingredients from the property’s garden and local growers to create delicate, contemporary dishes.
Pullman Magenta Shores Resort, Central Coast
Set on a narrow stretch of land on the Central Coast that borders both the Pacific Ocean and Tuggerah Lake, this resort feels like a world of its own. Apartment-style accommodations are complemented by two coastal-inspired restaurants, an indoor pool, day spa and lagoon pool so expansive that it features its own bridge. Within 52 acres of manicured gardens is the Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club, a private 18-hole fairway designed by renowned designer Ross Watson, with resort guests offered exclusive access.
Cedars Mount View, Hunter Valley
Imagine unwinding in an oversized marble bathtub, gazing out at the thriving hinterland, in the solitude of your private villa. This is possible at Cedars Mount View in the Hunter Valley, where ultra-sleek villas stand in striking contrast to untouched natural surroundings. Take off from your villa lawn in a private helicopter to explore nearby wineries or stay in and let a personal chef craft a bespoke meal right in your villa.
Yallungah Boutique Hotel, Orange
In the country town of Orange lies the Yallungah Boutique Hotel, a beautifully restored 1896 homestead, with just 22 suites and rooms. Inside, the rooms feature sleek marble ensuites with walk-in showers, some also offering freestanding bathtubs. Outside, the property nods to its past with a slate roof, buff brick chimneys and intricate timber joinery.
Staying here puts you in the heart of Orange’s wine country, with easy access to cool-climate gems like Borrodell Estate, Printhie Wines and Philip Shaw Wines.
Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Blue Mountains
Perched on the eastern edge of the Blue Mountains, this treetop retreat has eight private suites, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows, deep baths overlooking the treetops and polished concrete floors. Its Australian Good Food Guide-hatted restaurant, Amara, only sources ingredients within a one-hour radius of the Hawkesbury region.
Discover New South Wales
Featured image: Cedars Mount View
