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What makes New South Wales perfect for a short break is its incredible diversity. From the cosmopolitan buzz of Sydney to the coastal calm of the Central Coast and the misty magic of the Blue Mountains, NSW offers a getaway for unforgettable moments with your best friends.
Read on for three irresistible escapes to inspire your next girls’ weekend in New South Wales.
See more about New South Wales on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing every Thursday on Foxtel at 8.30pm AEDT. Find out more here.
The city escape: Sydney
For a weekend of indulgence, Sydney delivers in spades. The harbour city, with its abundant art, culture, fine food, fancier cocktails and outdoor adventure, wraps up everything a girls’ trip needs in one glamourous package.
Start your weekend by checking in to Kimpton Margot Sydney, a grand Art Deco-inspired hotel with a rooftop bar and pool. Then, the city is your oyster. Depending on your time of arrival, perhaps you’ll start proceedings with an indulgent five-course dinner at Luke’s Kitchen (helmed by celebrity chef Luke Mangan), located right in the hotel lobby. For post-dinner drinks, of course, only a hidden rooftop bar will do: The Library Bar atop the State Library of New South Wales is a gem with sweeping views over the harbour and skyline.
Soak up Sydney’s culture with a pass to see upcoming exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, or go backstage at the world-famous Sydney Opera House. For a thrill, take to the skies on a scenic seaplane flight over the harbour, or try stand-up paddleboard yoga with Flow mOcean for a fun twist on wellness.
All that adventuring is tiring work. Wind down with a rejuvenating soak at Capybara Bathing, in the heart of Surry Hills. This bathhouse features mineral water pools, steam rooms and hot stone saunas, and is the perfect way to close a weekend with friends.
The coastal escape: Central Coast
With its patchwork of soft-sand beaches, tranquil lakes and lush national parks, the Central Coast, just an hour’s drive north of Sydney, offers a complete change of pace. Here, your days are all about laidback living, with days spent lounging on the beach, swimming and taking coastal walks. One such route is the Bouddi Coastal Walk, where clifftop views and seasonal whale sightings await.
Sample the region’s natural bounty of seafood with Sydney Oyster Farm Tours; dining at your own in-water table in the Hawkesbury River, you’ll learn to shuck freshly harvested oysters and sample plump prawns. Take to the water once more with Sail Central Coast, which offers unforgettable private yacht charters for groups of two to ten – perfect for a girls’ trip.
Give your Central Coast stay a real sense of occasion at Bells at Killcare on the Bouddi Peninsula, a boutique hotel, restaurant and spa set in leafy grounds with views across the ocean. Dotted amid pretty native flowers and ponds are private cottages and lodges, ideal for group stays, each with coastal-luxe styling reminiscent of the Hamptons. The Bells Day Spa awaits to cocoon you all in serenity; its offering ranges from facials and massages to private yoga practices.
The nature escape: Blue Mountains
Mist-shrouded mountains, crisp air scented with eucalyptus and ancient landscapes carved by time: there’s something undeniably therapeutic about getting back to nature in the Blue Mountains. An hour’s drive west of Sydney, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed region is a haven for wellness and nature lovers.
One of the best ways to take in the scenery is from above. Begin with a breath-taking ride on the Beyond Skyway, the cable car suspended 270 metres above the Jamison Valley, granting panoramic views over the national park, Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls. With a glass of wine in hand, there’s no better backdrop for pictures together.
Back on solid ground, explore the unique galleries and boutiques of the arty little towns dotted around the mountains: namely mount Victoria, Katoomba and Leura, where you can take high tea amid historic cottages and spring cherry blossoms.
Stay in adults-only eco-luxury at Spicers Sangoma Retreat, an escape with just eight suites and a spa inspired by native botanicals. Or unwind at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa, set in a lovingly restored heritage property with a spa, library and heated pools.
See more about New South Wales on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing every Thursday on Foxtel at 8.30pm AEDT. Find out more here.
