#TAKEUSTHERE: 5 Road trips for a weekend escape…
Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay via Berry
Our favourite go-to road trip destination is Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay, just three hours away from Sydney on the South Coast of New South Wales. With the whitest sand in the world and crystal clear, sparkling blue ocean packed with dolphins, it makes for the perfect getaway. On your way down, stop in Berry and don’t leave without a cinnamon donut and vanilla milkshake from the infamous Berry Donut Van. Trust us, there will be no regrets over this sugary goodness.
When you get to Jervis Bay, whether you decide to camp, glamp or live the high life in a ridiculously expensive house, you will not be disappointed by the completely beautiful and unspoiled coast line that is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We can’t recommend Hyams Beach enough.
Blue Mountains
For those that don’t want to travel too far, look no further then the stunning and incredibly picturesque Blue Mountains, ideal for romantic getaways. Our favourite place to stay is the Hydro Majestic as it screams all things class and elegance. There is nothing better than lying in an over-the-top king size bed with fresh crisp linen, wine in hand watching the sun set behind the mountains. Book the valley view room – you won’t be disappointed!
Feeling adventurous? There is an abundance of hikes that allow you to chase waterfalls and find stunning spots that overlook the mountains. One of our favourite spots, that doesn’t require too much rigorous hiking is Flat Rock and is definitely worth checking out. Wake up early enough and get there to watch the sunrise over the hills, it’s a sight you’ll never forget.
Hunter Valley
Wine, cheese, fine food, a cottage house & an open fire… Ahem! You had us at wine. Spring and Autumn make for the perfect seasons to visit the luscious and plentiful Hunter Valley. The best way to do the Hunter Valley is to round up a few girlfriends who also have a strong love for wine and to book yourselves a wine tour (or two). Stop in and stock up one some fine cheeses from the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop – you wont regret it. If you decide upon a romantic getaway with your loved one you must tick riding in a hot air balloon at sunrise or sunset off the list. There are also breweries and distilleries for your man to visit, if wine doesn’t tickle his fancy.
Southern Highlands – Bowral
What’s better than to get out of the city and go to the country – breathe in that crisp country air and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The Southern Highlands is just a 90-minute drive south of Sydney and is the perfect place to relax and unwind. This ideal getaway location is celebrated for its heritage towns and sense of old world charm. Bowral is the Southern Highlands largest town and is brimming with rustic eateries including Biota – a hatted restaurant and must-go, various wineries, boutique shops, country markets and events including Bowral’s Tulip Time Festival during spring.
The Grand Pacific Drive
This 140 kilometre stretch of road starts in the Royal National Park and winds south to Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. Turn off the highway at Waterfall and you’ll be taken through eucalyptus forests and end up at Bald Hill Lookout. (Snaps for Instagram) A little further on and you can’t miss the Cliff Bridge, an impressive 655-metre-long bridge that curves around the cliff face and juts out 50 metres to sea taking you out over the ocean. Stop at as many places as you can along the way – you’ll pass pristine beaches and secret ocean pools.
