Cosy Winter Weekend Getaways from Sydney: Fireside Pubs, Scenic Towns and Hot Springs
Winter in Sydney doesn't mean hibernation — it means escape. And not just any escape — think fireplace crackling, cellar doors calling, snow-capped peaks, and pastries that could warm the coldest soul. If you're itching for a winter getaway in NSW, we've rounded up the best weekend trips from Sydney, each brimming with cosy vibes and winter wonderland energy. With GoGet, you can hit the road stress-free and explore these hidden gems without the hassle — just grab a car and go.
Sunrise views, chilly air, and iconic peaks — Blue Mountains winter magic, sorted.
Blue Mountains: The Classic Winter Wonderland
Just a two-hour drive west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains is a timeless favourite when it comes to getaways from Sydney. This UNESCO-listed region of NSW is famous for its dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and misty eucalyptus forests that somehow look even better in the colder months. Head to Katoomba to admire the Three Sisters, warm up with a hot chocolate in a boutique café like the Conservation Hut, or take one of the many hikes through the national park to catch views that overlook canyons straight out of a fantasy flick.
Book a room at one of the many charming boutique hotels in Blackheath or Leura for a proper winter escape. Grab a pie from the local bakery, Mountain High Pies, and kick back. And when you're craving a glass of red? There's always a cellar door—like Megalong Creek Estate—nearby ready to welcome you in (but always drink responsibly when renting a GoGet!).
💡 Pro tip: Skip the car hire counter — take the train to Katoomba, then grab a GoGet directly from Katoomba station and head straight to the views (or pies).
Winter wanders and waterfall views — Bowral delivers all the Highlands charm.
Bowral and the Southern Highlands: High Tea Meets Highland Charm
Drive southwest of Sydney for about 90 minutes, and you'll land in the postcard-perfect Southern Highlands — home to Bowral, Mittagong, and Berrima. Bowral shines as a winter weekend destination, where you can hit antique stores, sip pinot in a vineyard, or tuck into gourmet pastries at the iconic Gumnut Patisserie. There's nothing like wandering heritage-listed streets in a thick scarf while dreaming of your next cheese board.
💡 Pro tip: Planning a wine tasting or long lunch? Grab a GoGet and nominate your designated driver — less stress, more Pinot.
Luxury accommodation options abound, from spa retreats to country estates. Milton Park Country House is a top pick for those looking to soak in heritage glamour and indulge in their high tea experience. Want something more low-key? We recommend swinging by The Yellow Deli, a quirky, one-of-a-kind space built entirely with upcycled and recycled materials, giving it a warm, handmade feel that's part storybook, part bush cabin. Every nook and cranny oozes charm, making it the perfect place to escape the cold and tuck into a gourmet sandwich, homemade soup, or dessert by their fireplace. You'll feel like you've found your own secret, local piece of paradise in NSW.
Crackling fire? Tick. Cosy weekend getaway? Even better when Berry or Kangaroo Valley is calling.
Berry and Kangaroo Valley: Where Cosy Meets Coastal Charm
If you like your winter getaway with a side of rolling green hills and seaside charm, head to Berry and nearby Kangaroo Valley. Just over two hours south of Sydney, this duo delivers big on cute cafés, boutique shops, and serious food and wine credentials. You'll find plenty to explore in Berry's main strip — grab a coffee, browse homewares (stop into Few & Far Berry for rustic, vintage cottage vibes), and plan your next wine-tasting stops.
In Kangaroo Valley, get ready for mountain air, rustic cottages, and arguably the best fireplace-lit evenings in NSW (like the Friendly Inn Hotel). It's a popular wedding destination for good reason, but don't wait for a save-the-date — this place is ideal for a romantic weekend or just a chilled-out winter escape with mates. Don't miss the chance to do one of the many hikes in the surrounding national park areas — the views over the Shoalhaven are next-level.
💡 Pro tip: Love a fireplace moment? Many boutique stays in Kangaroo Valley and Berry list “open fire” in their must-haves — worth filtering for cosy factor.
Mudgee: Wine, Fireplaces, and Starry Nights Done Right
Mudgee was made for winter getaways. Just a four-hour drive northwest of Sydney, this charming country town delivers everything you want in a cold-weather escape — boutique vineyards, gourmet food, and crackling fireplaces in every second venue. Start your trip at Lowe Family Wine Co, one of the region's best wineries, known for its organic, small-batch wines and sweeping views of the surrounding farmland. Grab a seat on the deck with a glass of their Zinfandel and soak up the winter sun — or head inside their cellar door for a tasting that'll warm you right up.
For a feed, swing by Alby + Esthers, a hidden café tucked down a vine-covered alleyway in a cobblestone courtyard. It's off the main drag and full of locals, serving up artisan coffee, hearty seasonal dishes, and homemade cakes that are perfect for a mid-morning warm-up. When the day winds down, check into Perry Street Hotel, a boutique stay in a restored 1860s heritage building that nails the cosy-meets-classy vibe with self-contained accommodation. With luxe touches, plush robes, and a location right in the heart of town, it's the kind of place where you'll want to wrap yourself in a blanket and forget the outside world exists.
💡 Pro tip: Pack an esky. Between cellar doors and bakeries, Mudgee’s full of take-home treats — and your GoGet’s boot is up for the challenge.
Snowy peaks, quiet trails, and wide-open powder — Perisher brings the winter magic.
Jindabyne and the Snowy Mountains: The Peak of Winter Getaways
Want a full-blown winter wonderland? Head to Jindabyne and the Snowy Mountains — home to ski resorts like Perisher and Thredbo and the mountaintop majesty of Kosciuszko National Park. Jindabyne sits right on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, offering prime access to slopes, summits, and snowy adventures. From skiing and snowboarding to building snowmen and drinking hot chocolates by a fire, this is where winter brings its A-game.
But here’s the cherry on top: after a day in the snow, take a detour to Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool, a natural spring-fed thermal pool tucked in the bush, where the water stays a toasty 27°C all year. It’s a bit of a walk to reach it, but floating in warm water while the mountain air bites around you? Pure winter magic.
Outside the slopes, there's still plenty to do. Tuck into a hearty pub meal at Jindabyne Brewing, or continue the adventures at the Mount Kosciuszko summit walk. If you're planning a weekend getaway from Sydney, this one's worth the longer drive. And with GoGet, getting your gear and group up the mountain is easy peasy.
💡 Pro tip: Travelling with gear? Book a GoGet SUV or people mover — plenty of space for skis, boards, and your post-snow snack stash.
Winter at Hyams Beach? Fewer crowds, more coastal calm — sunshine still included.
Beach Escapes for Sun-Seekers: Winter Doesn't Mean No Sand
Not everyone wants to bundle up in scarves — some of us are still chasing sunshine, even in the middle of July. Luckily, NSW's coastline is full of gems that are still gorgeous in winter. Jervis Bay, for example, offers quiet beaches, maritime history, cliff top walks, and cosy cafés. It's a trip from Sydney that lets you breathe salty air and unwind without the summer crowds.
Or head further up the coast to spots like Port Stephens or even Byron Bay if you're in for a longer haul. These spots may not be bikini weather in the colder months, but they offer a different kind of beachy magic. Think hot coffee by the water, long walks with whale sightings, and nights spent in boutique beachfront accommodation.
💡 Pro tip: Did you know GoGet vans are perfect for your surfboard? Pack your gear, hit the coast, and chase winter swells with space to spare.
Wrap-Up: Time to Hit the Road
Whether you're craving snow, wine, a beach, or just a crackling fireplace, there's a perfect winter getaway waiting just a few hours’ drive from Sydney. NSW shines in the colder months, from the highlands to the valleys, the vineyards to the snowy peaks. And with GoGet, you don't need to worry about car hire drama — grab a ride, pack your puffer, and hit the road. Go on, make winter your season for adventure!
Make Winter Your Season to Wander with GoGet
From fireplace retreats to coastal escapes, GoGet carshare makes it easy to plan the perfect winter weekend. Book by the hour or day, skip the rental drama, and explore NSW your way — cosy getaway, sorted.
