While in years past, half of Sydney may have flocked to the Mediterranean for some July sun, this year, we’re all stuck squarely in our own patch of grass.

But, it doesn’t have to be that way, Fairies! NSW is beautiful, so venture out of big smokey Sydney and into a search of glorious winter sunshine…

Scroll below for our favourite winter getaways, from Sydney!

Bowral

The largest town in the Southern Highlands, Bowral was traditionally a rural summer retreat for the gentry of Sydney. There are still elements of this on display today, from fine manor houses to antique stores and gourmet restaurants.

There are many great things to do in Bowral, including bushwalking and fly fishing. Hike to the summit of Mt Gibraltar, which looks over town. Walk through the beautiful Corbett Gardens; it’s the centrepiece of the annual Tulip Time Festival in September, when more than 100,000 tulips bloom. For spectacular views of the gardens and town, visit Bowral Lookout. Use Bowral as your base to explore more of the Southern Highlands and follow the scenic Illawarra tourism route to see the whole area.

Snow occasionally falls here in mid-winter, giving the town a fairytale feel. Spend the night by a roaring log fire with a glass of local wine, Fairies!

Mudgee

With stunning heritage streetscapes and museums run by passionate people, to boutique and chic shopping precincts and galleries and studios, you’ll find yourself wishing you’d stayed another day. Oh, and Mudgee has markets (really good ones!).

For over 40 years, Mudgee’s boutique wines have delighted Australian’s with an experience of unmatched quality and classic country charm. With over 40 family-owned cellar doors to choose from you may find yourself unsure of where to begin. Moreover, your taste buds will never quite be the same after sampling Mudgee Region’s locally foraged produce…

Snowy Mountains

Enjoy fantastic skiing and snowboarding in the magnificent Snowy Mountains of NSW, home to Australia’s highest peak. The adventure wonderland is brimming with fun experiences, from thrilling downhill runs on pristine snow to music festivals, wine tasting, fascinating heritage and much more.

Blue Mountains

Could you imagine a world heritage listed national park that’s bursting with Aussie wildlife, thick eucalypt rainforest, spectacular waterfalls, home to the oldest indigenous living culture on the face of planet earth with some of the most Instagram worthy views on the planet. Sounds a little too good to be true doesn’t it? 

Well the truth is – its not! All of this is located in the Blue Mountains National Park, just over an hour from Sydney!

Mullumbimby

The township of Mullumbimby – the ‘Biggest Little Town in Australia’ – is laid out in a grid, making easy to navigate and bike-friendly. Burringbar Street, Dalley Street, and surrounding side streets are lined with a unique range of shops and eateries, including the historic Middle Pub.

Located 2km out of Mullumbimby’s township is the Mullumbimby Showground. With a hinterland backdrop, a well-kept grassy area, access to the Brunswick River, and powered campsites, the Mullumbimby Showground is a great facility for visitors!

Capertee Valley

Surrounded by the wonders of World Heritage listed wilderness, the Capertee Valley is the world’s second largest canyon. Sandstone cliffs dominate the escarpment, drawing down into a deep chasm carved into the environment over millions of years. With tranquil vistas and serene mountain landscapes the Capertee Valley is abundant in flora and fauna, providing the perfect opportunity to encounter nature in a natural environment.

Under the sandstone layer stretches an enormous layer of coal and oil shale. Rising majestically out of the valley floor is a monolith in size and spectacle. The impressive peak, Pantoney’s Crown, beckons the keen walker to climb its summit. From the top is a 360 degree panorama of the dramatic and breathtaking valley.

Kangaroo Valley

 Kangaroo Valley has so much to offer there should be something to suit everyone! Immerse yourself in nature and have an adventure. Soak up some music at festival time or visit a gallery. If food is you’re thing, take a class or enjoy the local produce, or fill up at a yummy cafe. Explore pioneer history in the village and museum or browse the shops for treats or gifts.

Hunter Valley

When was the last time you took off on a whim? With more than 150 wineries, restaurants aplenty, sweeping landscapes and mobs of kangaroos – and just a two-hour drive north of Sydney – the Hunter Valley is a fabulous holiday destination, whether it’s a sneaky weekender or a full-on fortnight. Need we say more? Make a getaway, Fairies!

Digital Content Coordinator: Zoe Kanlis

Featured Image: Instagram