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Need an antidote to Sydney city life? Breathe out the stressors of the rat race and breathe in some much-needed serenity when you escape to the country. And we’re not just talking about any old town; we’re talking country towns that are picture-postcard perfect.
Luckily for you, there’s heaps of them right here in New South Wales and luckier still, the team from World Atlas, a global travel publisher, has compiled a list. Made for slow weekends that are all about R&R, these gorgeous getaways range from surfing villages and sparkling coastal hideaways to pastoral places surrounded by verdant hills and fields of gold. All you need to do is pick a place and hit the road. Ready?
Narooma
With its impossibly blue waters, rugged rock formations and abundant marine life, Narooma is one of the South Coast’s great scenic stunners. The town wraps around beautiful Wagonga Inlet, where pelicans, seals and fishing boats are part of the everyday scenery. It’s particularly famous for its fresh oysters, so make sure to slurp up half a dozen of these beauties. Australia Rock – the hole in this rock formation bears a striking resemblance to the shape of Australia when looked at from a certain angle – is another local icon.
Bundeena
On the doorstep of the Royal National Park, Bundeena is all about spectacular coastal scenery and a blissfully easy pace. It’s the northern starting point of the famous Coast Track and a jumping-off point for beaches, bushwalks and clifftop views. Jibbon Headland is particularly special, with significant Aboriginal rock engravings created by the Dharawal people. Add sandy beaches, sparkling water and easy access to Wattamolla and you have one very pretty escape from Sydney.
Avoca
Just 95 kilometres north of Sydney, Avoca is a laid-back Central Coast favourite where beach days come with a side of lake views. The coastal spot is best known for its long sweep of golden sand shores on one side and the calm waters of Avoca Lake on the other, making it perfect for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. There’s also a much-loved surf culture, a charming village centre and the historic Avoca Beach Picture Theatre.
Kiama
Famous for the spectacular Kiama Blowhole, this South Coast seaside town is where the ocean puts on a show. The nearby lighthouse, harbour and coastal cliffs provide plenty of scenic vantage points. Kiama is also known for its beautiful coastline, rock pools and the Kiama Coast Walk, which winds along some seriously photogenic stretches of shore. Add a lively café scene and an easygoing beach-town atmosphere and you’ve got a classic NSW coastal escape.
Crescent Head
With its retro surf-town charm and world-class waves, Crescent Head is the kind of place where life revolves around the ocean. Its star attraction is Killick Beach, home to a famous longboard break and one of Australia’s National Surfing Reserves. The village sits beside Goolawah National Park, where pristine beaches, coastal walks and rainforest make it easy to escape into nature. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or prefer watching the action from the sand, Crescent Head’s relaxed, salt-soaked atmosphere is hard to resist.
Nimbin
Quirky and unapologetically alternative, Nimbin has long been known as Australia’s counterculture capital. Located in the lush Northern Rivers hinterland (quite close to Byron Bay), the town is instantly recognisable for its brightly painted buildings and creative community. It’s surrounded by ancient rainforest, mountains, waterfalls and national parks, making it a natural base for exploring the region. Add organic cafés and wellness retreats and you have a very interesting town.
Pambula
Historic and wonderfully laid-back, Pambula is a Sapphire Coast village where heritage charm meets wetlands, beaches and some seriously good rock oysters. Check out the 77-hectare Panboola Wetlands, a haven for birdlife with walking and cycling trails around the billabong. Pambula is also part of Australia’s Oyster Coast, with the pristine local waterways producing premium oysters. Add Pambula Beach, native wildlife and the scenic Pambula River, and this is a charming base for exploring the far South Coast. What’s more, there are no chain stores or traffic lights in sight.
Cowra
In the rolling Lachlan Valley, Cowra combines beautiful countryside with a fascinating history. The country town is best known for its connection to the Cowra Breakout of 1944, when more than 1,000 Japanese prisoners of war attempted a mass escape. Today, the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre stands as a symbol of peace and reconciliation between Australia and Japan. Come spring, the surrounding farmland becomes even more spectacular with the canola crop turning it into “fields of gold”.
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