The Federal Government's newly-introduced tax cuts package means low and middle income earners are receiving up to an extra $1,080 in their hip pocket.
NSW Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said it's the perfect opportunity for Australians to treat themselves to a well-deserved break in one of the State's many idyllic locations.
“The Federal Government's tax cuts package is all about rewarding hard-working Australians, so what better way to make use of that well-earned cash than with a holiday in the nation's number one tourism State,” Mr Ayres said.
“In the year ending March 2019, NSW welcomed 40 million overnight visitors to our State who injected nearly $33 billion into the tourism economy.
“It's clear why international and domestic visitors are continuing to choose to visit NSW. In addition to a world-class list of major arts and sporting events, our State boasts incredible geographic diversity.
“NSW has everything from Outback tours to alpine high country, six World Heritage Areas, 14 wine regions, 850 national parks and reserves and a coastline with over 720 stunning beaches.
“With options for every budget, I strongly encourage Australians to make the most of this tax time bonus and book a short stay in NSW.”
Top Tax Tempters
Here are 22 ideas to make use of your tax cut, just a short flight or leisurely drive away.
Place: Newcastle
Good for: sun, surf, culture
New South Wales' second city is a cosmopolitan centre with a rich history, delicious dining and stunning coastline. You can drive to Newcastle in just two hours from Sydney or jump on an express train. Swim at the Bogey Hole, visit the Newcastle Art Gallery, dine at the Honeysuckle Precinct and watch the Newcastle 500 in November. For a stylish stay, the Novotel Newcastle Beach Hotel has rooms from $194 per night.
Place: Hunter Valley
Good for: food and wine
For a short break in wine country with friends or family, the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley has a heated pool, kids club and rooms from $201, with a choice of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas nestled around a golf course. The Hunter Valley is just a two-hour drive from Sydney with plenty to see and do, from wine tasting to horse riding and strolling the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens.
Place: Bathurst
Good for: animal lovers, families
For a country farm experience, guests at Amaroo Cottage Farmstay are encouraged to get involved with the work of running a 760-hectare farm. After the chores are done, there's time to spot the abundant native birdlife or stargaze. Accommodation is in a three-bedroom self-contained farmhouse and children under 16 stay free. For a three-night stay, the cost is $450 including a hearty breakfast. It's a great stopover on the way to the Elvis Festival in Parkes, held in January each year.
Place: Blue Mountains
Good for: thrill seekers, nature lovers
For a Blue Mountains getaway, Jenolan Valley View is a five-bedroom house nestled between Jenolan Caves and the Three Sisters, offering a weekend stay for 12-16 guests for $850. The cliff-top home on the famous Greater Blue Tourist Drive has valley views, a pool and a recreation room. Just ten minutes from Lithgow, it's the ideal base to explore the Glow Worm Tunnel and Scenic World.
Place: Braidwood
Good for: heritage architecture, horse riding
Visit the delightful country town of Braidwood, in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, around three hours from Sydney. Stay in a bed and breakfast, stroll Wallace Street to see heritage architecture and buy seasonal produce at the Braidwood Farmers Market. Stay overnight in Saddle Camp Tiny Home, from $158, where guests can saddle up for a trail ride.
Place: Moruya
Good for: adventure seekers, glampers, couples
The riverside town of Moruya offers plenty of outdoor adventures such as kayaking, cycling, skydiving, fishing and surfing. Getting there is easy—the drive South from Sydney is four hours or you can fly from Sydney to Moruya Airport and rent a car. The Post & Telegraph Bed and Breakfast has antique furnishings and warm hospitality from $160 a night or drive ten minutes to The Bower at Broulee, where couples can stay in a retro-style American Airstream trailer from $200 per night.
Place: Kiama
Good for: sun, walks, family
Less than two hours' drive south of Sydney (or a scenic two-hour train trip) is the coastal town of Kiama. Take the family for a weekend and explore the stunning beaches on the Kiama Coastal Walk or on a kayak tour of the estuary of the Minnamurra River. The South Coast Food and Wine Festival is held nearby in Berry in September and is a great opportunity to sample the produce of the region. Stay in Driftwood Beach House, a restored 170-year-old cottage which sleeps 9 from $375 per night, or at The Sebel Harbourside Kiama with family rooms from $269 per night.
Place: Bowral
Good for: girls' weekend, food and wine
Bowral is a charming country town, with excellent dining options, great shopping and boutique accommodation—perfect for a girls' weekend. An hour and a half from Sydney, head down on Friday night to stay at a cute cottage like The Hidden Doorfor $160 per night, or Birch Cottage for $250 per night. Book a long lunch of local produce at Bendooley Estate, hunt for vintage treasures at Dirty Janes and taste cool-climate wine at Tertini Wines. Plan your trip for late September to wander amongst stunning floral displays for Tulip Festival.
Place: Cabarita Beach
Good for: romantic weekend, relaxation
Escape the cold and head north to Cabarita Beach for sunshine and one-on-one time. Return flights from Sydney to the Gold Coast are currently less than $200, and from there it is a 20-minute drive. There are a number of stylish apartments to choose from such as The Board Room or the Bali-inspired Luxury Romance (which has a discount for July stays). Try Pipit Restaurant in nearby Pottsville or splurge on a luxury day package at Halcyon House, which includes a two-course lunch at Paper Daisy, pool access, a massage, and use of surfboards and bikes.
Place: Bago State Forest
Good for: camping with friends or family
The Bago State Forest in the Tumbarumba region is a stunning spot to explore. Do the Sugar Pine Walk and admire the beautiful, towering pine trees. After, drive to Paddy's River Dam in the alpine ash forests to camp, relax and go for walks. Do you want to know the best part? You can bring your dog with you. Squeeze in some sampling of cool climate wines at Courabyra Wines or Johansen Wines.
Place: Junee
Good for: history lovers and families
Junee is a pretty town in the Riverina region, a four hour and 45 minute drive from Sydney, or alternatively fly to Wagga Wagga for around $350-400 and from there it is a short drive. Wander the streets on a self-guided Junee Heritage tour and visit the last steam train depot in NSW. The Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory is a sweet tooth's fantasy, and enjoy a nostalgic meal at The Railway Station Café. Stay at the Gryphon Lodge B&B, where they grow their own fruit and vegetables.
Place: Port Macquarie
Good for: wildlife, food and wine
Base yourself in Port Macquarie for a weekend exploring the region's beaches, national parks and Hastings River wine region. There are direct flights to Port Macquarie from Sydney from $371 that only take an hour. Animal lovers should look for passing whales and visit the giant saltwater crocodile and lions at Billabong Zoo. Top cafés include Drury Lane Eatery and Social Grounds, and you can sample more of the region's produce on the last Saturday every month at the Wauchope Farmers Market. Indulge in a Water View King Room at Sails Port Macquarie from $188 per night.
Place: Lake Macquarie
Good for: coastal escape for couples or families
Just two hours' drive from Sydney, hit the road to Lake Macquarie and check into Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows — a collection of beach-luxe villas, suites and bungalows connected by Hamptons-style wooden boardwalks, from $260 per night. Nestled in the dunes of iconic Caves Beach, it's the perfect location if you plan on catching the sunrise from inside the beach caves. Enjoy a long lunch at the onsite Caves Coastal Bar or get active on the lake with a spot of fishing, kayaking or snorkelling.
Place: Oberon
Good for: exploring natural wonders
The historic mining town of Oberon offers a slice of country life. It's surrounded by lush hills and horse riding trails, great 4WD routes, and the majestic Jenolan Caves. Visit the vast Mayfield Garden Spring Festival in October to stroll past beautiful ponds, admire vibrant flowers, and play a game of giant chess. Just a half an hour's drive from Oberon, explore the Jenolan Caves then stay overnight in the heritage Caves House designed in 1897 by NSW Government Architect Walter Liberty Vernon.
Place: Yass
Good for: wine tasting, artisan studios
One of the best ways to enjoy the villages, natural attractions, wineries and fine food of the Yass Valley is to follow the Poacher's Way. The trail stretches from Bowning and Yass and brings together a collection of local artists, delicious local produce and wine in one easy-to-enjoy package. Or visit the Murrumbateman Field Days, a fun family event in October. In Yass, try the sleek three-bedroom house Jamila, which sleeps six guests from $350 per night—or camp out on the shores of Burrinjuck Dam or Cooradigbee Homestead out at Wee Jasper.
Place: Picton
Good for: country charm
Picton has everything you want from a weekend in the country—gorgeous heritage architecture, nearby bushwalking and kayaking (at Thirlmere Lakes National Park), one of Australia's oldest pubs (George IV Inn) and farmstay accommodation (at Mowbray Park, $626 per night for a family of four). It's a 90-minute drive from Sydney or you can travel by train cheaply; it takes just over two hours.
Place: Myall Lakes
Good for: Disconnecting and reconnecting with friends or family
Get away from your screens and into nature for a weekend that will leave you revitalised. You can't get much closer to nature than on a houseboat. Hire a boat from Myall Lakes Getaway Houseboat, from $790 for two nights, on the Mid North Coast to explore the region by water and fish, swim and kayak. Or camp in the Myall Lakes National Park and explore the stunning coast on bushwalks and picnics.
Place: Cootamundra
Good for: cricket fans
Visit the birthplace of the world's greatest cricketer, Sir Donald Bradman, and immerse yourself in the history of the great sport. Visit the Bradman's Birthplace Museum and the Captains Walk of 40 bronze sculptures of cricketing greats. Check out the excellent cafes, shop for homemade gifts and antiques, and admire the gorgeous native wattle in July and August. Accommodation options include a rejuvenated 100-year old church or a former schoolhouse located on a farm.
Place: Mudgee and Orange
Good for: food and wine, weekend away with friends
Plan a wine tasting weekend with friends in the delightful country towns of Mudgee or Orange, each a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney. In Mudgee, opt for a luxury farm stay at Peppertree Hill, tour the region's cellar doors, and splurge on a dinner at fine-dining restaurant Pipeclay Pumphouse. In Orange, stay at The White Place, a stylish cottage in the heart of town, sip and swirl at local institution Philip Shaw Wines, and enjoy the region's many exceptional restaurants.
Place: Tamworth and Armidale
Good for: history-buffs, nature-lovers
A five-hour drive or one-hour flight from Sydney (around $250 return), historic Tamworth is Australia's country music capital and the perfect place for a charming country getaway. Stay in a beautifully appointed private cottage at Goonoo Goonoo Station, from $165 per night, a working cattle station 30 minutes south of Tamworth. Take a scenic one-hour drive to the pretty town of Uralla and explore the lovely cafes and antique shops. Continue on to the Armidale region for cool-climate wineries and natural wonders, like the magnificent Wollomombi Falls in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
Place: Byron Bay
Good for: sun, surf, laid-back vibes
For a relaxed coastal escape, head north to the Byron Bay region. Home to endless beaches and incredible natural beauty, Byron and its surrounds offer world-class surf breaks, delicious local produce and dining options, and free-spirited creative communities. Stay at one of the many seaside accommodations, or choose a hinterland hideaway like 99 Acres Bangalow, from $162 per night, or Aria, $699 per night for 10 guests. Explore Cape Byron Marine Park via kayak, SUP, surf or snorkel or take in the panoramic views from the Cape Byron walking track. Return flights from Sydney to Ballina are currently under $200, and from there it is a 30-minute drive.
Place: Snowy Mountains
Good for: adventure, skiing and snowboarding
Hit the slopes in the Snowy Mountains, a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Plan your alpine retreat to one of Australia's top ski resorts—Perisher, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass or Selwyn Snow Resort—and book a stay at cosy accommodations such as The Eastern or Moonbah Huts. Take part in a variety of snow activities including snow tubing and snowshoeing, followed by everyone's favourite mountain pastime, après ski. Head to Schuss Bar for live music or Perisher Valley Hotel for an aperitif by the fire.
Share your favourite Sydney and NSW holidays on social media by using the hashtag #IloveSydney or #NewSouthWales.
For more information on short breaks in NSW, go to www.visitnsw.com
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