Best winter getaways in NSW
Escaping to historic towns, hunkering down in sandstone lodgings and retreating to the mountains has become our hobby this winter.
By now, finding ways to escape the winter is close to impossible. For some, this means chasing the summer around the globe, but for others, waking up on frosty mornings in beautiful lodgings and rugging up in front of a roaring fire is their ideal weekend away.
In NSW, escaping to historic towns, hunkering down in heritage properties and retreating to the mountains has become the perfect excuse for a quick winter break that doesn’t involve driving for hours.
From the Southern Highlands to the Blue Mountains, here are our picks of the best winter getaways in NSW.
The Berry View, Berry
It may not scream winter, but this Palm Springs-esque retreat located in the heart of rural Berry is the ideal launch pad for a cosy weekend spent in the idyllic south coast village. Around 145km south of Sydney, the 13-room hotel is picture perfect with its orange doors and white Breeze Block exterior.
Inside rooms are furnished with varying degrees of burnt orange and brown, whites and creams with the occasional black accent. Windows framed by flowy sheer curtains look out to lush pastures which, on a bitter winter’s morning, are blanketed in frost. The Berry View is mere moments from town where The Famous Berry Donut Van serves up warm cinnamon doughnuts, pies and milkshakes. Milkwood Bakery, another beloved neighbourhood hub known for slinging cakes, pastries and yep, you guessed it, more pies, continuously has a line out the door, and Amara Home, a beautiful boutique for luxury homewares and fashion items, is worth paying a visit to.
Berrima Vault House, Berrima
Once the old Taylor’s Crown Inn, built by convicts in 1844, Berrima Vault House is now a club where members and their guests can enjoy its exquisite revamp and soak up those cold-climate vibes. Located in Berrima, the mainland’s most preserved Georgian village, the heritage listed building is one of the best places for a snug weekend sojourn. The Residence, which occupies the top floor of the inn, is a single let with two double bedrooms and one single bedroom. A spacious kitchen, living and dining area have crisp white walls, grand floral paintings and deep linen sofas.
Back downstairs there is Hank and Molly’s Bar and a public dining room called King George's Cell. Outside, the Vinery and Rose Garden with a large outdoor fireplace hold promise of cool afternoons spent around the fire. Stop by Eschalot, located in the historic village, for a fine dining experience held in a small stone cottage, where dishes of orange and tamarind prawns, rare seared wallaby, and gnocchi with garden pesto are served.
Black Barn Bowral, Bowral
Stepping into this renovated farmhouse, with its roaring open fire and authentic country design, is like entering a rustic dream. Lovingly restored by celebrated Australian designer Collette Dinnigan, Black Barn Bowral is located two minutes from the Southern Highland town of Bowral. Featuring pieces curated from her travels to Europe, the handsome barn is perfect for a winter family getaway with space to sleep six.
Floorboards made from Danish cheese boards and bathroom tiles crafted from salvaged French marble make up some of the recycled materials used in the restoration. In Bowral, stopping by the cult-worthy Moonacres Kitchen and Cheese Etc, known for its three-cheese toasted sandwiches, is the perfect place to begin exploring the neighbouring towns of Robertson and Mittagong.
Wildes Boutique Hotel, Kangaroo Valley
Wildes Boutique Hotel, a 23-room heritage property set in a handsome sandstone building, is a popular bolthole for couples, families or groups of friends searching for a quiet weekend getaway. After undergoing a $12m renovation in 2021, the lodge is the perfect escape during the winter months, with luxurious interiors and plenty of communal spaces. Rooms feature private courtyards or balconies and the pool is heated to 23 degrees Celsius between June and September. Wildes Dinging highlights modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Pass the time exploring the Fitzroy Falls, grab a coffee from the General Store and relax over a glass of wine at Yarrawa Estate.
Osborn House, Bundanoon
If it hasn’t already clicked, there is nowhere cosier than the Southern Highlands to spend a winter weekend away. This 19th century 22-room guesthouse in the township of Bundanoon sits on hectares of stunning gardens with views of Morton National Park. Communal spaces share the same elegance as the rooms, where four-poster beds, wood wall panellings and original oak floors pay homage to the heritage property. A heated pool, tennis court and sauna are among the facilities, along with a lounge bar called George and Dinah, a dining room showcasing the best of local produce. One of the area‘s main attractions just so happens to take place at Osborne House. Its Sunday Fire Feast brings traditional South American asado barbecues to the highlands, with Argentinian staff and a rose cart.
Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain
It takes just 90 minutes to drive from Sydney’s CBD to reach this rural lodging. The retreat is located on the edge of Blue Mountains National Park in Bowen Mountain and is another property from the Queensland-based Spicers group. With a main lodge, six freestanding suites and a tent bringing new meaning to the word ‘glamping’, the retreat imbues the feeling of warmth with African inspired interiors with an understated Australian aesthetic. Wood heaters warm the rooms, while outside trails around Sangoma abound, but the real attraction is the Echo Point Look which, if timed right, offers the perfect vantage point to see the Three Sisters covered in snow.