8 Stress-Free New South Wales Towns For A Weekend Retreat

Sometimes, all you need to get rid of stress is just a good weekend out in a new place. Luckily, New South Wales offers some of the best towns for a quick excursion after a stressful weekend at work. Byron Bay is a beautiful beach town with resorts sitting right on the coast so you never have to leave the beach. Elsewhere is Mudgee, a foodie's dream. It has some of the best restaurants in the state with a variety of cuisines to choose from. No matter what kind of trip you need, you'll find it at one of these eight stress-free New South Wales towns for a weekend retreat.

The state these towns sit inNew South Wales

Byron Bay

Few things say stress-free weekend like sitting on the beach and soaking up the sun with a good book. Byron Bay, sitting on the shores of the Pacific Ocean in the Northern Rivers region of the state's far north coast, is the perfect antidote when missing the beach. With several to choose from, there's always room on the sand or in the water. Tallow Beach, located in Arakwal National Park, is one of the best in town, with a wide view of the water and plenty of birds for a day of birdwatching. For something closer to town, try Main Beach, right in the town center and close to many hotels and restaurants. If the kids need a break from the beach, head to Circus Arts, where they can enjoy an indoor gym, and parents can try their hands at acrobatics and a rock climbing wall.

If you don't want to waste time finding parking for the beach through the weekend, stay at Elements of Byron. The five-star resort is right on the beach, so travelers can walk outside and be on the sand in a few quick steps.

Nimbin

Heading inland from Byron Bay is the tiny and quirky town of Nimbin. Nimbin is a town for old souls, keeping the hippie spirit of the past alive by embracing counterculture and cannabis. This free-spirited culture will be apparent when staying at the Grey Gum Lodge, a guest house dating back to 1927. You'll find a communal verandah to chop it up with fellow travelers and tropical gardens unlike anything you'd see at a big chain hotel.

Start the relaxing weekend at the Nimbin Hemp Embassy. Inside are numerous hemp and cannabis-related products, as well as educational information about hemp's usefulness in everyday life. Then, spend some time in nature at the Djanbung Gardens, a botanical garden with a wide variety of species and helpful books for starting a garden. Finish the day with some retail therapy at the Nimbin Craft Gallery, which sells quirky, handmade crafts that make perfect souvenirs.

Bellingen

Bellingen provides a laid-back atmosphere and tight-knit community that makes for a perfect weekend visit. Stay at the Belfrey Guesthouse for a first-hand look at local culture. It offers a boutique stay for travelers with breathtaking views of the local rivers and nearby mountains and a friendly atmosphere.

Start the relaxing Bellingen weekend with breakfast at the Old Butter Factory. Grab a coffee or tea and enjoy breakfast favorites like pancakes and eggs benedict. Then head to the Bellingen Community Markets bright and early on the third Saturday of the month to see what handmade jewelry, pottery, and clothing the local vendors have on sale. Come at the end of August to see the town come alive at the Bellingen Memorial Hall for the Neverland Weekender cultural celebration. The weekend includes live music, art displays, and camping opportunities.

Dungog

Dungog provides the authentic rural Australian experience, sitting in the heart of dairy and timber country. Start the weekend by biking or bushwalking around the Dungog Common. The nature preserve has a bike track for exciting laps and 650 acres to explore on foot to get lost in nature. For some local culture, spend some time at Dungog By Design, the town's premier art gallery. It features the work of many of Dungog's best artists, inspired by the town's rural, hardworking spirit.

Finish your day in Dungog with a trip to the Tinshed Brewery. It is locally owned and operated and has delicious craft brews and sandwiches. And for a pampered experience, stay at the Royal Hotel Dungog for 4-star treatment at an affordable price.

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Mudgee

Mudgee makes an ideal weekend retreat for foodies, with several well-regarded restaurants and breweries for a delicious, relaxing weekend. Start the weekend with breakfast at Alby and Esther's, the town's best cafe. Grab a coffee and breakfast before you get out and explore the town. In the afternoon, grab lunch at the Red Heifer at the Lawson Park Hotel. They serve up Australian favorites, including burgers and made-to-order steaks. Finish the day with dinner and drinks at Three Trails Brewery. They offer craft beer and American-style food that is sure to hit the spot. After a day of eating around Mudgee, you won't even remember what caused the stress in the first place.

Mudgee is home to one of the more unusual hotels in New South Wales, the Perry Street Hotel. The hotel occupies an 1862 building that began life as the Mudgee Mechanics' Institute, a lecture hall and library that housed the town's first public collection of books. The Victorian architecture is remarkable and unlike anything else in the state.

Berry

About 150 kilometers from Sydney is Berry, a friendly town with a vintage feel. It's an excellent town for a romantic getaway, especially when staying at the Homestead. It offers privacy and luxury overlooking some of New South Wales' best countryside with adults in mind. After a morning in paradise at the Homestead, head into town to see why so many come to Berry for a relaxing weekend.

Start the tour with a stop at the Berry Museum. The museum houses artifacts related to the early development of the town and how it grew thanks to the agricultural and timber industries. After a visit to the museum, indulge your sweet tooth with two can't-miss stops in town. The first is the Treat Factory, a candy store with a nearly endless selection of chocolates and other sweets. And finish the romantic weekend at the Berry Donut Van for some of the most delicious donuts in Australia and other sweets.

Narooma

Head back to the coast to find Narooma, the perfect town for a weekend visit for outdoor lovers. It is home to one of the country's most unusual sights, the Australia Rock. The rock formation creates an outline of Australia, and it deserves a photo when you're in town. For something a little more adventurous, book a SCUBA excursion with Underwater Safaris. The courses are perfect for beginners or experts and offer beautiful views of the underwater environment around Narooma.

Back in town, there's still plenty to do in Narooma that sets it apart from other destinations in New South Wales. The Whale is the best hotel in town, with luxury views of the ocean or the nearby mountains for a fine outlook every time you wake up. And golfers have the chance to play one of Australia's best public courses at the Narooma Golf Club. The course follows the coastline, with open water in view for much of the round.

Merimbula

Beach lovers won't want to miss Merimbula. Not far from the border with Victoria, the town is home to several beautiful beaches and coastal outdoor activities that will just melt the stress away. Start a day in Merimbula with a visit to Short Point Recreation Reserve to walk on the beach or swim in the ocean. Or stay at the Coast Resort Merimbula to enjoy a luxury four-star hotel with access to the Merimbula Main Beach right outside. And if the ocean water is too choppy or cold to swim, the pool at the Coast Resort allows you to enjoy the water even when the weather doesn't cooperate.

And no trip to Merimbula is complete without seafood. The Wharf Restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood in the area. With wide views of the ocean, it's a favorite of locals and visitors to Merimbula.

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Enjoy Some Peace and Quiet in These New South Wales Towns

A relaxing and stress-free weekend isn't as far away as one might think. A quick trip to any of these New South Wales towns will leave you relaxed and wondering why you waited so long to make the journey. Beautiful beaches, bushwalking, and a delicious meal are all waiting for you at these New South Wales towns for a weekend retreat.

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