Last Updated on February 13, 2024 by snaphappytravel
Electric vehicles have opened up a world of possibilities for Sydney drivers who can now go weekend getaways to various destinations in New South Wales without having to fork out a single cent of petrol costs. Not only does this newfound freedom save them thousands of dollars a year from having to pay the most expensive average fuel costs in Australia, it also enables them to tick off more destinations from their domestic travel bucket list.
If you find yourself itching to hit the open road with a car full of snacks and your Spotify playlist blaring, here are the top ten weekend getaways for those electric vehicle owners living in Sydney.
Get ready to be inspired!
Top Ten Weekend Getaway Destinations from Sydney
There are plenty of places you can visit on a weekend getaway from Sydney in an EV, but the following represent the most interesting and exciting destinations to go to.
1. Central Coast
The Central Coast makes the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Not only does it possess some of the most stunning coastline in New South Wales, including gorgeous beaches, it is also home to a number of charming seaside towns like Avoca Beach, Killcare and Terrigal, which you will instantly be seduced by.
At the same time, on the scenic Brisbane Water, Gosford, Woy Woy and Ettalong Beach are terrific spots for boating, fishing and swimming. Similarly, attractions like the Australian Reptile Park and the Bouddi National Park are well worth checking out, especially if you love wildlife and nature.
Throw in plenty of boutique shopping, a fabulous cafe and dining scene and the fact it is only an hour or so drive from Sydney and you have plenty of reasons to visit the region on a regular basis.
2. Blue Mountains National Park
Given that it is only a 90-minute drive from Sydney, a visit to the Blue Mountains National Park should be on every road tripper’s bucket list. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to rugged cliffs, deep canyons and eucalyptus-filled valleys that provide a peaceful escape from the frenetic pace of life in the city.
The iconic Three Sisters rock formation, best seen from Echo Point, is arguably the park’s highlight. However, it also accommodates a variety of hiking trails, including the legendary Grand Canyon walking track, the world’s oldest limestone caves, and the world’s steepest railway, which is not for the faint-hearted!
For those wanting a peaceful escape from the frenetic pace of city life in Sydney, the park provides that in spades. Local towns like Katoomba, Blackheath and Glenbrook also make for pleasant places to shop and explore.
3. Hunter Valley
Fancy a relaxed and refined weekend? Then, take a two-hour scenic drive to the Hunter Valley. This picturesque region is well known for being Australia’s premier wine region and is home to several world-class vineyards, wineries and cellar doors where you can enjoy wine tastings, delicious gourmet meals, and stroll amongst the idyllic vineyards.
Set against the Brokenback Mountain Range, the Hunter Valley is a lovely destination to drive around. However, if you have a head for heights, you can also choose to experience its beauty from the lofty vantage point of a hot air balloon ride, with many local companies providing services to take you up.
If you love golf, the region also has some beautiful courses, while those wanting to be pampered can treat themselves to a session at one of the exceptional spa retreats in the area.
4. Jervis Bay
Should you fancy a spot of sunbathing and surfing, a three-hour drive south of Sydney takes you to the pristine beaches of Jervis Bay.
With its dazzling white sands, notably at Hyams Beach, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, thalassophilia will be in their element. At the same time, foodies can enjoy various internationally inspired, seafood-orientated cuisines, while nature lovers will enjoy hiking in the region’s national parks.
If you are into marine life, you’ll love the chance to go on one of the many whale or dolphin-watching tours that venture out into its surrounding waters.
5. Kangaroo Valley
Tucked away in the Southern Highlands, Kangaroo Valley will captivate you with its rustic charm and natural beauty. It will take you about two hours to drive there from Sydney, but once you are there, you will be surrounded by lush landscapes that will take your breath away.
The drive to Kangaroo Valley, particularly along the scenic Macquarie Pass, is an experience in itself. Visitors can also explore the historic Hampden Bridge, take bush walks through the bosky countryside and enjoy canoeing adventures in pristine waters.
6. Port Stephens
If you are a beach lover, you will be spoilt for choice in Port Stephens. Overall, this attractive coastal region, just over two hours north of Sydney, accommodates no less than 26 outstanding sandy beaches, including the iconic Zenith Beach and the expansive Stockton Beach. All of which offer plenty of opportunities for water sports, beachcombing and relaxing.
The region is also famous for its resident bottlenose dolphins, which are best seen on dolphin-watching cruises that skirt the picturesque bay. At the same time, those wanting to stretch their legs should head to Tomaree National Park, where a hike up to the Tomaree Head Summit reveals fantastic panoramic views of the area.
Activities like fishing, sandboarding and bushwalking are also popular pastimes in this superb destination.
7. Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands is a picturesque region just 90 minutes southwest of Sydney that is characterised by rolling hills, lush countryside and heritage villages. Its cool climate creates some jaw-dropping landscapes, and the area also boasts well-manicured gardens, wineries, and historic estates.
The largest town there is Bowral, which is famous for its tulip festivals and for being the hometown of Sir Donald Bradman. Cricket lovers will enjoy the museum that is dedicated to his life and the game he loved.
During your visit here, you can also peruse a fascinating collection of art galleries and antique shops and check out the scenic Fitzroy Falls.
8. Canberra
For a weekend that combines history and culture, head to Canberra, the nation’s capital. Located between Sydney and Melbourne, you will find no shortage of charging stations along the way.
The drive will take you about three hours to complete from Sydney, but once there, you will be able to immerse yourself in the rich political history of the country as well as its modern architecture, expansive green spaces, and cultural institutions.
Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and the National Gallery of Australia are three must-see sites. In addition, Lake Burley Griffin, which lies at the heart of the city, is an excellent spot for walking, cycling and enjoying picnics.
9. Snowy Mountains
If you love the snow, then the best place to go on a winter weekend getaway from Sydney is the Snowy Mountains. This majestic alpine region is renowned for its snow-capped peaks, pristine landscapes and excellent outdoor recreational opportunities.
It is headlined by Mount Kosciuszko, the highest peak in Australia, which is the main focal point for hikers and photographers, offering superb panoramic views of the Snowy River and surrounding wilderness. It is also a major hotspot for skiers and snowboarders, with popular resorts like Thredbo and Perisher attracting scores of adrenaline seekers in the winter months.
As it is situated about a five-hour drive from Sydney, you will need to factor in a charge stop on the way there and back. You are also advised to take snow chains with you in the winter months to help you navigate the roads more easily.
That said, if the thought of visiting the Snowy Mountains in winter runs shivers down your spine, don’t worry. It is also a lovely place to visit in the summer, when hiking, mountain biking and fishing in crystal-clear lakes are the most popular pursuits.
10. Wollongong
Situated just an hour south of Sydney, Wollongong is a vibrant city that is known for its stunning coastal setting and industrial heritage. Two of its main attractions are the iconic Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse and the scenic Grand Pacific Drive which are the first ports of call for most visitors.
Elsewhere, the Illawarra Escarpment provides terrific opportunities for bushwalking and hang gliding, while the idyllic beaches of the area are excellent for swimming and sunbathing. At the same time, the Wollongong Botanic Garden provides a serene space for relaxing, whilst the city also boasts a diverse dining scene – particularly with regard to seafood – and regularly hosts cultural events that add to its appeal.
EV-related Considerations
Before you head off on your weekend getaway from Sydney, there are a few things you need to bear in mind.
The first thing is to be aware of the range capability of your EV and to plan charging stops accordingly. As of February 2023, New South Wales has the most EV chargers out of all Australian states, with 715 public locations. Of these, 37 were above 100kW and 566 below 24kW. Given that most EVs range between 400 and 500 miles, you should only charge once on a 700 km weekend round trip.
You should make sure to fully charge before leaving for your trip. But also use mobile apps or websites that provide real-time information on charging station locations, availability, and compatibility with your EV model on the route you want to take. Additionally, be aware of which sites have the fastest charging speeds, which will significantly reduce your downtime during the journey. Wherever you charge, try to coincide doing it with toilet breaks, food stops, and general breaks.
Like with any travel journey, it is essential to take out insurance as you never know what might go wrong. In Australia, ROLLiN’s electric car insurance is one of the leading insurers of EV vehicles, so it is worth checking out what they offer along with any other provider you might research.
Lastly, we all know the weather in New South Wales can sometimes be unpredictable. Therefore, check the weather forecast on the BOM app or website and prepare for temperature variations that could potentially impact the performance of your EV’s battery.
Thanks for Reading!
Residents of Sydney who own an electric vehicle have an excellent opportunity to explore the great state of New South Wales without having to incur any petrol costs.
So, whether you choose to hit the beach, explore the countryside, or tackle the state’s highest alpine mountains, there is no shortage of things you can do.
All you have to decide is where you are going to go first.
Before you go! You may also enjoy reading some of my other most popular blog posts, including –
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