The Best Weekend Getaway Destinations for Students Studying in Sydney

Katelyn Robinson is a student at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville and an ISA Featured Blogger. She interned abroad with ISA in Sydney, Australia.

While abroad in Australia, there were many opportunities for me and my friends to experience the incredible country that is Australia.  From the sparkling beaches to the impressive mountains to everything in between, there is something to do on the weekend for everyone.  Alongside places I have listed, weekend getaways to the Outback, Melbourne, Perth, Gold Coast, Adelaide and other cities are also great options on a bigger budget.

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are absolutely stunning.  From hiking up mountains to jumping into waterfalls, there is so much to do in the Blue Mountains.  There are always many accommodations to choose from in the mountains and because there are so many things to see and do, you will want to spend a few days there to really soak in all of the beauty.

 

Blue Mountains

Great Barrier Reef

A weekend getaway on everyone’s bucket list, the Great Barrier Reef is a must see when you are traveling in Australia.  This coral reef is the largest in the world and can even be seen from outer space!  I was blown away by the natural beauty of the coral and all of the incredible sea creatures that would swim beside you.

Royal National Park

The Royal National Park is a beautiful sight even on a rainy day.  The park consists of coastal cliffs, private beaches and lookouts so beautiful that pictures can’t even capture it. With many types of wildlife and plants, you can take the two-day track through the park stopping at different points to set up camp for the night, making it a perfect getaway for the adventurous type.  If camping isn’t your forte, opt in for a day trip and make sure to visit the figure eight pools.

Royal National Park

Weekend Surf Camp

One of the highlights of my trip was being able to go on a 3-hour coastal drive south to begin a weekend I will never forget.  Learning to surf, camping out under the stars, beach bonfires at night, and rock pools were all part of this weekend excursion.  If you are in Australia, why not experience it surfing at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world?  At the Surf Camp I did, I was even able to experience the beautiful wildlife up close by feeding kangaroos and stingrays.

Surf Camp Group

Jervis Bay

Home to Hyams Beach, the whitest sand in the world, is Jervis Bay.  A four-hour train ride from Sydney, this weekend getaway is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the breathtaking views.  This was another day trip I took but it can easily be made into a weekend escape.

Jervis Bay

Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s best wine regions.  My friends and I took a day trip to Hunter Valley, but there are many different wineries and beautiful hotels to stay at in this region of Sydney.  The vineyards are beautiful and there are so many options to make Hunter Valley your favorite weekend experience

Hunter Valley Winery

Your Discovery. Our People… The World Awaits. 

 

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