Last Minute Escape Plans For The Long Weekend

Head for the hills
Or, more specifically, the mountains. If you feel like getting back to nature, take a walk. Just be sure to stick to the tracks and BYO water. If you’re looking to chase some waterfalls, hit up the Wentworth Pass Walking Loop. It will take you a good four to five hours though so be sure to pack lunch (read: hot cross buns).

If you make camp in Leura, grab a drink at the newly renovated Alex Hotel, and do dinner across the way at Leura Garage. Or, for a long lunch, book in at the Ambermere Rose Inn. Katoomba is jam-packed  with second-hand stores (keep your eye out of West German pottery) and memorabilia tea towels. Hey, is it really a holiday if you don’t have tea towel / fridge magnet?

Did someone say surf trip?
Pack the boards and head for the coast. No matter your shred level, you’re guaranteed a good time. The water is still holding its heat this time of year, if you’re prepared to brave the April air.

Our pick? A little shy of three hours north of Sydney is Anna Bay, a sleepy coastal suburb of Port Stephens where time moves a little slower and the waves are long and rolling.

Need a beach break on the cheap? Here’s five of the best.

See how the other folk live
Chances are you aren’t the only one who decided to press escape last minute. This means, with any luck,  there will be a whole lot of local accomodation open up on the likes of Airbnb. Why not try on a new part of Sydney for size?

If you head for Palm Beach or Avalon, be sure to put a trip to the Newport Arms on your list. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more lo-fi, why not grab some locally-caught fish and chips and head for one of the many jetties? The perfect picnic spot.

Or, head for the sleepy inlet of Pittwater. While you’ll need to commandeer a boat to get there, but well worth it.

What to pack?
Here's a to-pack list for her...

And, for him...