Although it’s hard to complain about Sydney—what with its great beaches, expansive shopping and excellent coffee—living the city life can be a bit exhausting.
Whether it’s cramped train rides, lying shoulder-to-shoulder at Bondi in the height of summer, or the five-minute queue at cafés (only to find out they’ve run out of almond milk), Sydney’s hustle and bustle can sometimes only be cured by a getaway to the country.
If you’ve found yourself in need of a break, look inwards to New South Wales’ coasts and valleys for a weekender. Leaving Friday afternoon and getting back in Sunday night, your boss won’t even know you’ve gone.
But wait—before zooming off on that weekend getaway, it’s always important to make sure you’re prepared and the best way to do that is with the added safety measure of car insurance. Often the excitement of the trip can mean we forget the bigger things, like being covered (especially when driving long distances), which basically means you’ll really be able to relax knowing you’re covered (and safe).
Stella, a car insurance brand that specifically caters to Australian women, aims to reward women for being statistically safer drivers. The insurance brand, founded by Sam White, is a radically different proposition in the Australian insurance market—and, as female drivers, a proposition that could have you and your bank account thanking you should anything go wrong.
Stella helps empower Australian women with simple and transparent car insurance, ultimately challenging the way we approach insurance and finance altogether—and won’t leave you scratching your head in the process.*
Berry
Filled with rolling green hills, rustic cottages and friendly people, Berry is about as quiet, quaint and calming as it gets. Set about two hours outside of the Sydney CBD, Berry is perfect for a low-key getaway. Think: early morning walks, brunch and yoga, and dinners under the stars.
Stay: Straying out to farmland calls for a farmstay. Our accommodation pick is restored 1920s house, Willow Farm, which boasts its own orchard (for apple picking), creeks and lakes surrounded by soft grass (for lunchtime picnics) and rustic, homely decor (for necessary lounging).
Eat: John Evans and Sonia Greig’s South on Albany is a must-visit for the foodies. Using local produce and interesting combinations of flavour, it’s a friendly and cosy dinner option
Do: After lunch, head to Healing With Feeling for a massage or aromatherapy session. Perfect to get you even more relaxed than you already are.
Hunter Valley
Wine, food, good views—need we say more? At just over three hours drive out of Sydney, Hunter is the perfect escape for busy city-dwellers. Check into accommodation overlooking expansive valleys, and spend days and nights sipping local drops.
Stay: Nestled at the foot of Broken Back Range, Tinonee Vineyard Estate‘s Dairy Cottage is the perfect tucked-away stay, with Hamptons-style decor leading out onto broad patios.
Eat: Award-winning and fresh, Redsalt Restaurant taps local wines and produce.
Do: You can’t pass through the Hunter Valley without visiting Golden Door Spa Elysia, the largest day spa in New South Wales. With private sun gardens, steam rooms, spas and massage facilities, relaxation lives here.
Jervis Bay
Set against sandy white beaches, clear blue water and lush natural forests, Jervis Bay is just under three hours from Sydney.
Stay: Facing out into the forest, Worrowing Estate’s Wilderness Huts are luxe, self-contained villas. Spend the afternoons sitting out on the desk spying passing kangaroos, possums and sugar gliders, or exploring the estate.
Eat: Candle- and fire-lit, Gunyah Restaurant at Paperback Camp serves up fresh-caught fish, desserts made with local flora, and wines from the region.
Do: It would be a crime to be close to Jervis Bay’s natural landscape and not explore. Head to Booderee Botanic Gardens to learn about local food and wildlife, or explore the Cape St George Lighthouse ruins on a guided tour.
The Blue Mountains
At just over an hour’s drive, the Blue Mountains are as accessible as they are beautiful. Rocky terrain, sweeping forests and sunsets worthy of a postcard, spend the weekend exploring the national parks, wining and dining or just relaxing at your accommodation.
Stay: Check into Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges, nestled in the middle of a 10 hectare estate with hills, lakes, tree-lined avenues and gardens.
Eat: On the eastern side of the Blue Mountains is Restaurant Como, which offers contemporary Australian food, local wines and beautiful views.
Do: After seeing the sights, slow down in the Botanic Gardens. On a free guided tour, see 21,000 plants, lunch at the Lodge and then see the entire valley from the Visitor’s Centre.
Kangaroo Valley
Dubbed “Australia’s most beautiful valley” (if they do say so, themselves), Kangaroo Valley is located two hours outside of Sydney. A sprawling landscape, the country town is filled with tiny shops, quaint cafes and historic views.
Stay: A huge open-plan house, Desiderata is a luxe holiday rental that offers panoramic views, homey comforts and a serene stay.
Eat: Skip the restaurant and head over to the farmer’s market on Sunday morning. After loading up with fresh fruits, local jams and spreads, and even some pastries, head out to one of the many picnic spots around Kangaroo Valley. No reservation needed.
Do: Take a drive out to Fitzroy Falls in the morning. After parking at the base, climb out onto the lookouts where you can get a glimpse of the entire valley.
*Any advice provided is general advice and does not take your personal circumstances into consideration. Please read the Stella product disclosure statement (PDS) available at stellainsurance.com.au for the terms, conditions, and exclusions before purchasing this insurance. Stella Underwriting (ABN 72 633 811 319) is an Authorised Representative (AR 001282046) of Allstate Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 82 073 267 053, AFSL 239010) which is acting under an agreement on behalf of the product issuer, QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited AFSL 239545).
