NSW Summer Secrets to Help You Really Relax and Unwind
- Written by Jessica Parry
Take the path less travelled with Destination NSW's selection of secluded swimming spots, campsites, breweries and wineries this Summer
The warmer weather is here, so now is the perfect time to discover the best, and somewhat, undiscovered beaches, campsites, breweries, and wineries that NSW has to offer.
NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres said “With world renowned beaches, exquisite harbourside dining, and celebrated regional wineries Sydney and NSW is a hugely popular summer holiday destination. Everyone should not only explore our famous icons but also put some time aside to discover our best kept secrets.”
For those looking to leave the hustle and bustle of the big beaches and relax, have a quiet drink somewhere new, or go on a camping adventure, Destination NSW suggests trying the below experiences.
Pack your swimmers and a picnic lunch and head north for an unforgettable day trip and swim at Mackerel Beach, one of Sydney's most secluded swimming spots
Located on the western shores of Pittwater in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Mackerel Beach is secluded, picturesque and only accessible by boat from Palm Beach. With a beautiful sandy beach for swimming and walking tracks to explore the surrounding National Park, Mackerel Beach is well worth the adventure. The ferry from Palm Beach is a treat in itself stopping along the way at The Basin, and Currawong. To properly unwind and explore this idyllic coastal retreat, Mackerel Beach has several beachside properties available for weekend rentals.
Un'wine'd with a glass of organic Hunter Valley wine at Krinklewood Winery
Located in the Broke-Fordwich subregion of the Hunter Valley, this boutique cellar door and biodynamic winery is set amongst beautiful Provencal-style gardens overlooking the vineyards and olive trees off the main wine trail in the Hunter Valley. With the Wollombi Brook and Brokenback Range providing a spectacular backdrop, Krinklewood offers a delightful Hunter Valley wine tasting experience twenty minutes' drive west of Pokolbin, and a pleasant two-hour drive from Sydney.
Get back to basics and pitch a tent at Mystery Bay camping ground
Mystery Bay camp ground is one of the few natural camping areas remaining on the NSW Coast. Situated between Narooma and Central Tilba on the far south coast five-and-a-half hours south of Sydney, the campsites are scattered throughout the native bush of spotted gums right by the beach. Explore the area's fantastic beaches and rocky coves, swim in the bay's beautiful turquoise waters, or go surfing at one of the neighbouring beaches. If you're feeling adventurous at Narooma, 10 minutes north, you can take a day trip to Montague Island Nature Reserve to see seals, Little Penguins and the historic light station.
Grab a Beer in a hidden Camperdown laneway at Wayward Brewing Company
Get lost on purpose and stroll down Gehrig Lane in Camperdown to get a cold craft beer at the newly opened Wayward Brewery. Sit back on one of the 70's style couches under a beer keg lamp and settle in for an afternoon out of the sun in the breweries dimly-lit atmospheric warehouse space. Try the Wayward flagship Charmer India Red Ale which has won several awards, including the silver medal at the Australian International Beer Awards.
Take the Protesters Falls walking track and discover spectacular waterfalls in Nightcap National Park
Explore ancient World Heritage-listed rainforests of Nightcap National Park near Lismore in north-eastern NSW. The Protestor Falls walking track leads through magnificent rainforest and is an ideal short walk for nature lovers. Listen out for the call of the rose-crowned fruit dove and the barred cuckoo-shrike. You might even see a pademelon darting through the bush. Once you have worked up an appetite, enjoy a leisurely lunch at Terania Creek picnic area.
For more information on Sydney go to www.sydney.com