Feel NEW Weekends away in NSW

A humpback whale breaches, pirouettes in the air and then splashes back in. A koala rises from its lazy slumber to pose for your camera. The pelicans put on a show for you as you gape at their massive bills. These are some experiences that await you at Port Macquarie, four hours’ drive north of Sydney. From spotting dolphins along the painted breakwall on the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, to whale watching cruises or strolling the boardwalk of the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, the unspoiled beauty of the region will dazzle. Further inland, hike the Laurieton track or visit World Heritagelisted Willi Willi National Park.

JENoLAN cAvES awe

Imagine looking up and seeing an exquisite shawl draping down from the ceiling – except that it is rock-hard with crystals.

This is but one of the many awe-inspiring sights at the Jenolan Caves.

The calcite crystal formations here – columns and straws and entire coral beds – are breathtaking in their beauty, whether you’re seeing them for the first time or revisiting.

Equally delightful are the names of these structures: The Cathedral, Angels’ Wings, Wall of Noses, Diamond Branch, Crystal Cities, The Crystal Basin, Pillar of Hercules. (Don’t miss the jaw-dropping Indian Chamber and Indian Canopy.)

It is some 3 and half hours’ drive from the Sydney CBD, 230 kms towards the west. Stay overnight at the Jenolan Caves House, a grand hotel built in 1896 as a wilderness retreat for the wealthy.

Set in Blue Mountains World Heritage wilderness, this labyrinth of caves is an exquisite natural wonder. Jenolan is among the finest and oldest cave systems in the world, dated by scientists to be about 340 million years old. The Caves themselves are a spectacular experience. Guided tours take you inside the dried-up river systems. Caves such as the Imperial and Diamond are easy-grade walks, an excellent choice if you’re not quite as mobile as you once were. Follow an ancient riverbed, mostly level, with short sets of stairs.

For a more adventurous experience, try the Plughole – abseil, squeeze, crawl and climb deep into the heart of the mountain, with only a headlamp to light your way. Feel the excitement! Emerge with a brand new swagger and that special exhilaration that only authentic adventure can provide.

Currently, Port Macquarie is playing host to the longest mammal migration in the world. The blue waters here offer reliable sightings of whales - from a heritage-listed lighthouse and beach headlands to lookouts in the Kattang Nature Reserve and Crowdy Bay National Park. Or opt for a cruise with Port Jet Cruise Adventures. Take to the air in Port Macquarie’s only seaplane with Port Macquarie Adventure Flights. Look out also for bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the Hastings River estuary just off the sandy beaches that hug the curves of the Greater Port Macquarie coast. Meet resident koalas at Koala Hospital on historic Roto House; perhaps you’ll be tempted to adopt one! Head to Lighthouse Beach for a unique experience with Port Macquarie Camel Safaris. Meet native furry friends at Billabong Zoo, or head to Ricardoes to pick your own strawberries. A getaway in the Port Macquarie area means getting outside and enjoying the bounty of nature!

KANgARoo vALLEy reJuVenaTion

If you’re looking to reset, reflect and reconnect, then a weekend away at Kangaroo Valley might be just what you need. Nestled between Cambewarra and the Barrengary Mountains, expect beautiful morning mists and plenty of bird life making your weekend getaway a peaceful retreat. With its cafes, art galleries and souvenir shops, delightful stone pub, cabins in the bush and bush walks, and surprise encounters with kangaroos, possums and sheep, Kangaroo Valley has all the essential ingredients of a magical and rejuvenating mini break.

Be sure to wander over the historic Hampden Bridge, past the cemetery and through the heritage-listed village. Don't miss the Pioneer Farm Museum, a typical 19th century farmhouse. There are memorable places to stay. Designed with a slow pace in mind, Aframe Kangaroo Valley is a perfect spot to reconnect with nature.

Perched atop a hill near Kangaroo Valley, Stella has everything you could want or need for a comfortable holiday stay, packaged into a cosy house far from the tourists.

Look no further than The Dairy, with its unparalleled views, private outdoor area and cosy bedroom for two nestled up in the mountains. This converted dairy is the ideal choice for a couple looking to take a holiday in complete isolation, and with no neighbours except the cows.

Billed as one of Kangaroo Valley's most prestigious properties, Desiderata has received 100 5 Star Reviews on Stayz. A stunning award-winning luxury home set on 10 acres, it boasts breathtaking 360-degree views of the valley with mountainous landscapes and is surrounded by farmland.

Whatever adventure you are chasing, you will find it in the Great Western Plains. Explore some of the most unique destinations Australia has to offer, with Dubbo as your base. Walk, ride, run or row – to discover the great outdoors. Whether you fly amongst the clouds, explore extensive marshes, climb the ranges, or camp under a sky blanketed in stars, you’ll take home memories to last a lifetime. Delve into history, heritage and culture footsteps of those who walked the plains millennia ago. Or explore more recent colonial history. And then, get up close and personal with some animal friends, in a truly unforgettable experience.

Dubbo is a 5-6 hour drive from Sydney, or an hour-long flight.

For many, the Taronga Western Plains Zoo is the headline event in a Dubbo visit. The adventure here is unparalleled in the country. See hundreds of rare and endangered animals in extra large enclosures that mimic their natural environments as far as possible. For a truly matchless experience though, you’d want to stay overnight at the zoo. Imagine waking up to the roar of the lions, or an elephant trumpeting! Walk in the footsteps of a 19th century prisoner at Old Dubbo Gaol. This State Heritage listed site has been carefully restored to create a pocket in time giving a glimpse into Australian prison history. Australia’s prehistoric past is also within reach at the incredible Wellington Caves. Unearth the mysteries of megafauna that once roamed the land. Touch down into the world of heroic doctors, nurses, pilots and outback communities with the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience.