As the content team at Time Out Sydney, it’s our professional duty to explore the very best of what the state has to offer – in the city and beyond – and report back. Tough gig. This year, we’ve been lucky enough to visit some of the true gems of NSW – from sleepy beachside towns to foodie havens hidden in the mountains. And along the way, we’ve checked in to some of the state’s most magnificent stays – from grand, historic hotels to rustic, eco-luxe cabins. As we look back on the year that was, our team have each chosen their favourite NSW stay of 2024.
Basq House, Byron Bay
Melissa Woodley, Travel and News Editor
"It might be cliché, but I couldn’t care less. Byron Bay has my heart (well, at least during the off-season). On my last trip, I was lucky enough to stay at the boho town’s newest five-star gem, Basq House. The hotel's crown jewel was its shimmering magnesium pool, where I could’ve spent hours ’basqing’ in the sun with a book and complimentary snacks from the self-service bar. Byron, I’ll be back!"
Cupitt's Estate, Milton/Ulladulla
Alex Johnston, Social Media Manager
"As part of a wider trip to Milton (one of the largest towns in the beautiful Shoalhaven region), I stayed at Cupitts Estate for two nights. It was so relaxing and refreshing for the soul. From a giant outside bath that overlooks rolling green hills and fields of fat cows, to sitting back, sipping and relaxing in beautifully designed cabins, it was a perfect couple of days to hit reset."
The Lane Retreat, Hunter Valley
Alice Ellis, Editor in Chief
"The Lane Retreat is my favourite spot I've ever stayed in the Hunter. They have all these stylish little cabins, each with their own gorgeous view of nearby vineyards, a pond and kangaroos that hop on by. The light changes the scenery as the day unwinds, but no matter the time of day, the view always looks like a painting. There's a pool to cool off in for summer, and a fire pit to huddle around in winter while enjoying a nice local drop. Better yet, it's good value."
Motel Molly, Mollymook
Rebecca Hegedus, Video Editor
"This year, I stayed at Motel Molly, and it was super cute! It’s really close to the beach, and each room is themed in a specific colour with cute Smeg appliances, surfboards and bikes. We went during the cooler seasons, so we got a great deal, too."
Osborn House, Bundanoon
Avril Treasure, Food and Drink Editor
"If I could go back and stay at one place again, it would have to be Osborn House, a gorgeous retreat built in the 1890s and located in the lush Southern Highlands. From rooms that look like they’ve been ripped from the pages of Architectural Digest to the tranquil surroundings and five-star amenities (hello, bathtub on the deck), Osborn House offers country charm with stylish elegance. I felt like an extra on Bridgerton, if only for a few days."
Pebbly Beach, Shoalhaven
Winnie Stubbs, Lifestyle Writer
"Pebbly Beach – a family-run off-grid escape on the shores of a secluded beach – has my heart. Suspended in the bowl of a valley in the Murramarang National Park, you’ll find a collection of perfectly-formed, elegantly designed cabins with views across grazing roos and a deserted stretch of sand. It’s pure Australiana magic."
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.
Sydney ins and outs – the buzz and the buzzkills of 2024.
These are the Time Out Sydney team’s favourite dishes of 2024.
The Time Out Australia team’s favourite destinations of 2024.