Hot weekends away

Norah Head Lighthouse, Central Coast
How much: This is luxury stuff, so weekend rates are at $400p/night or $280 weeknight stays.
Why it's hot: The Central Coast is rapidly becoming the hottest weekend getaway destination. Bunk down on the in these homey B&B pads with a personal touch andf you'll know why. For something different, stay in the historic Norah Head lighthouse quarters, hire a house boat on the Hawkesbury River, or take a rural retreat in a colonial-style cottage. Overlooking the headland, the windows unfurl a view of the lighthouse and ocean. The historic cottage is heritage listed, self-contained with three bedrooms, a fully fenced in yard, gas log fire in the lounge to warm your extremities and a lighthouse right at your door.

While you're there: Chill out at Diggers at The Entrance or enjoy jazz and a BBQ on the terrace at the Ettalong Beach Club, or maybe you'd rather skip down the steps to the beach and get some sand in your craw? It's all good.

Emaroo Cottages, Broken Hill
How much? Choice of three villas that can fit either two couples or a family, $140 per couple per night using one room and an additional $40 per extra adult per night and only $15 per child per night, $30 per pet per stay. Stay six nights and get the seventh free.
Why it's hot: In the middle of the outback in the silver city of Broken Hill, Emaroo Cottages offer four different guest cottages to choose from. With all the advantages of a hotel, the guest cottages have all the comforts of home as well as complete privacy for total peace and relaxation. Even though it presents the beauty of the bush, Emaroo offers amenities a city slicker truly needs, such as free wireless internet and surround sound theatre systems and satellite TV. Complimentary wine, chocolates and a BBQ area make holidays even more enjoyable.

And while you're there... Visit the Mutawintji Historic Reserve which contains one of the greatest collections of Aboriginal rock art in New South Wales. Grab a cold beer in the Silverton Hotel, which has featured in many movies including Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

House on the Rock, Bundeena
How much? $2000 per week, Christmas and January $3500 per week.
Why it's hot: Less than an hour from Sydney, this luxury house for up to six people lets you holiday in style. Spectacularly located on a rock, the Bundeena house offers dramatic 270 degrees of water views from Maianbar through to Cronulla and the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful beaches are at your doorstep, allowing for snorkeling, fishing, diving, kayaking and swimming.

And while you're there... An art trail the first Sunday of the month lets you purchase art from 27 local artists as you walk along the beautiful coast of Bundeena.

Belgravia Cottage, Orange
How much: For the weekend, Friday to Sunday costs $143 per couple.
Why it's hot: A renovated worker's cottage, Belgravia Cottage is now a three-bedroom luxury house for six people overlooking the beautiful green hills of the Belgravia Vineyards. A peaceful haven from the stress of the city, Belgravia offers the relaxing and slow-paced life of the country, with all the lavish amenities of the city. Enjoy a complimentary wine from your very own backyard vineyard while watching the sunset.

And while you're there... There are two main events, Food Week in April and Orange Wine Week in October. You can also enjoy farmers markets each month, or eat at three of the most awarded restaurants in NSW; Selkirks, Tonic and Lolli Redini.

Powder Chalet, Thredbo
How much: $2100 per week off season; ski season, $7500
Why it's hot: The most luxurious accommodation in Thredbo, the Powder Chalet is both a modern and stylish place to unwind after a long day of shredding the powder.  If you need to warm up your frozen toes, the three-bedroom chalet offers a spa on the deck with beautiful mountain views, as well as Austar TV in every room to curl up in front.

And while you're there: Ski!

Pacific Road House, Palm Beach
How much: Premium prices for luxe views and interiors, so at $900 a night, not cheap but worth every cent.
Why it's hot: Hey, it's Palmy. Of course, you'll be retro-relaxing in a classic Pacific Road house overlooking the Palm Beach lighthouse. What's more, the 1950s three bedroom home has been updated by Greg Natale's interior design team and gives off a delectable luxuriousness. It has that Hollywood hills thrill but with a better view. The open floor plan gourmet kitchen opens up to a wrap around outdoor terrace. Perfect for eating BBQ with pinkie fingers up.

While you're there: Enjoy the food at Jonah's or get some early winter sun on your bare feet.

For more information contact Tourism NSW (http://www.visitnsw.com/)

Book activities around Sydney through Time Out