Go to 'Bello - one of the cruisiest spots in Australia. Surrounded by lush National Parks, the village is the ultimate relaxation zone. Great monthly markets, canoeing on the river or just lie in the hostel hammock.

One of Australia's best wine growing areas, the Hunter Valley is the place to kick back on a trip out of Sydney. Take a wineries tour from the hostel or try the YHA's own vintage, then cook up a pizza in the hostel's wood fired pizza oven.

Just two hours north of Sydney, Newcastle is one of those funny cities that creep up on you - you go for a day and stay for a week. Surf the local breaks, taste test your way through nearby vineyards, or just chill round the city.