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Best Day Trips from Sydney: A Guide to Scenic Escapes
- Deb Carr
- Jul 1
- 11 min read
Sydney is a vibrant city, but sometimes, a day away can rejuvenate the soul. Whether you're a local seeking a quick getaway or a visitor aiming to explore beyond the Harbour City, here are some of the best day trips from Sydney, each offering unique experiences within a few hours' reach.
Your Guide to the Best Day Trips From Sydney
We'll keep adding more to this guide to make it as extensive as possible.
Table of Contents (Day Trips From Sydney)
Blue Mountains National Park
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 100 km west; about 1.5 to 2 hours by car or train.
Highlights:
Marvel at the iconic Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point
A breathtaking natural wonder located in the heart of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia. This stunning geological feature consists of three distinct sandstone peaks that rise dramatically from the surrounding landscape, creating a striking silhouette against the sky. The Three Sisters are not only a visual spectacle but also a site steeped in Aboriginal mythology and cultural significance
Explore the Grand Canyon walking track near Blackheath
Grand Canyon track near Blackheath in the Blue Mountains features sandstone walls, constant waterfalls, and lush ferns. This historic loop trail leads you into the core of this World Heritage-listed area. It's a popular and adventurous path that has been walked since 1907 Starting from the Grand Canyon carpark, you'll notice the ecosystem transition from banksia and mountain devil to rich ferns, waterfalls and rainforest species as you descend into the canyon along this well-shaded trail that follows Greaves Creek. On your return hike, you might spot golden wattles as you climb up to Evans lookout.
Enjoy a full-day unlimited pass to Scenic World in the Blue Mountains
You can take in breathtaking views of the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains landscape. Benefit from unlimited access to the Scenic Skyway, Cableway, Walkway, and Railway, including a ride on the world's steepest Railway.
Scenic Railway Blue Mountains
Why Go: The Blue Mountains offer a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Royal National Park
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 36 km south; about 1 hour by car.
Highlights:
Hike the Coast Track for stunning ocean views
The Coast Track in Sydney’s Royal National Park, about an hour’s drive from the CBD, is a stunning multi-day walk between the towns of Bundeena and Otford. Discover incredible coastal views, secluded swimming spots, whale watching, seasonal wildflowers and pretty waterfalls along this challenging 26km walk.
Relax at Wattamolla Beach, featuring a lagoon and waterfall.
If you're yearning for the sensation of sand beneath your feet, take the family to Wattamolla picnic area in Royal National Park. With plenty of activities to satisfy everyone, it's a popular spot to set up while exploring the park.
Enjoy the tranquil waters of the lagoon for snorkelling, swimming, and floating on an floatable. Unpack a picnic under the shade of cabbage tree palms to relax, or head to the beach for some fishing.Take a walk along one of the beach trails, with a reward for the first to spot a sea eagle or oystercatcher.
Explore the Figure Eight Pools
Natural rock formations shaped like the number eight. It is highly advised to plan this trip carefully and to visit NSW National Parks prior to doing so.
Why Go: As the world's second-oldest national park, it offers diverse landscapes, from coastal cliffs to rainforest, ideal for hiking, swimming, and picnicking.
Hunter Valley
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 150 km north; about 2 to 2.5 hours by car
Highlights:
Hunter Valley Wine Wineries
Visit renowned wineries for wine tasting. The Hunter is a wine and foodie lovers paradise. Whether you decide to drive yourself or take a tour, the Hunter Valley is a perfect day trip, but spending an overnight is well worth the extra expense.
Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Climb aboard a hot air balloon for an enchanting sunrise journey over the stunning vineyards of the Hunter Valley. Experience the golden glow over the hills surrounding Pokolbin, Lovedale, and Rothbury. Afterwards, commemorate the adventure with a gourmet breakfast and sparkling wine at the Peterson House Winery.
Start your morning with a pre-flight safety briefing and an opportunity to assist with inflating the balloons. Then, soar into the skies above the Hunter Valley, enjoying a bird's-eye view of the lush landscape as the sun rises.
Upon landing, head to the Peterson House Winery, known for its award-winning restaurant and bubbly breakfast. Savour an à la carte breakfast paired with sparkling wine to conclude a memorable morning adventure.
Explore the Hunter Valley Gardens
Explore walking trails meandering through 14 hectares of gardens, which include more than 6,000 trees, 600,000 shrubs, and over 1 million ground cover plants. You'll also find topiary displays, artificial ponds, statues, murals, stunning architectural structures, and much more.
Experience 10 uniquely themed display gardens, each highlighting the art of gardening from around the globe, featuring both native and exotic plant varieties.
In the Christmas season the Hunter Valley Gardens becomes a spectacular festive season spectacular delighting all that attend.
Why Go: Perfect for food and wine lovers, the Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine region, offering a relaxing countryside escape.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 25 km north; about 45 minutes by car.
Highlights:
Discover Aboriginal rock engravings on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk
With more than 800 Aboriginal sites documented in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, each site serves as a testament to the region's rich Aboriginal heritage. The Basin Aboriginal art site stands out as one of the finest examples of rock engravings in the area. This important site, located along The Basin track, is best appreciated in the early morning or late afternoon when the shadows enhance the faint yet remarkable engravings. Here, you can discern the shapes of animals and human figures. After exploring the wide array of engravings, continue along the walking track to The Basin picnic area and enjoy a swim.
Enjoy panoramic views from West Head Lookout
At West Head lookout, Broken Bay is visible to your left, Pittwater to your right, and directly ahead lies Barrenjoey Headland with its Lighthouse. You can also take in stunning views across the Hawkesbury River towards Lion Island Nature Reserve and the Central Coast beaches, such as Patonga and Umina Beach.
Kayak or boat along the Hawkesbury
Take in amazing scenery and enjoy the peace by kayaking or boating along the Hawesbury river. Or take a Pearl and Oyster Farm Hawkebsury River cruise.
Why Go: This park combines cultural heritage with natural beauty, offering serene bushwalks and waterways close to the city.
Port Stephens
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 200 km north; about 2.5 hours by car.
Highlights:
Go dolphin watching or whale watching (seasonal).
Experience a 90-minute Dolphin cruise on the turquoise waters of Port Stephens. Observe wild Koalas in their natural environment at the PS Koala Sanctuary. Go sandboarding on the largest mobile sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere. Relish a lunch with snacks and water.
Sandboard on the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes.
Feel the excitement of surfing down the massive sand dunes at Stockton Beach with this sand dune tour. Embark on a thrilling 4WD journey up the towering dunes for endless sandboarding enjoyment.
Why Go: Port Stephens offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, with activities ranging from marine life encounters to beach exploring. Port Stephens is a great destination for holidays, and although great for a day trip, planning a stay here will give you opportunities to experience it all. If you decide to stay longer at Port Stephens hop on the Tea Gardens ferry for a memorable day out.
Palm Beach
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 45 km north; about 1 hour by car.
Highlights:
Climb to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for panoramic views.
Enjoy the beach, popularised by the TV show "Home and Away."
Dine at waterfront cafes and restaurants try Cavallino Ristorante, Barrenjoey House, Dunes and Pronto
Why Go: A picturesque coastal suburb, Palm Beach offers golden sands and scenic walks, perfect for a leisurely day trip.
Kiama
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 120 km south; about 2 hours by car.
Highlights:
Witness the Kiama Blowhole, a natural sea cave that spouts water high into the air
Kiama's renowned Blowhole is the largest globally, and when the swell comes from the southeast, it offers a spectacular sight. The rock face's 2.5-m opening has been known to send water jets soaring over 30 metres high!
With several accessible viewing platforms, the blowhole can be admired from various angles – make sure to visit the easternmost point to fully appreciate the height of the rock formation. This landmark has drawn visitors to the area for more than a century, with the first recorded sightings by George Bass, who anchored his whaleboat in the sheltered bay, now Kiama harbour, in December 1797. It currently attracts an estimated 900,000 visitors annually.
Kiama Coastal Walks and Heritage Trails
Looking for coastal walks, heritage trails, bush walks and perhaps a waterfall or two? The multitude of walking tracks throughout the coast and hinterland offer some of the country’s most diverse and breathtaking scenery and wildlife. There is something for everyone. From the intrepid traveler to the weekend ambler, you can do as little or as much you like.
Explore Kiama Markets and Shopping
You'll discover numerous boutiques, clothing outlets, and gift shops. In Gerringong and Jamberoo, there's a blend of antiques, art, coastal fashion, and homewares. Meanwhile, Kiama offers a comprehensive boutique shopping trail with its own map, available at any of the 19 participating stores or the Kiama Visitor Information Centre.
Why Go: Kiama combines natural wonders with small-town charm, offering a relaxing coastal experience.
Southern Highlands
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 110 km south; about 1.5 to 2 hours by car.
Highlights:
Visit Quaint Towns Like Bowral and Berrima
The Southern Highlands is home to some of the most charming historic towns in New South Wales, with Bowral and Berrima topping the list. Bowral is well known for its boutique shopping, elegant cafés, and the famous Bradman Museum dedicated to Australia’s cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman. It’s also a hotspot during spring when the Tulip Time Festival transforms the town with vibrant floral displays in Corbett Gardens. Strolling through Bowral’s streets reveals a blend of country sophistication and artistic flair, making it a delightful stop for day-trippers seeking a relaxed yet refined escape.
Things to do in Bowral
Just a short drive away, Berrima offers a beautifully preserved example of colonial Australia. With buildings dating back to the 1830s, this heritage-listed village is rich in history and charm. You can visit the old courthouse, enjoy handmade goods from local artisans, or indulge in a hearty lunch at one of its historic pubs, like the Surveyor General Inn—Australia’s oldest continuously licensed inn. Berrima provides an immersive glimpse into Australia’s past while offering a relaxing, slow-paced atmosphere ideal for a leisurely day trip.
Explore Fitzroy Falls and Morton National Park
Nature lovers will be drawn to the dramatic beauty of Fitzroy Falls, located within the expansive Morton National Park. Just a 20-minute drive from Bowral, the falls plunge over 80 metres into the valley below and are easily accessible via a well-maintained boardwalk from the visitor centre. Multiple walking trails branch out from this point, offering short scenic lookouts or longer bushwalks through eucalyptus forests and sandstone escarpments. It's a fantastic location for birdwatching, photography, and soaking in the natural grandeur of the Highlands.
Morton National Park itself spans over 200,000 hectares and is a sanctuary for native wildlife and diverse vegetation. It’s one of the largest national parks in NSW and features not only waterfalls and cliff-top lookouts, but also hidden picnic areas, rainforest gullies, and Aboriginal heritage sites. Whether you're after an easy stroll or a challenging hike, the park offers something for every fitness level, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
Enjoy Local Wineries and Gardens
The Southern Highlands wine region is one of New South Wales’ best-kept secrets. Known for its cool-climate wines, the area boasts over a dozen cellar doors where you can sample award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Many of these wineries offer picturesque vineyard views, gourmet grazing platters, and warm country hospitality. Centennial Vineyards near Bowral is a standout, combining exceptional wines with a renowned onsite restaurant, perfect for a long lunch overlooking the vines.
In addition to wine, the Highlands is also famous for its manicured private and public gardens. From the seasonal beauty of Red Cow Farm in Sutton Forest to the sweeping grounds of Milton Park Estate, these gardens showcase the region’s fertile soil and European-style climate. Whether you visit in spring for tulips and cherry blossoms or autumn for vibrant foliage, the Southern Highlands gardens add a touch of romance and elegance to your day trip itinerary.
Why Go: The Southern Highlands offer rolling countryside, historic villages, and natural beauty, ideal for a peaceful retreat.
Wollongong & Sea Cliff Bridge
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 80 km south; about 1.5 hours by car.
Highlights:
Drive along the scenic Sea Cliff Bridge
The Sea Cliff Bridge, stretching 665 meters, is a standout feature along the Grand Pacific Drive. This scenic drive covers 140 kms of coastal views from the Royal National Park in Loftus to Nowra. The bridge has become a symbol for both the residents of Wollongong and visitors worldwide, once more attracting tourists each year to this beautiful coastal route.
Visit Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere
Nan Tien Temple is a Buddhist temple complex situated in Berkeley, on the southern edge of Wollongong, Australia, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Sydney. Nan Tien is a branch temple of the Taiwanese Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order, established in 1967 by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, with 300 branches globally. It is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the southern hemisphere. Fo Guang Shan Buddhism is based on the Mahayana tradition, which highlights that achieving Buddhahood is a potential within everyone's reach. Followers of Fo Guang Shan aim to integrate Buddhism into everyday life and refer to their philosophy as "Humanistic Buddhism".
Please respect the conditions of entry, you can find out more on the Website
Wollongong Wineries and Markets
Explore some of the finest wineries near the Illawarra and the South Coast of NSW. Although Wollongong isn't widely recognised for its wineries, the surrounding areas boast some exceptional Australian vineyards and wineries that are worth a visit.
Why Go: Combining coastal drives with cultural sites, this trip offers diverse experiences within a short distance from Sydney.
The Entrance
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 110 km north; about 1.5 hours by car.
Highlights:
Watch the daily pelican feeding at 3:30 PM.
A favourite family-friendly activity on the Central Coast is Pelican Time at The Entrance, held at 3:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and daily during School Holidays (excluding Christmas Day). This event offers a chance to observe these magnificent birds up close and admire their beauty and size. Dedicated volunteers from Marine Wildlife Rescue will provide insightful information about pelicans and other regional wildlife.
Enjoy the scenic boardwalk
The Boardwalk extends eastward along the channel from Memorial Park to the surf lifesaving club. It begins at The Waterfront, a well-loved mall featuring cafes, dining options, and fountains intended for children's enjoyment.
Wyrrabalong National Park
The name Wyrrabalong, which means 'headland looking over the sea,' comes from the Darkinjung people who once inhabited the narrow coastal strip between Bateau Bay and Forresters Beach. The park spans 597 hectares.
The southern part features tall, open coastal cliffs made of sandstone and shale, with broad rock platforms at both ends. On the plateau, you'll find woodlands of blackbutt, spotted gum, and bloodwood, while the gentler western slopes are covered with shrubs and heath, mainly coastal banksia and she-oak. The region at the southern end of Bateau Bay hosts a wide variety of marine and bird life, mangrove stands, and wildlife such as goannas, bandicoots, fantails, and the tawny frogmouth.
Why Go: A charming coastal town, The Entrance is perfect for families and those seeking a relaxed seaside atmosphere.
Tips for Planning Your Day Trip
Transport: While driving offers flexibility, many destinations are accessible by train or bus.
Timing: Start early to maximise your day and avoid peak traffic.
Packing: Bring essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing for activities.
Reservations: For popular attractions or dining spots, consider booking in advance.
Exploring beyond Sydney unveils a wealth of natural beauty, cultural sites, and charming towns. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, these day trips offer something for everyone.
