What Are The Best Day Trips Out Of Sydney?

Sydney is surrounded by glistening waterways and natural regions that have been designated as World Heritage sites, making it a hotspot for visitors looking for a day excursion. The Blue Mountains, the bush-lined Hawkesbury River, and the sandy beaches of Sydney are all easily accessible from the city.

From sandboarding to fishing, day adventures from Sydney have you covered. From Sydney, you may take a pleasant trip to Wollongong and check out some of the area's other top attractions along the way. Beautiful views of the ocean may be seen from Grand Pacific Drive as it traces the shoreline.

Cultural activities have the same allure. Take a day trip to Canberra, the nation's capital, and spend it checking out its many museums, art galleries, and memorials. Take a hike through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and learn about the indigenous people of Australia on one of the park's heritage trails, or visit a traditional Australian farm and learn about the country's unique cuisine while watching stockmen herd sheep.

Fans of fine cuisine need not worry. The Southern Highlands and Hunter Valley are home to beautiful country communities where you can get farm-fresh produce and fine dining. Discover where to go on a day trip from Sydney with our help.

Get out of Sydney for the day and relax. You can go to one of the oldest wine districts in the country, or you can enjoy a beach vacation along the South Coast and learn to surf, or you can follow in the footsteps of the first Aboriginals in the Royal National Park.

Most Highly Recommended Day Trips from Sydney

Prepare for an exciting journey to 11 of Sydney's greatest day trip destinations by packing your bags and making a road trip playlist.

Here are some of the best day trips you can do from Sydney, all of which can be completed in less than a day and offer plenty of exciting options for the whole family.

How will you spend your two days of leisure? Sydney is a great base because there is so much to see and do within a short car ride. Here are several ten-day vacation ideas that can satisfy your cravings for poolside relaxation, exercise on a bike path through the countryside, and coastal cuisine.

Australia boasts a diverse landscape that can be enjoyed throughout the year, from its pristine beaches and abundant wine regions to its alpine hideaways and vibrant country cities. We've collaborated with Tourism Australia to ensure that when you're ready to hit the road for your annual vacation, you may Holiday Here This Year.

Blue Mountains National Park

The Blue Mountains are a popular day excursion from Sydney due to their stunning scenery and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Area. The park got its evocative name because the oil in the eucalyptus leaves makes the air smell good and gives off a bluish haze. The Blue Mountains are among the best sights in the Sydney area. 

Visitors from all over the world come to enjoy this area's 664,000 acres of pristine nature. There are more than 140 kilometres of hiking routes to discover, leading through eucalyptus woods, gorges, and waterfalls, as well as past Aboriginal rock paintings.

Photographers love to capture the gigantic rock formations known as the Three Sisters, while other attractions of the Blue Mountains include the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls and the thrilling ride down the Jamison Valley on the Katoomba Scenic Railway. The park is littered with breathtaking vistas.

Abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, equestrian riding, and hiking are all popular here.

It is possible to drive to the Blue Mountains from Sydney by way of the M4 Motorway. You can take a train from Sydney Central Station to Blackheath or Katoomba, two of the city's most popular day trip destinations.

Better still, take the Blue Mountains Nature & Wildlife Day Tour from Sydney and let someone else do the driving. This full-day excursion takes you to the picturesque Leura mountain communities, the Sydney Zoo, and the Royal National Park, where you can see kangaroos and koalas up close.

Your tour will also provide an explanation of the Aboriginal mythology that surrounds the park's most famous attractions. Scenic World's extra upgrade lets you take a train or cable car to see the park from a new angle.

The Hunter Valley

About 250 kilometres north of Sydney, in the Hunter Valley, you'll find a popular weekend escape and culinary destination. One of the earliest areas in Australia to cultivate grapes is this gorgeous valley. It is also renowned for its fresh produce and artisan goods, like chocolate, cheeses, chutneys, aromatic oils, olives, and beautiful golden honey, which are featured prominently on the tasting menus at the region's exceptional restaurants.

The outdoors provide the perfect opportunity to burn off some of the calories you'll consume while enjoying all the delicious meals. Hiking the trails of Barrington Tops and Wollemi National Parks, both of which are on the World Heritage List, and touring the region's ornate architecture on heritage trails are two of the most popular things to do in the Hunter Valley. Flying in a hot air balloon is another option for seeing the countryside from above.

Many of the grand old homes in the Hunter Valley date back to the region's heydey as a coal-mining centre in the 19th century. Make time to visit Maitland Regional Art Gallery and Newcastle Art Gallery to take in some art, and stop by local museums to discover more about the area's fascinating past.

The Hunter Valley Gardens, spanning over 60 acres and filled with botanical gems and themed gardens, are another popular destination. Hot air balloon excursions and helicopter tours provide travellers the chance to take in the sights without significantly impacting their schedules.

Manly Beach

Indulging in a meal of fish and chips on Manly's beach is a quintessential Australian pastime. This is a simple day trip to plan from Sydney, and you may get a lot out of it even before you get there.

This popular beachside neighbourhood is a gorgeous 30-minute boat trip from Circular Quay, with many photo-worthy stops along the way.

Indulge in some traditional Australian beach culture once you arrive. Take advantage of the warm weather by relaxing on the golden sands, swimming in the water, or surfing some of the best breaks in the world, or explore the Corso, a pedestrian mall filled with stores, restaurants, and cafes.

Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary is home to sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and a variety of tropical species.

Additionally, the town of Manly is rife with fish-and-chip joints. Take the ship and bring your camera for some amazing shots of the Sydney Opera House.

Hawkesbury River Cruise

Hawkesbury is one of Australia's most picturesque rivers, yet it's only about an hour's drive north-west of Sydney. In the formative years of the New South Wales colony, it was crucial. The first colonists arrived in 1794 and quickly got to work establishing crops to supply the colony's food needs.

Still today, farms dot the landscape, and patches of undeveloped forest run beside the river.

Many of the area's quaint little towns, as well as Windsor and Richmond, include interesting historical sites, art galleries, botanical gardens, museums, and farmers' markets for visitors to enjoy.

Especially in the river's broad lower reaches between Brooklyn and Pittwater, a wide variety of watersports can be enjoyed. In addition to fishing, many people visit the lake to go water skiing, wakeboarding, or tubing.

Seeing these stunning canals by boat is the only way to do it justice. Wisemans Ferry, Berowra Waters, Brooklyn, and Bobbin Head all hire out boats. The Riverboat Postman, a tour that transports mail to communities along the river that are only accessible by boat, is another option.

Four national parks can be found along the Hawkesbury River's shores. It separates the northern Sydney park of Ku-ring-gai Chase from the southern Brisbane Water National Park.

Both Dharug National Park, known for its Aboriginal rock art, and Bouddi National Park, north of Broken Bay, are worth visiting. All are great places to get out and go hiking, and offer a little bit of the great outdoors while yet being relatively close to the city.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, West Head, and the Northern Beaches

Located around 45 minutes north of Sydney's central business district, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is Australia's second-oldest national park and a great place to reconnect with nature. The park was given its name by the local Aboriginal Guringai people, and it boasts stunning natural beauty, including peaceful coves, wild creeks, rainforests, eucalyptus trees, and breathtaking vistas from West Head. Pittwater's azure waters, Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Headland, Lion Island Nature Reserve, and the Central Coast can all be seen from this vantage point.

Ku-ring-gai National Park is a fantastic destination, with many exciting activities to choose from. Nature hikes, tours through Aboriginal history and culture, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and canoeing or kayaking on one of the numerous scenic streams surrounded by lush vegetation are all enjoyable ways to spend time here. Rent a boat from Akuna Bay and stop at one of the many charming eateries or bars along the water for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

Palm Beach, located farther north, is a beautiful place to relax on the sands, swim, surf, have a picnic, or eat at a beachside café.

Tour the best of Sydney's Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai National Park with a small group aboard a bus. Visit Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to see Aboriginal rock art, take in the scenery at The Spit, Narrabeen, and North Head, then ride a ferry past the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House on the way back.

Royal National Park

Royal National Park is a refuge for beachgoers and environment enthusiasts, encircled by 21 kilometres of surfing beaches and cliff-lined coast. It is located around an hour's drive south of Sydney's central business area, in Cronulla, and was established in 1879, making it the world's second-oldest national park.

The plateau of sandstone on which the park is located is cut deeply by valleys, and heathland grows there. Great fishing and boating may be found along its nearly entire length thanks to the Hacking River. There are great places for bushwalking and picnicking in the wooded areas along the river's upper course. Water activities like as swimming, snorkelling, surfing, fishing, and even whale viewing are common along the coast.

More than 241 different species of animals may be seen in the park, and Aboriginal rock art is also on display.

From Cronulla, visitors can drive or take a ferry to the park, and from neighbouring train stations, they can access some of the park's walking routes. At the Audley visitor centre, you can take a break in the café or one of the rest spaces.

The Day Trip To Cronulla & The Royal National Park is a fantastic way to spend a day exploring this beautiful wilderness area, as it takes you to some of the park's most remote spots with the help of a knowledgeable guide. With eight hours at your disposal, this personalised tour can be tailored to your every whim, from relaxing at gorgeous Garie Beach and learning about ancient Aboriginal art at the Dharawal Aboriginal Engravings Site to taking a dip in the nearby rock pools.

Port Stephens

Sparkling Water sports enthusiasts will love Port Stephens Bay, especially to the nearby Great Lakes Marine Park. Over twice the size of Sydney Harbour, this stretch of picturesque woody coastline is located roughly 200 kilometres from the heart of Sydney.

The most difficult choice you have is prioritising your tasks. Choose one: You can enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving at Fly Point, surf the waves, sail a sailboat or kayak along the coast, or take a boat excursion. And if you're looking for a great place to do some fishing, look no further than Port Stephens.

Walk the short distance to Gan Gan Lookout for a panoramic view of the area, or climb to the top of Tomaree Headland Lookout for stunning vistas of the harbour and the islands.

A lot of people come to see the marine life. From November through May, you can go on a tour to see migratory humpback whales, or you can swim with wild dolphins.

Nelson Bay is one of the major cities in the region, so be sure to check it out! Take a stroll along the beach promenade or check out the quaint boutiques and delicious restaurants.

Down the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, Australia's largest series of dunes, you may have a great time sandboarding. Many of them reach heights of 30 metres or more. They can also be discovered by horseback, camelback, or 4WD vehicle.

The native macadamia nuts, figs, avocados, and olives are some of the most sought-after commodities in Port Stephens. You can try some of these out at the farmer's markets in your area.

An ideal method to view the sights in Port Stephens is on the Sydney-based private bus tour. In addition to visiting the area's top natural landmarks, passengers on this exciting day excursion may also opt to embark on a dolphin or whale watching cruise, depending on the season. Additional activities like sand-boarding at Anna Bay can be arranged as well.

For Art And Surf: Newcastle

Historic central Newcastle resembles a smaller, seaside version of Melbourne. The Central Business District (CBD) offers a variety of unique shops, bars, and restaurants that are on par with any of Australia's major urban centres. Carrington is a suburb on the north bank of Newcastle Harbour, and if you get there early you may relax among the colourful tiles, artwork, and plants at Ground Up Espresso, or you can save yourself for a five-course meal at the acclaimed and Michelin-starred Subo.

Spend the afternoon drinking at one of Newie's coastal pubs like Merewether Surfhouse or at the local brewery, The Foghorn. The waterfront is never more than a short walk away in Newcastle, whether you're in the heart of the city or out on the outskirts enjoying the surf or the peace and quiet of Newcastle Harbour. Take a plunge in the ocean in the world-famous Newcastle Ocean Baths, and if you're able to stick around until the sun goes down, end your day with a stroll along the beautiful ANZAC Memorial Walk.

For Seafood And Swims: Woy Woy

If you're looking for a somewhere to go that's not too far from the city, the Central Coast is your best chance. The picturesque beach resort of Woy Woy may be reached by vehicle or train in only 75 minutes. Here, you may enjoy a meal by the water at Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf and then relax with a drink on Frankie's Rooftop.

The Bouddi Coastal Trail is a short drive away and offers a pleasant eight kilometres of winding path past numerous vantage points and beaches. Bring your snorkel gear; you should swim in the protected Lobster Beach and look for dolphins. But if you decide to stay for dinner, you must have the pasta at Young Barons.

For Poolside Relaxing: Port Stephens

Bannisters' 2018 arrival in Port Stephens was a boon, bringing with it a high-end hotel and, more crucially, a Rick Stein restaurant. What better way to forget the city than to have grilled Nelson Bay tuna with red capsicum salpicon or steamed whole fish with soy, ginger, and spring onion while sitting in a grassy area overlooking a placid body of water? In addition to its 26 beaches, Port Stephens is home to some of the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, where visitors can go camel riding or sandboarding.

For Boating And Bush Walking: Berowra

The picturesque community of Berowra is surrounded by stunning natural features, including the Berowra Valley National Park to the west and the meandering Cowan Creek and Berowra Creek to the east and south, respectively. Stop at Barnetts Lookout to gain your bearings if you're on the road. Take a ferry trip, go kayaking or nature walking, or just relax and read by the river after exploring Berowra Village. You can get a cheap and cheery meal of fish and chips at the Berowra Waters Fish Cafe, or you may splurge at the Berowra Waters Inn, which is a restaurant with two hats.

Conclusion

Sydney is a great base for day trips because there is so much to see and do within a short car ride. The Blue Mountains, the bush-lined Hawkesbury River, and the sandy beaches of Sydney are all easily accessible from the city. Discover where to go on a day trip from Sydney with our help. The Blue Mountains are among the best sights in the Sydney area. There are more than 140 kilometres of hiking routes to discover, leading through eucalyptus woods and gorges.

Abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, equestrian riding, and hiking are all popular here. Manly Beach, Hawkesbury River and The Hunter Valley are some of Australia's most popular tourist destinations. Hiking the trails of Barrington Tops and Wollemi National Parks are two of the most popular things to do in the region. Hot air balloon excursions and helicopter tours provide travellers the chance to take in the sights without impacting their schedules. Four national parks can be found along the Hawkesbury River's shores.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is Australia's second-oldest national park. Pittwater's azure waters, Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Headland and Lion Island Nature Reserve can all be seen from this vantage point. Sydney's Royal National Park was established in 1879, making it the world's second-oldest national park. From Cronulla, visitors can drive or take a ferry to the park, and from neighbouring train stations, they can access some of the park's walking routes. Great fishing and boating may be found along its nearly entire length thanks to the Hacking River.

The Stockton Bight Sand Dunes are Australia's largest series of dunes, reaching heights of 30 metres or more. Macadamia nuts, figs, avocados, and olives are some of the most sought-after commodities in Port Stephens. Historic central Newcastle resembles a smaller, seaside version of Melbourne. The picturesque beach resort of Woy Woy may be reached by vehicle or train in 75 minutes. The Bouddi Coastal Trail is a short drive away and offers eight kilometres of winding path past numerous vantage points and beaches. In Port Stephens, visitors can go camel riding or sandboarding on some of the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

Content Summary

• Sydney is surrounded by glistening waterways and natural regions that have been designated as World Heritage sites, making it a hotspot for visitors looking for a day excursion.
• From sandboarding to fishing, day adventures from Sydney have you covered.
• From Sydney, you may take a pleasant trip to Wollongong and check out some of the area's other top attractions along the way.
• Take a day trip to Canberra, the nation's capital, and spend it checking out its many museums, art galleries, and memorials.
• Take a hike through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and learn about the indigenous people of Australia on one of the park's heritage trails, or visit a traditional
• Australian farm and learn about the country's unique cuisine while watching stockmen herd sheep.
• Discover where to go on a day trip from Sydney with our help.
• Get out of Sydney for the day and relax.
• You can go to one of the oldest wine districts in the country, or you can enjoy a beach vacation along the South Coast and learn to surf, or you can follow in the footsteps of the first Aboriginals in the Royal National Park.
• Prepare for an exciting journey to 11 of Sydney's greatest day trip destinations by packing your bags and making a road trip playlist.
• Here are some of the best day trips you can do from Sydney, all of which can be completed in less than a day and offer plenty of exciting options for the whole family.
• Sydney is a great base because there is so much to see and do within a short car ride.
• Here are several ten-day vacation ideas that can satisfy your cravings for poolside relaxation, exercise on a bike path through the countryside, and coastal cuisine.
• The Blue Mountains are a popular day excursion from Sydney due to their stunning scenery and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Area.
• The Blue Mountains are among the best sights in the Sydney area.
• Visitors from all over the world come to enjoy this area's 664,000 acres of pristine nature.
• There are more than 140 kilometres of hiking routes to discover, leading through eucalyptus woods, gorges, and waterfalls, as well as past Aboriginal rock paintings.
• The park is littered with breathtaking vistas.
• Abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, equestrian riding, and hiking are all popular here.
• It is possible to drive to the Blue Mountains from Sydney by way of the M4 Motorway.
• Better still, take the Blue Mountains Nature & Wildlife Day Tour from Sydney and let someone else do the driving.
• This full-day excursion takes you to the picturesque Leura mountain communities, the Sydney Zoo, and the Royal National Park, where you can see kangaroos and koalas up close.
• About 250 kilometres north of Sydney, in the Hunter Valley, you'll find a popular weekend escape and culinary destination.
• Hiking the trails of Barrington Tops and Wollemi National Parks, both of which are on the World Heritage List, and touring the region's ornate architecture on heritage trails are two of the most popular things to do in the Hunter Valley.
• Flying in a hot air balloon is another option for seeing the countryside from above.
• Many of the grand old homes in the Hunter Valley date back to the region's heydey as a coal-mining centre in the 19th century.
• Make time to visit Maitland Regional Art Gallery and Newcastle Art Gallery to take in some art, and stop by local museums to discover more about the area's fascinating past.
• The Hunter Valley Gardens, spanning over 60 acres and filled with botanical gems and themed gardens, are another popular destination.
• Indulging in a meal of fish and chips on Manly's beach is a quintessential Australian pastime.
• This is a simple day trip to plan from Sydney, and you may get a lot out of it even before you get there.
• Indulge in some traditional Australian beach culture once you arrive.
• Take the ship and bring your camera for some amazing shots of the Sydney Opera House.
• Hawkesbury is one of Australia's most picturesque rivers, yet it's only about an hour's drive north-west of Sydney.
• In the formative years of the New South Wales colony, it was crucial.
• Especially in the river's broad lower reaches between Brooklyn and Pittwater, a wide variety of watersports can be enjoyed.
• In addition to fishing, many people visit the lake to go water skiing, wakeboarding, or tubing.
• Wisemans Ferry, Berowra Waters, Brooklyn, and Bobbin Head all hire out boats.
• Four national parks can be found along the Hawkesbury River's shores.
• It separates the northern Sydney park of Ku-ring-gai Chase from the southern Brisbane Water National Park.
• Both Dharug National Park, known for its Aboriginal rock art, and Bouddi National Park, north of Broken Bay, are worth visiting.
• All are great places to get out and go hiking, and offer a little bit of the great outdoors while yet being relatively close to the city.
• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, West Head, and the Northern Beaches Located around 45 minutes north of Sydney's central business district, Ku-ring-gai
• Chase National Park is Australia's second-oldest national park and a great place to reconnect with nature.
• Pittwater's azure waters, Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Headland, Lion Island Nature Reserve, and the Central Coast can all be seen from this vantage point.
• Ku-ring-gai National Park is a fantastic destination, with many exciting activities to choose from.
• Palm Beach, located farther north, is a beautiful place to relax on the sands, swim, surf, have a picnic, or eat at a beachside café.
• Royal National Park is a refuge for beachgoers and environment enthusiasts, encircled by 21 kilometres of surfing beaches and cliff-lined coast.
• It is located around an hour's drive south of Sydney's central business area, in Cronulla, and was established in 1879, making it the world's second-oldest national park.
• Great fishing and boating may be found along its nearly entire length thanks to the Hacking River.
• Water activities like as swimming, snorkelling, surfing, fishing, and even whale viewing are common along the coast.
• More than 241 different species of animals may be seen in the park, and Aboriginal rock art is also on display.
• From Cronulla, visitors can drive or take a ferry to the park, and from neighbouring train stations, they can access some of the park's walking routes.
• The Day Trip To Cronulla & The Royal National Park is a fantastic way to spend a day exploring this beautiful wilderness area, as it takes you to some of the park's most remote spots with the help of a knowledgeable guide.
• Port Stephens Sparkling Water sports enthusiasts will love Port Stephens Bay, especially to the nearby Great Lakes Marine Park.
• Over twice the size of Sydney Harbour, this stretch of picturesque woody coastline is located roughly 200 kilometres from the heart of Sydney.
• Choose one: You can enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving at Fly Point, surf the waves, sail a sailboat or kayak along the coast, or take a boat excursion.
• And if you're looking for a great place to do some fishing, look no further than Port Stephens.
• A lot of people come to see the marine life.
• From November through May, you can go on a tour to see migratory humpback whales, or you can swim with wild dolphins.
• Nelson Bay is one of the major cities in the region, so be sure to check it out!
• Take a stroll along the beach promenade or check out the quaint boutiques and delicious restaurants.
• Down the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, Australia's largest series of dunes, you may have a great time sandboarding.
• The native macadamia nuts, figs, avocados, and olives are some of the most sought-after commodities in Port Stephens.
• An ideal method to view the sights in Port Stephens is on the Sydney-based private bus tour.
• In addition to visiting the area's top natural landmarks, passengers on this exciting day excursion may also opt to embark on a dolphin or whale watching cruise, depending on the season.
• Additional activities like sand-boarding at Anna Bay can be arranged as well.
• Newcastle resembles a smaller, seaside version of Melbourne.
• The Central Business District (CBD) offers a variety of unique shops, bars, and restaurants that are on par with any of Australia's major urban centres.
• The waterfront is never more than a short walk away in Newcastle, whether you're in the heart of the city or out on the outskirts enjoying the surf or the peace and quiet of Newcastle Harbour.
• Take a plunge in the ocean in the world-famous Newcastle Ocean Baths, and if you're able to stick around until the sun goes down, end your day with a stroll along the beautiful ANZAC Memorial Walk.
• The picturesque beach resort of Woy Woy may be reached by vehicle or train in only 75 minutes.
• Here, you may enjoy a meal by the water at Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf and then relax with a drink on Frankie's Rooftop.
• The Bouddi Coastal Trail is a short drive away and offers a pleasant eight kilometres of winding path past numerous vantage points and beaches.
• Bring your snorkel gear; you should swim in the protected Lobster Beach and look for dolphins.
• But if you decide to stay for dinner, you must have the pasta at Young Barons.
• Port Stephens Bannisters' 2018 arrival in Port Stephens was a boon, bringing with it a high-end hotel and, more crucially, a Rick Stein restaurant.
• In addition to its 26 beaches, Port Stephens is home to some of the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, where visitors can go camel riding or sandboarding.
• For Boating And Bush Walking: Berowra The picturesque community of Berowra is surrounded by stunning natural features, including the Berowra Valley National Park to the west and the meandering Cowan Creek and Berowra Creek to the east and south, respectively.
• Stop at Barnetts Lookout to gain your bearings if you're on the road.
• Take a ferry trip, go kayaking or nature walking, or just relax and read by the river after exploring Berowra Village.
• You can get a cheap and cheery meal of fish and chips at the Berowra Waters Fish Cafe, or you may splurge at the Berowra Waters Inn, which is a restaurant with two hats.