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Are you visiting NSW and looking for the best day trips from Sydney? Perfect! We are here to help!
Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a pillar of incredible beaches, nature, and wildlife. When the world thinks of Sydney, the world thinks of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. But that’s not all!
There are many other landmarks to discover in the city and a plethora of day trips to take from Sydney.
National parks, beach towns, wine regions… there is a bit of everything!
So, are you ready? Let’s discover the most unforgettable day trips from Sydney!
1. The Blue Mountains National Park
📍 Distance: 100 km / 50 min to 1:30 hour
✅ Perfect for: Outdoors, hikes & waterfalls
The Blue Mountains National Park is a World Heritage Site attracting over 3 million yearly visitors.
Situated only 50km west of Sydney CBD, the Blue Mountains are a very popular day trip from Sydney amongst both locals and international visitors.
Once you arrive, you’ll find an incredible national park spanning over 2,551,730 acres. The most popular attraction is the Three Sisters lookout.
These iconic rocks are known in the entire world and will truly give you an idea of how beautiful this area is.
There are many legends and stories about the 3 sisters and if you are interested in learning more about the aboriginal heritage in the Blue Mountains, that’s an excellent place to do so.
Also, from the lookout you can truly see why the Blue Mountains are called as such.
You see, the Blue Mountains are covered with gumtrees (eucalyptus). With the sun and quantity, they create a bit of a blue hollow. This is why they are called the Blue Mountains.
Try to get to this lookout as early as possible. It’s a popular spot and can be a bit packed at times.
Furthermore, if you would like to find native wildlife – such as Kangaroos and Wallabies – you should check out the Jenolan Caves. You’ll find plenty of wild Kangaroos there during the daytime.
There are also many hiking opportunities in the Blue Mountains including the Grand Canyon in Blackheath and Wentworth waterfalls.
HOW TO GET THERE:
- Train: It’s very easy to get to the Blue Mountains with public transport. You can use your Opal card and take the train from Central Station to Katoomba. It costs around $8 each way but it’s much cheaper if you travel off-peak (around $4). This is the cheapest way to get to the Blue Mountains however, you won’t be able to get around that easily once you are there. If you just want to visit Katoomba though, it’s perfect.
- Day tour: There are many organised tours going from Sydney to the Blue Mountains. It is more expensive however, it’s perfect for first-timers. Transport is included but you will also learn plenty thanks to the local guide. You will go to all the main sites in the Blue Mountains and truly make the best of your day. See prices here.
- Car: you can easily drive to the Blue Mountains. It takes 1,5 hours to get to Katoomba. It is longer than with the train and you might be stuck in traffic too but you will have more flexibility once you are in the national park.
2. The Royal National Park
📍 Distance: 33 km / 45 minutes
✅ Perfect for: Outdoors, hikes & rock pools
One of Sydney’s most tremendous benefits is its proximity to nature. Sydneysiders and tourists love escaping to quiet yet stunning national parks, and the Royal National Park is one of the best options.
The Royal National Park is Australia’s oldest and the world’s second-oldest national park.
It’s located 36km south of Sydney, and it makes for the ultimate day trip. Visitors find endless hiking trails, gorgeous white beaches, and even native wildlife if you’re lucky!
The most famous natural landmarks in the Royal National Park are the figure-eight pools. As much as you should definitely visit them, make sure to head there early so you can beat the crowds.
After that, you can do one of the coastal hikes. They are absolutely fantastic and the views are incredible.
HOW TO GET THERE: The best way to get there is via car, but you can catch the train to Cronulla and the boat to Bundeena.
You can also opt for a private tour from Sydney (prices here) or a guided hike to the figure eight pools (prices here).
Moreover, the Royal National Park has many camping sites, but you must inquire with the Royal National Park before camping. If you are thinking about staying more than a day, it can be an option.
3. Palm Beach
📍 Distance: 43 km / 50 min
✅ Perfect for: Beach
Palm Beach is one of the first day trips that tourists and backpackers enjoy once they land in Sydney. The iconic beach is the filming location for Home & Away and home to stunning views and hikes.
Popular Palm Beach attractions include Sand Point, Barrenjoey, and Paradise Beach.
Many visitors love climbing towards the lighthouse, where you’ll find spellbinding views of Palm Beach and its idyllic blue waters and beautiful white sands.
The beaches are incredibly popular with surfers, so if you love surfing, be sure to check out Palm Beach and the surrounding areas.
HOW TO GET THERE: You will find Palm Beach 41km north of Sydney CBD, and you can get there via bus.
If you choose public transport, the journey can take up to 2 hours depending on traffic and the number of people on the bus. Otherwise, driving will take under 1 hour.
Finally, you can opt for a day tour from Sydney to the Northern Beaches.
4. Manly
📍 Distance: 17 km / 25 minutes
✅ Perfect for: Outdoors, hikes and BBQ
Manly is different from many day-trip options listed in this article because it’s actually within the city, but it still makes for an unforgettable outdoor day-trip.
Manly is famous for its hiking, beaches, and viewpoints.
If you feel like hiking, you can do the excellent hike from Spit to Manly.
The total distance is 10k, but it takes you through many stunning beaches and secluded bushland.
Once you arrive in Manly, you can enjoy restaurants, Manly Beach, and the Manly scenic walkway. Moreover, Shelly Beach is an excellent place to relax during the summer days.
It’s a heaven for backpackers and families, and you’ll find many places to cook a BBQ and enjoy the sunshine.
HOW TO GET THERE: You can effortlessly get to Manly from Sydney harbour via boat in 20 minutes, and once you arrive, the incredible nature and views will blow you away!
You can also go on a 10k hike through Sydney Harbour National Park to Manly.
This will take about 5 hours. You can do it on your own or opt for a guided tour with a local.
The guide will show you some secret beaches and tell you many stories about the area.
5. Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
📍 Distance: 38 km / 30 min
✅ Perfect for: History and beaches.
The Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park is a phenomenal day trip from Sydney. You will find a historic national park that’s full of deep-rooted aboriginal history. Perfect for history buffs!
It’s also one of the best places to enjoy the many incredible coastal viewpoints around Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
A popular hike is the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, where you’ll find rock art and engravings from the aboriginal people.
Furthermore, the Hawkesbury River is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the stunning Sydney sunshine.
Interesting fact: it is Australia’s second-oldest national back behind the Royal National Park. If you’re full of energy, you can complete many hikes through the national park before ending up at the iconic Palm Beach.
HOW TO GET THERE: It’s pretty easy to get to the national park from Sydney CBD. Here are your options:
- By car: it’s a short 30 minutes drive on the Pacific Highway to get to the national park.
- By public transport: you can take the train from Central station. You’ll need to change in Turramurra and it will take about 1h15 altogether. This is not the most practical way so avoid it if you can but the option is there.
- Tour: You can opt for a day tour that includes the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, Northern beaches and Home & Away locations. Click here to see the prices.
6. Sailing Adventure
So far you’ve seen very famous spots but now is time to mention an unusual day trip from Sydney.
Sydney is known for its harbour and proximity with the sea. There are many cruise ships arriving every day and yet, a lot of people almost forget that you can go on a day cruise too!
If you want to go on a bit of an adventure without even having to drive, you can go on a sailing trip around Sydney
The sailing trip lasts a couple of hours which is enough to see all the main spots.
You will get to see the iconic landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House but also Fort Denison.
The ship is a replica of an historic one which makes it even more unique. If you like taking photos, you will be in for a treat with this one!
Click here to see the latest prices.
7. Taronga Zoo
Although it is located in the city, Taronga Zoo is a place where you can easily spend a whole day so it deserves to be on this list.
If you are looking for a great Sydney day out with kids, look no further!
Taronga Zoo is home to African animals as much as unique native-Australian species including the Tree Kangaroo.
HOW TO GET THERE: Getting to Taronga Zoo is just as fun as visiting the site itself. Why? Because you need to take the ferry from Circular Quay and it’s a beautiful ride.
It’s only 12 minutes but you will get to see so much!
You can use your Opal card for the ferry and buy your ticket for the zoo separately. See prices.
Otherwise, you can take a combo ticket with cruise + Zoo entrance. See prices here.
8. Wollongong
📍 Distance: 85 km / 1h15
✅ Perfect for: Beach, activities and hikes.
Do you love escaping the crowds and tourists? The truth is that many national parks surrounding Sydney will attract large numbers of visitors.
Nonetheless, Wollongong is a hidden gem of a little town just 85km south of Sydney.
There are various top-class attractions in Wollongong, including the Sea Cliff Bridge.
You’ll find this Oceanside cantilever bridge next to Wollongong, and the coastal views are simply breathtaking from the bridge.
You will pass by the Sea Cliff Bridge when you drive down the Grand Pacific Drive, one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.
If that’s not enough, Wollongong is home to various tremendous hiking trails and viewpoints.
The Sublime Point Walking Track is a highlight of Wollongong, offering excellent views of nearby areas.
You’ll witness 180-degree coastal views, 17 beaches, and rainforests from the Sublime Point Viewpoint.
If you love adrenaline rushes, you will be happy to know that Wollongong is also one of the best places in Australia for skydiving. See prices here.
HOW TO GET THERE: Driving is the best way to get to Wollongong and also the most recommended as it is a very scenic drive!
9. Kiama
📍 Distance: 120 km / 1h45 min
✅ Perfect for: Blowholes
If you’re looking for a relaxed town away from the big city, you should head two hours north towards Kiama.
Once you arrive, you can walk across the coastal walk and eat ice cream during the summer sunshine.
Tourists love seeing the beautiful Cathedral Rocks, where you’ll find some of the best-rugged scenery in New South Wales.
Moreover, Kiama is a fantastic whale-watching area during the spring months as the whales head south past Australia’s east coast.
The town is ideal for families and people of all ages and offers the perfect day-trip getaway from the millions of people in Sydney.
Plus, if you enjoy surfing, you should check out Surf Beach and its excellent waves.
The most famous landmark is Kiama Blowhole. It’s a very unusual thing to see!
HOW TO GET THERE: You can easily drive down to Kiama from Sydney. It will take you about 2 hours.
If you are a group between 3 and 7, you may want to opt for a private guided tour. It is customisable and includes the blowholes as well as some hidden gems.
10. Southern Highlands
📍 Distance: 133 km / 1:30 hour
✅ Perfect for: Wine tasting
The Southern Highlands are the perfect day out from Sydney. It will make you feel like you travelled to England for a second!
You can discover the quaint towns of Bowral and Berrima. There are many antique shops, local cafes and restaurants where you can grab delicious food.
Finally, if you are visiting in September or October, make sure to go to the Tulip Time Festival. It’s in Bowral and you will get to see thousands of tulips. It’s so pretty!
HOW TO GET THERE: It’s an easy 90 minute drive from the CBD to the Southern Highlands. If you have your own vehicle, you can easily explore on your own.
Alternatively, you can opt for an organised tour which includes the south coast and the Southern Highlands.
Click here to see the latest prices.
11. Morton National Park
📍 Distance: 137 km / 1:45 hour
✅ Perfect for: Wine tasting
Morton National Park is part of the Southern Highlands. It’s one of the most underrated national parks in Australia.
Whereas everyone heard of the Blue Mountains, most people don’t know anything about Morton National Park.
This is not going to happen to you!
Morton National Park is the ideal day trip from Sydney if you love nature, outdoor activities and stay away from the crowds.
The most popular natural landmark in the area is the Fitzroy Falls. These plunge waterfalls are absolutely stunning! It’s only a short walk to get there but you can also go on one of the local hikes if you want to make it longer.
HOW TO GET THERE: You can easily drive from Sydney CBD to Fitzroy Falls. If you want to make a bit of a road trip out of your day, you can drive along the coast down to Kiama and then head to the falls. It will be much longer but it’s a very beautiful drive.
You can also opt for a day tour from Sydney that includes both the Royal National Park and Morton National Park.
12. The Hunter Valley
📍 Distance: 196 km / 2h30 hours
✅ Perfect for: Wine tasting
The wine industry regards Australia as one of its finest gems. There are many great wine regions down under, including the Barossa Valley, Margaret River, and the Eden Valley. With that said, the Hunter Valley is one of the most significant wine regions in the southern hemisphere.
The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest and most famous winery, and it’s only a 2-hour 30-minute drive from Sydney CBD. The 2019 bushfire crisis damaged much of the region’s wine production, but the area is bouncing back and producing world-class Shiraz, Semillon, Chardonnay, and many more!
The Hunter Valley has over 150 wineries, thousands of wine tours, and some tasty cheeses, olives, and olive oil on offer. The region dates back to the 18th century when European settlers started producing wine.
It’s a great place to visit on a day trip from Sydney as you can go wine tasting and eat a delicious and authentic lunch. There is nothing better than local produce and the Hunter Valley sets the bar high when it comes to that.
HOW TO GET THERE: If you have a vehicle, you can drive to the Hunter Valley. As previously mentioned, it’s about 2h30 drive so you need to be ready to drive about 5 hours in a day.
Alternatively, you can opt for a day tour from Sydney. This is well worth it as it includes wine tasting, lunch and transportation. That way you just relax and enjoy!
13. Jervis Bay
📍 Distance: 196 km / 2h40 hours
✅ Perfect for: Beach, dolphin & whale watching
Located almost 3-hour south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is famous for being home to Hyams Beach, the whitest beach in the world according to the Guinness Record Book.
Not only does the beach have the most idyllic scenery imaginable, but you can also see native wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch glimpses of dolphins and whales in the sea.
If you are visiting in winter, you should opt for a dolphin or whale-watching cruise as it’s one of the best places in Australia to see the migrations.
Jervis Bay is a bird-watching paradise, with over 2,000 species of birds flying around the area; you better make sure you have your binoculars!
Also, the area has so much aboriginal heritage. The early aboriginal people had robust ties with the Jervis Bay area, so you’ll find numerous historical sites in the region.
The main town in Jervis Bay is Huskisson. You will actually find two national parks nearby: Booderee and Jervis Bay National Park.
That having been said, if you are only visiting for a day, here is what you should do:
- White sands walk (it’s only a couple of hours and you will get to see Vincentia, Blenheim Beach, Greenfields Beach and Chinamans beach)
- Hyams Beach. You can easily park there and relax on the beach. Grab a fish and chips at Hyams Beach Cafe
- Dolphin or whale watching cruise in the afternoon. See prices here.
HOW TO GET THERE: Jervis Bay is a 3-hour drive south of Sydney and easily one of the best places to visit in New South Wales.
It’s entirely possible to get a day tour from Sydney, but if you drive via rented car – you’re free to hike, swim, and enjoy the national parks on your terms!
If you don’t want to drive, you can also book a day tour from Sydney. This is a great way to make the best of your day as the local guides know exactly how to save time and show you as much as they can!
14. Canberra
📍 Distance: 286 km / 3 hours
✅ Perfect for: Modern Australian History & Politics
When you ask the question, “What is Australia’s capital city?” many people will automatically assume it’s Sydney or Melbourne. The capital of Australia is Canberra, and better still, it’s accessible on a day trip from Sydney. It is a 3-hour drive from Sydney.
Australia made Canberra the capital city in 1908 because of a compromise between Australia’s two megacities Sydney and Melbourne.
There are similarities between Washington D.C and Canberra, with both cities being in-land, somewhat isolated, and unusual capital city choices.
The city’s principal tourist attraction is the Australian War Memorial, which details Australia’s vast military history in the Vietnam War and both world wars.
Another top-rated attraction is the National Gallery of Australia because it’s home to a fascinating international art collection.
You can also discover both the new and old parliament. You can either see them from the outside or visit inside.
If you want to learn more about the history of Australia, you should visit the National Museum of Australia. It’s entirely free and one of the best museums in the country. You will learn plenty of the traditional owners, the British colonisation and modern times.
Finally, if you have a bit of time left, drive up the Black Mountain. The views over Canberra are stunning from there.
HOW TO GET THERE: You can drive from Sydney to Canberra. It will take you about 3 hours.
Make sure to leave early so you get enough time in Canberra and don’t get stuck in Sydney’s traffic.
Another alternative is to go on an organised day trip. It is a bit pricey but well worth it for a day trip.
This private tour includes a local guide, transport and snacks. It will be personalised to your wishes and needs so you can be 100% sure to see exactly what you want to see.
Click here to see the latest prices.
Final Thoughts
Sydney is a big city, and it’s home to so many incredible things to do. You can enjoy CBD shopping, the hipster vibes of Newtown, or hike along the world-famous Bondi to Coogee walk.
However, the real benefit of visiting Sydney is the incredible and undisturbed nature surrounding the city. If you’re visiting Sydney, you must check out Jervis Bay, the Blue Mountains, and Palm Beach.
Once you see the sheer natural beauty surrounding Sydney, there’s a good chance that you’ll want to live there!
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