The Best Day Trips from Sydney

Looking for the best day trips from Sydney? In this post, I outline the best day trips within one, two and three hours in Sydney with the help of some awesome travel bloggers.

Whether you’re after amazing coastlines, sweeping wilderness, or simply the chance to see some kangaroos, there’s definitely a day trip for you! And while there are many fantastic things to do in Sydney, there is nothing like getting out of the city now and again.

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A huge thank you to all everyone who contributed to this post. Their insights have helped make this a thorough and vastly detailed post, including some stunning gems even I hadn’t heard of yet!

The Sydney day trips are ordered as follows:

• day trips within one hour of Sydney
• day trips within two hours of Sydney
• day trips within three hours of Sydney

DAY TRIPS WITHIN ONE HOUR OF SYDNEY:

KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK

by Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a wonderful place to visit for hiking and quiet beaches. It has an abundance of wildlife and is home to one of the largest known concentrations of recorded Aboriginal sites in all of Australia.

The Basin Aboriginal art site is one of the best examples of Aboriginal rock engravings in the park. It’s best to go either early morning or late afternoon to see the engravings (this is because the shadows will make it easier to see).

Another great reason to visit Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is to see Barrenjoey Lighthouse. It was built in 1881 and is an iconic Sydney attraction. There are trails that will take you to the lighthouse or you can also see it from the impressive views of West Head lookout. This lookout also offers fantastic views of Broken Bay and Pittwater.

While Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is an easy day trip from central Sydney, you can also spend the night here camping at the Basin Campground or by renting one of the coolest Airbnbs in Sydney (it sits perched over the water of Lovett Bay and is only accessible by boat). It’s a very relaxing way to spend a night or two!

To get here from Sydney’s CBD – you can take the L90 bus from Wynyard Station, all the way to Palm Beach and then catch the ferry over to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The ferry is a private business, though. So, your Opal card will not work, and you will need to pay $17 for a round trip (credit card or cash are accepted).

PALM BEACH & the Northern Beaches

by me

I was unsure whether to include places such as Manly or Palm Beach as a Sydney ‘day trip’, since I very much consider them part of Sydney itself, I will mention them briefly in case they are somehow not on your radar!

For an easy escape from the bustling city centre, you could also take on one of the amazing Sydney walks, including the lesser-known ones on the Northern Beaches – find out about the beautiful Sydney coastal walks here.

One of my favourites was the Spit Bridge to Manly walk, which will make for a great day trip as you can relax on Manly Beach or Shelley Beach after, and enjoy lunch at one of the many cute cafes here. I also love snorkelling at Shelley Beach, and even saw stingrays and cute little sharks here. Manly is a great spot for kayaking in Sydney too. Finish your day out in Manly by taking the ferry back to Sydney.

You can also visit Palm Beach on a day trip since it’s got one of THE best beaches in the area. Don’t miss the walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse which is undoubtedly one of the best places to watch a Sydney sunset.

DAY TRIPS WITHIN 2 HOURS FROM SYDNEY

WOLLONGONG

by Christina from Travel2Next

Wollongong is the 10^th-largest Australian city and a beautiful smaller city to get away from Sydney’s crowds. The coastal city is only a 1.5-hour road trip from Sydney, and the journey to Wollongong itself along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive is an attraction. Wollongong is a university town, with plenty of cool bars, restaurants and nightclubs to hang out at after dark and there are also many daytime activities suitable for families.

As it is a coastal city, most things to do in Wollongong involve being outdoors. Wollongong’s beaches are a top attraction and spending time at the beach should be a priority. Learn to surf, have a play day on the sand or go beach fishing. There are also many adventure activities for those seeking an adrenalin rush. You can go skydiving over the coastline for a magnificent view of the city and hang gliding from Bald Hill. If you are keen on hiking, you won’t be disappointed as there are trails through the Illawarra mountain range not far from the city centre. Lake Illawarra is a lovely spot to go fishing, boating and picnicking. Another main attraction in Wollongong is the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple, an impressive facility and a centre that teaches Buddhism.

The quickest way to get to Wollongong is by car, and the most scenic route is to take the Bulli Pass. Public transport is another option, and you can get there by bus or train.

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS

by Shandos from Travelnuity

The Southern Highlands is perfect for a day trip from Sydney. This region full of country charm is under 90 minutes drive from the centre of Sydney along the Hume Motorway, even less from the southwestern suburbs, but is often overlooked.

One of the most popular attractions in the region is the Don Bradman Museum and the International Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral, retelling the story of the cricket legend who grew up in the town. Each spring, visitors also flock to Bowral for the annual Tulip Time floral festival.

Alternatively, head to nearby Berrima, the only largely preserved example of a Georgian colonial town in Australia. The village was established in 1831, but after being bypassed by the railway line, was left stuck in time. Make sure you check out the Old Berrima Gaol and the Courthouse, plus the many delightful shops and cafes.

The Southern Highlands is also the closest wine region to Sydney, specialising in cool-climate wines. so it can be a good place to take a wine or food tour from Sydney. Drop in to taste the local vintage at one of the many wineries open to the public, such as Centennial Vineyards or Artemis Wine. 

The Southern Highlands is particularly picturesque during the Autumn months when its many deciduous trees change colour. Many of its towns are also accessible by train. 

KIAMA

by Paula from SydneyExpert

Just 120km south of Sydney Kiama makes a great day trip from Sydney. If offers a fabulous mix of natural beauty, coastal and rainforest walks, heritage buildings, an art trail and lots of great cafes.

You can reach Kiama by taking the stunning Grand Pacific Drive from Sydney or jumping on an interurban train, either way, the trip will take you around 2 hours.

Once you arrive in this National Trust listed town you are greeted with a vibrant main street and a welcoming harbour. For many years the main drawcard to Kiama has been the Kiama Blowhole, a natural rock which sees waves forced up through the rocks creating a dramatic display in the right conditions.

These days the Kiama Coast Walk, a 20km track, attracts many visitors who complete part or all of the beautiful walk. We recommend you split the walk into two days with a few hours of beach time and some fresh seafood in between.

There are several beautiful lookouts and two National Parks in the area if you fancy exploring further. We suggest you head to the visitors centre on arrival and arm yourself with some maps and local advice on the best things to see in Kiama while you are there.

SHOALHAVEN WINE REGION

by Holly from Globeblogging

Tucked away in the lush country bordering the Shoalhaven River is a hidden gem. Less than two hours drive from Sydney, the Shoalhaven region offers good food made from freshly grown produce, picturesque views, history, and a group of wineries featuring a range of tasty wines and liqueurs. The temperate climate and rich soil enables the Shoalhaven wineries to produce locally and internationally awarded wines.

For a taste of Australian history, be sure to visit Coolangatta Estate. This is the location of the first European settlement on the South Coast, and many of the original convict buildings still stand today.

Visitors can enjoy a wine tasting in the garden and stroll around the grounds to check out the buildings, now converted into accommodations. Take a drive out to Two Figs winery and enjoy a cheese platter with your tasting while looking over the Shoalhaven River.

The nearby town of Berry is worth the stroll to check out local crafts and produce, and stop by the sustainable Mountain Ridge wines for a meal featuring seasonal South Coast produce which has been designed to complement their wine range. Don’t miss trying the Macadamia Liqueur while you’re there!

You’re only a short drive from Kangaroo Valley and the NSW South Coast from here, both offering more adventures!

KANGAROO VALLEY

by Margarita from The Wildlife Diaries

Kangaroo Valley is perhaps the prettiest pastoral valley within easy reach of Sydney. It is a landscape of lush green hills framed by the towering sandstone walls of the Illawarra Escarpment. Lying only 159 km south of Sydney via Princess Highway, Kangaroo Valley makes for a perfect day trip from Sydney. 

In terms of attractions, you’ll find an intriguing mix of history and nature adventures in Kangaroo Valley. Even arriving in the picturesque village of Kangaroo Valley is an unexpected experience as you drive across a grand Victorian suspension bridge with imposing medieval towers at each end. For true history buffs, there is also Pioneer museum in the village that recreates scenes from life in the valley in the late 19th and early 20th century.  

But it is the incredibly picturesque surrounding countryside that draws people to Kangaroo Valley. There are three epic waterfalls to explore: Belmore, Fitzroy and Carrington Falls; stunning viewpoints, like the Cambewarra Mountain Lookout that has a cafe at the top; bushwalks in Morton and Budderoo National parks; and scenic mountain roads that connect the valley to the top of the escarpment.  

For the adventurous types, there are kayaking adventures on Kangaroo River departing from Hampton Bridge and zip lining experience at Illawarra Fly. And of course, there are kangaroos! Simply head to Bendeela campground at dusk and you will find yourself surrounded by wild wombats and kangaroos.  

BLUE MOUNTAINS

The gorgeous Blue Mountains is one of the most popular day trips from Sydney, with locals and tourists alike swapping the Sydney coastal scenery for the endless wilderness of this New South Wales landscape.

There are many things to do in the Blue Mountains, with the most popular being the iconic Three Sisters viewpoints. The Echo Point lookout is an easy-to-reach spot to see these magnificent rock formations, though the Eagle Hawk Lookout is a quieter alternative. Govetts Leap Lookout – a great viewpoint over the mountain scenery and stunning Bridal Veil Falls, is another favourite. Other beautiful waterfalls in the Blue Mountains are Wentworth Falls and Katoomba Falls, though if you go hiking here you can likely see many more.

For families, the Scenic World and Scenic Railway is a really fun way to see the area. Other activities include Jenolan Caves (my next day trip suggestion!) and the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens. I also enjoyed seeing the street art in Katoomba on the way to lunch. 

It is a 90 minute drive from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, though you can also take the train directly to Katoomba which takes around two hours. (Tip – transport is capped on Sundays making the train option only $2.70.)

You can also take the Hop On Hop Off Bus or a tour from Sydney if you want to visit the best Blue Mountains sights but are unable to drive. Alternatively, you can even take a Sydney helicopter ride to the Blue Mountains on a day trip!

JENOLAN CAVES

by me

The gorgeous Blue Mountains is one of the most popular day trips from Sydney, with locals and tourists alike swapping the Sydney coastal scenery for the endless wilderness of this New South Wales landscape.

There are many things to do in the Blue Mountains, with the most popular being the iconic Three Sisters viewpoints. The Echo Point lookout is an easy-to-reach spot to see these magnificent rock formations, though the Eagle Hawk Lookout is a quieter alternative. Govetts Leap Lookout – a great viewpoint over the mountain scenery and stunning Bridal Veil Falls, is another favourite. Other beautiful waterfalls in the Blue Mountains are Wentworth Falls and Katoomba Falls, though if you go hiking here you can likely see many more.

For families, the Scenic World and Scenic Railway is a really fun way to see the area. Other activities include Jenolan Caves (my next day trip suggestion!) and the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens. I also enjoyed seeing the street art in Katoomba on the way to lunch. 

It is a 90 minute drive from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, though you can also take the train directly to Katoomba which takes around two hours. (Tip – transport is capped on Sundays making the train option only $2.70.) You can also take the Hop On Hop Off Bus or a tour from Sydney if you want to visit the best Blue Mountains sights but are unable to drive.

NEWCASTLE

by Helen from Differentville

Just 170km north of Sydney, Newcastle makes a very easy day trip from the city. And while it might seem strange to spend the day leaving one city just to visit another one, the compact size of its city centre means you can fit a lot of fun into a day trip to Newcastle.

Spend the morning exploring the northeast tip of the city where you’ll find the iconic art deco  Ocean Baths (pack your togs), the seafront walk out to Nobby’s Lighthouse, which started guiding ships into the harbour in 1854, and view the firing of the 1pm gun at Fort Scratchley.

Top spot for lunch has to be The Queens Wharf Hotel which has waterfront tables giving the best view of the huge ships that come in and out of the harbour – and a supercheap set of lunch specials each day.  Or, book one of the coveted tables at the new and highly recommended Signal Box.

After lunch, head toward the Hunter Street area where you’ll find the Newcastle Museum but also the quirky street art of Novocastrian Trevor Dickinson that let you be part of the art work. And that’s just a taster – there are lots more smaller sights to take in if you find yourself with extra time (you’ll find 19 Fun Things to do in Newcastle here).

Getting to Newcastle couldn’t be easier – it’s a straightforward drive up the M1 motorway if you have a car (takes about 2 hours) or, you can get there by train from Central Station in just under two and a half hours. While you’re there, a handy Light Rail Service whisks you from one end of town to the other and you can even use your Sydney Opal Card. How handy is that?

PORT STEPHENS

by me

Port Stephens is the perfect Sydney day trip for those in need of a coastal retreat, but although there are many amazing beaches, there are many more things to do in Port Stephens beyond sunbathing and surfing! That said, you can’t go wrong with the sublime Zenith Beach, Fingal Bay and the smaller coves of Wreck Beach and Box Beach in between.

While avoiding wildlife reserves that allow you to touch the animals is recommended, you may be fortunate enough to spot a wild koala in Tilligerry Habitat Reserve or even whales from on the beach. If you can budget for it, from May to July whale watching cruises are popular. 

Another must-do on a day out to Port Stephens is visiting Stockton Sand Dunes! These enormous sand dunes are a popular spot for sandboarding, 4×4 drives or you can access them for free if you don’t mind an intense leg workout. 

If you want to stay for the weekend, there are many gorgeous accommodations and restaurants in Nelson’s Bay. This is also a lovely place to watch the sunset from one of the local beaches or from Gan Gan Hill Lookout. 

DAY TRIPS WITHIN 3 HOURS FROM SYDNEY

JERVIS BAY

by Annie from Londoner in Sydney

Being just a three hour drive from Sydney, Jervis Bay is a locals paradise waiting to be discovered. Whilst there are loads of things to do in Jervis Bay, the main attraction which pulls people to this coastal town, is the being home to the world’s whitest sand at Hyams Beach.

Go on the 1 hour White Sands Walk which is one of the most beautiful coastal walks in Australia. Stretching from Vincentina down to Hyams Beach, you’ll come across plenty of absolutely stunning beaches to swim in. The water is so clear and turquoise, you’ll wonder whether you could be in the Maldives, it’s that nice. Our tip is to spend more time next door at the famous walk at Chinaman’s Beach which is quieter and more beautiful! End the walk in Hyams Beach and eat at the gorgeous Hyams Beach Store & Café for lunch.

Book a dolphin & whale watching cruise between June – August and it’s almost guaranteed you’ll see some passing by during the annual whale migration. Explore more beaches in the area like Caves Beach, a gorgeous untouched beach you can camp at if you book in early.

Or camp at Honeymoon Bay which is known to be one of the best campsites in Australia! The perfect calm waves makes it very popular amongst families.

Which of these Sydney day trips would you like to do the most? Let me know or pin this post for later.