15 of the Best Day trips from Sydney

When it comes to venturing beyond the city limits, these are the absolute best day trips from Sydney.

Sydney’s captivating coastal beauty and vibrant personality has plenty to keep you occupied, but roam a little farther and you’ll quickly discover incredible, easy-to-reach destinations that easily fill a day’s itinerary (or more). From rambling national parks, to pastoral villages, high country, wine country and coastal hamlets, there are diverse adventures to be uncovered just a short radius from the city. Bookmark these 15 best day trips from Sydney for your next spare weekend.

1. Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains cableway — Take in one-of-a-kind views from this steep aerial cable car. (Image: Scenic World)

Hit the highway and you’ll be taking in the crisp Blue Mountains air in under an hour, or for a scenic rail journey, take the two-hour-ish ride to Katoomba. Once here, there are ample activities to keep you enthralled, no matter which season you visit. Begin with the big ones, such as ogling the Three Sisters from Echo Point Katoomba. And don’t miss a visit to Scenic World, where you can absorb those lofty vistas from cableway, railway and skyway. Once your feet are firmly back on the ground, use them to follow tracks through the stunning landscape with a hike to heart-lifting Victoria Falls or any of the other walks that fit into your itinerary. You’ll work up an appetite for lunch, so head to the Wayzgoose Diner to replenish calories or enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at Megalong Restaurant at Lot 101 .

2. Stanwell Park and Helensburg

Symbio Wildlife Park — Kids will surely love the fun-filled amenities of Symbio Willdlife Park.

Set the GPS southwards for this day trip that takes in sweeping ocean vistas and some furry encounters at the tail-end of the Royal National Park (more on that, below). Should your adventurous spirit be in full flight, you may choose to take to the skies with a tandem hang gliding or paragliding experience at Stanwell Tops. But if you’re not so willing to strap into man-made wings and launch off a cliff, enjoy watching others take the plunge from Stanwell Park Beach or Bald Hill Lookout. Day-trippers visiting with kids or animal lovers in tow should spend some hours getting acquainted with native and exotic fauna at the wonderful Symbio Wildlife Park . When it’s time to break for lunch, enjoy a delicious sandwich or salad bowl with a crisp, cold glass of wine at LOAF .   

3. Royal National Park

Royal National Park beach — Some of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches are in this park. (Image: Destination NSW)

The ocean-clinging, heritage-listed Royal National Park sits between Sydney and Wollongong, making it a low-effort excursion out of the city. The 15,000-hectare-plus park was Australia’s first designated national park and thus has been protected since 1879. Criss-crossed with walking tracks and edged by cliffs and sparkling water, it’s a popular outing for Sydneysiders. Come summer, Wattamolla Beach and its adjacent picnic area are densely populated with splashing kids and sun-loving groups stretched out beneath their cabanas. Pack a picnic lunch and settle in for a beach session or hit the trails, or from Bundeena, hire a kayak and explore the calm waterways of the Port Hacking River.

4. Kiama

Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival is a three-day South Coast signature event packed with music.

A skip and a hop southwards, the seaside town of Kiama is less than a two-hour drive from Sydney. While it’s best known for its performative blowhole, which impressively propels water up to 30 meters into the air, Kiama has a lot more going for it than dramatic displays of the ocean’s might. The beach is beautiful, the 20-kilometre Kiama Coastal Walk is a list-topper for hiking enthusiasts and the town itself is perfect for leisurely pottering thanks to its heritage buildings, charming shops and spots to stop, sit and sip. But if you’re looking for an excuse to head south, time your visit to coincide with the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival , held every March. Take a seat outside at Diggies for lunch and contemplate your prospects of a sea change or extended daily commute.

5. Bowral and Mittagong

Bendooley Estate, Berrima — Bowral is the embodiment of Southern Highlands charm. (Image: Destination NSW)

For country roamings, find your way to the Southern Highlands for a tour of adorably pastoral towns. Set off for Mittagong, just a little over an hour from Sydney, with the intention of arriving in time for a morning cuppa and something sweet at Gumnut Patisserie. Caffeinated and sweetened, you’ll now possess the required stamina to hit Mittagong’s antique shops, before driving 10 minutes onwards to Bowral. More antique shopping ensues a Dirty Janes , as does strolling the beautiful Corbett Gardens, which is festooned with cherry and magnolia trees. If cricket is your bag(gy green), head to the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame . Set course for Bendooley Estate for a cellar door tasting of the winery’s top drops followed by a fireside lunch in The Barn before making your leisurely way home.

6. Wollongong

The Nan Tien temple is one of Wollongong’s major tourist attractions. (Image: Destination NSW)

Wollongong’s curvaceous and cliff-hugging Sea Cliff Bridge lands a breath-snatching first impression of Sydney’s closest southern city. At just one-and-a-half hours away, Wollongong is all beachy keen and beautiful with a laidback style that encourages a chilled pace. But although the beaches, such as Austinmer and Bellambi and their adjacent ocean pools are hard to leave, there’s plenty more to do away from the shore. For cultural pursuits, check out the Wollongong Art Gallery or find Zen in the tranquil grounds of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Swap your four wheels for two and discover the bike-friendly city by pedal power with Wollongong Bike Hub , pausing your tour for a bite at Bull and Bear .

7. Palm Beach to Patonga

Bookmark this day out for a sun-drenched weekend. You’ll begin by heading to Palm Beach, where you can kick things off with a morning coffee at Barefoot Barista , leaving plenty of time to make your way to Palm Beach Wharf to hop on the 10.30 ferry service to Patonga. On arrival, you might be due a dip by the calm shores of this sweet Hawkesbury inlet. If you’re wearing your Salomon’s, hit the six-kilometre-return Patonga to Palm Beach walking track, which meanders through the stunning Brisbane Waters National Park, snatching clifftop glimpses of the waters below and passing sandstone caves and native fauna. On your return to Patonga, be sure to have left ample time to relish lunch and a few drinks at The Boathouse Patonga Hotel before catching the return ferry at 5.30pm or, on Fridays and Saturdays, tarry longer and wait for the 8pm departure.

8. Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, Port Stephens

stockton sand dunes — Jump on a tour and tackle some of the largest sand dunes in Australia. (Image: Destination NSW)

Now, although Stockton is only 20 minutes or so from Newcastle, it deserves its own dedicated day trip given the adventure that awaits you there. Set in the Worimi Conservation Lands, which sprawl across 42,000 hectares of blackbutt forest and shifting sands, the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes undulate with otherworldly beauty. At 32-kilometres-long and reaching up to 30 metres high, these are the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere making them a veritable playground for all manner of sand-based fun. Said fun includes sand-boarding , horse or camel-riding , four-wheel-driving and quad-biking . After a big day on the dunes, revisit the highlights over a pint and replenish energy stores for the drive back to Sydney at the waterside Shoal Bay Country Club .

9. Hunter Valley

When the vines are calling, you needn’t roam too far from the city. Sydney’s backyard is home to a cute cluster of wine-making towns all huddled conveniently together in the Hunter Valley, just two or so hours away. This entirely day-tippable destination is home to some of the country’s best and most historic vineyards. Research is key here, so spend time mapping out your cellar door route before you go, as sipping them all in a single day is impossible. From Pokolbin to Broke and Rothbury to Singleton, there are more than 150 wineries to discover. If panic starts to set in, opt in for a tour that will provide you with a concise edit of wineries and a driver. Break up the day with what deserves to be a long lunch at Lucky Duck in Lovedale.

10. Lake Macquarie

The largest saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere is a nice and lazy, less-than-two-hour drive from Sydney. Huddled around the lake are a cluster of picturesque towns beckoning with their casual coastal allure. Head to Belmont for waterfront dining, a dip in the Belmont Baths and discovery of the region’s wetlands with a guided tour by CoastXP . Poke around the famed sea caves at Swansea’s nearby Caves Beach , while golfers and yachties will be keen on Toronto’s golf course and sailing clubs. Hikers can lace up for the coastal walking track in Wallarah National Park or less-dedicated walkers can take the quick, 1.8-kilometre-loop Wangi Walking Track at Wangi Wangi before kicking back at The Yard brewpub for a bite and a beer in Morisset. Or for something dark and mysterious, paddle out on a night tour in a neon-lit kayak.

11. Oberon, Lithgow and Jenolan Caves

A cool-climate escape deep in the Blue Mountains, Oberon, Lithgow and their sweet surrounds make an idyllic winter interlude just under three hours from Sydney. The journey may warrant an overnighter, but there’s enough to keep extended day-trippers enthralled up here, from the sprawling Mayfield Gardens with its 15 hectares of themed and meticulously tendered greens and excellent onsite restaurant to the deep-down wonder of Jenolan Caves . Either destination will hold your attention for a full day, but these once-frontier towns also deserve your visitation for their absorbing history and heritage buildings.

12. Avoca Beach and Bouddi National Park

Clinging to the Central Coast, just a 90-minute drive from Sydney, the ocean-side gem of Avoca Beach is a good starting point for forays into nearby Bouddi National Park. Head there for an early morning surf or cleansing swim, then load up on breakfast at Like Minds before embarking on the full eight-kilometre (one way) Bouddi Coastal Walk . If that seems a little ambitious for a laidback day trip, you can simply tackle as much as feels achievable. The walk starts at Putty Beach and culminates at Macmasters Beach, with Maitland Bay reached at three kilometres in, making it a reasonable turning point to have you back and tucking into a seafood platter at Avoca Beach House by lunchtime.

13. Thirroul

The Scarborough views — Sip cocktails in an outdoor garden that boasts relaxing ocean views. (Image: Destination NSW)

If you need a city exit strategy that neatly side-steps traffic, hop the train down to Thirroul in the Illawarra region just 90 minutes south of Sydney. If you’d asked AI to generate a quintessentially Aussie coastal town, you might get a result a bit like Thirroul and its neighbours Austinmer and Wombarra. A sweeping, one-kilometre stretch of sand with a shimmering ocean pool and the oceanfront Beach Pavilion serving breakfast and lunch from 7am, this is everything you want from a seaside foray. Spend the day flitting from sand to pool to pavilion, or check out Austinmer Beach’s photogenic ocean pool and watch the sun go down from the clifftop beer garden at The Scarborough Hotel .

14.  Newcastle

The Newcastle Museum is home to some fascinating exhibitions. (Image: Destination NSW)

Head north up the M1 for a little over two hours and you’ll find yourself in the old port city of Newcastle. Rivalling Sydney for its ocean-edged beauty, historical centre, and neighbourhoods with their own distinct identities, Newcastle is a bit like Sydney-lite, except that this northern counterpart definitely has its own thing going on. Get your head around the scope of the city by starting with a wander along The Bathers Way , a six-kilometre waterside stroll from Nobby’s Lighthouse to the Mereweather Baths. Of course, you might want to dip in and out of the waves while you’re at it. If you’ve ended at the latter, duck into the Mereweather Surfhouse for a coffee and a bite as you watch the hypnotic rhythm of the waves. Once you’re oriented, head to Darby Street in Cooks Hill to take in the boutiques and vibe of this creative enclave, then continue your cultural tour with a stop at Newcastle Museum . If it’s time to get back to the water, follow your maps to the Insta-famous Bogey Hole , which was built by convicts way back in 1819.  

15.  Hawkesbury

A silvery serpent shouldered by bushland and soaring sandstone escarpments; the Hawkesbury River provides Sydneysiders with a gentle exhale. History huddles along the banks in each riverside town from Windsor to Wiseman’s Ferry with plenty of ways to get out onto the water. Be it river cruising , kayaking, paddleboarding, wading out to pluck an oyster or even floating into the sunset on a houseboat , the softly rippling water beckons. If you’re day-tripping up this way for a special occasion, you couldn’t get much more celebratory than a long lunch at Berowra Waters Inn , which perches elegantly right on the water.  

Discover the best things to do in Sydney

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

15 of the best day trips from Sydney