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

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

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.

1. Blue Mountains

2. Stanwell Park and Helensburg

3. Royal National Park

4. Kiama

5. Bowral and Mittagong

6. Wollongong

7. Palm Beach to Patonga

8. Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, Port Stephens

9. Hunter Valley

10. Lake Macquarie

11. Oberon, Lithgow and Jenolan Caves

12. Avoca Beach and Bouddi National Park

13. Thirroul

14.  Newcastle

15.  Hawkesbury

Charming Hunter Valley Airbnbs for a weekend getaway

This NSW coastal walk traverses ancient volcanic terrain, rugged headlands and hidden beaches

This luxury villa in the Hunter Valley is my new go-to

The ultimate Central Coast summer itinerary

Why winter is the best time to be on the New South Wales coast

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

Winter on the Central Coast

Winter in Wollongong

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

1. Blue Mountains

2. Stanwell Park and Helensburg

3. Royal National Park

4. Kiama

5. Bowral and Mittagong

6. Wollongong

7. Palm Beach to Patonga

8. Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, Port Stephens

9. Hunter Valley

10. Lake Macquarie

11. Oberon, Lithgow and Jenolan Caves

12. Avoca Beach and Bouddi National Park

13. Thirroul

14. Newcastle

15. Hawkesbury

Charming Hunter Valley Airbnbs for a weekend getaway

This NSW coastal walk traverses ancient volcanic terrain, rugged headlands and hidden beaches

This luxury villa in the Hunter Valley is my new go-to

The ultimate Central Coast summer itinerary

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

Winter on the Central Coast

Winter in Wollongong

1. Blue Mountains

10. Lake Macquarie

14.  Newcastle

15.  Hawkesbury