One of the things we love so much about Sydney is its superb surroundings. You can hop in a car or jump on a train, and find yourself on a secluded beach, in a breathtaking national park, or soaking up the fresh air of a quaint country town, with enough time to head home to sleep in your own bed.
Pack your tote or backpack, your beach towel or hiking boots, and check out our list of best day trips from Sydney.
Bouddi National Park, Central Coast
90-minute drive from Sydney
It’s easy to forget how close Sydney is to the Central Coast and its magnificent beaches and national parks, like Bouddi National Park. Just a 15-minute drive from nearby Avoca Beach where you can grab yourself a coffee and some breakfast, Bouddi is home to short walks, amazing picnic spots, and some of the best and most beautiful hidden beaches in NSW to tick off on your day trip.
If you’re up for it, pack some runners and take on the 8.5-km Bouddi coastal walk and make sure you stop at Gerrin Point Lookout, with secluded swimming spots along the way like the highly ‘grammable and easily accessible Maitland Bay Beach.
Hawkesbury, Greater Sydney
2.5-hour drive from Sydney
Find yourself a designated driver (or extend that day trip to an overnighter) and head to Hawkesbury to sample local wines, craft beers and crisp ciders. Nestled in a valley overlooking Hawkesbury Creek, Jubilee Vineyard is an idyllic spot to kick back and watch the sunset with a wine in hand on your Sydney day trip. If you’re checking out the area, head to tiny village of St Albans to check out the Settlers Arms Inn—a convict-hewn sandstone pub that’s been pouring beers since 1836.
For a totally unique experience, a tour of a local pearl farm is highly recommended. Take a cruise along Hawkesbury River to a local pearl farm and see how Broken Bay pearls form, uncover the artistry and beauty behind pearl farming and learn about a different side of Aussie culture and history.
Mount Ku-Ring-Gai, Greater Sydney
45 minutes from Sydney
The stunning Ku-Ring-Gai is technically part of Greater Sydney, but being there still feels like an escape, so we think it counts as a day trip. Best of all, you can be there from Central Station in an hour without needing a car. To do the Mount Ku-Ring-Gai to Berowra Station track, get off the train at Mount Ku-Ring-Gai Station and into the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park for a hike, and the opportunity to swim, picnic, bird watch, and glimpse historic First Nations sites.
The one-way hike takes approximately four hours to complete, with a steep and rough track along the way, so make sure you pack a good pair of walking shoes. Once you’re done, jump back on the train at Berowra train station for the quick journey back to the city.
Kiama, South Coast
2-hour drive or 2.5-hour train from Sydney
Keep driving past Wollongong and you’ll find the perfect little beach town for a day trip from sydney with fresh air, swimming, and pure relaxation. If you’re after a day on the sand, take your pick from the long slate of beaches lined up for your pleasure, like Bombo, Easts, Surf or Kendalls.
Once you’ve washed the sand off your feet, make your way into Kiama’s main strip for a ton of cafes and restaurants. Head to Flour, Water, Salt for some proper sourdough and bakery treats, and to Licked Gelateria for ice cream after a day trip in the sun. Before you leave, you’ve gotta check out the famous Kiama Blowhole, which is just a stone’s throw from the centre of town (look for the Kiama Lighthouse). This insane physical feat of nature shoots water 30 metres high, and is bound to blow you away.
Katoomba And Leura, Blue Mountains
90-minute drive or 2-hour train from Sydney
We put these two Blue Mountains suburbs together because they’re right next to each other, and both perfect for a day trip from Sydney. Head to the main strip in Leura (right off the train stop) and check out the collection of cute shops and cafes. Make sure you stop in at Josophan’s for a cup of real hot chocolate and some award-winning chocolates to take away. You’re then only a short walk or a very short drive away from breathtaking Blue Mountain views from Kiah Lookout and Bridal Veil Lookout, as well as the perfect day trip lunch spot at Leura Cascades Picnic Area. Want mix things up? This Mystery Picnic will take you on a tour of some of the regions best foodie stops as you collect picnic goodies to eat after your day of exploring.
One train stop over, Katoomba is brimming with things to check out, like the Street Art Walk, local antique shops, and Mountain Culture Beer Co. for a drink and a bite to eat. You’re then also up the road from the iconic Three Sisters Walk, the Giant Stairway, and plenty of other walks and lookouts weaving through the Blue Mountains.
Bowral, Southern Highlands
2-hour drive or 2.5-hour train from Sydney
A short drive southwest of Sydney, Bowral continues to be the ultimate small-town day trip, with loads of charming cafes and shops on Bong Bong Street. Pop through High Street for food, shopping, and one of the best country patisseries in Australia, or visit Dirty Janes Antique Market to browse all things vintage.
Being the proud home of one of history’s greatest cricketers, you can get your tourist on at the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame, or head to the surrounding areas which are chock-full of wineries, breweries, and hikes.
Couridjah Corridor Walk, Southern Highlands
1.5-hour drive from Sydney
Looking to get a much-needed breath of fresh air and take on a long hike? The Couridjah Corridor Walk inside beautiful Nattai National Park is the spot. This 14-km walk has everything you need for a wholesome day trip, including the wetlands of Thirlmere Lakes, the Hawkesbury sandstone cliffs, eucalypt forests, gorges, and more wildlife than you can imagine. The walk takes roughly four–six hours to complete, and you can access the national park through the town of Picton and leave your car at Bluegum car park.
For more great hikes near Sydney, head over here. Keen for a longer city getaway? Hit up our local escapes section here for some inspiration.
Image credit: Urban List, Destination NSW
Source: theurbanlist.com
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
