Looking for the best day trips from Sydney? Think Blue Mountains, the Royal National Park, Palm Beach, Hunter Valley, Southern Highlands and Jervis Bay plus more! Most of the places in this guide are under two hours from the city.
We lived in Sydney for years, including a few months in Warriewood on the Northern Beaches and a year up in Newcastle, and these are the 30 day trips we loved most.
This guide covers day trips north, west and south of Sydney. For each one you’ll get the drive time, whether you can get there by train or bus, and a couple of tours and places to stay if you want to turn it into a weekend. Planning further afield? Our New South Wales guide has every region we’ve written about or our Best Weekend Getaways From Sydney guide.
Just so you know: some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our 600+ free guides going.
Follow our Instagram page @itsannieandsteve to see daily reels for places to visit around Sydney and the rest of Australia.
Best Day Trips From Sydney At A Glance
| # | Day trip | Drive from Sydney | Without a car | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avalon Beach | 50 min | Two buses, 1h30m | Beach, cafes and shops |
| 2 | Scotland Island | 40 min | Two buses and a ferry, 1h30m | A short ferry ride and lunch on the water |
| 3 | Palm Beach | 1h | L90 bus, 1h30m | The beach and Home and Away spotting |
| 4 | Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park | 1h | Ferry from Palm Beach to Great Mackerel Beach, then walk | Bushwalks to quiet beaches |
| 5 | Riverboat Postman, Brooklyn | 1h | Train from Central, 1h15m | A boat trip on the Hawkesbury River |
| 6 | Koala and boomerang farm day | Day tour from Sydney | Day tour | Koalas, kangaroos and farm life |
| 7 | Patonga and Pearl Beach | Ferry from Palm Beach | Quiet beaches and camping | |
| 8 | Avoca Beach | 1h30m to 2h | Train and bus, 2h | Families and a beach day |
| 9 | Glenworth Valley | 1h20m | No public transport | Horse riding and quad bikes |
| 10 | Long Jetty | 1h30m | Train and bus, 2h30m | Cafes, antiques and street art |
| 11 | Newcastle | 2h | Train and tram, 2h30m | Quiet beaches |
| 12 | Hunter Valley | 2h10m | Day tours from Sydney | Wine tasting |
| 13 | Port Stephens | 2h30m to 3h | Bus from Newcastle, 1h | Sand dunes and dolphins |
| 14 | Blue Mountains | 1h30m to 2h | Train, 2h20m | Hikes and lookouts |
| 15 | Breenhold Gardens | About 2h | No public transport | Autumn and spring colours |
| 16 | Sparadise Japanese Bath House | 2h30m | No public transport | Hot baths with a view |
| 17 | Wombeyan Caves | 3h | No public transport | Caves without the crowds |
| 18 | Kanangra-Boyd National Park | 2h45m | No public transport | Huge views and camping |
| 19 | Newnes Glow Worm Tunnel | 3h30m | No public transport | Glow worms and free camping |
| 20 | Royal National Park | 1h | Train to Cronulla, ferry to Bundeena | Coastal walks and beaches |
| 21 | Figure 8 Pools | 1h | Train to Otford, then hike | Rock pools at low tide |
| 22 | Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout | 1h | Train to Stanwell Park, 1h | The view |
| 23 | Wollongong and Kiama | 1h30m | Train, 1h30m | Temples and the blowhole |
| 24 | Jamberoo Action Park | 1h30m to 2h | Train and bus, 3h | Water slides in summer |
| 25 | Southern Highlands | 1h30m | Train to Bowral, 1h30m | Shops, gardens and waterfalls |
| 26 | Sunnataram Forest Monastery | 2h | Trains and buses, 2h to 3h | Peace and quiet |
| 27 | Jervis Bay | 3h | No public transport | White sand and dolphins |
| 28 | Canberra | 3h | Day tours from Sydney | Galleries, wine bars and Floriade |
DAY TRIPS NORTH OF SYDNEY WITHIN 2 HOURS
1. Spend The Day At Avalon Beach
North Sydney / 50 minute drive from Sydney
After living in the nearby Warriewood for a few months, we spent a lot of time exploring the area, so you might like to check out our huge Northern Beaches in Sydney Guide.
While most people skip Avalon Beach in Sydney and head straight to Palm Beach, there are so many reasons why Avalon easily makes it onto our best day trips from Sydney list. Spend the day exploring the beautiful Avalon shops as well as the many cafes and restaurants to choose from. You can check out our full guide on where to eat in Avalon Beach.
Tip: drive over to the Pittwater side in Clareville, where you’ll have access to the gorgeous Clareville Beach, which is popular with families. Drive on a little further and explore the stunning Paradise Beach, which we randomly found on Google Maps. This slice of heaven feels remote, like you’ve found a real hidden gem. You can read more about Paradise Beach in our guide here.
How To Get To Avalon Beach
By Car: It’s a 50 minute drive north of Sydney. By Bus: You’ll have to take two buses to get to Avalon Beach, which will take 1h30m.
Where To Stay Near Avalon Beach
- Stay: Silkari Mirage at Newport. Newport is a few minutes down the road from Avalon, so you can do Avalon, Palm Beach and Scotland Island in one weekend.
2. Take A Ferry Over To Beautiful Scotland Island In Sydney
North Sydney / 40 minute drive from Sydney
If you fancy going on a boat on your day trip from Sydney, then we recommend getting the ferry over to Scotland Island from Church Point in Pittwater. The boat ride itself is gorgeous and we highly recommend it, even if it doesn’t take very long. Read our complete Scotland Island Guide for logistics on how to get there and things to do.
When you return from your ferry ride, either opt for the beautiful Church Point Waterfront Store & Cafe or pop next door to Pasadena. If you’re unsure which one is better, Pasadena has a great beer garden on the water and they do a cracking fish and chips, which is slightly cheaper than the Waterfront Store & Cafe. The latter is beautiful though, and definitely worth eating at even if you just want to pop into the store to pick a few snacks up.
How To Get To Scotland Island
By Car: It’s a 40 minute drive north of Sydney. By Bus: You’ll have to take two buses to get to Church Point Wharf to get the ferry over, which will take 1h30m.
Where To Stay On Scotland Island
Stay: Scotland Island Lodge. We’ve stayed here and loved it. Book the room with the outdoor spa, and book Rosemary’s dinner too because she’s a fantastic cook.
3. Spend The Day At Palm Beach
North Sydney / 1h drive from Sydney
While Palm Beach is a popular day trip from Sydney, this one hour drive from Sydney Harbour Bridge is worth every single minute because it truly is beautiful.
I have been known to stalk the Home and Away set locations from time to time up here, and even found them filming outside The Boathouse once! Check out our complete guide for the Best Things To Do In Palm Beach Sydney for all the details on how to spend the day or a weekend getaway here.
Don’t forget to check out our Instagram reel for our best spots on the Northern Beaches with some hidden gems in Palm Beach included.
How To Get To Palm Beach
By Car: It’s a 1 hour drive north of Sydney. By Bus: The L90 will take you directly to Palm Beach, which takes about 1h30m.
Places To Stay In Palm Beach
Stay: Palm Beach Bed & Breakfast. Right in the heart of Palm Beach, and breakfast is included.
Stay: Iluka Resort Apartments. Apartments with a swimming pool, a short walk from the beach.
4. Go On A Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Walk
North Sydney / 1 hour drive from Sydney
As we mentioned above about our secret hike from Palm Beach, you can get to the beautiful Resolute Beach from Palm Beach Wharf. We tend to jump on the ferry to Great Mackerel Beach, which is stunning in itself, then walk 40 minutes or so around to Resolute Beach in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. I wouldn’t take young kids, as it’s hiking in the bush next to the water on a not so well trodden track, not on a boardwalk.
If you’re driving over to Ku-ring-gai National Park, you can head down the Resolute Beach track from the beautiful West Head Lookout. West Head Lookout is stunning and has a great perspective of the famous Barrenjoey Lighthouse in Palm Beach.
How To Get To Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
By Car: It’s a 1 hour drive to America Bay Track. By Bus: Sorry, there’s no public transport to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Tours And Places To Stay In Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Stay: YHA Pittwater Eco. A hostel tucked inside the national park that you reach by ferry. Brilliant for a cheap night away.
Tour: Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tour. With no public transport into the park, this small group tour is the easy way in without a car. It stops at West Head and Palm Beach, with a bushwalk to Aboriginal rock engravings.
Tour: Ku-ring-gai Chase Private Tour with Bushwalk & Swim. A private day with pickup, a bushwalk and a swim, so it suits a family or a group of friends.
5. Go On The Riverboat Postman Cruise On The Hawkesbury River
North Sydney / 45min drive from Sydney
We loved our experience on the River Boat Postman Cruise, which leaves from Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River. That’s right, you can join the postman on his run around the islands in the Hawkesbury for a fun boat trip which lasts for 3 hours.
The mail run leaves Brooklyn at 10am on weekdays (not public holidays), and there’s a Sunday cruise too. It’s usually full, so book ahead.
This is also a really easy day trip from Sydney by train. You just need to jump on one train from Central Station in Sydney and it will take just over an hour to get there. Best of all, the train station at Brooklyn is directly opposite the Riverboat Postman Cruise!
How To Get To Brooklyn
By Car: It takes 1hr from Sydney. By Public Transport: 1h15m train from Central station.
Tours Near The Hawkesbury River
Tour: 1 Hour Jet Ski Safari. It leaves from Brooklyn and zips under the bridges and round the islands. Good fun if the postman’s pace is too gentle for you.
Tour: Pearl & Oyster Farm Hawkesbury River Cruise. A one hour cruise from Mooney Mooney, just across the river from Brooklyn, out to a working pearl and oyster farm.
6. Meet Koalas And Throw A Boomerang On A Farm Day Out
Day tour from Sydney / 7 hours
For a real taste of Aussie country life, this small group day trip from Sydney is a fun one. You meet koalas and kangaroos, learn to throw a boomerang and have a BBQ lunch with wine and cheese.
Tour Worth Booking
Tour: Baby Animals, Boomerangs & BBQ Lunch. Groups are capped at 10, and the guide takes heaps of photos for you, including one with a koala.
7. Relax At Patonga & Pearl Beach
A bit further north of the Hawkesbury River, you’ll come to the beautiful Patonga Beach and Pearl Beach. You can actually get a ferry from Palm Beach over to Patonga, so it’s up to you how you decide to do your day trip from Sydney.
There’s a campground at Patonga Beach which we always said we’d love to stay at one day, because it’s right on the water and looks beautiful. Plus, it’s just a short walk down the road to The Boathouse at Patonga.
Where To Stay Near Pearl Beach
Stay: Pretty Beach House. A proper splurge. It’s a romantic lodge on the hill above Broken Bay with an infinity pool, close to Bouddi National Park.
8. Check Out The Beautiful Avoca Beach
North Sydney / Between 1h30m – 2h drive
Avoca Beach is a beautiful little coastal town, perfect for a day out of the city or a weekend getaway. We recommend Aqua Fun for the family, a visit to one of the BBC’s best cinemas in the world, the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, and the Gin Distillery for some gin tasting and walks around the beautiful gardens.
How To Get To Avoca Beach
By Car: Between 1h30m and 2h. By Bus: It takes 2 hours from Sydney with a combo of train and bus.
Tours And Places To Stay Near Avoca Beach
Tour: Australian Reptile Park Day Pass. It’s right off the M1 at Somersby, so it’s an easy stop with kids on the drive up.
Tour: Central Coast Treetops Adventure. A tree ropes course in the forest at Ourimbah, with about two and a half hours of climbing.
Stay: Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific. Right across the road from Terrigal Beach and a short drive from Avoca. Ask for an ocean view room.
9. Go Horse Riding Or Abseiling At Glenworth Valley
North Sydney / 1h20m drive from Sydney
A great family day trip from Sydney, or for anyone really, is spending the day at Glenworth Valley. Just over an hour north of Sydney will bring you to an adventurer’s paradise (especially for kids). Expect quad biking, horse riding, abseiling and a whole lot more.
How To Get To Glenworth Valley
By Car: It takes 1h20m to get there from Sydney. By Bus: There’s no public transport to Glenworth Valley, unfortunately.
10. Spend The Day At The Hippest Town On The Central Coast, Long Jetty
North Sydney / 1h30m
Known as the Central Coast version of Newtown, expect some cool cafes, antique shops, fab street art and much more at Long Jetty, a hidden gem nestled right next door to The Entrance. Find out more about it in our guide, Best Things To Do In Long Jetty.
How To Get To Long Jetty
By Car: It should take 1h30m to drive from Sydney to Long Jetty. By Public Transport: You’ll need to take the Newcastle train to Gosford, then take the B21 or B22 bus to Long Jetty, which will take 2h30m in total.
11. Spend The Day In Newcastle
North Sydney / 2h by car
Just a two hour drive north of Sydney, Newcastle has many incredible beaches that are not nearly as busy as any Sydney beach. We lived there for about a year and have loads of guides for you to check out, including:
Best Things To Do In Newcastle: discover everything from the best restaurants and shops to the hidden gems.
Best Beaches In Newcastle: check out our favourite hidden beaches only locals would know about.
How To Get To Newcastle
By Car: It’s just a 2hr drive north of Sydney. By Train: It takes 2h30m to get there with a combo of the train and the newly built tram line into the centre of Newcastle.
Tours And Places To Stay In Newcastle
At QT Newcastle, the most beautiful hotel in Newcastle
Tour: Small Group Humpback Whale Encounter Tour. A two hour small group trip along the Newcastle coast to see humpbacks in whale season.
Tour: Half-Day Sightseeing with Coastal Stops & History. Three hours of coastal lookouts and city history, handy if you’ve only got a morning.
Stay: QT Newcastle. Our go-to when we’re visiting family in Newcastle. The rooftop bar is amazing and the restaurant downstairs is so good.
Stay: Novotel Newcastle Beach. Our mid-range pick, right opposite Newcastle Beach.
12. Spend The Day At Hunter Valley
North Sydney / 2h10m drive from Sydney
The Hunter Valley is known as NSW’s wine country, and it can be on the pricey side too. But we’ve done our research and found some great gems when it comes to exploring this area, which you can check out in our Hunter Valley Guide.
We recommend eating at Cafe Enzo and going on a DIY wine tasting tour. Also, how could we forget, visit the Hunter Valley Gardens for a great family day out. There’s a couple of fairground rides as well.
How To Get To Hunter Valley
By Car: It’s a 2h10m drive from Sydney. By Bus: There’s no public transport, but there are loads of tours to Hunter Valley from Sydney.
Tours And Places To Stay In The Hunter Valley
Tour: From Sydney: Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour. With no public transport to the Hunter, a day tour from Sydney means nobody has to be the designated driver.
Tour: Sunrise Balloon Ride with Bubbly Breakfast. A bucket list one if you’re staying the night. You float over the vineyards at sunrise, then have breakfast with bubbles.
Stay: Spicers Guesthouse. A boutique hotel in Pokolbin, right in the heart of the vineyards. We’ve always loved Spicers hotels.
Stay: Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens. We stayed here and it was good value, a short walk from the Hunter Valley Gardens.
13. Something For Everyone At Port Stephens
North Sydney / 2h30m drive from Sydney
Just an hour’s drive north of Newcastle is the beautiful Port Stephens. It’s one of those places that has something for everyone. There’s loads of activities to keep the family entertained, like going sandboarding on the dunes, as well as exploring the set location of the Mad Max movies, camel rides and the amazing Quad Biking, which is honestly one of the best activities we’ve done in NSW.
How To Get To Port Stephens
By Car: It’s a 2h30m to 3 hour drive north of Sydney, past the city of Newcastle. By Bus: It takes an hour from Newcastle on the bus.
Tours And Places To Stay In Port Stephens
Stay: Anchorage Port Stephens. Laid back luxury in a Hamptons style hotel with a heated pool, a spa and a lovely restaurant.
Tour: Dolphin Discovery Cruise. A 90 minute cruise from Nelson Bay to see the dolphins that live in the bay.
Tour: From Sydney: Dolphin Cruise, Koalas & Sandboarding Tour. Port Stephens is a long drive there and back in a day, so this tour does the driving and still fits in the dunes, the dolphins and koalas.
DAY TRIPS WEST OF SYDNEY
14. Get Some Space In Blue Mountains
Western Sydney / 1h30m drive from Sydney
The Blue Mountains National Park is one of the most popular day trips from Sydney. There’s loads of hikes to tackle, with our favourites being Hanging Rock and Wentworth Falls, as well as Insta famed lookout points that you can drive right to, such as Lincoln’s Rock and our favourites, Hargraves Lookout and Blackheath Lookout.
Check out our Blue Mountains guides, which include visiting Scenic World, outdoor rock climbing and so much more:
- Best Things To Do In Blue Mountains
- Best Blue Mountains Hikes
- Best Lookouts In Blue Mountains (and watch our Instagram Reel)
- Ultimate Guide For A Romantic Weekend In Blue Mountains
- Everything You Need To Know About Camping In Blue Mountains
- Best Places To Stay In Blue Mountains
How To Get To Blue Mountains National Park From Sydney
By Car: It’s a 1h30m to 2h drive from Sydney. By Train: The Blue Mountains is one of the easiest places to get to from Sydney by public transport. It’s 2h20m on the train.
Tours And Places To Stay In The Blue Mountains
Tour: From Sydney: Blue Mountains Tour with Waterfall Walk & Lunch. Thousands of reviews, with a waterfall walk and lunch included. Handy if you’d rather not do the drive.
Tour: Scenic World 1-Day Unlimited Discovery Pass. If you’re driving up yourself, this gets you unlimited rides at Scenic World for the day.
Tour: Abseiling and Canyoning Experience. A full day of abseiling and canyoning in a small group, for anyone who wants more than a lookout.
Stay: YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba. We stayed here and slept brilliantly. It’s central and super quiet at night, and you can get a double room with an ensuite.
Stay: Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains. The five star splurge right in Katoomba, and perfect for a romantic weekend.
15. Experience A Slice Of England At Breenhold Gardens
Western Sydney / 1h50m drive from Sydney
Right near the Blue Mountains National Park you’ll find Mount Wilson and the beautiful Breenhold Gardens. It’s only open for a few weeks of the year in spring and autumn, but we reckon these gardens are the best place to see the autumn and spring colours near Sydney. If you’re British, these gardens will certainly remind you of home, which makes this one of the most amazing day trips from Sydney.
It’s no wonder Mount Wilson is often used as a set location for movies, including The Great Gatsby, which you can read about in our 18 Hollywood movies filmed in Sydney guide.
How To Get To Breenhold Gardens From Sydney
By Car: It takes about 2h to get to Breenhold Gardens. By Public Transport: Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Breenhold Gardens.
16. Relax In The Best Hot Baths In NSW At Sparadise Japanese Bath House
West Sydney / 2h30m drive from Sydney
Another amazing day trip from Sydney is Sparadise Japanese Bath House in the middle of the Blue Mountains. We absolutely love this gem, where you’ll be sitting in 30C+ water, looking out to magnificent views and wondering how on earth you didn’t know anything about it before.
It’s open Friday to Sunday (and some long weekend Mondays), you wear swimmers, and you need to book ahead.
How To Get To Sparadise
By Car: Approx. 2h30m from Sydney. By Train: Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Sparadise.
17. Visit The Less Touristy Caves Near Sydney
Western Sydney / 3hr drive from Sydney
Another awesome day trip from Sydney without the crowds is Wombeyan Caves, which is just a stone’s throw from the Blue Mountains National Park. You might have heard of Jenolan Caves, but if you drive just an hour longer, you’ll come to Wombeyan Caves. You can do a tour or a self guided tour into the caves, just like we did! If visiting in summer, trek into the Mares Forest Creek Canyon for a hike and swim. It’s one of the best things we’ve ever done in Australia.
Heads up: the road in from Mittagong has been closed to visitors since storm damage in 2023, so check Live Traffic NSW before you go. You can still get there via Goulburn and Taralga, or via Oberon.
How To Get To Wombeyan Caves
By Car: It takes around 3hr to drive there. By Bus: Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Wombeyan Caves.
18. Be Totally Wowed By The Views At Kanangra-Boyd National Park
Western Sydney / 2h45m drive from Sydney
Very few know about Kanangra-Boyd National Park, and although it’s a bit of a drive to get there, you’ll be in complete amazement at the beauty of this part of the Blue Mountains. You’ll think you’re somewhere like Borneo when you see the views on this stunning day trip from Sydney. There are campsites here too if you want to make a weekend of it!
How To Get To Kanangra-Boyd National Park
By Car: It takes around 2h45m to drive there. By Bus: Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Kanangra-Boyd National Park.
19. Visit The Secret Glow Worm Tunnel In Newnes
Western Sydney / approximately 3h30m drive from Sydney
Newnes is one of the proper gems to visit near Sydney. It might take a while to get there, but it’s totally worth it. Even the scenery on the way to Newnes is exceptional. We recommend going on the glow worm tunnel hike (good for families too), where you walk through a very black tunnel along the old railway tracks to see the glow worms.
If you fancy staying for a few days, there’s an awesome free campsite there too. We want to head back to see the old zig zag railway bridge too!
How To Get To Newnes From Sydney
By Car: It can take up to 3h30m to drive to Newnes. By Bus: Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Newnes.
A Glow Worm Tour From Sydney
Tour: Blue Mountains Glow Worms Wild Adventure by Night. Not up for a 3h30m drive? This small group night tour picks you up in Sydney and takes you to see glow worms in the Blue Mountains instead.
DAY TRIPS SOUTH OF SYDNEY
20. Spend The Day At Royal National Park
South Sydney / 1 hour from Sydney
This is clearly one of our favourite day trips from Sydney! As the second oldest national park in THE WORLD, you’ll find plenty of incredible beaches and hikes to go on. You can read our full list of the 15 Best Royal National Park Walks if you want to know all of our favourite places to visit.
Some of our favourite hikes include the Wedding Cake Rock walk, which leads on to the stunning Big Marley Beach, as well as the Palona Cave walk.
How To Get To The Royal National Park From Sydney
By Car: It’s just a 1 hour drive from Sydney. By Public Transport: Jump on the train to Cronulla, then a ferry to Bundeena.
Tours Worth Booking In The Royal National Park
- Tour: Royal National Park Hike, Swim, Picnic, Max 7 Guests. A small group day with pickup from Sydney, a hike, a swim and a picnic. Groups are capped at seven.
- Tour: Bundeena 2-Hour Self-Guided Kayak Rental. If you come by train and ferry to Bundeena, this is a lovely way to see the water before your walk.
21. Hike To The Insta Phenomenon Figure 8 Pools
Southern Sydney / 1hr drive from Sydney
Although it is part of the Royal National Park, we felt it was only right to give the Figure 8 Pools hike a section of its own. It’s just an hour south of Sydney. Make sure you check the tides before going, otherwise you might waste your day, as it’s too dangerous at high tide. We recommend reading our full blog post about Figure 8 Pools before you go on this amazing coastal walk along beautiful beaches.
How To Get To Figure 8 Pools From Sydney
By Car: It’s a 1 hour drive from Sydney. By Public Transport: It’s a 1 hour train ride to Otford, then hike from there.
22. Find The Famous Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout
Southern Sydney / 1hr drive from Sydney
Continue your drive down the south coast and you’ll find the beautiful lookout point at Stanwell Tops, which reaches over to the famous Sea Cliff Bridge in the distance.
We loved the short hike up to the viewpoint (read our Sea Cliff Bridge Guide first), but just be careful if you do attempt it. Please don’t take children up there, and if you go, be super careful and always wear hiking boots, as thongs or trainers won’t cut it.
How To Get To Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout
By Car: It’s a 1 hour drive from Sydney. By Train: It’s also a 1 hour train ride from Central to Stanwell Park Station.
Tour Worth Booking Near Sea Cliff Bridge
Tour: Sea Cliff Bridge, Kiama Blowhole, and Wildlife Tour. If you’d rather skip the steep climb, this day tour from Sydney stops at the bridge and carries on down to the Kiama Blowhole.
23. Have A Fun Packed Day In Wollongong & Kiama
Southern Sydney / 1h30m to drive from Sydney
You’ll find not one but two incredible temples to visit in Wollongong, the beautiful Nan Tien Temple and Sri Venkateswara Temple, plus a couple of awesome lookout points, brilliant hikes and zip lining for the family.
Obviously, don’t forget to visit the biggest blowhole in THE WORLD down at Kiama as well. Read our full guide to the Best Things To Do In Wollongong before you go, which is full of hidden gems!
How To Get To Wollongong From Sydney
By Car: It takes 1h30m to drive from Sydney. By Train: It takes 1h30m to get the train from Sydney to Wollongong.
Tours And Places To Stay In Wollongong And Kiama
- Tour: Tandem Skydive Experience over the Beach. You jump over Wollongong and land on the beach. Only if you’re brave!
- Tour: Sydney Secret Coastline: Kiama Blowhole, Wollongong Wildlife. The coast in a day without a car, stopping at Bald Hill Lookout and a wildlife park on the way to the Kiama Blowhole.
- Stay: Novotel Wollongong Northbeach. Right opposite North Wollongong Beach, and lots of the rooms have ocean views.
- Stay: The Sebel Kiama. It overlooks Kiama Harbour, and the blowhole is an easy walk away.
24. Bring Out Your Inner Child At Jamberoo
Southern Sydney / 1h30m-2h drive from Sydney
Jamberoo Action Park is a brilliant day trip from Sydney during the summer. Set in the country on the outskirts of Kangaroo Valley, this water slide park is a great day trip for the whole family.
How To Get To Jamberoo From Sydney
By Car: It takes between 1h30m and 2h to drive there. By Public Transport: It takes about 3hr with a combo of bus and train.
25. Visit The Beautiful Southern Highlands
Southern Sydney / 1h30m drive from Sydney
The Southern Highlands is one of our favourite weekend getaways from Sydney. We love mooching around the shops in Bowral, driving around the stunning Kangaroo Valley and Kangaroo River, and the hiking trails and secret gardens in the area. Check out our guides for a weekend trip or a day trip below:
- The Ultimate Guide For Visiting Southern Highlands
- 42 Things To Do In Kangaroo Valley
- 15 Best Things To Do In Robertson
- 28 Best Things To Do In Bowral
- The Best Kangaroo Valley Waterfalls You Need To Visit
How To Get To The Southern Highlands
By Car: It takes about 1h30m to drive there. By Public Transport: Catch a direct train from Sydney and you’ll be in Bowral in 1h30m.
Tours And Places To Stay In The Southern Highlands
- Tour: Honey Farm Tour, Guided Tasting and Morning Tea in Bowral. A sweet hour with a honey tasting and morning tea. It pairs nicely with a mooch round the Bowral shops.
- Tour: Kangaroo Valley Half Day Guided Kayaking Experience. Three hours paddling with a guide, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way.
- Stay: Berida Hotel. In Bowral, with massive beds, an indoor pool and a day spa.
- Stay: Bendooley Estate. Our favourite place to stay in Berrima, just a few steps from the gorgeous Book Barn.
26. Visit A Thai Buddhist Monastery
Southern Sydney / 2hr drive from Sydney
We absolutely love Sunnataram Thai Buddhist Monastery in Bundanoon, which is west of Kangaroo Valley. If you’re not up for one of their donation based weekend retreats, you can visit on Sundays between 10am and 3pm. Email them first to ask permission, and report to the office when you arrive. Just make sure you cover your shoulders, arms and below the knees out of respect for the monks.
How To Get To Sunnataram Forest Monastery
By Car: It takes about 2 hours to drive there. By Public Transport: It takes between 2 and 3 hours to get there with a combo of buses and trains.
27. Discover The Whitest Sand Beach In The World At Jervis Bay
Southern Sydney / 3hour drive from Sydney
Just a three hour drive south of Sydney sits the beautiful Jervis Bay. Known as having the world’s whitest sand, it’s home to the White Sands Walk, one of the most beautiful coastal walks in Australia.
When visiting, make sure you jump on a dolphin cruise from Huskisson and check out our review of the whale watching tour in Jervis Bay too!
Jervis Bay is a fantastic day trip from Sydney, and you’ll be coming back time and time again! Just make sure you check out our popular Jervis Bay Guide before visiting.
How To Get To Jervis Bay From Sydney
By Car: It takes 3 hours to drive there. By Public Transport: Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Jervis Bay from Sydney.
Tours And Places To Stay In Jervis Bay
- Tour: Jervis Bay: Guided Snorkelling Tour. Three hours in that clear water with a small group and a guide who knows the bay.
- Tour: Jervis Bay Beach Stargazing with an Expert. A 90 minute session on the beach at Vincentia, if you’re staying the night.
- Tour: From Sydney: Jervis Bay Day Trip with Dolphins, Roos & Beach Time. No car? There’s no public transport to Jervis Bay, so this day trip from Sydney is the easiest way to see it.
- Stay: The Cove Jervis Bay. Stunning beach cabins and glamping tents in Jervis Bay Village.
28. Discover The Hidden Gems In Canberra
Southern Sydney / 3hr drive from Sydney
We were blown away by the amazing things to do in Canberra. Although everyone we spoke to always said “we weren’t missing out on much”, we were really surprised by how cool the city actually is. Expect amazing art galleries, some of the best we’ve seen, fantastic wine bars and great places to eat.
Check out our guide to the best things to do in Canberra and our Floriade Review before visiting.
Tours And Places To Stay In Canberra
Tour: Lake Burley Griffin Self-Drive Electric Boat. Drive your own little electric boat round the lake. It’s priced per boat for up to 10 people, so it’s a fun one for a group.
Tour: From Sydney: Full-Day Tour to Canberra. Three hours each way is a lot of driving, so this one does it for you.
Stay: Ovolo Canberra. We stayed here when it was called Ovolo Nishi and absolutely loved it. It’s in New Acton, and the entrance alone is worth a look.
Stay: Hyatt Hotel Canberra. The classic luxury pick, with an indoor pool and a five minute drive to Parliament House.
29. Find The Best Waterfalls To Swim In Sydney
Various Sydney Spots
If you’re looking for some day trips from Sydney which involve finding some of the best wild swimming spots around, check out our 16 Best Waterfalls In Sydney To Swim guide.
We’ve also found some of the best secluded beaches in Sydney that won’t have many people, or anyone else, on them. You can thank us later for this!
30. Explore some of the best hikes in Sydney
Various Sydney Spots
If you’re looking to get out and explore more hidden gems in Sydney, you’ll find some of them in our 18 best hikes in Sydney guide. These hikes are some of the best secluded places near Sydney, and if we mentioned them all in this post, it would go on forever!
We hope our best day trips from Sydney guide has helped you plan your next getaway!
Day Trips From Sydney: Your Questions Answered
What is the best day trip from Sydney?
Our favourite is the Royal National Park. It’s only an hour away, and you can get there without a car on the train to Cronulla and the ferry to Bundeena.
Which day trips from Sydney can you do by train?
The Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Bowral in the Southern Highlands and Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River are all easy by train. Newcastle works with the train and the tram, and the Royal National Park is a train and a short ferry ride.
What is the best day trip from Sydney without a car?
The Riverboat Postman on the Hawkesbury River. It’s one train from Central to Brooklyn, and the station is right opposite the wharf.
Can you do Jervis Bay as a day trip from Sydney?
You can, but it’s three hours each way and there’s no public transport. We’d stay a night, or book a day tour from Sydney so someone else does the driving.
What are the best day trips from Sydney for families?
Glenworth Valley is an adventure playground for kids, with horse riding, quad biking and abseiling. In summer, Jamberoo Action Park is a brilliant day of water slides.
Looking For Weekend Getaways From Sydney?
Check out these articles to help you plan your weekends away.
- 45 Best Weekend Getaways From Sydney
- 15 Best Hiking & Camping Weekend Itineraries In Sydney
- How To Spend The Weekend Hiking In Blue Mountains
- 22 Romantic Getaways From Sydney
Pin It!
SAVE FOR LATER AND PIN BELOW
If you found this post helpful, please share it on your social media pages 🙂
