Day Trips From Sydney (2024 Guide)
If you are looking for ideas on day trips from Sydney, then this is the article you should read. Most of the places in this list are places you can go for drives from Sydney which are under 2 hours.
There are a couple of exceptions to the list however you should be able to explore these places in a day if you hire a private driver in Sydney or if you can drive yourself.
1) The Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is located around 130kms away from Sydney. It will take almost 2 hours to drive from Sydney to the Blue Mountains.
The Blue Mountains has amazing views of green mountains, waterfalls and the famous Three Sisters.
The Blue Mountains are great for people looking to spend time relaxing and also for those who seek adventure. Just to name a few, some of the adventurous activities offered here in the Blue Mountains are abseiling and rock climbing.
The Blue Mountains is also a popular destination for bushwalking with many scenic hiking trails offering some of the most spectacular views of the mountain region.
These hiking trails are located throughout the Blue Mountains in many different towns. Some of the well-known hikes are the Leura Cascades Circuit and Wentworth Falls but there are plenty more to choose from.
These hikes can be quite short and long so it is really important that you select the hiking trail based on your fitness as well as the overall time you will have to complete the walk.
Recommended article: How to travel from Sydney to the Blue Mountains.
2) Kiama and surrounding areas
If you want to see one of the largest blowholes in the world then you need to go to Kiama Blowhole. Kiama is around 120kms from Sydney and it will take around 1 hour 40 mins drive from Sydney.
It is estimated that around 900,000 people visit this Blowhole every year. Besides the blowhole, it is a great place for a picnic spot and has a spectacular view overlooking the ocean.
Kiama is a stunning seaside town worth seeing with beautiful beaches, spectacular panoramic views of the ocean, breathtaking coastal walks and delicious seafood!
After seeing Kiama on the drive back to Sydney, if you have some time and would like to go on a spiritual and cultural experience then it is definitely worth stopping at Nan Tien Buddhist Temple, the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere.
While you’re visiting that part of town you should stop at Stanwell tops on the way back to Sydney from Kiama. This popular lookout point is famous for paragliding and hang-gliding.
Here you will be able to enjoy the panoramic view of the beautiful ocean from the cliff over a cup of coffee, snacks or ice cream which can be purchased at the ice cream van which is located next to the visitors’ car park.
3) Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is located around 200kms south of Sydney. It will take around 3 hours to drive to Jervis Bay.
Jervis Bay has been a popular holiday destination for the locals offering some of the most beautiful beaches. One of the most famous and crowded beaches in Jervis Bay is the popular Hyams Beach, known to have the whitest sand in the world and crystal clear blue waters.
Not only do visitors come for its beaches but Jervis Bay is also famous for its wildlife, campsites and places for dolphins and whale spotting.
4) Jenolan Caves
Jenolan caves are one of the oldest caves in the world and one of the most visited attractions in the Greater Blue Mountains. There are 300 caves in Jenolan caves, each with its unique character.
However, only 9 caves are open for public viewing with guided tours. For the adventure seekers, Adventure Caving tours are offered for all at different levels of skills. The caving tours include climbing and squeezing through narrow passages exploring the caves.
The most famous cave at the Jenolan Caves is the Lucas Cave where you will be able to view the amazing calcite crystal formations. The iconic part of this cave is the Cathedral Chamber which is over 50 metres. The cave has 910 steps which may seem tough but can be done by the average person and the tour takes around 1.5 hours to complete.
There are guided ghost tours for those who dare and is one of the popular tours in the Jenolan Caves. So, visitors are prepared for a chilling evening hearing about the historical stories and experiences of the caves. The duration of the tour is about 2 hours and they run every Saturday evening starting at 8 pm.
5) Canberra
Canberra is the capital of Australia. This is the only place in this list that is not in the state of New South Wales. Canberra is in ACT (Australian Capital Territory).
There are plenty of things to do and see in Canberra. One of the places you should visit when you are in Canberra is the Parliament house where politicians come together to make important decisions for Australia.
Some other attractions which you should visit are the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia.
If you are in Canberra in September and October, you should visit Floriade (one of the biggest festivals in Canberra), the flower festival which is held in spring from September to October.
The flowers are displayed throughout the gardens where you will be able to see beautiful vibrant colours of different types of flowers.
6) Newcastle and surrounding areas
Newcastle is located in the North of Sydney. It is the second most populated city in the state of New South Wales after Sydney.
Drive from Sydney to Newcastle is an easy drive. It will take around 2 hours from Sydney to Newcastle. There are several towns in between and the Central Coast is one of the main areas to stop along the way to Newcastle.
The Central Coast is known to have some of the most beautiful beaches and National Parks in New South Wales with scenic bushwalking and hiking trails as well as known for its lakes and recreational outdoor activities.
One of the things you should do in Newcastle is to visit the Anzac Memorial walk which has a stunning panoramic view of the ocean and the city of Newcastle.
You can go for a swim at Newcastle beach or take a dip at Bogey Hole (rockpool) and afterwards enjoy a few drinks on the wharf watching the sunset.
7) The Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is located around 160km north of Sydney. It will take around 2 hours on the road.
Hunter Valley is known as the wine country in New South Wales, home to around 120 wineries, award-winning restaurants all serving fresh local produce, luxurious accommodation, Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, Chocolate factory, the Hunter Valley Gardens.
For those who are feeling a bit adventurous, you should book a hot air balloon ride where you can get a picturesque birds-eye view of the vineyards, there’s no better way!
Recommended article: How to travel from Sydney to the Hunter Valley
8) Port Stephens
Port Stephens is located around 210kms from Sydney which will take around 2 and a half hours to drive from Sydney.
Port Stephens is home to 26 beautiful beaches as well as offering beautiful coastal walks, cruises and spectacular sand dunes where you will be able to have a fun day out on the dunes sliding down and sand surf. For those who want to catch some waves or learn how to surf then head out to One Mile Beach.
Port Stephens is also known for whale watching and dolphin watching which is definitely worth doing when visiting Port Stephens. The best time to visit Port Stephens especially for whale and dolphin watching is between May to November when the whales pass for migration.
9) Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie is around 390kms from Sydney which will take around 4 hours drive and is located on the Tasman Sea coast and at the mouth of the Hastings River.
This region is famous for its stunning beaches, rainforest and the Hastings River. It also has the highest number of koalas on the east coast of Australia. If you visit Port Macquarie, you should also visit the koala hospital where you will be able to see how the hospital staff run the hospital and how they are taking care of the koalas.
If you like exploring national parks then you should visit the Sea Acres National Park. This national park has hundreds of different kinds of bird species, reptiles, plenty of flora and koalas.
10) The Royal National Park
The Royal National Park is a national park located 35kms south of Sydney which spans around 160 square kilometres. It will take around 40 mins to drive to this national park.
On a sunny day, it is difficult to find parking hence it is best to reach there early in the morning especially if you plan to spend the whole day at the beach or hike along the coastline.
This national park is famous for its beaches, bush walks and campsites. If you have time to visit just one beach, you should visit Wattamolla. Wattamolla has calm waters perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
One of my favourite places in the national park is the Figure 8 pools. It is an hour’s walk from Garie Beach where you will find a secluded beach with pockets of small natural ocean pools. You will be able to enjoy the privacy and the crystal clean ocean pools.
11) Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island is an 18 hectares UNESCO world heritage island. You can catch a ferry to this island from a few different locations including Circular Quay. This used to be the island where prisoners were sent to serve their sentences.
You will still be able to see the small prison cells and experience how they used to live on the island.
There are guided tours available or you can wander around on your own. There is also a ghost tour at night, which is not for the faint-hearted and you can hear some of the chilling historical stories of the islands and how the convicts lived.
This island offers a spectacular view of the city and the Sydney harbour including the Harbour Bridge. This is the reason this is a popular destination for New Year’s Eve where you can see the spectacular fireworks display from the island. Visitors can stay at one of the apartments, houses or campsites on the island and enjoy New Year Eve.
12) Palm Beach
Palm Beach is around 45 km north of Sydney which will take around an hours drive.
For those who watch the Australian TV drama Home & Away, the popular TV show is shot at this beach so you may be lucky enough to bump into celebrities on your visit.
While you’re there you can visit the iconic lighthouse Barrenjoey Lighthouse. You can park your car at the visitors parking where you will need to pay for parking and walk 15 mins to the lighthouse.
From the lighthouse, you will be able to see spectacular views of the ocean and also some parts of the Central Coast.
If you are looking for a place to eat and enjoy the ambience then there is no better place then The Boathouse. It is located a short walk from the beach where you will be able to get some beautiful pics for your Instagram profile.
13) Manly Beach and the National Park
Manly is famous for its beach and also the National Park. You can get to Manly by car which is around 30 mins drive from Sydney or by ferry.
You should start by going to the North Head Lookout point where you will be able to see beautiful panoramic views of the ocean and the Sydney Harbour. You can grab a coffee from the nearby coffee shop and walk around the Sydney Harbour National Park and its surrounding.
Once you are finished exploring the National Park, you can drive down to the beach. You can go for a swim or just for a stroll. There are plenty of trendy cafes and restaurants for food and drinks in Manly.
You can also enjoy the view over drinks at the wharf bar which overlooks onto the water which is great especially during summer. If you are in Manly on a Sunday, make sure to check out the Sunday markets.
If you are in Manly between July and February, you may be able to see the penguins at the wharf where they come to nest every night.
14) Hawkesbury River
Hawkesbury River is around an hour’s drive from Sydney. The river’s catchment area is approximately 21,624 square kilometres.
You can explore the historical town, cruise along the river on a river cruise and enjoy some of the outdoor activities offered at Hawkesbury River. There are guided kayak tours available as well as horse riding and mountain biking.
You can explore the inland area and go to Bobbin Head for a picnic. Bobbin Head is also a good place for fishing, boating, has great picnic spots and scenic bushwalking trails.
15) Ku-Ring Gai Chase National Park
Ku-Ring Gai Chase National Park is located north of Sydney and is a popular spot for not only tourists but also for the locals set on the Hawkesbury River and Pittwater.
The National Park covers a large area of nearly 15,000 hectares across the north of Sydney up to West Head which overlooks out onto Barrenjoey located in Palm Beach.
There are plenty of picnic spots and walking trails throughout the park along with boating and fishing facilities. For campers, campgrounds are only available at The Basin in the National Park. There are BBQ facilities and fire pits available so make sure to bring all the supplies that you will need.
Parking fees apply to $12 per vehicle for the day. Other fees will also apply for camping which can be paid at the campground wharf.
16) Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley is around 160kms south of Sydney which takes around 2 hours to get there by car located in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales.
This region does have Kangaroos however don’t expect a lot of Kangaroo just because the name of the valley is Kangaroo Valley.
Kangaroo Valley is known to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Australia surrounded by farmland and bushland. Kangaroo Valley is a small town filled with historical sites but mainly known for its wooden suspension bridge, Hampden Bridge.
Make sure to try one of many bakeries located here for fresh handmade pies and sweets. You can also discover the valley on a kayak, this is one of the popular outdoor activities to do when visiting Kangaroo Valley.
If you are more of an adventurous person then there are plenty of other activities offered in Kangaroo Valley. You can go for a bushwalk, canoe on the Kangaroo River, ride a bike in the valley or horse riding.
You can also be able to enjoy wine tasting in this region which is a short drive away from the main town. The popular wineries are Yarrawa Estate and Silos Estate.
If you like Museums then you should visit the Pioneer Village Museum which offers buildings erected in the 19th and 20th centuries.
TIP: On the way to the Kangaroo Valley or on the way back to Sydney, you should stop at Fitzroy Falls located in Morton National Park, another famous attraction in the Kangaroo Valley. This waterfall is around 80m high and offers stunning views of the waterfall and the valley.
17) Berry
Bery is located around 140kms south of Sydney. It takes around 2 hours to drive to Berry.
Berry is a small country town located in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales. Berry offers many historical buildings, award-winning restaurants, beautiful beaches, wineries and plenty of scenic drives. You can also try the local bakeries for fresh pies, sweets and the famous Berry donuts!
Berry is also a popular destination for fruit picking. You will be able to go to a farm and pick your very own fresh fruits like cherries and strawberries and can sample and purchase to take back home.
Berry is also famous for being a destination for getting married. This region has spectacular views surrounded by lush green scenery that makes it an ideal location for a magical wedding.
18) Wollongong and the surrounding areas
Wollongong is located on the south coast of Sydney. It is around 90kms from Sydney which takes around 1 and half hours to drive to Wollongong. Wollongong is a popular destination in New South Wales and is known to be one of the most beautiful places to visit.
There are plenty of attractions located in Wollongong and its surrounding areas. Just to name a few, if you have a couple of hours then you should definitely stop and visit the famous Buddhist Temple in Berkeley, Nan Tien Temple.
To get to the temple you could take the scenic coastal drive on the Grand Pacific Drive, this is also another popular attraction that cannot be missed. There are footpaths on the side if you want to get out for a walk and take in the spectacular panoramic views of the ocean.
For those looking for a fun day out with the whole family then you can spend the day at Jamberoo Action Park. This is a large water-themed water park with a fun selection of waterslides and rides set in a beautiful hilly location.
Another well-known attraction for the family is the Symbio Wildlife Park. This zoo is privately owned and is located in Helensburgh. It has become a popular zoo to visit, home to a variety of Australian animals and exotic animals. It is set in a scenic location of bushland close to the Royal National Park.
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Guide to travel from Sydney to Blue Mountains
Guide to travel from Sydney to Hunter Valley
Guide to travel from Sydney to Newcastle
Best things to do in Sydney at night
19) Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie is the largest coastal saltwater lake in Australia covering 110 square kilometres in the area located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales.
Summer is a great time to visit Lake Macquarie offering many recreational water activities such as fishing, kayaking, boating and water skiing.
There is also an area where you can bird watch on the southern margin of the lake, here you can also find the Pulbah Island Nature Reserve.
This is a protected 68-hectare nature reserve where bushwalking and picnics are permitted but not camping. Here you can see a clear view of the Wangi Wangi peninsula.
20) Wattamolla Beach and surrounding areas
Wattamolla beach is a beautiful beach on the south coast which is located around 50 km from Sydney. It takes around an hour drive to get there but do keep in mind, on a nice day, you will find the area very busy causing delays on entry to the beach and finding a parking spot due to the crowd.
Wattamolla Beach is a perfect place for a picnic and it is a family-friendly beach that has on one side a lagoon and the other side a beach. Wattamolla’s famous attraction is the waterfall on the lagoon side.
The family can enjoy swimming or snorkelling in the calm waters of the lagoon or can swim and enjoy the waves at the beach.
There are a couple of hidden gems around Wattamolla Beach that you can explore. There are bushwalking trails that can take you to lookout points at Providential Point Lookout for spectacular panoramic views of the ocean.
You could also drive to Garie Beach which is a small beach and explore the area. There is a coastal walking trail you can take that takes you to the popular Figure 8 Pools which is an hour walk from Garie Beach.
This is definitely worth the hike. It is a secluded area where there are small pockets of water also known as rock pools where you will be able to go for a dip after a long tiring walk.
Conclusion
So here we have it, some of the best places to explore on day trips from Sydney. There are so many drives you can take offering some of the most picturesque views in New South Wales.
No matter what you do there, you will be sure to have an amazing time and experience all the beautiful places.
As we mentioned above, the best way to travel from Sydney to these places is to hire a chauffeur for a private tour so you can have the flexibility to stop over and explore the places you want to see and their surrounding areas wonder in nature.
We hope this article has been helpful and has given you an idea of some of the things to do and see as well as provided some information on the places to visit.
Also, if you have any questions or would like to share your feedback, please leave a comment below.
Have a safe trip and happy travels!
