31 Best Day Trips from Sydney in 2025
Looking for the best day trips from Sydney?
Do you lack the patience to wait for the next holiday to satisfy your desire for adventure? Currently, Sydney day trips are all the rage.
Hidden landmarks and island hopping are only two of the many activities available right here. What’s even better? You don’t need to book a flight or bring a spare suitcase.
As a resident of Sydney for over two years, I am thrilled to share my local knowledge and insider tips to help you create the best day trips from Sydney.
While the city’s high-end shopping centres, expensive hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants have earned it a reputation as a playground for the elite, Sydney also has a rich cultural heritage, as seen by its many ethnic neighbourhoods and beautiful parks.
Enjoy the city-state’s cultural and opulent offerings, but also use Sydney’s convenient location to explore the rest of the region.
In addition to the metropolitan city of Sydney proper, other islands on its Coast include a wide range of cultural experiences, from trendy nightlife and restaurants to quiet beaches and traditional towns. Come with me as I discover the best day trips from Sydney.
Best Day Trips in Sydney, Australia
1. Manly Beach
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 30-40 minutes from Sydney CBD
🚌 By Bus: 1-hour travel – 2 Buses
⛴️ By Ferry: 30 minutes from Circular Quay Wharf to Manly Wharf
Suppose you’re searching for short-day trips from Sydney or some coastal leisure. In that case, Manly Beach is just approximately 14 kilometres from the Sydney CBD.
In 1903, Manly became the first town in the world to legalize all-day swimming after surfing began in Australia in the early 1900s.
The beaches in Manly are either the ocean or the harbour. In particular, Queenscliff, North Steyne, and South Steyne comprise the beach’s three significant areas.
The Manly to Spit walk will take you to the private harbour beaches if you head west beyond the art museum. East Manly Cove Beach also terminates at small Manly Beach and Collins Beach.
Thus you may access them from there. Both are excellent choices for those seeking some quiet time during the week, but they tend to fill up on the weekends during the warmer months.
To make things even more fun, you can spend the morning practising your balance with stand-up paddleboard yoga in Manly. After class, you can have some breakfast and then spend your short day trips from Sydney exploring Manly Beach.
2. Merrylands Food Tour
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 28 minutes from Sydney CBD
🚌 By Bus: 40-50 minutes travel
🚈 By Train: 30 minutes from Sydney’s Central Station to Merrylands Station
Suppose you’re looking for a change of pace. Why not try a gourmet tour of Australia’s newest refugee settlements with Airbnb Experiences? This might be one of the best day trips from Sydney if you’re interested in learning about other cultures.
Take a Merrylands tour to learn about the Middle East’s delicious cuisine. On this Gastronomic journey, experience Afghan meats, Persian sweets, and Turkey’s world-famous pizza.
With a knowledgeable local guide at your side, you can expect to see the best of Merrylands’ restaurants and markets.
3. Royal National Park
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 45 minutes to 1 hour from Sydney CBD
🚌 By Bus: 1-1 hour and 30 minutes travel – 2 Buses
Royal National Park is one of the best day trips near Sydney if you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This national park is located south of Sydney. Steep beaches, eucalyptus bushlands, and private beaches distinguish the park.
Several hiking trails are also within Royal National Park, including the Jibbon Loop Track, which is likely the most beginner-friendly.
On the Loftus Loop Trail, you can ride your bike or rent a canoe to paddle along the Hacking River.
Wattamolla Beach is home to several Royal National Park attractions, including a sand beach, woodlands, hiking trails, and Wattamolla Falls.
4. Woy Woy and the Central Coast
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1-2 hours from Sydney CBD
🚌 By Bus: 2-2 hours and 30 minutes travel – 2 Buses
🚈 By Train: 1 hour to 1.5 hours from Sydney’s Central Station to Central Coast & Newcastle Line
Woy Woy is conveniently located about an hour by train from Sydney and Newcastle. This makes it an ideal stopping point for any day trip from Sydney.
Driving along Woy Woy Road and stopping at Staples Lookout for a breathtaking panorama of the Central Coast is an excellent method for exploring this place.
The pier and the bobbing fishing boats give Woy Woy a sense of nostalgia, and the town’s classically designed bar adds to the ambience. Furthermore, young entrepreneurs have recently opened trendy restaurants and cafes in the downtown area.
5. Cockatoo Island
How to get there:
⛴️ By Ferry: 10-20 minutes from Sydney
Compared to the other islands in Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island is conveniently located on the main ferry route. From Circular Quay, it’s just a 10-minute boat voyage; however, others prefer the 20-minute ferry ride via Darling Harbour for its magnificent views.
The boat, which costs less than $6 round-trip, affords breathtaking views of the city’s coastal areas and Harbour Bridge.
You can forget all you know about what an Australian island should be like and transport yourself to this one instead.
It is nearly entirely covered with concrete, constructions, and industrial equipment; without the towering granite cliffs, you may mistake it for an utterly man-made creation. However, this is precisely what adds to the island’s allure.
6. Avalon Beach
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours from Sydney CBD
🚌 By Bus: 1 hour 40 minutes
Bus 100 from Clarence St., to Neutral Bau Junction; Bus B1 to Dee Why B-Line; Bus 199 to Barrenjoey Road
Avalon Beach is undoubtedly one of the most popular day trips from Sydney. And for good reason: The island is a noteworthy tourist centre, given the enormous number of activities available there.
About 500 meters in length, Avalon is a south-east-facing surf beach framed by 60-meter-high sandstone cliffs and the rock outcrops of Bilgola Head and Hole in the Wall.
The beach is separated into a single sand bar by two rips, one always moving and the other being fixed where it meets the cliffs at each end of the beach.
Furthermore, driving through Avalon and over to the Clareville neighbourhood on the Pittwater side will bring you to the beautiful and family-friendly Clareville Beach.
Take the remainder of your best Sydney day trips to stroll through Avalon and check out its many unique stores, cafés, and restaurants.
7. Scotland Island
How to get there:
🚗 ⛴️ By Car & Ferry: 1 hour from Sydney
Scotland Island is close to Sydney but far enough away to seem like you’re getting away from it all; it’s a haven for artists and celebrities who value their solitude.
Its Pittwater location, between Church Point in the southwest and Newport in the southeast, is ideal because it provides a sense of seclusion, befitting a tropical paradise while being near Sydney, Australia’s largest metropolis.
Scotland Island offers many activities, making it one of the best day trips from Sydney, including a wide variety of walks, most of which can be completed in about half an hour. Best of all, there’s a massage and a yoga session to check out.
If you’d rather stay on land, you can take the ferry back to Churchpoint and then drive to Palm Beach, where you can lounge on the sand, dine at one of the many restaurants, and take a boat trip to adjacent Ettalong Beach or the Basin for some fantastic bushwalking.
8. Palm Beach
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours from Sydney CBD
🚋 🚌 By Train and Bus: 2 hours 15 minutes from Central Station to Wynyard Station then B1 Bus to Dee Why B-Line then Bus 199 to Observation Point, Barrenjoey Road
The island of Palm Beach is a popular vacation destination because it has crystal clear seas, white sand beaches, and palm trees galore.
In fact, Palm Beach is the northernmost beach suburb of Sydney, bounded by the Tasman Sea, Broken Bay, and Pittwater.
To top it all off, it’s just an hour’s drive from Sydney Harbour Bridge, making it ideal for day trips from Sydney.
Rest assured, exploring Pittwater by kayak is the perfect way to take in the area’s stunning natural scenery. You only need to bring your gear, rent a kayak, or sign up for a guided kayaking excursion.
9. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 30-40 minutes from Sydney CBD
Just 25 kilometres north of Sydney’s central business district, Ku-ring-gai Chase is a favourite weekend getaway for both locals and visitors.
The park spans a whopping 15,000 hectares and is home to a wide variety of natural features, including lush rainforests, cliffs, mangroves, Aboriginal ruins, picnic places, isolated beaches, viewpoint spots, mountain bike paths, and several walking pathways.
From The West Head Lookout in Ku-ring-gai Chase, you can see Pittwater, Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Headland, Palm Beach, and the Central Coast.
In addition, Great Mackerel Beach, a little neighbourhood that appears a bit like a rural vacation resort, may be reached by a reasonably simple but exhilarating bushwalk beginning at the overlook.
Plus, the vistas are so breathtaking that you may want to spend all your day trips from Sydney just relaxing on one of the benches and taking it all in.
10. The Hawkesbury River
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1 hour 30 minutes from Sydney
The iconic Hawkesbury River mailboat in Brooklyn is easily accessible from the Sydney central business district by rail and motorway, making it an ideal destination for day trips from Sydney.
Join them on their mail delivery run up the Hawkesbury River to the isolated communities that can only be reached by boat from Brooklyn.
Take in the lower Hawkesbury River’s beautiful beauty while doing so. Each day, except holidays, at 10 a.m., they depart the quay, rain or shine.
Even better, day trips from Sydney might also be enjoyable to Wisemans Ferry, which is just down the road.
You may also pick your own crops at Watkins Family Farm, stop by the Mountain Grove Country Markets for some locally-grown produce, and explore the region on one of the numerous trails.
As an added bonus, you can take the train from Sydney and get there in a day. Getting there from Central Station requires a short train ride of over an hour. The Riverboat Postman Cruise is conveniently located next to the Brooklyn subway stop.
11. Tobruk Sheep Station
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1 hour and 10 minutes from Sydney
Tobruk Sheep Station in Sydney is the best site to take selfies with sheep (let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to take selfies with sheep?).
Just an hour from the city centre, in the beautiful Hawkesbury Valley, is Tobruk Sheep Station Sydney, where you may have one of the unforgettable day trips from Sydney.
Explore the arduous lives of Australian farmers and sheep shearers at Tobruk Station. It’s a slice of rural and bush Australia just outside of the city of Sydney.
Their extensive property overlooking the Hawkesbury River Valley and the Blue Mountains gives you plenty of room to spread out and have fun.
As entertainment, there will be displays of whip cracking, sheep shearing, and even boomerang tossing.
12. Patonga & Pearl Beach
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1 hour 30 minutes from Sydney
🚋 🚌 By Train and Bus: 2 hours and 15 minutes from Central Station to Woy Woy Station then Bus 54 to Bay St.
The Patonga to Pearl Beach hiking trail parallels the Great North Walk through the majestic red trees of Brisbane Water National Park. The start and finish of this hike are located on a beach, so pack your swimsuit and fishing pole.
Specifically, you may start your journey to the national park at the far end of Patonga Beach. This is the starting point for a hike to Warrah Trig. If you continue up the hill, you’ll reach a breathtaking view overlooking the Hawkesbury River and the Pacific Ocean.
After refuelling, continue down the fire path, which winds through sandstone caverns with a fern garden hanging from the ceiling. Keep your ears and eyes out for kookaburras and bush turkeys.
In addition, just a short walk from Patonga Beach, the more upscale Pearl Beach awaits. This beach has a lovely atmosphere, and if you are hungry, you may stop at Pearl’s On The Beach for a feast or the Pearl Beach & General Store for a meal.
13. Glenworth Valley
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1 hour from Sydney
Experience the thrill of horseback riding in the countryside in Glenworth Valley, located only an hour’s drive north of Sydney. Rides, either guided or unguided, may be experienced in picturesque valleys, along river banks, and in eucalypt woods.
At Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures, which has over 200 horses and more than a thousand acres of valleys, rivers, and woods, tours are available for riders of all experience levels. Meanwhile, pony rides will surely be a hit with kids younger than seven.
Furthermore, one of Australia’s major outdoor activity hubs may be found on the Central Coast’s hinterland. Water sports, rock climbing, and off-roading are all available. Not to mention, stargazing in Glenworth Valley is a popular pastime.
14. Central Coast, Long Jetty
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1 hour 20 minutes from Sydney
🚋 🚌 By Train and Bus: 2 hours 30 minutes from Central Station to Tuggerah Station then Bus 25 to Toowoon Bay
If you’re searching for the best day trips from Sydney, look no further. Just go on over to Long Jetty in New South Wales. Although the Central Coast covers a vast region, I can guarantee you that there is no other small place close to Sydney that compares to Long Jetty.
Long Jetty, on the Central Coast, is often compared to Newtown because of its reputation as a hipster haven and its abundance of murals, excellent eateries, and unique stores from years ago.
Alternatively, suppose a pelican feeding on the beach is faster than your speed; in that case, you can find it at The Entrance.
Not to mention, Toowoon Bay is perfect for swimming since it combines two beautiful beaches. Moreover, you could also spend hours window shopping in some of the charming boutiques.
When you finally get to Long Jetty, you’ll be blindsided by all the cute stores you find there.
15. Avoca Beach
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1 hour 20 minutes from Sydney
🚌 By Bus: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Combination of a train (Central Station) and bus (66C)
It’s a no-brainer why Avoca Beach is a sanctuary for sand and wave aficionados, with its long stretch of golden sand and two magnificent headlands.
Not to mention, this beachfront town on New South Wales Central Coast is full of exciting activities, as well as vibrant markets, a quaint theatre, and a buzzing café scene.
Take a dip in the picturesque rock pool at the southern end of Avoca Beach, which is 1.7 kilometres in length, or sign up for a surfing lesson at the Central Coast Surf Academy.
Experienced divers may visit the artificial reef made by the Ex-HMAS Adelaide on a diving cruise.
For a family-friendly activity, Aqua Fun is a sure bet! You may also go to the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, which the BBC consistently ranks as one of the top theatres in the world. Indeed, Avoca is a quaint hamlet that offers several dining and shopping options.
You may dine at the laid-back The Point Café on the sand or at the eccentric Shady Palms, a surf shack serving delicious wood-fired pizzas in nearby Kincumber.
16. Hunter Valley
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 3 hours 20 minutes from Sydney
Australia’s oldest wine production area is a visual and sensory feast waiting for you to explore it. Gorgeous wineries, serene scenery, and delectable experiences await you.
To put it simply, Australian winemaking began in the Hunter Valley. It is well-known as a culinary destination because of its high-quality Semillon and Shiraz grapes.
In every corner of the area, you may find one of the territories with over 150 cellar doors or one of the region’s rising number of inventive restaurants.
Certainly, the region’s long farming history makes it ideal for paddock-to-plate and biodynamic experiences, which will enhance the enjoyment of your culinary creations even more.
You may take in the area’s sights between sips, relax at one of the numerous spas, or let loose with some music among the grapevines.
17. Blue Mountains
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 55 minutes from Sydney
🚋 By Train: 2 hours 30 minutes from Central Station to Mount Victoria
The Blue Mountains are a must-see in Sydney and a favourite day trip destination among locals and tourists alike.
The rocky gorges and ridges hidden inside the dense mountain forests of this beautiful national park west of Sydney are among its many attractions.
In fact, the region’s most recognizable landmark, the Three Sisters, is best seen from the Echo Point Lookout.
Elysian Rock Lookout and Bridal Veil Lookout, which provide similarly breathtaking vistas, are also within easy driving distance.
It’s also worth noting that numerous stunning waterfalls surround the Blue Mountains. It’s recommended that you visit both Katoomba Falls and Wentworth Falls, as well as the historic Jenolan Caves also include impressive rock formations.
To get the most out of your time in Sydney, go canyoning in the Blue Mountains. During the day, you will get the chance to rappel down drops as little as 5 meters and as high as 30 meters, ticking that thing off your bucket list as you go.
18. Port Stephens
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 2 hours 40 minutes from Sydney
🚋 🚌 By Train and Bus: 4 hours 25 minutes from Central Station to Newcastle Interchange then Bus 131 to Sandy Point Rd
Do you long for more vibrant options when you visit Sydney? Seeing the sand dunes at Port Stephens from the seat of a quad bike is an experience you won’t soon forget.
During your hour-long camel ride across the dunes, your guide will share fascinating tales about the region’s native settlers.
If you’re interested in reading a more in-depth discussion of the activities available in Port Stephens, check out The 33 Amazing Things to Do in Port Stephens
The sand dunes near Port Stephens are among the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, and as a result, they are a trendy tourist attraction.
In fact, Stockton Bight Sand Dunes are located in the Worimi Conservation Lands near Port Stephens and are visible from Anna Bay.
Believe it or not, these sand dunes can be seen almost as far back as Newcastle, New South Wales.
19. Mermaids Pool
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1 hour 20 minutes from Sydney
The Mermaid Pools in Sydney is a beautiful waterfall that you should definitely check out if you are in the area. From Sydney, it’s a two-hour journey; then, there’s a 30-minute climb to the pool, although there are several pools to choose from along the route.
Historically, this pool was considered holy since it was used only by Aboriginal women. Thankfully, it may now be enjoyed by local teenagers, hikers, fishermen, and fisherwomen.
Additionally, the only way into the pool is by a high leap followed by a rope climb up the cliff. Take extreme caution with this one.
Some of the tales of people being hurt after a jump were terrifying. In the event of an emergency, you are far from the city and will have a long wait before an air ambulance can reach you.
Also, the Mermaid Pools are located on the royal property. They lack the typical amenities of a national park, such as informational signs.
Make sure to bring a friend and some food since the route to this location is marked only by little blue and yellow ribbons tied to trees, and it’s easy to get confused along the way.
Keep your eyes out for the snoozing marsupials since this is the site of the first confirmed European sighting of a koala. In addition, two paths, one high and one low, lead to the pools.
The pools are roughly a five-kilometre walk away, and the trail does not circle. When you get there, you’ll discover a beautiful green basin surrounded by rocks and the Bargo River gushing down into it from above.
Evidently, the local Aboriginal community, the Tharawal, hold this location in the highest regard as a holy spot.
20. Jervis Bay
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 3 hours from Sydney
Jervis Bay is a must-visit destination if you’re planning a vacation to Sydney. It’s close to the city and has some of the most excellent beaches in Australia. A visit to Jervis Bay would be incomplete without a dolphin tour.
In particular, the region is home to around 60 bottlenose dolphins, which may be seen up close on a highly cheap 1.5-hour day trip from Sydney.
In addition to seeing the beautiful beaches of Jervis Bay from a different perspective, you will also learn about the fascinating history of this area. Certainly, this is the best way to create unforgettable special moments in Jervis Bay.
Take a look at the dolphin tour with boom netting if you’re interested in getting closer to these amazing creatures.
Experience a jacuzzi-like setting with the potential that some of the area’s 80 resident dolphins may join you in fun. In sum, this is an excellent outing for all ages and groups.
21. Canberra
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 3 hours from Sydney
🚋 By Train: 5 hours from Central Station to Canberra Railway Station
Canberra is a great weekend getaway from Sydney since it offers various free attractions and activities. You can spend a weekend jam-packed with activities in Canberra without breaking the bank.
If you want to do something extraordinary with your weekend, consider a morning hot air balloon ride above Canberra. In addition to being one of Canberra’s top attractions, this is the ideal way to take in the city’s natural splendour.
Add to that an enjoyable art treasure hunt where you may find some of Canberra’s most lavish hidden places.
Places like Civic Square, Veterans Park, and Latin American Plaza will be in your immediate vicinity. Spending the day in this manner in Canberra is a great way to have fun with friends, family, or a special someone.
As an added bonus, you may compete with other players and climb the scoreboard by answering questions about the game’s history as you go.
22. Sunnataram Thai Buddhist Monastery
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 2 hours from Sydney
Located in the quiet town of Bundanoon close to Kangaroo Valley, the Sunnataram Forest Monastery offers stunning views of both the valley and Jervis Bay in the distance. Visitors with just a day to spare may still appreciate the beautiful gardens, pagoda, and monthly Sunday lunch feast.
Here, you may also study the teachings of Buddhism and find practical ways to incorporate its principles into your life.
They provide a wide variety of Dhamma-related events and activities available for everyone, from dedicated meditators and students to casual onlookers.
23. Southern Highlands
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1 hour 30 minutes from Sydney
New South Wales Southern Highlands is loaded with scenic splendour and historical value. Attractions include lush, rolling hills in various green tones and English-style towns with unique shops, charming gardens, and stately manors.
In particular, the Great Dividing Range, the continent’s long fifth mountain range, forms the base of the highlands. It begins in Cape York and ends at the Grampian Mountains in Victoria. Morton, Budderoo, and Macquarie Pass are just a few of the seven gorgeous but rarely visited National Parks in the area.
This cluster of towns and villages, located just 90 minutes south of Sydney, is worth considering as a potential destination for your next city break for more reasons than simply its abundance of grapes and thriving culinary scene.
Best of all, Southern Highlands is open all year and is a great place to visit anytime. However, it is more stunning in the spring and fall. Springtime is the best season to see it, and if you can schedule it right, you may coincide it with the annual Tulip Time Festival.
24. Maitland Bay Track
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1 hour 30 minutes from Sydney
🚋 🚌 By Train and Bus: 2 hours 30 minutes from Central Station to Woy Woy Station then Bus 59 to Hats Street at The Scenic Rd
One of Bouddi National Park’s most visited secluded beaches, Maitland Bay is a favourite spot for visitors. You’ll have to make your way through the woods to get there. Trust me, it’s definitely worth the effort.
Take the 900-meter descent down the steep but open Maitland Bay route to the sand. Though this path is the quickest, others can get you to the shore.
Furthermore, you may also hike through the verdant jungle to the golden sands of Maitland Bay and be awed by the natural splendour of the national park.
Then, carry on your beachcombing down to Bouddi Point, where you may explore the wreckage of a long-lost vessel.
25. Wollongong & Kiama
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1 hour 40 minutes from Sydney
🚋 By Train: 1 hour and 35 minutes from Central Station
Take day trips from Sydney along the Grand Pacific Drive, a scenic coastal route that stretches from Sydney to Wollongong and beyond. Starting 45 minutes south of Sydney’s International Airport in the Royal National Park lies the award-winning Grand Pacific Journey, a coastline drive that spans 140 kilometres.
With the Grand Pacific Drive’s informative signs, your day trips from Sydney will be much richer in meaning and adventure. You won’t want to miss any must-see landmarks along the journey, so these signs give a handy rundown of their positions and distances.
Wollongong is a fantastic location because it has a wide variety of places to stay, from 5-star hotels to cozy B&Bs to inexpensive hostels. The city really offers something for every kind of tourist.
This is one of the day trips from Sydney by train that continues through the picturesque coastal communities of Shellharbour and Kiama via Wolli Creek.
26. Jamberoo
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1 hour 50 minutes from Sydney
🚋 🚌 By Train and Bus: 3 hours from Central Station to Kiama Station then Bus 125 to Jamberoo School of Arts or Range Farm
Undoubtedly, New South Wales, Australia’s South Coast, is home to some of the state’s most beautiful beaches. Leaving the beach behind and being surrounded by rainforest and waterfalls at Budderoo National Park is a sight to see in its own right.
Jamberoo is an idyllic community that serves as the starting point for everything from wildlife-filled walks and ziplining tours to wild waterslides.
On that note, visit Jamberoo Action Park after a strenuous day of trekking to cool off and have fun. The Perfect Storm highlights this adrenaline-pumping amusement park with dozens of rides. Bobsleds, river rapids, miniature golf, and rides for toddlers all hold their own as enjoyable attractions.
27. Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1 hour and 10 minutes from Sydney
🚋 By Train: 1 hour 50 minutes from Central Station to Scarborough Station
Until 2020, the Sea Cliff Bridge overlook in Clifton, Illawarra, just 70 kilometres south of Sydney, was a relatively undiscovered gem.
Before this, you could have met just one or two other folks on the trail to the hidden overlook since few visitors knew about it. However, it has recently become a favourite destination for those seeking the perfect photo.
Suppose you are planning day trips from Sydney or a weekend getaway. In that case, the Sea Cliff Bridge is conveniently located near several other scenic points of interest.
In fact, just north of Sea Cliff Bridge, you’ll find the beautiful Royal National Park, where you may relax in the tranquillity of the Figure 8 Pools.
28. Figure 8 Pools
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 1 hour from Sydney
The Figure 8 pools are unlike any other site in the world. Pools, one of which is shaped like a perfect figure 8, have formed through time as a result of erosion in Sydney’s Royal National Park, which is located to the south of the city.
The famous waters are reached after a one-hour journey along a route that passes a stunning, quiet beach and towering rock formations. The spontaneous formation of the pool’s Figure 8 shape is nearly unbelievable.
Contrary to what most people believe, it is, in fact, possible to have the pools all to yourself. Try scheduling your day trip from Sydney during the off-season to avoid crowds.
You could have more success if you try again during the week in the midst of the colder months. To avoid the throng and indulge your inner explorer, go there first thing in the morning.
One further perk of getting up early is seeing the dawn over the pools. Sunset is just as beautiful, so don’t leave early. The most astonishing thing about getting there so early is that tourists won’t overrun it. You can enjoy the place for all its mystical solitude.
Indeed, the pool is crystal blue, and the whole area seems like it was plucked from a fantasy novel.
29. Starline Alpacas
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 2 hours 30 minutes from Sydney
There is no better place to take the kids than on an alpaca farm if you want to give them a taste of farm life that they will never forget.
It’s hard to imagine a more ideal day trip from Sydney than having breakfast at an alpaca farm, one of Sydney’s many adorable day trips from Sydney options.
Located on Central Coast, this date will be one for the books since you’ll get to pet and feed the friendly alpacas.
In the picturesque Broke Fordwich Wine subregion, Starline Alpacas welcomes visitors for a relaxing, hands-on experience amidst small wineries.
Visitors may either stay in one of the cottages or see the alpacas from the comfort of their terraces. They can also stroll across the fields and interact with the animals.
30. Seal Rocks & Blueys Beach
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 3 hours and 20 minutes from Sydney
🚋 🚌 By Train and Bus: 5 hours 45 minutes from Central Station to Blueys Beach
Located within a half-drive hour from Forster, Pacific Palms is home to the coveted Seal Rocks and Blueys Beach, making it one of Sydney’s most desirable day trips for families.
The Sydney day trip to Seal Rocks and Blueys Beach is perfect if you want to relax on the beach. There are several beautiful beaches in the vicinity, and you can’t find anything better in all of New South Wales.
If you find yourself at Seal Rocks, make your way up to the lighthouse for a peek at the breathtaking scenery of Treachery Beach below.
You may also drive onto Treachery Beach if you have a 4×4 car. If you want to see a beautiful sunset over the lake, you must visit the Pacific Palms Recreation Club.
31. Batemans Bay
How to get there:
🚗 By Car: 4 hours from Sydney
Lastly, Batemans Bay is another excellent destination for a family day trip from Sydney. Batemans Bay.
A roughly four-hour drive from Sydney, this is a great destination because it has excellent camping facilities, stunning beaches, and a wide variety of entertaining attractions.
The Mogo Zoo is different from any other Australian zoo since it is the only place in Australia where white lions and snow leopards may be found.
Tickets for larger groups are available. However, the most affordable option for a family of four (two adults and four children) is $95.
Also, take a day trip from Sydney to Montague Island, where you may see some of the Little Penguins and fur seals that call this place home.
Montague Island, not far from Narooma, is a significant draw for visitors to the South Coast. Several day trips from Sydney are available, and the price for a family of four is just $410.
Batemans Bay also has some of the most incredible snorkelling in New South Wales. Get your snorkelling fix at Batemans Bay, Guerilla Bay, or McKenzies Beach. Lastly, Corrigans Beach Reserve Park is where you should go if you need playground equipment in Batemans Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions: Day Trips from Sydney
Can You Do Blue Mountains As A Day Trip From Sydney?
Yes, the Blue Mountains can be visited as a day trip from Sydney. Located about 80 km west of Sydney’s city centre, the scenic Blue Mountains region is accessible by train or car, making it an ideal destination for a day excursion from the capital.
Popular attractions in the area include the Three Sisters rock formation, scenic hiking trails, and quaint mountain villages.
Which area should you not miss when visiting Sydney?
One area you should not miss when visiting Sydney is the iconic Sydney Harbour.
This stunning natural harbour boasts some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Strolling around the harbour, taking a scenic ferry ride, or enjoying the views from one of the waterfront parks or restaurants is an essential Sydney experience.
What Coastal Town Is 1 hour From Sydney?
Palm Beach, located in Sydney’s Northern Beaches region, is a picturesque coastal town approximately one hour’s drive from Sydney’s city centre.
Famous for its golden sand beaches, surf breaks, and setting for the Australian soap opera “Home and Away,” Palm Beach is a popular day trip or weekend getaway destination for Sydneysiders and visitors alike.
How Many Days In Sydney Is Enough?
While the ideal length of stay in Sydney depends on individual interests and travel pace, most visitors find that 3-5 days is enough to experience the city’s major attractions and get a good taste of its vibrant culture.
With 3 days, you can cover top sites like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and the historic Rocks district. 4-5 days allow time for day trips to the Blue Mountains or coastal towns.
Is Palm Beach Sydney Worth Visiting?
Yes, Palm Beach, Sydney is definitely worth visiting. This beautiful coastal suburb in Sydney’s Northern Beaches region offers stunning scenery with its long curved beach, rocky headlands, and laid-back beachside charm.
Palm Beach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, coastal walks, and enjoying fresh seafood. It’s also famously known as the setting for the long-running Australian soap opera “Home and Away,” attracting fans from around the world.
The Wrap-Up: Best Day Trips from Sydney
Looking for some variety in your Sydney vacation? Skip the lengthy lines at the airport and the tedious commute to one of these charming locations. There are many places outside of town where you may escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
These locations are perfect for those who don’t have time for a long trip yet want to enjoy some time at the beach or in the wilderness. Plus, they’re the best day trips from Sydney and the kind of experiences you’ll cherish forever.
You can reach these destinations in a half-hour to four-hour drive from Sydney. In any case, I hope you find this list helpful in determining which option is the best fit for you.