As wonderful as Sydney may be, a getaway from city life is sometimes needed. Fortunately, a plethora of coastal and inland gems await us just a stone’s throw from the central business district, providing us with an abundance of day trip choices.
Without further ado, here are the 17 Best Day Trips From Sydney - now get out and explore!
1) Lake Macquarie
Situated in the Hunter region of NSW and just a 1.5 hour drive from Sydney CBD, Lake Macquarie is the largest saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere. Venture here for a well deserved break from city life, and after exploring the region’s surrounding mountainous ranges and national parks, kayak, snorkel or swim in the crystal clear waters (or admire the lake from land with the locals, refreshing beverage in hand).
2) Mermaid Pool
Known as Mermaid Pool, this natural water hole in Tahmoor Gorge lies just over an hour’s drive from Sydney - making it the perfect outside oasis to explore when a trip away from the CBD is needed.
While Mermaid Pool is undoubtedly the star attraction -and at the forefront of those visiting the Tahmoor region- venture further out to experience the surrounding walking trails and natural sights.
3) Coffs Harbour
We hear you - at roughly 6 hours from Sydney, paying a visit to the sleepy seaside town of Coffs Harbour may be more accurately represented as a small getaway retreat rather than a day trip.
Where Coffs Harbour lacks in proximity to Sydney, it more than makes up for in its abundance of wildlife, crystal clear waters and lush green scenery. Embark on a rainforest walk and inhale some much needed city free air, or take a refreshing, salty dip.
4) Avoca Beach
Avoca Beach -while now officially considered part of Greater Sydney- lies just an hour’s car drive from the CBD.
While a undisputedly perfect destination for those seeking a beach day outside of central Sydney, the Avoca Beach region has its fair share of non beach activities too; catch a quick flick at the town’s movie cinema, explore the surrounding nature trails (we like the Bouddi Coastal Walk) or wander absentmindedly through the beachside markets.
5) Blue Mountains
No Sydney day trip list is complete without the Blue Mountains. The world famous rocky terrain sits just under an hour’s car drive from the NSW capital, and offers Sydneysiders a plethora of outdoor adventures.
While rugged cliffs, glistening waterfalls and lush forests please even the most adventurous of explorers, small towns dotted throughout the region provide a place to amble through boutique stores and relax.
6) Mudgee Region
Venture to the town of Mudgee in the Central Coast for a healthy dose of culture; while there won’t be a beach in sight, the regional town homes a number of small galleries, museums, art studios and historical sandstone buildings to keep you busy.
Mudgee is a good 3.5 hour drive from Sydney - so venture out early or turn your day trip into a weekend away to make the drive worthwhile.
7) The Hunter Valley
Renowned for its importance in Australian viticulture, the Hunter Valley’s wine history dates back to the early 1800’s.
The region homes the most cellar doors of any Australian wine region, however viticulture isn’t the Hunter Valley’s only attraction; fine dine at one of the local hatted restaurants, pay the animals at the Hunter Valley Zoo a visit, and wander through the fairytale worthy Hunter Valley Gardens.
8) Capertee Valley
Situated a mere 2.5 hour journey from central Sydney lies the world’s second largest canyon in Capertee Valley.
Upon venturing here you’ll be met with an otherworldly adventure; bellowing sandstone cliffs and bushland make way for the Capertee Valley canyon, a 1.6km deep chasm that dominates the surrounding heritage listed natural landscape.
9) Kangaroo Valley
Just a two hour’s drive from central Sydney, Kangaroo Valley offers its visitors a grand outdoor playground to explore during their escape from the city.
The small town and valley lies in close quarters to Kangaroo River, making a visit to this region incomplete without a kayak, canoe, or walk along the water. Swimmers will love paddling away in the river below heritage listed Hampden Bridge; the 70 metre river and sandbank area provides the perfect spot for a sunlit read and refreshing river dip.
10) Bowral
An hour and a half from Sydney lies Bowral, a town with a healthy dose of charm and charisma and the largest town in the Southern Highlands.
Venture here if countryside living is your thing; the main streets of Bowral are renowned for their endless quaint cafes and eateries, as well as their independent boutique stores (we love the Orangery, which sells a plethora of indoor plant varieties).
11) Orange
Embark on a day trip to the Orange region and you’ll be met with scenic rolling hills, sweeping vineyards and plenty of countryside charm.
Head here if cosy wineries and breathtaking natural scenery (think cherry blossoms in Spring and orange foliage in Autumn) with a healthy injection of quaint countryside living (independent stores, cosy cafes and art spaces) are your thing.
12) Hawkesbury River
Head to the Hawkesbury River (an hour’s drive from Sydney CBD) and rejoice in one of the state’s most pristine picnic locations. Relax on a grassy escape, rejuvenate at one of the more rugged riverside nooks (there are waterfalls too!) or glide along the river by kayak before settling down for a packed lunch.
13) Jervis Bay
Hot white sand, shimmering turquoise waters and natural green surroundings; it doesn’t get much better than Jervis Bay.
Jervis Bay provides visitors a plethora of activities; snorkel through the near translucent waters (and maybe spy a humpback whale or two, they migrate here twice a year), dine on some classic pub grub at the Husky Pub, and explore the surrounding natural landscape of Booderee National Park. The popular tourist destination can get crowded during the school holiday months, so consider avoiding the peak season for your visit.
14) Newcastle
Another breathtaking coastal playground awaits you in Newcastle, just a 2.5 hour drive from Sydney. The beach town paves the way for a solid day in the sun and surf; stroll through the quaint streets in the morning for a coffee and decadent brunch, spend a couple hours paddling in the crystal clear waters, and watch the sun slink behind the horizon (with an appropriate sundowner in hand) to finish things off.
15) Southern Highlands
Heading to the Southern Highlands unveils a world of adventure, with the countless towns dotted around the region offering visitors pristine natural landscapes, countless activities and a taste of countryside living. While charming Bowral stands proud as the Highlands’ largest town, the neighbouring municipalities offer visitors countless adventures too; head to Fitzroy Falls for unparalleled waterfall views, Bundanoon for treks through the lush green bush and Moss Vale for pristine vineyards.
16) Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
While technically situated in Sydney, we’re counting Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park as a day trip from the city on account of its otherworldly beauty and abundance of activities. Head here for some much needed (and deserved) fresh air, insanely picturesque hikes and dips in the crystal clear waters.
The park is Australia's second oldest national park and is tremendously popular - head here outside of school holidays to ensure peace and tranquility.
17) Palm Beach
If you’re seeking a coastal wonderland just a stone’s throw from the central business district, head over to the suburb of Palm Beach for the day. Located in the Northern Beaches, the coastline is as quintessential New South Wales as you can get; long stretches of white sand make way for bright, turquoise waters, while cafes, pubs and restaurants pave the way for some excellent non beach related activities to break the day up.
