Boasting one of the most scenic harbors in the world, sophisticated Sydney lets visitors to Australia know they’re entering someplace special from the moment of arrival. From the unfurled sails of the Sydney Opera House to the soaring arc of the Harbour Bridge, the city’s architectural gems are nothing short of astonishing.
It’s perfectly possible to spend an entire vacation in Sydney without running out of things to see and do, but there’s an abundance of sights and attractions to enjoy within a short drive of the city as well. Day trips from Sydney offer visitors the chance to sample the best of Australia, from lush green parks and vineyards to wide stretches of sun-kissed sand.
11. Palm Beach
© Gordon Bell / DreamstimeLying at the end of a peninsula, ‘Palmy’ – as it is known to locals – is blessed with beautiful beaches and famous for being the setting of the classic Australian soap opera ‘Home and Away.’ At just an hour’s drive to the north of Sydney, its beautiful setting attracts a lot of locals and tourists, who flock here to soak up the sun, enjoy a delicious seafood meal, or swim and surf in the sea. With some of the most exclusive real estate in the country, Palm Beach is a popular holiday destination with Australia’s rich and famous.
Getting to Palm Beach
- From Wynard Station in Sydney, it takes just under two hours to get to Palm Beach by bus; the L90 departs once an hour. Once you alight, you’ll find its glistening waters and golden sands just a stone’s throw away.
- A lovely way to explore this wonderful part of Australia is to book a guided tour that takes you around Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. With a two and a half hour catamaran cruise around the area’s glorious waterways for you to enjoy, as well as a one-hour Aboriginal cultural presentation, it is a fascinating day out that gives the perfect combination of nature and culture. (More info and bookings)
10. Kangaroo Valley
© Byron Byrne / DreamstimeWith its lovely, rolling hills, sparkling rivers, and dense rainforest, Kangaroo Valley certainly paints a pretty picture. Nestled away amidst the beautiful scenery, you’ll also find a number of fantastic wineries. At just two hours’ drive from Sydney, it is an idyllic spot to head to, and there is lots of amazing nature for you to immerse yourself in.
Kayaking along the Kangaroo River, for instance, is a lovely experience, as is horseback riding amongst the verdant hills and fields. In the laidback town of Kangaroo Valley, you have lots of dining, drinking, and accommodation options available.
Getting to Kangaroo Valley
- To visit Kangaroo Valley by public transport, you first need to take a train from Central Station to Moss Vale Station. From here, take bus 810 to the scenic valley with all its amazing sights. All in all, the journey should take just under three hours.
9. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
© Phper / DreamstimeLying just to the north of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a delightful place to visit and is a favorite spot amongst both locals and tourists. As well as offering glorious nature in the shape of rainforest-coated hills and jagged cliffs overlooking the ocean, the park also has some fascinating Aboriginal sites which are well worth checking out.
The second oldest national park in the country has lots of outdoor activities for you to enjoy, with mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and kayaking all on offer. As such, it makes for a fantastic day trip from Sydney. Whether it is secluded beaches you’re after, glorious views out over the ocean, or simply a peaceful hike amidst the spectacular scenery, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park has you covered.
Getting to Ku-ring-gai Chase
- Despite lying just outside of Sydney, it is a bit complicated to visit many of the national park’s most beautiful areas by public transport. The simplest way is to take a train from Central Station to Berowra Station, then hike along the scenic trails in Ku-ring-gai Chase from there.
- Many visitors who wish to visit Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park opt to enjoy a guided tour that takes you around all of its most impressive sights. With a lovely catamaran cruise around its scenic waterways, a visit to ancient Aboriginal rock carvings, and an up-close look at Australia’s wildlife included, it is a great way to see as much of this beautiful part of the country as possible in just one day. (More info and bookings)
8. Wollongong
Nestled against the Illawarra Escarpment on a coastal plain south of Sydney, Wollongong is best known for its many fine beaches, all of which boast free parking and easy access by public transportation or bicycle. Popular beaches like North Beach One and Austinmer feature nearby cafés, kiosks and barbecues with shady parks bordering the sand. With its caravan park, Windang on the south side of the city is a family-friendly beach that’s perfect for an overnight adventure.
Getting to Wollongong
- If you’re after an exhilarating experience when in Australia, you can’t beat taking a tandem skydive over Wollongong. With a professional instructor attached to you, you’ll fall for 60 seconds from a height of 14,000 feet, before opening your parachute and gliding to earth peacefully while taking in the stunning views. (More info and bookings)
7. Royal National Park
Only an hour’s drive south of Sydney lies the Royal National Park, a sprawling nature reserve that stretches from the rugged coastline to the inland rainforests. Walking and biking are the favorite activities in the park the locals call “Nasho.”
There’s an extensive network of trails to explore, including the self-guided tour along the Lady Carrington Walk, which features historical markers and crosses more than a dozen streams. Located inside the park is the town of Bundeena where a 30-minute walk leads visitors to the ancient Aboriginal rock art at Jibbon Head.
Getting to Royal National Park
- One of the easiest option for visiting the Royal National Park is to take a guided tour; this offers you the chance to glimpse some local wildlife as well as delight in fantastic coastal views. In addition to swimming in the glorious Figure 8 pools, you can go for a walk along the beach, ogle at glittering waterfalls, and hike amongst the lovely nature. (More info and bookings)
6. Canberra
Australia spent the first half of the 20th century planning, designing and building the country’s capital, and it shows. From its large artificial lake to the wheel-and-spoke design of its streets, Canberra is a showpiece of civil engineering. The city’s unique bushland location, however, adds an element of wildness to this seemingly prim and proper metropolis.
Kangaroos graze in the evening near government buildings, water dragons thrive in the National Botanic Gardens and Australia’s largest collection of big cats call the National Zoo home. With more restaurants per capita than any other Australian city, Canberra’s culinary scene begs exploration as well.
Getting to Canberra
- By public transport, it generally takes about four hours to get to Canberra, so it is a good idea to set out early. Trains run directly from Central Station to the capital, and once you arrive, you’ll find all Canberra’s amazing sights just a short walk away.
- A great way to see as much of Canberra as possible in just one day is to take a guided tour around the nation’s capital; the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House are just some of the fantastic sights on offer. (More info and bookings)
5. Hunter Valley Vineyards
The largest grape-growing region in New South Wales is best known for its more than 100 wineries, making it an ideal destination for either a day trip from Sydney or a weekend getaway. Located just two hours north of Sydney, the Lower Hunter is most prized for its Semillon and Shiraz varietals while the rugged bushland of the Upper Hunter produces more aromatic wines like Rieslings.
The Upper Hunter is also the largest horse-breeding region in Australia. The entire region is dotted with small towns filled with tasty eateries, country pubs and shops selling arts and crafts.
Getting to Hunter Valley
- If everyone in your party wants to sample the delicious local produce, you’re probably best off taking a guided tour that takes you around the vineyards. (More info and bookings)
4. Newcastle
The second largest city in New South Wales, Newcastle has come a long way since its coal industry beginnings. Newcastle’s transformation began when the steel mills closed in the late 1990s and the city’s surf culture came to the fore. With its gentrified harbor and beautiful beaches, it’s no surprise that most activities in Newcastle center on the water.
A trek along a narrow longshore drift to the landmark Nobby’s Lighthouse offers expansive views of the sea. The city is also home to the Mereweather Baths, advertised as the largest ocean-water swimming pools in the Southern Hemisphere.
Getting to Newcastle
- From Central Station, it generally takes just under two and a half hours to get from Sydney to Newcastle.
3. Jenolan Caves
© Martin Helgemeir / DreamstimeSituated in the Blue Mountains National Park west of Sydney, the Jenolan Caves are considered the oldest system of caves on the planet. Ten of the more than 300 caves in the region are open to the public year round. The underground limestone structures feature an amazing array of stalactites, stalagmites, pools and rivers.
Tours are available for explorations into the most popular caves. They range from one-hour treks that offer peeks into the most popular caves to all-day adventures that include squeezing through narrow passageways and rappelling into the depths.
Getting to Jenolan Caves
- Many people combine the Blue Mountains National Park and the Jenolan Caves into one day trip; if you’re pressed for time, you might be better off taking a guided tour. (More info and bookings)
2. Port Stephens
With a bay that’s twice as big as Sydney Harbour, Port Stephens is a popular destination for active pursuits, from fishing, kayaking and surfing to long walks along the shore and hikes on the sea cliffs. Used a backdrop for scenes in the 1979 movie “Mad Max,” the massive Stockton Sand Dunes on the south side of the peninsula are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
The dunes are a favorite spot for horseback riding and 4×4 racing. Whale watching cruises leave from Nelson Bay and are well worth it in the seasons that humpbacks pass by (May to November). Local dolphins and penguins can also be seen on these trips.
Getting to Port Stephens
- If you’re looking for an action-packed time in Port Stephens, you may want to consider taking a guided tour that not only takes you dolphin watching but sandboarding too. The day culminates with a fantastic 4WD tour, where you get to see Tasmanian Devils, koalas, kangaroos, and more amongst the Stockton Bright Sand Dunes. (More info and bookings)
1. Blue Mountains National Park
A two-hour drive west of Sydney lands visitors in the midst of the Blue Mountains National Park, named after the blue haze of water, dust and eucalyptus oil droplets that perpetually lingers in the air. Steep sandstone cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and expansive forests provide grand, sweeping vistas of great natural beauty.
One of the best places to enjoy the view is at the lookout at Echo Point in Katoomba, the largest of the four main towns in the national park. The town of Wentworth Falls offers access to one of Australia’s most celebrated walks, the National Pass, which leads adventurous travelers in a near-vertical descent to the valley below.
Getting to Blue Mountains National Park
- From Sydney, it is very easy to visit the breathtaking Blue Mountains National Park by public transport. Just hop on the Blue Mountains Train line at Central Station; this will take you all the way to Glenbrook in just an hour.
- A great way to see as much of the beautiful Blue Mountains as possible is to take a guided tour around the national park. You’ll visit the mountain towns of Leura and Katoomba, enjoy spectacular views of Megalong Valley, and see native animals such as kangaroos and koalas up close. (More info and bookings)
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