Located in the Southeast part of Australia along the coast of the Tasman Sea is the city of Sydney. Captivating beaches and scenic views of the city have been fascinating to tourists for a long time. The city consists of world-class heritage sites like the Sydney opera house and the harbor bridge. People living in Sydney are extremely lucky. A city that is known on an international level for its art, culture, fashion, architecture, and entertainment. But what happens when you want to escape city life a little bit? Take a break from it and do it on a day trip. Following the same routine, the same crowd, it all starts to get overwhelming. That is why we have created a list of places that are a short drive from your place. Beaches, mountains, wildlife, national parks, adrenaline-filled activities, and whatnot. So, check out this personally curated list made for you.
Avalon beach:
If you have been leaving in Sydney for some time, then you must have heard about the Northern Beaches. Most are not aware of Avalon beach and they skip straight to popular destinations. The peace you feel on arriving at the beach, seeing the ocean surrounded by golden sand is unmatchable. Lie down on the sand, and enjoy the warmth of the sun with the sound of waves crashing on the beach in the background. This will make a perfect getaway for your next weekend. After that, you can spend some time exploring the art shops and the restaurants in Avalon.
How to reach Avalon:
By car: An hour-long drive to the north of Sydney.
By bus: it takes almost 90 minutes to reach Avalon after changing two buses.
Royal National Park:
A day trip to the south of Sydney will offer you plenty of opportunities. From barbecues, whale-watching, bird watching, hiking, and fishing you get it all. You can even observe the humpback whales from the cliffs during the season (May to November). Depression-era engravings can be seen on the shell middens present in the park. If you like to spend your time with nature, then this is just the place for you.
How to reach Royal National park?
By car: Only an hour’s drive from Sydney
By train: Board the train from Central to Otford and you will be at the park in just over an hour of time.
The Southern Highlands:
The southern highlands are considered to be a food paradise. The rich soil supports a wide range of gourmet products. It is advised to drive by car to explore many attractions of this place. Traveling from the countryside through the rainforest to finally reach the vineyards will be a nice way to end your day trip. The Bradman Museum and international cricket hall of fame are also here which pay tributes to great international cricket players from all around the world. Drive from Bundanoon for 30 minutes to reach the stunning Fitzroy falls.
How to get to Southern Highlands?
By car: A 90- minute drive from Sydney
By bus: Board a Sydney to Bowral and you’ll be here in 1 hour 30 minutes.
Visit a Buddhist Monastery:
The Sunnataram Thai Buddhist monastery located in Bundanoon gives such calming vibes that you might not want to leave the place. Most people go there for a meditation retreat and to bask in the silence of the monastery. If you are not interested in a donation, then we advise you to pay a visit on Sunday from 11 am-4 pm. As a sign of respect towards the monks living there please cover your shoulders, arms, and legs.
How to get to the Monastery?
By car: Almost a 2-hour drive
By public transport: Takes somewhere around 3 hours to reach there after a series of buses and train
The Hunter Valley:
Hunter Valley is an absolute favorite hot spot among foodies. This gorgeous valley is Australia’s oldest grape-growing region. Famous for their artisan foods, the restaurants here serve you mouthwatering dishes. To burn off the extra calories from their food, you can take a hike to the Barrington Tops (a world heritage-listed trail). Explore the timeless architecture of the area from these trails.
How to reach The Hunter Valley:
By car: It takes almost 3 hours to reach here.
By train: A direct train from Sydney to the Hunter valley can be boarded.
Blue Mountain National Park:
This beauty has been recognized by the UNESCO world heritage making it the most popular trip from Sydney. The aromatic fragrance coming from the Eucalyptus leaves is spread throughout the forest. The unique name for this place arises due to the blue haze present over the park. 664,000 acres of wilderness cannot be explored alone. We will advise hiring a guide for an entire day- tour. They know the place best and can take you to all the hot spots as well as to the hidden gems present here.
How to reach Blue Mountain Park:
By car: A 50-minute drive from the city center.
By train: Direct train from the central station to Black heath
Hawkesbury River Cruise:
The Hawkesbury River played a crucial role in Australia’s history. Farmers around the area dot the surrounding area and ensure that the river remains unspoiled by the tourists. Windsor and Richmond are the main towns and offer many tourist attractions. To truly explore the area, hire a boat and take a tour of the waterways. The river is surrounded by four national parks around it, which provide excellent hiking trails.
How to reach the River? :
By car: It takes just over 2- hours to reach the river.
By train: Take a train from Central station to the Hawkesbury river station
Kiama:
Devote some time to wandering around this cute seaside village. Stop at various cafes and taste the popular ice- cream of this region. Your visit to this area cannot be completed until and unless you do not visit the Kiama Blowhole, where the waves reach out from the crevasse in the cliff, forming an extraordinary fountain of seawater. There are various activities like dolphin watching, rock climbing, and kayaking tours.
How to visit Kiama?
By car: Approximately 90- minutes’ drive from Sydney
By train: The journey will begin from Sydney’s Central station heading straight towards the seaside village of Kiama.
Jamberoo:
The chances of not seeing Kangaroos while living in Sydney are pretty slim. But if you are someone newly relocated to Sydney, then take a day trip to Jamberoo. The water park will give you that much-needed break from city life. At the same time, you are also able to spend some fun time with your loved ones. A 30-minute hike to Macquarie Pass Jump Rock brings you to the best swimming spot in the area. But be careful before you dive in.
How to get to Jamberoo?
By car: Almost a 2-hour drive.
By train: After a series of changing buses and trains, it takes about 3-hour to reach there.
Figure 8 Pools:
Though this area is in the Royal National park, it deserves to have a separate section. To reach these naturally cut 8 pool rocks, take a 1-hour hike. This place became extremely popular back in 2016 among the Instagram community. Check the tide and swell times ahead of your arrival. We made the mistake of not doing so and were not allowed to swim.
Wear only hiking boots as the trail is quite hard to walk onto.
How to get to Figure 8 Pools:
By car: A 60-minute drive from Sydney.
By bus: Board the train from Otford, takes 1 hour to arrive.
Glow-Worm Tunnels hike:
This trail is ideal for both adults and children. If you are planning to go on a hike or camping with your family then this is the place for you. Walk into a very black tunnel right beside the old railway tracks to see the glowworms. Even the drive to Newnes has an exceptional view. Fancy staying a few days in this town? They offer plenty of free and great camping sites.
How to get to Newnes?
By car: almost 3 hours and 30 minutes’ drive from Sydney.
By public transport: unfortunately, there is no public transport from Sydney.
Kanangra-Boyd National Park:
Although it is a bit of a drive to reach here, be ready to be blown away. We have always seen this kind of view in movies or images. Honestly never thought a place like this could even exist. You are going to be in absolute awe after watching the beauty of this place. Blue Mountains itself is a charming place but this part of the area takes it to a whole new level.
How to get to Kanangra-Boyd National Park? :
By car: almost a 3 hours’ drive
By bus: again, no public transport options from Sydney.
Japanese Hot Baths in NSW:
The Sparadise Japanese Bath House is located in the heart of the Blue Mountains. This used to be a private retreat with just 2 pools. Fast forward many years later, this place has been completely remodeled. Now it has 5 huge pools, new tearooms, a massage room, a Zen garden and it has also started to provide accommodations. Though it has been seeing a lot of customers, it is still considered to be a hidden gem. The best part of this place? You will be sitting in swimming pools that are set at a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and plus. All of this is at a cost of just $85 per person.
How to get to Sparadise? :
By car: almost 150 minutes’ drive from Sydney.
By bus: no public transport options.
Breenhold Gardens:
Would you believe us if we say that you can reach England in just 2 hours? Unfortunately, the technology has not become that well equipped yet. The Breenhold Garden will do that for you. The English vibe and aura of this place will remind you of England. The garden is only open for a few weeks in the entire year during the spring and autumn seasons. If you find the place familiar looking, then it might be because of the fact that a lot of Hollywood movies are shot here. Stop for a while in Bilpin and savor the taste of their baked egg dish.
How to reach Breenhold Gardens:
By car: It takes just over 2 hours to arrive here.
By bus: no public transportation facility from Sydney to Breenhold gardens.
A day trip to Newcastle:
This place has been neglected a lot by the people of Sydney. Newcastle is a true hidden gem located in the north of Sydney. Home to some of the most astonishing-looking beaches, which are not nearly as crowded as the beaches in Sydney. Go for a walk with your partner along the coastal line to the end at Nobby’s beach. With many independent shops on Darby street that have all sorts of vintage clothing and art pieces. Excellent Asian restaurants are present here to provide you with their rich and flavorful dishes.
How to reach Newcastle:
By car: A 120- minutes’ drive from the Sydney city center.
By public transport: Changing multiple trains and then hoping to the recently built tram line to the center of Newcastle. It takes somewhere around 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the town.
We have tried to include as much different variety of options as possible to suit the needs of all kinds of people. To give you a taste of the regional culture and at the same time ensure that you are able to relax and enjoy yourself with your family. Start planning your next adventurous day trip from Sydney with the help of our given options. Please keep in mind all the tips we have provided you to make sure you do not face any kind of problem on your journey. Discover all the new destinations and have a blast on this next day trip.