Best Day Trips from Sydney: Top 10 Destinations You Can’t Miss
Looking to escape the city buzz without straying too far from home? There’s no shortage of spectacular day trips from Sydney. From sun-drenched coastlines to rolling wine country and charming mountain villages, New South Wales offers a dazzling variety of destinations.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked the 10 best day trips from Sydney that promise fresh air, unforgettable scenery, and a dose of discovery, all without the need for an overnight stay.
10 Best Day Trips from Sydney in 2025
Whether you’re a local craving a weekend adventure or a visitor looking to explore beyond the Harbour City, check out these day trips from Sydney, Australia that are easy to plan and seriously rewarding.
1. Blue Mountains
How far: Drive about 1 hour 30 minutes (≈128 km) west via the M4 motorway
Vibe: Mist-laden cliffs, waterfall walks, and cosy village cafés
If you need a quick escape from the city, the Blue Mountains delivers—fast. In just over an hour, you’ll swap traffic for towering gums and cool mountain air. Start your day at Echo Point for sweeping views of the Three Sisters, then hop on Scenic World’s glass-roofed Cableway or take the world-steepest Railway down into the rainforest.
The walkways below are easy, peaceful, and packed with native flora. Afterward, warm up in Leura with a flat white from a local café or take a drive through Megalong Valley, where boutique cider makers offer tastings in paddock-lined sheds.
2. Hunter Valley
How far: Roughly two hours north (≈165 km) on the M1
Vibe: Rolling vineyards, long lunches and cheeseboards for days
Sydney’s go-to wine region is closer than you think, and more than just cellar doors. Start in Pokolbin with a guided tasting at one of the region’s long-running vineyards like Tulloch Wines, where kids and non-drinkers are catered for too (hello, kombucha flights).
From late spring through January, don’t miss the Christmas Lights Spectacular at the Hunter Valley Gardens—a seriously dazzling display that lights up the vines. Need a break from grapes? Hand-feed kangaroos at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park or saddle up for a horseback tour through the vines before the easy roll back to Sydney.
3. Royal National Park
How far: About 1 hour south (≈36 km) by car or a Cronulla-to-Bundeena ferry combo
Vibe: Rugged headlands, secret beaches and that Instagram-famous Figure Eight Pool
The Royal is one of the oldest national parks in the world, and it’s practically on Sydney’s doorstep. Jump off the Cronulla ferry at Bundeena or drive to Wattamolla and hike a clifftop slice of the 26-kilometre Coast Track, where humpbacks breach offshore from May to October.
The Figure Eight Pools are a popular stop, but timing is key. They’re only safe to visit at low tide and when the surf’s calm. Wrap up with crunchy fish-and-chips on Stanwell Park Beach as the sunset turns the sandstone gold.
4. Port Stephens
How far: Around 2 hours 25 minutes north (≈216 km) via the Pacific Highway
Vibe: Boat-hopping with bottlenose dolphins and sand-boarding down Sahara-sized dunes
Leave before breakfast and you’ll be boarding a dolphin cruise at Nelson Bay by mid-morning. Resident bottlenose pods splash year-round, and from May to November migrating humpbacks join the show on the so-called “Humpback Highway”.
After lunch, take a 4WD shuttle out onto the Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest moving dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Sand-boarding is a must. The region’s just been named Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year for 2025, so expect buzzy cafés and freshly shucked oysters before the sunset run home.
5. Southern Highlands
How far: Around 1 hour 20 minutes south-west to Bowral (≈118 km) on the Hume Motorway
Vibe: Country pubs, cool-climate cellar doors and garden-fringed waterfalls
Point the car south-west and, a little over an hour later, you’re sipping lattes on Bowral’s Bong Bong Street—home to some of the Highlands’ best brunch cafés. Browse vintage treasures at Dirty Janes, then make your way to Berrima for a country pub lunch or a classic meat pie.
The town’s heritage-listed buildings give it a real storybook feel. Before heading back, stop at Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park. It’s an easy walk to the lookout, and the 81-metre drop into the forest below is a stunner, especially after rain.
6. Jervis Bay
How far: Drive roughly 2 h 45 min (≈198 km) south via the Princes Hwy
Vibe: Gleaming white-sand beaches, dolphin cruises, and slow-paced coastal hamlets
For a hit of tropical-looking water without leaving NSW, point the car south and roll into Jervis Bay before lunch. Jump aboard a dolphin-watching cruise—local bottlenose pods play in the marine park year-round.
Back on land, wander Hyams Beach, long famous (if a little cheekily) for having the whitest sand on Earth. Booderee and Jervis Bay National Parks frame the bay with bushwalks and picnic spots, while Huskisson’s cafés supply energy for the sunset drive home.
7. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
How far: About 40 min (≈30 km) north on the M1/Pacific Mwy
Vibe: Waterway lookouts, Aboriginal rock art, and bush-fringed picnic lawns
The Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Sydney’s second-oldest national park, feels worlds away yet starts just 25 km from the CBD. Thread past sandstone bluffs to West Head Lookout, where Pittwater meets the Hawkesbury and eagles ride the thermals.
Short detours reveal rock engravings on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk and the America Bay track, powerful reminders of a culture tens of thousands of years deep. If you’re feeling active, rent a kayak and explore hidden coves and quiet creeks.
8. Kiama & the Grand Pacific Drive
How far: Around 2 h (≈120 km) south along the Grand Pacific Drive
Vibe: Cliff-hugging highway, blowholes, and beach-town gelato
The Grand Pacific Drive deserves its “coastal classic” tag: one minute you’re skimming rainforest in the Royal National Park, the next you’re gliding over the 665-metre Sea Cliff Bridge, seemingly floating above the Pacific.
Continue to Kiama, whose blowhole can rocket spray 25 metres sky-high when the swell sets up just right. Grab gelato on Terralong Street, stroll the surf beach, then drift back via vineyard-dotted Gerringong—still home in time for a late dinner.
9. Palm Beach & Pittwater
How far: Around 1 h 20 min (≈41 km) north via Barrenjoey Rd
Vibe: Peninsula panoramas, lighthouse walks, and ferry-hopping on calm waterways
Sydney’s northern tip feels like a mini-holiday island. Park at Governor Philip Park and tackle the short, steep track to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for 360-degree views over Pittwater and the Pacific.
Back at sea level, hire a paddleboard or jump the little ferry across Pittwater to Ettalong or Patonga for fish tacos on the wharf. With cafés lining the village strip and gold-sand stretches on both sides of the isthmus, it’s a breezy, low-mileage escape that still feels like you’ve left town.
10. Kangaroo Valley
How far: Roughly 2 h 15 min (≈156 km) south-west via the M31 & Moss Vale Rd
Vibe: Heritage bridges, tranquil kayaking, and rolling dairy country
Wind through the Southern Highlands to Kangaroo Valley. It’s one of NSW’s prettiest valleys, framed by rainforest and old dairies. First stop is Hampden Bridge, an 1898 sandstone suspension span that looks lifted from a fairytale.
Hire a kayak for an easy downstream paddle past rock walls and wombats on the Kangaroo River, then detour to Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park for a curtain of water plunging 81 metres into the gorge. A bakery pie or craft-beer paddle in the tiny village fuels the relaxed glide back to Sydney.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Day Trip
A great day out comes down to a bit of prep and a few smart choices. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the bush, or the vineyards, here are some tips to help you make the most of your Sydney day trip:
Leave Early (Seriously)
Sydney day trips are popular, especially on weekends and public holidays. Leaving early helps you beat the traffic, snag parking in popular spots, and enjoy a quieter start before the crowds arrive. Plus, you’ll have more time to explore and relax.
Check Conditions Before You Go
If you’re heading into a national park, the coast, or anywhere remote, always check the local weather, park alerts, and tide times. For places like the Figure Eight Pools or Fitzroy Falls, conditions can change quickly and affect accessibility or safety. NSW National Parks and Live Traffic NSW are great resources.
Pack Smart
Bring layers, even in summer—mornings in the Highlands or Mountains can be chilly. Essentials like sunscreen, hats, water bottles, snacks, and power banks can go a long way. If you’re planning a hike or bushwalk, good walking shoes and a map or offline GPS never go astray.
Stay Powered on the Go
Few things derail an outing faster than a flat battery. Whether you’re relying on your phone for navigation and music, snapping photos nonstop with your camera, or carrying a mini fridge full of beach snacks, a standard car charger just won’t cut it. That’s where a compact portable power station comes in handy, keeping everything charged and running at your picnic table.
A solid pick is the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station. It’s small enough to toss in your boot but packs a punch with 286Wh of capacity and 600W of continuous output (up to 1200W with X-Boost). That’s enough to run multiple small devices at once, easily lasting you through the day.
The unit recharges from the wall in about an hour, plays well with solar panels, and operates quietly at under 30 dB. Plus, it runs on tough LiFePO4 batteries rated for over 3,000 charge cycles, so it’s built to last.
Travelling long distances or planning back-to-back trips? Consider upgrading to EcoFlow’s smart dual battery system, which combines a portable power station with an alternator charger to top it up on the go.
When driving, you can opt for the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus + 500W Alternator Charger. Compared to the traditional system, it can charge a 1 kWh battery using the surplus alternator current in approximately 2.1 hours, which is roughly five times faster than a traditional car socket. Thanks to its intelligent and efficient fast - charging feature, you can keep your battery charged regardless of how long you're on the road.
EcoFlow 500W Alternator Charger
Alternatively, you can choose the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max + 800W Alternator Charger. It charges even faster, taking only 1.3 hours to fully charge a 1 kWh battery, around eight times quicker than a traditional car socket. This ensures an ample power supply during your journey.
Even better, the alternator charger also acts as a battery maintainer and emergency jump-starter, installs with three simple connections, and works with most SUVs, utes and campervans.
Book Ahead Where You Can
Popular cellar doors, tours, and restaurants often book out, especially in places like the Hunter Valley or Jervis Bay. Lock in key activities ahead of time to avoid disappointment and long waits.
Don’t Cram Too Much in and Stay Flexible
It’s tempting to tick off every spot, but part of a good day trip is actually enjoying it. Prioritise 2–3 main things to do or see and leave space for unplanned moments. Traffic, weather, or crowds can all shift your plans. Having a backup activity or alternate route makes the day feel less stressful.
Conclusion
With so many incredible day trips from Sydney at your fingertips, there’s no excuse to stay cooped up in the city. Whether it’s wandering through heritage towns, tasting your way through Hunter Valley vineyards, or hiking the trails of the Blue Mountains, each of these day trips brings something unique to the table. Just remember to plan ahead, check travel conditions, and make the most of your time out of town.
FAQs
Where can I go in NSW 2 hours from Sydney?
Within two hours of Sydney, you’ll find a great mix of getaways, from the stunning Blue Mountains with its scenic lookouts and bushwalks, to the Hunter Valley’s renowned wineries and gourmet experiences. Coastal lovers can head south to Wollongong or Kiama for beaches and the famous blowhole, while the Central Coast offers relaxed seaside towns, national parks, and family-friendly spots.
What is the best road trip from Sydney?
One of the most scenic road trips from Sydney is the Grand Pacific Drive. This coastal route takes you through the Royal National Park, over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, and past charming towns like Kiama and Wollongong, offering stunning ocean views and lush landscapes.
Can you do a day trip to the Blue Mountains from Sydney?
Yes! The Blue Mountains are about a 90-minute drive or a two-hour train ride from Sydney, making it perfect for a day trip. You can explore highlights like the Three Sisters at Echo Point, ride the Scenic Railway at Scenic World, hike to Wentworth Falls, and enjoy the charming town of Leura. It’s a refreshing escape into nature.
What is the most beautiful part of Sydney?
Sydney boasts many beautiful spots, but Sydney Harbour stands out with its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge. For panoramic views, consider climbing the Harbour Bridge or visiting the Royal Botanic Garden. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk offers stunning seaside vistas, and Fairy Bower in Manly provides a picturesque, Mediterranean-like setting.