day trips nsw

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best of Sydney for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy Sydney without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Food & Drink Awards
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Area Guides
• Theatre & Dance
• Music & Nightlife
• Restaurants & Cafes
• Bars & Pubs
• Visitor Guide
• Competitions
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best day trips from Sydney

Venture to one of these countryside, coastal or mountainous locations only a couple of hours away from Sydney

Sydneysiders are a lucky bunch. Jump in the car (or the train) and within just a few hours you can find yourself in some of the most beautiful spots in the state.

But with so many options to choose from, it begs the question: where should you visit first? You're certainly spoilt for choice, so we've cherry-picked a selection of the best day trips from the city – featuring quaint villages, seaside hangouts and mountain escapes.

Around a two-hour drive or a scenic train ride away from the CBD, you'll find yourself rambling through eucalypts and gums, gazing out over gorgeous ocean cliffs, or watching the world go by in a sleepy village café. All these places have two things in common: they're close enough to get you there and back within a day, and they're well worth your time.

While you're on an adventure, check out the power of nature at these  waterfalls  and blowholes in NSW.

Want to make a night of it we've rounded up some of the best caravans and campervans to rent and tiny houses to stay in ..

An email you’ll actually love

The most awesome day trips from Sydney

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

• Attractions
• Parks and gardens

You’ll discover deep-rooted history and picturesque landscapes at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, 50 minutes north of Sydney by car. Feast your eyes on views of Pittwater to the Central Coast from the sandstone viewing area at West Head Lookout. Take a short walk through the bush to find important Indigenous sites on the Aboriginal Heritage walk , which includes viewings of historic rock engravings and handprints made by the Guringai people. The park includes many waterways including Hawkesbury River, Pittwater and Cowan Water, plus numerous creeks and coves to explore. Want to see more? Hire a paddle boat from the Bobbin Inn.

How far? 43km

Get there by car. It’s about 50 minutes’ drive from Sydney CBD.

• Royal National Park

The Royal National Park has endless possibilities for sightseers and explorers eager to connect with nature. Trek the expansive coastal cliffs and walk through eucalyptus bushlands, swim under the waterfalls in Wattamolla, or paddle down Hacking River by hiring a canoe from the Audley Boatshed. You can even catch a glimpse of whales migrating north for the winter from May to November. Cyclists can brave the 10km Loftus Loop Trail and unroll a picnic blanket for lunch at Ironbark Flat or Wattle Forest afterwards.

How far? 36km

Get there by car. It’s about one hour away from Sydney CBD. Or take the train from Central to Otford, which takes just over an hour and costs $7.65 with an Opal card.

Blue Mountains

Take a train to the Blue Mountains and make a day of visiting gobsmacking lookouts like Echo Point and wandering along tracks that boast rich Indigenous history. Trek the scenic loop of the Grand Canyon track near Blackheath to see world heritage listed waterfalls, sandstone walls and native plants. Or soak in the vibrant shades of flora in the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah . Take a peek into the Glow Worm Tunnel in Lithgow where the bioluminescent glow of fungus gnats covers the walls and ceilings. Or relax in at one of the finest day spas in the Blue Mountains  for massages, facials, soak therapies and body wraps.

How far? 79km

Get there by car, it’s about one hour away from Sydney CBD. Or catch the Blue Mountains line train from Central to Katoomba, then the bus from Katoomba to Echo Point for the lookout. It costs around $10 with an Opal Card.

Dedicate a few solid hours to simply wandering around this adorable seaside village, stopping in at cute cafés and the famous Ice Creamery, Kiama (aaaaaaah). A trip here wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Kiama Blowhole , where waves spurt out through a  crevasse  in the cliff, forming a fabulous salty fountain. Play golf at the rural golf course or walk the Kiama Coast Walk for views of lush green cliffs overlooking rocky shores, rivers and private beaches. There are also plenty of surrounding coastal towns connected by cycleways for fitness fanatics to conquer. You can also book magestic activities like dolphin watching cruises, outdoor rock climbing and kayaking tours.

How far? 130 km

Get there by car, it’s about two hours away from Sydney CBD.

• Things to do

Home to panoramic coastal views, sunny weather and an infamous surf, Palm Beach is the ideal Australian package. Located one hour away from Sydney’s CBD on the Northern Beaches, this hot spot is perfect for a relaxing day trip away from the commotion of the city. Cruise the crystal waters on a boat charter, tee off at the Palm Beach Golf Course, or grab a bite at the Boathouse for lunch after embarking on a Pittwater kayaking tour . The Barrenjoey Lighthouse delivers a bird’s-eye-view of the sandy dunes, 91 metres above sea level. And if you're a die-hard Home and Away fan, you can pretend you're a Summer Bay local, as much of the show's filming was done at Plam Beach and the surf lifesaving club.

How far? 44km

Get there by car. It’s about one hour away from Sydney CBD. Or catch the L90 bus from Wynyard Station for around $5 with an Opal card.

Kangaroo Valley

If you’re looking to escape to the countryside, Kangaroo Valley, located two hours south of Sydney, has got you covered. Go wine tasting at the Yarrawa Estate Winery, where you can sample locally made jams. Entertain the kids by kayaking down Kangaroo River or go horse riding through rainforest and grazing lands . You can admire the Victorian architecture of the Hampden Bridge or the bushland views from Mannings lookout, too. For the DIYers there are also plenty of  hands-on classes in gourmet cooking, gardening, soap-making and the art of high tea.

How far? 156km

Get there by car. It’s about two hours and ten minutes away from Sydney CBD.

Port Stephens

Despite being a two hour drive from Sydney CBD, Port Stephens offers adventure and scenic views that make it worth the time at the wheel. Embark on a camel ride at Oakfield Ranch or dive in for a snorkel with dolphins. Sandboard the largest dunes of Stockton Beach during the day, or do it by sunset for a more romantic picnic setting. For adventurers, the outdoor rock climbing at Port Stephens’ sea cliffs will have you reaching unimaginable heights overlooking the ocean slapping the rocky shore, or you can opt to stretch your legs on the newly completed Tomaree Coastal Walk that is a whole 27 kilometres of stunning views.

How far? 179km

Get there by car, it’s about two hours and 30 minutes away from Sydney CBD.

The Entrance

Less than two hours north of Sydney, you’ll find one of the most charming corners of the Central Coast. Famed for its community of hungry pelicans – there’s a public feeding of the local ‘scoop’ (that’s the collective noun) every day at 3.30pm, which can attract up to 50 hungry birds –  this coastal town sits astride the natural ocean channel that separates the sapphire waters of Tuggerah Lake from the Pacific. A day out here is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors but want to keep one foot planted in civilisation – the town has plenty of caf é s and restaurants you can retreat to when you need a feed or a coffee. There are many super spots for fishing and prawning and multiple places in town where you can hire the necessary equipment if you’re not already kitted out. If you’re a keen cyclist, the 12-km shared trail along the lake will have you spoilt for beautiful views and just north of the Entrance, there are a number of easily manageable bushwalking tracks through Wyrrabalong National Park. During the sunnier months, head to Tuggerah Beach, which boasts more than 8km of golden sands lapped by ocean waves, and if you’re not put off by chillier waters, surf conditions are excellent here all year round.

How far? 110km

Get there by car. It’s about 1.5 hours from Sydney CBD.

This quaint spot is the South Coast getaway for people who live on the South Coast, and being locally adored is always a good sign. It’s basically a two-for-one holiday: the salty sea breeze floating up from Seven Mile Beach to the sprawling green hills makes you feel like you’re in a small country town and a forgotten seaside village in the same breath. There’s incredible baked goods to be found at  Milkwood Bakery and you’ll find unusual bottles of plonk at the almost-too-cool Justin Lill Wines & the Berry Bottleshop . If fancier eats are in order, Queen St Eatery is an elegant little restaurant on Berry’s main drag executing the classics with style. A generous plate of prawns grilled in their shells carry a whisper of aniseed from the Pernod flambe, and the herbal spiciness of a proper Café de Paris butter on a minute steak is balanced by a crunchy nest of wafer-thin fries. If you’re ready to burn some energy, the three-hour return hike to the stunning plateau of the Drawing Room Rocks is always a winner. Looking to stay the night? Plan a long simmer in a balcony bath with sightlines out to the ocean at the stunning Mount Hay Retreat . 

How far? 138km

Get there by car on a two-hour drive that’ll take you past some gorgeous ocean cliffs – stop off at the Kiama Blowhole on the way, or take your pick of other South Coast adventures . 

Step into another time by visiting the historic village of Berrima, established in the 1830s. Widely recognised as the preserved example of a Georgian village on the Australian mainland, Berrima is surrounded by wineries, charming centuries-old architecture, and fancy boutiques. Buy handmade country produce at Mrs Oldbucks Pantry and warm winter knits from the Australian Alpaca Centre. Stop by Eschalot for lunch for a hatted fine-dining experience at a heritage-listed building. Walk by the Berrima River for a platypus sighting, or book yourself a ghost tour at the local courthouse.

How far? 125km

Get there by car. It’s just under two hours away from Sydney CBD.

Lake Macquarie

While you may only know Lake Macquarie for its expansive body of water, this unassuming region sandwiched between Sydney and Newcastle has a lot to offer city folk looking to slow down and get back to nature. If you want to go there and back again in a day, Bilbo Baggins-style, then we must recommend a trail  ride with  AAA Horse Riding & More . You'll be trotting and cantering under palm tree canopies, along lush fern pathways and through skinny gums stretching skyward at the foothills of  the Watagan Mountains. Afterwards, become a salty skipper while you cruise around the region's namesake lake on a private runabout boat with  Jetbuzz Watersports .

How far? 127km 

Get there by car in just under two hours, driving through the bushlands of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Stanwell Park

Situated on the northern tip of Wollongong, Stanwell Park is where Australian aeronautical pioneer Lawrence Hargrave first flew in his box kite in 1894. Since then, Bald Hill lookout has been the spot for hang gliding and paragliding, as well as a good place to enjoy an alfresco lunch. You can also hike the 6.5km walking track of Wodi Wodi or hand feed kangaroos at Symbio Wildlife Park . If all else fails, slap on some sunscreen and head to the beach for a splash.

How far? 64km

Get there by car. It’s about one hour, 15 minutes from Sydney CBD. Or take the train from Central to Otford, which takes around one hour and costs about $6 with an Opal card. The walk from Otford Station to Stanwell Tops takes 22 minutes.

Mermaid Pools

• Southern Highlands

Trek through the bush, swim in rivers and chase waterfalls around Mermaid Pools near Tahmoor Gorge. You’ll encounter steep steps and rocky platforms as you venture to the water, but the views are well worth it. While the Mermaid Pools themselves are not the safest to swim in, the many swimming holes you’ll encounter on the trek are ideal for a splash. The See Through Pools are the perfect pit-stop for a swim, allowing you to view hidden rock formations underwater.

How far? 100km

Get there by car, it’s about 1.5 hours from Sydney CBD.

[image] [title]

More on getaways

Discover Time Out original video

• Acknowledgement of Country
• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Reviews policy
• Competition terms
• About the site
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Report an error
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

The 9 Best Day Trips from Sydney (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: January 4, 2024

From roaming through the wilderness of the Blue Mountains or the Royal National Park to tasting world-class wines in the Hunter Valley and relaxing in Palm Beach, these are the best day trips from Sydney.

If you are lucky enough to have already visited Sydney before and are out of new ideas on what to see and do – don’t stress, because I’m here to help!

Even though Sydney is an epicentre of culture, there is also an abundance of interesting sights and things to do outside of Sydney too.

Table of Contents

What To Do In The Blue Mountains

What to do in wollongong and kiama, what to do in newcastle, what to do in the hunter valley, what to do in the southern highlands, 6) royal national park, 7) ku ring gai chase national park, 8) port stephens, 9) palm beach, the best day trips from sydney.

After you’ve seen all the Sydney highlights, including the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, the National Portrait Gallery, and Sydney Opera House, it’s time to get out and explore the surrounding areas.

Here is my list of the best day trips from Sydney, most of which are easily accessible by public transport. Many of these could be weekend trips as well if you have time.

While on your epic Australian journey, make sure you get out of the city and check out these amazing spots too.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

1) The Blue Mountains National Park

I think it is only fair to start the list with the Blue Mountains, one of Sydney’s most iconic and picturesque locations.

The intense blue colour of the mountains is due to the native eucalyptus trees dispersing their oil in the atmosphere.

Droplets of oil mixed with water vapour scatter long rays of light, which are predominantly blue in colour.

READ MORE: Check out our detailed guide on the  best things to do in the Blue Mountains .

A World Heritage site, Blue Mountains National Park is located 130 km South West of Sydney. It takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to reach the mountains from the Sydney CBD, depending upon whether you are driving or using public transport.

If using public transport from the city, take a train ride from Central Station to Katoomba. From Katoomba, you can either walk to some of the great attractions or take a hop-on hop-off bus to Echo Point, a great launching point for adventures.

Famous for its dramatic scenery, stunning mountains, beautiful valleys, towering waterfalls, rock formations, art galleries, Aboriginal art centres, and eucalyptus forests, there is a huge array of amazing things to see and do in the area. It is easy to see why it is a World Heritage site!

The Three Sisters , Echo Point, Scenic World  (offering rides on the railway, skyway, and cable car) & Wentworth Falls are the major attractions, and they will all fill up your time in the area quickly.

There are also quite a few single-day & multi-day hikes in the area which can help extend your time up there. If you’re not a big hiker, consider strolling through the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden.

And if you love local festivals, this is the place to be, with the Blue Mountains Music Festival happening in March, The Winter Magic Festival in June, the fun ‘Christmas in July’ event, and the Leura Garden Festival in October.

Speaking of Leura, this nearby village is a good detour about one hour drive on your way out of Sydney.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the months of July and August, you will even get the chance to witness stunning cherry blooms.

Though the Blue Mountains is a year-round day trip destination, summers can get really hot and winters can get real cold (sometimes even snow!). So having appropriate gear is very important (and a lot of sunscreen!).

If you’re looking to book a day tour including transport from Sydney, lunch and all the best activities to do, the best one available is on Get Your Guide .

2) Wollongong & Kiama

Just an hour’s drive south of Sydney lies the beautiful coastal suburb of Wollongong . And a bit further south from there is Kiama .

If you haven’t already added these spots to your list of day trips from Sydney, add it now!

You can easily travel to Wollongong via public transport. But since the ‘ Grand Pacific Drive ‘ is one of the ‘must-dos’ of Sydney, driving would be a better option.

We recommend renting a car from Rental Cars , the largest and most affordable platform on the net.

While driving along the route, make sure to stop at the Sea Cliff Bridge to get a panoramic view of the bridge and the coastline. Bald Hill is another amazing lookout spot on the route.

Don’t worry, there will be no difficulty in spotting this as you will see many cars parked along it. The only problem will be to find a parking spot!

Not comfortable with driving? No worries – you can book a Grand Pacific Drive day trip from Sydney here .

READ MORE: We’ve just published a complete  travel guide to Australia ! Don’t miss it.

Port Kembla beach makes a fantastic day trip, only 10km from Wollongong and one of the most stunning beaches in the region.

If surfing is your thing you’ll be in heaven. Wollongong is home to many surf schools, offering everything from one-hour lessons to four-week intensive classes.

If you are interested in Chinese culture & Buddhism, Nan Tien temple is another interesting stop. You can take the bus from the Unanderra Station, and conveniently enough the bus stops just outside the temple.

Into cycling? The bike trail from Wollongong to Thirroul is another attraction.

The most exciting out of all for me was the Tandem Sky Diving , where I had my very first (and only) skydiving experience.

It is such an incredible sight to behold the coastal line from above and I highly recommend it.

About 30km south of Wollongong lies Kiama ,  a real gem on the south coast of New South Wales.

The main attraction of Kiama is the natural blowhole which keeps blowing high depending upon the tides. Also, there is a lighthouse located just a short walk away.

Kiama is quite a busy area – the beautiful beaches and the coastal walk are the reason why.

With plenty of food options along the coast, Kiama is an ideal place for a perfect afternoon on the beach.

If you’re planning on making Kiama a day trip from Sydney, we recommend driving though so you can get out to the best spots and back in time for dinner.

Hanging out in Sydney longer? Check out our to have the perfect 3-5 day itinerary here !

3) Newcastle

Newcastle is located across the Hawkesbury River about two hours north of Sydney and 100 km from Central Coast.

There are regular trains departing from Sydney, or you can drive north as well. Both will take approximately 2:30 – 3 hours and make for a long day trip.

If you are driving and want to explore some beautiful beaches, stop by Pearl Beach near Gosford on the way up. There is a nice walking track that makes for a good place to stretch the legs while driving up to Newcastle.

If you decide to drive, The Entrance is a nice pit stop along the way where you’ll find you can have a cup of coffee or brunch at the wharf.

Newcastle is famous for its beers, beaches & food scene, so make sure you set some time aside to hit up places like Merriweather Beach and try some fish and chips!

Blackbutt Reserve is a nature park that has a lot of wildlife and a few picnic areas. A great spot to hit in case the waves are too rough at the beach.

There is no entry fee, and you get to see peacocks & kangaroos roaming freely.

Fort Scratchley  boasts over one hundred years of history of protecting the land from invading naval vessels and is also a great spot for whale watching during winters. There is no entry fee and the guided tour is only $12.50!

Merriweather Ocean Baths are popular sea baths/swimming pools, where locals and tourists enjoy their summer (similar to Bondi Iceberg Pool).

Bogey Hole is a rock pool and another brilliant spot for swimming. The view of the Newcastle coastal line from here is spectacular.   

Nobby’s Light House and Newcastle Memorial walk are other interesting things to do.

4) Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley is a bit of a long day trip as it’s 4 hours north of Sydney past Central Coast and Newcastle. But it’s a great destination for all wine aficionados.

The region is the most proclaimed wine region in NSW and showcases dozens of different vineyards.

This is an ideal opportunity to learn about winemaking, the impact of the Australian weather and soil on the winemaking process, and of course to taste world-class wines!

If you don’t know much about wines, the best way to pick and choose a bottle for yourself is to consult the information centre or ask the experts in the cellar doors.

There are other things to see/do in the Hunter region in addition to wine tasting, such as biking through the vineyards, enjoying a romantic stay in one of the boutique vineyards, etc.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris over the wineries is another amazing activity that you don’t want to miss.

Hunter Valley Gardens situated in the heart of the region are a beautiful and serene spot to visit. You will feel like you are in a whole new world compared to the city life you left behind.

5) The Southern Highlands

If you want to relax and enjoy some of the best countryside in NSW, drive south down to the Southern Highlands, located just 2 hours south of Sydney.

This region is for those who would love to see rolling mountains, countryside living, charming village markets, and beautiful wineries.

You’ll find the Southern Highlands is also famous for the beautiful spring colours, and a visit during the month of April will take your breath away!

Day trips to Bowral will bring you to the birthplace of Don Bradman, the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen.

Here you can visit the Bradman Museum and the International Cricket Hall of Fame. Learn all about Bradman’s milestones in his private life as well as in the world of cricket.

Also worth mentioning is that Bowral hosts the Tulip Time Festival in the month of September at Corbett Gardens.

Berrima   has a Court House, Heritage Walk, Harper’s Mansion (Gregorian Style mansion), Art Galleries and lots of food shopping centres to keep you engaged.

Also to be found is one of the oldest licensed pubs in Australia, the Surveyor General Inn.

Fitzroy Falls & Mittagong   (famous for its stunning wineries and countryside living) are two other places worth paying a visit.

Kangaroo Valley is another great stop in the Southern Highlands about two hours along the south coast from Sydney. It’s wedged between Bowral and Kiama.

A most notable reason to visit Kangaroo Valley is that it is a jumping-off point to explore Fitzroy Falls.

Also when you’re in Kangaroo Valley be sure to walk over the Hampden Bridge Victorian-era suspension bridge over the Kangaroo River.

If you have the time, continue exploring further south into Morton National Park for more hiking trails and wildlife.

Royal National Park is perhaps the most famous national park in all of Australia. It is the oldest national park in Australia and the second oldest in the world behind Yellowstone National Park in the US.

The park is full of stunning coastal scenery and home to many great walks, including the epic Royal Coast Track.

Some other highlights of Royal National Park include Wedding Cake Rock, Wattamolla Beach, Marley Beach, Garie Beach, Jibbon Point, and Eagle Rock. Keep an eye peeled for several places where you can view Aboriginal rock carvings indicating the historical and cultural importance of this park.

You can reach the Royal National Park by public transportation from Central Station as it is only around a 45-minute ride. Of course, if you have your own vehicle this is an easy day trip to make.

READ MORE: Love to hike? Check out our guide to all of the great Royal National Park walks !

Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park is located just over an hour north of Sydney in the Northern Beaches region along the Hawkesbury River. As the second oldest national park in Australia, Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park hosts a variety of wildlife and history.

Whether you want to explore the coastland, rainforest or bush Ku Ring Gai Chase offers it all. The West Head lookout is one of the more popular vistas within the national park.

Where cultural sites such as ancient Aboriginal rock art meet European exploration, the national park gives you the chance to hike, picnic, and explore trails that run through the tributaries and along the Hawkesbury River.

With Royal National Park being the oldest, closest and most popular national park for day trips from Sydney, Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park is the second oldest national park and is well worth your time.

Another nearby option for hiking and exploring the wilderness is Brisbane Water National Park, also on the Hawkesbury River. So for more Sydney day trip ideas, this national park is just in between Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park and Newcastle on the Central Coast. It’s also near the lovely Pearl Beach is you fancy a swim in the ocean.

Port Stephens is another great day trip just over two hours from Sydney to the north. A hot destination among Aussie travellers, Port Stephens offers enough to attract visitors from all over the world.

With many epic beaches , a handful of gorgeous bays and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, Port Stephens is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Stockton sand dunes are a unique attraction to the area. Here you can quad bike through the sand dunes, try sandboarding down the slopes or even ride a camel through the sand.

Port Stephens is also recognized as the dolphin capital of Australia as you are all but guaranteed to see them when you visit. The waters around the area make up Great Lakes Marine Park, so there is lots of marine life. Take a dolphin tour to see marine life up close!

If you really want to see some wildlife, koalas are abundant in the area if you can spot them. And you can also spot humpback whales between May to October.

Or hedge your bets and check out dingos, wombats, snakes, koalas, and other native Australian animals at the Oakvale Wildlife Park.

READ MORE: Stay a few extra days in Port Stephens with this itinerary !

Palm Beach is one of the easiest Sydney day trips ideas, as it is just under an hour north of the city on the coastal side of Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park.

Known by locals as “Palmy,” Palm Beach is one of the wealthiest suburbs in Australia and part of the northern beaches region of Sydney.

The most popular attraction at Palm Beach is the Barrenjoey Lighthouse at the end of the narrow peninsula.

If you climb to the top of the Barrenjoey Lighthouse you can look out over Palm Beach and Ku Rung Gai Chase National Park at the famous West Head beach and rock formations or stare off over the seemingly never-ending Tasman Sea.

But gold sandy beaches and crystal clear water of Palm Beach also attract visitors looking for a beautiful getaway from the city. Dine at some fantastic restaurants and sip your favorite cocktails on the beach.

If you’re interested in hiking there are some great walks around Palm Beach.

There is also great paddleboarding and kayaking around Palm Beach as it is surrounded by plenty of salt water and sunshine!

That’s it for our list of the best day trips from Sydney! What would you add? Let us know in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Rohini Nair

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

Getting Around Magnetic Island – ‘How to’ Transportation Guide

The Ultimate GUIDE to the Best MAGNETIC ISLAND BEACHES and Bays

The Perfect Magnetic Island Day Trip Itinerary [2024 GUIDE]

Related Posts

20 epic things to do in busselton (2024 guide), the ultimate guide to backpacking in sydney (2024 edition), the 10 best things to do in uluru [2024 guide], 12 incredible things to do in hervey bay, australia (2024 guide), 3 thoughts on “the 9 best day trips from sydney (2024 guide)”.

These are absolutely stunning places! I have yet to really explore Wollongong and Kiama but I’m looking forward to it now after reading this article. Awesome read!

Thank you. Glad you liked the article. 🙂

Hi, Nice blog. Thanks for sharing. Sydney is a nice place for the holiday.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Top 5 easy day trips from Sydney

Oct 7, 2023 • 7 min read

Hiking to Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains National Park © Olga Kashubin / Getty Images

Sure, Sydney has enough going on to make even the most hardened traveler consider selling up and sticking down roots here, but step out a little further and you’ll soon discover that this entire region of Australia brims with breathtaking natural beauty, Aboriginal and colonial history and plenty of domestic critters to spot. 

The Blue Mountains draw walkers for their epic bush-clad vistas and hidden valleys with prehistoric forests. You'll find the Hawkesbury River region and Sydney's south Royal National Park both offer spectacular walking with water views. The Central Coast stretches north with uncrowded surf beaches and inlets rich with sea birds. And the Hunter Valley is blessed with leafy country roads dotted with producers of fine wine, chocolates and cheese. 

These are the best day trips from Sydney.

Hike rainforests and waterfalls in the Blue Mountains

Travel time: 1.5-2 hours by car, 2 hours by train

The cool haze that gives the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains their name comes from a fine mist of oil exuded by huge eucalyptuses. There are eight connected conservation areas here rising to 1100m (3609ft), with lush rainforests and epic waterfalls that can be explored on well-marked hikes (of varying lengths). 

You’ll also have the opportunity to gain insights into the mountains' importance to their traditional Aboriginal custodians by taking a guided tour. These are the homelands of six Aboriginal groups: the Darug, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri, Wanaruah, Darkinjung and Tharawal. You’ll see one of the best showcases of Aboriginal rock art in the region at Red Hand Caves near Glenbook. 

Trees form a dense canopy across a landscape of deep, and sometimes inaccessible, valleys and chiseled sandstone outcrops. In fact, some valleys are so hard to reach, a species of tree once considered extinct, the Wollemi pine, was rediscovered in a valley here in 1994. 

The three most popular walking areas for day trippers are the Jamison Valley, south of Katoomba , the Grose Valley, north of Blackheath, and the Wentworth Falls area. Some top choices include the Giant Stairway and the Grand Canyon Walk. Do take note: these ravines can be surprisingly cool throughout the year, so bring a warm layer.

How to get to the Blue Mountains from Sydney: Hourly trains to Katoomba take two hours from Sydney's Central Station. You can then walk from here, or catch the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus to tour the region, with options ranging from one-hour tours to all-day hop-on-hop-off tickets to see it all.

Get hiking, canoeing and photographing Royal National Park 

Travel time: 1 hour by car, two hours via train and ferry

To Sydney's south, the  Royal National Park  protects 15,091 hectares (3,7290 acres) over a 32km (20 miles) stretch of beautiful coast. It is also one of the world's oldest national parks – declared in 1879. As well as secluded beaches, sea cliffs, heathlands and forest, the park protects a cornucopia of Australian animals including wallabies, lyrebirds and raucous flocks of yellow-tailed black cockatoos. 

Audley, at the junction of Kangaroo Creek and the Hacking River, is home to the main visitors center and is the perfect place to pick up park maps, have a picnic or hire a canoe to get out on the river. There are a number of walks to tackle in the park including the fabulous 26km (16 miles) Coast Track, but unless you’re Usain Bolt, you will only have time to complete one of the shorter marked trails during a day trip.

The park is also home to the Insta-famous Figure Eight Pools , a series of figure of eight-shaped tidal pools near Burning Palms Beach. Visible only at low tide, it’s a two-hour hike to the rock shelf so try to arrive in the morning and only visit when it’s safe to do so – freak waves can (and do!) wipe out visitors. Check the National Park website for details.

How to get to the Royal National Park from Sydney: The easiest way to visit is by car ($12 per vehicle per day). For public transport take the train to Cronulla (45-60 minutes) Sydney's Central Station, where Cronulla Ferries travel hourly to Bundeena (45 mins). 

See Aboriginal rock art and birdlife in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Travel time: 1 hour by car, 2 hours by bus

The majestic Hawkesbury River flows to the ocean past honeycomb-colored cliffs, historic townships and into quiet bays and inlets. It passes through a series of national parks, including the spectacular Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park . Declared in 1894, its name comes from its original inhabitants, the Guringai people. Remnants of pre-colonial Aboriginal life are visible today thanks to the preservation of more than 800 sites, including rock paintings, middens and cave art.

For information about Ku-ring-gai and walks in the area stop by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service information center at Bobbin Head  (accessible by car). There’s also a marina, picnic areas, a cafe and a boardwalk leading through mangroves here.

Further inland, t​he riverside hamlet of Wisemans Ferry (yes that’s the town’s name) spills over a bow of the Hawkesbury River. It’s another perfect spot to access the Hawkesbury, and its natural environs rich with bird life like kookaburras and sea eagles.

The surrounding area retains remnants of the convict-built Great North Road, originally constructed to link Sydney with the Hunter Valley and now part of UNESCO's Australian Convict Sites World Heritage listing . As well as walks, consider booking a boat tour or hire a kayak and get out on the river. Even better if you have the time, do as Sydney locals love to do and stay longer on a houseboat.

How to get to Hawkesbury River from Sydney:  Take the train from Central Station to Hawkesbury River Station and explore the river by boat. Buses also run from central Sydney’s Wynyard to Mona Vale and then on to ​​Church Point where you can get a ferry across to the park. The journey there takes approximately 1-2 hours.

Discover secret beaches and forests along the Central Coast

Travel time: a full-day return driving tour

The Central Coast runs between Sydney and Newcastle and includes some gorgeous beaches, swathes of national park and a series of inlets and saltwater lagoons. Closer to Sydney, the southern end of the Central Coast near Ettalong can be accessed by ferry from Sydney's Palm Beach. On the north side of the mouth of the Hawkesbury are the enticing Killcare Beach, Pearl Beach and Bouddi National Park . 

Beyond this, you’ll need a car and there are many epic spots to stop off on a day trip north to Newcastle, including the pelican-packed town of The Entrance and deep, placid Lake Macquarie. Popular beaches to take a dip along the way include Avoca or Terrigal. 

The more industrial Newcastle is blessed with an eclectic mix of historic architecture, as well as a much-loved beach and ocean baths. South of Newcastle Beach, below King Edward Park, is Australia’s oldest ocean bath, the convict-carved Bogey Hole . It’s an atmospheric place to splash about in when the surf’s crashing over its edge. The most popular surfing breaks are at Bar Beach and Merewether Beach, two ends of the same beach a bit further south. Merewether has huge ocean baths of its own.

How to get to the Central Coast from Sydney: If driving, take the M1 Pacific Motorway north towards Newcastle from Sydney where the Gosford exit will take you along the coast. 

Go food and wine touring around the Hunter Valley 

Travel time:   a full-day return drive, or coach tour

Picturesque roads criss-cross this verdant valley, but a country drive isn’t the main reason to visit. Over two hours' drive from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is famous as Australia’s oldest wine region, with vines dating from the 1860s. It’s the perfect spot for a day trip from Sydney for fine wine, gourmet restaurants, boutique beer, chocolate, cheese, olives, you name it. It’s also a beautiful spot to go hot-air ballooning while in Australia.  

You’ll probably recognize some of Australia’s biggest names in new world wines, especially for semillon, shiraz and chardonnay. The valley’s 150-plus wineries range from small-scale, family-run affairs to massive commercial operations so let your nose guide you. Most offer cellar door tastings either free or for a small fee. You can get a copy of the free touring map from the Hunter Valley visitor center and use it to hunt out the tucked-away small producers.

If no one’s volunteering to stay sober, there are plenty of guided coach tours available, ranging from mini buses that just do basic hop-on-hop-off transport between wineries to full-on gourmet extravaganzas, some on bicycle, horseback or chauffeured in a classic car. 

How to get to the Hunter Valley from Sydney: If driving, take the M1 Pacific Motorway north to Newcastle from Sydney where the Hunter Expressway will lead you into the valley.

This article was first published July 2021 and updated October 2023

Explore related stories

Sep 28, 2020 • 5 min read

From soaking up Sydney’s festival vibes to beach-hopping along the west coast, here are some of the best things to do in Australia during the summer.

Apr 24, 2024 • 11 min read

Feb 27, 2024 • 6 min read

Nov 20, 2023 • 6 min read

Nov 17, 2023 • 5 min read

Nov 5, 2023 • 16 min read

Nov 4, 2023 • 6 min read

Nov 3, 2023 • 13 min read

Nov 2, 2023 • 13 min read

Oct 19, 2023 • 5 min read

No products in the basket.

20 of the best day trips from Sydney

Updated On 28th February, 2024

Sydney is an adventure playground. There are so many  things to do in Sydney , I could spend weeks there! Sometimes, a change of scenery is needed though, and there are so many beautiful areas outside of Sydney to explore. In this blog post we’re going to look at the best  day trips from Sydney , so that you can explore some of the areas outside of this wonderful Australian city.

EXPLORE SYDNEY ON MY BLOG HERE

Personally,  Sydney  is one of my favourite cities in the world. It has an amazing  food and coffee scene  (if you know about Australian coffee, you know what I mean), as well as chilled vibes by day and hustle and bustle by night. The beaches in and around Sydney are stunning; of course there’s the famous Bondi beach, but there are many more areas of beautiful coastline to discover too.

• Check out my complete guide to Sydney here.
• The best things to do in Australia

But there is so much more to Sydney than the city centre itself. One of my favourite areas just outside Sydney is  Manly , a beach side suburb. It’s perfect for a day trip to get out of Sydney city centre, but personally, I’d stay longer! Other amazing day trips include wine tasting in  Hunter Valley , visiting the kangaroos in  Morisset , marvelling at the views in the famous  Blue Mountains .

If you’re looking for things to do outside of Sydney for a day or two, then look no further…

• Farm work in Australia: How to find work, top tips and advice
• A complete guide to Australia
• A complete guide to Sydney
• A complete guide to solo travel in Australia
• A guide to budgeting for backpacking Australia
• Planning your transport in Australia

On a backpacker budget? Here’s my complete  guide to budgeting for backpacking Australia.

SEE ALL MY BACKPACKING ADVENTURES ON MY BLOG HERE

Australia Google Map Legend

Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.

The best day trips from Sydney, Australia…

1. the blue mountains national park.

The Blue Mountains National Park is a valley full of ancient rock formations, waterfalls, rainforest, across a vast 11,400km². Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba and of course the Three Sisters are must sees on your trip! Get your trainers out for this one, as there’s a lot of walking involved!  Check out my beginner’s guide to hiking here.

As one of the most popular day trips from Sydney, the Blue Mountains can be visited as part of a  group tour , if you have the budget and want an expert guide, or you can go yourself either by train or car, if you prefer a money-saving, more independent version!  Check out my self-guided trip to the Blue Mountains with everything you need to know here.

For a luxury day in the Blue Mountains, try ‘Sparadise’ – a Japanese outdoor spa with panoramic views.  Get more information on the website here.

To see how I did my self-guided Blue Mountains trip,  check out this post.

For my take on a group tour to the Blue Mountains,  check out this post.

My good friend Sammy owns  RatPack Travel  (a discounted booking platform). The team at RatPack are ready to help you plan and book all your trips and transport for your adventure down under, including a group tour to the  Blue Mountains with Coast Warriors .  Check out the tour here.  Don’t forget you can use my code  MOLLIE10  for  10% off any trip or transport  booking you make.

2. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

The second oldest national park lies around 45 minutes outside the city centre. Enjoy a walk around the lush greenery and see Lion Island and Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Take a picnic to Bobbin Head for lunch, and head to Upper Gledhill Falls on McCarrs Creek for an afternoon swim. If you like more of an active adventure, there are plenty of cycling and bushwalking trails to take on!

If you’re looking to save some money on accommodation, check out this  guide to freedom camping in Australia.

SEE ALL MY ACTIVE ADVENTURES ON MY BLOG HERE

This quaint seaside town is about two hours north of Sydney. Take a walk along the coast with an ice-cream before spending some time on an active adventure such as kayaking or rock climbing. Don’t forget to visit the Kiama blowhole at the top of the cliffs, and play in the natural, salty, water fountain!

If you don’t know where to stay in Sydney, check out my  Sydney hostel guide here.

4. Glenworth Valley

Glenworth Valley is a must-do day trip from Sydney if you love an active holiday! Just an hour from Sydney’s CBD, experience the wilderness in the Central Coast’s hinterland region and try horse-riding, quad-biking, kayaking, abseiling and more. If you have time, camp overnight; there’s enough to do here to have a mini-holiday in itself!  For more information on Glenworth outdoor adventures, check out the website here.

If you want a calming, retreat-like day trip but don’t want to splash the cash on an actual retreat,  check out my DIY retreat in the hinterland here.

5. Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is one of my favourite Sydney day trips to date. If you drive about 2 hours out of Sydney, you reach one of Australia’s most famous wine regions. Here, not only can you do wine tasting, but you can also experience beer, chocolate and cheese tasting, as well as seeing koalas and kangaroos.

Check out my guide to a day trip to the Hunter Valley in this blog post.

If you want to spend a day exploring one of the many wonderful Sydney suburbs, check out my  guide to Surry Hills here.

6. Royal National Park

The Royal National Park is one of Sydney’s most popular day trips, but it’s easy to see why. Locally known as ‘Nasho’ or just ‘the Royal’, the world’s second-oldest national park is about one hour south of Sydney, and is home to cycling paths, bushwalking trails, and even the opportunity to go whale-watching. When you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to hike up to the Figure Eight pools for a spectacular view. Be careful though: it’s a steep, rocky, 6km hike, and you need to be wary of the tide before you visit (for your own safety).  Get the tide info here.

Wanting coffee or brunch before you head out on your day trip from Sydney?  Here’s my coffee and brunch guide to Sydney.

7. Palm Beach

Palm Beach covers 2.3km of the Northern Beaches coastline, and is the perfect place for sun, sand and surf! It’s only an hour out of Sydney, and is also a filming location for Home and Away, so you never know who you might see while you’re here!

For more Sydney inspiration, check out the  25 best things to do in Sydney here!

8. Wollongong

Said to be one of NSW’s best kept secrets, Wollongong is about 90 minutes south of Sydney and offers something for everyone, from chilling on the beautiful beach to skydiving with a soft, beach landing! I’d love to try hang gliding from Stanwell Park!

Wanting to add some adventure to your Australian adventure?  Here’s my guide to skydiving in Australia!

Don’t forget, you can get 10% off and trips and tours with  RatPack Travel  with my discount code  MOLLIE10 .  Click here to WhatsApp them  now and ask about the  Sydney-Wollongong skydive trip !

9. Mermaid Pools, Tahmoor Gorge

The Mermaid Pools at Tahmoor Gorge on the Bargo River are a really popular day trip outside of Sydney. About 75 minutes south west of the city centre, you canget up close and personal with nature as you hike, wild swim and chase waterfalls. While it’s not recommended to swim in the Mermaid Pools themselves (getting in and out of the pools is extremely dangerous), you can swim in several other water holes in the area. Don’t forget to venture out past the Mermaid Pools to explore the rest of the Tahmoor Gorge area!

If you’re backpacking Australia solo and feeling a little apprehensive, here’s my guide to  solo travel in Australia!

Honestly, I think Manly might be one of my favourite places in the whole world. If you’re able to spend more than a day here, do it.  I spent a week here  and then came back for more later in my trip! There’s something about the laid back lifestyle that collides with the city hustle and bustle (Sydney’s CBD is a 20-minute ferry away) that makes for a magical day. If you don’t want to get the ferry or drive all the way there, you could do the  Spit to Manly walk , followed by some well-deserved coffee and beach time.

Check out my complete guide to Manly here.

Looking for an active day out in the Sydney area? Here are  6 walks to go on in Sydney!

11. Kangaroo Valley, Southern Highlands

It’s worth spending some time exploring all of the Southern Highlands if you can… it’s a beautiful, green area. The highlight for me for a day trip from Sydney would be Kangaroo Valley. Two hours south of Sydney you can see kangaroos, kayak down the river and even take on a  ‘foodie trail’ with a cooking class!

Looking for the ultimate backpacker transport? Here’s what to expect from  travelling in Australia with Greyhound.

12. Hawkesbury River

Less than an hour from Sydney, you wouldn’t know this rural area of tranquility is so close to Australia’s largest city. Take a river cruise down the Hawkesbury, pick your own fruit from one of the many farms in the area, or do a kayak river tour, stopping for a picnic lunch on the river bank.

On a backpacker budget? Here are  25 top tips for saving money and travelling on a budget!

SEE ALL MY BUDGET ADVENTURES ON MY BLOG HERE

13. Stockton sand dunes

If you want to drive along the beach in a 4×4, this is the Sydney day trip for you! Most people think of  Fraser Island  when it comes to driving on the beach, but that’s not the only place you can do it. Stockton sand dunes are about 2 hours from Sydney. You’ll need a permit and slightly deflated tyres to drive on the sand dunes, but this is inexpensive. Once you’re sorted, drive along the beach, venture into the sand dunes, and take in the views that go for miles and miles.

Check out my experience of visiting Stockton sand dunes here.

Wanting to drive yourself around Australia? Here’s a complete  guide to planning your travel and transport in Australia!

14. Wombeyan Caves

If you want a taste of the underworld, take on the underground passages, streams and caverns of the limestone Wombeyan Caves. Wollondilly, Junction, Kooringa, and Mulwaree caves are best seen on a guided tour, but the Figtree Cave is one of the best self-guided cave experiences. In the local area there are also bush walks and waterfalls.

Some say there’s too much to do here for it to be just a one-day trip from Sydney, so you might want to stay overnight and really explore the area in detail. If you camp in the area, you might find an inquisitive kangaroo joins you for breakfast!

Don’t know much about hiring a camper van in Australia? I’ve answered all your questions in  this blog post!

CLICK HERE TO ENQUIRE ABOUT A CAMPER WITH RATPACK TRAVEL NOW (+61 450381801)

15. Lake Macquarie

Lake Macquarie is another one of NSW’s secrets that you can discover on a day trip from Sydney. Small lively towns meet beautiful beaches, caves and rock pools, as you share your lunch with the pelicans at the side of the lake. The nearby Watagan Mountains are home to an array of walking trails that you can take on if you prefer to get active. The relaxed attitude here will make you never want to leave!

For a nature filled day out in Sydney itself, check out this  Coogee to Bondi coastal walk!

16. Morisset

One of my first Aussie road trips, seeing the wild kangaroos in Morisset is a must-do day trip from Sydney. Driving an hour and a half was well worth it for the kanga-selfies we got with the very friendly roos!

Check out my day trip to see the kangaroos here.

Short on time? Here’s a  3-day itinerary for Sydney.

SEE ALL MY ROAD TRIPS ON MY BLOG HERE

17. Port Stephens

2.5 hours north of Sydney lies Port Stephens, an area made up of 26 beautiful beaches and sparkling blue water. Beaches to choose from include  Shoal Bay  and Nelson Bay. Kick back and relax on the sand and look out for the resident dolphins and whales!

For the ultimate East Coast Australia bucket list,  check out this post.

18. Tomaree Head

The Tomaree Head summit walk is about 2 hours in total, so perfect for a  beginner hiker ! When you get to the top, enjoy the views of Port Stephens before you come back down for a swim. If you fancy it in the afternoon, head into the nearby city of Newcastle for some city adrenaline and a few cocktails.

Check out my experience of hiking Tomaree Head in this post.

For an alternative East Coast Australia bucket list,  check out this post.

19. Shoalhaven

This area just south of Sydney is certainly worth exploring on a day trip if you have time. With wineries and waterfalls to visit, whales and dolphins to watch, and beaches and hinterland to enjoy, this area of NSW is a great holiday destination. It’s known for its fun surf culture, so be sure to catch a wave while you’re there!

Short on time? Here’s a  4-day itinerary for Sydney.

20. Jervis Bay

Technically part of Shoalhaven, but worth its own special mention. With white sands that rival Australia’s very best beaches in the  Whitsundays , Jervis Bay is a day trip from Sydney that you don’t want to miss. Hyams beach is renowned for having ‘the whitest sand in the world’, winning the Guinness World Record in 2006. the 3-hour drive south of Sydney might be a long one, but the Grand Pacific Drive is worth it for the views along the way and the warm, clear water and soft, white sand when you get to Hyams beach.

Check out my guide for your road trip to Jervis Bay here.

For everything you need to know about your trip to Sydney, including where to stay, things to do, and all my top tips, check out my  complete guide to Sydney here!

EXPLORE AUSTRALIA ON MY BLOG HERE

Have you been on any day trips from Sydney?

Where did you go? I’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

I can’t do this without you.

Pin and save this blog post for later…

IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

Shop the google map legends

Search by adventure type, active travel, backpacking, budget travel, love and relationships, once in a lifetime, packing tips, solo travel, weekend getaways, where's mollie newsletter, travel shop, search by destination, other posts that you may like....

The best Airbnb stays in the UK

Sunsail – Day 1 (Paleo Trikeri Island) + Day 2 (Khondri Ammos BBQ bay)

A 4-day Switzerland mountain road trip itinerary: Montreux, Evolene, Saint-Luc and Veyonnaz

Climbing Mount Batur for sunrise and dipping in the hot springs, Bali

BRAND NEW YouTube cover + Giveaway winners announced!

Recipe: Coconut, turmeric and spinach dal

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

Easter party ideas: Hosting guests, crafts and baking

My 10 Packing Essentials when backpacking South East Asia

Privacy overview.

Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Day Trips from Sydney

15 Best Day Trips from Sydney

Sydney has long been one of Australia’s most iconic cities and many would argue its merit as the nation’s cultural capital is thanks to instantly recognisable sights like the beautiful Sydney Opera House.

However, a trip here also means a world of possibilities outside the city limits and you’ll be hard pressed to find a region with more to offer than the area surrounding Sydney.

With genuinely unparalleled beauty in every direction, you can head up into the mountains or relax on one of the countless gorgeous beaches.

You can take river cruises and marvel at Australia’s famed wildlife or you can immerse yourself in culture on aboriginal heritage trails.

You can partake in every extreme sport imaginable or you can sample some of the finest cuisine in the country.

Sydney truly is a gateway to endless possibilities – so check out this handy guide to find out where to start.

1. Palm Beach

Famous nationwide and indeed, around the globe, for its stunning golden sand, sweeping coastal views and world-class surf, Palm Beach is an ideal and convenient city escape to unwind in the sun.

Thanks to its location on the popular Northern Beaches, the area also happens to be a hotbed of activity.

You can hire a boat to whisk you round the turquoise waters, hike around the sand dunes near the Barrenjoey Lighthouse or play a relaxing game of golf.

If you work up an appetite, there are countless places to whet your appetite, including the highly recommended Boathouse where you can indulge in the freshest of seafood.

2. Royal National Park

Boasting the title of the second oldest National Park in the world, the Royal National Park combines pristine beaches with cliff-fringe forest peppered with valleys and rivers – creating a veritable haven for nature lovers and adventurers.

If you want to push into the heathland, then hiring a canoe and heading up the Hacking River is a favourite option, or if you want to stick to the coast, you can hike the expansive cliff network.

Whether you travel with a guide on The Royal National Park Coastal Tour or you explore by yourself, the attractions are truly endless, with everything on offer from whale-watching to bushwalking to snorkelling, fishing and surfing.

3. Hunter Valley

A couple of hours away from Sydney, you’ll find not only an area of gastronomic prowess and a unanimously agreed upon foodie haven, but also a prime hiking destination popular with nature lovers.

Hunter Valley is a fertile valley famous for its fresh produce such as cheeses and oils and is full of excellent restaurants offering succulent tasting menus.

To work up your appetite however, you can embark on World Heritage-listed nature trails like Wollemi National Parks or the Hunter Valley Gardens.

Here you can find eucalyptus fields, kangaroo populations and much more.

4. Blue Mountains National Park

A beautifully surreal destination for a day trip, the Blue Mountains National Park gets its name from the blue haze that lies over the mountains as a result of the hundreds of thousands of eucalyptus plants gently releasing their scented oil into the air.

The area is a vast expanse of unspoiled wilderness, packed with gorges, hiking trails, eucalyptus forest and aboriginal rock paintings.

A guided tour will teach you all about the various flora and fauna as well as the legendary aboriginal stories whereas an unguided tour will give you the chance to explore the various attractions and breathtaking viewpoints at your own pace.

5. Manly Beach

A mere 30 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay, you’ll find the beloved beachfront suburb of Manly Beach, where the water is deep blue and feasting yourself on fish and chips is mandatory.

This coastal community offers everything you could want when it comes to classic Australian beach culture, including excellent waves to surf, beachfront shops, malls and restaurants, not to mention a gorgeous beach to bask on.

A veritable hotbed of beach activity that is irresistibly close to Sydney, you’ll be tempted to come back to Many Beach over and over again.

6. Hawkesbury River

Forming the boundary of the Ku-ring-gai National Park, the Hawkesbury River was one of the first settled rivers in Australia and to this day still has some original farms dotted along its banks.

A tour along the river will take you past various small villages and its highly recommended to explore the towns of Richmond or Windsor to explore their markets, galleries, listed buildings and rich histories.

7. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Incredibly, less than an hour away from Sydney lies one of the Australia’s most historically significant national parks, on account of its Aboriginal heritage.

The deep-rooted cultural roots here can be experienced as you trek through the bush on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk where you’ll discover ancient rock paintings, engravings and handprints at numerous indigenous sites.

As well as this, the area is without a doubt, stunningly beautiful and you can soak up the panoramic views from places like West Head Lookout.

8. Port Stephens

Home to more than 20 beaches, Port Stephens Bay is a marine playground twice the size of Sydney Harbour, comprising of an enormous stretch of golden sands and bushy coastline.

Whether you want to swim with dolphins, go on a whale-watching cruise, snorkel or partake in watersports, it’s all possible thanks to the Great Lakes Marine Park that resides in the Port Stephens area.

If you’re looking for photo opportunities, then head up to one of the famed viewpoints such as Gan Gan Lookout or Tomaree Headland lookout where you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views off the beautiful coastline.

9. Canberra

Beloved capital of the nation and filled to the brim with cultural attractions, Canberra is a meticulously designed city with quirky aesthetics in mind and countless activities to keep you entertained.

From fantastic museums, galleries and gardens, Canberra exhibits all the characteristics of a popular and prospering capital.

You can actually view its deliberate design from the summit of Mount Ainslie, where you’ll notice the geometric array of colorful parkland fanning out from Lake Burley Griffin at the center.

At three hours from Sydney, an overnight stay might be in order but it’s also a wonderful place just to spend the day.

10. The Southern Highlands

A vast area containing a great many popular destinations, The Southern Highlands are known for their incomparable beauty full of spectacular waterfalls, gorges swathed in lush green rainforests and valleys teeming with native Australian wildlife.

In fact, this is one of the area’s highlights as you can find everything from kangaroos to wombats to platypuses and possums here.

A great way to truly appreciate the breathtaking majesty of the area is to head up to Morton National Park, which contains some of the region’s best lookout points.

11. Tobruk Sheep Station

One for either sheep lovers or those looking to get a rare insight into traditional rural Aussie culture, Tobruk Sheep Station is located in the picturesque Hawkesbury River Valley and once you arrive, you’ll be treated to a day filled with boomerang throwing, sheep-shearing and herding and a host of other activities that demonstrate the life of an Australian ranch hand.

Ideal for families, you can also enjoy an Australian barbecue and learn how to bake traditional bread over a crackling fire.

12. Kangaroo Valley

Though kangaroos can be found here, the name is a slight misnomer owing to the fact that the highlight of this region a couple of hours south of Sydney isn’t in fact kangaroos, but the rich gastronomic culture that exists here.

From wine tasting at the Yarrawa Estate Winery to the Flavours of the Valley Foodie Trail where you can sample or learn gourmet cooking, the fertile lands perfectly lend themselves to a number of mouthwatering experiences.

For something a little more active, you can also kayak down Kangaroo River or embark on a horseback ride through rainforests and open plains.

The verdant green coastal cliffs of Kiama provide the perfect place to escape from the city for a few hours and provide a wonderfully picturesque backdrop to the many rocky shores, private beaches and rivers below.

Though you can keep yourself entertained wandering around this beautiful region, you can also partake in a number of activities like kayaking tours, outdoor rock climbing and dolphin watching cruises.

One of the highlights of the area however, is the Kiama Blowhole, which creates a majestic fountain of water propelled out of a blowhole in the side of the cliff.

14. Mermaid Pools

The Mermaid Pools are a series of idyllic pools and springs fed by rivers from the Tahmoor Gorge deep in the Australian bush.

Reaching them is an adventure in itself as you need to navigate steep rocky platforms and steps to get there, but it’s well worth the effort once you arrive.

An undisputed highlight is the stop at The See Through Pools which are ideal for swimming in due to the clarity of the water and the unobstructed views of the underwater rock formations.

15. Stanwell Park

Most famously known for being the location of the first box kite flight, Stanwell Park is now a hotbed of paragliding and hang gliding activity, concentrated around Bald Hill.

It’s a wonderful place to spend the day and enjoy lunch outdoors while watching the various aeronautical enthusiasts float around.

The moderately light hike along the Wodi Wodi walking track is also an ideal option for those looking to enjoy some coastal views and if you’re tempted, you can also make your way down to one of the golden beaches for a swim.

15 Best Day Trips from Sydney:

• Royal National Park
• Hunter Valley
• Blue Mountains National Park
• Manly Beach
• Hawkesbury River
• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
• Port Stephens
• The Southern Highlands
• Tobruk Sheep Station
• Kangaroo Valley
• Mermaid Pools
• Stanwell Park

• Accommodation
• Travel Inspiration

• things to do

Hit the road and discover all the incredible things on offer in our spectacular state. Whether it’s a classic drive along the coast, a food and wine trail through the countryside, or an epic Outback adventure, there’s a road trip for everyone in NSW.

Choose your road trip

Tips & planning.

Road Trip Essentials

Q: What essentials should I consider before setting out on a road trip?

Road Trips with Kids

Q: How do I prepare for a road trip with children?

Road Trip Caravan Essentials

Q: How do I prepare for a caravan road trip?

Car Hire Essentials

Q: How do I plan a road trip if I don’t own a car?

Visiting NSW National Parks

Q: What should I know before visiting a NSW national park?

Outback Road Trip Essentials

Q: What do I need to know before taking a road trip in the NSW Outback?

Plan your trip & arrive safely

Visit the Transport for NSW  page to access all the information you need.

Prepare your 4WD for a road trip

Q: How to prepare your 4WD for a NSW road trip?

Expert Guides

Expert Guide - Greater Blue Mountains Drive

Expert Guide - Grand Pacific Drive

Expert Guide - Legendary Pacific Coast

Expert Guide - Kosciuszko Alpine Way

Expert Guide - Waterfall Way

Expert Guide - Rainforest Way

Destinations.

North Coast

Hunter Valley

Country NSW

South Coast

The Riverina

Snowy Mountains

Southern Highlands

Central Coast

Outback NSW

Blue Mountains

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay connected to Visit NSW for all the latest news, stories, upcoming events and travel inspiration.

Discover Somewhere New

All the insider news, tips and inspiration you need to plan your next trip, delivered straight to your inbox.

Destination NSW acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the state’s first people and nations and recognises Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners and occupants of New South Wales land and water.

• NSW Government
• Destination New South Wales (Corporate site)

VisitNSW.com is the official tourism site for Destination NSW. © Copyright 2024 Destination NSW. All rights reserved

Best Day Trips from Sydney for Families

Sharing is caring!

Are you looking for the very best day trips from Sydney NSW for families?  If yes – then read on, because in this guide we have listed all the best Sydney day trips.

Whether you’re a Sydney local, looking for weekend or school holiday ideas or visiting from out of town, we can help! After reading this detailed guide, you’ll have plenty of inspiration for some one-day Sydney excursions the whole family will love.

20 of the Best Day Trips from Sydney for Families

With most of our suggestions for day trips from Sydney, Australia, you can choose to make it a DIY and drive yourself or sit back and relax by booking one of the awesome Sydney day tours.

If you are looking for where kids eat free in Sydney or the best kid friendly pubs in Sydney , well you are in luck because we have those lists for you too!

1. Blue Mountains Day Trip

A Blue Mountains tour is one of the most well known day trips out of Sydney and for good reason! With lush green rainforests and steep ravines, the scenery is spectacular.

With attractions as close as a 2 hour drive away, it’s easy to take a self drive Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney. The best way to see everything on your Blue Mountains trip is to get a scenic pass that bundles together entry to the skywalk, cableways, railway and walkways.  With this pass you can see all the best attractions, plus you can even up grade to the hop on hop off bus pass so you don’t have to worry about parking at all the different attractions.

If you don’t have a vehicle in Sydney, there are some great Blue Mountains bus tours available which let you hop on and off at your own leisure. You can also keep the kids entertained, and make the most of your Blue Mountains one day trip, with a tour of the Jenolan caves, or a wildlife day tour.

If you’re looking for extra special Blue Mountains excursions, take the Parramatta River cruise from Sydney. Or even go for the all-inclusive Blue Mountains day tour that includes the railway, river cruise, cableways, walkways, skywalk and even a delicious two course lunch!

2. Hunter Valley Tours from Sydney

A Hunter Valley day trip from Sydney is a great way to get out of the city and see some of the surrounding countryside. Take a drive around and stop at some of the great wineries the region has to offer.

The easiest way to find the best spots to visit is on one of the many guided Hunter Valley tours from Sydney. A wine experience tour is one of the top Sydney day trip ideas for adults but the kids are welcome to tag along too.  Better still, why not take the kids on a gourmet food tour and let a professional chef guide you around some of the best spots to eat in the Hunter Valley.

3. One Day in Sydney City Tour

If you only have one day in Sydney – don’t panic – you can still see the highlights of Sydney in a day.  If you only have one day in Sydney a Sydney bus tour is a great way to see some of the most popular sights. Take one of the jam packed Sydney sightseeing tours and you’ll see things like the Opera House, North Head lookout, Milsons Point, Bondi beach and much more.

Treat yourself to an all inclusive Sydney city tour and you’ll even get entry into the Sea Life Aquarium and Wildlife Zoo.

4. Taronga Zoo

One of the best Sydney day trips for kids has to be a visit to Taronga Zoo. With over 350 animal species there is something for the whole family at this iconic Sydney attraction.  The kids will love seeing all the animals as well as the various shows on offer.

Taronga Zoo is only a 12 minute ferry ride from the CBD, making it a super easy one day trip from Sydney CBD. Make sure to book an all inclusive ticket to bundle your admission, ferry pass and sky safari tickets to get the best deal.

If you’re an animal lover and are on the lookout for more zoos, check out our article detailing the best kid-friendly zoos in Australia.

5. Illawara Fly Zip Line

The Illawara walkway makes for a great stop on self drive day trips around Sydney. It’s just 2 hours from the CBD and easy to find. The walkway is 30 meters above the ground and has impressive views over the rainforest canopy.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous the zipline tour will have you soaring through the treetops for over 2 hours of adrenaline filled fun.

6. Canberra

If you’re in Sydney for a while you could even take the kids to Canberra for a day trip.  At 3.5 hours from Sydney, while it does make for a long day trip, Canberra is still an achievable 1 day trip from Sydney.

While you could take a leisurely drive yourself, given it is such a long day trip why not sit back and let someone else do the hard work for you.  Taking one of the guided day tours from Sydney means you will get to see all the main attractions like the Australian War Museum, National Museum, Parliament House and more.

See the best museums in Canberra for kids here!

7. Port Stephens

Port Stephens shouldn’t be overlooked when planning your self-drive day tours from Sydney.   Things to do in Port Stephens include a visit to the Australian reptile park, a dolphin watching cruise, sandboarding and just enjoying the sites of the picturesque coastal town.

For the adventurous family, be sure to try the sandboarding experience.  No need to be an expert as the staff here will teach you everything you need to know.

You’re sure to have one of your top day trips from Sydney when you book a guided Port Stephens tour.  This guided tour includes all the best attractions in Port Stephens as well as transfers from Sydney.

8. Jervis Bay South Coast Cruise

A Jervis Bay coastal cruise is one of the best trips from Sydney for families that love being out on the water. Take in the beautiful coastline, unspoilt beaches and clear waters on your cruise down the southern coast.

Kids love animals and an eco dolphin tour is a great chance for them to keep a keen eye out for the hundreds of bottle nose dolphins living in the bay. During the months of May to November you may even be lucky enough to sot migrating humpback whales.

9. Worimi Sand Dune Quad Bike Adventure Tour

If you’re a thrill seeking family, a Worimi sand dune quad bike tour will make one of the greatest family day trips from Sydney.  It’s just a 2.5 hour drive from the CBD and is totally family friendly (kids from the age of 7 can join) with an expert guide and child sized quad bikes available.

When cruising along on the quad bikes you will learn about the local landscape and the aboriginal culture in the area.  The kids will love getting to use aboriginal tools to dig for fresh water as well as learn about bush medicine and food.

The tour also includes sandboarding too!

10. Australian Reptile Park

Another good day trip from Sydney for kids who love animals, that’s only an hours drive away, is the Australian Reptile Park.

Kids will love learning all about the exotic reptiles at the park and enjoy the chance to hand feed the resident kangaroos. With an adventure playground, café and BBQ facilities onsite, it’s one of the great places around Sydney for day trips with the kids.

11. Featherdale Wildlife Park

If you’re looking for a wildlife park that’s committed to conservation, Featherdale Wildlife Park is another one of the fun day trips Sydney has to offer.

Have a fun filled day watching native Australian animals and why not treat the kids to an up close encounter while you’re at it.

12. Symbio Wildlife Park

If you’re looking for attractions that are only short trips from Sydney, Symbio Wildlife Park is less than 50 minutes from the airport and has some of the best Australian and exotic wildlife.

The kids will love getting up close with the native species during one of the live presentations and the splash park is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.

13. Snow Tour

From June to September, Thredbo Ski and Snowboard park can be reached by bus trips from Sydney. Leave the night before and arrive early in the morning in order to make the most of the one day tours from Sydney.

The park is perfect for beginners and equipment can be rented onsite. The whole family can take to the slopes to try their hand and skiing or snowboarding.

If you wanted to drive yourself to the park we would advise spending the night at a nearby hotel as you’re sure to be exhausted after a big day on the slopes.

14. Ku-ring-Gai Chase National Park

Fun day trips from Sydney should be jam packed with things to see and the Ku-ring-Gai Chase tour is just that. The national park is about an hour drive from Sydney. When you arrive you’ll take a 2.5 hour cruise to beaches only accessible by boat.

Enjoy exploring aboriginal heritage sights and learning about the culture and arts of the arks traditional people.

It’s one of the great day trips from Sydney for families who want to see something unique.

15. Whale Watching

A whale watching cruise is one of the easiest short day trips from Sydney. This cruise begins just a 5 minute walk from Circular Quay station. For instance, even if you just have 1 day in Sydney, this cruise is easy to fit into your itinerary.

Indoor and outdoor viewing areas are offered on this comfortable catamaran, therefore it’s a great all weather option.  

16. Horse Riding in the Snowy Mountains

If you have slightly older kids, a full days guided horse riding tour in the Snowy Mountains is one of the more unique day excursions from Sydney.

Spend a day exploring the rugged mountain terrain with an exert guide to show you around the many beautiful trails in the area.

17. Royal National Park

Royal National Park is the second oldest national park in the world and, if you’re looking for trips out of Sydney surrounded by nature, it’s a great option.

You could take a self drive tour along the Grand Pacific Drive or, better yet, take the pressure off and a guided day trip. You’ll get an expert guide who can take you on a 6km hike and show you some of the best waterfalls and native species.

18. Dangar Island

Just 55 minutes north of the city is Dangar Island, in the Hawkesbury River, where you can spend the day swimming, kayaking and hiking.

Days out from Sydney don’t get much better and you’ll feel like the city is a million miles away.  

If the kids can manage a longer car trip, Kiama is a 2 hour drive south of the city and one of the lesser known day trips outside Sydney.

With treetop walks, quiet uncrowded beaches and lush rainforest it’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.  

20. Helensburgh

Only 45kms south of Sydney is the small, friendly community of Helensburgh. This tiny town is surrounded by National Parks and a great spot for walks and getting back to nature.

The nearby Stanwell Park (10km away) is a great spot to enjoy a swim on one of the many beautiful beaches set against steep cliffs.

Looking for more things to do in Sydney with kids?

• School holiday activities in Sydney
• Water parks in Sydney for kids
• Best trampoline park discounts in Sydney
• Darling Harbour review
• Wildlife Sydney Zoo review
• Sealife Sydney Aquarium review
• Sydney rainy day activities for kids
• Things to do with teenagers in Sydney
• Best camping options in Sydney with kids
• Strawberry picking with kids in Sydney
• Dog friendly beaches and swimming holes in Sydney
• Sydney to Brisbane road trip with kids
• Sydney to Byron road trip with kids

Kid friendly restaurants in Sydney

• Kid friendly pubs in Sydney
• Places where kids eat free in Sydney
• Best places to have a high tea with kids in Sydney
• Best Buffets in Sydney with kids
• Seafood buffets in Sydney suitable for kids
• Best gluten free restaurants suitable for kids in Sydney
• Sushi trains in Sydney that kids love
• Vietnamese restaurants in Sydney
• Pancakes on the Rocks review
• Captain Cook high tea review

Celebrating with kids in Sydney?

• Birthday party venues in Sydney for kids
• ANZAC Day commemorations in Sydney
• Christmas lunch options for families
• The best Christmas lights in Sydney
• Christmas markets in Sydney
• Best places to eat on Australia Day with kids
• Celebrating Australia Day in Sydney

More great articles in New South Wales

If you are looking for more things to do with kids in New South Wales click here.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

30 Best Day Trips From Sydney You’ll Love 2024 Guide

Looking for the best day trips from Sydney? If you simply want to escape the city for the day or find new places to visit in New South Wales, we’ve got the perfect Sydney day trip ideas for you to choose from! Expect the second oldest national park in the world, road trips down to the beautiful Grand Pacific Drive, wine tasting in Hunter Valley and so much more.

Whether you’re looking for new places to visit in Sydney, or just looking to get out of the city, we’re here to help you.

We’re including day trips from Sydney by train and bus, so if you’re new to Sydney or don’t have a car, you can use this article as your go to Sydney weekend guide.

Table of Contents

DAY TRIPS NORTH OF SYDNEY WITHIN 2 HOURS

1. spend the day at avalon beach.

North Sydney / 50 mins drive from Sydney

After living in the nearby Warriewood for a few months, we spent a lot of time exploring the area so you might like to check out our huge Northern Beaches in Sydney Guide .  

While most people skip Avalon Beach in Sydney and head straight to Palm Beach, there’s so many reasons why Avalon easily makes it onto our best day trips from Sydney list. Spend the day exploring the beautiful Avalon shops as well as the many cafes and restaurants to choose from. You can check out our full guide on  where to eat in Avalon Beach .

Pro tip – drive over to the Pittwater side in Clareville, you’ll have access to the gorgeous Clareville Beach which is popular with families. Drive on a little further an explore the stunning Paradise Beach which we randomly found on Google Maps. This slice of heaven feels remote, like you’ve found a real hidden gem. You can read more about  Paradise Beach in our guide  here.

How to get to Avalon Beach By Car:  It’s a 50m drive north of Sydney By Bus:  You’ll have to take two busses to get to Avalon Beach which will take 1h30m.

2. Take A Ferry Over To Beautiful Scotland Island In Sydney

North Sydney / 40 minute drive from Sydney

If you fancy going on a boat on your day trip from Sydney then we recommend getting the ferry over to Scotland Island from Church Point in Pittwater. The boat ride itself is gorgeous and we highly recommend it even if it doesn’t take very long. Read our complete Scotland Island Guide for logistics on how to get there and things to do.

When you return from your ferry ride either opt for the beautiful Church Point Waterfront Store & Cafe or pop next door to Pasadena. If you’re unsure which one is better, Pasadena has a great beer garden on the water and they do a cracking fish & chips which is slightly cheaper than the Waterfront Store & Cafe. The latter is beautiful though and definitely worth eating at even if you just want to pop into the store to pick a few snacks up.

How to get to Scotland Island By Car:  It’s a 40m drive north of Sydney By Bus:  You’ll have to take two busses to get to Church Point Wharf to get the ferry over which will take 1h30m.

3. Spend The Day At Palm Beach

North Sydney / 1h drive from Sydney

While Palm Beach is a popular day trip from Sydney, this one hour drive from Sydney Harbour Bridge is worth every single minute because it truly is beautiful.

I have been known to stalk the Home & Away set locations from time to time up here and even found them filming outside The Boathouse once! Check out our complete guide for the Best Things To Do In Palm Beach Sydney for all details on how to spend the day or weekend getaway here.

How to get to Palm Beach By Car: It’s a 1 hour drive north of Sydney By Bus: The L90 will take you directly to Palm Beach which takes about 1h30m.

4. Go On A Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Walk

North Sydney / 1 hour drive from Sydney

As we mentioned above about our secret hike we do from Palm Beach, you can get to the beautiful  Resolute Beach from Palm Beach Wharf . We tend to jump on the ferry to Great Mackerel Beach which is stunning in itself, then walk 40 minutes or so around to Resolute Beach in Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park. I wouldn’t take young kids as it’s hiking in the bush next to the water on a not so well trodden on track, not on a boardwalk.

If you’re driving over to Ku-ring-gai National Park, you can head down the Resolute Beach track from the beautiful West Head Lookout. West Head Lookout is stunning and has a great perspective of the famous Barrenjoey Lighthouse in Palm Beach.

How to get to Ku-ring-gai National Park By Car:  It’s a 1 hour drive to America Bay Track By Bus:  Sorry there’s no public transport to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park 

5. Go On The Riverboat Postman Cruise On The Hawkesbury River

North Sydney / 45min drive from Sydney

We loved our experience on the  River Boat Postman Cruise  which is located in Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River. That’s right, you can join the postman on his run around the islands in the Hawkesbury for a fun boat trip which lasts for 3 hours. At the time of writing, it was just $58 for adults and $18 for kids.

This is also a really easy day trip from Sydney by train. You just need to jump on one train from Central and it will take just over an hour to get there. Best of all, the train station at Brookyln is directly opposite the Riverboat Postman Cruise!

How to get to Brooklyn By Car:  It takes 1hr from Sydney By Public Transport:  1h15m train from Central station

6. Spend The Day At An Aussie Sheep Farm

North Sydney / 1h20m from Sydney

If you’re looking an authentic taste of Aussie culture then we recommend heading over to  Tobruk Sheep Station  for a bit of a different Sydney day trip. You’ll see demonstrations in whip cracking, sheep-sheering and even boomerang throwing to keep you entertained.

How to get to Tobruk Sheep Station from Sydney By Car:  It takes 1h20m from Sydney By Public Transport:  It takes 2h45m with a combo of a train and bus

7. Relax At Patonga & Pearl Beach

A bit further north of the Hawkesbury River and you’ll come to the beautiful Patonga Beach and Pearl Beach. You can actually get a ferry from Palm Beach over to Patonga so it’s up to you how you decide to do your day trip from Sydney.

There’s a campground at Patonga Beach which we always said we’d love to stay at one day because it’s right on the water and looks beautiful. Plus, it’s just a short walk down the road to The Boathouse at Patonga.

8. Check Out The Beautiful Avoca Beach

North Sydney / Between 1h30m – 2h drive

Avoca Beach is a beautiful little coastal town, perfect for a day out of the city or weekend getaway. We recommend Aqua Fun for the family, a visit to one of the BBC’s best cinema’s in the world – the  Avoca Beach Picture Theatre  and the Gin Distillery for some gin tasting and walks around the beautiful gardens.

How to get to Avoca Beach By Car:  Between 1h30m – 2h By Bus:  Takes 2 hours from Sydney with a combo of train and bus

9. Go Horse Riding Or Abseiling At Glenworth Valley

North Sydney / 1h20m drive from Sydney

A great family day trip from Sydney or anyone really is spending the day at  Glenworth Valley . Just an hour north of Sydney will bring you to an adventurers paradise (especially for kids). Expect quad biking, horse riding, abseiling and a whole lot more.

How to get to Glenworth Valley By Car:  It takes 1h20m to get there from Sydney By Bus:  There’s no public transport to Glenworth Valley unfortunately

10. Spend The Day At The Hippest Town On The Central Coast, Long Jetty

North Sydney / 1h30m

Known as being the Central Coast version of Newtown, expect some cool cafes, antique shops, fab street art and much more at Long Jetty, a hidden gem nestled right next door to The Entrance. Find out more about it in our guide, Best Things To Do In Long Jetty .

How to get to Long Jetty By Car:  It should take 1h30m to drive from Sydney to Long Jetty By Public Transport:  You’ll need to take the Newcastle train to Gosford, then take the B21 or B22 bus to Long Jetty which will take 2h30m total.

11. Spend The Day In Newcastle

North Sydney / 2h by car

Just a two drive north of Sydney, Newcastle has many incredible beaches you’ll find not nearly as busy as any Sydney beach. We lived there for about a year and have loads of guides for you to check out including:

Best Things To Do In Newcastle – discover everything from the best restaurants, shops and hidden gems.

Best Beaches In Newcastle – check out our favourite hidden beaches only locals would know about.

How to get to Newcastle By Car:  It’s just a 2hr drive north of Sydney By Train:  It takes 2h30m to get there with a combo of train and the newly built tram line into the centre of Newcastle

12. Spend The Day At Hunter Valley

North Sydney / 2h10m drive from Sydney

The Hunter Valley is known as NSW’s wine country, and it can be on the pricey side too. But, we’ve done our research and found some great gems when it comes to exploring this area. We recommend eating at  Cafe Enzo  and going on a DIY wine tasting tour. Also, how could we forget, visit the  Hunter Valley Gardens  for a great family day out – there’s a couple of fairground rides as well.

HOW TO GET TO HUNTER VALLEY By Car:  2h30m drive from Sydney By Bus:  There’s no public transport but there’s loads of tours to Hunter Valley from Sydney.

13. Something For Everyone At Port Stephens

North Sydney / 2h30m drive from Sydney

Just an hour’s drive north of Newcastle is the beautiful Port Stephens. It’s one of those places that has something for everyone. There’s loads of activities to keep the family entertained like going  sandboarding on the dunes , as well as exploring the set location of the Mad Max movies, camel rides and  shark cage diving !

How to get to Port Stephens By Car:  It’s a three hour drive north of Sydney, past the city of Newcastle By Bus:  It takes an hour from Newcastle on the bus.

DAY TRIPS WEST OF SYDNEY

14. get some space in blue mountains.

Western Sydney / 1h30m drive from Sydney

The Blue Mountains National Park is one of the most popular day trips from Sydney. There’s loads of hikes to tackle with our favourites being  Hanging Rock  and  Wentworth Falls , as well as Insta famed lookout points that you can drive right to such as: Lincolns Rock and our favourites, Hargraves Lookout and Blackheath Lookout. Check out our Blue Mountains guides which include visiting scenic world, outdoor rock climbing and so much more:

Best Things To Do In Blue Mountains

Best Blue Mountains Hikes

Best Lookouts In Blue Mountains

Ultimate Guide For A Romantic Weekend In Blue Mountains

Everything You Need To Know About Camping In Blue Mountains

Best Places To Stay In Blue Mountains

How to get to Blue Mountains National Park from Sydney By Car:  It’s a 2h drive from Sydney By Train:  One of the easiest places to get to from Sydney via public transport is Blue Mountains. It’s a 2h20m on the train.

15. Experience A Slice Of England At Breenhold Gardens

Western Sydney / 1h50m drive from Sydney

Right near to Blue Mountains National Park you’ll find Mount Wilson and the beautiful  Breenhold Gardens . It’s only open during a few weeks in the year during Spring and Autumn but we reckon these gardens are the best to see the autumn and spring colours in Sydney. If you’re British, these gardens will certainly remind you of home being one of the most amazing day trips from Sydney.

It’s no wonder Mount Wilson is often used as the set location for many movies including The Great Gatsby which you can read about int our  18 Hollywood movies filmed in Sydney   guide.

How to get to Breenhold Gardens from Sydney By Car:  It takes 2h10m to get to Breenhold Gardens By Public Transport:  Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Breenhold Gardens 

16. Relax In The Best Hot Baths In NSW At Sparadise Japanese Bath House

West Sydney / 2h30m drive from Sydney

Another amazing day trip from Sydney is  Sparadise Japanese Bath House  in the middle of the Blue Mountains. We absolutely love this gem where you’ll be sitting in 30C+ water, looking out to magnificent views and wondering how on earth you didn’t know anything about it before.

How to get to Sparadise By Car:  Approx. 2h30m from Sydney By Train:  Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Sparadise 

17. Visit The Less Touristy Caves Near Sydney

Western Sydney / 3hr drive from Sydney

Our another awesome day trip from Sydney without the crowds is at  Wombeyan Caves  which is just a stones throw from Blue Mountains National Park. You might have heard of Jenolan Caves but if you drive just an hour longer, you’ll come to Wombeyan Caves. You can do a tour or a self guided tour into the caves just like we did! If visiting in Summer, trek into the  Mares Forest Creek Canyon  for a hike and swim, it’s one of the best things we’ve ever done in Australia.

How to get to Wombeyan Caves By Car:  It takes around 3hr to drive there By Bus:  Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Wombeyan Caves

18. Be Totally Wowed By The Views At Kanangra-Boyd National Park

Western Sydney / 2h45m drive from Sydney

Very few know about  Kanangra-Boyd National Park  and although it’s a bit of a drive to get there, you’ll be in complete amazement of the beauty of this part of the Blue Mountains National Park. You’ll honestly think you’re in somewhere like Borneo when you see the views from this stunning day trip from Sydney. There are campsites here too if you want to make a weekend of it!

How to get to Kanangra-Boyd National Park By Car:  It takes around 2hr45m to drive there By Bus:  Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Kanangra-Boyd National Park 

19. Visit The Secret Glow Worm Tunnel In Newnes

Western Sydney / approximately 3h30m drive from Sydney

Newnes is one of the proper gems to visit near Sydney. It might take a while to get there but it’s totally worth it. Even the scenery on the way to Newnes is exceptional. We recommend going on  the glow worm tunnel hike  (good for families too) where you have to walk through a very black tunnel along the old railway tracks to see the glow worms.

If you fancy staying for a few days, there’s an awesome free campsite there too. We want to head back to see the old zig zag railway bridge too!

How to get to Newnes from Sydney By Car:  It can take up to 3h30m to drive to Newnes By Bus:  Unfortunately there’s no public transport options to get to Newnes 

DAY TRIPS SOUTH OF SYDNEY

20. spend the day at royal national park.

South Sydney / 1 hour from Sydney

This is clearly one of our favourite day trips from Sydney! As the second oldest national park in THE WORLD, you’ll find plenty of incredible beaches and hikes to go on. You can read our full list of the  15 Best Royal National Park Walks  if you want to know all of our favourite places to visit.

Some of our favourite hikes include the  Wedding Cake Rock walk  which leads onto the stunning Big Marley Beach as well as the Palona Cave walk.

2. Hike To The Insta Phenomenon Figure 8 Pools

Southern Sydney / 1hr drive from Sydney

Although it is part of The Royal National Park, we felt it was only right to give the Figure 8 Pools hike a section of its own which is just an hours south of Sydney. Make sure you check the tides before going there otherwise you might have wasted your day as it would be too dangerous at high tide. We recommend reading  our full blog post about Figure 8 Pools  first before you go on this amazing coastal walk along beautiful beaches.

How to get to Figure 8 Pools from Sydney By Car:  It’s a 1 hour drive from Sydney By Bus:  It’s a 1 hour train ride to Otford, then hike from there

22. Find The Famous Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout

Continue on your drive on the south coast and you’ll find the beautiful lookout point at Stanwell Tops which reaches over to the famous Sea Cliff Bridge in the distance.

We loved the short hike up to the view point ( read our Sea cliff Bridge Guide first ), but just be careful if you do attempt it. Please don’t take children up there and if you go be super careful and always wear hiking boots as thongs or trainers won’t cut it.

How to get to Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout By Car:  It’s a 1 hour drive from Sydney By Bus:  It’s also a 1 hour train ride from Central to Stanwell Park Station

23. Have A Fun Packed Day In Wollongong & Kiama

Southern Sydney / 1h30m to drive from Sydney

You’ll find not one but two incredible temples to visit in Wollongong being the beautiful Nan Tien Temple and  Sri Venkateswara Temple, a couple of awesome lookout points, brilliant hikes and zip lining for the family.

Obviously don’t forget to visit the biggest blowhole in THE WORLD down at Kiama as well. Read our full guide for the Best Things To Do In Wollongong before you go which is full of hidden gems!

How to get to Wollongong from Sydney By Car:  It takes 1h30m to drive from Sydney By Bus:  It takes 1h30m to get the train from Sydney – Wollongong.

24. Bring Out Your Inner Child At Jamberoo

Southern Sydney / 1h30m-2h drive from Sydney

Jamberoo Action Park  is a brilliant day trip from Sydney during the summer. Set in the country on the outskirts of Kangaroo Valley, this water slide park is a great day trip for the whole family.

How to get to Jamberoo from Sydney By Car:  It takes between 1h30m-2h to drive there By Bus:  It takes about 3hr with a combo of bus and train

25. Visit The Beautiful Southern Highlands

Southern Sydney / 1h30m drive from Sydney

Southern Highlands is one of our favourite weekend getaways from Sydney. We also love mooching around the shops in Bowral, driving around the stunning Kangaroo Valley and Kangaroo River, as well as appreciating the hiking trails and secret gardens in the area. Check out our guides for weekend trips or a day trip below:

The Ultimate Guide For Visiting Southern Highlands

42 Things To Do In Kangaroo Valley

15 Best Things To Do In Robertson

28 Best Things To Do In Bowral

The Best Kangaroo Valley Waterfalls You Need To Visit

How to get to Southern Highlands By Car:  It takes about 1h30 to drive there. By Public Transport:  Catch a direct train from Sydney and you’ll be in Bowral in 1h30m.

26. Visit A Thai Buddhist Monastery

Southern Sydney / 2hr drive from Sydney

We absolutely love  Sunnataram Thai Buddhist Monastery  in Bundanoon which is west of Kangaroo Valley. If you’re not up for doing one of their donation based weekend retreats, you can visit every Sunday from 11-4pm. Just make sure you cover your shoulders, arms and below the knees for respect for the monks.

How to get to Sunnataram Forest Monastery By Car:  It takes about 2 hours to drive there. By Public Transport:  It takes between 2-3 hours to get there with a combo of buses and trains.

27. Discover The Whitest Sand Beach In The World At Jervis Bay

Southern Sydney / 3hour drive from Sydney

Just a three hour drive south of Sydney sits the beautiful Jervis Bay. With the title known as the world’s whitest sand beach, we recommend going on the White Sands Walk which is one of the most beautiful coastal walks in Australia.

When visiting, make sure you jump on the  legendary dolphin cruise , Jervis Bay Passage Tour and check out our review of the whale watching tour in Jervis Bay too!

Jervis Bay is a fantastic day trip from Sydney, you’ll be coming back time and time again! Just make sure you check out our popular  Jervis Bay Guide  before visiting!

How to get to Jervis Bay from Sydney By Car:  It takes 3 hours to drive there. By Public Transport:  Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Jervis Bay from Sydney 

28. Discover The Hidden Gems In Canberra

Southern Sydney / 3hr drive from Sydney

We were blown away by the amazing things to do in Canberra. Although everyone we spoke to always said ‘we weren’t missing out on much’, we were really surprised about how cool the city actually is. Expect amazing art galleries, some of the best we’ve seen, fantastic wine bars and great places to eat.

Check out our guide to the  best things to do in Canberra and our Floriade Review as well before visiting.

29. Find The Best Waterfalls To Swim In Sydney

Various Sydney Spots

If you’re looking for some day trips from Sydney which involve finding some of the best wild swimming spots around, check out our  16 Best Waterfalls In Sydney To Swim  guide.

We’ve also found some of the  best secluded beaches in Sydney  as well that won’t have many or anyone else on them. You can thank us later for this!

30. Explore some of the best hikes in Sydney

If you’re looking to get out and explore more hidden gems in Sydney, you’ll find some of them in our  18 best hikes in Sydney  guide. These hikes are some of the best secluded places near Sydney and if we mentioned them all in this post, it would go on forever!

We hope our best day trips from Sydney has helped you plan your future getaways!

Looking for Weekend Getaways From Sydney?

Check out these articles to help you plan your weekends away.

45 Best Weekend Getaways From Sydney

15 Best Hiking & Camping Weekend Itineries In Sydney

How To Spend The Weekend Hiking In Blue Mountains

22 Romantic Getaways From Sydney

SAVE FOR LATER AND PIN BELOW

If you found this post helpful, please share it on your social media pages 🙂

As someone who came to Australia from the UK, 20 years ago – this is a great list of day trips and recommendations, I will be using some of your research to plan trips when my relatives next visit – I love the fact that you look beyond the obvious, Bondi beach etc, which I never visit as a local – the list of walks you have are some of my favourite places and some new ones for me to try out too – thanks for the research and hard work pulling the VLOG and website together.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get your FREE Sydney E-Guide

I consent to the terms and conditions

11 Top-Rated Day Trips from Sydney

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Sep 24, 2021 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Surrounded by sparkling waterways and World Heritage-listed wilderness areas, Sydney brims with alluring day trip destinations. A short hop from the city, you can see the raw beauty of the Blue Mountains, cruise up the bush-fringed Hawkesbury River, or bask on one of Sydney's golden beaches.

Sydney day trip ideas cover all interests - from sand boarding and fishing at Port Stephens to whale watching along the coast, and wildlife viewing in pristine national parks. Scenic road trips take you to other rewarding places to visit near Sydney - on a Wollongong day trip, you can cruise along the cliff-hugging ocean-view Grand Pacific Drive.

Cultural experiences are just as appealing. Spend a day exploring the galleries, museums, and memorials of Canberra, the nation's capital. Stroll along an Aboriginal heritage trail in beautiful Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, or for something completely different, watch Aussie stockmen round up the sheep on a classic country farm, and sample traditional bush tucker.

Foodies will also be happy. Farm-fresh produce and gourmet restaurants await at some of the quaint country towns in the Southern Highlands and Hunter Valley. Plan your adventures with our list of the best day trips from Sydney.

1. Blue Mountains National Park

2. the hunter valley, 3. manly beach, 4. hawkesbury river cruise, 5. ku-ring-gai chase national park, west head, and the northern beaches, 6. royal national park, 7. port stephens, 8. wollongong & the grand pacific drive, 9. canberra: australia's capital, 10. the southern highlands, 11. tobruk sheep station, map of day trips from sydney.

A UNESCO World Heritage Area of breathtaking beauty, the Blue Mountains is one of the most popular day trips from Sydney. The oil in the eucalyptus leaves scents the air and imbues a blue haze over the park, inspiring its evocative name. When it comes to scenic places around Sydney, it's hard to beat the Blue Mountains.

Tourists and locals alike come here to immerse themselves in the 664,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness. Dense eucalyptus forests, rugged gorges, waterfalls, Aboriginal rock paintings, and more than 140 kilometers of hiking trails are waiting to be explored.

Among the many highlights of the Blue Mountains are the massive rock formations called the Three Sisters , a photographer's favorite; Bridal Veil Falls ; and the hair-raising ride down the Jamison Valley on the Katoomba Scenic Railway . Heart-stopping lookout points abound throughout the park.

Popular things to do here include abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking.

You can access the Blue Mountains by car from the city via the M4 Motorway. This is also one of the most popular day trips from Sydney by train - you can travel from Central Station in Sydney to Blackheath or Katoomba.

Better still, let someone else do the driving and join the Blue Mountains Nature and Wildlife Day Tour from Sydney . On this full-day tour, you can visit the quaint mountain towns of Leura, see kangaroos and koalas at Sydney Zoo, and enjoy spectacular views over the park. Your guide will also share Aboriginal legends behind some of the park's top landmarks. For a different perspective of the park, the optional upgrade includes a ride on the railway or cableway at Scenic World.

About 250 kilometers from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is a popular city escape and a hot spot for foodies. This beautiful, fertile valley is one of Australia's oldest grape-growing regions and is also known for its fresh produce and artisan foods, such as cheeses, chutneys, chocolate, aromatic oils, olives, and luscious golden honey. The region's superb restaurants spotlight this gastronomic bounty in mouthwatering tasting menus.

After sampling all the scrumptious foods, you can work off the calories outdoors. Popular things to do in the Hunter Valley include hiking the nature trails at World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops and Wollemi National Parks , and exploring the region's elegant architecture on heritage trails. You can also soar over the bucolic landscapes in a hot air balloon.

In the 19th century, the Hunter Valley was a prosperous coal mining center, and many of the old mansions in the area reflect this wealth. Stop by the regional museums to learn more about the area's rich history, and save time to admire the exhibitions at Maitland Regional Art Gallery and Newcastle Art Gallery .

Another popular attraction is the Hunter Valley Gardens , with more than 60 acres of horticultural treasures and themed gardens. For travelers on a tight timeline, hot air balloon rides or helicopter rides are a great way to soak up the scenery.

Feasting on fish and chips at the beach is a favorite Aussie dining experience, and Manly is a top spot to indulge. When it comes to Sydney day trip ideas, this is an easy one to organize, and the journey can be just as rewarding as the destination. From Circular Quay, this famous beachfront suburb is a scenic 30-minute ferry ride, with plenty of photo opportunities en-route.

Once here, you can soak up a classic dose of Aussie beach culture. Bask on the golden sands; take a dip in the ocean; surf some fantastic breaks; or head to the Corso, a sunny pedestrian mall, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés.

At Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary , you can view sea turtles, tropical fish, and sharks, and even organize a dive with these razor-toothed predators.

And yes, there are plenty of fish 'n' chip shops in Manly. So, hop on a ferry and bring your camera for great photo ops of the Sydney Opera House along the way.

About an hour northwest of Sydney, the Hawkesbury is one of the most beautiful rivers in Australia. It played an important part in the early days of the colony of New South Wales. The first settlers arrived in the area in 1794 and established farms that helped feed the colony. Today, farms still dot the surrounding area, and pockets of unspoiled bush flank the river.

The small villages in the region and the main towns of Windsor and Richmond offer tourist attractions, such as heritage buildings, galleries, gardens, museums, and markets.

On the river, water sports abound, particularly in its lower wide reaches between Brooklyn and Pittwater. Waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and fishing are all popular things to do.

The best way to explore these beautiful waterways is by boat. Brooklyn, Bobbin Head, Berowra Waters, and Wisemans Ferry all offer boat rentals, and you can also join a guided cruise, or hop aboard The Riverboat Postman cruise, which delivers mail to settlements along the river that are only accessible by water.

The Hawkesbury River is surrounded by four national parks. It forms a boundary of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to the north of Sydney, and the southern boundary of Brisbane Water National Park . To the northwest is Dharug National Park , famed for its Aboriginal rock drawings, and to the north of Broken Bay is Bouddi National Park . All offer excellent hiking opportunities and a slice of nature not far from the city.

About 45 minutes north of Sydney's CBD, you can escape to nature at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the second oldest national park in Australia. Named for the Guringai aboriginal people who originally lived in this area, the park features beautiful scenery: tranquil bays, bushland creeks, rainforests, eucalyptus forests, and sparkling views along the coast from West Head. From here, you can gaze down upon the blue waters of Pittwater, as well as Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Headland, Lion Island Nature Reserve, and the Central Coast.

You'll find plenty of things to do in Ku-ring-gai National Park. Rewarding activities include hiking the many nature trails, Aboriginal heritage walks, wildlife viewing, birding, and boating on the beautiful bush-fringed waterways. You can rent a boat from Akuna Bay and pull up for a snack or refreshment at one of the cute waterfront cafés or restaurants.

Farther north from here, Palm Beach is a lovely spot to bask on the golden sands, swim, surf, enjoy a picnic, or dine at a beachside café.

The small-group Sydney's Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai National Park bus tour covers all the top things to see and do in the area. See Aboriginal rock art in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, soak up the views from The Spit, Narrabeen, and North Head, and glide past the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House on a ferry during the return trip.

Official site: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/Kuringgai-Chase-National-Park

Rimmed by 21 kilometers of surfing beaches and cliff-fringed coast, Royal National Park is a haven for nature buffs and beach lovers. Established in 1879, it is the second oldest national park in the world and lies about an hour's drive south of Sydney's central business district, near Cronulla.

The park sits on a sandstone plateau with deeply indented valleys and a covering of heathland. The Hacking River flows through almost its entire length, creating fantastic opportunities for fishing and boating . On the upper course of the river, patches of forest offer prime bushwalking and picnic spots. Along the coast, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, and whale watching are popular pursuits.

Other attractions in the park include Aboriginal rock art and a vast array of wildlife, including more than 241 species of birds.

To access the park, you can drive or catch a ferry from Cronulla, and some walking trails are accessible from nearby railway stations. A visitor center at Audley provides rest areas, informative exhibits, and a café.

If you want to immerse yourself in this stunning wilderness area, the Day Trip To Cronulla & The Royal National Park takes you to some of the park's hard-to-access areas with an expert guide. On this eight-hour private tour, you can customize your itinerary depending on your interests, from visiting beautiful Garie Beach and the Dharawal Aboriginal Engravings Site to a refreshing soak in the rock pools.

Official site: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/Royal-National-Park

Sparkling Port Stephens Bay is a haven for water sports thanks to its Great Lakes Marine Park . This long slice of beautiful bushy coastline lies about 200 kilometers from Sydney's CBD and is more than twice the size of Sydney Harbour, providing plenty of space to get out on the water.

Your biggest dilemma is deciding what to do first. Take your pick: Swim at one of more than 20 pristine beaches, snorkel and dive at Fly Point , surf the swells, go sailing, paddle a kayak, or take a boat cruise. Port Stephens is also one of the top fishing destinations in Australia .

For a breathtaking overview of the region, take the short walk to Gan Gan Lookout, or hike to the top of Tomaree Headland Lookout to admire beautiful views over the bay and islands.

Marine life is also a top draw here. You can swim with wild dolphins, hop aboard a dolphin-watching cruise, or look for migrating humpback whales from November to May.

While you're in the area, stop by Nelson Bay , one of the main towns. Explore the cute shops and fabulous restaurants or stroll along the seaside promenade.

Another fun adventure in the area is sand boarding down the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes , Australia's largest system of dunes. Some rise up to 30 meters in height. You can also explore them on horseback or camelback, or venture in via 4WD.

Port Stephens is also known for its fresh local produce, such as avocados, figs, olives, and macadamia nuts. Sample them at the local farmers markets.

To experience all the region's highlights, the Port Stephens Private Bus Tour from Sydney is a great option. On this exhilarating full-day excursion, you'll explore all the region's natural highlights with an optional dolphin or whale watching cruise, depending on the season. Another optional add-on is a sand-boarding adventure at Anna Bay.

Sun-drenched beaches, bike trails, botanic gardens, and museums - you'll find all this and more in Wollongong. About 80 kilometers south of Sydney, Wollongong ("The Gong") is the state's third largest city, and it's a great spot for a scenic day road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive .

Stretching from the Royal National Park to Nowra, this 140-kilometer scenic drive snakes along the rugged and rocky coast, past surf-washed beaches and over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, which juts out over the sea, tracing the contours of the wind-weathered cliffs. From the viewing platform on the bridge, you can gaze out over mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean and look for migrating whales, in season.

Foodies will also find a diverse array of cafés in the city. Seafood features prominently on Wollongong menus, but you'll find everything here, from vegan food to Vietnamese.

Students from the University of Wollongong fuel the bubbly nightlife , and the city's vibrant arts and culture lure loads of day-trippers and weekend wanderers. Admire Aboriginal art at Wollongong Art Gallery . Stroll through the floral wonders at Wollongong Botanic Garden . See a live Bubbleology show at the Science Space Museum, or chill out at the Nan Tien Temple, the Southern Hemisphere's largest Buddhist shrine .

Prefer outdoor fun? Surf, swim, or paddle along a string of glorious beaches - Austinmer is a favorite, and Belmore Basin offers calm waters for paddling. Or head to the bush. Hike through rainforest, or bike along more than 42 kilometers of trails. Are adrenaline-fueled sports more your style? Hang-glide at Stanwell Park, or sign up for a skydiving adventure. With all these things to do, you might have to turn your Wollongong day trip into a weekend.

Packed with cultural attractions, Canberra in the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) is home to fabulous museums, art galleries, and memorials. This consciously crafted capital of Australia lies about three hours' drive from Sydney and a similar distance from Melbourne. The site was chosen in 1908 as a compromise between these two competing cities.

Designed by award-winning American architects Walter Burley Griffin and his wife, Marion Mahony Griffin, Canberra features expansive parklands, colorful gardens, and a quirky geometric layout. Most of the prime tourist attractions fan out from Lake Burley Griffin , the artificial lake that is the city's centerpiece.

While you're there, be sure to visit New Parliament House, which opened in 1988 after an extensive facelift, and try to time your visit when parliament is in session. Old Parliament House is now home to the excellent Museum of Australian Democracy.

Other highlights include the National Museum of Australia, Questacon - the National Science and Technology Center , the National Library , the National Gallery of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery, and the poignant Australian War Memorial .

To appreciate the city's design, visit the summit of 843-meter-high Mount Ainslie . You can drive to the lookout or wander along the two-kilometer trail from the Australian War Memorial.

To see all the top attractions in one day, sign up for the Canberra Full Day Private Tour . This customizable full-day tour from Sydney will take you to your choice of attractions with an expert guide.

Gorgeous gardens, wildlife-rich wilderness areas, and cute country towns are some of the many attractions of the Southern Highlands. About a 90-minute drive from Sydney, this is a great place to see native Australian animals in their natural habitat.

Morton National Park , near Fitzroy Falls , is home to the town's namesake 81-meter-high waterfalls, as well as scenic walking trails through rainforest-cloaked gorges; wildflowers; panoramic lookouts; and many species of birds and animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, platypuses, and possums. Lying mostly within the park, the Kangaroo Valley is among Australia's prettiest valleys.

Thanks to the Southern Highland's fertile soils, fresh produce is abundant. And you can sample some of the local specialties at the cozy cafés and restaurants in the small towns and heritage villages.

The region's main towns of Berrima, Bowral, Bundanoon, Mittagong, and Moss Vale are worth exploring. The main attractions here range from historic buildings, art galleries, and local craft studios to boutiques, spas, antique shops, and gardens.

The Southern Highlands are usually cooler than the city with less humidity, so this is a popular country escape on sweltering summer days.

Tobruk Sheep Station offers an authentic taste of Aussie culture. The journey here is scenic in itself. The station lies in the beautiful Hawkesbury River Valley, 70 minutes from downtown Sydney . Along the way, you can admire views of the Hawkesbury River and the Blue Mountains.

Whip-cracking, boomerang throwing, and sheep-shearing demonstrations provide a feel for the life of a typical Aussie stockman, and you can watch them skillfully mustering the sheep with the help of well-trained sheepdogs.

Another favorite activity here is learning how to bake damper (traditional Australian bread) over a crackling fire, and make billy tea. You can also enjoy a classic Aussie BBQ complete with traditional lamington cakes (vanilla sponge cakes smothered in chocolate and coconut) for dessert. This is one of the best day trips from Sydney for families.

More on Australia

Five Easy Day Trips from Sydney by Train

These five easy day trips from Sydney by train mean that you don’t need a car to explore the city’s outer reaches. If you take the train, everyone can relax and take in the scenery. You can even enjoy a few cheeky drinks at lunch if you like and snooze on the trip home! I have chosen trips that take two hours or less, so you will have enough time on arrival to explore and enjoy the destination.

I really could have made this six trips by train if I encouraged you to visit Newcastle but I decided after doing it again recently myself for a catch up with family, I think it’s just a little too far to be a fun day trip. Stay for a weekend instead.

Kiama and the Illawarra

Woy woy and the central coast, katoomba and the blue mountains, brooklyn and the hawkesbury river, bowral and the southern highlands.

This page contains affiliate links. Please see our full disclosure policy for more details.

For many years, the major attraction in the pretty seaside town of Kiama has been the famous Kiama Blowhole, with the lovely beaches and the rocky coastline a close second.

There are some big draw cards, including the 20km long Kiama Coast Walk that opened a few years ago. It’s a lovely scenic track that is easy to complete by train, with stations at the start and finish. No need to complete the entire thing; it is easily carved up into three sections, perfect for families or those short on time.

You could choose to complete it over a few visits.

• Minnamurra to Kiama Blowhole (8km)
• Kiama to Loves Bay (5km)
• Loves Bay to Gerringong (6km)

To fuel all that walking, you will need some sustenance. After years of being best known for its ice creamery and fish and chips, the town has a growing food scene. Among our favourites is  Penny Whistlers in Shoalhaven Street, offering some fantastic salads like the Roasted Broccoli & Macadamia, or big juicy burgers and even a Brazilian seafood stew; all served with stunning water views. I also love Otis Deli, owned by Emily Herbert, the ex-head chef at Ottolenghi Belgravia. They do fantastic salads and are perfect for stocking up on picnic supplies.

The region is also famous for its fresh produce. Head to the waterfront park for one of the many markets, including a weekly growers market on Wednesdays and various weekend options. Check the local tourism site for details .

The Blowhole is still worth a look when the weather is behaving, and the nearby visitor centre will help you out with maps and suggestions for where to eat.

In warm weather, a swim at one of the four ocean swimming pools along the coast is hard to resist.

Photographers will love Cathedral Rocks just south of town. If the weather is not so kind, the historic Terrace Shops and many cafes will help fill your time.

The trip down from Sydney’s Central Station takes about 2 hours. You can also join the train at Hurstville. Tip : Ride on the left side of the train for the best views

The train ride north from Central to the Central Coast town of Woy Woy takes about 75 minutes, with the final 30 minutes from Hornsby to Woy Woy being quite picturesque.

Woy Woy itself has come to life over the last few years, from a dull commuter suburb to one of the coast’s foodie hotspots.

Check out Link and Pin just opposite the station on arrival for a great coffee (and more) served by a super friendly team. Woy Woy is also home to several second-hand bookshops and op shops – I rarely leave without a treasure or two. The Bayview Hotel, just across from the station, has a Rooftop Bar, Frankies with a Japanese-inspired menu. They make a decent cocktail too! Another popular lunch option is seafood from Fishermans Wharf . Either grab some takeaway or splurge on a meal in the attached restaurant.

From the wharf near the Bayview Hotel, you can take a ferry to explore the local waterways, the cute little ferry heads over to Empire Bay – no need to get off, just make a round trip.

There are several beaches you can explore with the help of the local buses, including Ettalong, Umina, Pearl Beach and Patonga.

Local bus (53) to Ettalong Beach, takes less than 10 mins. Once you are there, stroll the 2km waterfront walk to Umina Beach. Several buses will get you back to Woy Woy. Alternatively, take the ferry to Palm Beach and make your way back to Sydney on the bus.

If you are a regular reader of our site, you will know we have a bit of a love affair with the Blue Mountains and as a non-driver myself, I have done this trip by train more times than I can count. The train ride west to Katoomba is probably the most popular of the journeys we are sharing today, with good reason. You can take a limited stops train from the city at 7.30am and be in the mountains by 9.30am ready to tackle your first bushwalk or hunt down your first lookout .

We recommend strolling via the main street of Katoomba down to Echo Point (there is a bus if you want to save your legs) and then taking a walk to Scenic World via the Giant Stairway and the valley floor. You can take the Scenic Railway up to the top for a reduced fee.

If you prefer to stay up high, the Prince Henry Cliff walk is a brilliant choice, with dozens of lookouts along the way.

The Hawkesbury River is a popular spot for local water lovers with fishing, skiing, kayaking and houseboat rental popular along its 120km path from Broken Bay to Penrith. It is thought to be one of the cleanest rivers in the state.

The best-selling Australian novel,  The Secret River,  is set on the Hawkesbury. It is also the location used for the 2004 feature film The Oyster Farmer.

Once you have had a look around the waterfront, we suggest you get out on the water. There are a few ways to do this; you can take the ferry to Little Wobby or Dangar Island or join the official River Postman on his daily run. Hire boats are also available if you are brave!

Dangar Island Circuit:  We have some lovely friends who live on Dangar Island and have had a couple of great visits there. You can take a walk around Dangar, an easy 1 km trip before popping in to the club or the cafe for refreshments. The locals are friendly, and you will probably find someone to chat to. You can read my friend’s article on Brooklyn here . There is a more challenging walk at Little Wobby or you explore the bushland on the mangrove walk which you can reach on foot from Brooklyn. Tip : Hawkesbury River Station has 100 stairs and no lift, but the staff will help with prams if required. We do not recommend it to wheelchair users.

Hawkesbury River station in Brooklyn is on the Newcastle and Central Coast train line. Find more ideas for exploring the Hawkesbury.

Most Sydneysiders think Bowral is a lot further from Sydney than it is, but it is the perfect distance for a day trip. The train journey takes between 90-120 minutes, depending on the time of day.

So why do we think you should head to the Southern Highlands – well, so many reasons – among them:

• The Bradman International Cricket Museum
• The autumn and spring foliage
• Antique shops and boutiques
• A pie from Gumnut Patisserie or Stones Patisserie
• Fine dining at Paste Thai Restaurant or one of the other local options

The Southern Highlands offers a little taste of English style countryside close to Sydney. With four distinct seasons, it is a lovely spot to spend a day and feels you have travelled a long way.

The direct train from Central takes just 90 minutes and delivers you to the heart of Bowral. This is a Canberra Service that makes a stop at Mittagong on the way to Bowral. You can also join a service at Campbelltown Station that takes approximately one hour.

Check out our Beginner’s Guide to the Southern Highlands for more ideas about spending time here.

We have written a great list of day trips from Sydney if you have a car .

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney? Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help

Main Image – Kiama from the air – Credit Dee Kramer Photography (Destination NSW)

11 thoughts on “Five Easy Day Trips from Sydney by Train”

I love day (or weekend) trips to the Blue Mountains and Katoomba! They’re some of my favourite places in (far) western Sydney.

Good to know there are places you can get to so easily (and cheaply). I enjoyed my trip to the Blue Mountains but didn’t get to many other places outside of Sydney so I’d love to explore more when I hopefully get back there

I always enjoy catching the train to somewhere and the South Coast line is particularly beautiful and picturesque. I always enjoy that train trip.

I haven’t been to Australia yet but this post helps me understand where I need to visit.thanks for sharing

This is amazing! I have a driving license, but I don’t feel confident to drive in a different country, so it’s good to know you can access all these beautiful places by train 🙂 I’m saving this guide for later!

So good to know you can visit many places from Sydney easily! I absolutely love train rides so I just saved your post for later 🙂

I love Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Some great insider tips here for places to explore. What a coastline. Thanks for sharing.

I had never thought about taking a train trip through a foreign country but this sounds so fun. It would definitely take some stress off and I wouldn’t worry about getting lost this way. Plus, the stops all sound like so much fun, and beautiful. Definitely worth adding to the “to do” travel list.

Australia is such a dream destination of mine! These places are beautiful and the fact that they’re reachable by train is a huge bonus 🙂

I have done the train to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains with my eldest daughter who lives in Sydney. We had 3 amazing days of facials and massage and also seeing the sights.

Once again, you have me excited about planning another trip to Sydney. We have been a few times, but always without a car, something that has stopped us from visiting the Blue Mountains. But a train option opens up a world of possibilities.

Leave a comment

Colourful Trips

Travel in nsw and expand your horizons.

Colourful Trips offers scheduled and private group day tours from Sydney to the destinations of the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Jervis Bay, Jenolan Caves and Canberra. Small groups, active itineraries, excellent inclusions, professional guides, modern vehicles, all operating under a 100% carbon neutral business model. When you choose to travel with Colourful Trips, you join a likeminded group of positive travellers wanting an awesome, travel experience.

OUR TOP SELLING TOURS

• User Food & Wine
• Map Marker Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley Wineries Day Trip

Join our Hunter Valley tour and take a wine crawl through Australia’s oldest wine production region.

• User Bush Walks & Wildlife
• Map Marker Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains & Wildlife Park Day Trip

If you are looking for very best Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney, stop your search now!

CHOOSE YOUR NEXT TRIP IN NSW!

Blue mountains.

Explore Tours »

Hunter Valley

Port stephens, jenolan caves, go on a sydney day trip, nature, bush walks & wildlife experiences, culture, food & drink experiences, beaches, dolphins & whales experiences, did you know that when you travel in nsw with us....

…when you travel in a Colourful Trips bus, all the vehicle emissions are 100% offset so that our- and your – environmental footprint is carbon neutral. We care about the future and are always looking for inventive ways to help protect our beautiful planet.

What Our Customers Have To Say

Have been on 2 tours with Billy and they were both amazing! Extremely knowledgeable, friendly, funny and a great tour guide. 10/10 would recommend!

The tour was booked by our work and travel organisation AIFS and it was a really good decision. The tourguide was AMAZING. Friendly, nice and just a cool guy ;D A nice tour to say goodbye to Sydney

Me and my daughter loved the tour and thought Billy was great, his subject knowledge, Australian history and health and safety and caring about the group was brilliant

Sasha and Peter were great and I thoroughly enjoyed my day! They were very kind and fun. The drive was great as it was a great way to see the country. They gave us plenty of time to ourselves. I loved Hyams Beach.

Gift an experience with us!

Valid for any activity of Colourful Trips, Zepher Tours or Colourful Collective Travel.

We had a wonderful day on this tour! From petting kangaroos and a koala to taking hikes with breathtaking views, our guide, Peter, went above and beyond to make sure all went well. Note: there is an extra charge to pet the koala, but lunch and everything else is included in the price.

The best Port Stephens tour we have ever done (and we've done a few)! Dolphins, sand dunes, beautiful bays and lookouts - the perfect balance between lots of things to see and do and a relaxed pace to enjoy them. And Peter is an amazing guide!

We had such a great time in the Blue Mountains. Our tour guide Ronnie was very fun and chatty, which was great because he told us so many cool facts and made the tour even more interesting with his stories that he told so lively. He showed us all his favorite spots with amazing views. Great experience.

This trip was amazing and was lovely having so many stops along the way. Our tour guide was also incredible and was able to tell us all the information we needed to know.

Best trip ever, such good wine tastings and so many extra bonus sightings!!!Tom was awesome!! Absolutely recommend.

The driver knows his job well, pleasant and comfortable ride to canberra despite the rain, I would recommend it to my friends.

OUR PARTNERS

Australia Recommends 2024

Come and Say G'day

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

Blenheim Beach, Jervis Bay, New South Wales © Destination NSW

12-day road trip through New South Wales

Venture beyond landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach, and you’ll be rewarded with world-class wineries, stunning white-sand beaches, and once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters.

By Alissa Jenkins

Its icons are incredible, but  New South Wales  offers much more than the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Driving north from  Sydney , this 12-day circuit takes you to some of Australia’s most beloved beach destinations, across to vibrant wine-producing regions, into ancient forests and south to dazzling white-sand beaches before looping back up to Sydney, the Harbour City.

What to expect

• Swim with wild dolphins in beautiful Port Stephens
• Sample world-class wines from New South Wales’ most renowned wineries
• Explore the Blue Mountain’s dramatic canyons and Jurassic rainforest
• Time: 12 days
• Distance: 1,800 kilometres (1,118 miles)
• Transport: car
• Nearest major city: Sydney
• Price: $$$$

Day 1: Sydney to Newcastle

The Boathouse Palm Beach, Sydney, New South Wales © Filippo Rivetti, Destination NSW

Did you know?

The waves at Merewether Beach are so good, it hosts an international surf competition, Surfest , every year.

Depart Sydney early and drive for an hour northeast to Palm Beach , situated at the top of a long peninsula and surrounded by clear waters and leafy, mansion-studded streets. At the far end of the beach, take the 800-metre (0.5-mile) walking trail to  Barrenjoey Lighthouse and lightkeeper’s cottages for panoramic views over Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park , before lunch at local favourite,  The Boathouse Palm Beach .

Once you’ve eaten, set the GPS for the 2.5-hour drive via the M1 to Newcastle , Australia’s second-oldest city. See why it’s a world-famous surfing destination with a swim at  Merewether Beach , or skip the waves at heritage-listed ocean pool,  Bogey Hole , before a Mediterranean-inspired dinner at popular seaside restaurant  Rustica . Stay overnight at Newcastle’s award-winning  The Lucky Hotel , a historic, renovated pub home to 30 boutique rooms with modern furnishings and luxury bedding.

Day 2: Newcastle to Port Stephens

Sand Dune Adventures at Stockton Beach, Port Stephens, New South Wales © Tourism Australia

Kick-start the day with family-friendly fun at  TreeTop Adventure Park , set among the Australian bush about 30 minutes west of Newcastle. Here, you can climb, weave and fly through the tree tops on self-guided rope courses and zip lines.

After your feet are back in solid ground, continue to drive an hour northeast to the stunning seaside destination of Port Stephens , renowned for its long sandy beaches and the vast  Stockton Sand Dunes — the largest moving dunes in the southern hemisphere. Spend the afternoon on a sand dune safari, which you can experience via 4WD or quad bike tour, or try sand boarding as you surf down the massive 40-metre (130-feet) high dunes.

At night, stay at  The Anchorage Hotel & Spa in Port Stephens, with a range of luxurious, nautical-inspired suites, as well as two waterfront restaurants that showcase locally-sourced produce.

Day 3: Port Stephens to Hunter Valley

Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Begin the day with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — swimming with wild dolphins in the beautiful Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park. With wetsuits, masks and snorkels provided, as well as a light breakfast, guests also have the option to stay dry and watch these magical creatures from the boat or climb into the water for a profound yet playful wildlife encounter.

Back on land, drive 90 minutes west to one of Australia’s leading wine regions, the Hunter Valley . Renowned for producing excellent semillon and chardonnay, spend the afternoon driving or cycling between the valley’s prominent cellar doors, taste testing the talents of winemaking heavyweights like Audrey Wilkinson ,  Harkham Wines , and  Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard . For those who prefer beer or spirits,  Ironbark Hill Brewhouse and  Hunter Distillery are also worth a visit. You can also enjoy fine dining and boutique accommodation at many of the Hunter’s wineries, such as  Bimbadgen ,  Tinonee Vineyard Estate and  Whispering Brook .

Day 4: Hunter Valley to Mudgee

Cheese and charcuterie, Mudgee, New South Wales © James Horan, Destination NSW

Before you leave Mudgee, stop by High Valley for a cheese tasting and some delicious edible souvenirs. 

Pack your binoculars and a picnic of Hunter Valley produce to drive 2.5 hours west to  Lees Pinch lookout in the picturesque  Goulburn River National Park . Accessible via an easy one-kilometre (0.6-mile) walking track, there are viewing areas that take in the lush forest, flowing river and sandstone gorge below. Keep watch for native wildlife such as wallabies, wombats, and birds of prey soaring above.

After lunch, continue driving one hour southwest to the charming colonial township of Mudgee , another one of New South Wales’ great winemaking regions. Here, summer is prime time for cherry picking at Mudgee’s delightful  Roth Family Orchard , where you can spend the afternoon picking your own fruit.

In the evening, reserve a table at the award-winning  Zin House restaurant , and enjoy a memorable dinner overlooking vineyards and the restaurant’s organic garden, where much of the produce is grown. Sample more of the region’s best wines from the cobblestone courtyard of  Alby & Esthers wine bar, then walk just ten minutes to Mudgee’s stylish  Perry Street Hotel , with 13 modern suites available.

Day 5: Mudgee to Orange

Vineyard, Orange, New South Wales © Taste Orange

Start the morning with a 2.5-hour drive south to Orange , also popular among travellers for its impressive wine industry and abundance of food producers – don’t miss  Patina ,  Philip Shaw and  Swinging Bridge wineries.

If you’d rather spend your day outdoors, explore the mysterious Borenore Caves , 20 minutes west of Orange. There are easy walking trails around the Tunnel Cave and Arch Cave, just a short walk from the Borenore picnic area, where you can take in these unusual rock formations and their black, orange, and yellow striped markings.

Next, sample Orange’s delicious dining scene with a special dinner at the eminent  Lolli Redini restaurant, famed for its Italian and French-influenced menu. Afterwards, relax at  de Russie Boutique Hotel , with beautifully-appointed suites promising plush bedding and modern amenities.

Day 6: Orange to Katoomba

Scenic World's aerial cable car, Katoomba, Blue Mountains, New South Wales © Scenic World

Venture two hours east into the heart of Australia’s iconic Blue Mountains , arriving at Katoomba. Surrounded by plunging canyons and awe-inspiring rock formations, see this awesome landscape in all its glory at  Scenic World . Board the  Scenic Railway , the steepest passenger railway in the world, and descend into the spectacular Jamison Valley in a glass-bottomed carriage. At the bottom, stroll the 2.4-kilometre (1.5-mile)  Scenic Walkway , taking you on an elevated boardwalk through Jurassic rainforest. On the return trip, glide between cliff tops, suspended 270 metres (885 feet) above ancient ravines, on the Scenic Skyway . With 360-degree views, see renowned local landmarks such as Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters rock formation, and beyond.

For a more soothing afternoon, enjoy high tea at  The Hydro Majestic Hotel — a revitalised historic property, boasting Art Deco architecture and magnificent views over the Megalong Valley. You can also stay overnight in one of 67 regal guest rooms that combine the hotel’s glamorous past with modern comforts.

Day 7: Katoomba to Bilpin

Hillbilly Cider, Bilpin, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Follow the scenic roads that weave north from Katoomba to the  Blue Mountains Botanic Garden . Take a free guided tour around the 28 hectares (69 acres) of breathtaking, cool-climate gardens, or explore on your own. Continue driving a further 20 minutes to the fruit-growing village of Bilpin, where you can stop at  Bilpin Springs Orchard and pick your own assortment of fresh apples, oranges, pears, peaches and plums — juicy snacks for the day ahead. Don't miss a stop at  Hillbilly Cider , which serves up simple ciders made with Bilpin apples in a quaint shed overlooking the orchards.

Next, drive an hour north into the inspiring wilderness of World Heritage-listed  Wollemi National Park . Home to spectacular canyons, towering cliffs, wild rivers and tranquil forests, there are many bushwalks to explore, such as  Bob Turners Track . This six-kilometre (3.7-mile) loop takes you along the beautiful Colo River, where you can cool off with a swim. Then finish the day with a rejuvenating stay in one of the cottages at  Rustic Spirit in Kurrajong Heights, or treat the whole family to an elegant farmhouse getaway at  Suzarosa in Berambing.

Family road tripping on the South Coast

Day 8: Bilpin to Bowral

Green Lane, Bowral, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Farewell the majestic Blue Mountains and drive two hours south to the sophisticated centre of the Southern Highlands , Bowral. Home to picturesque gardens and popular wineries, Bowral was also the home of legendary Australian cricket batsman, Sir Donald Bradman. Visit the  Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame , which not only celebrates ‘The Don’, who is still widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time, but also features interactive exhibits, significant memorabilia, the origins of cricket, and how the game has evolved over time.

Spend the rest of the afternoon trawling the antique shops, galleries, and speciality stores that adorn Bowral’s town centre, including  Dirty Jane’s and Lancelot Hill Antiques.

For dinner, head to Harry's on Green Lane to sample their delicious menu with local Southern Highland wine. Suitably full, retire at one of Bowral’s many dreamy stays, including  Peppers Craigieburn or  The Hidden Door Bowral .

Day 9: Bowral to Canberra

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © VisitCanberra

After a wholesome breakfast at  Raw & Wild , drive two hours southwest to Australia’s innovative capital city, Canberra . A cosmopolitan mix of world-class museums, gourmet dining precincts and kangaroo-dotted reserves, there’s no shortage of attractions to visit. Among them is the vast  Lake Burley Griffin in the city’s centre, with more than 40 kilometres (25 miles) of shoreline to walk or cycle around.

Spend the afternoon perusing your choice of incredible national landmarks overlooking the lake, including the home of Australian politics,  Parliament House , and the  National Gallery of Australia , with 150,000 artworks and counting. Families will especially love  Questacon , housing more than 200 interactive exhibits relating to science and technology.

Stay overnight at the uber contemporary  East Hotel , situated moments from  Manuka Oval — Canberra’s premier cricket venue.

Day 10: Canberra to Jervis Bay

Picnic by Hyams Beach Hampers, Jervis Bay, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Depart the nation’s capital early for a 2.5-hour drive east to the stunning seaside wonderland of Jervis Bay . Stop in Huskisson for lunch at local institution,  Pilgrims Vegetarian Café , serving generously-sized dishes that are equal parts healthy and tasty. Then visit Murrays Beach , known as the jewel in the Booderee National Park for good reason. The pure white sand and clear water are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. 

Alternatively, join a dolphin or whale watching cruise with Jervis Bay Wild . The waters of the bay are abundant in sea life, so you're likely to spot pods of playful dolphins and humpback whales as they splash and breach. Whale migration season runs from mid-May to mid-November.

Afterwards, retreat to the romantic  Hyams Beach Seaside Cottages , or select a coastal escape to suit from  JB Beach Houses .

Day 11: Jervis Bay to Wollongong

Kiama Blowhole, South Coast, New South Wales © Murray Vanderveer, Destination NSW

Journey 50 minutes north through rolling green hills to the heritage town of Berry . Brunch on local, seasonal produce at the rustic Salmon and Co Eatery, and don’t leave town without collecting dessert from the famous  Berry Donut Van . Next, follow the Princes Highway 20 minutes north to laidback Kiama , where you can take in the powerful  Kiama Blowhole , a sea-cliff cavern that spouts seawater 20 metres (65 feet) into the air, or refresh with a swim in the nearby ocean pool .

Continuing north, drive a further 40 minutes to Wollongong, with an impressive array of stunning beaches, acclaimed restaurants, and chic city bars. From the laidback  Illawarra Brewery  and the intimate wine bar at  Mia Mia  to the oceanfront views and exquisite cocktails at  Pepe’s on the beach in North Wollongong, there’s no shortage of night-time entertainment. Stay close to the action at  Novotel Wollongong Northbeach (right above Pepe’s), with spacious, light-filled rooms just steps from the beach.

Day 12: Wollongong to Sydney

Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Finish your road trip on a high (literally) with  Skydive Sydney-Wollongong , where you'll enjoy a scenic plane ride before you make the leap from around 14,000 feet up, and serenely skydive over the coastal surrounds before landing on Wollongong’s beloved North Beach.

Afterwards, enjoy an impeccable breakfast and beach views at local favourite,  Diggies café. Then begin the last leg back to Sydney, taking the spectacular  Grand Pacific Drive route, which includes 140 kilometres (87 miles) of coastal scenery and snippets of the Royal National Park . The highlight is the incredible  Sea Cliff Bridge , 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Wollongong, which curves around towering cliffs while suspended 665 metres (2,181 feet) above the ocean.

Explore more nearby

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• New Zealand (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

• Car Rentals
• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Bundle & Save
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

5-Day Fitness Retreat in Kingscliff, NSW, Australia: 29 Apr to 3 May 2024 | Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff, Gunnamatta Avenue, Kingscliff NSW, Australia

Looking to get fit and rejuvenate your mind and body? Look no further than the 5-Day Fitness Retreat in Kingscliff, NSW, Australia: 29 Apr to 3 May 2024. This invigorating retreat offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a variety of physical activities while surrounded by the stunning coastal beauty of Kingscliff. Hosted at the Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff, this retreat promises to be a transformative experience. During this five-day retreat, participants will have the chance to engage in a range of fitness activities designed to challenge and inspire. From high-energy cardio sessions to strength-building workouts and relaxing yoga classes, there's something for everyone. The expert instructors will guide participants through each activity, ensuring proper form and technique while providing motivation and support. The venue, Gunnamatta Avenue in Kingscliff, NSW, sets the perfect backdrop for this fitness retreat. With its pristine beaches, lush greenery, and tranquil atmosphere, it's the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area during breaks in the schedule, allowing for a truly immersive and rejuvenating experience. Tickets for this exclusive retreat range from $1,584.29 to $1,901.94, offering exceptional value for a transformative and unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your fitness, recharge your mind, and connect with like-minded individuals. Book your spot today for the 5-Day Fitness Retreat in Kingscliff, NSW, Australia: 29 Apr to 3 May 2024 and take the first step towards a healthier and happier you.

Provided by winston | Published Apr 27, 2024

Are you interested in 5-Day Fitness Retreat in Kingscliff, NSW, Australia: 29 Apr to 3 May 2024?

More contents about kingscliff.

• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• Website Feedback
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List My Property
• Become a Supplier

• Skip to content

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology builds the eBird global platform for communities and partners around the world to advance data-driven science, education, and conservation.

Change Region

• News & Resources
• Recent Checklists
• Trip Reports
• Illustrated Checklist
• Hotspot Map
• Rare Bird Alerts
• Printable Checklist

Recent Trip Reports

Boorowa lga day trip 23 apr 2024.

• Upper Lachlan Shire
• Yass Valley
• Luke Downey

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Sussan Ley ‘really disappointed’ with Elon Musk – as it happened

This blog is now closed

• Thousands gather for dawn services and marches to mark Anzac Day around Australia
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails , free app or daily news podcast
• 2d ago What we learned today, Thursday 25 April
• 2d ago Pro-Palestine encampment set up at University of Melbourne
• 2d ago Deputy opposition leader backs eSafety commissioner ‘one hundred percent’
• 2d ago 26 whales stranded on WA beach have died
• 2d ago Six whales have died amid mass stranding, Surf Life Saving says
• 2d ago Muslim organisation calls for more considered language to prevent hate
• 2d ago Mass stranding of pilot whales on Western Australian beach
• 2d ago Bishop would be ‘concerned’ if video of his alleged attack used to ‘control free speech’
• 2d ago Anzac Day trading hours
• 2d ago Five charged following joint counter-terrorism operation across Sydney
• 2d ago Prime minister delivers speech at Isurava memorial along Kokoda Track
• 2d ago No immediate threat to Anzac Day events, police say
• 2d ago Report reveals bullying is rife in ABF ranks
• 2d ago Good morning
• 2d ago Defence and veterans' suicide commissioner speaks up
• 2d ago Welcome

Deputy opposition leader backs eSafety commissioner ‘one hundred percent’

Deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley said she backs the eSafety commissioner “one hundred percent” and is “really disappointed” by the approach X boss Elon Musk is taking with the platform.

To get yourself up to speed on the Musk v Australian online safety regulator saga, you can read this explainer from Josh Taylor :

Speaking to Sky News earlier today, Ley said:

I’m for X obeying the law and I’m not for the actions and the statements of our eSafety commissioner being ignored. We back her 100%.

Ley largely spoke from a place of concern over the content young people could potentially access online. She continued:

I’m really disappointed with the approach of Elon Musk and the way he’s taken over this company. It’s just a free for all and it’s not fair and it’s not right.

Asked about criticism that Australia shouldn’t be able to tell X what it can and can’t do in other countries, Ley said this is “patently ridiculous” because "that’s why we have an eSafety commissioner”.

Her LNP colleague, Nationals senator Matt Canavan , has a different opinion. Earlier today he shared a video message from bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel – who said he was okay with videos of his alleged attack remaining online – and said:

I pray that our leaders and regulators will listen to your humble request for the video of the [alleged] attack on you to remain online.

What we learned today, Thursday 25 April

With that, we’ll end our live coverage of the day’s news.

Here’s a summary of the main news developments:

Thousands of Australians have gathered at dawn services around the country to commemorate the sacrifices of service men and women past and present on Anzac Day .

Five of the seven teenagers arrested on Wednesday as part of counter-terrorism raids in Sydney have been charged with a range of terrorism offences .

The family of a Cobram woman found dead at her home in northern Victoria have remembered her as “proud aunty” who had the “biggest heart of anyone we know” .

A cluster of 20 drug overdoses in New South Wales has prompted the state’s health department to issue a public warning about the danger of synthetic opioids , which are often substantially more powerful than heroin.

Five women who allege they were forced off a Qatar Airways plane by armed guards and intimately examined at Doha airport are attempting to overturn a legal decision that found they could not sue the airline directly .

Authorities rushed to save more than 150 whales from a mass stranding at a beach in Western Australia’s south-west .

Thanks for following along.

A man has died after he fell from a collapsing wind tower in the Whitsundays region of Queensland .

Queensland ambulance service responded to a call at a property near Lake Prosperine at about 12:40pm, the Courier Mail reported, with an TACQ helicopter later sent.

An ambulance spokesperson told the Courier Mail the man, who working at the time of the incident, had fallen 20 metres, sustained critical injuries and was treated on the scene but succumbed to his injuries.

Australia unveils $30m in regional support on World Malaria Day

The Albanese government has announced an investment in malaria-prevention efforts in the Pacific and south-east Asia.

On Thursday, to mark World Malaria Day, the foreign minister, Penny Wong , said Australia was investing up to $30m to support governments and communities across the region “deliver new tools and build critical skills to eliminate malaria”.

In a statement, the government said: “Malaria remains a major challenge in our region with over 7m reported cases in 2022, and rising infection rates in some countries.

“Malaria is a burden on families and health systems, slowing development and restricting growth. New tools are urgently needed to address the emerging resistance to current treatments, and the impact of climate change, which threaten to roll back progress achieved against malaria.”

The government said its new package “provides comprehensive support ranging from preventing infections through strengthened mosquito control to developing better testing tools and improved treatments”.

It includes $5m to James Cook University to support Pacific countries to strengthen surveillance and control of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue and zika.

It also includes a new $8m partnership with non-government health organisation PATH, in a consortium with Australia’s Burnet Institute and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, to develop new diagnostic tests targeted to our region.

Additionally, the government is providing $17m to the Medicines for Malaria Venture, for the development of new malaria treatments including medicines suitable for use in pregnancy and for children.

Gardener taken into custody after man found dead and woman injured

More on the homicide investigation in Queensland , after an incident where a man was found dead and a woman suffered serious head injuries at a home north of Brisbane.

Police were called to do a welfare check at a Burpengary East home on Thursday morning where they found two people in their 70s with serious head injuries. The man was declared dead at the scene while the woman was rushed to hospital in a life-threatening condition.

A 26-year-old Boondall man was taken into custody after he waited at the property for police.

Det Insp David Harbison said it was not a domestic violence-related incident and the 26-year-old man was not previously known to the victims. “We believe he just attended today to do some form of gardening duties,” Harbison said. Police are not looking for any other persons of interest.

Harbison described it as a tragic and devastating incident.

“It is so terribly traumatic for anyone to see this, including first responders,” he said. “We hope to get to the bottom of it and learn more and try to understand how this incident occurred.”

Many thanks for joining me on the blog today. Elias Visontay will be here to guide you through the rest of today’s news. Take care.

Pro-Palestine encampment set up at University of Melbourne

A pro-Palestine protest encampment has begun at the University of Melbourne , just days after a similar one was launched at the University of Sydney .

A statement from UniMelb for Palestine Action Group says the Gaza solidarity encampment began at 10am today on the south lawn.

Protesters will remain at the encampment until the university “divests and cuts ties with all weapons manufacturers”; abides by the boycott, divest and sanction (BDS) list; and provides “transparency” around research being conducted under funds and grants from weapons manufacturers, the statement said.

At the University of Melbourne encampment pic.twitter.com/NycKrBmG4r — Warren Armstrong (@filmcement) April 25, 2024

Photos from the university campus show that dozens of tents have been set up, along with protest signs. The separate encampment at the University of Sydney is continuing, entering its third day.

A University of Melbourne spokeswoman said the institution “is a diverse, multi-cultural and multi-faith community made up of more than 80,000 students and staff combined, where a wide range of views exist”.

“All perspectives are welcome but these must be expressed in a respectful way, so that everyone can fully participate in University life,” the spokeswoman said.

Mental health chief resigns over government ‘inaction’

The head of Australia’s peak mental health body, Matt Berriman , has resigned over what he labelled the Albanese government’s inaction following decades of underfunding and inattention.

A former professional cricketer and businessman, Berriman was appointed to Mental Health Australia ’s top role in December 2021 but has quit in protest because he said not enough was being done. He told the ABC:

I don’t think over the last 20 years mental health has been addressed in this country and the Labor government promised that was going to happen and it hasn’t.

Berriman took aim at the government’s approach to mental health, saying it was inadequately funded and was not given the attention it deserved.

The health minister, Mark Butler , said the government would continue to work closely with the sector and reform would not happen overnight.

Mental Health Australia said it was with “sadness” it announced Berriman’s resignation, which was effective immediately. Berriman said:

I remain driven by a desire to ensure that one day equitable and easy access to good mental health support and services will be considered an unquestionable basic human right, and an integral part of how our society functions.

26 whales stranded on WA beach have died

The Parks and Wildlife Service WA said four pods of up to 160 pilot whales in total had spread across roughly 500m, at Toby’s Inlet near Dunsborough.

But sadly 26 whales have died, they confirmed:

There are 20 whales in a pod about 1.5km offshore. Another pod of about 110 animals are together closer offshore.

Parks and Wildlife said an experienced team including wildlife officers, marine scientists and veterinarians are on-site or on their way.

Thank you to everyone in the community who has shown their concern and been working with our staff on the beach and in the water … Our team is assessing the conditions of the whales that have stranded on the beach. Our teams on the water are trying to keep the animals together and away from the beach.

Parks and Wildlife said based on previous strandings, including the one near Albany last year , whales often have to be “euthanised as the most humane outcome”.

People are encouraged to stay away from the site.

Albanese joins Katter and Lambie for game of two-up

Back from his trip to Papua New Guinea, the prime minister has landed in Townsville and marked Anzac Day with a game of two-up at the local RSL.

Sharing photos of the game on X, Anthony Albanese was joined by MP Bob Katter , independent senator Jacqui Lambie and Labor senator Nita Green .

Got in a game of Two-up at the Townsville RSL with Bob Katter, Jacqui Lambie and Nita Green for Anzac Day. pic.twitter.com/s711Q97DMD — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 25, 2024

For those who don’t know, two-up is an Australian gambling game that can only be played on Anzac Day. As history professor Bruce Moore explained last year , two coins are placed on a small piece of wood called the “kip” and tossed into the air, and bets are placed on whether both coins will fall with heads or tails facing up.

Moore said two-up was always illegal because it is an unregulated form of gambling, but from the 1980s it became legal in most states on Anzac Day alone.

From the very early period of the first world war, two-up assumed great importance among the Australian troops. Soldiers reported that two-up was played on the battlefield during the Gallipoli campaign, even when under shellfire. As the war dragged on, numerous stories were told about Australian soldiers’ obsession with playing it.

Warning issued for shark activity around Toby’s Inlet

People are being urged to remain on alert around Toby’s Inlet near Dunsborough, as potential dead whales may attract sharks.

In a statement, SharkSmart WA said dead and injured whales could “act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close [to the] shore”.

While it’s not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Western Australian coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution.

People are asked to report shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Wildlife group urges public to stay away from site of mass whale stranding

The Dunsborough & Busselton Wildlife Care Inc is urging people to stay away from the site of a mass whale stranding at Toby’s Inlet.

The group said they are currently attending the beach with DBCA officers, rangers and “everyone who needs to be [here].”

The public are now hindering procedures and lots [of] dogs and kids [are] causing more problems… We will ask for help as and when needed.

Dunsborough & Busselton Wildlife Care Inc We are in attendance along with dbca, rangers and everyone who needs to be the public are now hindering procedures and lots dogs and kids causing more problems please stay away and do not call us we are here pic.twitter.com/pCX4hFw7pZ — Shark Safety WA (@SharkSafetyWA) April 25, 2024

Wildlife groups respond to mass whale stranding in Western Australia

We’re keeping an eye on the mass whale stranding near Dunsborough in Western Australia for any developments, as a coordinated rescue effort is being formed between DBCA staff and Perth Zoo vets.

As we reported earlier, up to 100 pilot whales are stranded on the shore of Toby’s Inlet. Six whales are believed to have died.

The Perth Wildlife Rescue Network said on Facebook that people should stay away from the area, or keep their distance, if they are not physically assisting with the rescue.

Please do NOT take your dog down to the beach off lead to run around… Please listen to DBCA officers [and] don’t try to be a hero, you may get hurt or cause injury to the whales.

Wildlife rehabilitation organisation F.A.W.N.A Inc. urged people to register their interest to help with the rescue, rather than just showing up, because “there are too many people crowding already.”

Busselton council said city rangers are in attendance and the beach has been closed.

And Casey Woodward with WA Landcare said although the situation is “incredibly distressing” it’s important for people to follow the instruction of government departments:

The last thing they need is a circus when they are trying to coordinate a very intense situation on a falling tide.

• Australian politics
• Anthony Albanese
• Labor party
• Peter Dutton
• New South Wales

Most viewed

NSW Health settles largest underpayment class action outcome for junior doctors alleging underpayment

A class action alleging NSW Health underpaid junior doctors has settled after the department agreed to a payout of nearly a quarter of a billion dollars.

More than 20,000 medicos may be eligible to claim a share of almost $230 million for the alleged underpayment of overtime and paid meal breaks.

Law firms Hayden Stephens and Associates and Maurice Blackburn, which represented the plaintiffs, said the settlement was the largest underpayment class action outcome in Australian legal history.

Dr Amireh Fakhouri brought the claim on behalf of junior doctors who worked in the state's public health system from December 2014 to December 2020.

In a statement of claim, she alleged NSW Health failed to pay the overtime and weekend meal break entitlements she and her colleagues were owed.

On Wednesday, Dr Fakhouri told News Breakfast that for her, the case was never about the money.

"I did this for a cultural change to make it better for the next generation of junior doctors, for my fellow medical students," she said.

Dr Fakhouri was employed by NSW Health from 2015 to 2018, completing her internship and residency at Sydney's Westmead Hospital.

She now works in general practice and says the few thousand dollars she might receive from the settlement is merely a bonus.

"It's not going to make a difference to our income, but it's about the changes that we're making."

'A big indent in the last 12 months'

Health Minister Ryan Park said he was disappointed the matter was not resolved by Coalition government when it was in power.

He said NSW Health had made "significant inroads" in addressing the payment concerns but still needed to do better.

"I'm not saying we fixed it, but we've made a big indent in the last 12 months," he said.

Greens NSW health spokesperson Dr Amanda Cohn, who is a former GP and emergency doctor, said her own junior years were traumatic.

"I became a GP for many reasons, but one of them was to get out of the brutally hierarchical hospital system that made it hard to turn up to work every day," Dr Cohn said.

"This is a clear message that exploitation of the skill and commitment of healthcare workers is unacceptable and cannot continue."

Dr Fakhouri's lawyer Hayden Stephens said concerns over the dangerous working conditions of junior doctors were ignored for years.

"This landmark settlement now represents a seismic shift in the way junior doctors are treated in their workplace," Mr Stephens said.

Maurice Blackburn principal Rebecca Gilsenan said the class action had already resulted in change.

"Our clients report that NSW Health has already implemented several improvements in the workplace," Ms Gilsenan said.

Provided the settlement is approved by the Supreme Court of NSW, a process for assessing the claims of current and former doctors will begin this year.

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

'we're not going to be able to build our way out of this': how minister plans to fix nsw's healthcare sector.

• Courts and Trials
• Public Health
• State and Territory Government