9 Stunning Day Trips From Sydney For Your Next Holiday
Have a day’s break and want to head out of Sydney?
Looking for a change of scenery during your holiday?
Then this is the blog you’re looking for!
We’re covering the 9 best day trips from Sydney that you can choose from for that holiday that’s coming.
Why go for Sydney day trips?
Good question.
Why leave the epic food scene and chilled-out vibes (especially in the CBD, which is where we’re located as well—Sydney’s best VR escape room) at all?
Well, yes, there are literally hundreds (or is it thousands) of options for a one-day outing within Sydney itself.
But if you really want a reboot, a one-day trip away from the city is what you need.
Especially when there are so many stunning Sydney day trips that are a mere one to two-hour car ride away.
Beach day trips from Sydney
Sydney’s coastline is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches.
From golden sands to turquoise waters, these seaside escapes are ideal for soaking up the sun, surfing, or unwinding with dazzling views—all just a short drive away.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach offers the perfect escape with golden sands, panoramic coastal views, and sparkling waters.
Kick off your day with fish & chips and coffee at The Boathouse before kayaking along Pittwater or cruising the crystal-clear waters.
Then climb to Barrenjoey Lighthouse via the scenic Smugglers Track for breathtaking views of twin crescent beaches.
Make sure you’re on the beach by sunset – the views are spectacular.
Getting there: It’s over 40 km and about an hour’s drive from the city centre.
Did you know? Can you guess where they shoot most of the exterior scenes for Home and Away? Nowhere else but Palm Beach!
Manly Beach
Manly Beach delivers a perfect mix of laid-back charm and city energy, making it a must-visit destination near Sydney.
Catch the sunrise views at the main beach, coffee in hand, while soaking in the serene vibe.
And to catch up on your exercise, try the Manly to Spit Bridge walk, which follows the Manly Scenic Walkway.
For a taste of the local scene, grab a table at Sunset Sabi before you leave.
Getting there: It’s less than 20 km and a half-hour drive from the CBD.
National parks for your day out in and around Sydney
Immerse yourself in nature with Sydney’s nearby national parks, offering breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and a refreshing break from urban life.
Royal National Park
The Royal National Park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, with coastal cliffs, eucalyptus bushlands, and serene waterfalls like Wattamolla for swimming.
Paddle down the Hacking River by renting a canoe from the Audley Boatshed or cycle the scenic 10 km Loftus Loop Trail.
Visiting between May and November? Go whale watching!
It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, with tranquil settings at Ironbark Flat or Wattle Forest.
Getting there: It’s over 30 km and a half hour to an hour’s drive from the CBD.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Combining breathtaking landscapes with rich Indigenous history, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a great option for an amazing day out near Sydney.
Take the Aboriginal Heritage Walk to see ancient rock engravings and handprints by the Guringai people.
With waterways like the Hawkesbury River and hidden creeks and coves, it’s perfect for paddling—hire a boat at Bobbin Inn to make the most of your visit.
Getting there: Less than 30 km and around a half hour from the city centre by car.
Blue Mountains National Park
Escape to the breathtaking Blue Mountains National Park, where you’ll find awe-inspiring lookouts like Echo Point and sandstone walls near Blackheath.
Explore the Grand Canyon track’s scenic loop. Or have a magical time discovering the bioluminescent Glow Worm Tunnel in Lithgow.
Finally, drop in at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden to check out the local flora.
A great day trip for Sydney’s nature lovers.
Getting there: It’s a little over 60 km and around an hour’s drive from the CBD.
Did you know: The Blue Mountains were originally known as the Carmarthen Hills. Later, the name was changed to reflect the distinctive blue haze caused by the eucalyptus trees releasing oil droplets into the atmosphere.
Villages near Sydney that should be on your day trip list
Sydney’s surrounding villages offer a delightful mix of history, charm, and local flavor, perfect for a quick escape.
From quaint cafes to heritage architecture and scenic strolls, these gems promise a refreshing day out.
Berrima
Step back in time at Berrima, a charming Georgian village perfect for day trips between Sydney and Canberra.
Explore heritage-listed architecture, shop for handmade treats at Mrs Oldbucks Pantry, and indulge in fine dining at Eschalot before strolling by the river in search of platypus or joining a spooky ghost tour.
Getting there: It’s around 130 km and an hour and a half drive from the city centre.
Did you know: The Surveyor General Inn in Berrima is one of Australia’s oldest inns. It was set up in 1834 and still runs today.
Berry
Berry is a charming South Coast gem where lush green hills meet sea breeze magic.
Food connoisseurs should drop in at Milkwood Bakery for sausage rolls, Justin Lill Wines for craft beer, and SOUTH on Albany for the oysters.
For adventure, hike to the Drawing Room Rocks plateau. To unwind with stunning views, head for Mount Hay Retreat.
Getting there: It’s a little over 6 km and a short drive from the city centre.
Other great Sydney day trips to choose for your next holiday
From wine country indulgence in Hunter Valley to island adventures at Cockatoo Island, Sydney’s surroundings offer great options for your outing with friends, family, and coworkers.
Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley, a.k.a. NSW’s wine country, offers everything from wine tastings to hot air balloon rides at sunrise to horseback tours through rolling vineyards.
Savor wine pairings and exquisite desserts at Muse or Restaurant Botanica. For a more laid-back vibe, drop in at Café Enzo for coffee and linguini.
Families should explore Hunter Valley Gardens, known for its dinosaurs and Ferris wheel.
Getting there: It’s over 250 km and between two to three hours from the CBD by car.
Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island, at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers, offers a unique escape with heritage-listed buildings, scenic waterfront cafés, and panoramic views.
Don’t miss its campground stays, paranormal tours, or creative events like the Biennale of Sydney.
Getting there: It’s around 12 km and a half-hour drive from the city centre.
Did you know? The island was once home to hundreds of sulphur-crested cockatoos (hence the name.)
Central Coast
The Central Coast offers a blend of outdoor adventure and coastal charm, making it perfect for a laid-back Sydney day trip.
Watch the daily pelican feeding frenzy at 3:30 PM or cycle the 12-km lakeside trail with stunning views.
For bushwalks, explore Wyrrabalong National Park, or relax on the golden sands of Tuggerah Beach.
Getting there: It’s almost 100 km and an hour from the CBD by car.
Car hire companies you can look at for your Sydney day trip
Driving is the quickest way to explore these amazing Sydney day trips, so here are some top car hire companies to get you on the road in no time.
- Turo: Turo’s peer-to-peer car-sharing platform provides flexible, budget-friendly rentals with options ranging from everyday cars to luxury rides.
- Airport Rentals: Airport Rentals simplifies car hire with easy price comparisons and convenient airport pick-up options. And if you’re eco-conscious, you may want to check their blog for how to round-trip Australia in an EV!
- Hertz: Hertz offers a wide range of vehicles at convenient locations worldwide, making it a reliable choice for your Sydney day trip. It was established in 1918, making it one of the oldest car hire companies in the world.
- SIXT: SIXT delivers premium rental options, including luxury and sports cars, for travelers looking for a high-end experience. Like Hertz, it’s one of the oldest car rental companies globally (set up in 1912).
- Atlas: Atlas Rent offers an affordable range of vehicles, from economy cars to spacious family options, making it a versatile choice for Sydney day trips. It’s an Aussie-owned and operated company.
The best day trips from Sydney—final thoughts
So there’s our list of the most amazing day trips from Sydney.
Did any one tickle your fancy in particular?
Would you suggest any others be included in this list?
DM us your thoughts, and we may update this blog post with your choices!
