{"id":16243,"date":"2024-11-29T18:19:16","date_gmt":"2024-11-29T07:19:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enterthemission.com\/sydney\/?p=16243"},"modified":"2025-07-21T19:11:35","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T09:11:35","slug":"best-day-trips-sydney","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enterthemission.com\/sydney\/best-day-trips-sydney\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Stunning Day Trips From Sydney For Your Next Holiday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have a day\u2019s break and want to head out of Sydney?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking for a change of scenery during your holiday?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then this is the blog you\u2019re looking for!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re covering the 9 best day trips from Sydney that you can choose from for that holiday that\u2019s coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why go for Sydney day trips?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Good question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why leave the epic food scene and chilled-out vibes (especially in the CBD, which is where we\u2019re located as well\u2014Sydney\u2019s best VR escape room<\/strong><\/a>) at all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, yes, there are literally hundreds (or is it thousands) of options for a one-day outing within Sydney itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you really want a reboot, a one-day trip away from the city is what you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Especially when there are so many stunning Sydney day trips that are a mere one to two-hour car ride away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beach day trips from Sydney<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sydney\u2019s coastline is home to some of the world\u2019s most stunning beaches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From golden sands to turquoise waters, these seaside escapes are ideal for soaking up the sun, surfing, or unwinding with dazzling views\u2014all just a short drive away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Palm Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Can you guess where they shoot most of the exterior scenes for Home and Away? Palm Beach<\/strong>!<\/a> They offer the perfect escape with golden sands, panoramic coastal views, and sparkling waters.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kick off your day with fish & chips and coffee at The Boathouse<\/strong><\/a> before kayaking along Pittwater or cruising the crystal-clear waters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then climb to Barrenjoey Lighthouse via the scenic Smugglers Track for breathtaking views of twin crescent beaches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you\u2019re on the beach by sunset – the views are spectacular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there:<\/em><\/strong> It\u2019s over 40 km and about an hour\u2019s drive from the city centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manly Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Manly Beach<\/strong><\/a> delivers a perfect mix of laid-back charm and city energy, making it a must-visit destination near Sydney. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch the sunrise views at the main beach, coffee in hand, while soaking in the serene vibe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And to catch up on your exercise, try the Manly to Spit Bridge walk, which follows the Manly Scenic Walkway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a taste of the local scene, grab a table at Sunset Sabi<\/strong><\/a> before you leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there:<\/em><\/strong> It\u2019s less than 20 km and a half-hour drive from the CBD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

National parks for your day out in and around Sydney<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Immerse yourself in nature with Sydney\u2019s nearby national parks, offering breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and a refreshing break from urban life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Royal National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The Royal National Park<\/strong><\/a> is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, with coastal cliffs, eucalyptus bushlands, and serene waterfalls like Wattamolla for swimming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paddle down the Hacking River by renting a canoe from the Audley Boatshed or cycle the scenic 10 km Loftus Loop Trail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visiting between May and November? Go whale watching! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s the perfect spot for a picnic, with tranquil settings at Ironbark Flat or Wattle Forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there:<\/em><\/strong> It\u2019s over 30 km and a half hour to an hour\u2019s drive from the CBD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Combining breathtaking landscapes with rich Indigenous history, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park<\/strong><\/a> is a great option for an amazing day out near Sydney. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the Aboriginal Heritage Walk to see ancient rock engravings and handprints by the Guringai people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With waterways like the Hawkesbury River and hidden creeks and coves, it\u2019s perfect for paddling\u2014hire a boat at Bobbin Inn<\/strong><\/a> to make the most of your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there:<\/em><\/strong> Less than 30 km and around a half hour from the city centre by car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue Mountains National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Escape to the breathtaking Blue Mountains National Park<\/strong><\/a>, where you\u2019ll find awe-inspiring lookouts like Echo Point and sandstone walls near Blackheath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore the Grand Canyon track\u2019s scenic loop. Or have a magical time discovering the bioluminescent Glow Worm Tunnel in Lithgow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, drop in at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden<\/strong><\/a> to check out the local flora.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A great day trip for Sydney\u2019s nature lovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there:<\/em><\/strong> It\u2019s a little over 60 km and around an hour\u2019s drive from the CBD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know:<\/em><\/strong> 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<\/strong> into the atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Villages near Sydney that should be on your day trip list<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sydney\u2019s surrounding villages offer a delightful mix of history, charm, and local flavor, perfect for a quick escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From quaint cafes to heritage architecture and scenic strolls, these gems promise a refreshing day out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Berrima<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Step back in time at Berrima<\/strong><\/a>, a charming Georgian village perfect for day trips between Sydney and Canberra. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore heritage-listed architecture, shop for handmade treats at Mrs Oldbucks Pantry<\/strong><\/a>, and indulge in fine dining at Eschalot<\/strong><\/a> before strolling by the river in search of platypus or joining a spooky ghost tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there:<\/em><\/strong> It\u2019s around 130 km and an hour and a half drive from the city centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know:<\/em><\/strong> The Surveyor General Inn<\/strong><\/a> in Berrima is one of Australia\u2019s oldest inns. It was set up in 1834 and still runs today<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Berry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Berry<\/strong><\/a> is a charming South Coast gem where lush green hills meet sea breeze magic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food connoisseurs should drop in at Milkwood Bakery for sausage rolls, Justin Lill Wines for craft beer, and SOUTH on Albany for the oysters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For adventure, hike to the Drawing Room Rocks plateau. To unwind with stunning views, head for Mount Hay Retreat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there:<\/em><\/strong> It\u2019s a little over 6 km and a short drive from the city centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other great Sydney day trips to choose for your next holiday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From wine country indulgence in Hunter Valley to island adventures at Cockatoo Island, Sydney\u2019s surroundings offer great options for your outing with friends, family, and coworkers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hunter Valley<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Hunter Valley<\/strong><\/a>, a.k.a. NSW\u2019s wine country, offers everything from wine tastings to hot air balloon rides at sunrise to horseback tours through rolling vineyards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Savor wine pairings and exquisite desserts at Muse<\/strong><\/a> or Restaurant Botanica<\/strong><\/a>. For a more laid-back vibe, drop in at Caf\u00e9 Enzo<\/strong><\/a> for coffee and linguini.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Families should explore Hunter Valley Gardens<\/strong><\/a>, known for its dinosaurs and Ferris wheel.

Getting there:<\/em><\/strong> It\u2019s over 250 km and between two to three hours from the CBD by car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cockatoo Island<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cockatoo Island<\/strong><\/a>, at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers, offers a unique escape with heritage-listed buildings, scenic waterfront caf\u00e9s, and panoramic views. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t miss its campground stays, paranormal tours, or creative events like the Biennale of Sydney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there:<\/em><\/strong> It\u2019s around 12 km and a half-hour drive from the city centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know?<\/em><\/strong> The island was once home to hundreds of sulphur-crested cockatoos (hence the name.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Central Coast<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The Central Coast<\/strong><\/a> offers a blend of outdoor adventure and coastal charm, making it perfect for a laid-back Sydney day trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch the daily pelican feeding frenzy at 3:30 PM or cycle the 12-km lakeside trail with stunning views. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For bushwalks, explore Wyrrabalong National Park<\/strong><\/a>, or relax on the golden sands of Tuggerah Beach<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there:<\/em><\/strong> It\u2019s almost 100 km and an hour from the CBD by car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Car hire companies you can look at for your Sydney day trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n