6 best day trips from Sydney

Day trips compared

The day trips

100 km · About 2 hours by train

1.Blue Mountains

Sandstone cliffs, eucalyptus forest and the Three Sisters rock formation make the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains the classic Sydney day trip. From Katoomba, walk to the Echo Point lookout, ride the steep Scenic Railway at Scenic World, or follow cliff-top trails around Leura and Wentworth Falls.

Getting there

Train from Central to Katoomba

Best for

First-timers, Families, Couples

160 km · About 2–2.5 hours by car

2.Hunter Valley

One of Australia's oldest wine regions is known for Semillon and Shiraz, with cellar doors clustered around Pokolbin. Drink-driving laws are strictly enforced, so most visitors join a winery tour or hire a driver; staying overnight lets you add a sunrise hot-air balloon flight.

Getting there

Car or organised winery tour

Best for

Couples, Food lovers

35 km · About 1 hour by train or car

3.Royal National Park

Established in 1879 and often described as the world's second-oldest national park, the Royal protects sea cliffs, heathland and surf beaches on Sydney's southern edge. The Coast Track runs about 26 km from Bundeena to Otford; shorter walks from Bundeena or a drive to Wattamolla and Garie beaches suit a half day.

Getting there

Train to Otford, or train to Cronulla and ferry to Bundeena

Best for

Quiet stays, Couples, Families

40 km · About 1.5 hours by bus

4.Palm Beach and the Northern Beaches

At the tip of the Northern Beaches peninsula, Palm Beach has surf on one side and the calm waters of Pittwater on the other. Climb to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for views over both, then stop at Avalon, Newport or Collaroy on the way back.

Getting there

Bus from Wynyard, or car

Best for

Beach, Couples, Quiet stays

120 km · About 2 hours by train

5.Kiama

This South Coast town is known for the Kiama Blowhole, which shoots seawater high through a rock fissure when the swell is up, plus coastal walks and surf beaches. The train hugs the Illawarra coast; driving lets you add the Sea Cliff Bridge at Clifton on the way.

Getting there

Train from Central to Kiama

Best for

Families, Beach, Quiet stays

180 km · About 3 hours by car

6.Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay's white-sand beaches, including Hyams Beach, and clear water draw snorkellers and kayakers, and dolphins are often seen on boat cruises from Huskisson. It makes a long day from Sydney, so many visitors stay a night.

Getting there

Car

Best for

Beach, Couples, Families

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• Off-peak fares on trains and Metro are cheaper than peak fares, so a mid-morning start saves money.
• Buses fill the gaps, especially to the eastern beaches: frequent services run from the CBD and from Bondi Junction station to Bondi, Bronte and Coogee.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask