10 Best Day Trips from Sydney (2026 Local's Guide)

Sydney is an incredible city, but sometimes you just need to escape the hustle and bustle. Luckily, some of New South Wales' most beautiful scenery is just a short drive away. As a Sydney local, I've spent years exploring the surrounding regions, and I've rounded up my top 10 favorite day trips to help you plan your next adventure.

1. The Blue Mountains

Where: Just under a 2-hour drive west of the city.

No list of Sydney day trips is complete without the Blue Mountains. This World Heritage-listed region is famous for its dramatic cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and charming mountain towns. Start your day at Echo Point to see the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, then head to Scenic World to ride the world's steepest railway. For lunch, the town of Leura has some fantastic cafes and bakeries.

• Don't Miss: The views from Govetts Leap Lookout are, in my opinion, even better than Echo Point.
• How to Get There: Driving is the easiest option, but you can also take a train from Central Station to Katoomba.

2. The Royal National Park

Where: A 1-hour drive south of the city centre.

The Royal National Park is the second-oldest national park in the world, and it's a nature lover's paradise. You can hike through lush rainforest, swim at secluded beaches, or marvel at the stunning coastal views from the cliffs. The 26-kilometer Coast Track is one of Sydney's best hikes, but you can also just walk a small section of it.

• Don't Miss: Wattamolla Beach, with its calm lagoon and waterfall, is a perfect spot for a swim and a picnic.
• How to Get There: Driving is the most convenient way to explore the park.

3. The South Coast

Where: Just over an hour south of Sydney.

For a classic Aussie beach day, head to the South Coast. The Grand Pacific Drive is one of the most scenic drives in the country, taking you over the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge. Stop in Wollongong for a swim at North Beach, or continue on to Kiama to see the famous blowhole.

• Don't Miss: The Kiama Coast Walk offers stunning views of the coastline and is a great way to stretch your legs.
• How to Get There: The drive down is part of the experience, so a car is a must.

4. The Hunter Valley

Where: About a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney.

If you're a foodie or a wine lover, a day trip to the Hunter Valley is a must. It's one of Australia's premier wine regions, with over 150 wineries to choose from. You can join a wine tasting tour or create your own itinerary. Many of the wineries also have excellent restaurants.

• Don't Miss: Tyrrell's Wines is one of the oldest and most respected wineries in the region.
• How to Get There: Driving is the most popular option, but you can also join a guided tour from Sydney.

5. Palm Beach

Where: Just over an hour drive from the city centre.

At the northernmost tip of Sydney's Northern Beaches, Palm Beach is a stunning peninsula with golden sand and sparkling water. It's also the real-life location of Summer Bay from the TV show Home and Away. Climb to the top of Barrenjoey Lighthouse for incredible panoramic views.

• Don't Miss: The Boathouse Palm Beach is a beautiful spot for brunch or lunch right on the water.
• How to Get There: You can drive or take a scenic ferry ride from Ettalong.

6. The Southern Highlands

Where: A 1.5-hour drive south-west of the city.

Escape to the charming country towns of the Southern Highlands. Bowral is the largest town in the region and is home to the Bradman Museum, dedicated to Australia's most famous cricketer. Berrima is a beautifully preserved Georgian village with sandstone buildings and craft shops.

• Don't Miss: The cool-climate wines of the Southern Highlands are excellent. Centennial Vineyards is a great place to start.
• How to Get There: A car is the best way to explore the different towns in the region.

7. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Where: A 45-minute drive north of the city.

This stunning national park is a hidden gem. It's a place of significant Aboriginal heritage, with over 800 rock art sites. You can also enjoy bushwalking, kayaking, and picnicking with beautiful water views.

• Don't Miss: The view from West Head Lookout is one of the best in Sydney, looking out over Pittwater to Palm Beach.
• How to Get There: Driving is the easiest way to get to the park and explore its different areas.

8. The Central Coast

Where: About a 1.5-hour drive north of Sydney.

The Central Coast is a laid-back region with beautiful beaches, calm bays, and a growing foodie scene. Avoca Beach and Terrigal are popular spots for swimming and surfing, while the Bouddi National Park offers some stunning coastal walks.

• Don't Miss: The 8-kilometer Bouddi Coastal Walk is one of the most beautiful hikes in the state.
• How to Get There: You can drive or take a train from Central Station to Gosford or Woy Woy.

9. Port Stephens

Where: About a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney.

Port Stephens is a paradise for water lovers. It's home to a large pod of resident dolphins, and the sand dunes at Stockton Beach are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. You can go sandboarding, take a dolphin-watching cruise, or just relax on one of the 26 beautiful beaches.

• Don't Miss: The walk to the top of Tomaree Head offers incredible views of the coastline.
• How to Get There: Driving is the most convenient option.

10. Canberra

Where: A 3-hour drive south-west of the city.

Australia's capital city is a great option for a longer day trip. It's home to some of the country's best museums and galleries, including the Australian War Memorial and the National Gallery of Australia. In the spring, the Floriade festival is a must-see.

• Don't Miss: A visit to Parliament House is a fascinating glimpse into Australian politics.
• How to Get There: Driving is the easiest way to get there and back in a day.

FAQ: Planning Your Sydney Day Trip

This guide is written by a local Sydney expert. For a hassle-free day trip with a knowledgeable guide, consider a small-group tour. Picture Me Sydney is a top-rated operator that offers personalized tours to the Blue Mountains and the South Coast.