The Best Day Trips From Sydney For a Fun Day Out

While Sydney winters may be mild compared to our Victorian friends, these colder days seem to be the impetus for most of our spontaneous escapes outside of the city — even if only for a couple hours.

These day trips are just a hop, skip, and a jump from the city, but will leave you feeling like you’re a world away. Don’t stress if you don’t have a car, there are plenty of options for those catching public transport.

Palm Beach 

Always fancied yourself as a Home and Away extra? Head to Palm Beach (where the show is primarily filmed) and you can at least play pretend.

If you’ve put your TV stardom dreams behind you, enjoy the scenic walk to Barrenjoey Lighthouse instead, or stop for lunch at one of the many locally loved cafes, such as Barefoot Barista or Dune Cafe. The best bit? You can get here by bus. A regular coach takes off from Sydney CBD and can have you basking in the Palm Beach sun in as little as 90 minutes. 

The Blue Mountains 

If you want to behold the magical wonder of snow on a day trip from Sydney, your best bet is the Blue Mountains. Even there, it snows infrequently, so you’d best be prepared to make the trip as soon as it looks likely. Should you miss the view of the dusted mountain tops, strap on your walking shoes and embark on one of the many short hikes around the ranges. Ou pick? The Grand Canyon Walk for views, jungle vibes and a good workout.

Not feeling like taking to the tracks? You’ll just have to indulge in the many culinary delights the Blue Mountains has to offer instead (oh no). From fresh pastries at Black Cockatoo Bakery to mediterranean bites at Ates and late sips at Frankie and Mo’s, there’s plenty of tastings to had across the region.

The Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands is a hidden gem for those on the lookout for a boozy day out with friends. The region is home to about 60 wineries, so you’ll have no shortage of cellar doors to visit and cool-climate wines to sample.

Not in the mood for wine? No problem. Whether you’re headed to Bowral, Berry, Kiama, or anywhere in between, the southern region is a haven for shopping and wellness escapes that make for a refreshing day away from the big smoke. For a relaxing spa day, head to Osborne House where you’ll find a menu of luxe facial and massage treatments, or hit the shops and browse for a unique find at Dirty Jane‘s antique market. And all within a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney.

Gerringong 

Gerringong has an old-school coastal town charm that’s hard to beat, even on a winter’s day. Stroll along Seven Mile Beach or take the coastal route from Gerringong to Kiama for some pretty spectacular views.

If you’re heading this way between the months of May and July, keep an eye to the water and you may just spot a pod of whales passing by — the whale watching platform on Gerringong Headland is the perfect lookout.

Get there by car in about two hours from Sydney. A short detour to Berry on your way home is worth the extra drive time where you can pick up the tastiest road trip treat at the famous Berry Donut Van. 

Brooklyn and the Hawkesbury River 

The Hawkesbury is home to several charming spots, but Brooklyn is our pick of the lot for one unique reason — the Sydney Oyster Farm. If you’re looking for a fun way to make the most of a day out of the city, sign up for one of their tours. Complete with a boat ride around the farm, a lesson in shucking, and in-water dining, it really doesn’t get much more unique than this.

Plus, head to Brooklyn and you might catch a glimpse of the famous Riverboat Postman. Departing from the Brooklyn Wharf every day at 10am, join the crew aboard the boat as they deliver mail and other essentials to the river-access-only settlements. You can even catch the train from Central Station and get to Brooklyn within an hour. 

The Royal National Park

If you’re keen on a swim, a stop Wattamolla beach is an absolute must. From soft white sand to crystal waters, it’s the perfect trip for a day in the sun. If the weather doesn’t permit, the Royal National Park has plenty to offer during the cooler months. See whales from the cliffs between June and August or take on part of the spectacular coastal path. A windbreaker is essential as the air can get very crisp, but blue skies and spectacular views make this beauty spot well worth a visit. 

Always check conditions before you go and remember that parts of the park are inaccessible and dangerous depending on the tides.

Now that you know the best quick escapes in New South Wales, how about exploring more Aussie goodness? From these bucket List experiences in Western Australia to the super romantic getaways of Queensland, our unique country is bursting with beauty.