Day Trips from Sydney

11 Sydney Day Trips and Weekend Getaways

1. Hunter Valley
   2.5 hr | 160 km (each way)
   Wineries and vineyards, misty mornings, artisan food, scenic country lanes, and charming historic villages, the Hunter Valley is worth at least two days of your time.
   
   
   Hunter Valley
   
   
2. Blue Mountains
   2.5 hr | 130 km (each way)
   An endless choice of bush walks, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs that change colour in the shifting light, cockatoos and other wildlife, the smell of eucalypts, breath-taking views, towering tree ferns, blazing autumn colours, and charming mountain villages, the Blue Mountains can be visited in one day, but it begs to be more thoroughly explored.  
   
   
   Giant stairway, Blue Mountains. Photo: david_noble via IG
   
   
3. Southern Highlands
   1 hr 45 min | 120 km (each way)
   Stunning gardens, antiques, rolling green hills, misty valleys, historic mansions, waterfalls and a diverse choice of bush walks, the country grandeur of the Southern Highlands is worth at least a day of your time. 
   
   
   Bundanoon Hotel, Southern Highlands
   
   
4. Royal National Park
   1 hr | 38 km (each way)
   The Royal National Park has rugged coastline, rainforest, beach scrub, soaring cliffs, and secluded beaches. Between June and November you might see whales migrating. Riverside camping for campervans is available at Bonnie Vale. A sand spit makes it an ideal protected swimming spot.  
   
   
5. Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
   1 hr | 38 km (each way)
   Just north of Sydney is the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park with winding creeks, rainforest, stunning ocean views, sandstone cliffs and mangroves.  
   
   
6. Brisbane Water and Bouddi National Park
   2 hr | 95 km (each way)
   Brisbane Water National Park and nearby Bouddi Bouddi National Park have a lot of things to do including the spectacular Bouddi Coastal Walk. There are also three beautiful camping options. 
   
   
   Bouddi Coastal Walk. Photo:  john_yurasek via Instagram
   
   
7. Wollemi National Park
   4 hr | 265 km (each way)
   The Wollemi National Park is a world heritage listed landscape of serene waterways, prolific wildlife, scribbly gum woodlands, pagoda rock formation, glow worm caves, and excellent hikes. 
   
   
8. Central Coast
   1.5 hr | 95 km (each way)
   With wildlife parks, beaches, museums, national parks, camping, and some beautiful walks, the Central Coast is a great family day trip.  
   
   
   Avoca Beach on the Central Coast. Photo: rasstanley via Instagram
   
   
9. Newcastle
   2.5 hr | 160 km (each way)
   Newcastle is one of Australia's most under-rated cities. It has blossomed from its industrial beginnings into a laid-back surf mecca with historic charm and great bars and restaurants. 
   
   
10. Port Stephens 
    3 hr | 206 km (each way)
    Port Stephens is the dolphin capital of Australia and here you'll find near-deserted beaches, turquoise waters, national parks, and an extensive sand dune system.  
    
    
    Port Stephens
    
    
11. Canberra
    3.5 hr | 295 km (each way)
    Australia's capital city has plenty of things to occupy you for a weekend or longer - festivals, excellent museums, art, parklands, food and wineries.  
    
    
    Canberra Balloon Spectacular. Photo: Melanie Roberts via Instagram 

Map of Road Trips Australia