Australia is a haven for people who want to fall in love with the beauty of nature over and over again. Spectacular forests, astonishing wildlife, green and ever-growing flora and fauna are just some of the things that lure visitors from all over the world.
A part of Australia offers excellent city life, while most of the continent offers an amazing tour into the natural wonders of the world. One of the best places to visit in Australia is Sydney. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and connects almost every major part of Australia.
There are so many activities to do and places to visit, that even a 10 or 15-day trip may feel too short to cover everything.
The city is home to majestic beaches and distinct architectural marvels like the Opera House, which is known all over the world. Apart from amazing natural wonders and architecture, the city of Sydney is a hotbed for world-class restaurants, museums, shopping malls and a number of other attractions that make it a perfect addition to your bucket list. That’s why, before you start your day trips from Sydney, it is recommended that you should visit and enjoy Sydney has on offer within the city.
However, if you are feeling that the hustle and bustle of the city are too much for you, you can always choose to visit the amazing attractions that surround this thriving city. Sydney connects to various nature parks, national parks and seaside cities and towns. If you are still not sure where you want to visit, or if you do not yet have a plan, feel free to choose from our handpicked collection of 15 of the best day trips from Sydney.
Wondering how to get around?
There are a lot of means to travel around Australia. When you are planning your tour from Sydney, you do not have to worry about getting around as the city, like the rest of the country, is well-connected. Sydney has an excellent network of public transport and you can choose from multiple transport options reach your destination. Most of the day trips mentioned below are accessible by public transport. However, the best way, in some cases, may be to hire a taxi that would take you around wherever you want.
Here is a list of places you can visit if you are planning to make short trips from Sydney.
Canberra
Highlights:
- Capital of Australia
- Amazing museums, gardens, parks, and a lot more
- Mount Ainslie and the panoramic view from its top
Since Sydney is so well known, people often mistake it for being the capital of Australia. Sometimes, even Melbourne is mistakenly considered the capital. However, the actual capital of Australia, Canberra, lies between these two cities. Canberra has a lot to offer to tourists and should not be overlooked when planning a short trip from Sydney. Canberra is often underestimated as a tourist destination. If you aren’t afraid of heights, you can climb Mount Ainslie and experience the breathtaking views of the city from its top. You can also take a walk around the artificial Lake Burley Griffin, which is also Canberra’s centrepiece . Once done, take a tour around the new and old parliament houses and museums. Canberra is a place that can be covered in one day, with the right kind of planning. However, an overnight stay is not at all disappointing either.
Blue Mountains National Park
Highlights:
- Gorgen and eucalyptus
- Haven for Koalas
- Three Sisters Lookout
- Katoomba Scenic Railway
The Blue Mountains offer an area of over 664,000 acres of wilderness to explore. The amazing hiking trails in the area allow visitors to explore these mountains filled with waterfalls, gorges, and centuries-old caves decorated with spectacular cave paintings. The Blue Mountains get its name from the blue shade that is visible because of the abundant presence of eucalyptus trees. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a geographical wonder. It is best to hire a guide since it is easy to get lost in these mountains.
Hunter Valley
Highlights:
- Oldest grapevines
- Known for fine wine
- Kangaroo spotting
- Hot air Balloons
The Hunter Valley is widely known for its grapevines. The fertile soil and land make it possible for the grapevines to produce high-quality grapes. Apart from the grapevines and wine, Hunter Valley is a foodie’s paradise. Its artisanal oils and cheese are used in the wide number of restaurants available throughout the valley. If you want to take a walk or do something physical, take a tour around the hiking trails of the Hunter Valley Gardens or Wollemi National Park.
Palm Beach
Highlights:
- Filming spot of ‘Home and Away’, a popular Aussie soap
- Developing community
- Lovely waves
Palm Beach is one of the most popular northern beaches in Sydney. This place is known for the filming of a very popular Aussie soap, Home and Away. The Palm Beach adorns the beautiful golden sands, perfect for sunbathing. It is also a great place to enjoy the waves and surf all you want.
Mermaid Pools
Highlights:
- Trekking and hiking trails
- Clear waters for swimming
- Rocky platforms and steep tables to get the best views of the surroundings
Hidden amongst the steep rocks of the Tahmoor Gorge in the Australian Bush lie the Mermaid Pools. Getting to the spot is a piece of work, but once you cover the distance, the view feels like a pat on the back. The experience is rewarding and definitely worthy of the tough hike to the Mermaid Pools. The clear water of the Mermaid Pools offers an amazing view of the underwater world and a chance to cool off some of the heat at the same time.
Jervis Bay
Highlights:
- Astonishing white sand beaches
- Scuba Diving in Marine Park
- Whale and Dolphin watching.
If you are looking for a fun spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Jervis Bay must be on the top of your list. According to the locals, Jervis Bay has the whitest sands in the world. Jervis Bay is just about 2 hours away from Sydney, by road. The best time to visit Jervis Bay is between June and November since it is the perfect time to witness the migration of humpback whales and southern right whales.
Stanwell Park
Highlights:
- Coastal views on the Wodi Wodi Tracks
- Paragliding and hang gliding
- Kangaroo watching at Symbio zoo
Stanwell Park is one of the best places in the world for paragliding and getting a bird’s eye view of the coastal areas. If you are visiting Stanwell Park, make sure that you put paragliding on the top of your to-do activities.
You can also visit the Simbio Zoo to witness the infamous AustralianKangaroos.
Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
Highlights:
- Numerous creeks and waterways
- Aboriginal architecture and the impact of colonialism
- Australia’s most significant Aboriginal rock engraving site
Are you interested in learning about aboriginal history? If so, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park is one of the best places to learn about the rich aboriginal history of Australia. The area is quite rich in culture and history. The panoramic views of the coast from the West Head Lookout will leave you awestruck.
Dangar Island
Highlights:
- Experience swimming in the safe waters of Dangar Island Beach
- Enjoy with your friends and family
Dangar Island is just an hour away from Sydney. It is the type of place which keeps you clung to it and you won’t ever want to leave! Dangar Island is located in the Hawkesbury River and boasts an exquisite forested natural setting. This place is fun to explore and we bet that the children will love this place. The walking trails on Dangar Island are easy to walk as they are flat and the weather is pleasant. Once you are done with swimming and walking, get yourself a pizza from the island’s Bowling Club and re-energize yourself.
Port Stephens
Highlights:
- Have a romantic evening with your special one
- Experience life with dolphins
- Sandboarding and rock climbing
Port Stephens is a great place to visitfor couples, but it doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy this spectacular beach with your friends. In fact, you can have an adventurous vacation consisting of sandboarding and rock climbing in Port Stephens.
Port Stephens is just a two to three-hour drive from Sydney. Do not let the long journey deviate you from your plans because the experience you get in return is priceless. You can watch whales and dolphins from Stockton beach and even swim with dolphins, if you are up for the adventure.
Manly Beach
Highlights:
- Try Aussie style seafood and chips by the beach
- Sightseeing
- Easiest day trip from Sydney
Have a rough day and want to get away from the rough life of the city? Manly Beach is the perfect place to crash. Manly Beach is great for surfing, even for amateurs. Learn how to surf or display your skills on the board, or maybe just lie down in the golden sands and enjoy a lovely tan. Enjoy the Manly to Spit Bridge walk along the coastline and keep looking out for exquisite fauna which includes rare lizards and birds.
Kangaroo Valley
Highlights:
- Locally made jams and wine tasting
- Horse-riding across the rainforest
Kangaroo Valley is another great spot for nature lovers. It is just about a 2-hour drive from Sydney. Enjoy the beauty of nature with delicious food and exquisite wine. Kangaroo Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in Australia and offers breathtaking views. Run into the wild and experience watching endemic wildlife such as Kangaroos, duck-billed platypus, and a lot more. The climate in Kangaroo Valley is cooler and less humid than the surrounding places, which makes it a perfect getaway from the busy and hectic life of the city.
Royal National Park
Highlights:
- Hike along the coastline
- Paddle up Hacking River
- Experience the pristine natural beauty
Royal National Park is just an hour away from Sydney CBD by train and is known to be the 2nd national park in the world. As soon as you reach Royal National Park, you can either go on self-exploration, or you can hire a guide to show you around the entire Park.
Lake Macquarie
Highlights:
- Countless Beaches
- Boating
- Breathtaking sunset views
Just a little farther away from the beaches in New South Wales lies Lake Macquarie. It is home to countless beaches, cycling trails, walking tracks, and a lot more. Go out on the lake in a kayak and experience boating, fishing, and exploring the Watagans National Park.
Tobruk Sheep Station
Highlights:
- Experience the farm life in the countryside
- Boomerang throwing
- Traditional Australian barbeque
Wondering what is a sheep station doing on your recommended vacation spots? This is the perfect place to stay away from the city life and crash amidst the farm people and animals. You can also learn about the traditional rural Aussie culture here. Tobruk Sheep Station is located in the Hawkesbury River Valley, which means that the journey to the place is going to be as exciting as the place itself. You can also enjoy the traditional Aussie barbeque with your family below the clear night sky.
Conclusion
Country Trails Private Tours offers small, private tours to all the highly popular tourist destinations across Sydney. If you are looking for day trips from Sydney, all you need to do is schedule a trip to any of the above-mentioned destinations and leave all the preparations to Country Trails. A few hours of fun drive from Sydney and you reach your destination with enough time in hand to enjoy the place to the fullest. Opt for cheap packages that will cover everything at the most affordable prices.
FAQ’s
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