Sometimes you just need to get out of the city. These day trips are within easy reach of Sydney and promise outdoor adventures, delicious food, creative communities and plenty of relaxation.
Parramatta
- Where: A 40-minute drive west of the city
NSW’s second city is a surprising treasure trove of historic buildings, green parkland and delicious multicultural cuisine. Spend the morning exploring the historic homestead Elizabeth Farm, which dates back to 1796, and the convict-built Old Government House, the oldest surviving public building in Australia. Enjoy a picnic in Parramatta Park then hire a rowboat to paddle around Lake Parramatta. For dinner, you’re off to Little India in Harris Park – it’s packed with authentic restaurants and street stalls. Finish the day with a cocktail at the rooftop Nick & Nora’s.
Lake Parramatta Reserve, Parramatta
Cronulla
- Where: A 50-minute drive south of the city
The locals call the Cronulla Shire ‘God’s Country’ and it’s easy to see why. With four beaches and five ocean pools dotted along its pristine coastline, you’ll feel a world away from the city. Book a lesson with Cronulla Surf Academy or just relax on the golden sand and watch the experts ride the break. Enjoy lunch with an ocean view at Next Door, then walk out to Bass and Flinders Point to see the monument to the famous explorers. As the sun goes down, take a cruise along the Port Hacking River with Cronulla Ferries before catching a gig at The Brass Monkey.
Next Door Cafe, Cronulla
Northern Beaches
- Where: A one-hour drive north of the city
A little slice of tropical paradise on the edge of Sydney, the Northern Beaches is home to world-famous surf breaks, chic boutiques and sun-drenched beer gardens. Catch a wave at Freshwater, the birthplace of surfing in Australia and a nationally recognised surfing reserve. Explore the calm bays of Pittwater by kayak or stand-up paddleboard or hike up Bilgola Head to admire the views. Enjoy lunch beneath the trees and beside the ocean at The Newport, then end the day at one of the Northern Beaches’ craft breweries or distilleries – there are a dozen to choose from.
Kayaking in Pittwater
Royal National Park
- Where: A one-hour drive south of the city
The second oldest national park in the world is just a stone’s throw from the city and encompasses more than 150 square kilometres of pristine bushland. Make an early start, grab some supplies in Bundeena and then walk a six-kilometre section of the famed Coast Track to Little Marley Beach. Spend some time lazing on one of the park’s gorgeous beaches, then visit the Audley Boat Shed to hire a kayak and paddle along the Hacking River. At sunset, drive up to the lookout at Stanwell Tops for coastal views dotted with daring hangliders.
Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park - Credit: Dee Kramer Photography
Blue Mountains
- Where: A 90-minute drive west of the city
Fresh air, good food and spectacular scenery – the Blue Mountains promises all this (and more) just a short drive from the city. Start with a bushwalk to admire the iconic Three Sisters, feel the spray from Wentworth Falls or follow in the footsteps of a legendary naturalist along the Charles Darwin Walk. Get a bird's-eye view of the Jamison Valley at Scenic World, where the one-of-a-kind Beyond Skyway experience lets you stand on the roof of the cable car 270 metres above the ground. Toast your adventures with a beer at Mountain Culture Beer Co.
Scenic World, Blue Mountains
Central Coast
- Where: A 90-minute drive north of the city
Sandwiched between Sydney and Newcastle, the Central Coast is a beautiful stretch of golden beaches, national parks and cute coastal towns. Kick off your day trip with a hike to Somersby Falls, then pick up some local goodies at the Wyong Milk Factory followed by a tour of the historic Norah Head Lighthouse. Have lunch in The Entrance before a swim and a surf lesson at Avoca Beach or stand-up paddleboarding on Avoca Lake. Your final stop is Bay Road Brewing in Gosford for a drink and dinner from one of the rotating food trucks.
Central Coast Surf Academy, Avoca Beach
Wollongong
- Where: A 90-minute drive south of the city
Travelling south from Sydney, take the coast road and cross the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge on your way to Wollongong. Cool off with a swim at North Wollongong Beach or the Continental Pool, then soak up some culture at the excellent Wollongong Art Gallery. Find your zen at Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, followed by woodfired pizza and a tasting paddle at Seeker Brewing. On the way home, stop at Mount Keira Lookout to take in the sweeping coastal views.
Southern Highlands
- Where: A 90-minute drive southwest of the city
An elegant little pocket of rolling hills, lush farmland and charming villages, the Southern Highlands has been a popular country retreat for almost 200 years. Begin your day trip in Moreton National Park and take the walk to Fairy Bower Falls. Lunchtime is for indulgence, with wine tastings at Joadja Estate and Bendooley Estate, and dining at the exquisite farm-to-table Eschalot in Berrima. Then head to Bowral for antique shopping at Dirty Jane’s, sporting history at the Bradman Museum, flowers in Corbett Gardens and dinner at chic, plant-filled bistro Harry’s.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima
Lake Macquarie
- Where: A one-hour 40-minute drive north of the city
The largest saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Macquarie promises fun on and off the water. After a swim at Caves Beach on the way then pedal along the Watagans Cycle Track, which is lined with works from the Creative Lake Sculpture Trail. Relax with a lunch cruise on the lake followed by stand-up paddleboarding on the calm waters of Naru Bay. Or if you’re feeling arty, head for the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang. In the evening, grab a table by the water at the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club to watch the sun go down.
Kiama
- Where: A one-hour 40-minute drive south of the city
The quintessential South Coast beach town, Kiama makes for a sweet day by the sea. After coffee and a surf check, join Gumaraa for a one-hour Aboriginal bush tucker and medicine walk. Continue south to Minnamurra to look for whales in winter and surfers on the famous Mystics break all year-round. In Kiama, sit down to lunch at stylish Silica then visit the Blowhole (the largest in the world) and have a dip in the tranquil Blowhole Point Ocean Pool. As the sun sets, admire the striking geological formations of Cathedral Rocks before dinner at Miss Arda.
Port Stephens
- Where: A two-hour drive north of the city
A day of outdoor adventure await in the coastal playground of Port Stephens. Tackle the short but challenging Tomaree Head Summit Walk in the morning then relax with a swim at one of 26 golden beaches. In the afternoon, choose between quad biking and sand boarding on the vast Stockton Sand Dunes or meet the local wildlife at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. Then hop on a camel for a twilight ride along the beach with Oakfield Ranch. Cap off a picture perfect day with dinner by the water at Little Beach Boathouse Restaurant and Bar.
Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Port Stephens
Kangaroo Valley
- Where: A two-hour drive southwest of the city
Spend a day sampling the wildlife, waterfalls and wine of the Kangaroo Valley. First stop is Fitzroy Falls, where the water tumbles more than 80 metres over a sandstone cliff. Be immersed in history in the 200-year-old village of Kangaroo Valley where the Historic Village Walk takes in more than 20 sites. Then it’s an afternoon of adventure with a kayak tour (complete with wine and canapes) along the Kangaroo River – look out for eagles, wallabies and diamond pythons. On the way back to Sydney, visit the Briars Inn, built in 1845, for dinner and a game of giant chess.
Cool Climate Wines and Canapes, Kangaroo Valley
