Escape from the urban sprawl of Sydney with our list of top five daytrips from New South Wales’s capital city.
We love Sydney.
Its history, natural beauty, and thriving foodie and arts scene make it a great place to visit.
But Sydney is also on the doorstep of some of the most scenic spots in the country, and a visit to this city wouldn’t be complete without an exploratory daytrip or two.
1. The Blue Mountains
It is less than an hour’s drive or train trip from Sydney’s inner city to the foot of the Blue Mountains. And from scenic views to historic towns, the Blue Mountains delivers.
The most famous view in the mountains is from Echo Point, looking out over the Three Sisters. If you’d prefer to stand in awe without being surrounded by a horde of other tourists, scenic views can be found at most towns in the mountains.
Our favourites include the view from Blackheath over the Megalong Valley, and over Wentworth Falls from the appropriately named township of Wentworth Falls.
Make sure to visit the charming historic towns of Leura and Blackheath on your trip.
2. Northern beaches/Scotland Island
Sydney’s northern beaches start at Manly and stretch all the way up the coast to Palm Beach, a place famously (or infamously, especially if you’re a local) known as Summer Bay on Home and Away.
While technically a part of Sydney, this coastline area feels like a world away.
Go surfing at ocean beaches, such as Whale Beach and Avalon Beach; hire a kayak on the Pittwater side of the inlet, which has views towards Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park; or enjoy the views from the delightful (although a tad expensive) Boathouse at Palm Beach.
3. Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is one of the oldest and best known wine-producing regions in Australia.
Take a wine tour of some of the 60 plus wineries in the region, starting your day at the Wine Country Visitor Information Centre in Cessnock to plan your route.
If wine isn’t your cup of tea, then there are plenty of other attractions in the Hunter Valley.
Stunning Port Stephens, with its permanent population of over 100 bottlenose dolphins sits on the coast, or further inland you can visit the incredible gorges, rainforests and cliffs of Barrington Tops National Park.
The historic village of Berrima was established in the 1830s, and still retains some buildings from this period. The Berrima Courthouse and Harpers Mansion are worth a visit, as is the Surveyor General, the oldest continually licensed hotel in Australia.
After you’ve admired the historical buildings, snack on Berrima’s famous pies and treats. A must-visit with kids is the famous Berrima Lolly Shop, which is reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s factory due to the many lollies for sale.
A couple of hours’ drive from Sydney (allow for longer if you take the scenic coastal route), this charming village will appeal even if you aren’t a history buff.
Established in 1879, Royal National Park is the grand dame of Australia’s national parks, and was added to the National Heritage List in 2006.
A short 32 kilometres from Sydney, the park is situated on a sandstone plateau, and is covered in lush forests filled with native flora and fauna.
If you’re feeling energetic, the park has over 100 kilometres of bushwalks to choose from. With plenty of water sports on offer, you could also take advantage of Sydney’s famously balmy autumn to jump in the water, hire a kayak or go angling.
There’s plenty of heritage to explore as well, from the thousands of years of Aboriginal history to the more recent remains of Edwardian Sydney.
What are your top daytrips from Sydney?
Image credit: Wentworth Falls, Destination NSW; Palm Beach, Destination NSW; Berrima, Destination NSW; Royal National Park, Destination NSW
