best places to visit 3 hours from sydney

37 Best Weekend Getaways From Sydney 2024 Guide

Looking for inspiration for the best weekend getaways from Sydney? Having explored a lot of incredible places in New South Wales, we’re going to break it all down so you’ll know exactly where to spend your future weekend trips.

To make it easier for you, skip to weekend getaways from Sydney within 1hr drive, 2hr drive, 3hr drive and 3hr+ drives (perfect for long weekends from Sydney or places to visit in Sydney on public holidays). We’re giving you a short run down on each place and where to stay.

You can find detailed guides on our site for the majority of places we mention in this post.

And, to make it super easy for you if you’re unsure which Sydney getaway is best for you, you’ll find our summary for different types of people. Expect to find the best family getaways from Sydney, romantic weekends from Sydney, best weekends from Sydney with public transport, best for hikes, camping and so much more!

Table of Contents

Short Trips From Sydney Within 1hr

Discover short trips from Sydney within 1 hour for those who might not usually venture further away than your local suburbs in Sydney.

1. Scotland Island

Distance from Sydney: 40 min drive // Northern Beaches Perfect for: Couples weekend getaway from Sydney

Scotland Island in Sydney is one of those hidden gems! Located in Pittwater, and just a bit further south from Palm Beach is an island which will make you feel like you’re a million miles away. This Sydney getaway is all about relaxing and enjoying the beauty of Pittwater. We’ve been here twice and would easily go back in a heartbeat! Hire a kayak to nearby beaches, spend about 40 minutes walking around the island, simply sit back on a jetty and enjoy a beautiful sunset! Scotland Island Restaurants There’s no restaurants on the island, but eat at Church Point Wharf or Pasadena at Church Point (both are excellent). Pasadena is the perfect place for afternoon sundowners.

Where to stay in Scotland Island We stayed at Scotland Island Lodge which is run by a lovely British couple (book the room with the outdoor spa!).

Public Transport friendly? Yes! Take a bus to Church Point, then jump on the 10 minute ferry ride over to Scotland Island. If parking, you’ll have to pay for parking at the car park at the wharf, or park a good 5 – 10 minutes away for free parking.

Read Our Scotland Island Guide: Why You Need To Visit Scotland Island In Sydney

2. Avalon Beach

Distance from Sydney: 45 min drive // Northern Beaches Perfect for: Beach lovers!

One of our favourite parts of the Northern Beaches in Sydney is without a doubt Avalon Beach. With beautiful shops, cafes and restaurants to choose from, walk down Old Barrenjoey Road to discover it all. Drive five minutes up the road over to Pittwater side and discover beautiful beaches including family friendly Clareville Beach, and our personal favourite Paradise Beach nearby for quieter swimming options.

We were really impressed with the food options in Avalon. Koto is where you’ll find one of the best acai bowls in Sydney! Head to Sunset Diner for burgers and Alma for Mexican.

Where to stay in Avalon Beach Camping:  NRMA Lakeside Caravan Park Mid-Range:  Metro Mirage Hotel In Newport  //  Scandi Beach Apartment Luxury:  Avalon Pool Shack

Public Transport friendly?  Yes! You’ll need to take a couple of buses to get to Avalon Beach!

Read Our Guides For Avalon Beach

• 13 Best Avalon Beach Restaurants You Need To Try!
• Ultimate Guide To Northern Beaches In Sydney
• 15 Best Northern Beaches Walks

3. Palm Beach In Sydney

Distance from Sydney: 1hr drive // Northern Beaches Perfect for: Beach lovers, camping, foodies, hikers

Although Palm Beach is another fantastic  day trip from Sydney , it also makes one of the best weekend getaways from Sydney too! Take the boat over to Great Mackerel Beach and discvoer the walking trails over to Resolute Beach (although not suitable for young children). Check out The Bible Garden, hire a SUP board in Clareville, and of course hike up to the top of Barrenjoey Lighthouse! Where to stay in Palm Beach Camping:   The Basin Campground Budget:   YHA Pittwater  //  Sandy Bottoms Guesthouse Mid-Range:  The Retreat At Palm Beach Luxury:   Iluka Retreat Apartments  //  Lilypad House Boat

Public Transport friendly?  Yes! Take a direct bus to Palm Beach from Sydney.

Watch our video to Resolute Beach  from Palm Beach!

Read Our Palm Beach Guides:

• Best Things to do in Palm Beach guide

4. Hawkesbury River

Distance from Sydney: 1h drive to Brooklyn // North of Sydney Perfect for: Affordable cruises, experience on house boats

The Hawkesbury River is such an underrated getaway from Sydney. Expect to discover loads of relaxing activities, perfect for everyone! We absolutely loved the Riverboat Postman Cruise. You’ll spend the morning helping the postman deliver the post to the residents around the Hawkesbury River. It’s a great activity for kids, but it’s also pretty cheap which includes either morning tea or lunch.

Also, head over to Dangar Island and spend a few hours on the walking trails or hire a kayak to explore further. Where to stay in Hawkesbury River Budget:  Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley Mid-Range to Luxury:  Hire a house boat Public Transport Friendly?  It’s so easy to to get to Hawkesbury River, take a 1 hour train to Brooklyn Station, which is conveniently over the road from the Riverboat Postman cruise! Read Our Hawkesbury River Guide:   Everything You Need To Know About Going On The Riverboat Postman Cruise

5. Royal National Park

Distance: 1h // South Sydney Perfect for: Hiking & wild swimming

The Royal National Park tends to be another day trip from Sydney, but don’t let it put you off from one of the best weekend getaways from Sydney! With campsites within the national park and accommodation nearby, spend a gorgeous weekend getaway exploring the hikes and swimming in the world’s second oldest national park.

There are so many hikes in the Royal National Park, some of our favourites include The Figure 8 Rock Pool, Wedding Cake Rock and so many more. Discover some of the best waterfalls in Sydney you can swim in and of course hire a rowing boat at Audley for a fun day floating down the river. Or spend the weekend at a beautiful wellness retreat in Royal National Park, eating vegan food, doing yoga and kayaking at The Heart & Soul Retreat. Where to stay in Royal National Park Camping:  Camp at North Era Campground or Uloola Falls Campground Mid-Range: Spend time at the  Heart & Soul Retreat in Otford  //  Royal National Park Cottages Luxury:  Cliff Top Home In Otford Public Transport friendly?  Yes! Take a train to Cronulla, then the ferry to Bundeena. Read Our Royal National Park Guides Below

• 15 Best Walks In Royal National Park
• 16 Best Waterfalls In Sydney To Swim In
• 13 Tips For Figure 8 Pools
• Palona Cave Walk
• How To Get To Wedding Cake Rock

Getaways From Sydney Within 2 Hours

To be honest, most of the best weekend getaways from Sydney are located just 1h30m or up to 2 hours from the city. This means you can take the whole family on a beautiful holiday from Sydney without having to spend the whole weekend driving.

6. Blue Mountains

Distance from Sydney: 1h30m // Blue Mountains Perfect For: Everyone!

Although Blue Mountains makes a great  day trip from Sydney , don’t underestimate what a jammed packed weekend you could have! Please don’t just go to Three Sisters and wonder down the main street in Katoomba, there is so much waiting for you. The good news is, we have so many articles for you to read, let’s help you out with where to start for the perfect winter getaway.

If you’re looking for a cheap weekend getaway, check out our hiking and camping itinerary for a weekend exploring bush walks in Blue Mountains National Park. You’ll find the best Blue Mountains campgrounds, where to eat, hike and so much more. We recommend checking out our guides below for what to do and see and for those looking for a romantic weekend getaway as well. Blue Mountains Accommodation Budget:  YHA Blue Mountains  (we’ve personally stayed here) Mid Range:  Fairmont Resort Luxury:  Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa

Public Transport friendly?  Yes! It is easy to get to from Sydney! Simply take a direct train from Sydney and you’ll be there in 2 hours!

Read Our Guides Below

• 10 Best Blue Mountains Lookouts
• How To Spend A Weekend Hiking In Blue Mountains
• 30 Best Hikes In Blue Mountains
• 30 Awesome Things To Do In Blue Mountains
• Where To Stay In Blue Mountains
• 15 Things To Know About Grand Canyon Walk In Blue Mountains
• How To Get To The Bottom Of Wentworth Falls
• 30 Best Romantic Ideas For A Weekend In Blue Mountains

7. Pearl Beach

Distance from Sydney: 1h15m // North of Sydney Perfect for: beach lovers & camping

We couldn’t believe how gorgeous Pearl Beach in Sydney really is! This little gem feels like you’re a million miles away from Sydney, even if you can see Palm Beach across the water. Enjoy relaxing on Pearl Beach, go on a hike down to Warrah Lookout before reaching Patonga Beach. Stop for lunch at The Boathouse at Patonga and enjoy the beautiful water views while enjoying the perfect Sydney weekend getaway.

Pearl Beach Accommodation Camping:   Patonga Campground Mid-range:  Wildwood  Luxury:  Bells At Killcare Boutique Hotel  (Adults only)

Public Transport Friendly? Yes! A combination of train and bus will take over two hours to get to the beautiful Pearl Beach.

8. Wisemans Ferry

Distance from Sydney: 1h20m // North of Sydney Perfect for: Hiking, family getaway

Wisemans Ferry is a gorgeous part of Sydney and New South Wales. Located just 1h20m away from the city, enjoy hiking, beautiful campgrounds and historical sites. You can’t come here and not do the UNESCO Old Great North Road Walk in Dharug National Park. This incredible bush walk extends to 260km up the coast, so tackle a shorter part of it to Hangmans Rock. This 3h30m walk will take you along the remnants of convict life.

If you’re not interested in hiking, enjoy kayaking down the Hawkesbury River instead! And if you have kids, take them to Tobruk Farm for a bit of fun getting up close to loads of animals.

Wisemans Ferry Accommodation Camp at Mill Creek Campground, Koveda Holiday Park or  Del Rio Resort . Or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, stay in a Hawkesbury River House Boat!

Mid-Range:  The Retreat At The Wisemans Luxury:  Secluded Waterfront House On Rainforest Acerage

Public Transport Friendly? Yes! It will take around 3 hours to get there by train and bus.

9. Avoca Beach

Distance: 1h20m // Central Coast, North of Sydney Perfect for: Beach getaway

Avoca Beach is a beautiful little beach town, nestled in the Central Coast NSW. It’s got a gorgeous market and honestly feels like a little Byron Bay at times. This is a gorgeous Sydney getaway you need to put on your list. Scuba dive at the EX-HMAS Adelaide, check out the views at Captain Cook Lookout, have fun at Aqua Lake, visit the gorgeous Avoca Beach Picture House and swim at the many beaches in the area. Where to stay in Avoca Beach Budget:  Avoca Beach Hotel  //  The Palms At Avoca Mid-Range:  Avoca Palms Resort Luxury:  Avoca Heights Ocean Views Public Transport friendly?  Yes! A train and bus ride will take 2h20m from Sydney.

Read   Our Avoca Beach Guide:   Best Things To Do In Avoca Beach

10. Long Jetty

Distance: 1h30m // Central Coast, North of Sydney Perfect for: Hipsters / vintage lovers

Although we’ve been to Central Coast loads before, we recommend checking out the hip Long Jetty. Although it’s known as ‘the Newtown of the Central Coast’, expect to find cool street art, vintage shops, yoga studios, healing & tarot shops, lots of independent kids clothing stores, homeware shops and awesome Long Jetty restaurants and cafes.

Check out the jetty at Long Jetty to top up your insta feed, take photos of the famous Long Jetty mural outside Green Tangerine Cafe & outside Reapers Barbers. Visit, Long Jetty Vintage shop, book a seat at The Savoy Cinema, shop at Plain Janes & Shadow Bang for cool clothing and homewares, and don’t forget to visit A Dash Of Christmas which is an amazing grotto style Christmas shop open on weekends! If you’re looking to find the best beach in Central Coast near to Long Jetty, go to Toowoon Bay.

Long Jetty   Accommodation Mid-Range:   Oaks The Entrance Waterfront Suites Luxury:   Long Jetty Beach House

Public Transport Friendly? Yes! It takes about 2h20m to get to Long Jetty from Sydney with a combination of a train and bus.

Read Our Long Jetty Guide:   The Ultimate Guide To Long Jetty In Central Coast NSW

11. Lake Macquarie

Distance from Sydney: 1h30m // North of Sydney Perfect for: Discovering hidden gems, beaches and caves

There are loads of amazing beaches, national parks and so much more to visit around Lake Macquarie. Situated just south of Newcastle, you’ll find the largest saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere! It’s twice the size of Sydney Harbour and is absolutely beautiful, especially at sunset.

Check out the caves at Caves Beach & Ghosties Beach, swim under the pier at Catherine Hill Bay, drive your 4×4 onto Redhead Beach, swim in the rock pools at Bongon Beach and surf at Frazer Beach. We must admit, Lake Macquarie is home to some of the best beaches in Sydney! All of the above beaches are absolutely beautiful, making it a perfect weekend getaway. Where to stay in Lake Macquarie:  Stay at  Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows .

Public Transport friendly?  Yes! You can take a train and a couple of buses to get to Lake Macquarie, but to really explore the area, it’s best to have a car. Read Our Lake Macquarie Guides

• 10 Best Beaches in Newcastle
• 10 Best Secluded Beaches In Sydney

12. Newcastle

Distance: 2h drive // North of Sydney Perfect for: City break without feeling like you’re in a city

After living in Newcastle on an off for the last few years (Steve’s family are based here), I must admit it’s an underrated city near to Sydney. One of my favourite things to do in Newcastle is to take my yoga mat down to Bar Beach at sunrise and go for a swim after I’ve perfected my sun salutes! I also love shopping at Sourced Vintage tshirt shop on Darby Street, running from Merewether to Nobby’s Lighthouse and checking out the incredible beaches in Newcastle as well. Where to stay in Newcastle Mid-Range:  Rydges Newcastle Luxury:  Novotel Newcastle

Public Transport friendly?  Yes! Take a 2h30m train from Sydney to Newcastle

Read Our Newcastle Guides

• 38 Best Things To Do In Newcastle
• Best Beaches in Newcastle

13. Hunter Valley

Distance: 2h drive // North of Sydney Perfect for: Wine lovers & families

The Hunter Valley always makes it to the top of the best weekend getaways in Sydney list because it’s home to the some of the best wineries in Australia! As a popular wedding destination in Sydney as well, Hunter Valley packs a punch for an excellent weekend away from Sydney.

Go to Hunter Valley Gardens, and at Christmas they have a massive light display. Go on a sunrise hot air balloon ride, watch a famous band at A Day On The Green (we saw The Rolling Stones there a few years back!), and check out the following wineries: Tempus Two winery, Miguigans winery and Brokenwood Winery.

Where to stay in Newcastle Budget:  Sir Francis Drake Mid-Range:  Chateau Elan Luxury:  Spicers Vineyard Estate

Public Transport friendly?  No, but check out these day trips to Hunter Valley below.

Read Our Hunter Valley Guides

• 13 Best Things To Do In Hunter Valley
• Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride In Hunter Valley Review

14. Wollongong & Kiama

Distance: 1h30m drive // South of Sydney Perfect for: culture, waterfalls, hikes, families

Wollongong in NSW is an underrated weekend from Sydney. Start with the Grand Pacific Drive and enjoy driving along the coast and over the famous Sea Cliff Bridge. Stop off at Sri Venkateswara Temple and Kelly’s Falls, before checking out Simbio Wildlife Park. Continue on to the blow hole in Kiama and head inland to the brilliant Jamberoo water park and Illawara Fly Tree Walk. Wollongong Accommodation Mid-Range:  Sage Hotel Wollongong Luxury:  Novotel Wollongong Public Transport friendly?  Yes! It’s a 1h30m direct train ride from Sydney to Wollongong!

Read   our Guides:

• Best Things To Do In Kiama
• Best Things To Do in Wollongong

15. Southern Highlands

Distance from Sydney: 1h30m // Southern Highlands Perfect for: Country getaway for everyone, especially foodies

If you’re missing UK, head down to Southern Highlands and you’ll feel like you’re in the countryside. As Bowral is the main hub in the Southern Highlands, you’ll find more cafes and restaurants here than any other town in the area, as well as plenty of activities to keep you busy!

Head to Green Lane which sort of reminds me of The Grounds of Alexandria, but complete with gorgeous restaurant and cafes, plant and flower shops and Dirty Janes antique shop. Check out the famous Bradman museum of cricket, the amazing Tudor style antique shop Lancelot Hill, and explore plenty of hikes including, Box Vale Walking Track, 40 Foot Falls and 60 Foot Falls.

Don’t forget to visit Kangaroo Valley, Robertson and Berrima as well for beautiful pubs, amazing waterfalls, the stunning Kangaroo River and much more. Bowral Accommodation Budget:  Briars Country Lodge Mid-Range:  Ascot Road Luxury:  Hall House Public Transport friendly?  Yes! Take a direct train to Bowral from Sydney!

Read our Southern Highlands guides

• 28 Best Things To Do In Bowral
• Best Things To Do In Robertson
• Best Things To Do In Kangaroo Valley
• Best Kangaroo Valley Waterfalls
• Ultimate Guide For Visiting Southern Highlands

16. Sunnatarum

Distance: 1h30m drive // Southern Highlands

If you’re looking for a meditation retreat near Sydney, you absolutely must go to Sunnatarum Forest Monastery in Bundanoon. We’ve been three times now because it’s that good. This donation based retreat is held at a Thai Buddhist Monastery. On a good day, you’ll be able to see out to Jervis Bay! Expect a schedule consisting of sitting and walking meditation, Thai Chi and Buddhist teachings. A weekend here and you’ll feel like you’ve been away for ages. You won’t regret it!

Cost:  Donation Based Publish Transport?  Yes! Catch the train to Bundanoon from Sydney and you’ll be able to organise a lift with the organisers to the retreat. Read:  What To Expect At Sunnatarum Forest Monastery In Bundanoon

Distance from Sydney: 2hr drive // Southern Highlands Perfect For: Couples, foodies

It’s no wonder Berry is one of the most beautiful getaways from Sydney. Although it’s kinda obvious Berry is a tourist town, it’s a beautiful one you could easily spend the weekend at.

The most popular draw card to Berry is the famous Berry Doughnut Van. We lined up feeling quite sceptical about the whole thing, but I must admit, those cinnamon doughnuts are really worth talking about. Hike to the beautiful Drawing Room Rocks, do wine tasting at Silo Estate Winery (one of the best wineries in NSW), and shop at the gorgeous shops in Berry. Berry Accommodation

Mid-Range:  Belvoir Pavilions Luxury:  The Drawing Rooms Of Berry

Public Transport friendly?  Yes! Take a 3hr train and bus ride to Berry from Sydney.

Read our Berry Guide: 21 Best Things To Do In Berry

18. Japanese Bath House

Distance: 2hr drive // Blue Mountains Perfect for: Couples, girls weekend away

The Japanese Bath House in Blue Mountains is a fantastic weekend getaways from Sydney for spa lovers. We feel it deserves its own title in this article because you could spend days relaxing in the hot pools overlooking Lake Lyell.

Situated a 40 minute drive from Katoomba, this traditional onsen is a fantastic escape from Sydney. With loads of hot baths to choose from, there’s a gorgeous tea room to chill out in and relax after a dip in the pools and a massage. Either make it a day trip from Sydney or spend the weekend staying in the Japanese style accommodation at the spa.

Read our review of  Japanese Bath House In Blue Mountains

Weekend Getaways From Sydney Within 3 Hours

19. port stephens.

Distance: 2h30m // North of Sydney Perfect for: Everyone, particularly families

Port Stephens is a really popular Sydney getaway for a lot of people because it offers up so much for a weekend away. With plenty of resorts to choose from, gorgeous beaches and loads of family friendly activities, the islands honestly transports me to Krabi in Thailand.

Make sure you go to Anna Bay for sand duning on the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. You can also go swimming with dolphins with one of the only companies in NSW. Hike up to the top of Mount Tomaree and of course discover some of the incredible beaches. Port Stephens   Accommodation Mid-Range:  Ramada Resort Luxury:  Salt At Shoal Bay

Public Transport Friendly?  Yes! You can take a train and bus, but expect it to take at least 4 hours.

Read   our Port Stephens guide :  Best Things To Do In Port Stephens

20. Seal Rocks

Distance: 3h // North of Sydney Perfect For: Beach holiday, camping, surfing

I remember Steve’s cousin telling us about Seal Rocks and it was on our list for ages. When we went to visit, we couldn’t believe how amazing this place truely is. It’s one of those special places in NSW which you’ll want to come back time and time again, perfect for beach and camping getaways and for surfing too.

Seal Rocks is all about the beach. Bring your surfboard and enjoy some of the best surf in Sydney. Walk up to the top of the Lighthouse and if you’ve got a 4×4, drive along the beach.

Seal Rocks Accommodation

Budget:  Blueys Motel Mid-Range:  The Shaka Shack Luxury:  Boat Beach Surf Shack

Public Transport Friendly?  Unfortunately not, but  hire a car from here .

Read:  Best Things To Do In Seal Rocks

21. Blueys Beach

Distance: 3h // North of Sydney Perfect For: Beach holiday, surfing

We spent a couple of months in Blueys Beach and we just couldn’t get over how gorgeous this little gem truely is. Instead of staying in Forster, stay in Blueys Beach instead. Whilst Blueys Beach is the main little hub of the area, there are about five beaches back to back including Blueys Beach which are all incredible. Just make sure you also check out the gorgeous Boomerang Beach as well, making this area a fantastic long weekend getaway.

Blueys Beach Accommodation Mid-Range:   Blueys Retreat Luxury:  The Headland House

Public Transport Friendly?  Yes! It will take at least 5 hours with a combination of bus and train to get to Blueys Beach.

Read Our Blueys Beach Guide:  Best Things To Do In Blueys Beach

22. Mount Wilson

Distance: 2h20m drive // Blue Mountains Perfect for: Anyone who loves English Countryside or gardens

Mount Wilson in Blue Mountains is a magical place. This hidden gem is so beautiful, it honestly reminds me of the English countryside. Visit during Spring or Autumn and enjoy the trees changing colour. There are quite a few gardens in Mount Wilson to visit. We’ve been to Breenhold Gardens in Autumn and Spring and they are absolutely beautiful! But to stay in Mount Wilson would be the perfect Sydney weekend getaway. I can only imagine how romantic is would truly be to wake up and go on an early morning walk with the Autumn or Spring leaves all around.

Mount Wilson  Accommodation Mid-Range:  Browns Cottage Luxury:   Gowan Ross Cottage Public Transport friendly?  Unfortunately not

Read :  Why You Need To Visit Breenhold Gardens In Mount Wilson

23. Mollymook

Distance from Sydney: 3hr drive // South Coast Perfect for: Couples weekend from Sydney and families

Just below Jervis Bay is one of the best getaways in New South Wales called Mollymook. Expect beautiful beaches, loads of kid friendly activities and so much more for a couples getaway or family weekend away.

Things to do in Mollymook Mollymook is all about sitting back and relaxing. If you’re looking for a couples weekend away, look no further. Learn to surf, visit Spa By The Sea or go on a wine tour to nearby wineries with Wine Knot Tour. A bit further up the coast is a magical rockpool called Mermaid Lagoon in Berrara, with crystal clear turquoise water!

Mollymook Accommodation Stay at  Bannisters By The Sea  for the ultimate romantic getaway from Sydney!

Public Transport Friendly?  Yes! It will take more than 5 hours to catch a train and multiple buses.

24. Jervis Bay

Distance: 2h30m drive // South of Sydney Perfect for: Beach lovers, families

It’s no wonder Jervis Bay is known as ‘The Whistundays of NSW’. Having been to both recently again, we had totally forgotten how amazing Jervis Bay really is. It’s an incredibly special part of NSW, everyone needs to visit! The White Sands Walk is a gorgeous walk which ticks off some of the incredible beaches in Jervis Bay including the Whitest Sand Beach In The World – Hyams Beach. As one of the best weekend escapes, don’t miss out on the dolphin and whale watching tours .

Jervis Bay Accommodation Budget:  Huskisson Beach Bed & Breakfast Mid-range:  Worrowing Jervis Bay Luxury:  Paperbark Camp

Public Transport Friendly?  Although it’s difficult to get to Jervis Bay via public transport,  take this Jervis Bay tour  from Sydney instead!

Read Our Jervis Bay Guide:  25 Best Things To Do In Jervis Bay

25. Canberra

Distance: 3h drive // ACT

Perfect For: City getaway for art lovers and families.

Canberra is easily one of the best weekend getaways from Sydney, especially if you’re into art. Go to National Gallery Of Australia and stand in awe of global artists such as James Turrell, Yayoi Kusama and so much more! Explore the street art, vintage shops, museums and of course Parliament House and you’ve got yourself a jammed packed weekend ahead.

Canberra Accommodation Ovolo Nishi  is our go to hotel in Canberra. This is a one of a kind hotel you’ll want to photograph for hours.

Public Transport Friendly?  Yes! A direct train from Sydney will take around 4 hours.

Read   Our Canberra Guides

• 27 Amazing Things To Do In Canberra
• What To Expect A Floriade Festival In Canberra
• Why You Should Stay At Ovolo Nishi Hotel

26. Wombeyan Caves

Distance: 3h drive // South West of Sydney Perfect for: hiking, camping, wild swimming, caves

Wombeyan Caves is a little hidden gem near Sydney. You’ll find less people here than at the neighbouring Jenolan Caves, plus you can visit the caves on self guided tours. When we visited, we were the only people in the caves – it was amazing!

Wombeyan Caves is all about the caves. You can go on guided and self guided tours around the different caves here. Plus, if you’re visiting in Summer, embrace the Mares Forest Creek Canyon and hike and swim your way through the ice cold water. It’s one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done near to Sydney!

Wombeyan Caves Accommodation Book into  Wombeyan Caves Campground .

Public Transport Friendly?  Unfortunately not

Read   Our Guides For Wombeyan Caves

• Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Wombeyan Caves
• Tips For Swimming In The Mares Forest Creek Canyon

Distance: 3h drive // North West of Sydney Perfect for: Hiking & camping

Newnes is one of the best camping getaways from Sydney. The free campsite is incredible and the Wolgan Valley is breathtaking. There is a river next to the campsite so you could spend the day sitting in it to cool down after one of the many hikes to choose from. We hiked to the glow worm tunnels which takes you along the old railway tracks. It’s beautiful!

Newnes Accommodation Camp at Newnes Campground  (free to camp but you must book beforehand) Stay In A Nearby Bubble Tent Splash out at the nearby  Emirates One & Only

Read Our Newnes Guide:  Newnes Glow Worm Tunnel Walk Tips

Long Weekend Getaways From Sydney 3+ Hours

Consider the below weekend getaways from Sydney which are between 3 and 5 hours driving time. Although driving for more than three hours might not be on top of your list, the below places in NSW are definitely worth a visit on a long weekend from Sydney.

Distance from Sydney: 3h30m drive // West Sydney Perfect For: Couples, foodies, wine lovers

Mudgee is one of those weekend getaways from Sydney, perfect for couples, foodies and wine lovers. Start your trip to Mudgee by visiting Logan Wines and Lowe Family Estate, two of the big hitters when it comes to Mudgee wineries. For the adventureres, check out plenty of walks including: Castle Rocks, The Drip Walk to Aboriginal rock art and Wellington Caves.

Mudgee Accommodation The Woolpack Hotel

Public Transport Friendly?  Yes! Expect to take a little over 5 hours to get to Mudgee via train and busses.

Read Our Mudgee Guide:  10 Best Things To Do In Mudgee

Distance from Sydney: 3h30m drive // West of Sydney Perfect for: Foodies, wine lovers

Orange is a foodie haven, complete with boutique breweries, cider houses and wineries. Head over to Small Acres Cyder, Badlands Brewery for cider and beer tasting as well as Nashdale Wines Cellar Door. There are so many amazing Orange wineries and cellar doors to check out, so could literally spend the entire weekend go around them all.

Orange Accommodation Byng Street Boutique Hotel

Public Transport Friendly?  Yes! You can take a direct train to Orange which will take nearly 5 hours!

30. Barrington Tops

Distance from Sydney: 4hr drive // North of Sydney Perfect For: People who prefer a bit off the beaten path.

Barrington Tops tends to make the lists as one of the best national parks in Australia, and you’ll see why when you visit. We were blown away by this Gondwana National Park because it honestly feels like you’ve been transported to the Jurassic era.

Barrington Tops is all about camping and hiking. We did the Antarctic Beech Tree Forest Walk which took around 2hours. There is a waterfall you can swim in on this walk, but check first as at the time of visiting it was closed.

Barrington Tops Accommodation Camp at Barrington Tops and enjoy being in the heart of one of the best national parks in Australia.

31. Port Macquarie

Distance from Sydney: 4hr drive // Mid-North Coast Perfect For: Families

Port Macquarie might be best known for the koala rescue centres, but it’s also a fantastic family getaway from Sydney. Choose between 17 beaches, plenty of restaurants and so much more in this popular beach town.

Port Macquarie Accommodation Mid-Range: Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel Luxury: Sails Port Macquarie

Public Transport Friendly? Yes! It’s a 7h30m train and bus ride to Port Macquarie

Read our guide: 21 Best Things To Do In Port Macquarie

32. South West Rocks

Distance from Sydney: 4h45m drive // Mid-North Coast Perfect for: scuba diving, hiking, camping, beach lovers and families

We heard about South West Rocks a while back and knew we had to visit. We were blown away by this little slice of heaven. With incredible beaches, fantastic campsites and so much more, it makes one of the best weekend getaways from Sydney!

Check out the famous Trial Bay Gaol, an historical prison you can visit and wonder around. The beach at Trial Bay is fantastic and flat – perfect for families. Go up to the top of Smokey Cape Lighthouse and feel like you’re on the edge of the world.

South West Rocks Accommodation Camping: Trial Bay Campground / Horseshoe Bay Campground Mid-Range: Heritage Guesthouse Luxury: Salt At South West Rocks

Public Transport Friendly? Yes! It will take over 8 hours to catch a train and bus to South West Rocks!

Read Our South West Rocks Guide: 25 Best Things To Do In South West Rocks

33. Nambucca Heads & Valla

Distance from Sydney: 5hr drive // Mid-North Coast Perfect For: Families, beach lovers

Nambucca Heads is a relaxed beach town on the Mid-North Coast. Just a 10 minute drive from there is the beautiful beach town of Valla Beach. It’s a stunning quiet beach with a couple of places to eat at. Head over to the V-Wall, a beautiful walk along the coast with an art gallery of painted rocks. Passerbys are encourage to leave their piece of art on the rocks as a memory of their time in Nambucca Heads.

Nambucca Heads Accommodation The Cubana Resort Nambucca Heads

Public Transport Friendly? Yes! A direct train from Sydney to Nambucca Heads takes just under 8 hours.

Read our guide : 20 Best Things To Do In Nambucca Heads

34. Bellingen & Dorrigo

Distance from Sydney: 5h20m drive // Mid-North Coast Perfect for: hiking, waterfalls

Bellingen is one of the best towns in NSW! We literally nearly moved there, but then the pandemic happened so we couldn’t. This hippy town is home to some of the best hikes in NSW, waterfalls, wild swimming spots and fantastic places to eat and drink.

Things to do in Bellingen & Dorrigo Book kayaks and float down the Bellinger River, drive out to The Promised Lands in Gleniffer (there’s something really special about this area), swim at Danger Falls, do the Crystal Showers Falls hike in Dorrigo.

Bellingen Accommodation Budget: The Belfry Guesthouse Luxury: Promised Land Retreat

Public Transport Friendly? Yes! A combination of train and bus will take at least 8 hours to get to Bellingen.

For More Information About Bellingen Read Our Guides 27 Best Things To Do In Bellingen Why You Need To Stay At The Belfry Guesthouse In Bellingen How To Get To The Bottom Of Dangar Falls 10 Things To Know About Crystal Showers Falls Walk In Dorrigo

35. Warrumbungles

Distance from Sydney: 5h10m drive // Orana Region Perfect for: Hiking, star gazing, camping

The Warrumbungle National Park is known as one of the best National Parks in NSW. Although it was relatively unknown by many people until recently, the Breadknife Walk went viral on social media and it’s become really popular. Affectionately known as The Warrumbungles, it’s also home to the first dark sky park in Australia because of the amazing amount of stars in the sky.

Warrumbungles Accommodation It’s all about camping at Warrumbungle National Park!

Public Transport Friendly? Unfortunately you’ll need to hire a car to get to Warrumbungles.

Read Our Warrumbungles Guide: 10 Best Warrumbungles Walks You Need To Explore

36. Kanangra Boyd National Park

Distance: 4h drive // Greater Blue Mountains Perfect For: Explorers & Camping

Kanangra-Boyd National Park is known as a bit of a gem near to Blue Mountains. Just a 40 minute drive from the popular Jenolan Caves will bring you to Kangangra Walls Lookout. It honestly made us wonder whether we had been transported to Borneo because the views really are jaw-dropping. Put it on your list to visit for your future Sydney weekend getaways.

Kanangra Boyd National Park Accommodation You can camp near to the Kanangra Walls Lookout, just bring everything with you as it’s a basic campsite.

Public Transport Friendly? Unfortunately you’ll need to hire a car to get to Kanangra-Boyd National Park.

Read Our Kanangra Boyd National Park Guide: How To Visit Kanangra Walls At Kanangra Boyd National Park

37. South Coast Region

Distance from Sydney: 5hr drive to Bermagui // South Coast Perfect for: Families, camping, hiking, beaches, foodies

Known for its sublime beaches, you could easily spend a couple of weeks exploring the South Coast. The main towns people stay in South Coast tend to be around Batemans Bay, Narooma and Bermagui. Head to the beautiful tourist town of Tilba Tilba, check out Australia Rock in Narooma and Horses Head rock formation in Bermagui.

It’s also home to some of the best beaches in New South Wales to discover such as Mystery Bay, Depot Beach and South Durras. Make sure you check out the crystal clear rock pools in Mimosa Rocks as well.

Public Transport Friendly? It will take at good 8 hours with two train rides and a bus trip to get to Bermagui.

Read our South Coast guides:

A Guide To Mystery Bay In NSW

5 Best Mimosa Rocks National Park Walks You Need To Do

How To Visit The Amazing Horse Head Rock In Bermagui NSW

25 Best Things To Do In Narooma

12 Best Beaches in Batemans Bay

16 Best Things To Do In Batemans Bay

18 Best Things To Do In Bermagui

If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends & family on your social media pages 🙂

Hi, excellent article, very useful! Thanks. Four of us are doing a motorhome trip from Sydney to Cairns in January… are there any Vineyards in the Hunter Valley that also have motorhome pitches? Struggling to find on google. Many thanks Kevin

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The best weekend getaways from Sydney to explore NSW

We've tried and tested these weekend escapes in New South Wales

In NSW, you don’t need to travel far to make a couple of nights away feel like a proper holiday. Whether you’re in the mood for a beach break, a hike in the mountains, or an escape to the country, we’ve found a host of getaway destinations that are easily accessible from Sydney.

Need to squeeze your excursion into a day? These are the best day trips from Sydney .

Or have an in-tents city break at one of the best camping spots near sydney ..

An email you’ll actually love

Weekend trips from Sydney

Lake Macquarie

While you may only know Lake Macquarie for its expansive body of water, this unassuming region sandwiched between Sydney and Newcastle has a lot to offer city folk looking to slow down and get back to nature.

The Blue Mountains

• Boutique hotels

For some, a trip to the Blue Mountains holds the promise of seclusion and serenity among the gum trees. For others, it’s about conquering mountain trails and spontaneously teaming up with other avid adventurers to explore the bush waterfalls, scenic vistas and swimming holes.

The South Coast

Drive only two short hours south of Sydney and you’re in an adventure playground. Destination surfing spots, climbing cliffs, and coastal treks draw in those who relax by doing, but if you prefer to recline and dine, there’s fresh seafood, local produce and a burgeoning dining scene to ensure all your relaxation goals are met.

Drive through cherry blossoms, lurid wattle and gold mine adjacent creeks (that still yield a nugget or two) to find some of Australia’s most interesting wines and meet the passionate makers. 

While Byron Bay’s town centre has succumbed to a backpackers-meet-the-one-per-cent influx, the lifetime fire twirlers and queer communes haven’t been completely expunged from the Byron Bay region. 

The Hunter Valley

Ah, wine country. Proud growers, wine makers and vintners from this region have been squeezing the good stuff out of grapes for close to 180 years, and it has earned the Hunter solid street cred on both Australian and international vinous scenes. With plentiful hot air ballooning, cheese and crazy good food on offer, this idyllic green corner of NSW deserves our attention. 

Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass

New South Wales has some spectacular ski resorts and snow fields. You can hire all your gear at any of these spots (think skis, snow jackets, helmets – anything) and can even do it all in one day and be back home for dinner with  these transfers . 

‘Mudgee’ comes from the Wiradjuri word ‘Moothi’ which means, romantically, ‘Nest in the Hills’. It has a climate several degrees warmer than the surrounding high country, which, along with sandy loam soil, makes the area attractive to viticulturalists. 

The Hawkesbury

Here you can walk a World Heritage convict road, sample locally brewed cider or go horseriding. Winding through it all is the river, a place for fishing, watersports or a lazy cruise amid stunning scenery.

The Central Coast

The dining scene across the Central Coast is really hitting its stride. Thanks to some seriously talented young chefs, excellent refurbs and creative spaces, there are restaurants and cafés in Long Jetty, Avoca, Terrigal and Woy Woy that are well worth a road trip.

Hit the road

The best road trips around New South Wales

Pack the boot, roll down your windows and let gorgeous scenery whizz past – be that soaring coastal cliffs, native bushland, or towering alpine forests. Trust us, no one will be asking if you're nearly there yet.

Small, but perfectly formed

The best tiny houses and cosy cabins to rent near Sydney

We’ve rounded up some of the best tiny house escapes across New South Wales that you can knock over in a weekend getaway from Sydney. Most are perfect for a romantic escape for two adults or are the ideal retreat for solo travelers looking for the ultimate me-time. Others have a little more room so you can vaycay with friends, the kids, and even the dog. 

Nomad rentals

The best caravans and campervans to hire in NSW

Does the idea of a road trip summon nostalgia for childhood summers spent in a caravan by the sea, or the fantasy of hitting the wide-open road in an all-in-one van and getting a break from it all with that nomad lifestyle? Try on the nomad life for size with these great rental options.

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30 best NSW long weekend escapes

From bell tents to beach getaways, if you’re planning a weekend escape, our hot list of 30 top short breaks in NSW has you covered.

This article may contain links from our affiliate and advertising partners. When you click on them, or share this content, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

Boomerang Beach

Known for its top notch surfing, Boomerang beach is just three and a half hours north of Sydney, and one and a half south of Port Macquarie. The Booti Booti National Park headland and outcrop means the bay is protected, so swimming is gentle, and allows for snorkeling, rock fishing and jumping from rock pool to rock pool. Catch a glimpse of breaching dolphins in the warmer months.

Where to stay: The Deck is a private homestead surrounded by rainforest that can sleep up to 14. Perhaps for a multi-generational getaway.

There’s a reason this place is on almost every “Must Go” list for NSW; it never gets old, and repeatedly delivers the perfect mix of relaxation, clean living and village life, all by the ocean. With farmer’s markets each Sunday in summer, yoga, triathlons for those energetic enough, and comedy nights, it has something for everyone. And don’t let winter in Byron slip you by; enjoy whale watching, dolphin spotting , festivals, restaurants, and exploring the hinterland.

Where to stay: Byron's Beach Suites are right on the waterfront and feature 14 guestrooms.

In the Great Lakes region, around four hours north of Sydney, the seaside town of Forster offers scuba diving , whale and dolphin cruises , ocean baths to paddle in, sailboarding, fishing and basically any water activity you can think of. Deep sea fishing is unique to the area, as is oyster farming. Fly in to nearby Taree Airport from Sydney, or drive up Newcastle if you’re not in the mood for a road trip.

Where to stay: The Hotel Forster has a dreamy pool, BBQ facilities and free private parking.

Garie Beach

One of 11 beaches within the Royal National Park just south of Sydney, Garie Beach is a great place to enjoy bush walks, camping, fishing and surfing. Explore the tropical microclimate gullies around the park that grow unique cabbage tree palms and ferns. For an incredible view, head to Governor Game lookout .

Where to stay: Helensburgh is one of the larger suburbs on the outskirts of the Royal National Park and is home to the Helensburgh Hotel .

Kangaroo Valley

Greenery in abundance springs to mind when you think of Kangaroo Valley . Two hours from Sydney and Canberra, nestled between the Jervis Bay area and the Southern Highlands, sits one of the most leafy, tranquil spots in the state. Visitors can kayak, camp, head to a spa, horse ride, and enjoy local wines and markets. Fitzroy and Gerringong Falls are also less than 20km away and picture-perfect for a riverside picnic.

Where to stay:  Holiday homes are popular in Kangaroo Valley. Make one yours by checking out the selection of private villas and retreats on Stayz .

Head to the central west tablelands town of Oberon to experience some of the state’s best horse riding, valley views and bike trails. If you’re there in January, indulge in Mayfield Garden glamping . The gardens are the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately owned cool climate garden. During certain times of the year (check the website for event details), an additional 120 acres of private gardens are opened, and the Mayfield Lake is dotted with row boats. Oberon is 2.5 hours from Sydney, or 30 minutes from Bathurst. Picture: Destination NSW

Where to stay:  When the weather is warm, camp under the stars or score a cabin at Jenolan Holiday Park .

Sitting at the summit of the Blue Mountains, Blackheath is home to some of the state’s prettiest stone buildings and weatherboard cottages. The town is also the starting point for some of the most magnificent mountain trails. Enjoy the Growers Market which is on every second Sunday of the month, and pick up some of the town’s famous rhododendrons. Blackheath is just under two hours from Sydney and Orange.

Where to stay:  The Kyah Hotel is an old motel that has had the bougiest of glow ups.

Hunter Valley

The Hunter is known for its leafy vineyards, lip-smacking wine and concerts aplenty, but there’s more on offer. Head to Wollombi for, yes, wine, but also great bushwalking, camping and mountain bike trails in the UNESCO World-Heritage listed Yengo National Park . Or head further north to Scone , the horse capital of Australia, to pitch a tent at the Washpools campground in Towarri National Park, or cast your line in Lake Glenbawn or the Pages River. Wollombi is two hours north of Sydney, and Scone is just over three.

Where to stay:  In summer, camp out at Washpools campground .

Just under three hours north of Sydney and two hours from Port Macquarie, Hawks Nest sits at the mouth of the Myall Lakes National Park, where a network of lakes, rivers and channels meet. Fishing, kayaking, swimming, and bush walks within the National Park make it an outdoor paradise. Take the ferry across to Nelson Bay for some dolphin and whale watching .

WHere to stay:  At the water's edge, Tea Gardens Hotel is an affordable stay that also welcomes furry friends.

Orange is about 3.5 hours from Sydney through the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. The leafy town is renowned for great quality food and wine, and it’s easy to see why with the likes of hatted restaurant, Lolli Redini . Take a walk around the Orange Botanic Gardens and the regional gallery, or head just out of town for bushwalks in the Mount Canobolas conservation reserve. Picture: Destination NSW

Where to stay: The Remington Orange has wonderfully friendly service, generously sized rooms and a delicious breakfast.

Hyams Beach

Hyams Beach , best known for its white sand and gentle swell, is one of the most popular beaches in the Jervis Bay area. Summer periods can be busy, with families descending on the idyllic still waters to swim, snorkel, stand-up-paddleboard, fish, or birdwatch on the beach trails. The white sand of Hyams is included in the global White Sands Walk . Hyams is just under three hours south of Sydney, and two and half east of Canberra.

Where to stay: Make the Marazul Paradise Beach House your home away from home. It sleeps 14 and includes parking.

Jindabyne , five hours south of Sydney, or two from Canberra, sits at the foot of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, and has loads to offer; from fishing and water sports in Lake Jindabyne, to horse riding, helicopter joy rides, and mountain biking. The town itself has great restaurants, bars, a distillery, plenty of nightlife and a number of festivals throughout the year.

Where to stay: Stay on the waterfront at Rydges Horizons Snowy Mountains .

Ninety minutes south of Sydney, the town of Berry is nestled between Kangaroo Valley and the beach, making it truly unique. Go swimming in the morning, bush walking in the day, enjoy wine tastings in the late afternoon, followed by dinner at one of many acclaimed restaurants in town. Picture: Alamy

Where to stay:  Modern with a dash of retro, The Berry View is a 3-star hotel with free parking that's a stone's throw from the centre of town.

The splendour of Mollymook beach , is apparent not only because of the frolicking whales and dolphins, but also the 2km stretch of white sands and the large natural rock pool. Learn to surf, play some golf, eat the delicious fare at Rick Stein at Bannisters , or simply get horizontal and devour a book. The town is just over three hours south of Sydney, or two and a half east of Canberra.

Where to stay: Mollymook Seascape Motel & Apartments is the perfect stop road trip. Guests rave about its cleanliness and service.

Port Stephens

Two-and-a-half hours north of Sydney, just past Newcastle, lies Port Stephens,  a water and sand dune playground. Check out the Stockton Sand Dunes , the largest moving dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, and have a go at sandboarding or 4WDing . Or go kayaking, swimming, fishing, waterskiing and more in the marine park that’s twice the size of Sydney Harbour. Or if flattening yourself on a towel for a snooze in the sun is more up your alley, choose from one of area's 26 incredible beaches.

Where to stay: The Anchorage Hotel & Spa for a Hampton-style holiday.

Known for its ski fields, this Snowy Mountains town is also bustling in the warmer months. Take on the hugely popular Kosciuszko Walk , or keep an eye out for the valley's fun food and drink festivals.  Enjoy bush trails, bobsleds, horse riding and fishing in the Snowy River. Thredbo is 5.5 hours south of Sydney, and 2.5 from Canberra.

Where to stay: Summer or winter, the Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa is a winner with full kitchens for families and spa treatments for a pamper.

A gem in the Sapphire Coast’s crown is undoubtedly Bermagui , a town known for its deep sea fishing, pretty harbor, grower’s market, and surrounding vineyards. Dip your toes in at Cuttagee Beach . the Blue Pool (pictured) and Wallaga Lake , or stay dry and go for a bushwalk in Mimosa Rocks National Park or Camel Rock. Bermagui is just over five hours south of Sydney, or about three from Canberra.

Where to stay: Choose from 100+ holiday homes on Stayz .

If you’re into your food and wine, this town, just under four hours north-west of Sydney, is your short break gold mine. Vineyards are scattered around the valley, and the Mudgee Wine and Food Festival brings people from all over the state in spring. Take a drive to the Mudgee Observatory , or enjoy a tipple at one of the many cellar doors. UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park is also well worth a visit.

Where to stay: Vineyard accommodation is a must in Mudgee. Our pick? Farmers Quarters .

Idyllic Bowral in the Southern Highlands is known for its tulips, cricket history, vineyards and great food. Enjoy fly fishing, local galleries, or scenic drives, all within two hours from Sydney or Canberra. While you’re there, squeeze neighbouring historical Berrima into the itinerary too, with a scenic drive along the Illawarra route.

Where to stay: Link House is a serene and charming guesthouse with free brekky and on-site parking.

Central Coast

This region, just north of Sydney, has been experiencing a quiet resurgence in recent years with upmarket hotels like the recently refurbished Beachcomber at Toukley (think Miami with an Aussie accent), the Studio Lane coffee hub at Erina, Treetops Adventure Park (pictured) and The Drifter’s Whar f complex which serves excellent cocktails while dishing up live entertainment from the likes of Client Liaison. In other words, not the Central Coast you remember from your youth. Photography: Destination NSW.

Where to stay:  The Beachcomber Hotel and Resort commands a waterfront position with a pool surrounded by palm trees.

Giant radio telescopes and Australia’s best Elvis Festival aside, the Somewhere Down The Lachlan sculpture trail is one of the finest in the country combining beautiful surrounds with thought-provoking art. The nearby town of Forbes is also a beauty with a phalanx of heritage buildings and the rev-heads’ delight that is McFeeters Motor Museum . (pictured). Check out the Ikon at Hotel Gracelands and try the Elvis Cheesecake. Photography: Destination NSW.

Where to stay:  Hotel Gracelands , naturally.

Lord Howe Island

Named by National Geographic as one of the world’s best destinations last year, this Unesco World Heritage listed island is limited to only 400 visitors at any time. It’s that fragile and precious. Pristine ocean, coral reefs and the Neds Beach Special Purpose Zone where you can hand feed fish are just some of the attractions. Do the Valley of The Shadows trail and check into the gorgeous Capella Lodge . Photography: Destination NSW.

Where to stay:  Capella Lodge for breathtaking views.

It might not be mentioned as often as Margaret River or the Hunter Valley, but Cowra plays host to over 30 vineyards – many of which champion biodynamic farming methods. We like Wallington Wines as the produce is not only certified organic but there is a variety to suit most palates, from chardy to rose to Tempranillo. The nearby site of a POW camp from World War II it teems with unique history and the Japanese Garden is one of Australia’s best green spaces. If you’re into photography, check out the masterclasses held by local talent David Magro . Photography: Destination NSW.

Where to stay: With its exceptional 9.6/10 customer rating on Expedia, Cowra Services Club Motel is centrally position, clean and family friendly.

The key attraction here is the super family-friendly Taronga Western Plains Zoo – which is home to over 4000 creatures,  offers accomm and has a gorgeous new star: one-horned rhino calf Hari. You’re also close to Warrumbungle National Park , Australia’s first Dark Sky Park. If you want to get the pulse pounding, check out the paddleboarding, waterskiing or kayaking options on Lake Burrendong. Back in town, hit up the Milestone Hotel which dates from 1882 and is a classic country pub. Photography: Destination NSW.

Where to stay:  Visiting the zoo? Stay on site at one of its self-contained Savannah Cabins .

This town in the western foothills of the NSW Snowy Mountains is particularly fetching in autumn. As the temperatures drop, the local foliage explodes into colour and there are a bunch of activities to try – biking, canoeing, swimming (for the brave), hiking and fly fishing. Time your visit for April and you can soak in the Falling Leaf Festival. For a laidback meal, hit up the Tumut River Brewing Company (pictured) and for something a bit fancy, Three Blue Ducks at Nimbo Fork Lodge is a winner. Photography: Destination NSW.

Where to stay: Riverglade Caravan Park has budget-friendly family cabins as well as powered sites for campervans.

Broken Hill

Now you’re talking proper outback. Enormous skies, red dust, distant horizons. The Living Desert Sculpture Trail – created by a dozen international artists – is a non negotiable. If you can swing it, plan your visit for September and the Broken Heel Festival that is inspired by Priscilla, Queen of The Desert – where several iconic scenes were filmed. Also check out the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery –and order a soda spider at Bells Milk Bar – Australia’s oldest. Photography: Destination NSW.

Where to stay: Driving through? Broken Hill Tourist Park is family and pet friendly with cabins that sleep up to six.

Port Macquarie

Did you know Port Macquarie has 17 beaches? And that you can take a camel safari on one of them? The Koala Hospital  in historic Roto House is the perfect place to get up close to these creatures. In short, PM is a family favourite where you can pick strawberries at Ricardoes or challenge to clan to an escape room if the weather is a tad dodgy. Photography: Destination NSW.

Where to stay: Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges delights in a waterfront location that can't be beat.

Coffs Harbour

Another coastal destination ideal for families, Coffs is a bit of an undiscovered and multifaceted gem. The Butterfly House will delight visitors of all ages, there’s whale watching opportunities galore and the weekly Harbourside Markets on Sundays will provide bulk retail therapy. Try the always popular Stunned Mullet for prime local seafood. Photography: Destination NSW.

Where to stay: Choose from one of 10 apartment style rooms at Club Wyndham Coffs Harbour .

Once an industrial city with a half-decent footy team, Newcastle has, in recent years, seen an influx of new hotels, restaurants, cafes and stores. Add these to some of the best low-key beaches in the state and you've got an ideal long weekend destination if you don't want too long a trip from Sydney. The Newcastle Food Month runs throughout April and the Crystalbrook Kingsley hotel is the ideal base from which to explore the city and its surrounds. Its Icky Sticky Patisserie does a croissant that will live long in the memory. For an excellent seafood lunch, check out the Peregrin restaurant at the newly refurbed The Beach Hotel.

Aside from being one of the most euphonious towns in Australia, Narooma is in close to the Montague Island Nature Reserve . On the 6 th and 7 th of May, it also holds the Narooma Oyster Festival and the turquoise waters of the Wagonga Inlet will have you thinking you’re in the Maldives. The Quarterdeck bar and restaurant is uber stylish – try the Jungle Bird cocktail with Appleton rum, Campari and pineapple. Photography: Destination NSW.

Where to stay: Discovery Parks Narooma has lovely cabins that sleep up to six, each with their own parking space.

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5 weekend getaways 3 hours or less from Sydney

Stuck for where to venture out from Sydney for a weekend away? These five spots will have you in holiday mode before you know it.

1. Port Stephens, North Coast

Almost three hours’ drive from Sydney you’ll find Port Stephens , the perfect spot for swapping the city for a relaxing beach getaway.

Get out and about with a walk on one of the 26 sandy beaches, go dolphin-watching or get adventurous and explore the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes on a quad bike. Then after working up an appetite, be sure to enjoy regional flavours with locally sourced avocados, figs, macadamia nuts and oysters. Yum!

2. Kiama, South Coast

Scenic coastline and lush countryside meet in Kiama , a picturesque seaside town less than two hours’ drive south of Sydney.

Spend a day on the green at any of the three golf courses in the area, walk the 22km Kiama Coast Walk or join the crowd at the world’s largest blowhole, a natural water spout that shoots water high up into the air when the wind, waves and tides come together with explosive energy!

If you have a bit more time, visit the beaches for a surf at nearby Gerringong and go canoeing or fishing at Lake Illawarra near Shellharbour. And you’ve GOT to make a little detour for a sugar hit at the Famous Berry Donut Van . Mmm!

3. Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

If good food and wine are your weakness, pay a visit to Australia’s oldest wine region with a stay in Pokolbin.

Guided tours of local wineries are a great option but if the weather is good (and you want to work up an appetite for all the cheese plates that are inevitably on offer in a wine region 😋), hiring a bike to ride between cellar doors is a stunning way to experience the Hunter.

It’s not all about the wine, though. Little kids and big kids alike will love the Magical Storybook garden at the Hunter Valley Gardens. And you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company .

4. Katoomba, Blue Mountains

The historic town of Katoomba is a great pick for anyone wanting to explore the natural beauty that the Blue Mountains has to offer.

Take time to spot native animals, sandstone plateaus and waterfalls that drop deep into the Blue Mountain valleys below with a hike along a walking trail. Or visit Scenic World Blue Mountains to experience the thrill of riding the steepest passenger railway in the world, the Scenic Railway.

5. Terrigal, Central Coast

Lined with majestic Norfolk Island pines, Terrigal’s beachfront esplanade will have you soaking up those holiday feels – and it’s just over an hour from Sydney.

The vibrant coastal town has something to suit everyone. Hit one of the many cafes or grab fish and chips to eat by the beach (with an ice-cream to follow, of course). Visit the many boutiques, settle in for an afternoon at Crown Plaza’s Terrigal Beach Bar , take a leisurely walk to the Skillion Lookout, or if you’re feeling adventurous, dive and explore the wreck of the Ex-HMAS Adelaide.

Dining options are plentiful (and delicious!). And if you want to explore even further, check out Wamberal and North Avoca beaches to the north and south.

Heads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change between when you make your booking and when you travel. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before visiting, take extra care and follow all rules to ensure their own health and safety. This post was updated on 9 November 2021 and 24 October 2022.

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Nicole Redfern

Wine lover. Fitness fan. Avocado toast enthusiast.

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Family Travel: Top 5 NSW Road Trips within 3 Hours of Sydney

While there are many reasons to love road trips, one of the best is that they offer a chance to see a lot of different places in a short amount of time.

If you’re looking for a road trip destination that’s within 3 hours of Sydney, there are many choices including Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay, Tea Gardens, Bathurst, Newcastle and many more.   Within just a few hours’ drive, you can find everything from stunning coastline to lush mountains and forests. And of course, there are plenty of quaint towns and villages to stop in along the way.

So whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing escape, a road trip in New South Wales is sure to have something for everyone.

Trips within 2 hours   |  Trips within 3 hours  |  Trips within 4 hours

Shoal Bay and Nelson Bay

The stunning scenery that Shoal Bay and Nelson Bay has to offer is truly something special.  The coastline is dotted with sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and lush rainforest.

In addition, the area offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from hiking and biking to kayaking and snorkelling. Taking a road trip to places  is the perfect way to explore everything these regions have to offer.

Not only will you be able to see some of the most stunning scenery in Australia, but you’ll also have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of activities. So pack your bags and hit the road for an unforgettable adventure.

There’s plenty to do in Port Stephens! Here are six ideas to get you started:

Shoal Bay Beach

Take a walk along the stunning Shoal Bay Beach. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins swimming offshore!  The beach is a wide and spacious expanse of golden sand, flanked by rocky headlands at either end.

The waves here are usually small and gentle, making it a great spot for swimming, bodyboarding and fishing. There is also a large grassy area perfect for picnics and games. The beach is accessible by car or boat, and there is plenty of parking available.

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is a rehabilitation and education facility that is dedicated to the care and protection of koalas. The sanctuary was founded in 2001, and since then, it has provided a safe haven for koalas that have been injured or displaced.

The sanctuary is also home to a number of educational programs that aim to raise awareness about the importance of conserving this iconic species. Visitors to the sanctuary can learn about the threats that koalas face and what they can do to help protect them.

They can also meet some of the resident koalas and learn about the unique habits and ecology of this amazing animal. Whether you are a long-time supporter of koala conservation or you are just beginning to learn about these special creatures, a visit to Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is sure to be an enlightening and memorable experience.

Go Kayaking or Stand Up Paddleboarding

Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay are great places to go kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. The water is crystal clear, and the scenery is stunning. There are plenty of places to rent kayaks and paddle boards, and the staff is always happy to help out if you need any advice. One of the best things about kayaking or stand up paddle boarding in the area is that there are no crowds. You can paddle around at your own pace, and stop whenever you want to take in the view or take a swim. Whether you’re a experienced kayaker or stand up paddle boarder, or you’re just getting started, Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay are the perfect places to enjoy these great water activities.

Dolphin or Whale Watch Cruise

Nelson Bay is one of the best places in Australia to go whale and dolphin watching. Every year, thousands of visitors come to the bay to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

There are several different companies that offer dolphin and whale watch cruises, which depart from Nelson Bay Marina and last for around three hours.

During the cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to see dolphins, whales, seals, and other marine life up close and learn about their behaviour and ecology.

Tomaree National Park

Tomaree National Park is a stunning stretch of coastline and features beautiful beaches, bushland walks and views of the surrounding countryside.

One of the highlights of the park is Tomaree Head, a headland that offers sweeping panoramas of the region.

You can also spot migrating whales from the headland between May and November each year. Tomaree National Park is a great place to spend a day or two, whether you’re interested in swimming, hiking or simply taking in the stunning views.

Nelson Head Lighthouse Reserve Museum

The Nelson Head Lighthouse Reserve Museum is a must-see for any visitor to the area. Located on the grounds of the Nelson Head Lighthouse, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the history of the lighthouse and its importance to the local community.

The museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and you can explore the various exhibits at their own pace, or take part in a guided tour of the lighthouse itself. The Nelson Head Lighthouse Reserve Museum is an essential stop for anyone interested in the history of this beautiful region.

After you’ve had your fill of maritime history at the Nelson Head Lighthouse Museum, head on over to the Inner Light Tea Room for a bite to eat.

You’ll be treated to stunning views of the bay while you enjoy a delicious meal. The tea room is the perfect place to relax and refuel before you continue exploring all that the Nelson Head area has to offer.

Camel Rides

Anna Bay is located approximately 10km south of Nelson Bay and is a home to some of the best camel rides in the country.

The experience begins with a short safety briefing, followed by a gentle trek through the sand dunes and on the beach. As you ride, you’ll have the chance to take in sweeping views of the bay and its surrounds.

After your Camel Ride, you can enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the nearby cafes. With its beautiful scenery and friendly camels, Anna Bay is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Places to stay

2. Jervis Bay

Nestled on the South Coast of NSW, Jervis Bay is a little slice of paradise. With its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and lush forest walks, it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries. But Jervis Bay isn’t just a pretty face – there’s also plenty to do for those who like to keep busy.

From kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to hiking and biking, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. And of course, no trip to Jervis Bay would be complete without a visit to one of the many stunning lookouts or taking a dip in the pristine waters of Hyams Beach.

So if you’re looking for a relaxed getaway with plenty to see and do, add Jervis Bay to your list. You won’t be disappointed!

Jervis Bay is a beautiful place to visit, with plenty of activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained. Here are some great things to do in Jervis Bay:

Jervis Bay Beaches

  Jervis Bay is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. White sand and clear blue water make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

There are many different activities to enjoy at the beach, such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. There are also a number of different beaches to choose from, each with its own unique character.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to have some fun in the sun, Jervis Bay has a beach that’s perfect for you.

Hyams Beach

Hyams Beach is a beautiful sandy beach is well known for having the whitest sand in the world, and its crystal-clear waters make it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and windsurfing. There are several restaurants and cafes located nearby, as well as a number of accommodation options.

Greenpatch Beach

If you’re looking for a breathtaking beach destination in New South Wales, look no further than Greenpatch Beach in Jervis Bay. This idyllic spot is renowned for its clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand, making it a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling and surfing.

There’s also plenty of nearby bushland to explore, and the campground offers plenty of amenities for a comfortable stay. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an action-packed family vacation, Greenpatch Beach is sure to please.

Booderee National Park

Booderee National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. For nature lovers, there are walking trails through the native bushland, and you can also spot an array of wildlife including kangaroos, echidnas, and lizards.

The beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing, and fishing, and you can also explore the many shipwrecks that dot the coastline. If you’re after a more relaxing experience, there are picnic areas and BBQs where you can while away the hours surrounded by nature.

Jervis Bay Maritime Museum

Jervis Bay Maritime Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Jervis Bay and the surrounding area. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the story of the bay and its role in maritime history.

Visitors can explore the museum’s many exhibits to learn about the area’s indigenous people, its early European explorers, and its more recent past as a busy port town.

The museum also features a variety of interactive displays, making it an enjoyable experience for all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting for a day, be sure to stop by the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum to learn more about this fascinating region.

Dolphin Cruise

Jervis Bay is a home to an abundance of marine life, including dolphins, whales and seals. A dolphin cruise is the perfect way to experience this natural wonder up close.

During the cruise, you’ll have the chance to see dolphins swimming and playing in their natural habitat. You may even be lucky enough to see them riding the waves or leaping out of the water. Whales can also often be seen in the bay, and you’ll learn about their fascinating habits from the on-board expert.

Place to Stay:

3. Bathurst

Bathurst is a lovely city nestled near the Blue Mountains and is known for its stunning natural scenery, its many historical landmarks, and its friendly locals. A road trip to Bathurst is the perfect way to experience all that this city has to offer. You’ll be able to take in the breathtaking mountain views, explore the city’s rich history, and enjoy the hospitality of the locals. So if you’re looking for a city that has it all, make sure to put Bathurst on your list. You won’t be disappointed.

There’s plenty to see and do in Bathurst! Here are six attractions that are definitely worth a visit:

The Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum

The Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the natural history of Australia. The Museum houses an incredible collection of fossils and minerals, many of which are unique to the continent. In addition to displaying its stunning collection, the Museum also offers a range of interactive exhibits and educational programs. You can learn about the formation of Australia’s unique landscapes, discover the secrets of fossilisation, and explore the stories behind some of the world’s most famous minerals.

National Motor Racing Museum

The National Motor Racing Museum celebrates Bathurst’s unique place in motorsport history. The museum houses a large collection of historic cars and motorcycles, as well as a range of interactive exhibits. You can learn about the history of motor racing in Australia, and see some of the most iconic cars that have ever raced on the famous Bathurst circuit. The museum is also home to a cafe and gift shop, making it the perfect place to take a break from exploring Bathurst. Whether you’re a motorsport fan or just looking for somewhere interesting to visit, the National Motor Racing Museum is definitely worth a trip.

Mount Panorama Racing Circuit

Mount Panorama is one of Australia’s most iconic racetracks. Situated in the picturesque town of Bathurst, the track has been host to some of the country’s biggest motor racing events. Carved into the side of Mt. Panorama, the track is 6.213km long and features a challenging mix of corners and straights. The track is also unique in that it is open to the public for use outside of official race days. So whether you’re a seasoned racer or a casual driver, Mount Panorama is definitely worth a visit. Just be sure to take it easy on the corners!

Adventure Playground

The Adventure Playground in Bathurst is the perfect place for kids to explore, have fun, and burn off some energy. The playground features a large climbing structure with slides, ladders, and tunnels, as well as a separate area for younger children. There is also a huge sandpit, perfect for digging, building castles, or just playing in the sand.

Abercrombie Caves State Conservation Area

Located just outside of Bathurst, Abercrombie Caves offer a unique underground experience with beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations.  It is a popular spot for camping, hiking, and picnicking. The caves are a popular spot for exploring and providing a cool respite from the heat during summer. There are also a number of walking tracks in the conservation area, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the diverse native flora and fauna. With its spectacular caves and walks, Abercrombie Caves State Conservation Area is a great destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Place to Stay

4. Newcastle

Newcastle, NSW is a beautiful city located north of Sydney. With its sandy beaches, historic buildings and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder that Newcastle is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Taking a road trip to Newcastle is a great way to see everything this city has to offer. You can explore the city at your own pace, stopping to enjoy the sights and attractions that interest you the most. And with so many excellent accommodation options available, it’s easy to find a place to stay that suits your budget and needs. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, a road trip to Newcastle is sure to be a memorable experience.

Here are a few suggestions for things to do while you’re in town:

Newcastle Museum

The museum houses a collection of over 20,000 objects that tell the stories of the people and history of Newcastle.

The museum has a rich and varied collection that includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artefacts, convict records, shipwreck relics, and an extensive photographic archive. The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience life in Newcastle during different periods in its history.

Whether you’re interested in the city’s maritime past, its Indigenous heritage, or its colonial history, there is something for everyone.

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

The gardens feature a wide variety of different plant species, as well as a stunning waterfall. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking in the gardens, or take a stroll along one of the many walking trails. In addition to being a beautiful spot for a day trip, the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens also offer educational programs for children and adults. These programs focus on topics such as horticulture and native plants, and provide participants with an opportunity to learn about the importance of preserving our natural environment. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an educational experience, the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens are sure to please.

Newcastle Helicopter Flight

Aero Logistics offers a range of helicopter flights to suit every budget. From short 10-minute joyrides to longer sightseeing tours, there is a flight to suit everyone. And with prices starting from less than $100 per person, it’s an affordable way to experience the city in all its glory. Soar over the iconic harbour and take in the sights of the CBD, before heading out to the beaches for a different perspective on this beautiful city. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor wanting to tick something off your bucket list,

Newcastle Beaches

The city is home to a number of beaches, each with its own unique character.

Merewether Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Newcastle. It features a large surf club, ocean baths, cafe and a restaurant.

Nobbys Beach

Nobby’s Beach is situated just north of the city center, making it a convenient spot for locals and visitors alike. Nobby’s Beach is well-known for its surfing conditions and is a popular spot for both beginner and experienced surfers. The beach is also great for swimming, sunbathing, and simply relaxing.

Dudley Beach

Dudley Beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing with its gentle waves and clear water. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, picnicking and bushwalking in the nearby national park.

Newcastle Beach

Newcastle Beach is a great option if you’re looking for a beach that’s close to the city and has plenty of amenities nearby including plenty of free parking. The beach itself is lovely, and there’s even a cafe if you get hungry. If you don’t feel like swimming in the ocean, there’s also a large ocean pool that’s perfect for cooling off on hot days.

Fort Scratchley

Fort Scratchley is a historic fort which was built in the 19th century to protect the city from a possible Russian invasion. Today, Fort Scratchley is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the fort’s tunnels and see the guns that were once used to defend the city. The fort also offers panoramic views of Newcastle and the surrounding area.

Stockton Sand Dunes

If you’re looking for an adventure, there’s no better place than the Stockton Sand Dunes. These massive dunes offer a variety of thrilling activities, from quad biking and sandboarding to four-wheel driving. And there’s no better way to explore the dunes than on a safari. A sand dune safari is the perfect way to see everything the dunes have to offer. You’ll have a chance to ride a quad bike across the sands, experience the thrill of sandboarding down a giant dune, and even take a 4WD out for a spin. Plus, you’ll get to see the dunes in all their glory, from the stunning views at the top to the hidden valleys below. So if you’re looking for an adventure, be sure to check out a sand dune safari.

Fighter World

Fighter world is located in Williamstown, approximately 30 minutes north of Newcastle CBD.  It is a great place to learn about the history of fighter jets and their role in modern warfare. The museum has a wide variety of displays, including interactive exhibits that let you experience what it’s like to be a fighter pilot. You can also see how fighter jets are designed and built, and learn about the men and women who fly them. Fighter world is a great place to spend a day, whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something fun to do.

Places to Stay

5. Tea Gardens

Tea Gardens is a small town famed for its picturesque setting and its wide range of outdoor activities. Located on the Myall River, Tea Gardens is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

You can go for walks through the lush rainforest, paddle in the river, or take a scenic drive through the winding mountain roads.

Tea Gardens is also home to a number of historic sites, including the Tea Gardens Hotel which was built in 1859, and the Myall Lakes National Park which was established in 1967. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Tea Gardens is an ideal destination for a road trip.

Here are some fun things to do and visit in Tea Gardens:

Myall River Foreshore

Take a walk or cycle along the foreshore. There are several scenic routes to choose from, and you’ll be able to enjoy views of the river and surrounding countryside.

Bennetts Beach

Hawks Nest Beach is well known for its clear turquoise waters and stunning views. You can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing and kayaking. There is also a very popular walking track that takes you through the stunning coastal bushland. Hawks Nest Beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty surroundings.

Jimmy’s Beach

Jimmy’s Beach is a great place to spend a day with family and friends. The beach is well-maintained and offers plenty of amenities, including bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables. The water is clean and clear, making it perfect for swimming, paddling, and fishing. There are also plenty of opportunities for walks along the shoreline. Visitors can explore the rock pools, look for shells, and take in the stunning views. Jimmy’s Beach is a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the water.

There’s nothing like being out on the water in a kayak, feeling the sun on your face and the gentle rocking of the boat. And with Lazy Paddles, it’s easy to hire a kayak and enjoy a day out on Myall Lake. We offer a range of kayaks to suit all budgets and abilities, so you’re sure to find the perfect boat for you. And our friendly staff are always on hand to offer advice and help you get started. So why not come down to lazy paddles and hire a kayak today? You’re sure to have a great time.

If you’re looking for a quick getaway from Sydney, there are plenty of great road trip options within NSW just a few hours drive from the city.  If you’re after a beach break, head north to Shoal Bay or south to Jervis Bay for some of the best beaches in the state. Whichever direction you choose to go, you’ll find plenty of beautiful places to explore just a short drive from Sydney.

Before you set on your trip, you may find the following articles helpful

Ultimate Snack List for a Stress Free Road Trip with Kids

Ultimate Road Trip Packing List When Travelling with Kids

Single Parent Travel: Everything You need for a Great Road Trip

Single Parent Travel: 14 Benefits of Going on a Road Trip

Family Travel: Top 5 NSW Road Trips within 2 Hours of Sydney

Family Travel: Top 5 NSW Road Trips within 4 Hours of Sydney

Ivana Katz is a Sydney based website designer and travel blogger.  Having her own business has given her the freedom to explore the world.  She believes travel is the best teacher and her passion for adventure, writing and photography has taken her and her son to some amazing places, including Hawaii, Canada, Fiji, Greece and Czech Republic.  Ivana’s favourite thing about travelling is learning, discovering hidden gems and creating memories.  She loves nothing more than inspiring other women to chase their dreams and explore the world with their families and friends.

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Wonderful Day Trips from Sydney

Updated: February 15, 2024

Australia , Oceania

written by: Steph Kloeckener

If you are looking for the best day trips from Sydney, you will love these 12 fantastic destinations. National parks, beaches, towns & more!

As a former Sydneysider (who dreams of moving back), I have been fortunate enough to go on several day trips from Sydney. I absolutely loved these trips as they allowed me to explore the area close to the city I love and my time in Australia would not have been the same without them.

These Sydney day trips allowed me to explore stunning national parks that I wanted to visit over and over again and charming villages with cozy cafés and other sights. While exploring these places, I fell in love with hikes and saw amazing sunsets. And I cannot wait to visit every single location again.

However, I never got the chance to see everything on my list, so fortunately fellow travelers decided to share everything you need to know about these amazing day trip destinations. Therefore, this list contains all the best destinations that are no more than 3 hours away from Sydney’s Central Business District.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see the full disclosure for further information.

Table of Contents

30 minutes north of Sydney Central Business District

A short 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay in the Sydney CBD, Manly might not be far from Sydney in distance, but with its sweeping sandy beach and seaside feel it seems like a world away. If you want an easy day trip from Sydney that doesn’t need a car, then, add Manly to your itinerary.

Manly is all about sand and the sea so start off with a trip to the famous beach – it’s the perfect place to learn to surf. If you prefer to snorkel, a walk east along the seaside path brings you to the sheltered waters of Shelley Beach. You can also explore the area with a kayak.

Clear-View Kayak Rental (4 Hours)

Head west instead and you’ll find one of Sydney’s most Instagram-friendly sights, the Manly Wormhole, a hidden tunnel in the cliff that brings you to a beautiful sea view.

When you get hungry; the famous Steyne pub on the seafront offers casual dining for the whole family. Or, for something a bit more special, join the beautiful people at Hugo’s on Manly Wharf.

Finish your day at nearby North Head enjoying one of the spooky ghost tours that take place at the old Quarantine Station located high on the cliffs overlooking Sydney. Be sure to read what to expect from a Q Station Ghost Tour !

How to get there: Jump on the ferry at Circular Quay. Choose from the Manly Fast Ferry which will get you there in 20 minutes, or the slightly slower, but cheaper Sydney Ferries service.

Where to stay in Manly : Where to Stay: If you want to prolong your visit, the Q Station hotel offers a stay with a sense of history. The rooms are located in the buildings that made up the old Quarantine Station. Closer to the beach, the Quest Manly comes highly recommended and the apartment-style rooms have gorgeous sea views.

Day Trip from Sydney suggested by Helen at Differentville

2. Royal National Park

50 minutes south of Sydney CBD

One of the best day trips from Sydney is the beautiful Royal National Park. South of the city center and is easily accessible, the Park covers a stunning stretch of coastline and offers beautiful beaches, rainforests, and coastal bushlands.

Sydney’s Royal National Park is great for bushwalking, cycling, surfing, and whale watching during the annual whale migration from May to October. There are scenic walking trails, waterfalls, and a stunning coastal landscape to explore. 

The Royal National Park has a selection of lovely picnic areas, and Audley is a favorite. It’s fun to relax on the grass under a gum tree with a picnic and to paddle up the river in a hired canoe to secluded swimming holes.

At Bundeena there’s a lovely beach and a café. Relax on the sand or head off on the Coastal walking track. Visit the aboriginal rock carvings at Jibbon Head or hike to Wedding Cake Rock, Eagle Head Rock, or Curracurrong Falls, a waterfall that plunges straight into the ocean from high on the cliffs.

If you enjoy surfing, head to Garie Beach. It’s a pristine stretch of sand that faces the open ocean and has a reliable swell.  Nearby Wattamolla is a lovely scenic spot that offers swimming for all the family. There’s a picnic area, and children can paddle and swim safely in the inlet.

Getting there: It’s easiest to drive into the Royal National Park, but you don’t need a car to visit. Just catch a train from Sydney Central to Cronulla. Take the ferry across to Bundeena, and a shuttle bus will take you from the ferry to the most popular places inside the  Park. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Sydney, consider visiting the Royal National Park. It is one of the top day trips from Sydney and makes a great day out.

Where to stay near Royal National Park : Stay in comfort in Cronulla at Rydges Cronulla Beachside or Quest Cronulla Beach .

Explored by Linda from Muy Linda Travels

3. Palm Beach

1 hour north of Sydney

Palm Beach is a beautiful seaside town, located around an hour’s drive north of Sydney. It is great for surfing and other water sports. You will love the crystal clear waters and the many attractions around the beach.

It is located at the top of the peninsula, so you can enjoy the surf beach which is one of the best beaches on the East Coast of Australia , and the side facing the Pittwater Lagoon, which is more peaceful. It can be crowded in summer, but luckily the beach is large enough that you can always find a place away from the crowds.

One of the best things to do in Palm Beach is to hike to the Barrenjoy Lighthouse. It is located at the very top of the peninsula and has some of the best scenery around. You will be able to enjoy panoramic views of one of the best beaches on the east coast of Australia, and hiking is very easy.

It only takes 30 minutes, and although it may be steep in some places, even beginners can easily master it so you do not need exceptional fitness levels. The Barrenjoy Lighthouse is a great place for a picnic and a quick rest before returning and the views are worth the hike.

Hot to get to Palm Beach : If you want to visit this amazing Sydney day trip destination, you can either drive there or take the bus. The L90 bus connects Sydney CBD with Palm Beach and the bis ride takes 1:30 h.

Where to stay near Palm Beach : If you want to stay longer, you should stay at the Palm Beach Bed & Breakfast or rent the Bnb on Burrendong if you are traveling with a bigger group. Another great nearby accommodation is the Refuge Cove on Pittwater .

Recommended by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

4. Stanwell Tops

1 hour south of Sydney

Stanwell Tops is just over an hour’s drive south of Sydney. However, you can get there via train (which will take approximately 1.5 hours). Stanwell Tops is a beautiful coastal suburb in the Wollongong area of New South Wales, Australia. This makes it the perfect day trip from Sydney as the driving distance is not that far. 

There is plenty to do around this area, but the main attraction would be Stanwell Tops lookout. If you head towards the Lawrence Hargrave monument, this would be the best view in this area. Here, you can spend hours watching people hang glide. 

If you have driven down for the day, you must visit the Sea Cliff Bridge. You can choose to drive over the 665 meters long bridge or park your car and walk across it. However, if you want to take a detour and climb the mountain, the view from the top is worth it. 

The best place to eat is the Scarborough Hotel, with clifftop views to die for and a beer garden that is hands down the best part of the trip. Depending on when you plan to travel there, you may get a glimpse of a whale on the horizon. With live music on many afternoons, this is the perfect place to spend your day trip from Sydney. And the food is pretty good too. 

Where to stay in Stanwell Tops : Headlands Austinmer Beach is not far from The Scarborough Hotel if you plan to stay overnight. The self-contained apartments with ocean views are ideal for a weekend away at any time of the year.

Sydney Day Trip suggested by Paula from Truly Expat

5. Blue Mountains National Park

1:30 h west of Sydney

The Blue Mountains are located west of the city and are likely the most popular day trip from Sydney. In fact, one could even argue that you have not really been to Sydney if you have yet to visit this National Park. Named after the intense blue haze that covers the area and that is caused by the eucalyptus trees, the Blue Mountains are a natural wonderland.

Here, you have waterfalls like the 187 meters high Wentworth Falls, cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and in some areas even ancient rainforests. And if you have always dreamed of seeing glow worms in caves , you can do so by visiting the abandoned Railway tunnel near Lithgow.

With all these amazing places, you can plan many day trips from Sydney and never run out of new things to do in the Blue Mountains .

If you only have one day and are visiting the area for the first time, you should hike along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk from Katoomba to Leura. There are many scenic viewpoints along the way including Echo Point Lookout, which offers the best view of the Three Sisters.

The walk also takes you past Katoomba Falls and the Leura Cascades and is therefore a perfect combination of what the Blue Mountai ns have to offer.

Overall, I think the proximity to the Blue Mountains and other national parks is one of the things that make Sydney worth visiting .

Activities to do during a Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney :

Sunset Tour

Abseiling or Canyoning

4WD Tour: Off-the-beaten-track

Glow Worm Adventures

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus + Scenic Rides Pass

Nearby :  Megalong Valley Wine Trail

How to get to the Blue Mountains: It takes 1:30 hour to drive to Katoomba, but if you want to go hiking, it is best to catch a train from Sydney Central. The train ride is two hours long and also stops in Leura, which makes it perfect for a hiking day trip from Sydney. And if you go on the weekends, you can even save money thanks to the weekend travel cap of the Opal Card.

Where to stay in the Blue Mountains : If you want to turn your day trip from Sydney into a weekend trip, you should stay at the Echoes Boutique Hotel . The rooms have an incredible view over the surrounding area.

1:30 h south of Sydney

Bowral  is in the New South Wales Southern Highlands. It is one of those day trips from Sydney that has a bit of something for everyone. Anyone with even a passing interest in sport will know Bowral is home to one of Australia’s greatest sporting heroes, Don Bradman. However, Bowral has a lot to offer beyond cricket.

While the International Cricket Hall of Fame will be on the to-do list for some, these days Bowral is known for its café, shopping, and gallery scene. Green Lane featuring Harry’s on the Green, is full of hip cafes and restaurants.

Dirty Janes is in this precinct. Check out their eclectic range of antiques and finish with a sumptuous high tea. Plantation and The Press Shop are two more of the many cafes to try.

Another feature of the town is its parks and gardens. Each September Bowral bursts into color with the Tulip Festival in Corbett Gardens. The Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens, Cherry Tree Walk, and Mount Gibraltar Lookout are all great spots for walks and picnics.

How to get there: Bowral is 90 minutes southwest of Sydney, take the Hume Highway via Liverpool. Having a car will let you easily get to the sites around the town. If you want a scenic, but longer, drive back to Sydney, you can return along the coast. There are also up to 3 train services a day departing from Central Station. Return fares are about $25, and the trip takes just under 2 hours.

Where to stay in Bowral : If you spend a weekend in Bowral, you must treat yourself to a night or two in one of its country estates. They combine old-world charm with contemporary luxuries and are a hallmark of the area. Peppers Craigieburn , The Coach House , and Manor House are all good accommodation options.

Explored by Natalie & Steve from Curious Campers

1:50 h south of Sydney

The picturesque village of Kiama is 125 km south of Sydney on the Illawarra Coast. With the scenery on the drive down almost as lovely as the destination, this is one prettiest day trips from Sydney.

Situated on a natural harbor, Kiama boasts seven beaches and two beautiful rock pools, so this is the perfect spot for a summer day trip. However, there are plenty of things to do in Kiama year-round, including a popular 20 km hiking trail.

The track follows the coastline past some of the area’s most stunning scenery, notably Cathedral Rocks, and is famous for whale spotting between June and October. 

There is a buzzing main street with loads of cafes and restaurants that will have you struggling to choose just one place for lunch. A popular choice is Otis Deli, owned by ex-Ottolenghi head chef Emily Herbert. 

Before you head home, be sure to drop by the famous blowhole, which is easy to find right by the Kiama lighthouse. People have been coming to see this natural feature for over 100 years. 

How to get there: Kiama is easily reached from Sydney by road or train. From the city center, it is 125 km south via the M1 motorway. The trip usually takes about 1:40 hours but turn off at Stanwell Tops and take the Princes Highway (A1) along the coast so you can experience the stunning SeaCliff Bridge and Illawara Beaches as you make your way south. The train trip takes 2hrs 20 min and travels via the Royal National Park before following the coast the rest of the way with views equally as lovely as the road trip. 

Where to stay in Kiama : You will find plenty of accommodation options in this pretty seaside town, from serviced apartments and holiday rentals to the Surf Beach Holiday Park on the headland.  Nova Kiama and the Harbour Cabins are great options.

This day trip from Sydney has been recommended by Paula Morgan from Sydney Expert

2 hours south of Sydney

Located at the Crooked River, this Gerroa is really close to the amazing Seven Mile Beach, which happens to be an amazing spot to watch the sunset. With its natural sights, the area around Gerroa is an ideal city getaway or day trip from Sydney.

The Black Head Reserve at the tip of the Gerroa headland is only a 15-minute drive from the city center and is a must-see as it offers an incredible view of Seven Mile Beach and the coastal area north of Gerroa. 

Additionally, it is the perfect place to whale watch when the whales migrate south from September to November and north from May to August. There are rock pools just north of the headland, so be sure to head there for an hour or two. In addition to that, there are some easy walking tracks in the area.

If you are just starting out, Seven Mile Beach is the perfect place to surf, as the waves tend to be ideal for surfing newbies and intermediate surfers. The beach is also the location of Surf Camp Australia. Therefore, you can easily book a surfing lesson while there.

After exploring the area, you should grab a bite at the Gerroa Boat Fishermans Club. The atmosphere there is great and so is the food.

All in all, Gerroa is a great place to escape the city for a day or two and one of the best day trips from Sydney if you want to relax in nature while venturing slightly off-the-beaten-path.

How to get to this Sydney day trip destination: If you are driving, it takes two hours to drive to Gerroa. If you do not have a car, you can take the hourly train from Sydney’s central station to Kiama Station and then catch a bus or a taxi from Kiama to Gerroa. If you do not want to take the train and do not mind transferring twice, you can take a bus that runs hourly.

Where to stay in Gerroa : The Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park has everything from camping sites to safari tents and cabins right at the beach. If you are looking for a vacation rental and are traveling with a group of friends, you will love Ocean Breeze , Secret Spot , or The Sands .

Berry , located approximately two hours drive south of the CBD, is the perfect place for a day trip from Sydney. This historic town is a favorite with Sydneysiders as it features fantastic food options, quirky shops, and unique scenery available to be discovered on hikes just outside the town.  

Leaving Sydney early will get you into Berry just in time to enjoy a lovely brunch and a coffee at Milkwood Bakery on the main street. After the two-hour drive, it is the perfect stop for a quick pick-me-up before a morning of shopping or hiking commences. 

Next up, head ten minutes out of town to the starting point for the Drawing Room Rocks bushwalk. This uphill trek might be tough, but the stunning panoramic views that stretch all the way to the ocean at the top are well worth the climb.  

Finally, stop into one of Berry’s many foodie destinations for a late lunch or early dinner. And if you’re on the go, be sure to stock up on fresh cinnamon donuts from the famous Berry Donut Van. 

Getting to Berry: The best option to get to Berry from Sydney is to drive through the beautiful scenery of the Royal National Park all the way down the coast. Alternatively, there is a train station in Berry serviced from the CBD if you do not have a car. 

Where to stay in Berry : Berry has fantastic accommodation options to suit every budget. The Berry Village Boutique Motel has simple rooms that will definitely suit most tastes for an overnight stay. For something a little more luxe, the Berry Inn has gorgeous apartment-style rooms (some that come equipped with spa baths!).  

Explored by Emma Caldwell from Emma Jane Explores

10. Kangaroo Valley

With its charming countryside, dramatic sandstone escarpment, epic waterfalls, and quirky cafes, Kangaroo Valley makes for a perfect day trip from Sydney. It lies 150 kilometers south of Sydney, but it makes you feel like you are in a different world entirely. And there are so many  things to do in Kangaroo Valley   that once you discover it, you’ll keep coming back.

Kangaroo Valley is all about winding mountain roads, epic waterfalls, and sweeping viewpoints. The valley’s three waterfalls: Belmore, Fitzroy, and Carrington Falls are some of the biggest and prettiest in the region, so make sure to check out at least one of them.

For the best views, head to Cambewarra Mountain lookout. It offers one of the longest panoramas in Australia, and there is also a cozy restaurant at the top of the Mountain.

The road to the small village of Kangaroo Valley passes over the incredible Hamden Bridge – a grand Victorian structure with medieval-style towers at each end. Its appearance is all the more striking for the tranquil simplicity of its rural surroundings. You can hire kayaks at Kangaroo Valley Safari, right by the bridge, and spend a couple of hours paddling along Kangaroo River.

And, yes, of course, there are kangaroos in Kangaroo Valley. A good place to see them is Bendeela campground, that’s better known for its large population of wombats.

How to get to Kangaroo Valley: Unfortunately, there is no public transport in this part of the state and the only way to reach Kangaroo Valley from Sydney is by driving 159 km along the Princess Highway. On the plus side, this means that the valley doesn’t get crowded and retains its relaxed laid-back atmosphere.

Where to stay in Kangaroo Valley : Kangaroo Valley has an impressive variety of accommodation options from award-winning luxury villas to farm stays and rustic cottages. For a touch of luxury check out Crystal Creek Meadows ; for mid-range country, comfort consider The Laurels B&B ; and if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, Quaint & Rustic in The Village is very cute. 

Sydney day tour destination suggested by Margarita Steinhardt / The Wildlife Diaries  

11. Port Stephens: Nelson Bay & Stockton Sand Dunes

2:30 hours north of Sydney

Based on the fact that Port Stephans is twice as big as Sydney’s Port Jackson, it should not surprise that there are many things to do in Port Stephens . Thanks to this wide range, this Sydney day trip should offer something to suit everyone’s taste.

There are 26 beaches including Zenith Beach and the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, which happen to be the longest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere with a length of 32 km.

They are the ideal place to spend a few hours if you love sandboarding, want to go on a quad tour, or explore them with a 4WD. While they are not as high as the Lancelin Sand Dunes , they are definitely worth a visit.

Eat lunch or an early afternoon snack at one of the many restaurants and cafés in Nelson Bay and check out the lighthouse that offers a great view similar to that of the Gan Gan Lookout.

In the afternoon you can go hiking in Mt Tamaree National Park. The most popular hike is the Mount Tamaree Summit hike. Be sure to head to one of the viewpoints or beaches to watch the sunset, as Port Stephens is one of the best sunset spots in the state.

Other great things to do during a Sydney day trip to Port Jackson are animal encounters. If you want to stick to the land, you can go koala spotting in Tilligerry Habitat Reserve. 

But if you feel like going on a cruise, you have the chance to meet some of the 140 local bottlenose dolphins that call this port their home. During the whale migration between May and November, you can also go on whale watching cruises .

Book activities in Port Stephens :

Dolphin Cruise

Quad Bike Dune Tour

Sandboarding in the Dunes

4WD Birubi Beach Tour

And if you are a scuba diver, you will love during here as there are many nudibranchs. Additionally, you can dive off the coast of Broughton Island where you will find a Grey Nurse Shark colony.

Getting there: If you are not driving, you can catch a train to Newcastle and then take the bus to Port Stephens. Alternatively, you can book the Sydney Express Coach Service by Port Stephens Coaches.

Where to stay in Port Stephens : If you are traveling with a camper van or do not want to spend too much money, you should stay at the Halifax Holiday Park , which is close to the Nelson Bay lighthouse. Other great, but more expensive, accommodations are the Ramada Resort , the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary , and The Retreat .

12. Hunter Valley

3 hours north of Sydney

Roughly 3 hours north of Sydney lies the  Hunter Valley wine region .  Famous for its Semillon and Chardonnay, it’s one of the most iconic places to visit in Australia. Hunter Valley is home to over 150 cellar doors, each unique in their own way. From sloping hills to lush vineyards, sparse landscapes, and more – Hunter Valley certainly is a bucket list destination.

Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit Hunter Valley, but the region offers a memorable experience no matter the time of year.

Briar Ridge Vineyard offers a relaxed setting under the trees while Glandore Estate Wines is a great place to enjoy a chocolate and wine pairing.

Foodies will love Amanda’s on the Edge and Bistro Molines for their spectacular fine dining experiences while others may prefer to go hot air ballooning or explore the Hunter Valley Gardens.

There are many tour operators that offer day trips from Sydney to Hunter Valley. These include tastings at four wineries as well as a lunch at one of them.

This is a great option for those travelers who have little time in Sydney yet still want to escape the city and discover more of the New South Wales countryside.

Check out these group day trips to Hunter Valley :

  Cheese, wine, gin & chocolate tour

Craft beer & wine tour

Cheese Masterclass

Hunter Valley from Above: Helicopter Flight

Where to stay in Hunter Valley : There are many amazing accommodations in Hunter Valley. If you are looking for a less expensive place to stay, the Wine Country Tourist Park is ideal. Cedars Mount View , Deja Vu Estate , and Winmark Wines are more luxurious places to stay.

Recommended by Carryn Beard at Torn Tackies Travel Blog

Planning a trip?

Check out these useful websites and resources I use to plan my own adventures.

The Best Day Trips from Sydney

• Royal National Park
• Stanwell Tops
• Blue Mountains National Park
• Kangaroo Valley
• Port Stephens
• Hunter Valley

Roundup: Sydney Day Trips

I loved going on day trips while living in Sydney, and can only encourage you to leave the city for a day or two so you can see what else the area has to offer. There are so many amazing national parks, wine areas, and charming towns, that you are bound to find a destination that you will love. Venture out and find out which one you like the most.

When combined, these day trips from Sydney create an amazing road trip, so you should consider planning a road trip that allows you to visit all of these great destinations!

If you have limited time and want to see a little bit of everything, you book a private tour that visits the highlights of some of these southern day trips from Sydney destinations.

More about Australia

If you are planning day tours around Sydney, you might also be interested in these Australia travel guides :

National Parks in Australia Australia’s Hidden Gems

Will one of these day trips from Sydney be A part of your itinerary?

Let me know in the comments down below!

Planning A Day Trip from Sydney? Pin these Sydney Day Tours for later !

I am the founder of A Nomad's Passport and a solo traveling digital nomad, photographer, and writer. Originally from Germany, I have lived in several countries including Australia & Mexico.

As an outdoor lover and culture enthusiast, I love writing about all forms of adventure travel ranging from outdoor activities like scuba diving and hiking to cultural experiences, alongside road trips and itineraries that combine these elements.

A Nomad's Passport is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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10 Scenic Drives from Sydney: Places to visit by car

We have put together this list of the best scenic drives from Sydney to inspire you to jump in the car and explore a somewhere new or rediscover some place you love. Get off the highway, take some back roads, do the official tourist drives and discover some of the small villages and coastal towns in NSW; they have so much to offer.

Places to Visit Near Sydney by Car

Royal national park, cottage point and church point, wilberforce and windsor, wiseman’s ferry and st albans, berrima and bowral, kangaroo valley, kiama and minimurra rainforest, patonga and pearl beach – central coast.

This page contains affiliate links. You can find our full disclosure policy here .

Are you feeling like heading out for a Sunday drive? We have pulled together this list of places to drive to in Sydney and surrounds. So get to work and fill your calendar with a bunch of new local experiences.

To help you plan, we have included:

• Approximate time and distance for each of these scenic drive s
• Things to do and places to see along the way
• Tips for what and where to eat
• Local resources for further planning
• Details of interesting walks in the area in case you want to stretch your legs

We are sure you will enjoy what we think are the ten best one-day road trips from Sydney.

Day Trips 1 hour from Sydney

Perfect for a weekend where a bit of a sleep in might have you off to a slow start. These first trips are all only about a 1 hour drive from the Sydney CBD.

Just 60 minutes south of the city is the Royal National Park , the second oldest National Park in the world. Why is it royal, you ask? Well, it seems it does not take much to get that moniker added to a name, Queen Elizabeth II did not even visit but merely passed by in her train on her 1954 inaugural visit. Several of the park’s most picturesque spots have gained Instagram fame in recent years, including Figure 8 Pools and Wedding Cake Rock. Sadly, both sites have seen a negative impact thanks to their popularity.

Wedding Cake Rock is now fenced off as it is quite unstable, and access to Figure 8 Pools can be tricky, with sudden tide changes being quite dangerous. The pools are in remote parts of the park, not that easy to access, so read up before you head off if you plan to visit.

While these sites are still well worth visiting, I encourage you to find some of the other less known one’slike Eagle Rock, Winifred Falls and row boating at Audley.

If you are not an experienced bushwalker, I recommend you book a small group tour with an authorised guide. This tour is excellent and perfect for discovering new places, particularly for solo travellers.

Wattamolla is easy to find and also gets quite a bit of “Instalove” too. It gets busy on hot summer days, but on weekdays it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a swim. If you decide to jump off the rocks here, check the water level in the lagoon first. There have been some pretty nasty accidents.

Check out our detailed guide to visiting the Royal National Park

The park has a lot more to offer than the spots made famous on social media.

Among our favourite places in the Royal are the beaches of Burning Palms, Era, and Garie. These are brilliant spots to get away from the crowds. Make your way to Garrawarra Farm Carpark and follow the track to Era or Burning Palms beaches. The extra walking time means fewer people!

Garie Beach is the only patrolled beach in the park and swimming at these beaches can be dangerous, so stay where you can stand up! There is a small kiosk at Garie that is sometimes open, but it’s best to carry your water and snacks with you.

If you fancy a less strenuous visit, then perhaps head to the coastal village of Bundeena, at the northern end of the park. You can reach Bundeena by ferry or by taking the Bundeena Drive turn off. The major attractions here are the Aboriginal rock engraving site, the almost empty beaches and the sandstone clifftop walk. The community is also home to several artists, and some have small galleries you can visit.

Local Tip:  Visit Bundeena on the first Sunday of the month for their Art Trail.

Royal National Park Road Trip Facts Time (one way):  50 minutes from CBD Distance (one way):  30km Best time of year to visit : Year-round but can get incredibly busy on summer weekends Things to do on this trip:  lookouts, bush walks, flora and fauna Save the Google Map Reference

Check out this guide to walking in Royal National park if you want to explore more of the park.

If you are looking for a relaxing, picturesque drive where your biggest challenge is deciding where to eat, this is for you. Cottage Point, Sydney’s smallest suburb with only 52 homes, is surrounded by Ku-ring-gai National Park.

Things to do at Cottage Point or Church Point

• rent a boat or kayak and explore Coal and Candle Creek or Cowan Creek
• grab lunch from Cottage Point Kiosk
• enjoy a degustation meal at the iconic Cottage Point Inn
• visit the car-free Scotland Island
• discover the locations in the best-selling book Salvation Creek .

Did you know the classic children’s TV show of the 1970s Skippy was filmed in and around Cottage Point?

After you have finished checking out Cottage Point, it’s a 20-minute drive along McCarrs Creek Road to Church Point. Once you arrive, take a ferry ride from Church Point and visit Halls Wharf (home of Pittwater YHA) and Scotland Island. The return trip takes 40 minutes and is a lovely experience, but if you have time, get off for a wander. The ferry runs hourly, but check the timetable and be sure of your pickup before leaving the pier. There are water taxis if you get waylaid and miss the public ferry.

Church Point Road Trip Facts Time (one way):  40 minutes Distance (one way):  35km Best time of year to visit : Year-round Things to do on this trip: take a ferry ride, dine at one of the restaurants, views Save the Google Map Reference

Related: Check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Parks in Sydney

These towns on the Hawkesbury River are two of five Macquarie Towns . Governor Macquarie chose these sites for purpose-built settlements to support nearby settlers who had moved to the area to farm Sydney’s food supply. Just 7km apart, many of the original buildings still stand and it’s a pleasant walk through history.

Things to see in Wilberforce and Windsor

• Australiana Pioneer Village – lots of family-friendly activities including penny farthing rides
• The Macquarie School House in Wilberforce – the only surviving schoolhouse from the era
• Macquarie Arms Hotel – the oldest hotel building in Australia
• Great North Road – a 200km long UNESCO listed convict built road

If you would like some context or background to these spots, why not follow one of the self-guided history walks from the Hawkesbury Heritage Association

If history is not your thing, don’t worry, adrenaline is also high on the menu here!

• the Indy 800 Kart Track – This 800 metres long track claims to be the most challenging in Sydney
• water skiing at the Sydney Ski School
• the Wild Cat Conservation Centre – small group tours available

Windsor Road Trip Facts Time (one way):  55 minutes Distance (one way):  60km Best time of year to visit : Year-round Things to do on this trip: Learn about colonial history, enjoy water sports on the river Save the Google Map Reference

Wiseman’s Ferry and St Albans mix heritage with nature, two historic settlements sandwiched between two national parks, offering you plenty to explore.

Solomon Wiseman, a former convict, was granted land here by Governor Macquarie in 1817 and within ten years had established a ferry service across the Hawkesbury River from trade between Sydney and the settlement at Newcastle. The service continued to be the primary route between the two cities until 1945 when the Peats River Bridge at Brooklyn opened.

On your way into town, stop at Hawkins Lookout ( map reference ) just outside the centre of the city.

Things to do at Wiseman Ferry

• Pick mandarins from Ford’s Farm and Watkins Family Farm.
• Head to Tobruk Station to learn all about shearing and rounding up sheep
• Have a drink at the Historic Settler’s Arms Inn in St Albans; it’s an original stopover for Cobb and Co Stagecoaches.
• Take some of the bushwalks in Dharug and Yengo National Parks
• Walk the Old Great North Road – World Heritage-listed walk, a 9km loop.
• Take the four-minute ride on the free Wiseman’s Ferry, the oldest still in operation in NSW.

After a walk around Wiseman’s Ferry, drive on to the National Trust listed hamlet of St Albans. The Great North Road is part of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Listing. Convicts carved the road out of solid rock, a punishment for re-offending after arriving in Sydney.

Wisemans Ferry Road Trip Facts Time (one way): 60 minutes Distance (one way):  75km Best time of year to visit : Autumn for gorgeous foliage, winter for fruit picking Things to do on this trip: Pick mandarins, stroll ancient paths, watch sheep shearing Save the Google Map Reference

Day trips from Sydney that take a little longer

If you are up with the sparrows, and looking for new places to visit near Sydney by car, these slightly longer drives between 2-3 hours offer even more variety.

We have been visiting Berry regularly since we were kids. As teenagers, it was not uncommon to make the drive to get doughnuts (well, it was really for the ride, but doughnuts gave us a reason). These days we stop in Berry a few times a year on our way to Jervis Bay for holidays. For us, it’s impossible to stay on the highway and not turn off!

Approx 150km from Sydney, you can make the trip to Berry via the highway, but we suggest you do at least one way of the journey via the Grand Pacific Drive and coastal route. This coastal route will add a little time, but you will be glad of it. We also recommend stopping briefly at Gerringong and Gerroa, two of the prettiest beach towns in the area. You can save time by returning to Sydney via the inland route. The main thoroughfare of Berry Queen Street is full of shops to tempt your credit card from your wallet. A ridiculous number of homeware stores and boutiques make this a fantastic place to head to for gift shopping. There is always something unique to be found.

Berry is a brilliant spot for a meat pie, there are two pie shops in town, and the charming Milkwood Bakery always gets excellent reviews. The pies and cakes at Milkwood are delicious, but we think the old school versions at the Berry Bakery are pretty tasty too. If you would rather walk than shop, there are two choices nearby. The slightly challenging Drawing Room Rocks walk with its spectacular views over the lush green valley to Shoalhaven’s beaches and the flat but equally rewarding walks in Seven Mile Beach National Park. Alternatively, take this scenic drive .

We once spent the night at The Berry Hotel , which gave us even more time to explore the area. The hotel, built in 1863, has particularly affordable rooms and a self-contained flat which makes a great base.

Berry Road Trip Facts Time (one way):  2 hours Distance (one way):  140km Best time of year to visit : Year-round Things to do on this trip:  Cafes and shopping, ocean views en route Save the Google Map Reference

The Southern Highlands towns of Berrima and Bowral southwest of Sydney have a lot to offer on a day trip. Surrounded by national parks and waterfalls, these two villages are the perfect antidote to city life. Only ten minutes apart, the towns make an easy halfway stop on the way to Canberra.

The region is known for its excellent produce; food lovers will be kept busy exploring vineyards and distilleries, truffle farms or award-winning bakeries and a vast range of fine dining and growers markets. Surrounded by national parks and waterfalls, a day in Berry and Bowral is perfect for hikes and picnics. Try to include some lookouts and short walks in the nearby Morton National Park while you are here.

Bowral is home to the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame , for some, this is the sole reason for their visit, but even if you are not a fan, this is an excellent museum and well worth a visit.

There are a couple of significant annual events, including Pie Time in June and Tulip Time in late September. There is also a popular monthly market held on the second Saturday of the month at the Bowral Public School. While you are in the area, include a stop at Fitzroy Falls  in Morton National Park.

Berrima is a small village established in the 1830s when explorers began mapping out the region. Only 120km southwest of Sydney, the drive will take you about 80 minutes.

There are also several charming shops, including the famous hand-stirred jam shop. If you are here on the fourth Sunday of the month, check out the Berrima Schoolyard Markets .

My number one stop is the Berkelouw Book Barn ; it’s a big draw card as is the Berrima Courthouse Museum and old goal.

Be sure to drop into the historic Surveyor General Inn , the oldest ongoing licensed premises in Australia; the perfect excuse to order a beer! For more information on visiting Berrima and Bowral, head to the Southern Highlands Visitors Centre .

Berrima and Bowral Road Trip Facts Time (one way):  1 hour 40 minutes Distance (one way):  120km Best time of year to visit : Spring for the flower festival and autumn for fall colours Things to do on this trip:  Waterfalls, walking trails, museums and shops Save the Google Map Reference

The bushfires of summer 2020 bought the tiny town of Bilpin to national attention, but for some locals, this has long been the place to head to pick your own apples and stone fruit. Two cider companies, Bilpin Cider Co and Hillbilly Cider, both offer tastings and lovely grounds to enjoy and explore.

Garden lovers are in luck with some beautiful gardens open to the public including:

• Wildwood cool climate gardens
• Blue Mountains Botanic Garden and the Botanists Way Discovery Centre
• The Succulent & Herb Nursery at Bilpin Permaculture Farm

Find all our favourite things to do in the Blue Mountains here

Pack a picnic lunch – there are plenty of lovely places to throw down a blanket in the garden, or if you don’t have a blanket, Bilpin Cider Company has a bunch for visitors to use. Alternatively, The Potager Mount Tomah has the most beautiful balcony overlooking the area, and they make a mighty fine pie! There are other options on our list of nearby Blue Mountains picnic spots .

Families might want to schedule a stop at Madisons Mountain Retreat for the afternoon alpaca feeding . Finally, be sure to stop into one of the local orchids to pick some fruit (or buy it if you prefer). There are a bunch to choose from, and they are usually open from November to May.

Bilpin Road Trip Facts Time (one way):  90 mins Distance (one way):  90-110km depending on the route you choose Best time of year to visit : Spring and summer for fruit picking , autumn for foliage Things to do on this trip: pick fruit, explore gardens and lookouts Save the Google Map Reference

Related: Check out our 3 Blue Mountains Road Trip itineraries

I took my first weekend trip to Kangaroo Valley at 18; we camped in a bushland area known as the Promise Land and I immediately fell in love with this part of NSW.

At about two hours’ driving time from Sydney, Kangaroo Valley is just the right distance for a day trip. The town centre, while small, has some lovely sandstone buildings and a charming old-world feel.

Perhaps the best know view of Kangaroo Valley is the Historic Hampden Bridge which crosses the Kangaroo River. In the spring and summer, you can hire kayaks or take kayak tours of the area. The valley is also the perfect stop for some easy bushwalking. Our favourite, The Three Views Trail, starts about 20km from the centre of Kangaroo Valley and is suitable for most fitness levels. The walk will take you to three viewpoints over the Shoalhaven gorge. It’s also wonderful for wildlife spotting with regular sightings of wombats, goanna and occasionally snakes, so keep your wits about you 😉 It’s also only a short drive from here to Fitzroy Falls.

Where to eat in Kangaroo Valley If you arrive hungry for some breakfast, try the General Cafe . They have some healthy options, including several interesting fruit combinations with cashew cream for vegans. For lunch, we recommend the pub, the Friendly Inn, which has been trading since 1892. We always enjoy a visit to an old school country pub, and this one does not disappoint. The beer garden has a splendid view, and the burgers are pretty decent. If you fancy a picnic grab some pies from Southern Pines, they do a mean pie with mash and peas, although the cheeseburger pie is their signature dish.

I feel lucky to have discovered the charms of this valley so early in my life as we have been visiting regularly ever since. If you have never been, I highly recommend you do soon!

Kangaroo Valley Key Facts Time (one way):  2 hours Distance (one way):  150km Best time of year to visit : Autumn and Spring are the prettiest. Kayaking in summer is popular. Things to do on this trip:  Bushwalk, kayak, eat all the pies Save the Google Map Reference

Related: Check out our guide to the Southern Highlands

One of the prettiest east coast drives near Sydney has you heading south from the city through the Royal National Park to the coastal town of Kiama. There are plenty of things to do here to fill a day or a weekend. The scenic route will take you a little longer, but it is time well spent! You travel along the Grand Pacific Drive , NSW answer to the Great Ocean Road and over the beautiful SeaCliff Bridge.

Once you reach Kiama, we recommend a stop for brunch at Otis Deli . Emily Herbert, former head chef at Ottolenghi in London, opened this small cafe a few months ago, and it has already made a name for itself. If you are not hungry yet, pick up some fantastic picnic items. Next up is the famous Blow Hole. While it almost always delivers, there are some days when the weather does not behave. Water is sucked into the cave and blows out the top of these rocks.

I have to be honest, I usually find it pretty underwhelming unless the swell is up and would recommend you visit my favourite rock formation in the area of Cathedral Rocks. You will find these rocks, a hotspot for photographers, particularly at sunrise and sunset on the northern side of Kiama.

A quick google search will find hundreds of photos of this site by skilled artists and plenty of tips for how to capture these beautiful rocks. On the way back to Sydney, a detour to Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderro National Park is a lovely way to spend an hour or two. There are two bushwalks here. The walk to the Falls is preferred (4.2km), but if you are travelling with younger kids, the rainforest loop is a better option.

Kiama Road Trip Facts Time (one way):  2 hours 15 min – via the coastal route, 1 hr 50 via the M1 Distance (one way):  118km Best time of year to visit : spring and summer Things to do on this trip: Visit the blowhole and Cathedral Rocks, eat at Kiama Save the Google Map Reference

Home to less than 600 people, Pearl Beach is a little piece of paradise that remained a Central Coast secret until well into the 1980s. Nearby Patonga, home to 200 or so, was once a tiny fishing village and a popular spot for summer and weekend holidays. The biggest drawcards on the coast are the views. One of the finest is from Mount Ettalong Lookout. A short and easy walk from the car park on a mostly flat, wide path. To the south, a superb view of Lion Island and Pearl Beach. Look to the north, and you will see Umina Beach.

Pearl Beach to Patonga Track is a 90-minute walk along a fire trail in Brisbane Water National Park. The red gums and ocean views make a lovely escape, but this is a challenging walk for most people. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and expect some steep hilly terrain. You can tackle just the part of the trail, by starting at Patonga and walking as far as Warrah Lookout before retracing your steps. You will find a list of our favourite Central Coast walks here.

Where to eat in Pearl Bay and Patonga If hunger strikes, we can highly recommend breakfast at the Pearl Beach Cafe . I always go for one of the veggie-based breakfast/lunch bowls, but Charles swears by the house-made porridge with banana. If you want something a little fancier, then Pearls on the Beach is a stylish little spot that we have yet to try but gets rave reviews.

Pearl Beach and Patonga Road Trip Facts Time (one way):  80 minutes Distance (one way):  95km Best time of year to visit : Spring and summer Things to do on this trip:  Walk, swim and enjoy lunch Save the Google Map Reference

Want more ideas? Try these

• Sydney day trips by train
• A visit to Maitland and Morpeth
• Scenic Drives from Sydney

Have additional time – check out our list of NSW road trips that are perfect for long weekends.

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney? Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help

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Second cities: The best destinations to visit from Sydney

Welcome to TPG' s series Second Cities. The series is designed to help travelers find smaller or less-popular-but-equally-amazing places to visit that are no more than a few hours by air or land from your original destination so you can maximize your itinerary.

Sydney is big, brash and beautiful and showcases the best of urban Australia. With sights like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge plus golden beaches and national parks teeming with Aussie wildlife, it is one of the world's great tourist destinations.

Most international visitors, however, don't get far from the city — yet if you've traveled halfway across the planet to get there, you really should make an effort to see more of this unique land.

If you're in Sydney and want to holiday like a local, here are three destinations within a few hours of the city that showcase the best of the coast, mountains and Outback. Most important, you won't be too far away from famed Aussie baristas and a good flat white.

The coast: Port Stephens

Port Stephens, like Sydney, is a flooded river valley. Its pristine waterway, located about 120 miles north of the big city, extends inland from the Tasman Sea, framed by picturesque beaches, towering sand dunes, diverse villages and towns with much for travelers to do.

Getting there

The nearest airport is at Newcastle, a 45-minute daily flight from Sydney on a regional airline, Rex. Rex is not affiliated with any airline alliance so earning or spending points is not an option. The drive to Port Stephens from Sydney, however, is only around 2.5 hours.

Where to stay

The Bannisters Port Stephens has really upped the local accommodation game. It overlooks the water at Soldiers Point and boasts a spa, an infinity pool and a restaurant helmed by British celebrity chef Rick Stein on its sprawling grounds. Qantas points can be redeemed or earned for stays booked via Luxury Escapes or on the Qantas website.

What to see and do

The Port Stephens area covers a broad swath of coast of the state of New South Wales north of Sydney, but the main focus for visitors is around the Karuah River inlet where a clutch of villages and towns with charming names such as Hawk's Nest, Gan Gan and Tea Gardens line the north and south shorelines. There are 26 beaches, from the calm resort-style waters of Shoal Bay and the local favorite of Winda Woppa, to the wide ocean beaches of Hawks Nest and Fingal Bay.

Away from the water there are some stunning bush walks, particularly at the heads of the inlet at Tomaree Mountain and Mount Yacabba. If you are lucky, you may see the occasional koala napping in the eucalyptus. The highlight of this area for many visitors however, is dolphin- and whale-watching. More than 140 bottlenose dolphins usually reside in the bay; you are all but guaranteed to see them. You can even get in the water to get close and personal with the dolphins .

The mountains: Blue Mountains World Heritage Area

The suburban sprawl of Sydney extends 31 miles west from the city right up to the base of the Blue Mountains where it comes to an abrupt stop as you start to climb into a different land. This is a world heritage area, an important part of Australia's Great Dividing Range that runs up the entire East Coast. The rainforests here are descendants of the lush forests that once blanketed Gondwana, the ancient name of the area — a name derived from the oils of the dense eucalyptus forests that created a blue haze over the tree canopy.

On a clear day you can see the Blue Mountains from the heart of Sydney. You can drive to Katoomba from the central business district in about 90 minutes or jump on a train from Central Station that will get you there in a little over two hours. Many visitors take a day trip there, but a few days with your own transport are well justified.

The Blue Mountains are full of options for accommodations, but for a special experience you shouldn't pass on the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley . Set within its own private conservation reserve, the hotel is regularly rated as one of Australia's best and most luxurious. Because it's an Emirates partner hotel you can earn Skywards points here, and if you are a Skywards Gold or Platinum member you can enjoy additional benefits including late checkout and spa discounts.

The Blue Mountains are bursting with natural and man-made wonders. To get acquainted with the area you should visit Scenic World in Katoomba, a mad combination of cable cars, funicular railways and forest walkways that offer epic glimpses across the Three Sisters rock formations and the Jamison Valley. From there, the variety of activities is enormous. You can visit traditional tea rooms, explore the artisan markets and bookshops or hike through dense bushland and forests unchanged for millions of years.

The Outback: Dubbo

For many, the Australia conjures up big skies, red dirt, endless plains and kangaroos bounding across a scorched land. Situated 250 miles west of Sydney, the regional town of Dubbo, famous for its friendly locals, feels like a frontier town at the edge of the Outback, particularly as you start heading west toward the true Outback outpost of Broken Hill.

Qantas subsidiary Qantaslink flies round-trip to Dubbo four times a day from Sydney. The one-hour flight is an effective use of your Oneworld points, with one-way Economy Classic Reward flights starting at only 8,000 points.

Dubbo is home to one of Australia's unique animal attractions, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, a sprawling open-range safari experience that houses over 700 animals from all over the world. The overnight accommodation at the zoo is the place to stay in Dubbo . There are three styles of accommodation: permanent tents, family-friendly savanna cabins or the luxury zoofari lodges. Fall asleep to the sound of the lions and wake up to have breakfast while giraffes and zebras saunter past your cabin.

Whether you stay in Dubbo or journey west, you are all but guaranteed to see some iconic Australian animals including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, koalas, opossums and venomous snakes. The zoo has many less-iconic ones as well.

Once you have had your fill of animals, Dubbo has a surprisingly wide array of things to see and do. Dubbo locals take their fresh local produce seriously and you will find some excellent wineries nearby and a great farmers market on alternate Saturdays. There are deep cultural roots in this area as well, first from the indigenous Wiradjuri people who have inhabited the land for 40,000 years and then from European settlers who arrived in the 19th century. If you are traveling with family, The Great Big Adventure Pass is a cost-effective way of hitting Dubbo's top sights.

Places to visit about 3 hours from Sydney

Barrington Tops National Park

Aberdeen (Australia)

Hotel Creek Road

Pacific Palms

Merry Beach

Bawley Point

Cupitts Winery & The Vineyard Kitchen

Orange (Australia)

Cities 3 hours from Sydney

2 hr 59 min :   Canberra, Australia

2 hr 58 min :   Muswellbrook, Australia

2 hr 56 min :   Bathurst, Australia

These are approximate driving times in a radius from Sydney, New South Wales. Search for vacation spots within driving distance for a day trip or weekend getaway. There are many towns within the total area, so if you're looking for closer places, try a smaller radius like 2½ hours . If you're willing to drive farther, try 3½ hours .

Not sure where to go? Take a day trip from Sydney , or if you have more time you can explore weekend trips from Sydney , but make sure you also check road conditions around Sydney . Looking for small towns or communities around Sydney, New South Wales? Get a full list of up to 500 cities nearby Sydney .

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More cities around 3 hours away by plane

Here are more cities based on a flight circle radius of 3 hours. These cities are much further than the ones above since now we're looking at a 3 hour flight.

3 hr 1 min :   Alice Springs, Australia

2 hr 56 min :   Cairns, Australia

2 hr 58 min :   Dumbea, New Caledonia

2 hr 57 min :   Mont-Dore, New Caledonia

2 hr 57 min :   Paita, New Caledonia

2 hr 57 min :   Noumea, New Caledonia

2 hr 50 min :   Innisfail, Australia

2 hr 48 min :   Mount Isa, Australia

2 hr 35 min :   Townsville, Australia

2 hr 35 min :   Kirwan, Australia

2 hr 27 min :   Bowen, Australia

2 hr 16 min :   Mackay, Australia

2 hr 15 min :   Port Lincoln, Australia

2 hr 5 min :   Whyalla, Australia

2 hr 4 min :   Port Augusta, Australia

Cities at a radius of

Travel time from Sydney, Australia

3 hours east of Sydney cities within 1 hour of Sydney 1½ hours from Sydney places within 2 hours of me in Sydney explore 2½ hours from Sydney 3 hr radius map from Sydney 3½ hr drive from Sydney places within 4 hours of me in Sydney within 4½ hours of me in Sydney 5 hour drive from me in Sydney 5½ hour drive from Sydney within 6 hours of Sydney 7 hour drive from Sydney driving 8 hours from Sydney 9 hours from Sydney

Distance from Sydney, Australia

cities within 10 km of me in Sydney within 20 km of me in Sydney 30 km radius of Sydney 40 km drive from Sydney located 50 km from Sydney 100 km radius from Sydney within 150 km of Sydney 200 km road trip from Sydney distance of 250 km from Sydney driving 300 km from Sydney 350 km trip starting from Sydney 400 km drive from Sydney drive for 450 km from Sydney 500 km from Sydney day trips from Sydney

Sydney, New South Wales is located at latitude/longitude coordinates 33° 52' 8" S  /  151° 12' 34" E

Top 5 easy day trips from Sydney

Oct 7, 2023 • 7 min read

Hiking to Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains National Park © Olga Kashubin / Getty Images

Sure, Sydney has enough going on to make even the most hardened traveler consider selling up and sticking down roots here, but step out a little further and you’ll soon discover that this entire region of Australia brims with breathtaking natural beauty, Aboriginal and colonial history and plenty of domestic critters to spot. 

The Blue Mountains draw walkers for their epic bush-clad vistas and hidden valleys with prehistoric forests. You'll find the Hawkesbury River region and Sydney's south Royal National Park both offer spectacular walking with water views. The Central Coast stretches north with uncrowded surf beaches and inlets rich with sea birds. And the Hunter Valley is blessed with leafy country roads dotted with producers of fine wine, chocolates and cheese. 

These are the best day trips from Sydney.

Hike rainforests and waterfalls in the Blue Mountains

Travel time: 1.5-2 hours by car, 2 hours by train

The cool haze that gives the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains their name comes from a fine mist of oil exuded by huge eucalyptuses. There are eight connected conservation areas here rising to 1100m (3609ft), with lush rainforests and epic waterfalls that can be explored on well-marked hikes (of varying lengths). 

You’ll also have the opportunity to gain insights into the mountains' importance to their traditional Aboriginal custodians by taking a guided tour. These are the homelands of six Aboriginal groups: the Darug, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri, Wanaruah, Darkinjung and Tharawal. You’ll see one of the best showcases of Aboriginal rock art in the region at Red Hand Caves near Glenbook. 

Trees form a dense canopy across a landscape of deep, and sometimes inaccessible, valleys and chiseled sandstone outcrops. In fact, some valleys are so hard to reach, a species of tree once considered extinct, the Wollemi pine, was rediscovered in a valley here in 1994. 

The three most popular walking areas for day trippers are the Jamison Valley, south of Katoomba , the Grose Valley, north of Blackheath, and the Wentworth Falls area. Some top choices include the Giant Stairway and the Grand Canyon Walk. Do take note: these ravines can be surprisingly cool throughout the year, so bring a warm layer.

How to get to the Blue Mountains from Sydney: Hourly trains to Katoomba take two hours from Sydney's Central Station. You can then walk from here, or catch the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus to tour the region, with options ranging from one-hour tours to all-day hop-on-hop-off tickets to see it all.

Get hiking, canoeing and photographing Royal National Park 

Travel time: 1 hour by car, two hours via train and ferry

To Sydney's south, the  Royal National Park  protects 15,091 hectares (3,7290 acres) over a 32km (20 miles) stretch of beautiful coast. It is also one of the world's oldest national parks – declared in 1879. As well as secluded beaches, sea cliffs, heathlands and forest, the park protects a cornucopia of Australian animals including wallabies, lyrebirds and raucous flocks of yellow-tailed black cockatoos. 

Audley, at the junction of Kangaroo Creek and the Hacking River, is home to the main visitors center and is the perfect place to pick up park maps, have a picnic or hire a canoe to get out on the river. There are a number of walks to tackle in the park including the fabulous 26km (16 miles) Coast Track, but unless you’re Usain Bolt, you will only have time to complete one of the shorter marked trails during a day trip.

The park is also home to the Insta-famous Figure Eight Pools , a series of figure of eight-shaped tidal pools near Burning Palms Beach. Visible only at low tide, it’s a two-hour hike to the rock shelf so try to arrive in the morning and only visit when it’s safe to do so – freak waves can (and do!) wipe out visitors. Check the National Park website for details.

How to get to the Royal National Park from Sydney: The easiest way to visit is by car ($12 per vehicle per day). For public transport take the train to Cronulla (45-60 minutes) Sydney's Central Station, where Cronulla Ferries travel hourly to Bundeena (45 mins). 

See Aboriginal rock art and birdlife in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Travel time: 1 hour by car, 2 hours by bus

The majestic Hawkesbury River flows to the ocean past honeycomb-colored cliffs, historic townships and into quiet bays and inlets. It passes through a series of national parks, including the spectacular Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park . Declared in 1894, its name comes from its original inhabitants, the Guringai people. Remnants of pre-colonial Aboriginal life are visible today thanks to the preservation of more than 800 sites, including rock paintings, middens and cave art.

For information about Ku-ring-gai and walks in the area stop by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service information center at Bobbin Head  (accessible by car). There’s also a marina, picnic areas, a cafe and a boardwalk leading through mangroves here.

Further inland, t​he riverside hamlet of Wisemans Ferry (yes that’s the town’s name) spills over a bow of the Hawkesbury River. It’s another perfect spot to access the Hawkesbury, and its natural environs rich with bird life like kookaburras and sea eagles.

The surrounding area retains remnants of the convict-built Great North Road, originally constructed to link Sydney with the Hunter Valley and now part of UNESCO's Australian Convict Sites World Heritage listing . As well as walks, consider booking a boat tour or hire a kayak and get out on the river. Even better if you have the time, do as Sydney locals love to do and stay longer on a houseboat.

How to get to Hawkesbury River from Sydney:  Take the train from Central Station to Hawkesbury River Station and explore the river by boat. Buses also run from central Sydney’s Wynyard to Mona Vale and then on to ​​Church Point where you can get a ferry across to the park. The journey there takes approximately 1-2 hours.

Discover secret beaches and forests along the Central Coast

Travel time: a full-day return driving tour

The Central Coast runs between Sydney and Newcastle and includes some gorgeous beaches, swathes of national park and a series of inlets and saltwater lagoons. Closer to Sydney, the southern end of the Central Coast near Ettalong can be accessed by ferry from Sydney's Palm Beach. On the north side of the mouth of the Hawkesbury are the enticing Killcare Beach, Pearl Beach and Bouddi National Park . 

Beyond this, you’ll need a car and there are many epic spots to stop off on a day trip north to Newcastle, including the pelican-packed town of The Entrance and deep, placid Lake Macquarie. Popular beaches to take a dip along the way include Avoca or Terrigal. 

The more industrial Newcastle is blessed with an eclectic mix of historic architecture, as well as a much-loved beach and ocean baths. South of Newcastle Beach, below King Edward Park, is Australia’s oldest ocean bath, the convict-carved Bogey Hole . It’s an atmospheric place to splash about in when the surf’s crashing over its edge. The most popular surfing breaks are at Bar Beach and Merewether Beach, two ends of the same beach a bit further south. Merewether has huge ocean baths of its own.

How to get to the Central Coast from Sydney: If driving, take the M1 Pacific Motorway north towards Newcastle from Sydney where the Gosford exit will take you along the coast. 

Go food and wine touring around the Hunter Valley 

Travel time:   a full-day return drive, or coach tour

Picturesque roads criss-cross this verdant valley, but a country drive isn’t the main reason to visit. Over two hours' drive from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is famous as Australia’s oldest wine region, with vines dating from the 1860s. It’s the perfect spot for a day trip from Sydney for fine wine, gourmet restaurants, boutique beer, chocolate, cheese, olives, you name it. It’s also a beautiful spot to go hot-air ballooning while in Australia.  

You’ll probably recognize some of Australia’s biggest names in new world wines, especially for semillon, shiraz and chardonnay. The valley’s 150-plus wineries range from small-scale, family-run affairs to massive commercial operations so let your nose guide you. Most offer cellar door tastings either free or for a small fee. You can get a copy of the free touring map from the Hunter Valley visitor center and use it to hunt out the tucked-away small producers.

If no one’s volunteering to stay sober, there are plenty of guided coach tours available, ranging from mini buses that just do basic hop-on-hop-off transport between wineries to full-on gourmet extravaganzas, some on bicycle, horseback or chauffeured in a classic car. 

How to get to the Hunter Valley from Sydney: If driving, take the M1 Pacific Motorway north to Newcastle from Sydney where the Hunter Expressway will lead you into the valley.

This article was first published July 2021 and updated October 2023

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20 of the best day trips from Sydney

Updated On 28th February, 2024

Sydney is an adventure playground. There are so many  things to do in Sydney , I could spend weeks there! Sometimes, a change of scenery is needed though, and there are so many beautiful areas outside of Sydney to explore. In this blog post we’re going to look at the best  day trips from Sydney , so that you can explore some of the areas outside of this wonderful Australian city.

EXPLORE SYDNEY ON MY BLOG HERE

Personally,  Sydney  is one of my favourite cities in the world. It has an amazing  food and coffee scene  (if you know about Australian coffee, you know what I mean), as well as chilled vibes by day and hustle and bustle by night. The beaches in and around Sydney are stunning; of course there’s the famous Bondi beach, but there are many more areas of beautiful coastline to discover too.

• Check out my complete guide to Sydney here.
• The best things to do in Australia

But there is so much more to Sydney than the city centre itself. One of my favourite areas just outside Sydney is  Manly , a beach side suburb. It’s perfect for a day trip to get out of Sydney city centre, but personally, I’d stay longer! Other amazing day trips include wine tasting in  Hunter Valley , visiting the kangaroos in  Morisset , marvelling at the views in the famous  Blue Mountains .

If you’re looking for things to do outside of Sydney for a day or two, then look no further…

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On a backpacker budget? Here’s my complete  guide to budgeting for backpacking Australia.

SEE ALL MY BACKPACKING ADVENTURES ON MY BLOG HERE

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The best day trips from Sydney, Australia…

1. the blue mountains national park.

The Blue Mountains National Park is a valley full of ancient rock formations, waterfalls, rainforest, across a vast 11,400km². Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba and of course the Three Sisters are must sees on your trip! Get your trainers out for this one, as there’s a lot of walking involved!  Check out my beginner’s guide to hiking here.

As one of the most popular day trips from Sydney, the Blue Mountains can be visited as part of a  group tour , if you have the budget and want an expert guide, or you can go yourself either by train or car, if you prefer a money-saving, more independent version!  Check out my self-guided trip to the Blue Mountains with everything you need to know here.

For a luxury day in the Blue Mountains, try ‘Sparadise’ – a Japanese outdoor spa with panoramic views.  Get more information on the website here.

To see how I did my self-guided Blue Mountains trip,  check out this post.

For my take on a group tour to the Blue Mountains,  check out this post.

My good friend Sammy owns  RatPack Travel  (a discounted booking platform). The team at RatPack are ready to help you plan and book all your trips and transport for your adventure down under, including a group tour to the  Blue Mountains with Coast Warriors .  Check out the tour here.  Don’t forget you can use my code  MOLLIE10  for  10% off any trip or transport  booking you make.

2. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

The second oldest national park lies around 45 minutes outside the city centre. Enjoy a walk around the lush greenery and see Lion Island and Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Take a picnic to Bobbin Head for lunch, and head to Upper Gledhill Falls on McCarrs Creek for an afternoon swim. If you like more of an active adventure, there are plenty of cycling and bushwalking trails to take on!

If you’re looking to save some money on accommodation, check out this  guide to freedom camping in Australia.

SEE ALL MY ACTIVE ADVENTURES ON MY BLOG HERE

This quaint seaside town is about two hours north of Sydney. Take a walk along the coast with an ice-cream before spending some time on an active adventure such as kayaking or rock climbing. Don’t forget to visit the Kiama blowhole at the top of the cliffs, and play in the natural, salty, water fountain!

If you don’t know where to stay in Sydney, check out my  Sydney hostel guide here.

4. Glenworth Valley

Glenworth Valley is a must-do day trip from Sydney if you love an active holiday! Just an hour from Sydney’s CBD, experience the wilderness in the Central Coast’s hinterland region and try horse-riding, quad-biking, kayaking, abseiling and more. If you have time, camp overnight; there’s enough to do here to have a mini-holiday in itself!  For more information on Glenworth outdoor adventures, check out the website here.

If you want a calming, retreat-like day trip but don’t want to splash the cash on an actual retreat,  check out my DIY retreat in the hinterland here.

5. Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is one of my favourite Sydney day trips to date. If you drive about 2 hours out of Sydney, you reach one of Australia’s most famous wine regions. Here, not only can you do wine tasting, but you can also experience beer, chocolate and cheese tasting, as well as seeing koalas and kangaroos.

Check out my guide to a day trip to the Hunter Valley in this blog post.

If you want to spend a day exploring one of the many wonderful Sydney suburbs, check out my  guide to Surry Hills here.

6. Royal National Park

The Royal National Park is one of Sydney’s most popular day trips, but it’s easy to see why. Locally known as ‘Nasho’ or just ‘the Royal’, the world’s second-oldest national park is about one hour south of Sydney, and is home to cycling paths, bushwalking trails, and even the opportunity to go whale-watching. When you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to hike up to the Figure Eight pools for a spectacular view. Be careful though: it’s a steep, rocky, 6km hike, and you need to be wary of the tide before you visit (for your own safety).  Get the tide info here.

Wanting coffee or brunch before you head out on your day trip from Sydney?  Here’s my coffee and brunch guide to Sydney.

7. Palm Beach

Palm Beach covers 2.3km of the Northern Beaches coastline, and is the perfect place for sun, sand and surf! It’s only an hour out of Sydney, and is also a filming location for Home and Away, so you never know who you might see while you’re here!

For more Sydney inspiration, check out the  25 best things to do in Sydney here!

8. Wollongong

Said to be one of NSW’s best kept secrets, Wollongong is about 90 minutes south of Sydney and offers something for everyone, from chilling on the beautiful beach to skydiving with a soft, beach landing! I’d love to try hang gliding from Stanwell Park!

Wanting to add some adventure to your Australian adventure?  Here’s my guide to skydiving in Australia!

Don’t forget, you can get 10% off and trips and tours with  RatPack Travel  with my discount code  MOLLIE10 .  Click here to WhatsApp them  now and ask about the  Sydney-Wollongong skydive trip !

9. Mermaid Pools, Tahmoor Gorge

The Mermaid Pools at Tahmoor Gorge on the Bargo River are a really popular day trip outside of Sydney. About 75 minutes south west of the city centre, you canget up close and personal with nature as you hike, wild swim and chase waterfalls. While it’s not recommended to swim in the Mermaid Pools themselves (getting in and out of the pools is extremely dangerous), you can swim in several other water holes in the area. Don’t forget to venture out past the Mermaid Pools to explore the rest of the Tahmoor Gorge area!

If you’re backpacking Australia solo and feeling a little apprehensive, here’s my guide to  solo travel in Australia!

Honestly, I think Manly might be one of my favourite places in the whole world. If you’re able to spend more than a day here, do it.  I spent a week here  and then came back for more later in my trip! There’s something about the laid back lifestyle that collides with the city hustle and bustle (Sydney’s CBD is a 20-minute ferry away) that makes for a magical day. If you don’t want to get the ferry or drive all the way there, you could do the  Spit to Manly walk , followed by some well-deserved coffee and beach time.

Check out my complete guide to Manly here.

Looking for an active day out in the Sydney area? Here are  6 walks to go on in Sydney!

11. Kangaroo Valley, Southern Highlands

It’s worth spending some time exploring all of the Southern Highlands if you can… it’s a beautiful, green area. The highlight for me for a day trip from Sydney would be Kangaroo Valley. Two hours south of Sydney you can see kangaroos, kayak down the river and even take on a  ‘foodie trail’ with a cooking class!

Looking for the ultimate backpacker transport? Here’s what to expect from  travelling in Australia with Greyhound.

12. Hawkesbury River

Less than an hour from Sydney, you wouldn’t know this rural area of tranquility is so close to Australia’s largest city. Take a river cruise down the Hawkesbury, pick your own fruit from one of the many farms in the area, or do a kayak river tour, stopping for a picnic lunch on the river bank.

On a backpacker budget? Here are  25 top tips for saving money and travelling on a budget!

SEE ALL MY BUDGET ADVENTURES ON MY BLOG HERE

13. Stockton sand dunes

If you want to drive along the beach in a 4×4, this is the Sydney day trip for you! Most people think of  Fraser Island  when it comes to driving on the beach, but that’s not the only place you can do it. Stockton sand dunes are about 2 hours from Sydney. You’ll need a permit and slightly deflated tyres to drive on the sand dunes, but this is inexpensive. Once you’re sorted, drive along the beach, venture into the sand dunes, and take in the views that go for miles and miles.

Check out my experience of visiting Stockton sand dunes here.

Wanting to drive yourself around Australia? Here’s a complete  guide to planning your travel and transport in Australia!

14. Wombeyan Caves

If you want a taste of the underworld, take on the underground passages, streams and caverns of the limestone Wombeyan Caves. Wollondilly, Junction, Kooringa, and Mulwaree caves are best seen on a guided tour, but the Figtree Cave is one of the best self-guided cave experiences. In the local area there are also bush walks and waterfalls.

Some say there’s too much to do here for it to be just a one-day trip from Sydney, so you might want to stay overnight and really explore the area in detail. If you camp in the area, you might find an inquisitive kangaroo joins you for breakfast!

Don’t know much about hiring a camper van in Australia? I’ve answered all your questions in  this blog post!

CLICK HERE TO ENQUIRE ABOUT A CAMPER WITH RATPACK TRAVEL NOW (+61 450381801)

15. Lake Macquarie

Lake Macquarie is another one of NSW’s secrets that you can discover on a day trip from Sydney. Small lively towns meet beautiful beaches, caves and rock pools, as you share your lunch with the pelicans at the side of the lake. The nearby Watagan Mountains are home to an array of walking trails that you can take on if you prefer to get active. The relaxed attitude here will make you never want to leave!

For a nature filled day out in Sydney itself, check out this  Coogee to Bondi coastal walk!

16. Morisset

One of my first Aussie road trips, seeing the wild kangaroos in Morisset is a must-do day trip from Sydney. Driving an hour and a half was well worth it for the kanga-selfies we got with the very friendly roos!

Check out my day trip to see the kangaroos here.

Short on time? Here’s a  3-day itinerary for Sydney.

SEE ALL MY ROAD TRIPS ON MY BLOG HERE

17. Port Stephens

2.5 hours north of Sydney lies Port Stephens, an area made up of 26 beautiful beaches and sparkling blue water. Beaches to choose from include  Shoal Bay  and Nelson Bay. Kick back and relax on the sand and look out for the resident dolphins and whales!

For the ultimate East Coast Australia bucket list,  check out this post.

18. Tomaree Head

The Tomaree Head summit walk is about 2 hours in total, so perfect for a  beginner hiker ! When you get to the top, enjoy the views of Port Stephens before you come back down for a swim. If you fancy it in the afternoon, head into the nearby city of Newcastle for some city adrenaline and a few cocktails.

Check out my experience of hiking Tomaree Head in this post.

For an alternative East Coast Australia bucket list,  check out this post.

19. Shoalhaven

This area just south of Sydney is certainly worth exploring on a day trip if you have time. With wineries and waterfalls to visit, whales and dolphins to watch, and beaches and hinterland to enjoy, this area of NSW is a great holiday destination. It’s known for its fun surf culture, so be sure to catch a wave while you’re there!

Short on time? Here’s a  4-day itinerary for Sydney.

20. Jervis Bay

Technically part of Shoalhaven, but worth its own special mention. With white sands that rival Australia’s very best beaches in the  Whitsundays , Jervis Bay is a day trip from Sydney that you don’t want to miss. Hyams beach is renowned for having ‘the whitest sand in the world’, winning the Guinness World Record in 2006. the 3-hour drive south of Sydney might be a long one, but the Grand Pacific Drive is worth it for the views along the way and the warm, clear water and soft, white sand when you get to Hyams beach.

Check out my guide for your road trip to Jervis Bay here.

For everything you need to know about your trip to Sydney, including where to stay, things to do, and all my top tips, check out my  complete guide to Sydney here!

EXPLORE AUSTRALIA ON MY BLOG HERE

Have you been on any day trips from Sydney?

Where did you go? I’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring,

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IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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11 Top-Rated Day Trips from Sydney

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Sep 24, 2021 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Surrounded by sparkling waterways and World Heritage-listed wilderness areas, Sydney brims with alluring day trip destinations. A short hop from the city, you can see the raw beauty of the Blue Mountains, cruise up the bush-fringed Hawkesbury River, or bask on one of Sydney's golden beaches.

Sydney day trip ideas cover all interests - from sand boarding and fishing at Port Stephens to whale watching along the coast, and wildlife viewing in pristine national parks. Scenic road trips take you to other rewarding places to visit near Sydney - on a Wollongong day trip, you can cruise along the cliff-hugging ocean-view Grand Pacific Drive.

Cultural experiences are just as appealing. Spend a day exploring the galleries, museums, and memorials of Canberra, the nation's capital. Stroll along an Aboriginal heritage trail in beautiful Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, or for something completely different, watch Aussie stockmen round up the sheep on a classic country farm, and sample traditional bush tucker.

Foodies will also be happy. Farm-fresh produce and gourmet restaurants await at some of the quaint country towns in the Southern Highlands and Hunter Valley. Plan your adventures with our list of the best day trips from Sydney.

1. Blue Mountains National Park

2. the hunter valley, 3. manly beach, 4. hawkesbury river cruise, 5. ku-ring-gai chase national park, west head, and the northern beaches, 6. royal national park, 7. port stephens, 8. wollongong & the grand pacific drive, 9. canberra: australia's capital, 10. the southern highlands, 11. tobruk sheep station, map of day trips from sydney.

A UNESCO World Heritage Area of breathtaking beauty, the Blue Mountains is one of the most popular day trips from Sydney. The oil in the eucalyptus leaves scents the air and imbues a blue haze over the park, inspiring its evocative name. When it comes to scenic places around Sydney, it's hard to beat the Blue Mountains.

Tourists and locals alike come here to immerse themselves in the 664,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness. Dense eucalyptus forests, rugged gorges, waterfalls, Aboriginal rock paintings, and more than 140 kilometers of hiking trails are waiting to be explored.

Among the many highlights of the Blue Mountains are the massive rock formations called the Three Sisters , a photographer's favorite; Bridal Veil Falls ; and the hair-raising ride down the Jamison Valley on the Katoomba Scenic Railway . Heart-stopping lookout points abound throughout the park.

Popular things to do here include abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking.

You can access the Blue Mountains by car from the city via the M4 Motorway. This is also one of the most popular day trips from Sydney by train - you can travel from Central Station in Sydney to Blackheath or Katoomba.

Better still, let someone else do the driving and join the Blue Mountains Nature and Wildlife Day Tour from Sydney . On this full-day tour, you can visit the quaint mountain towns of Leura, see kangaroos and koalas at Sydney Zoo, and enjoy spectacular views over the park. Your guide will also share Aboriginal legends behind some of the park's top landmarks. For a different perspective of the park, the optional upgrade includes a ride on the railway or cableway at Scenic World.

About 250 kilometers from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is a popular city escape and a hot spot for foodies. This beautiful, fertile valley is one of Australia's oldest grape-growing regions and is also known for its fresh produce and artisan foods, such as cheeses, chutneys, chocolate, aromatic oils, olives, and luscious golden honey. The region's superb restaurants spotlight this gastronomic bounty in mouthwatering tasting menus.

After sampling all the scrumptious foods, you can work off the calories outdoors. Popular things to do in the Hunter Valley include hiking the nature trails at World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops and Wollemi National Parks , and exploring the region's elegant architecture on heritage trails. You can also soar over the bucolic landscapes in a hot air balloon.

In the 19th century, the Hunter Valley was a prosperous coal mining center, and many of the old mansions in the area reflect this wealth. Stop by the regional museums to learn more about the area's rich history, and save time to admire the exhibitions at Maitland Regional Art Gallery and Newcastle Art Gallery .

Another popular attraction is the Hunter Valley Gardens , with more than 60 acres of horticultural treasures and themed gardens. For travelers on a tight timeline, hot air balloon rides or helicopter rides are a great way to soak up the scenery.

Feasting on fish and chips at the beach is a favorite Aussie dining experience, and Manly is a top spot to indulge. When it comes to Sydney day trip ideas, this is an easy one to organize, and the journey can be just as rewarding as the destination. From Circular Quay, this famous beachfront suburb is a scenic 30-minute ferry ride, with plenty of photo opportunities en-route.

Once here, you can soak up a classic dose of Aussie beach culture. Bask on the golden sands; take a dip in the ocean; surf some fantastic breaks; or head to the Corso, a sunny pedestrian mall, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés.

At Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary , you can view sea turtles, tropical fish, and sharks, and even organize a dive with these razor-toothed predators.

And yes, there are plenty of fish 'n' chip shops in Manly. So, hop on a ferry and bring your camera for great photo ops of the Sydney Opera House along the way.

About an hour northwest of Sydney, the Hawkesbury is one of the most beautiful rivers in Australia. It played an important part in the early days of the colony of New South Wales. The first settlers arrived in the area in 1794 and established farms that helped feed the colony. Today, farms still dot the surrounding area, and pockets of unspoiled bush flank the river.

The small villages in the region and the main towns of Windsor and Richmond offer tourist attractions, such as heritage buildings, galleries, gardens, museums, and markets.

On the river, water sports abound, particularly in its lower wide reaches between Brooklyn and Pittwater. Waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and fishing are all popular things to do.

The best way to explore these beautiful waterways is by boat. Brooklyn, Bobbin Head, Berowra Waters, and Wisemans Ferry all offer boat rentals, and you can also join a guided cruise, or hop aboard The Riverboat Postman cruise, which delivers mail to settlements along the river that are only accessible by water.

The Hawkesbury River is surrounded by four national parks. It forms a boundary of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to the north of Sydney, and the southern boundary of Brisbane Water National Park . To the northwest is Dharug National Park , famed for its Aboriginal rock drawings, and to the north of Broken Bay is Bouddi National Park . All offer excellent hiking opportunities and a slice of nature not far from the city.

About 45 minutes north of Sydney's CBD, you can escape to nature at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the second oldest national park in Australia. Named for the Guringai aboriginal people who originally lived in this area, the park features beautiful scenery: tranquil bays, bushland creeks, rainforests, eucalyptus forests, and sparkling views along the coast from West Head. From here, you can gaze down upon the blue waters of Pittwater, as well as Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Headland, Lion Island Nature Reserve, and the Central Coast.

You'll find plenty of things to do in Ku-ring-gai National Park. Rewarding activities include hiking the many nature trails, Aboriginal heritage walks, wildlife viewing, birding, and boating on the beautiful bush-fringed waterways. You can rent a boat from Akuna Bay and pull up for a snack or refreshment at one of the cute waterfront cafés or restaurants.

Farther north from here, Palm Beach is a lovely spot to bask on the golden sands, swim, surf, enjoy a picnic, or dine at a beachside café.

The small-group Sydney's Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai National Park bus tour covers all the top things to see and do in the area. See Aboriginal rock art in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, soak up the views from The Spit, Narrabeen, and North Head, and glide past the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House on a ferry during the return trip.

Official site: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/Kuringgai-Chase-National-Park

Rimmed by 21 kilometers of surfing beaches and cliff-fringed coast, Royal National Park is a haven for nature buffs and beach lovers. Established in 1879, it is the second oldest national park in the world and lies about an hour's drive south of Sydney's central business district, near Cronulla.

The park sits on a sandstone plateau with deeply indented valleys and a covering of heathland. The Hacking River flows through almost its entire length, creating fantastic opportunities for fishing and boating . On the upper course of the river, patches of forest offer prime bushwalking and picnic spots. Along the coast, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, and whale watching are popular pursuits.

Other attractions in the park include Aboriginal rock art and a vast array of wildlife, including more than 241 species of birds.

To access the park, you can drive or catch a ferry from Cronulla, and some walking trails are accessible from nearby railway stations. A visitor center at Audley provides rest areas, informative exhibits, and a café.

If you want to immerse yourself in this stunning wilderness area, the Day Trip To Cronulla & The Royal National Park takes you to some of the park's hard-to-access areas with an expert guide. On this eight-hour private tour, you can customize your itinerary depending on your interests, from visiting beautiful Garie Beach and the Dharawal Aboriginal Engravings Site to a refreshing soak in the rock pools.

Official site: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/Royal-National-Park

Sparkling Port Stephens Bay is a haven for water sports thanks to its Great Lakes Marine Park . This long slice of beautiful bushy coastline lies about 200 kilometers from Sydney's CBD and is more than twice the size of Sydney Harbour, providing plenty of space to get out on the water.

Your biggest dilemma is deciding what to do first. Take your pick: Swim at one of more than 20 pristine beaches, snorkel and dive at Fly Point , surf the swells, go sailing, paddle a kayak, or take a boat cruise. Port Stephens is also one of the top fishing destinations in Australia .

For a breathtaking overview of the region, take the short walk to Gan Gan Lookout, or hike to the top of Tomaree Headland Lookout to admire beautiful views over the bay and islands.

Marine life is also a top draw here. You can swim with wild dolphins, hop aboard a dolphin-watching cruise, or look for migrating humpback whales from November to May.

While you're in the area, stop by Nelson Bay , one of the main towns. Explore the cute shops and fabulous restaurants or stroll along the seaside promenade.

Another fun adventure in the area is sand boarding down the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes , Australia's largest system of dunes. Some rise up to 30 meters in height. You can also explore them on horseback or camelback, or venture in via 4WD.

Port Stephens is also known for its fresh local produce, such as avocados, figs, olives, and macadamia nuts. Sample them at the local farmers markets.

To experience all the region's highlights, the Port Stephens Private Bus Tour from Sydney is a great option. On this exhilarating full-day excursion, you'll explore all the region's natural highlights with an optional dolphin or whale watching cruise, depending on the season. Another optional add-on is a sand-boarding adventure at Anna Bay.

Sun-drenched beaches, bike trails, botanic gardens, and museums - you'll find all this and more in Wollongong. About 80 kilometers south of Sydney, Wollongong ("The Gong") is the state's third largest city, and it's a great spot for a scenic day road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive .

Stretching from the Royal National Park to Nowra, this 140-kilometer scenic drive snakes along the rugged and rocky coast, past surf-washed beaches and over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, which juts out over the sea, tracing the contours of the wind-weathered cliffs. From the viewing platform on the bridge, you can gaze out over mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean and look for migrating whales, in season.

Foodies will also find a diverse array of cafés in the city. Seafood features prominently on Wollongong menus, but you'll find everything here, from vegan food to Vietnamese.

Students from the University of Wollongong fuel the bubbly nightlife , and the city's vibrant arts and culture lure loads of day-trippers and weekend wanderers. Admire Aboriginal art at Wollongong Art Gallery . Stroll through the floral wonders at Wollongong Botanic Garden . See a live Bubbleology show at the Science Space Museum, or chill out at the Nan Tien Temple, the Southern Hemisphere's largest Buddhist shrine .

Prefer outdoor fun? Surf, swim, or paddle along a string of glorious beaches - Austinmer is a favorite, and Belmore Basin offers calm waters for paddling. Or head to the bush. Hike through rainforest, or bike along more than 42 kilometers of trails. Are adrenaline-fueled sports more your style? Hang-glide at Stanwell Park, or sign up for a skydiving adventure. With all these things to do, you might have to turn your Wollongong day trip into a weekend.

Packed with cultural attractions, Canberra in the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) is home to fabulous museums, art galleries, and memorials. This consciously crafted capital of Australia lies about three hours' drive from Sydney and a similar distance from Melbourne. The site was chosen in 1908 as a compromise between these two competing cities.

Designed by award-winning American architects Walter Burley Griffin and his wife, Marion Mahony Griffin, Canberra features expansive parklands, colorful gardens, and a quirky geometric layout. Most of the prime tourist attractions fan out from Lake Burley Griffin , the artificial lake that is the city's centerpiece.

While you're there, be sure to visit New Parliament House, which opened in 1988 after an extensive facelift, and try to time your visit when parliament is in session. Old Parliament House is now home to the excellent Museum of Australian Democracy.

Other highlights include the National Museum of Australia, Questacon - the National Science and Technology Center , the National Library , the National Gallery of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery, and the poignant Australian War Memorial .

To appreciate the city's design, visit the summit of 843-meter-high Mount Ainslie . You can drive to the lookout or wander along the two-kilometer trail from the Australian War Memorial.

To see all the top attractions in one day, sign up for the Canberra Full Day Private Tour . This customizable full-day tour from Sydney will take you to your choice of attractions with an expert guide.

Gorgeous gardens, wildlife-rich wilderness areas, and cute country towns are some of the many attractions of the Southern Highlands. About a 90-minute drive from Sydney, this is a great place to see native Australian animals in their natural habitat.

Morton National Park , near Fitzroy Falls , is home to the town's namesake 81-meter-high waterfalls, as well as scenic walking trails through rainforest-cloaked gorges; wildflowers; panoramic lookouts; and many species of birds and animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, platypuses, and possums. Lying mostly within the park, the Kangaroo Valley is among Australia's prettiest valleys.

Thanks to the Southern Highland's fertile soils, fresh produce is abundant. And you can sample some of the local specialties at the cozy cafés and restaurants in the small towns and heritage villages.

The region's main towns of Berrima, Bowral, Bundanoon, Mittagong, and Moss Vale are worth exploring. The main attractions here range from historic buildings, art galleries, and local craft studios to boutiques, spas, antique shops, and gardens.

The Southern Highlands are usually cooler than the city with less humidity, so this is a popular country escape on sweltering summer days.

Tobruk Sheep Station offers an authentic taste of Aussie culture. The journey here is scenic in itself. The station lies in the beautiful Hawkesbury River Valley, 70 minutes from downtown Sydney . Along the way, you can admire views of the Hawkesbury River and the Blue Mountains.

Whip-cracking, boomerang throwing, and sheep-shearing demonstrations provide a feel for the life of a typical Aussie stockman, and you can watch them skillfully mustering the sheep with the help of well-trained sheepdogs.

Another favorite activity here is learning how to bake damper (traditional Australian bread) over a crackling fire, and make billy tea. You can also enjoy a classic Aussie BBQ complete with traditional lamington cakes (vanilla sponge cakes smothered in chocolate and coconut) for dessert. This is one of the best day trips from Sydney for families.

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10 Incredibly Scenic Day Trips From Sydney By Public Transport

Looking to escape to an idyllic spot not far from the city? Head to one of these beautiful places in NSW that are easily accessible via Sydney's public transport network.

Abundantly lined with quaint little cafes, winding streets and clear blue waters, NSW towns offer the perfect escape from city life. If you’re lucky enough to own a car and brave the city traffic, the sky is the limit. If not, there’s still heaps of exploring you can do via day trips on public transport . Sydney’s public transport network will take you almost anywhere you need to go with buses, trains, ferries and the light rail at your disposal. If you want to plan a budget-friendly trip, Sydney transport also offers an Opal card price cap on Sundays, which means you can get quite the bang for your buck exploring the city and surrounds and pay the bare minimum.

Although Sydney is jam-packed with exciting activities , if you’re looking for a change of scenery, you can visit a number of striking towns in NSW using without the need for your own set of wheels – just remember to carry your Opal card (and check the weather app). Here are some of our destinations near Sydney which not only provide a refreshing change of pace from city life, but also make for easily accessible day trips on public transport.

The best day trips on public transport from Sydney

1. katoomba.

Katoomba is the place to go if you’re after a town with some character. About two hours from Sydney, Katoomba delivers both natural landscapes and a quirky lifestyle. A visit to the iconic Echo Point and The Three Sisters lookout is essential, plus enjoy art-deco buildings, lovely waterfalls, and more. Katoomba also has a pretty thriving food scene with a number of excellent spots close to the station which are definitely worth checking out when you need a break from all the sightseeing.

Make sure to visit the Hominy Bakery for some brilliant pies and sandwiches and True to the Bean café if you’re keen on some sweet local treats and a caffeine fix. 8Things , located on the main street of Katoomba, comes highly recommended and serves food from eight different countries including Korean baos and Mexican tacos.

If you’re planning a trip to the Blue Mountains , check out our comprehensive guide and get planning.

How to get there: Get a direct train from Central and get off at Katoomba Station. Distance: 2 hours.

2. Newcastle

Newcastle is one of the most easily accessible cities from Sydney using public transport, with regular direct trains available from Central. This harbourside city is filled with stunning beaches, excellent food and a number of coastal walks. Much like Sydney , Newcastle is also famous for its many ocean baths , except you can actually enjoy them without having to worry about the crowds. Some to take a dip in include the Merewether Ocean Baths , the iconic Bogey Hole ocean pool and heritage-listed The Entrance Ocean Baths .

Nature buffs can also go on a number of picturesque coastal walks and lookouts around Newcastle . If you prefer to explore the city, you can find a number of art galleries, street art and boutique shops lined across town. Don’t forget to grab a drink from one of their many acclaimed local breweries and distilleries.

If you’re lucky you can also spot whales migrating from June to November. Fort Scratchley and a walk along Nobby’s Beach are also must-do activities in Newcastle.

How to get there: Get a direct train from Central and get off at Broadmeadow Station. Distance: 2.5 hours.

Kiama has been an age-old favourite NSW town for Sydneysiders. It’s a charming little seaside spot with a strong sense of community and picturesque views all around. Known for its blowhole , quirky little eateries and many lookouts, you can visit Kiama at any time of the year and enjoy its many touristy offerings.

The Kiama Coastal walk is one of the most beautiful coastal walks in the state and includes incredible ocean views and beaches along the track. Other attractions include the Cathedral Rocks , the popular Kiama Lighthouse and the lovely Minnamurra Lookout . Or just pack a picnic and have a lazy beach day on one of Kiama’s many scenic beaches.

To grab a bite to eat, head to The Hungry Monkey for burgers, milkshakes and classic fast food or Penny Whistlers for all the seaside vibes and live music. You’ll also want to check out the unique basalt columns of Bombo Headland which will have you feeling like you’re walking on the moon according to Destination Kiama .

How to get there: Grab a direct train from Central and get off at Kiama Station. Distance: 2.15 hours

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A personal favourite, Bowral is Australia’s best-known booktown , having held the distinction since 2002. The charming and elegant town is a dream destination for book lovers with a number of striking bookshop cafes, libraries and old-world accommodations. Although the largest town in the Southern Highlands of NSW, it’s peaceful and laidback enough if you just want to get out of town and pretty easy to get to using public transport.

Start your day with coffee and breakfast at The Press Shop , located in an old bespoke letterpress studio, or head to The Mill Cafe for chic, industrial vibes and plenty or vegan and vegetarian options. A stop at Harry’s on Green Lane and Plantation Café is absolutely essential for bookworms with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and bright, breezy interiors.

There’s heaps to do aside from all the bookish activities. Step back in time with a visit to Empire Cinema — the country’s oldest commercial cinema — or make your way to Mount Jellore Lookout in the Mount Gibraltar Reserve for stunning views of the bush. Corbett Gardens hosts the annual Tulip Time Festival with thousands of tulips on display, arguably one of the best spring day trips on public transport.

How to get there: Catch a direct train from Central and get off at Bowral Station. Distance: 2 hours

Just 2 hours from the CBD and nestled comfortably between the sea and the mountains, you should be berry excited for this trip. Warm, welcoming and very chic, Berry is one of our favourite day trips on public transport from Sydney. Be sure to visit the Seven Mile Beach National Park for some sun, sea and sand. Foodies will find a number of delicious breakfast, lunch and drink options along the way. The famous Berry Donut Van , which has been in operation for over 55 years, is also a local staple.

History buffs should keep the Berry Historic Museum on their radar while lovers of the great outdoors can look forward to mountain vistas, beaches, rivers and National Parks . Berry is a bit further ahead with the total journey by public transport under 3 hours, but the hike is totally worth it.

How to get there: Catch a direct train from Central and get off at Bowral Station. Distance: 2 hours, 40 minutes

6. Wollongong

Just an hour and a half from Sydney is the beautiful coastal city of Wollongong . It’s a popular destination for Sydneysiders for its beaches, small bars, lovely lookouts and rainforest walking tracks . Its proximity to Sydney also makes it a good choice for people wishing to work in the city but save some money on living expenses. Wollongong makes for an exciting day trip adventure and a picturesque getaway using public transport.

Essential activities include a visit to the Wollongong Botanic Garden , Nan Tien Temple and an afternoon at Jamberoo Action Park . The coastal city is also home to a number of spectacular lookouts including the Instagram-famous Bald Hill Lookout at Stanwell Tops. The Illawarra Fly treetop walk will also take you through a lush beautiful rainforest with treetops and ocean views to boot.

How to get there: Direct train from Central to Wollongong. Distance: 1 hour, 45 minutes

7. Palm Beach

The Northern Beaches suburb of Palm Beach is instantly recognisable for being the setting of the iconic show Home and Away (and more recently, it featured in 2023 rom-com Anyone But You ). This fairly underrated part of Sydney is packed with insanely gorgeous lookouts , hikes and places to eat. While within city limits, it’s far enough to warrant a day trip.

Spots to visit include the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse , the hidden Bible Garden and the idyllic Palm Beach Markets . It’s also a popular spot during the whale-watching months . You’d be seriously missing out if you didn’t stop for lunch at The Boathouse. The waterside venue offers incredible views of Palm Beach along with excellent breakfasts and seafood options. If you love water activities, there are options to kayak, swim and catch a ferry to a number of nearby locations.

How to get there: Catch a B-Line bus from Wynyard and get off at Observation Point, Barrenjoey Rd Distance: 2 hours

8. Avoca Beach

Avoca Beach is a pretty coastal village in the Central Coast chock full of activities for water lovers . Swim, surf, go on coastal walks or just enjoy the sweeping views of the ocean in this idyllic spot. There’s heaps to do in and around Avoca Beach. You can hire pedal-boats and kayaks for some fun in the water at the Avoca Lake or shop from 90+ stalls and enjoy live music at the Avoca Beachside Markets . The Bouddi Coastal Walk is also a superb activity that takes you through hidden beaches and scenic views.

In the surrounding area, you’ll find the famous Avoca Beach Theatre , a charming theatre playing a variety of films for cinema goers including new releases and classics. It also hosts Italian evenings, Bollywood nights, film festivals and live concerts over the year. For food and drink, The Point Cafe located right on the beach should be your number one pit stop along with Block ‘n Tackle Brewery for beers and ciders.

How to get there: Catch the train from Central Station to Gosford, and pick up the 66 bus. Distance: around 2 hours, 30 minutes.

9. Long Jetty & The Entrance

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Sticking around the Central Coast, the place often dubbed ‘ Newtown by the sea’ offers a home away from home for Sydneysiders, and one of the most accessible day trips on public transport. Long Jetty is home to an array of retro clothes shops like Plain Janes, Webster’s, and Tiki La La (who also stock vintage furniture pieces), and once you’re done thrifting, you can quench your thirst at Upstairs Wines, who stock a variety of local and international wines. Snapping a picture of the famed ‘Welcome to Long Jetty’ mural (it’s on Thompson Street, on the side of Green Tangerine café) is a must, and you can’t leave without exploring The Long Jetty itself, which stretches 351 metres into Tuggerah Lake and commands views of some truly impressive sunsets.

Neighbouring Long Jetty to the north is The Entrance , and we’d encourage you to pair the two beach towns for an ideal day trip. Swim or surf in the turquoise waters of The Entrance Beach, or rent a bike and cycle along the shore of Tuggerah Lake . At the foreshore and along high street, you’ll find a number of eateries and pubs along with live music and ice cream parlours, all feeding into the effortlessly laidback beachy vibes of this must-visit town.

How to get there: Catch the train from Central Station to Gosford, and pick up the 21 bus towards Entrance North. Distance: around 2 hours, 20 minutes.

10. Scotland Island

Scotland itself is a bit far, but Scotland Island is a much more accessible spot – like Palm Beach, it’s within the city limits, making it one of the most convenient day trips on public transport. You’ll need to hop a ferry to reach the island, which is home to around 1000 residents – some year-round, some who visit for the weekends only. Scotland Island attracts guests for the serenity of the place; surrounded on all sides by the shimmering waters of the Pittwater estuary, the island is home to bushland reserves and native animals. There’s a strong sense of community here, which extends to the community-run café in Catherine Park , and seasonal events such as summer’s Shakespeare in the Park .

How to get there: from the CBD, catch a bus to Church Point or Newport and catch the Church Point Ferry to one of the island’s four wharves (note: Opal cards are not accepted on the Church Point Ferry). Distance: around 1 hour, 40 minutes.

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23 Best Places to Play Two-Up in Sydney

W hile paying your respects to our veterans at the ANZAC day dawn service is the most important way of recognising and honouring our veterans, two-up is how we keep the day going here in Australia . There’s nothing quite like beers, sun, and mates to make this public holiday extra special. The simple game , which involves betting on the flipping of two coins, has maintained its appeal through the ages through simplicity and fun. People come from near and far to find the best place for the all-important coin toss, and luckily, we’ve narrowed down the best places in Sydney to play two-up this ANZAC Day.

Best Places to Play Two-Up in Sydney at a Glance

Our list includes the following highlights:

• Best overall : The Australian Heritage Hotel
• Sydney CBD : BrewDog South Eveleigh
• Inner-West : Erskineville Hotel
• Eastern suburbs : Royal Hotel Paddington
• Northern Beaches : Harbord Hotel

Now you’ve read our favourite places to play two-up near you, let’s check out the complete list.

Table of contents

1. the australian heritage hotel, 2. forrester’s, 3. the glenmore, 4. greenwood hotel, 5. harbord hotel, 6. watson’s eq, 7. verandah precinct, 8. the buena, 9. the richmond inn, 10. the log cabin, 11. northies cronulla hotel, 12. brewdog south eveleigh, 13. paddo inn, 14. clock hotel, 15. harbord diggers, 16. kings cross hotel, 17. royal hotel paddington, 18. the sackville hotel, 19. the golden sheaf, 20. the woollahra hotel, 21. erskineville hotel, 22. the dolphin, 23. manly wharf bar, alternatives to these two up venues, your faqs answered.

Two-up hours : from 12pm

One of Sydney’s oldest pubs, The Australian Heritage Hotel has been and always will be the best ANZAC Day celebration in Sydney. The venue boasts one of the largest outdoor two-up arenas with games taking over Cumberland Street from midday. You can rock up straight after dawn service, these guys will be open from 7 am and will be serving up delicious bacon and egg rolls and coffee.

Address : 100 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000

Phone : (02) 9247 2229

Visit The Australian Heritage Hotel   The Australian Heritage Hotel Menu

Whether it’s the Super Bowl , ANZAC Day, or any other important public holiday event, we can always count on Forrester’s in Surry Hills to put on a fantastic show. This year the doors will open at 10 am before two-up starts around midday. Keep your eyes and ears out for a performance from a live pipe band, delicious eats and plenty of good vibes. While the space isn’t the biggest, it only adds to the atmosphere.

Address : 336 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Phone : (02) 8033 2665

Two-up hours : from 12pm until late

Just around the corner from The Australian Heritage Hotel, The Glenmore is another great place to check out on ANZAC Day for some quality two-up. Head on down from one of Sydney’s best rooftop bars (with DJs) to the street and check out the show with live tunes from The Scots Marching Band and Hot Potato Band. Of course, there are plenty of refreshing drinks and some of our favourite pub grub in all of The Rocks.

Address : 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000

Phone : (02) 9395 5151

Doors open at 10:30 am and if other years are to follow, this is going to be one of the biggest two-up games on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Greenwood Hotel joins other Stanley House Studios-managed venues and will be donating $1 from every Carlton Schooner sold to Legacy. Two up kicks off from midday, there’s DJ’s from 4 pm, and to top it all off you can catch the NRL ANZAC round live and loud on the big screen in the southern courtyard.

Located in : Greenwood Plaza

Address : The Greenwood Plaza Rooftop, 36 Blue St, North Sydney NSW 2060

Phone : (02) 9964 9477

Sydney’s Northern Beaches will be treated to one of the largest games of two up at the Harbord Hotel this ANZAC Day. Expect live tunes, their famous car park BBQ serving up loaded hot dogs and cold beers all day long, and a special marching band parading through the crowds.

Address : 29 Moore Rd, Freshwater NSW 2096

Two-up hours : from 10am until late

If there’s a place to combine footy and two-up, it could be Watson’s EQ. Head to the courtyard from 10 am to play and simultaneously enjoy the ANZAC Day NRL game which will be streamed live on the big screen. Don’t forget to grab yourself a bacon and egg roll, a good old sausage sizzle, or one of their signature burgers which will be up for grabs too.

Address : Entertainment Quarter, The, 1 Bent St, Moore Park NSW 2021

Phone : 1300 440 263

Visit Watson’s EQ Watson’s EQ Menu

The Verandah Precinct opens at 6 am on ANZAC Day for those who want to start their day nice and early with a B&E roll. Two up starts at midday and you’ll be treated to a sausage sizzle throughout the day. Like Greenwood Hotel, $1 from every bacon & egg roll and schooner of VB sold will be donated to Legacy.

Address : 55/65 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000

Phone : (02) 9239 5888

It’s the Yabby Racing that keeps us coming back to Mosman for ANZAC Day every year, but it’s the two up that sweetens the deal (from midday). Like other venues on our list, $1 from every Carlton schooner sold will go to Legacy and The Last Post will be played at sundown.

Address : 76 Middle Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088

Phone : (02) 9969 7022

The Richmond Inn is keeping Sydney’s west happy on ANZAC Day with a $5 sausage sizzle, NRL Live and Loud on the Stadium Screen, and The Last Post at dusk. Of course, they’re throwing one of the best two-up games in Sydney in for good measure and $1 from every Carlton draught schooner sold will be donated to Legacy.

Address : 90 March St, Richmond NSW 2753

The Log Cabin is serving up the biggest 2UP arena in Sydney’s west this ANZAC Day from 12pm. It’s all about honouring the veterans at this waterfront pub, with beers in the beer garden from midday followed by live music kicking off from 1 pm and DJs from 4 pm. You should also expect pop-up bars, a sausage sizzle BBQ, and DJs live streaming sets from the Red Bull Jeep Wrangler DJ booth.

Address : 20 Memorial Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

Phone : (02) 4711 3324

The games start at midday at Northies in Cronulla, but the pub opens from 10 am so you can come in early for a cheeky pint. We recommend hanging around for a commemorative bagpipe performance at 2 pm before the NRL action hits the big screens throughout the venue afterwards.

Address : Kingsway &, Elouera Rd, Cronulla NSW 2230

Phone : (02) 9523 6866

This South Everleigh craft beer institution is one of the more underrated places to play two-up this ANZAC Day, which is why we like it. Head out to the sprawling beer garden try your luck, and enjoy over more than 30 brews on tap while you place your bets.

Address : Bay 1 Locomotive Workshops South, Eveleigh NSW 2015

Phone : (02) 8865 8345

Visit BrewDog South Eveleigh

Head to Paddo Inn to gather and commemorate this ANZAC Day. You’ll find food specials available all day plus live music at two up from midday. The venue itself is on the smaller side of things, but if you don’t get in around midday, check out some of the neighbouring pubs as they have great overflow.

Address : 338 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021

Phone : (02) 9380 5913

This Surry Hills staple has been one of the best places to play two-up in Sydney since the Two-up tradition’s earliest days. Snag a spot in the courtyard if you’re willing to place some bets, or get in on the action from the balcony with fishing rods.

Address : 470 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Phone : (02) 9331 5333

Visit Clock Hotel Clock Hotel Menu

Two-up hours : from 11am until late

Freshie locals and visitors alike descend upon this Freshwater headland pub in the hundreds, one of the biggest Two-up events on the Northern Beaches, with the commemorative ceremony kicking off at 8am and then 11am for all two-up fun.

Address : 88 Evans St, Freshwater NSW 2096

Phone : (02) 9105 4888

Visit Harbord Diggers Harbord Diggers Menu

For the all-Australian two-up experience, Kings Cross Hotel is one of the best places to play two-up in Sydney. There will be sausage sizzles, bacon and egg rolls and local drag queens will be hosting the festivities, so you can guarantee it will be a good time.

Address : 244-248 William St, Potts Point NSW 2011

Phone : (02) 9331 9900

With two arenas, an indoor one and an outdoor one, the Royal Hotel Paddington is undoubtedly one of the best places to play two-up in Sydney. After all the fun and games, live music and DJs will be playing and collecting donations for Legacy.

Address : 237 Glenmore Rd, Paddington NSW 2021

Phone : (02) 9331 2604

Visit Royal Hotel Paddington Royal Hotel Paddington Menu

Rozelle’s infamous for ANZAC Day two-up festivities, it having been embedded in the traditionally working-class town’s historic lineage. Taking place in their huge car park, join in for classic, unpretentious fun, with grandstand seating and a Balter beer bar.

Address : 599 Darling St, Rozelle NSW 2039

Phone : (02) 9555 7555

Visit The Sackville Hotel The Sackville Hotel Menu

Boasting the biggest two-up arena in the Eastern suburbs , the infamous Sheaf will be taking things up a notch with stadium seating, grab-and-go Aussie snacks, a tinnie bar, and of course, DJs all night long.

Address : 429 New South Head Rd, Double Bay NSW 2026

Phone : (02) 9327 5877

Head to The Woollahra Hotel this ANZAC Day as they turn the terrace into the ultimate Two-up circle. There will also be tasty food, live music and DJs — all you need for a cracking day and plenty of schooners.

Address : 116 Queen St, Woollahra NSW 2025

Phone : (02) 9327 9777

The humble Erko has an incognito beer garden that not many people seem to know exists, but for those who do, you will know that it makes for the perfect backdrop to flip some coins this ANZAC Day. Have a drink, play some two up and show your appreciation for our Aussie and Kiwi heroes.

Address : 102 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043

Phone : (02) 8587 4400

For one of the best places to play two-up in Surry Hills, head to The Dolphin where you will find the biggest two-up ring in the suburb. The dining room is transformed to accommodate all your needs accompanied by an all-Australian classics soundtrack. Plus, they’re bringing back the coveted ‘RSL’ (rissole) sandwich all day until sold out — what more could you want?

Address : 412 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Phone : (02) 9331 4800

Visit The Dolphin The Dolphin Menu

If you’re in the Northern Beaches this ANZAC Day, Manly Wharf Bar pairs the iconic betting game with unbeatable views from the wharf jetty, where you will be playing. If that isn’t enough to entice, there are also DJs from noon to keep the party going.

Address : E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095

Phone : (02) 9977 1266

Visit Manly Wharf Bar Manly Wharf Bar Menu

The venues we’ve included above are the best of the best when it comes to two-up in Sydney. However, there are plenty of other venues worth visiting, they include the following options:

• Darling Pavillion in Darling Square (two up from 12pm)
• The Argyle in The Rocks (two up from 12pm)
• Harts Pub in The Rocks (two up from 12pm)
• Mercantile Hotel in The Rocks (two up from 12pm)
• The Republic Hotel in The Rocks (two up from 12pm)
• Coogee Pavilion in Coogee (two up from 2pm)
• The Newport in Newport (two up from 1pm)
• The Vic On The Park (from 12pm until late)
• Park House Mona Vale (two up from 12pm)

Two-up usually starts from midday in Sydney.

Typically, 4.45 pm. However, some venues wait until sundown which is around 5:15 pm.

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