There’s always something going on in Sydney. But for those seeking a contrast to the busy beach metropolis, there are plenty of fun day trips outside of Sydney.
Not only are the sightseeing hotspots surrounding Sydney accessible but there are plenty of them. Whether you’re craving a nature day in the middle of the mountains or a food and wine tour, there’s something for everyone.
A day trip with a touch of coastal town: Wollongong
Only two hours South of Sydney, Wollongong sits on the coast, offering a chilled contrast to Sydney’s hustle and bustle with a touch of coastal town charm. The third largest city in New South Wales, there’s a comfortable amount to do for one day in Wollongong.
Visit the strikingly white Flagstaff Point Lighthouse, a bright beacon landmark of the city. Thrill-seekers can do a skydive and get an epic birds-eye view of the whole city.
For a peaceful walk, visit some of the garden walks around Wollongong. Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple offers a gorgeous view of the landscape amongst botanic plants. Or check out the Wollongong Botanic Garden, for meandering paths that weave in and out neatly trimmed shrubberies. It’s open every day.
Driving down from Sydney? Offer your eyes a break from the road and stop off at Bulli Tops lookout for a mid-journey break. The views are panoramic and beautiful.
A day trip for drinking fine wine & tasting great food: Hunter Valley Wine Tours
Your trip to New South Wales wouldn’t be complete without heading into the Hunter Valley. As Australia’s most famous wine region, a Hunter Valley wine tour offers iconic Aussie wines and views for days. Don’t forget to sample some lip-smacking delicacies, to pair with your wine samples. And it’s all splashed with a gorgeous backdrop of the Hunter Valley. Don’t miss a block of chocolate at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Factory on your way back!
A day for bushwalking and Aussie wildlife: Ku Ring Gai
Ku Ring Gai is comfortably close to Sydney, perfect for those craving a day trip without wanting to go too far. Ku Ring Gai is home to many different types of Australian wildlife, including many endangered native faunae. Expect to see goanas, flying foxes, possums and native birds.
There are a variety of different walks in the area. Ku-ring Gai National Park offers some of the best bushwalks that are close enough to Sydney yet immerse you in nature enough to get your nature fix. Barrenjoey Lighthouse Circuit offers a heritage trail close to Palm Beach in Sydney’s North.
It’s perfect for all year round. The blossoming of spring’s wildflowers decorates the National Park with many pretty florals, whilst winter is the perfect time to go whale watching from the Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse. For a picnic, check out Bobbin Head.
A day trip in the snow: Thredbo
It might look like a bit of a trek, but Thredbo is a great day trip outside of Sydney. Another reminder of Australia’s dramatically shifting landscape, you can wake up on the coast and fall asleep in snow-capped mountains.
Skiers and snowboarders should pay a visit to Crackenback Supertrail which summits to 1930 meters. For less movement with the same gorgeous mountain views, soak up the panoramics with the alpine Skyrail.
A day trip into the Capital: Canberra
A capital city full of sophisticated architecture and surrounded by a moat of bushland, Canberra is a city unlike any other. For a day trip full of history, culture and interesting architecture, take a trip to Australia’s capital city. Cross states into the Australian Capital Territory and enjoy the culture that the city of Canberra has to offer. With a Model Village, War Memorial, Parliament House, and National Gallery of Australia, Canberra offers plenty of culture and history.
A day trip for panoramic views: Blue Mountains
Take yourself into the Blue Mountains for stunningly panoramic views. A landscape rich with photo opportunities, the Blue Mountains offers views that appear to trail off forever. With an abyss of hazy blues clinging to the tops of the canyons, the Blue Mountains are not to be missed.
Don’t forget to check out the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains for a unique rock formation.
Keen to check these out?
There is heaps going on around Sydney. But there’s just as much to do outside of the city too.
Embark on a day trip outside of Sydney to get out of the city for a day, and explore the landscape of New South Wales!
