The Best Day Trips From Sydney: The Blue Mountains & More!

Sydney deserves its top spot on travellers’ bucket lists, and the excitement doesn’t end there. The magnificent region of New South Wales has so much to offer - whether it’s sandboarding on dunes, dolphin and whale watching, or bushwalks… the sense of adventure is limitless! If polished vineyards and leisurely beach days are more your style, New South Wales promises plenty of that too. Check out the best Sydney day trips below (or should we say, Down Under!).🦘

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains from Sydney is one of Australia’s most iconic day trips for a reason. Filled with towering waterfalls, rugged rock formations, great stretches of jade forest, little scenic hideaways and sky-high vistas… the Blue Mountains have views you’ll want to experience at least once in your lifetime. Earning its name from the misty blue haze created by sunlight merging with aromatic Eucalyptus oil droplets, this unique landscape looks like a dream.

How far from Sydney? 61km (45 minutes drive)

Best day trip from Sydney for: stunning trails 🏞️

How to get there: bus, car hire, train or tour

Port Stephens

Imagine glistening turquoise bays, dolphins gliding through the ocean and gigantic, golden dunes made for sandboarding; that’s the kind of experience this next destination is all about! Port Stephens is one of those special places that can match any pace, be it whale watching and 4WD tours, or lazy beach days and sunset picnics. A haven for wildlife, Port Stephens is one of the most breathtaking day trips from Sydney that you can do.

How far from Sydney? 185 km (two hours drive)

Best day trip from Sydney for: sandboarding and dolphins 🐬

How to get there: bus, car hire, train or tour

Hunter Valley

Whether you’re a wine lover or cannot resist a mouthwatering platter of cheese and chocolate, the Hunter Valley region is pretty magical. The scenery alone is spellbinding, featuring sunkissed vineyards with kangaroos hiding between the grapevines. Go behind the scenes on a vineyard tour and sample local wines straight from the barrel, with white Semillon and red Shiraz being the go-to picks.

It is easy to visit the Hunter Valley on Sydney day trips, and at an affordable price, too. If you're looking to dive a little deeper into this destination, why not explore the area on a bicycle or horseback riding tour? And if your budget is as bottomless as a brunch here, then a hot air balloon followed by a spa day is the perfect way to feel pampered.

How far from Sydney? 175 km to Pokolbin (just over two hours drive)

Best day trip from Sydney for: wine, cheese and chocolate 😍

How to get there: car hire or tour

Jervis Bay

If paradise exists, it looks like Jervis Bay. This enchanting destination is home to the whitest sand in the world. Beach walks along the sparkling, sapphire shoreline - plus native wildlife inside the national park just a few steps away - make Jervis Bay just irresistible. No wonder whales are so drawn to this place!

Think that’s impressive? Wait until you see what these beaches can often look like after dark, with the waters illuminated by a bioluminescent blue glow created by tiny plankton fish swimming around in the waves.

How far from Sydney? 185 km to Huskisson (two and a half hours drive)

Best day trip from Sydney for: white sand and whale watching 🐋

How to get there: car hire or tour

Seven Mile Beach

Part of what makes any trip to Australia so special has to be the surf. Whether it’s your first time out on the waves or you’ve got a few lessons under your belt, the passion here at Seven Mile Beach is unmatched. This down-to-earth destination could easily win over any traveller. Can anything beat unwinding on stretches of light golden sand (practically all to yourself!), running into the sea and riding the ocean swells?

Seven Mile Beach is so effortlessly beautiful that if you’re able to visit for longer, jump at the opportunity! Surf Camp is one of the most popular experiences that travellers choose, as you get to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and build up your surfing skills over progressive lessons. Even total beginners will be out on the waves in no time!

How far from Sydney? 143 km (two hours drive)

Best day trip from Sydney for: surfing 🏄

How to get there: bus, car hire or tour

Newcastle

Between the variety of surf breaks, the colourful street art and the amazing selection of lively bars, pubs and cafes, Newcastle is one of the East Coast’s best-kept secrets. This picturesque port city is one of the most scenic day trips from Sydney. Whether you’re in a beachy mood or after an experience with an urban edge, Newcastle delivers. And it’s super easy to reach - via a two-and-a-half-hour train journey - through the gorgeous countryside.

How far from Sydney? 170 km (two hours drive)

Best day trip from Sydney for: street art and bevvies 🍻

How to get there: bus, car hire or train

Royal National Park

South of Sydney, you’ll find one of the world’s oldest national parks. Home to secluded sandy bays, hidden gem coves and waterfalls that drop from sky to sea, the Royal National Park’s beauty is timeless. Whether you’re breathing in that fresh air on a bushwalk, setting up a picnic on the golden sands of Wattamolla Beach or hiring a canoe and heading out onto the marine-rich waters, this national park promises adventure. And with vistas like these, the travel plans just fall into place.

How far from Sydney? 45 km (40 minutes drive)

Best day trip from Sydney for: diverse scenery 🌅

How to get there: car hire, tour or train and ferry

Grand Pacific Drive

More than a single destination, the Grand Pacific Drive embodies everything to love about the East Coast. Crashing waves, lush rainforest stretches, balmy weather and the feeling of freedom as you drive along that stunning shoreline just south of Sydney. One of the top highlights of this classic Aussie road trip is easily Sea Cliff Bridge, curving around the coast and offering endless ocean views.

How far from Sydney? 200 km (three hours drive)

Best day trip from Sydney for: an epic road trip 🛣️

How to get there: car hire or tour

Now that you know what the best day trips from Sydney are, which ones are you choosing? On our incredible Sydney & Beyond trip, you’ll have the opportunity to explore most of the above destinations on either group tours or day trips.

On top of this, there are loads of free days so you can discover New South Wales completely at your own pace. By the time your trip finishes, you’ll feel like a true Sydneysider! 🐨