easy road trips from sydney

20 Best Road Trips From Sydney

If you're living in Sydney or just visiting and have a few days (or better yet, weeks) to spare, you could throw a stone in a random direction and follow it to a number of beautiful road trip destinations.

Starting off at Australia's east coast is very advantageous for thrill-seekers and explorers, as the area is rich in expansive parks and preserves, sky-high mountains, and cities and towns that'll win you over in a matter of hours.

Featuring everything from ghost towns in the middle of nowhere to the world's largest rainforest, here are some of the road trips that will stay with you for life and make you an expert on all things Australia.

1. Moss Vale Road

2 hours 10 minutes from Sydney (160 km)

If you want to get away from the bustle of Sydney life and visit someplace more rural yet nearby, Moss Vale makes for a beautiful Highlands retreat, and getting there via Moss Vale Road makes for a very scenic experience.

You can get to Moss Vale Road by simply following Highway 1 and Princes Highway along the coast, then joining Kangaroo Valley Road at Berry and staying on it for about 15 km.

Following Moss Vale Road north will take you through Kangaroo Valley and across Kangaroo River via the beautiful Hampden Bridge. Here, you can check out the KV Pioneer Village or keep going further north through the Barrengary Nature Reserve, which is roughly where the road ends.

If you're itching for more, continue north along Nowra Road (stopping at Fitzroy Falls is a must!) until you reach the town of Moss Vale - thanks to its pleasant summer temperatures and the unique ambient of places like Argyle Street, you'd be hard-pressed to find a homelier town in East Australia.

One of the fastest-developing towns in New South Wales, Moss Vale has plenty of bars, retail stores, and a great golf course - great news for prospective visitors like yourself!

This is a town with a lot of history, so while you're here, take a few hours and enjoy a self-guided heritage tour that covers everything from the beautiful Leighton Gardens and Pavilion to the historic houses on Argyle and Brownley Streets.

2. Newcastle

2 hours 15 minutes from Sydney (163 km)

For those looking for something more urban but still by the ocean, follow the Pacific Highway north for two hours to reach Newcastle, New South Wales' second-most populated city.

This coal export juggernaut (named after England's very own coal port of Newcastle) is a beautiful coastal city boasting incredible beaches, countless scenic parks, and year-round cultural events, courtesy of the gorgeous Newcastle Civic Theatre.

If you're visiting on a sunny day, definitely go on a picnic and fire up a barbecue at Blackbutt Reserve or enjoy a swim at the near-100-year-old Mereweather Ocean Baths. Alternatively, if you're a history buff, take a tour of the monumental Fort Scratchley and see some breathtaking views of the ocean while you're there.

A good place to get a great view of Newcastle is the Obelisk, a monument for a windmill that once pumped water to the area. Because you won't be directly by the coast, your beautiful panoramic view will include not just the city but the blue ocean waters as well.

On the way to Newcastle, be sure to stop at Broken Bay Pearl Farm to learn some trivia on pearls or rent a boat to catch some oysters yourself. Also on the way is Lake Macquarie, the largest saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere (and a beautiful one at that).

Finally, check out Hunter Valley, known for having some of Australia's best wineries – be sure to enjoy a bottle of the iconic Hunter Valley Semillon, and experience Chardonnay like you never have before.

3. Blue Mountains National Park

2 hours 20 minutes from Sydney (139 km)

As great as East Australia's towns and cities are, our next itinerary demonstrates the country's greatest asset, its natural beauty – we're talking about Blue Mountains National Park.

Although there's some stiff competition, the signature features of this park are the Three Sisters, a one-off triad of rock formations which you can access via the Giant Stairway or admire from the nearby town of Katoomba.

Speaking of, Katoomba's Scenic World is as scenic of an experience as they come – featuring an incline railway system and a cableway ride from Doppelmayr to Jameson Valley, this place is not to be missed.

The park features countless hiking trails that seem to go on forever, and you can enjoy an outdoor meal by Wentworth, Katoomba, or Gordon Falls as you listen to the relaxing sounds of water.

You can get to Blue Mountains NP by taking a 2.5-hour drive along the M4 Motorway and Great Western Highway west of Sydney.

If you're looking to take the road trip a bit further, consider visiting the town of Lithgow – combining a small-town feel with the nearby Blue Mountains and national parks from all sides, this makes for a very scenic afternoon stop before venturing deeper into New South Wales for your next adventure.

4. Grand Pacific Drive to Jervis Bay

3 hours from Sydney (196 km)

Capitalizing on the beautiful coastline of the South Pacific, Jervis Bay is definitely one of the crowning jewels of New South Wales.

The bay features impossibly white sand, often said to be the whitest in the whole world. You can cruise along the entire bay or settle on one of the beaches and camp out there – the White Sands Park is definitely a highlight, as are Jervis Bay Marine Park, Cave Beach, and Greenfield Beach.

Jervis Bay is ideal for water-based activities, so consider going sailing, kayaking, or take full advantage of the many dive boat services and explore the ocean bed.

If you want to see one of the best national parks in the South Pacific Coast, check Booderee National Park's unique blend of beaches, high cliffs, and botanic gardens. For something a little bit different, visit the historic Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and enjoy the splashes of the ocean waves from its titular peninsula.

The drive from Sydney can be every bit as scenic as Jervis Bay itself – along the Grand Pacific Drive, you can turn your trip into a full-fledged coastal vacation by stopping at Royal National Park, Wollongong, Shellharbour, and a slew of other beautiful places that deserve their own travel guide.

5. Canberra

3 hours from Sydney (290 km)

An uninitiated foreigner may be surprised to find out that Sydney is, in fact, not the capital of Australia – Canberra is. That aside, a road trip from one of Australia's biggest metropolises to another is sure to give you plenty to look at.

Driving through Campbelltown, follow the M31 Motorway and the Federal Highway all the way to Canberra. The trip Sydney to Canberra spans just under 300 km and can be done in about 3 hours.

Designed some 100-odd years ago by American architect W.B.Griffin, the ‘Garden City' of Canberra beat out Sydney and Melbourne for the title of capital of Australia, and it's not hard to see why.

With beautiful landscapes like the National Arboretum and the Australian National Botanic gardens, this is one of the greenest major cities you're ever likely to visit. Keep a camera handy even in the most urban parts of town.

As you might expect from such a large city, the list of things to do here is practically endless – relax in the Lennox Gardens by Lake Burley Griffin, brush up on the country's history at the National Museum of Australia and the War Memorial, or enjoy a fancy night out in one of the countless bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

For the ultimate Canberra experience, you should explore the Parliamentary Triangle – this part of the city was designed with tourism in mind, and most of Canberra key buildings and constructions can be found here, from the Parliament House to various recreational facilities.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Sydney to Canberra

6. Mollymook

3 hours 10 minutes from Sydney (225 km)

Mollymook is a small beachside town with a population of just over 1000, whose name is thought to be derived from a species of albatross.

Getting here from Sydney couldn't be much simpler – follow Highway 1 and Princes Highway south (mostly sticking right by the coast) for about 225 km, or 3 hours.

Mollymook is actually generally used as a blanket name for two locations – the town of Mollymook and the adjacent Mollymook Beach, which has double the population and, as the name suggests, a beach on the Tasman Sea.

There's nothing exceptionally flashy about this town, yet it simply commands your attention with its beautiful coastal views, surf-friendly beaches, and events such as poker tournaments and boat races.

In the charming town of Mollymook, be sure to check out Bannisters Day Spa & Walking Track, and take a few swings at the Mollymook Golf Club or Hilton Golf Course if you feel so inclined.

On your way here, you should definitely consider stopping at Milton, a unique little town along the Princes Highway and an important thoroughfare for its region.

7. Central Tablelands

5 hours from Sydney (435 km)

If you're looking for something a little bit more obscure, you can explore the hidden gem that is the Central Tablelands region, a sequence of several small towns best known for their wineries. The towns are sprawled along the M31 motorway and the Lachlan Valley Way, and you can reach the last one in the chain in about 5 hours.

Your first stop would be the town of Gundaroo, which is close to Lake George (check out Weereewa Lookout – it's beautiful!), as well as Tallagandra Hill Winery and Lerida Estate – you can actually order the former's wine from anywhere in Australia if you wind up liking it, and the latter offers servings of delicious truffle dishes to go along with your wine sample.

Next up are the twin towns of Harden and Murrumbateman – being slightly bigger than Gundaroo, you'll have a bigger selection of charming locales to visit here. On top of that, wineries include Clonakilla, Helm Wines, and Dionysus Winery, among others.

The last town on this itinerary is Young. Because of its annual Cherry Festival, this town is affectionately called the Cherry Capital of Australia. Visit Wombat Heights to sample the fabled Young cherry, and cap off your road trip with a picnic at Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Garden.

Another thing that's great about this route is how close it is to Canberra (Gundaroo is less than 2 hours away). If you have some extra time and took us up on our Canberra suggestion (#5), be sure to stop by Central Tablelands on the way back.

8. Thunderbolts Way

5 hours 30 minutes from Sydney (415 km)

Some 150 years ago, an escaped convict, alias Captain Thunderbolt, ran and hid from the authorities along a route that spanned several hundred kilometers. This route would later come to bear his name, and is one of the most beautiful stretches of land in East Australia.

Thunderbolts Way combines the Eastern Highlands, various national parks, and a couple of quaint villages and farmlands into an unforgettable experience. After following Highway 1 north of Sydney to Gloucester, your journey officially begins.

As great as cruising along the Great Dividing Range is, it's even better for you to stop by Chinamans Creek, Manning River, or any of the National Parks on either side of you to soak in the beautiful scenery.

Around the halfway point of the route, you'll enter the farming town of Walcha, home to the Apsley River. The town also acts as a passageway towards Werrikimbe and Oxley Wild Rivers National Parks, the latter of which features the gorgeous Apsley Falls.

If you want to dedicate more time to this area, make an overnight stop at the next town – Uralla. Featuring museums, memorials, and heritage sites, this historic town is a staple of the route and a definite must-see.

As soon as the route ends in Inverell, things get a lot more urban. Finish your trip by learning about the town's rich history at Inverell Pioneer Village, and enjoy the vintage vehicle exhibits at the National Transport Museum.

9. Jindabyne and Kosciuszko National Park

6 hours from Sydney (520 km)

Traveling with a backdrop of the Australian mountains is one thing, but getting up close and personal is a different animal altogether. Following Monaro Highway and Boboyan Road past Canberra and into Snowy Mt Highway, it won't be long before you reach the beautiful Kosciuszko National Park.

Featuring, among others, the tallest mountain in the Australian Mainland (Mt Kosciuszko, at well over 2,200m) and a network of rivers including Eucumbene and Snowy Rivers, you'll have a virtually endless supply of hiking trails and campout spots here.

Thanks to its Alpine climate, the park has enjoyed a rich skiing history spanning over 150 years, and it features the Perisher and Selwyn Snow Resorts, both quintessential Kosciuszko experiences if you're traveling in the winter.

To really make the most of this trip, your best bet would be to visit the town of Jindabyne first – check out the town's visitor centre to get acquainted with the area and enjoy a stroll along the Lake Jindabyne shoreline.

From there, take the Alpine Way running for over 120 km, through Kosciuszko National Park and to the edge of New South Wales. Following this road into the high country, you can explore the gorgeous Alpine woods and enjoy a scenic hike or mountain bike ride.

10. Coffs Harbour

7 hours 30 minutes from Sydney (670 km)

If you're up for a scenic ride including coastlines and rainforests alike, and especially if you took our advice and checked out Newcastle (#2), consider driving out to Coffs Harbour along Highway 1 and then trekking through some gorgeous natural parks.

Coffs Harbour is a beautiful coastal city with plenty to see and do. The Regional Botanic Garden should make for a great warm-up for the rest of the route, and you can admire the tropical haven that is the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House (which also features dinosaurs, because why not?)

Prior to becoming a major tourist attraction, Coffs Harbour owed most of its economic growth to the production of bananas. If you're up for something a little bit different, you could spend a few hours at the banana-themed Big Banana Fun Park – it's every bit as wacky as it sounds!

Taking a two-hour drive west of here along the aptly named Waterfall Way, you'll drive through (or past) several national parks and various breathtaking waterfalls before reaching the town of Armidale.

Bongil Bongil National Park a coastal park featuring lush eucalyptus forests, beaches with dunes, and the ever-so-adorable koala. Be sure to check out the beaches to the east to take a quick dip or relax by the dunes.

Further west, Durango's dangling boardwalk will literally have you walking above the park's gorgeous rainforests. Some of the waterfalls featured here include Crystal Shower, Red Cedar, and Dangar Falls, each more beautiful than the last.

Rounding off the chain is Cathedral Rock, which combines forests and granite formations into a very unique national park. Once you're done exploring, definitely stop at Wollomombi Falls, not far from Armidale.

11. Byron Bay

8 hours 30 minutes from Sydney (760 km)

Byron Bay marks the easternmost point of mainland Australia and is quite beautiful to boot, so if you have about 8h 30m, consider making the drive here from Sydney .

From its humble beginnings as a logging town to one of the fastest-developing towns in the east coast, Byron Bay has grown to attract hundreds of thousands of tourists each year thanks to its beautiful landmarks and relaxed, hippie-esque community.

Later on, farming would become the main industry in Byron Bay and has continued to thrive until the present day. Get a sample of the local delicacies by checking out The Farm at Byron Bay – after visiting bakeries, restaurants, and home-grown food freshly picked from the soil, you definitely won't be leaving town hungry.

To see the actual easternmost point of this easternmost town, go and visit the Cape Byron Lightstation. On top of its beautiful ocean views, the lighthouse is also a museum that teaches you about its own history, and that of Byron Bay as a whole.

The lighthouse is nestled between some beautiful beaches, The Pass being the most iconic, and is part of the incredibly scenic Cape Byron State Conservation Area – if you're going to stay in Byron Bay for the night (which you really should), you'd be wise to find a room here.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Sydney to Byron Bay

12. Lightning Ridge

8 hours 45 minutes from Sydney (715 km)

For a small settlement with barely over 2,000 people and no major parks or preserves to its name, this quaint mining town is sure to keep your schedule full, especially if you love art. It might seem like too long a drive to see such a small place, but it's well worth it.

Following the Great Western Highway out of Sydney, past several beautiful national parks and onto Castlereagh Highway, you'll reach Lightning Ridge in just under 9 hours, breaks excluded.

This inconspicuous town is very special, in that it's one of the few places worldwide where you can find the gorgeous black opal. To get an idea of what the excavation process entails, take the Big Opal Underground Mine Tour and check out the Walk In Mine.

Amigo's Castle is probably the last thing you'd expect to see in a place like this – in this tower-turned-art-gallery, you can admire local art and paintings as you learn the story of the former miner who built a castle of his own.

Another must-see in town are the Chambers of the Blackland, an underground opal shop featuring sandstone carvings of Elvis, Chewbacca, Medusa, the Buddha, and a few hundred others.

If you haven't had enough exposure to beautiful, yet bizarre art, be sure to visit John and Viki Murray's Art Gallery – you can purchase paintings and admire murals of decrepit vehicles, arid desert landscapes, and emus wearing makeup.

13. Melbourne

9 hours from Sydney (880 km)

The city of Melbourne truly needs no introduction – Australia's former seat of government is one of the richest and most beautiful cities in the modern world. Getting to Melbourne from Sydney involves a relatively simple drive down Hume Fwy and Craigieburn Bypass.

European influence permeates throughout Australia, but it is probably most apparent in Melbourne. From the domed Flinder Street Station and its multicolored art trams to countless themed restaurants and locales, the city borrows aspects of European culture and makes them its own.

Exploring the city can be quite the experience, as it is said to go through “four seasons a day”. You can expect the unexpected here, including sudden, heavy rain which may or may not clear up in a matter of minutes – nevertheless, it's a quintessential part of visiting here.

Some of the most obvious places to check out include the Royal Exhibition Building (with the gorgeous Carlton Gardens), the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, and Queen Victoria Market, the Southern Hemisphere's largest outdoor marketplace.

Although there are plenty of strong contenders, the natural highlight of the city would have to be the Royal Botanic Gardens – combining lovely lakes, thousands of floral species, and a breathtaking view of the city, no visit to Melbourne can be complete without visiting the Gardens.

If you're historically curious, check out the Old Melbourne Gaol, a former prison that housed the most hardened of criminals, as well as the Shrine of Remembrance, which commemorates those who served in World War I.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Sydney to Melbourne

14. Murray River

9 hours 30 minutes from Sydney (880 km)

A great way to sweep through the Australian southeast is to travel along the Murray River, the longest in all of Australia at just over 2,500 km.

Starting from the Australian Alps and continuing northwest, the river defines the border between New South Wales and Victoria and empties into the Southern Ocean at Murray's Mouth. On the way, it cuts through plenty of interesting towns, especially towards the east.

For instance, the charming town of Echuca makes the most of its proximity to the river. For example, you can take a walking tour of the Port of Echuca, or take a riverboat and cruise along the Murray River, enjoying an on-board meal and snapping some great pictures.

Right across the river is the town of Moama, well-known among gambling aficionados for its poker machines. You can expect some crowds if you visit in mid-February, as the town marks the finish line of the Southern 80 Water ski race.

Up north is Deniliquin, and you should definitely consider stopping at Waring Gardens for a picnic – what started off as a testing ground for the fertility of the soil is now a beautiful park featuring Italian sculptures and a lagoon system.

Further east, in the Tocumwal area, you shouldn't miss out on Barmah and Murray Valley National Parks, characterized by their beautiful flooded forests. In conjunction, these two parks form the largest red gum forest in the entire world.

15. Brisbane and Gold Coast

10 hours from Sydney (910 km)

Our first venture into Queensland takes us to the large-and-in-charge city of Brisbane and its adjacent Gold Coast. To get there, follow the classic Pacific Highway route north for about 900 km.

Once you get to Brisbane from Sydney , your first order of business should be to cross Victoria Bridge into the South Bank precinct. Located by the Brisbane River, this beautiful area features plazas, rainforests, and the iconic Wheel of Brisbane.

For a once-in-a-lifetime view of Brisbane, you should go to the Mount Coot-tha Lookout. Try to avoid visiting during the weekend if you can help it, though, as it can get rather crowded and take away from the serenity of the experience.

Eat and shop at the Northshore, go rock climbing at Kangaroo Point Cliff Park, or go for a cruise on the Brisbane River – there truly is something here for everybody.

Thanks to their proximity and shared status of large coastal towns, Gold Coast and Brisbane are like two sides of the same coin – there's no reason to visit one without stopping at the other too. Click here to read our detailed guide on the ultimate road trip from Sydney to Gold Coast.

If the name didn't give it away, the beaches at Gold Coast are absolutely incredible. The view of the city's gigantic buildings from Surfer Paradise Beach is incredible, and if you'd like to hit the waves, Snapper Rocks is one of the area's best surf breaks.

Gold Coast has theme parks, and lots of them – here, you can awaken the child in you and have a blast at Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet n Wild Gold Coast, and so many others.

Much like the one in Brisbane, the highest point in Gold Coast is one you don't want to miss. The SkyPoint Observation deck offers an outright unbelievable panoramic view of the city and ocean. If you're up for an adrenaline rush, grab a harness and do the SkyPoint climb to the top pf the building.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Sydney to Brisbane

16. Old Glen Innes Road

10 hours 30 minutes from Sydney (790 km)

Before the advent of highways and motorized vehicles, going along Old Glen Innes Road (or Old Grafton Road) was the only practical way of accessing the mountains in the Australian northeast. The benefit of driving it today is the long stretch of beautiful landscapes.

From Sydney, follow the Pacific Highway for about 6.5 hours to Grafton. You'll definitely want to fuel up here, as Old Glen Innes Road takes 4 hours to drive through and has no petrol stations of its own. From Grafton, follow the Gwydir Highway for just over 5 km to get to Old Glen Innes Road.

One thing you'll be seeing plenty of along this road are rivers – Orara, Guy Fawkes, Nymboida, and Boyd are just a few in a long list of rivers worth checking out on the way. As is typical of water-rich areas, you can also expect to see lots of gorgeous valleys and forests that time forgot.

Just past the halfway point is the town of Dalmorton, once a prosperous mining area, but currently a ghost town featuring campsites for travelers of the Old Glen Innes Road. The main thing of interest here is the Historic Tunnel, whose walls are decorated by near-150-year-old black graffiti.

17. Nightcap National Park and Dorrigo National Park

12 hours from Sydney (970 km)

The Rainforest Way is a choose-your-own-adventure-type itinerary that'll have you driving through a few dozen towns and cities, as well as the Gondwana Rainforests and various national parks in Queensland and New South Wales.

We've already said our piece on Byron Bay (#11) and Gold Coast (#15), two of the key stops along this route – if you do visit either of these places, consider pivoting from there into some of the other spots of interest along this route.

For example, west of Byron Bay begins a northward sequence consisting of Whian Whian State Conservation Area (home to Minyon Falls and countless hiking trails), Nightcap National Park (named after and containing the endangered Nightcap oak), and Mount Jerusalem National Park (rich in rivers and great for bird watching).

Dorrigo National Park deserves a special mention because of its popularity – boasting beautiful vistas and a slew of hiking spots, this park and its neighbors in New South Wales form the largest rainforest stretch in the world, the Gondwana Rainforests.

A prominent feature of the Rainforest Way is the Scenic Rim, a series of forested mountains belonging to the Great Dividing Range. While you can't go wrong with any of the parks or ranges here, some highlights include O'Reilley's Rainforest, Tamborine National Park & Mountain, and the Gallery Walk just off Gold Coast.

18. Darling River Drive: from Walgett to Wentworth

19 hours from Sydney (1,560 km)

If you'd be willing to commit to a longer drive, a road trip along Darling River, one of Australia's longest rivers, would make for quite a scenic travel experience across New South Wales.

First off, you'll want to get to the town of Walgett. The quickest way there from Sydney would be driving through Blue Mountains National Park, then following Castlereagh Highway and the B55 the rest of the way.

From Walgett, take Kamilaroi Highway to get to Bourke – be sure to stop at Brewarrina to check out its camping reserve by the Barwon River, which features beautiful, partially submerged trees. From Bourke, you can start following the Darling River.

Just outside of town is the Gondabooka National Park, which contains petroglyph art. In Louth, you could stop for the night at Trilby Station, or continue on forward to Tilpa – further down, you can check out the Paroo-Darling National Forest, which features red sands and the Peery Lake, which is a great bird watching spot with a free picnic area.

Menindee is the Darling riverside's oldest town, and the first to be inhabited by European settlers. Adjacent to the town is Kinchega National Park, featuring campgrounds and lovely river red gum trees.

Past the village of Pooncarie, you'll reach Mungo National Park, where the oldest human remains in all of Australia were found. In addition, the park is famous for the beautiful Walls of China, Lake Mungo, and over a dozen other ancient dry lakes.

The town of Wentworth marks the end of the route and the meeting point of the Darling and Murray Rivers - at this very point lies Junction Park, ideal for a riverside picnic. Also located in Wentworth are Australian Inland Botanic Gardens, which house lemon-scented gums and other trees that thrive in dry living conditions.

19. Tasmania

24 hours from Sydney (1,600 km)

Few places in Australia and beyond can compare to the rugged natural beauty of Tasmania, so this long and winding road trip is definitely worth considering.

The first step of the journey is to get to Melbourne, which we discussed above (#13). From there, take the Melbourne – Devonport ferry over to the island, which should take around 10 hours.

Tasmania's national parks are out of this world – for example, the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park features Mount Ossa (the highest in Tasmania), and Mount Pelions East and West. The highlight here, however, is the Overland Track, which connects its titular mountain and lake and amounts to one of the most scenic walks you'll ever take.

Freycinet National Park contains one of Australia's most beautiful bits of nature, and certainly the most beautiful spot between all the natural parks – Wineglass Bay. The arched beach, crystal-blue water, and green, sunny backdrop look amazing from any angle, and any elevation. Also worth noting is the park's unique 5-mountain granite range known as The Hazards.

Obviously, you'll also want to visit Hobart, the state capital. One thing that should immediately strike you about this city is the Victorian-era architecture – although many locals associate it with the country's dark history, it nonetheless creates a unique atmosphere for tourists and visitors.

Tasmania's most famous tourist attraction is definitely the Salamanca Market in Hobart. Every Saturday, thousands of tourists flock around the 300 stands, which sell everything from local food and wine to paintings and hand-made jewellery.

Even if you don't find museum trips particularly fun, the Museum of Old and New Art will definitely be of interest to you. Featuring a surface-level exterior and a burrowed interior, the museum's provocative art and unique ambient are bound to get a reaction out of you.

Besides the capital, Launceston is Tasmania's second-largest city and it houses a sizable chunk of the population. The best-known spots in town would be the scenic City Park, as well as the Cataract Gorge Reserve, an incredible river gorge less than a mile from the center of town.

20. Silver City Highway: from Buronga to Tibooburra

26 hours from Sydney (2,300 km)

If you prefer the thrill of a long, scenic trip over driving to reach a single final destination, the Silver City Highway is the ultimate Australia road trip for you.

At a staggering 683 kilometers, this highway connects the towns of Buronga and Tibooburra, located on opposite ends of New South Wales. The drive is different than most of the ones we've proposed so far, in that it has you driving through The Outback – petrol stops are scarce, so load up.

One of the earlier stops you can make is in the town of Wentworth, located at the junction of the Murray and the Darling – you can admire the beauty of the two rivers from Junction Park, and visit the Old Wentworth Gaol to learn what life was like for prisoners some 200 years ago.

Further north, next up is Broken Hill, also known as Silver City– this is a major player in Australia's mining industry, as reflected in the countless mine-themed museums and memorials.

For something that hits a bit closer to home, you can visit the Mad Max 2 Museum (you read that right) to pay tribute to one of Australia's greatest films, or check out the Living Sculptures, erected to act as guardians of the flora in the Living Desert.

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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

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 .

Paula Morgan

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Best Road Trips from Sydney (Itinerary Ideas)

• 18 March, 2022

Crystal Egan

This page may contain compensated links. For more information read our disclaimer .

Choose from seven incredible road trips from Sydney, depending on how much time you have.

Our HUGE Sydney road trip guide is complete with all you need to know including drive time between stopovers, where to go, what to see and do, and the best places to camp overnight.

ROAD TRIPS FROM SYDNEY – CONTENTS

❶  Sydney Road Trips Map ❷  Road Trip: Jervis Bay ❸  Road Trip: Melbourne ❹  Road Trip: Kangaroo Valley ❺  Road Trip: Canberra & Snowy Mountains

❻  Road Trip: Blue Mountains ❼  Road Trip: Newcastle & Hunter Valley ❽ Road Trip: Byron Bay ❾ Campervan Hire Tips

We all know there are few better feelings than setting out on the open road with all of the everyday stress of life in your rearview and nothing but possibilities stretching out in front of you as far as the eye can see. From long scenic routes to quirky roadside stops, to quick weekend trips, Sydney drives have endless options for getting out of the city.

Pack a bag, pick a beautiful destination, put on your favourite playlist, and read over our Sydney trip planner. We’ve amassed everything you need to know to enjoy the ultimate trips from Sydney, all tailored to your every whim. Below are all the very best road trips from Sydney, so you can plan your ideal itinerary and hit the ground running (or more like driving). 

Where to Hire Vehicles for Sydney Road Trips

There are lots of companies where you can hire a campervan or car in Sydney. I personally like to use  Travellers Autobarn for campervan hire. When you hire with TAB, you can pick up your campervan in Sydney, drop them off wherever you want to finish, and the prices are reasonable too!

To read all of my super useful tips on hiring a campervan in Sydney,  click this link to jump  to the section at the bottom of the article.

Where to go on Sydney Road Trips

You might be wondering where you want to go first on road trips from Sydney, and you can’t really decide just by looking at the map. That’s why we put this Sydney road trip guide together.

Check out our  7 awesome Sydney road trip options here  and compare which one suits your time limits and the type of activities you like best.

Map of Road Trips from Sydney

This custom map is split up into coloured sections with our 7 best road trips from Sydney, things to do, sightseeing stops and where to stay for a night or two along the way.

To open and save our road trip maps into your own Google Maps app on your phone, simply tap the small square frame icon on the top right-hand side of the map, when looking at this article from your phone. 

The map will automatically save into “Saved” > “Maps” with the title Best Road Trips from Sydney . You can then select an area to download and use offline, ready for any time you don’t have access to mobile data in New Zealand.

Starting your road trip from Sydney? Here are the best things to do in Sydney on a budget

7 Awesome Road Trips from Sydney

Ready to hit the road? We have more than enough road trips around Sydney to keep you busy no matter how long you have in NSW. All you have to do is calculate how much time you have and what you want to see and do the most!

❶  Jervis Bay Road Trip  (3-8 days):  White sand beaches, water activities, scenic drives ❷  Melbourne Road Trip  (1-3 weeks):  City to city along the spectacular southern coastline ❸  Kangaroo Valley Road Trip  (1-2 days):  Stay a couple of days in the rainforest ❹  Canberra/Snowy Mountains Road Trip  (5-10 days):  Best of country NSW, the ACT and Mt. Kosciuszko ❺  Blue Mountains Road Trip  (2-4 days):  Explore this famous national park by hiking and adventure sports ❻  Hunter Valley/Newcastle Road Trip  (3-10 days):  Best of everything in a short time including national parks, coastal cities, and vineyards ❼  Byron Bay Road Trip  (7-15 days):  The perfect east coast road trip, with a mix of small towns, cities, and hippy getaways

How many days do you have for a road trip from Sydney?

Here are some Sydney road trip ideas based on how long you have for travel.

Weekend road trips from Sydney

Some of your best memories can be made on 2-day trips from Sydney. There are some amazing places you can go for the weekend to get out of the city, without a long drive.

If you can’t get the time off work or just want to travel for a short break, then we recommend short trips from Sydney to Kangaroo Valley or the Blue Mountains , or to either Newcastle or the Hunter Valley , but not both together. The Royal National Park is also one of the best weekend trips from Sydney, especially if you like camping.

You may be able to squeeze in a very quick road trip to  Jervis Bay in a weekend but be warned, you’ll feel like you didn’t get enough time there!

3 day trips from Sydney

So you have a long weekend and want to do a 3-day road trip from Sydney? We recommend you take either a road trip to the Blue Mountains ,  Newcastle , or  Jervis Bay . You will be able to fit a few activities in these long weekend road trips from Sydney, but you’ll likely be scheduling in time to return!

7 day road trip from Sydney

If you have time for a 1-week road trip from Sydney, you can do any of the road trips on this list. With 7 days you can thoroughly explore either Newcastle and the Hunter Valley , or Jervis Bay with stopovers on the Grand Pacific Drive , or Canberra and the Snowy Mountains .

You can also do a quick east coast road trip to either Melbourne or Byron Bay , without too many overnight stopovers or side trips.

2 weeks road trip from Sydney

A 14 day Sydney road trip itinerary is the perfect amount of time to do a Sydney to Byron Bay road trip , including a couple of days in Newcastle . This is one of the best NSW road trips for people who want to explore the east coast and rainforests.

You could also combine the Kangaroo Valley , Canberra and the Snowy Mountains , and Jervis Bay road trips, which would take you from coast to country.

2 weeks is also a decent amount of time for a one-way road trip from Sydney to Melbourne , including a couple of nights in Jervis Bay .

Sydney to Jervis Bay Road Trip

Distance Covered: 209 km, 3.5 hours driving

Total Time Needed: 3 – 8 days in total

● Best road trip from Sydney for pristine white sandy beaches, water activities and nature

Jervis Bay is set along the South Coast and is rightfully known as a crown jewel of NSW. Just a 3 hours drive from Sydney, along a stunning stretch of coastline featuring crystal clear ocean lapping upon some of the whitest sands in the world, Jervis Bay is one of the most delightful short road trips from Sydney on this list.

This dazzling road trip takes you along the Grand Pacific Drive just out of Sydney, starting in the Royal National Park and finishing up in Jervis Bay. It hugs some of the most spectacular coastlines in the country, weaving amongst bush, rainforest, cliffs, and coastal towns.

Like you know when people say it’s about the journey, not the destination? They’re talking about this road trip in particular. It’s well worth the journey as one of the best weekend trips from Sydney.

Stops on the Grand Pacific Drive

The Grand Pacific Drive map starts in the Royal National Park and hugs the scenic coastline through Wollongong, Kiama, and Shellharbour and finishes at Jervis Bay.

There are numerous worthwhile stops along the Grand Pacific Drive to Jervis Bay and you can add as many or little stops as you want, depending on how much time you have and what interests you most.

See the sights of the Royal National Park

Distance Sydney to Royal National Park:  40 km, 1 hr

Suggested Stay:  1 – 2 days

We start this road trip in the Royal National Park, the oldest national park in Australia set on 16,000 ha of lush eucalyptus forests, secluded beaches, pretty picnic grounds and much more! This park is over 100 years old and boasts over 100 km of bushwalking tracks, several beaches, campsites, and even hang gliding.

Here’s what you shouldn’t miss in the Royal National Park:

● Wedding Cake Rock is a natural white rock formation that looks exactly as the name suggests ● The beaches of Burning Palms, Marley, and Era ● Hiking to the Figure 8 Pools during low tide and calm waters ● Wattamolla Lagoon and Beach has great walking trails nearby too ● The Coast Track from Bundeena to Otford for bird and whale watching ● The Jibbon Headland Aboriginal engravings

Drive over the Sea Cliff Bridge

Made famous by featuring in numerous car adverts, the stunning Sea Cliff Bridge must be driven over at least once on your road trip from Sydney, preferably more.

We recommend driving over it a couple of times, then parking at either end to get out and walk. From your sidewalk vantage point you can spot where the previous perilous road once was, now crumbling with the dramatic cliff edges. Peer over the edge to try to spot manta rays and sea birds or meander underneath onto the rocky shores below.

Snorkel at a shipwreck in Shellharbour

Distance Royal National Park to Shellharbour:  85 km, 1 hr 40 minutes

Suggested Stay:  1 day

Next, you’ll drop into Shellharbour, a coastal town blessed with a stunning location and its very own surfing reserve at Killalea Beach called “the Farm”.

Snorkel around a shipwrecked American tanker at the secluded bay of Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve. While visiting, make time to follow the indigenous cultural walk to learn about the way Indigenous people connected with the land, movement patterns, diet, resources and tools.

Marvel at coastal rock formations in Kiama

Just 12 minutes south of Shellharbour is the seaside town of Kiama, which boasts unspoilt beaches, lush rolling hills, and a creative and laid back vibe. It has garnered great fountain fame for having one of the largest ocean water blowholes in the world, Kiama Blowhole.

If unusual rock formations are your thing, be sure to stop by Bombo Headland and Cathedral Rocks, a geological site featuring some very religious-looking basalt columns.

Soak up the sun in the Shoalhaven Region

After Kiama, you’ll be entering the Shoalhaven region, which stretches between Berry and Pebbly Beach, covering inland to Kangaroo Valley and Budawang National Park, including Jervis Bay. Visit Shoalhaven Heads for laid-back surf vibes, Shoalhaven River, and great wineries.

If you have the time, drive off the Princes Highway up Turpentine Road to Jerrawangala Lookout for views from Gerringong to Ulladulla. A vantage point once used by indigenous people to send messages. This national park is also full of rare heath frogs, sooty owls and New Holland honeyeaters. 

Things to do in Jervis Bay

Distance Shellharbour to Jervis Bay:  91 km, 1 hr 20 minutes

Suggested Stay:  2 – 5 days

Jervis Bay is heralded for its absurdly soft, stark white sands, like the sands of Hyams Beach, and its seriously crystal clear aqua waters, so get ready for some seriously tropical vibes.

There are an array of water activities to partake in, from sailing to paddle boarding, to diving, and is home to migratory whales in May through November, and bottlenose dolphins year-round.

Snorkel or swim the best beaches in Jervis Bay

Get in amongst the turquoise-hues and blinding white sands of the best beaches in Jervis Bay:

● Murrays Beach – In Booderee National Park is especially popular with families, but the smooth glassy crystal-clear waters are not to be missed ● Chinamans Beach – My favourite of all the beaches due to its brilliant white sands without the crowds ● Scottish Rocks in Booderee National Park – Has the best snorkelling of all. I saw two Port Jackson sharks there! ● Hyams Beach – Recognised in the Guinness Book of Records for being the whitest sand beach in the world ● Blenheim Beach – Surrounded by dense sloping bushland and gentle and calming waves

Beach-hop in Booderee National Park

A whole world of natural wonders awaits within the Booderee National Park.

Visit the Hole in the Wall rock formation and take a cool picture before exploring the rock pools around the headland. Murrays Beach is widely considered a crown jewel of the coast due to its calm clear water and lots of great snorkelling! Cave Beach is named for the stunning rock formations you’ll find along the shore and is a popular hot spot to hang ten.

The Botanic Gardens here are so beautiful as well. They’re the only Aboriginal-owned gardens in the entire country and a wander through will teach you all about medical uses for native plants and how to forage. Then you can impress all your friends with all your newfound natural knowledge. 

You can also camp in Booderee, which we have talked a bit more about below.

Visit Point Perpendicular Lighthouse

This adorable little landmark is a must-visit while in town. While you can’t go inside a climb to the top offers one of the best vantage points around. It’s such a famous historical fixture of nautical history here and also secretly the best spot for whale watching.

Climb to the lookout 90 meters above sea level and gaze out over the sparkling seas for signs of majestic marine life. We highly recommended stopping here at sunset to get the most out of the view.

Be sure to drop in to Honeymoon Bay on your drive to the lighthouse for great snorkelling or a hike to Silica Cove and the shipwreck on Longnose Point.

See sights from the water a boat tour

The best way to explore Jervis Bay is by a boat tour, and you have quite a few really cool ones to choose from! Because there are so many dolphins within the bay, we recommend hedging your bets on seeing dolphins on one of the other, non-dolphin centric tours so you can really get the most out of your boat tour.

Here are some of the best boat tours to take in Jervis Bay:

● Jervis Bay Passage – See the amazing cliff formations plus Point Perpendicular Lighthouse up close ● Seals and Seacliffs – See seals plus even more cliff formations out on the ocean ● Whale Watching Tour – At the right time of year spot whales as they take refuge in Jervis Bay ● Sea Kayak Tour – Paddle past spectacular beaches with the possibility of seeing sea life up close

Down some street food and craft beer at a brewery

There’s not one, but two, really cool open breweries set in the industrial area near Huskisson, ready for you to savour a local drop while chowing down some grub from the street food stands in the pretty outdoor beer gardens on site.

Jervis Bay Brewing Co. have sustainability at the heart of what they do and create delicious craft beers that bring people and communities closer together. Nearby, you can sip on a tasting paddle while admiring the brew system at Flamin Galah Brewing Co.

Snorkel or dive with sea life

We’ve already established how great Jervis Bay is for observing whales, dolphins, seals, and birdlife. But you might also want to dive under the surface and meet with some residents face-to-face.

With Jervis Bay Dive you can take tours that snorkel with humpback whales, or scuba dive with seals, rays, Port Jackson sharks, and cuttlefish.

Take one of the beautiful walks around the bay

The most famous walk in the area would have to be the White Sands Walk taking you past Blenheim Beach, Greenpatch Beach and Chinamans Beach. Be sure to bring your camera and a swimsuit.

If you like shipwrecks, take the Abraham’s Bosom Walking track to the wreck of S.S. Merimbula, or the more difficult Silica Cove hiking trail from Honeymoon Bay to the shipwreck of the St. Martin de Porres.

Near Gorgeous Murrays Beach, you might also like to take the Governor Head track to the lookout over Bowen Island, where you might be able to catch a glimpse of the fairy penguin colony during breeding season from August to March.

Grand Pacific Drive and Jervis Bay Camping

All the campsites listed below are perfect for you to overnight on a Sydney to Jervis Bay drive tour and accommodate RV, trailer, campervan, or tent camping.

● Royal National Park Camping:  Bonnie Vale Campground  (From $34.85 per site as of Feb 2022) – Located near Bundeena this popular riverside campground offers powered and unpowered sites suitable for tents, trailers, and caravans, making it a fantastic place for beach camping south of Sydney.

● Shellharbour: NRMA Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park (From $44 for powered sites) A short walk from the village and surrounded by beaches, this park is affordable with all the necessary amenities like WiFi, a kitchen, a swimming pool, and even laundry. There’s a caravan park site, campsite, and cute cabins to rent.

● Jervis Bay Camping Camping:  Hidden Creek Campsite  (From $40 per site as of Feb 2022) – Nestled in amongst five acres of natural bushland, alongside a peaceful creek, each campsite is uniquely different but every one of them has their own campfire pit. Toilets and hot water are available.

● Booderee National Park Camping:  Green Patch Campground  ($51 per standard site/night as of Feb 2022) – Located in close proximity to a picturesque lagoon, and surrounded by trees and bushland, sites are available in standard and large sizes and as well as drive-in or walk-in with sheltered BBQ, tables and seating.

Sydney to Melbourne Road Trip

Distance Covered: 1,352 km, 18 hours driving

Total Time Needed: 1 – 3 weeks

● Best long Sydney road trip for cities, coastal wilderness, ancient ranges, and native wildlife

A scenic sojourn through NSW and Victoria connects two of the biggest (and best) cities, creating the ultimate Aussie adventure of all the road trips Sydney has to offer.

The road trip Sydney to Melbourne portion via The Coastal Discovery Drive truly captures the heart and spirit of Australia. It includes the Grand Pacific Drive, which we have written about in more detail above , as well as the magnificent coastline of vivid colours.

This Sydney to Melbourne drive will have you stopping in at the blinding-white sands of Jervis Bay , hanging out with kangaroos on the beach in Bateman’s Bay, discovering actual Eden, getting lost in the lush wilderness of Mallacoota and Wilsons Promontory, boating the pristine waterways of the Gippsland Lakes, and welcoming home the fairy penguin colony of Phillip Island.

Stops on the Sydney to Melbourne road trip

The Coastal Discovery Drive is a great route with plenty of sun-soaked beaches to explore or stay between Melbourne and Sydney.

Float in the turquoise-hues of Jervis Bay

Distance Sydney to Jervis Bay :  200 km, 3 hrs

Suggested Stay:  1 – 4 days

A picturesque bay teeming with sea life, with vividly clear water lapping upon soft white sandy shores. Jervis Bay is one of the most special destinations on the East Coast of Australia. Snorkel at Plantation Point, take a whale-watching cruise and enjoy a relaxing respite on the insanely white sandy shores.

This stop along the Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive is a popular Sydney road trip destination in itself! That’s why we wrote up it’s own Jervis Bay road trip section above. But it’s also a fantastic stop on your coastal drive to Melbourne, so schedule in at least a few days here.

Soak up sun on the soft sands in Mollymook

An hour south of Jervis Bay, you can get even more secluded on Mollymook Beach, a 2 km stretch of sand where you can surf, spot dolphins, or simply slow down and enjoy the endless ocean views. Take a picnic to the grassy knoll behind the beach or savour some of Mollymook’s culinary hotspots.

Savour fresh seafood in Batemans Bay

Distance Jervis Bay to Batemans Bay:  106 km, 1 hr 30 minutes

A 4-hour drive from Sydney, Batemans Bay is a pretty area of the NSW ‘Oyster Coast’. Named after the sheer number of mollusc growers in the region, these expansive waterways make the area popular among adventure-seekers, with tours ranging from glass-bottom kayaking, to e-biking, and oyster tasting.

The Pizza Paddle Sunset Kayak Tour here basically checks all our boxes for tours. Paddling in picturesque mangroves as the sun slowly sinks with a mouthful of a savoury slice is a dream we never knew we had.

If you’re not a tour person, find your favourite water activity from surfing to scuba diving and get to it, finish the day with a meal of fresh oysters.

Also, check out Maloney’s Beach where a local group of kangaroos live, for a picture-perfect Aussie moment.

Discover a natural paradise in Eden

Distance Batemans Bay to Eden:  191 km, 2 hrs 20 minutes

Next on the coastal drive from Sydney to Melbourne is Eden, and it’s aptly named at that, set on a hillside overlooking the coast. Comfortably sitting in the middle of the Sapphire Coast, an area famous for uncrowded pristine beaches, ancient landscapes, and untouched national parks, Eden is a natural paradise.

Soak up the sun on a perfect beach, indulge in fresh seafood right from the wharf, or pop into the kitschy yet informative Killer Whale Museum.

Walk the Wilderness Coast in Croajingalong National Park

Distance Eden to Mallacoota:  91 km, 1 hr 10 minutes

Escape civilisation and get as far out in the wilderness as you possibly can, without leaving the coast, in the Croajingalong National Park. This area near Mallacoota, found in far-east Victoria, is home to ancient forests, pristine inlets, picturesque campgrounds, giant sand dunes, abundant wildlife, and the first place on east coast Australia to be seen by James Cook’s Endeavour in 1770.

Do forest walks, bird or bandicoot spotting, kayaking around Tamboon Inlet, visit Point Hicks Lighthouse, or camp at Shipwreck Creek.

Go boating around the inland waterways of Lakes Entrance

Distance Mallacoota to Lakes Entrance:  202 km, 2 hrs 30 minutes

Lakes Entrance, a coastal town in eastern Victoria is known for the Gippsland Lakes, a vast system of inland waterways just waiting for you to explore. Hire your own boat through Riviera Nautic, no boat license is necessary, and discover what this calm waterway has to offer.

The pristine golden sands of 90 Mile Beach, which separates the Gippsland Lakes from the Bass Strait, is the highlight of this area. One of the most natural and unspoilt beaches in the world, take the pedestrian bridge to the beach for an array of water activities, take a pic at the Trinculo Ship Wreck, or just come to ogle the long and slender sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see.

A great day trip from Lakes Entrance, especially if you’re into stalactites, is a visit to Buchan Caves, which is about an hour’s drive. Carved by an underground river almost 400 million years ago and significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners of the land, the honeycomb cave system draws in visitors with impressive cavern size, limestone formations, pillars, and rim pools.

Take an amphibious boat tour from Wilsons Promontory

Distance Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory:  272 km, 3 hr 20 minutes

Wilsons Promontory is the southernmost tip of Australia’s mainland and one of the most remote places to visit between Melbourne and Sydney. The deserted beaches, woodland trails, dramatic granite outcrops and mountains, and abundant wildlife, like wombats and kangaroos, are just some of the great reasons to include this out-of-the-way stop on your drive from Sydney to Melbourne by car.

Take a seriously unusual amphibious boat tour to prehistoric boulders and Skull Rock – a magnificently weird granite monolith.

This stopover adds an extra hour of drive time to your next stopover to Phillip Island, so skip over it if you don’t have the time to spare.

Welcome fairy penguins home at sunset on Phillip Island

Distance Wilsons Promontory to Phillip Island:  131 km, 1 hr 40 minutes

Phillip Island, made famous by its adorable resident fairy penguin colony, is a popular stop on a Melbourne to Sydney coastal drive. Grab tickets for the Evening Penguin Parade at sunset after a day exploring the exciting coastline’s idyllic beaches, sea caves, and fur seal colonies on a cruise.

Things to do in Melbourne

Distance Phillip Island to Melbourne:  142 km, 2 hrs

The next stop is the final destination, and it’s a doozy! Known as the cultural capital there’s no shortage of fun pastimes to partake of in Melbourne. World-famous food, street art, music, and shopping makes up the heart of its notoriously cool scene.

Uncover Melbourne’s oddities

Melbourne is a melting pot of culture and oddities. To get a bit off the beaten path in this unique city, explore the elaborate system of subterranean storm tunnels, see the whimsical Fairies Tree at Fitzroy Gardens, find graffiti art in Union Lane or Hosier Lane, or do one of Melbourne’s many ghost tours .

Check out the beaches

Head to the suburb of St. Kilda to get some sand between your toes and meet some of the special locals. Squeal from cuteness overload at the St. Kilda Pier Penguin Colony. It’s part wildlife park and part beautiful bay, and a lovely way to spend a day soaking up the scenery of Melbourne. Go for sunset and you won’t be disappointed.

Drive 6 km further south and you’ll come across Melbourne’s most colourful beach, Dendy Street Beach, in the affluent suburb of Brighton. Neatly lined upon the shore, colourful Victorian bathing boxes often painted in themes like underwater, or the Australian flag.

On a budget? Do something in Melbourne for free!

There are loads of really cool activities in Melbourne just waiting for you to try. We wrote a whole post on the 10 things to do in Melbourne for free which includes a free walking tour, where to find the best street art, free museum entry, iconic Princes Pier, plus the best markets and gardens.

Where Next? How about a road trip from Melbourne over the Great Ocean Road

Best camping between Sydney and Melbourne

These are the best places to pitch a tent or park a campervan along the Coastal Discovery Route when you drive Sydney to Melbourne.

Whether you’re into bush camping or beach camping, all the campsites listed below are perfect for you to overnight on a Sydney to Melbourne road trip and accommodate RV, trailer, campervan, or tent camping.

● Beach camping near Batemans Bay: Pebbly Beach Campground ($24.60 per site) Tucked behind the Murramarang National Park forest along the coastline, this is the ultimate place to meet fellow campers and the resident kangaroos.

● Batemans Bay Camping: Batemans Bay Holiday Park ($34 per powered site) They’ve got it all at this holiday park, from deluxe cabins to ensuite caravan sites. There are so many fun extras here for channelling that inner child, like mini-golf, go-karts, and a game room.

● Beach Camping near Eden: Gillards Campground ($24.60 per site) You’ll find this pretty campground nestled between the beach and the bush in Mimosa Rocks National Park, offering opportunities to go surfing, fishing and walking.

● Eden Camping: Ingenia Holiday Park Eden Beachfront ($25 per campsite) They’ve got the best of both worlds, immersed in nature and still super close to all of the coolest sights in the city. Cabins and campsites abound here.

● Croajingolong National Park Camping: Shipwreck Creek Campground (from $13.90 per site) This small, secluded campground is set among tall eucalypt trees a short walk away from the secluded Shipwreck Beach named after the wreck of The Schah (1837), one of Victoria’s oldest shipwrecks. It can accommodate camper vans and tents and is found down a long gravel road.

● Free Camping in Lakes Entrance: Shoreline Drive Campgrounds (Free) 19 unpowered coastal campsites with ready access to the beach. Dogs allowed in some sites on leash. Limited facilities.

● Wilsons Promontory Camping: Tidal River Campground (from $30.20 per site) 484 popular, well-equipped powered and unpowered sites for tent and caravan camping in one of Victoria’s best-loved national parks surrounded by wallabies and wombats.

● Philip Island Camping: NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park (from $46 per night) The ultimate base to explore the best of this idyllic holiday island with unpowered or unpowered sites on grass or mat close to the water.

● Melbourne Camping: The Gums Campground (from $14.70 per unpowered site) For those that prefer the bush, check out the Gums. A campground 65 km from Melbourne centre, it’s cheap, super peaceful, and set up perfectly for avid adventurers with plenty of basic amenities.

Sydney to Kangaroo Valley Road Trip

Distance Covered: 158 km, 2.5 hours driving

Total Time Needed: 1 – 2 days in total

● Best short road trip from Sydney for a secluded weekend getaway to the bush

Kangaroo Valley has got to be the perfect pick from all the weekend road trips from Sydney. 2 days is the exact amount of time you’ll want to dedicate to this delightful little jaunt away, perfect for a breath of fresh air and “forest-bathing.”

En route the Sydney to Kangaroo Valley drive, be sure to take Moss Vale Road for a lovely and leisurely cruise through the iconically rural surroundings. Visit Fitzroy Falls on the way in or out, and spend the weekend going a little further afield to discover natural swimming holes, art museums or scenic lookouts.

On your way back to Sydney, visit the Bundanon Art Museum then take one last scenic route on the Grand Pacific Drive before going back to city life.

Things to do in Kangaroo Valley

So you need a break from city life and have the urge to be in outdoors, there are loads of nature-centric, foodie things to do in Kangaroo Valley, read on for more.

Eat your way down the Main Street

The charming main street on Moss Vale Road through Kangaroo Valley has a personality all its own. A stroll down reveals some of Kangaroo Valley’s most famous attributes and delicious dining destinations.

The eateries here are some of the best, especially if you have a craving for homemade pies and fudge. Grab a fabulous bite at the General Store or the Friendly Inn and you can see what all the foodie fuss is about.

Walk to the escarpment lookouts at Fitzroy Falls

Head out over the historic Hampden Bridge, a spectacular single-span suspension structure, to find the cascading Fitzroy Falls in Morton Valley National Park.

There are a few bushwalking trails full of cute critters and the highlight, of course, is a dramatic waterfall flowing fast over a rugged cliff wall falling 81 metres down into a verdant valley below.

Kayak under the famous Hampden Bridge

It’s hard not to marvel at the quaint, historic Hampden Bridge, which crosses the Kangaroo River. In the spring and summer, hire a kayak or take a kayak tour starting at the Hampden Bridge to get a different view of the gorgeous scenery.

Wild swimming at Flatrock Waterhole

In Kangaroo Valley we love to take the road less travelled off the beaten path to discover secret wild swimming at idyllic destinations like Flatrock Waterhole. It’s secluded and shrouded in scenery, ideal for a refreshing dip.

Visit Bundanon Art Museum and the Bridge

Embedded in the surrounding natural landscape, the Bundanon Art Museum houses a changing program of contemporary exhibitions and unique cultural experiences, with a focus on Indigenous Australian art.

You’ll also love to take in the breathtaking views from Red Rock Trig or Cambewarra Mountain Lookout on the 35-minute drive between Bundanon and Kangaroo Valley.

Wander the adorable country town of Berry

The adorable hamlet of Berry is another idyllic itinerary item on your country road trip from Sydney. Only a 25-minute drive from Kangaroo Valley, Berry boasts an array of specialty shops full of artisan wares and vintage treasures as well as cute cafes with tasty treats and nearby natural wonders.

Camping in Kangaroo Valley

All the campsites listed below are perfect for you to overnight on a Kangaroo Valley road trip from Sydney and accommodate RV, trailer, campervan, or tent camping, plus a cheeky Kangaroo Valley free camping option.

● Kangaroo Valley Camping Ground: Holiday Haven (from $24 unpowered sites) The perfect place for a country getaway with campgrounds, self-contained cabins, and bungalow rooms all full of rustic charm. You’ll find firepits, barbecues, a kitchen, WiFi, river access, trails, canoes and kayaks, and an animal farmyard. This holiday park is not taking bookings from 18/3/2022 click the link for details.

● Free Camping in Kangaroo Valley: Bendeela Recreation Area (FREE/$6 booking fee) This is a popular camping and recreation area, so it’s super safe along with being spacious and scenic. It’s a cheap and easy jumping-off point for outdoor adventure. Closed due to flooding from 18/3/2022 click the link for details.

Sydney to Canberra and the Snowy Mountains Road Trip

Distance Covered: 827 km, 11 hours driving

Total Time Needed: 5 – 10 days in total

● Best central NSW road trip for country towns, museums, the ACT, and famous Mount Kosciuszko

The best country drive Sydney has to offer is the classic route to Canberra and the Snowy Mountains. Heading southwest to the national capital has all the makings of the authentic Aussie journey of your dreams, full of delightful surprises all along the way.

It’s easy to spend a few days on the road with this one before arriving in Queanbeyan, the entrance to the dramatic Snowy Mountains.

Stops between Sydney and Canberra

When you road trip Sydney to Canberra, be sure to take it slow and soak up the quaint country towns and scenery along the way.

Marvel at Australia’s largest botanic gardens

A lovely first stop on the Sydney to Canberra road trip is to discover the state’s newest and the nation’s largest botanic gardens, The Australian Botanic Garden Mt Annan.

Explore 416 ha of themed garden areas and natural tracts of endangered vegetation, or have your first road trip coffee at Melaleuca House.

Munch on gourmet food in historic Bowral

Distance Sydney to Bowral:  118 km, 1.5 hrs

As the largest town in the Southern Highlands, historic Bowral is the perfect first overnight stop on your to Canberra road trip from Sydney.

Wander the historic village and Bong Bong Street, stopping in at Gumnut Patisserie for gourmet baked desserts with an Aussie twist, The Milk Factory Gallery, where local art adorns the walls of a former dairy warehouse, and Dirty Janes, an emporium packed-full of curious vintage goods.

Explore Fitzroy Falls and Kangaroo Valley

Distance Bowral to Kangaroo Valley:  40 km, 45 min

Detour to Moss Vale Road for a side quest through the iconically rural surroundings of Kangaroo Valley, a destination we have written about in detail in this post above .

Stopover at Fitzroy Falls for a scenic walk before continuing over historic Hampden Bridge and into the centre of quaint Kangaroo Valley township. Stop for a bite or a coffee here before continuing along the Hume Highway to Goulburn next.

See a giant ram in Goulburn

The drive southwest 1 hour from Bowral to the Southern Tablelands passing national parkland and conservation areas, gorges, rivers and waterfalls. Goulburn, the state’s first inland city, houses Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum and the Big Merino, a 15.2 metres tall concrete merino ram.

Between Goulburn and Canberra, be sure to also stop in at the Bushranger Hotel, a now heritage-listed hotel named after a shootout in 1865 between bushranger Ben Hall and the town of Collectors only police officer, Constable Samuel Nelson, right outside the hotel.

Swim inside a canyon at Wombeyan Caves

Distance Goulburn to Wombeyan Caves:  76 km, 1 hr 10 mins

Wombeyan Caves is an extensive series of beautiful limestone caves featuring vast caverns adorned with striking and delicate formations in which you can swim, walk, or do a tour of the three different caverns.

Be sure to take a dip in the vast canyon of Mares Forest Creek Canyon, a secret wild swimming spot perfect for adventurous souls.

Wombeyan Caves are about a 1-hour detour away from Goulburn so skip this stop if you don’t have time. We suggest staying overnight at the campground on-site and going for a swim around midday when the sun warms up the cool, refreshing water.

Things to do in Canberra

Distance Goulburn to Canberra:  92 km, 1.5 hr

Suggested Stay:  1 – 3 days

Canberra may not have been very high on your choice of Sydney road trips, but it is a goldmine if you know where to look. Fabulous food, a happening bar scene, excellent coffee, stunning natural surrounds, great shopping, and world-class galleries and museums are what make Canberra an awesome place to spend a few days.

There are plenty of cool tours to take here as well, on everything from brewery tours to building and architecture tours .

Peruse the National Gallery of Australia Sculpture Garden

Once in the cultural haven of Canberra, scope out the National Gallery Sculpture Garden. 30 large scale creations from artists all over the world are dotted around this vast verdant space for an immersive and one-of-a-kind artistic experience.

Visit the The Shine Dome at night

The Shine Dome is a copper-coated, multi-arch modern structure surrounded by a moat. The largest free-standing dome in the country, it’s home to the nation’s foremost scientific society. It’s an even cooler sight when it’s all lit up at night.

Learn through interaction at Questacon

The Questacon National Science and Technology Centre is a hands-on museum unlike any other science museum in the world. Interactively travel from the centre of an earthquake to the heart of a beehive, and all the way to outer space with a visit to Questacon, a place sure to open your mind.

Sit in on parliament in action

Experience Australia’s robust democracy in action on a visit to the Australian Parliament House. You can watch Question Time, see bills being debated, and sit in on committee inquiries as current issues are explored in detail.

Driving Between Canberra and Kosciuszko National Park

Drop in to the charming country town of Queanbeyan

Queanbeyan is a quaint town full of history and hospitality and the ideal antidote to city life in Sydney. A gateway to the Snowy Mountains and Canberra, this charming country town, filled with historic buildings and positioned between the Molonglo and Queanbeyan rivers, is deserving of a stopover on your Canberra road trip.

Of course, a quick detour to soak up the geological wonder that is the Googong Dam Foreshore is recommended, check out the London Bridge Arch here, or just enjoy some bushwalking.

Drive the Alpine Way to Kosciuszko

Starting in Canberra and winding through some of the most unique and dramatic landscapes in the state, the drive along Kosciuszko Alpine Way takes you through lush farmland, into rolling hills, mountain tops, and finally alpine forests.

Things to do in the Snowy Mountains

Distance Canberra to Kosciuszko National Park:  212 km, 3 hrs

Next, stunning vistas await as there’s something ethereal to explore in every season on the Sydney to Snowy Mountains road trip. This rugged range is home to the highest peak in the country, Mount Kosciuszko.

Depending on the season, there are loads of things to do in the Snowy Mountains. This place is made for having a good time. Go skiing or snowboarding at Perisher or Thredbo in winter, or in summer, summit the mountain by hiking or mountain biking, before heading to Lake Jindabyne for a swim and a picnic.

Hike up Mount Kosciuszko

Set out along the old road to Mount Kosciuszko for a day of high altitude adventure. Hike or ride from Charlotte Pass to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko passing weathered snow gums and rock formations on the way. The historic Seamans Hut is a favourite spot to rest or enjoy a picnic surrounded by the beauty of the Snowy Mountains, as you climb to Australia’s highest peak.

Discover lakes, falls, and pools

An icy swim in one of the pristine lakes around the Snowy Mountains is a great way to cool off after a day of adventuring. Lake Jindabyne is the perfect place to take a dip and a picnic, since it’s so big you’ll have plenty of space to yourself.

Head over to Paddy’s River Falls where you can soak up the spray, take a dip in the actual Snowy River from along the beautiful and easy Illawong Track, or peruse the handcrafted sculptures at Lake Crackenback.

Prefer a warmer swim? Drive over to the thermal pool at Yarrangobilly Caves and take a plunge in a much more pleasurable 27ºC.

Camping between Sydney and Canberra/Snowy Mountains

All the campsites listed below are perfect for you to overnight on a Snowy Mountains and Canberra road trip from Sydney and accommodate RV, trailer, campervan, or tent camping. Many of the campsites in Kosciuszko National Park are free or cheap, making this a great Sydney road trip to do on a budget.

●Camping near Bowral: Berrima River Reserve Campground ($18 per night) These primitive campgrounds are equipped with cold water showers, toilets, BBQ facilities, no power, and not much else. It’s set super close to the Wingecarribee River and is perfect for day trips into Bowral and Kangaroo Valley.

●Free Camping near Bowral: HQ Camp Wingello State Forest (FREE unpowered sites) Tent and campervan sites among the whispering trees, magpies singing and a crackling campfire. Soft pine needles underfoot, plentiful free firewood, and a clean drop toilet. BYO drinking water.

●Camping near Goulburn: Wombeyan Caves Campground (from $24.60 per night) This large campground is perfect for caravans and motor homes, close to all the attractions in the park. There’s a communal kitchen and BBQs, as well as fireplaces and hot showers.

●Canberra Camping: Alivio Tourist Park ($69 for a drive through van site) Right near the city centre, you can stay in villas, cabins, motel rooms, or caravan sites here, plus an abundance of free provisions for all. No tent camping is available here.

●Camping near Canberra: Cotter Campground ($15 per night) On the banks of the beautiful Cotter River, 21 minutes from Canberra, this space caters to a wide range of styles with easy access to the wilderness and amazing facilities.

●Free Camping in Thredbo: Thredbo Diggings – (FREE/$6 booking fee) Open all year round, this site by the Thredbo River is great for anyone wanting to rough it in some majestic surroundings for a small fee. Bring your own water and firewood to this one.

● Free Camping in Kosciuszko National Park:  Long Plain Hut Campground  (FREE/$6 booking fee) Set up your caravan or pitch your tent with a view of historic Long Plain Hut, nestled among sub-alpine bushland dotted with snow gum and candlebark trees. This campground is close to the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool.

Sydney to Blue Mountains Road Trip

Distance Covered: 150 km, 2 – 3 hours driving

Total Time Needed: 2 – 4 days in total

● Best long weekend trip from Sydney for mountains, views, hiking, and adventure

The Blue Mountains are a majestic fixture of the Australian terrain and one of the best scenic drives in Sydney. Take the M4 Motorway and Great Western Highway for 1200 km of carved mountains and valleys, thick ancient rainforest, and historic towns only an hour and a half out of Sydney.

Once you reach Lithgow on your Sydney to Blue Mountains drive, toss a coin to figure out the rest! Heads mean north towards Mudgee and Orange, and tails mean east driving back towards Sydney. Both ways are good options.

Things to do in the Blue Mountains

There are endless hiking trails to trek in the Blue Mountains, each with its own specific allure. It’s the perfect short Sydney road trip for anyone seeking a blissful break full of nature. It’s super accessible and an amazing place to camp ensconced within the scenery underneath the starry skies.

Take an all-inclusive tour or pick your own path to discover intricate cave systems, beautiful botanical gardens, relaxing health spas, glow worm caves, eucalyptus forests, magical lookouts, and impressively tall cliff walks all in the pristine wilderness of the Blue Mountains National Park to complete one of the most stunning road trips in NSW.

Explore Katoomba and the Thee Sisters

The most famous Blue Mountains landmark is undoubtedly the Three Sisters. A triad of rock formations that tower high above the rest of the otherworldly surroundings. The Echo Point Lookout is the best (but also most popular) place to admire the beauty of the three sisters.

The Giant Stairway is another awe-inspiring way to see these bad babes up close. You can take this short trail from Echo Point in Katoomba.

Side note – the little village of Katoomba is super cute and also has a quaint railway system that is an excellent addition to your Blue Mountains itinerary.

See a different side of the mountains on an waterfall canyoning tour

If you’ve never tried canyoning before – you must! This canyoning tour is packed with adventure and is sure to get your adrenaline pumping when you hurl yourself over the edges of the mountains that make this part of the world famous.

On a canyoning tour, you will abseil down a series of cliffs and waterfalls, rock jump, and swim in pools, all while admiring the valley views and moss-covered cave walls. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, canyoning in the Blue Mountains is a life-changing experience!

Go hiking on spectacular trails

There’s an abundance of trails to trek, some with the best lookouts for sweeping vistas in the area, or others are great for wild roaming and picture snapping.

The best hikes in the Blue Mountains include:

● The Giant Stairway – Walk out onto the first sister from Katoomba ● Charles Darwin Walk to Wentworth Falls – An easy stroll along a boardwalk and bush track ● Prince Henry Cliff Walk to Leura Cascades – This takes you from Katoomba Cascades over waterfalls and caves, to some of the best views in NSW ● Grand Canyon Circuit Walk to Evans Lookout – A challenging hike through lush rainforest with creek crossings, waterfalls, and rock overhangs ● The Chester Trail to Lincolns Rock – The best sunset vantage point

Drive down to the Megalong Valley for tea and scones

This incredibly scenic drive takes you ascending through thick rainforest and windy roads before opening up into grassy fields surrounded by the spectacular rims of the Blue Mountains. Listen out for lyrebirds, which mimic the sounds of cars, heavy machinery, and even dogs!

Travel past Old Ford Reserve, Six Foot Track crossing and through to Dryridge and Megalong Creek Estates, the boutique vineyards of the valley.

If you’re feeling peckish, or just down for a decent coffee, head over to the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms, for really good home-made scones with jam and cream on one of their beautiful outdoor tables overlooking the valley.

Camping in the Blue Mountains

These are the best places to camp on a Blue Mountains road trip from Sydney. The Blue Mountains City Council also has a great resource page for camping in the Blue Mountains .

● Free Camping in the Blue Mountains: Old Ford Reserve (FREE) This spot in the Megalong Valley offers a more remote and rugged experience. Free camping is allowed in campervans or tents and it’s likely to be the most picturesque place to stay around. Toilets provided but no other facilities.

● Glenbrook/Blue Mountains Camping: Euroka Campground ($24.60 per site) This campsite is for tents only, with a short walk from the parking space. You’ll need to come prepared here, with your own water and firewood. However, there’s plenty of space in scenic surroundings and basic facilities like barbecue facilities and restrooms, and it’s a great place to camp with kangaroos.

Sydney to Newcastle Road Trip Loop

Distance Covered: 470 km, 6.5 hours driving

Total Time Needed: 3 – 10 days in total

● This short Sydney road trip is the best of everything from the coast, national parks, history, wine tasting, and cities

Just a 2-hour drive from Sydney, a Newcastle road trip is perfect for people who want to see and do something different every day. Explore spectacular beaches on the east coast, a historic road built by convicts, national parks, wine country , and the second-biggest city in NSW.

This is the real deal road trip of all the scenic drives Sydney has to offer. There’s so much to see in between on this Sydney to Newcastle road trip that we think you’ll want to make a lengthier adventure out of it.

Coastal stops between Sydney and Newcastle

Love scenic drives around Sydney? Be sure to include a cruise through the Ku-Ring-Gai National Park plus Tourist Drive 33 on your Sydney to Hunter Valley drive.

Visit the TV-famous Palm Beach

This long 2.3 km-long narrow peninsula was made famous in Home & Away as being their resident fictional beach, Summer Bay . This peninsular has an unbeatable location, with Pittwater to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and Broken Bay to the north at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. Walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for spectacular views of all three.

Hike to beaches in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

A popular day trip from Sydney, the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a spectacular stopover on your way north. Hike to the secluded Resolute Beach, do the Aboriginal Heritage Walk to see the red hands cave, marvel at the dramatic scenery from the lookout, or simply drive through the mesmerising scenery.

Want to explore this area of North Sydney from the water? Search for pretty inlets and secluded beaches yourself by hiring a boat from either Barrenjoey to take into Pittwater Bay, or Akuna Bay to take up the Hawkesbury River (no boat license necessary).

Stay on an island in the Hawkesbury River

Distance Sydney to Brooklyn:  55 km, 1 hr 20 min

This winding 120 km-long river stretches from Yarramundi in the west to Broken Bay near Pittwater in the east. The Hawkesbury River, or Dyarubbin as it’s known to the Darug and Darkinjung people who lived along it, is usually gifted with clear, green waters. Perfect to explore by tinny, ferry, or the Riverboat Postman.

Driving north out of Sydney inevitably means you’ll be crossing the Hawkesbury River at some point. But this lovely area remains somewhat of an undiscovered gem in terms of tourism. You can hire houseboats, stay in a campground, or hire an Airbnb to spend the night on one of the pretty islands like Dangar or Milson Island.

Inland stops between Sydney and Newcastle

Take tourist drive 33 through wollemi national park.

Want to take the road less travelled on your route to Newcastle? The perfect scenic drive on the Sydney to Hunter Valley road trip is to follow Tourist Drive 33 along the historic Convict Trail built in the 1800s, traversing stunning sandstone gorges, razorback ridges, and some of the most stunning NSW countryside.

From Sydney, take the Peats Ridge Road exit on the M1 near Sydney, to Broke in the heart of wine country along the historic Great North Road.

World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park is perhaps best known for containing a tree so valuable and ancient that its exact whereabouts are kept a secret. The Wollemi Pine, or the Dinosaur Tree, was thought to have disappeared 100 million years ago and was known only through its fossils. It was discovered alive and well in a gully by a canyoning national park worker in 1994.

Despite not being able to visit the Dinosaur Trees yourself, Wollemi offers a dramatic setting for scenic walks, swimming, canoeing and camping, as well as being the best scenic drive from Sydney to the Hunter Valley.

Wine tasting in the Hunter Valley

Distance Sydney to Hunter Valley via Tourist Drive 33:  264 km, 4 hrs 30 min

The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine-producing region, with vines being first planted in the early 1820s. You could spend pretty much an endless time in Hunter Valley, but just how much wine time you need is really your call.

Obviously, wine tasting is the best thing to do in the Hunter Valley. But did you know you can take a wine-tasting tour of the Hunter Valley wineries from either Newcastle or the Hunter Valley – so you don’t have to drive when you’ve had a few drinks? Get picked up from your hotel and enjoy the day sampling some of Australia’s best wine, food, cheese, chocolate, and spirits.

Prefer to drive yourself around? Here’s a quick list of some of the best boutique wineries to visit in the Hunter Valley:

● Glandore Estate for wine and chocolate pairings ● Oakvale for organic and vegan wines ● De Iulius do a fantastic wine and cheese pairing ● Horner for a small, intimate tasting ● Comyns & Co. for unique, new-age wines ● Audrey Wilkinson is a great place to take gorgeous pictures of the valley and vines

If you need more information, read my article on the 10 best wineries in the Hunter Valley .

Things to do in Newcastle

Distance Sydney to Newcastle:  163 km, 3 hrs

Suggested Stay:  2 – 4 days

The hip harbour city of Newcastle is the second-largest city in NSW, meaning it’s got all the amenities, from a thriving arts scene to happening nightlife to gourmet grub, as well as amazing beaches and rich history as a working-class steel and coal town.

Visit Darby Street for fantastic eats at quirky sidewalk cafes, plus buzzing shops and galleries. Stroll along Honeysuckle foreshore where the mighty Hunter River meets the sea for harbourside restaurants, cafes and bars taking pride-of-place and offering stunning water views.

Walk Bathers Way for stunning ocean views

After the drive from Sydney to Newcastle be sure to make a beeline for Bathers Way to enjoy the scenery. It’s a 6 km long picturesque path that follows along the coast between Merewether Ocean Baths to Nobbys Beach, with endless opportunities for swimming, basking in the sun, and bites paired with a boozy beverage.

Start at Nobbys Head and Finish at Merewether Surfhouse for lunch and cocktails with a view. While you’re wandering, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins chasing waves among surfers offshore and whales during migration (May through November).

Swim at the best beaches

Newcastle is blessed with a bunch of really good beaches, possibly some of the best in NSW. Here are a few of the best beaches in Newcastle:

● Bar Beach – Not as busy as many of the other beaches and has great swimming and surfing ● Nobbys Head – Great for surfing or a walk along the break wall past the lighthouse ● Merewether Beach – Better for surfing than swimming, as it often has powerful waves and riptides ● Newcastle Beach – The busiest beach, perfect to grab a bite and then go for a swim

Take a dip in an ocean bath

Not only does Newcastle have incredible beaches, but it also boasts gorgeous ocean baths. The Bogey Hole in particular has an interesting history, being the oldest ocean pool in Australia. It was originally hand-cut by convicts out of the rock platform for Major James Morisset, the Commandant of Newcastle, to use as his own personal bath.

Nowadays you can snorkel with the resident fish at low tide, or cling onto the chain sides as waves beat over you during high tide.

There is the art-deco style exterior of Newcastle Ocean Baths, or the Young Mariners’ Pool right next door, which used to have a legendary concrete map of the world as the base.

Then there’s Merewether Ocean Baths, the largest ocean baths in the southern hemisphere.

All of the baths mentioned are free to access and are hugely popular among visitors and locals alike. Get there early if visiting on a weekend.

Feed Aussie animals at Blackbutt Reserve

Blackbutt Reserve occupies approximately 182 hectares of land, with over 10 km of walking trails and wildlife exhibits that are free to enter. It is an environmental education centre with conservation and research programs on site.

Meander the trails spotting wombats, koalas, emus, kangaroos peacocks, and loads of native Australian birds. Attend a wildlife feeding or reptile show (check this website for details), have a picnic or feed the emu with special food bought from the kiosk.

Speed around the Stockton Sand Dunes

My personal favourite thing to do in Newcastle is Stockton Sand Dunes, 32 km of the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. These truly awe-inspiring dunes reach heights of over 30 metres with slopes of up to 60 degrees to form a magical landscape ideal for  sandboarding ,  quad biking , horse riding, or 4-wheel-driving over.

Be sure to visit Tin City, the last legal squatter settlement in Australia! It’s a location on the dunes near the Bob’s Farm area where 11 shacks made of recycled material sit, often partly covered, in the ever-changing landscape. Several scenes of the hit 1979 movie Mad Max were filmed here.

Swim with dolphins at Port Stephens

Port Stephens is the dolphin capital of Australia, home to over 140 bottlenose dolphins. This tour is the only permitted wild dolphin swim opportunity in New South Wales.

This unique dolphin snorkel tour will have you entering a net at the bow of the vessel while attached with a safety lanyard to the catamaran. While the boat moves forward the dolphins will swim back and forth between the bows of the vessel, quite often within a meter of the swimmers. It is the only dolphin swimming tour of its kind in the world!

Also in Port Stephens, the beautiful Tomaree Head Summit walk will take you to an incredible lookout over the beautiful coastline, spectacular bays and inlets, Tomaree National Park, and Shark Island.

Camping near Newcastle and Hunter Valley

All the campsites listed below are perfect for you to overnight on a Hunter Valley and Newcastle road trip from Sydney and accommodate RV, trailer, campervan, or tent camping.

● Camping near Newcastle: Abstobys Retreat ($28 per night) A private property with unpowered grass campsites by a tidal outlet to Port Stephens harbour. Guests have the use of a toilet, retreat shelter, fireplace, and BBQ area.

● Hunter Valley Camping: Wine Country Tourist Park (from $30 per powered site) This small family-owned park puts you right at the centre of all the Hunter Valley action and has some seriously adorable abodes to rent as well as a caravan park.

● Free Camping near Hunter Valley: Olney Headquarters Campground (FREE) 1 hour from the Hunter Valley, in between Wyong State Forest, Watagan State Forest and Watagan National Park. Campervan and tent sites, no booking needed.

Road Trip from Sydney to Byron Bay

Distance Covered: 877 km, 10.5 hours driving

Total Time Needed: 7 – 15 days in total

● Best road trip for beaches and rainforests, warm weather, hippy towns, and exploring the east coast

Have you always wanted to road trip Australia by the East Coast? Set out to explore the entire spectacular East Coast on one epic drive with this Sydney to Byron road trip. There’s so much to see on these Pacific Highway road trips around NSW that we’ve picked out quite a few essential stops.

Stops on the East Coast road trip to Byron Bay

Do you have a week or two and want to get out of Sydney? Byron Bay road trip stops in this itinerary are the perfect way to really get to know this fantastic, wild, beautiful country.

Explore Newcastle and the Hunter

Distance Sydney to Newcastle via Hunter Valley:  233 km, 3.5 hrs

A happening coastal city, Newcastle is the best place to start your Sydney to Byron drive. There are loads of sun-soaked things to do in Newcastle, so we wrote a whole section about it in our Newcastle road trip section above.

Additionally, check out Newcastle Museum (entry is free), or historic Fort Scratchley offers a fascinating glimpse into military history. Or Dave’s Brewery Tours can take you on a historic pub walk or a wine-tasting tour of the Hunter Valley .

As you travel north, be sure to drop into Port Stephens to go sand-duning over Stockton Dunes , explore picturesque Nelson Bay, and swim with dolphins in the marine park bay.

Cruise around the Great Lakes and Forster

Distance Newcastle to Forster via Great Lakes:  161 km, 2.5 hrs

As the largest coastal lake system in NSW, the Great Lakes on the Barrington Coast encompasses three beautiful lakes as well as the vibrant small town of Forster. Flanked by kilometres of pristine white beaches on the east and the Barrington rainforest to the west, this natural paradise is a haven for boating, dolphin spotting, swimming, and beach-hopping.

Drive past all of the lakes – Myall, Smith and Wallis – on your Sydney to Forster road trip, before hitting up One Mile Beach for a swim, Cellito Beach (also known as Sandbar) for a hike to seclusion, Blueys and Boomerang beach for the surfers, and Elizabeth Beach for the families.

Search for koalas in Port Macquarie

Distance Forster to Port Macquarie:  110 km, 1.5 hr

Port Macquarie is a sleepy beach town with plenty of hidden gems to discover, including the Bago Maze and Winery for a glass of white and a dizzying wander, the Koala Hospital to get a peek at some super cute rescued and recovering creatures, Ricardoes Tomatoes to pick your own fresh produce, and Lighthouse Beach for a charming swim with a side of heritage.

The road trip Sydney to Port Macquarie portion is a coastal drive that will put you about halfway to Byron bay. Be sure to try spot as many of the 83 artist-painted Hello Koalas sculptures scattered around town as you can.

Drop in to quirky Nambucca Heads

Distance Port Macquarie to Nambucca Heads:  120 km, 1.5 hr

Nambucca Heads is a must and only three hours from Byron Bay. While its coastal beauty makes for a breathtaking stop, its quirky fixtures add to its charming character.

Nambucca Heads is home to Australia’s longest sculpture made of a mosaic depicting a swirling tale of how the river winds through the mountains to the sea.

There are several shops stocked with cute curios and eccentric memorabilia. We also love to pick up a picnic from Bookshop Cafe to chow down along the shores of the Nambucca River while in town.

Get some rainforest healing in Bellingen

Distance Nambucca Heads to Bellingen:  37 km, 30 min

Before hitting Coffs Harbour, head inland to Bellingen. It’s a beautiful rainforest break from so many seaside towns and is known for its creative, bohemian community.

A stroll down the main street is full of historical architecture and feels like a step back in time (but in a good way). The lush landscape is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, who descend to hike, kayak, canoe and swim. The Never Never Creek is a lovely little escape into nature here too.

Take a day trip drive up to world heritage listed Dorrigo National Park to explore the ancient Gondwana Rainforest. Walk to Crystal Shower Falls or traipse over the elevated Walk with the Birds boardwalk.

Back in Bellingen, stock up at the Growers Market for fresh fares before heading back onto the open road.

Soak up the sun in Coffs Harbour

Distance Bellingen to Coffs Harbour:  35 km, 45 min

Suggested Stay:  1 days

A Sydney to Coffs Harbour road trip will have you just 3 hours from Byron Bay. Stop here for a night or two for a visit to spectacular beaches, rainforests, and banana farms.

Sealy Lookout is a lovely walk up to a sweeping vista looking out over the coastal landscape or head to Boambee Beach for sunset along its curve of golden sand extending more than 5.7 km. Also, check out the offbeat, but adorable mini Dutch village called The Clog Barn as well.

As you head north on the Sydney to Byron Bay drive a stop to see the Big Banana comes highly recommended, if only for the selfie.

Things to do in Byron Bay

Distance Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay:  233 km, 3 hrs

Byron has a hippy, cruisy vibe we can’t get enough of. Hit the beach, wander the wonderfully weird streets as you vibe with the buskers, eat your way around town, or kick back with a boozy beverage at any number of cool bars.

Beach-hop in Byron Bay

Of course, you will want to check out as many of these famously pretty beaches on your visit to Byron Bay as you can. Here are some of the best beaches in Byron Bay and why you should visit them:

● Main Beach – Best for people-watching and a walk to the lighthouse ● Broken Head Beach – Usually patrolled. Walk 7 km between Broken Head and Tallow Beaches ● The Pass – Has the perfect right-hander for surfers ● Wategos Beach – A pretty little cove great for swimming ● Belongil Beach – Home to ‘The Wreck’ and a popular swimming and snorkelling spot ● Clarkes Beach – A great beach to learn to surf

Meditate at Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens

For anyone feeling like channelling their inner hippie, head to Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens where you can enjoy some of the biggest crystals in the world and take part in healing walks and meditations.

Take a restorative swim at Lake Ainsworth

Lake Ainsworth in Lennox Head is known locally as Tea Tree Lake due to the tinted colour caused by tannins from the tea trees that surround the lake.

The water is said to have rejuvenating, health-giving properties for the skin and hair. You can also do stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing or use the wonderful barbecue and picnic facilities.

Day trip to Nimbin township and waterfall

Nimbin is a colourful ’hippie town’ with an alternative counter-cultural vibe, famous for its extremely relaxed attitude towards weed. As you wander the charming, arty streets of Nimbin, you’ll likely be straight up offered to buy anything from hash cookies to fat joints.

While you’re in the area, hike into the rainforest to the impressive Hanging Rock Falls near Nimbin. Wander behind the roaring waterfall and take a wild swim in the picturesque swimming hole.

Sample craft beer on a hot day at a local brewery

Along with being an artistic community, Byron Bay also houses an array of great craft breweries. Pay a visit to the following for a tasting paddle on a hot day:

● Stone & Wood Brewery in Byron Bay ● Seven Mile Brewing Co. in Ballina ● Byron Bay Brewery the Old Arts Factory

Camping on the Sydney to Byron Bay road trip

All the campsites listed below are perfect for you to overnight on a Sydney to Byron Bay road trip and accommodate RV, trailer, campervan, or tent camping.

● Forster Camping: Smugglers Cove Holiday Village (from $33 non-powered sites) This nautical themed holiday park is set on 20 acres of sub-tropical garden. It offers clean and modern amenities in a variety of accommodation styles.

● Camping near Port Macquarie: Diamond Head Campground ($24.60 per site as of Feb 2022) One of the most beautiful campsites on the coast, all sites are within a 2-minute walk to the beach and include space for tents to motorhomes and clean shower and toilet facilities. There is so much to explore, the gorgeous beach being only one activity.

● Central Port Macquarie Camping: NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park (from $35 unpowered sites) Famous for its outstanding waterfront views, beautifully landscaped gardens and situated on the banks of the Hastings River, right by the beach and the city centre.

● Nambucca Heads Camping: Pelican Caravan Park (from $40 unpowered sites) This is a riverfront property with a bunch of bonus features like a private boat launch and swimming pool. There are deluxe cabins, unpowered campsites and everything in between.

● Bellingen Camping: Bellingen Showground (from $15 per site) Close to swimming in Bellingen River and shops, with powered and non-powered sites, glamping tents, and bathroom amenities.

● Coffs Harbour Camping: BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park (from $37 per site) Surrounded by natural bushland and featuring wide-open spaces and stunning water views and fantastic amenities.

● Byron Bay Camping: Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay (from $29 per night) There’s no shortage of space or style of accommodation on these 28 acres of parklands which fronts onto the famous Tallow Beach. With access to cooking facilities, coin-operated laundry, jumping pad and saltwater swimming pool.

How to Hire a Campervan in Sydney

To hire a vehicle for any Sydney road trips in Australia, try Travellers Autobarn . They’re a one-stop shop for backpackers and budget travellers exploring all the wonders of this captivating landscape.

There’s a branch located conveniently in Sydney, as well as locations all up and down the coast. You can drop your chosen whip off at any of them, giving even more freedom to fangirl over.

If you’re looking to be in it for the long haul, you can even purchase one of them with a guaranteed buyback.

They have everything from decked out campervans to more simple station wagons. The ease and comfort of having your own wheels, let alone an entire abode inside, opens up a whole new type of travel.

Some added perks include 24/7 roadside assistance and discounts at caravan parks. It’s easy to get a quote to help organise finances ahead of time, and we love the peace of mind that comes from a trusted reputation backed by rave reviews.

Do You Need Special Insurance?

Okay, so the good news here is that insurance for a Campervan is much easier to procure than for a motorhome. It’s generally less expensive as it can be considered a regular van or car despite the basic facilities inside.

The company you hire a vehicle from will likely include insurance, though sometimes you can waive it and leave a deposit instead. You can also get private third party insurance – which is not required, but recommended – which may let you customise your policy more closely to your needs.

Often things like lost luggage, car accidents, and medical emergencies should be covered. Travel insurance and credit card insurance don’t always include campervan coverage with the basic policy you may already have.

As always, we recommend being fully covered for safety (and soothing anxiety), plus be sure to read your coverage policy carefully before buying it. Rentalcover is a popular pick among travellers looking to take trips from Sydney on their own terms.

What is it Like Driving in Australia?

First of all, the most important thing to note for all our foreign friends visiting Australia is that driving is done on the left side of the road! It’s also good to note that traffic rules are uniform from state to state.

It’s a relatively straightforward process. The roads are wide and there’s lots of open space, so it’s usually an enjoyable experience, especially once you leave the city.

In Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne you’ll come across a number of tolls, so be sure to budget them in.

Be sure to buckle up and follow all speed limits! Regular rules apply: don’t drink and drive or be on your mobile phone while operating a vehicle. An important Aussie tip, watch out for wildlife crossings, like kangaroos, koalas, emus, and wombats.

If you’re headed into the outback, be prepared for more rugged road conditions. Know the emergency services number just in case, which is 000.

Do you need an International Driver’s License?

It’s generally okay to drive with an overseas license as a temporary visitor (under three months) or with the addition of an international driving permit, as long as it’s in English or officially translated.

Rules for Camping in Australia

For campervan trips from Sydney, free camping is both possible and popular, but it isn’t allowed just anywhere. Commonly found at rest areas all over the country, free camping sites are used as an overnight stopover haven for getaways galore.

Wild camping, however, is actually illegal and refers to those that think they can just park up anywhere and get some shut-eye for an evening. Using the designated spots help you to avoid incurring any enormous fines and adds a bit of extra safety as a bonus.

More specific campsites are available for a nominal fee, making Sydney road trips more accessible than ever. Generally, these are parks, forests, and reserves and they often require a reservation ahead of time which can be done online.

Regardless of the camping you choose to do, always respect the land you’re on and follow our favourite rule: leave no trace!

It’s helpful to note that a lot of the campgrounds and campervan parks listed have cabins available. This is a great option to enjoy a more comfortable indoor space when you need a break, without shelling out for a hotel room, and still enjoying the great outdoors.

Most National Parks have clean facilities and cheap campsites, and all NSW State forests are free to camp in designated areas.

Cheap or Free Campsite Websites

It’s easier than ever to explore Australia on a budget, just check out CamperMates or WikiCamps to explore all the options along your chosen route.

● National Parks NSW ● Free Camping Australia ● Travellers Autobarn Free Camping in NSW ● National Parks Victoria ● Aircamp ● Hipcamp ● FindaCamp ● NSW State forests

Enjoy Your Roadtrips from Sydney

We hope you’ve found this information on taking Sydney roadtrips around NSW and Victoria. Feel free to ask us any questions using the comments form below. And make sure you save this post for future reference!

What are your road trip ideas from Sydney?

Passionate baby goat cuddler and part-time adventurer, Crystal can often be found doing headstands on the edges of cliffs, taking photos of abandoned buildings or sleeping on deserted islands with dangerous criminals. She has too many awesome stories and helpful tips to keep them all to herself so follow along and in return she will bring you inspiring pictures, travel videos and a whole load of fun!

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6 incredible road trips from Sydney

Looking to get out of the city for the day on a scenic road trip from beautiful beaches to charming country towns, world-renowned wine regions to world heritage-listed national parks, we have you covered..

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For families: Blue Mountains

Travelling with young children in tow? We know what that’s like. To save you the grumbling, complaints and “are-we-there-yets” that arise from long car rides with active critters, we recommend driving up to the Blue Mountains – just 90 minutes from Sydney. Replete with dramatic scenery, lookouts and nature trails, the Blue Mountains will take your breath away.

Head to Scenic World in Katoomba to admire the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, and kids will absolutely love riding the Scenic Cableway. For a good dose of ecotherapy for the whole family, head to the Grand Canyon Track – easily the most impressive walking trail in all of the Blue Mountains where you’ll be fully immersed within lush rainforests and tumbling waterfalls. You can also visit the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah, nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage site with walking trails suitable for all ages, and home to more than 400 different plant species.

Grand Canyon Walking Track , Blackheath

For adventure seekers: Port Stephens

Fans of the great outdoors must have Port Stephens on their list. A 2.5-hour drive from the centre of Sydney, this destination is known for having the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s also the dolphin capital of Australia – home to over 140 bottlenose dolphins! A requisite experience is with Sand Dune Adventures , where thrill-seekers go quad biking on the Stockton Sand Dunes, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about Australia’s indigenous history and traditional foods.

If that’s not enough, you can also take a kayak out to explore the pristine waters of Shoal Bay and enjoy diverse marine life as well as get up close and personal with wild dolphins. Make the trek to Tomaree Head Summit , where between April to November, it’s the perfect lookout as majestic whales migrate along Port Stephens’ beautiful coastline.

Sand Dune Adventures , Port Stephens

For gourmands: Hunter Valley

Did you know that the ultimate foodie paradise is just 2.5 hours away from Sydney? The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine-producing region, and is also renowned for being a gastronome’s haven. Leogate Estate is a must-see, boasting 50 hectares of vineyard that produce some of the finest chardonnay, semillon and shiraz in New South Wales. Oenophiles would also appreciate a trip down to Audrey Wilkinson for a wine-tasting session or even spend the night at The Mulberry Cottage for a lovely B&B experience.

New-age drinkers should stop by Tamburlaine Organic Wines , Australia's largest independent organic wine producer. We also recommend making a reservation at the two-hatted Muse Restaurant located at the entrance to Pokolbin for a curiously delicious combination of indigenous-Asian cuisine – you want gourmet? You got it.

Brokenwood Wines , Pokolbin

For nature lovers: Grand Pacific Drive

If you’re keen to see and experience Australian wildlife and scenic coastal views like no other, the Grand Pacific Drive is perfect for you. This is a great route to follow for a day trip out of Sydney if you’re looking to maximise on time spent in the great land Down Under. Start your adventure at the Royal National Park – home to coastal cliffs, secluded beaches and bushland. You can get a slice of NSW’s sweeping coastline at the Wedding Cake Rock, which – as its name describes – looks just like a slice of wedding cake. (Make sure to stay behind the fence for your own safety). If you’re there a little later in the evening, we recommend making the trek to Eagle Rock to catch the sunset and soak in its magical views.

Snaking along the majestic waters of the Pacific is the world-famous Sea Cliff Bridge , another worthy stop to take for a photogenic road trip to remember. This bridge is an amazing vantage point to observe startling sea life below including massive manta rays and an array of water birds. Other fantastic stops along the Grand Pacific Drive include the Kiama Blowhole, one of the world’s largest blowholes written about by British explorer George Bass in the year 1797. And don’t miss Jervis Bay, great for observing whale and dolphin migrations, snorkelling, scuba-diving and paddle boarding on crystal blue waters.

Sea Cliff Bridge - Credit: Wollongong Visitor Information Centre

For happy campers: Glenworth Valley

There’s no better way to connect with the great outdoors than camping in unspoilt nature. For camping enthusiasts, we suggest taking an easy hour’s drive north of Sydney down to the lush Glenworth Valley. From glamping in style in luxurious, spacious tents to reconnecting in secluded cabins with spectacular views of the valley or pitching a tent by gorgeous rivers the true blue camper’s way, Glenworth Valley is the quintessential camping ground for families and groups of friends.

This destination is also one of Australia’s largest horse riding and outdoor adventure centres, replete with many activities such as quad biking and kayaking for a truly memorable camping experience. Make sure not to miss the running of the horses – an iconic moment where you can observe a whopping 200 horses rush across the valley’s horse-riding yards every afternoon.

Glenworth Valley , Central Coast

For a local secret: Wollondilly Shire

Locals wanting to escape Sydney for a day have perhaps never considered a scenic drive to the Wollondilly Shire. But this hidden gem is brimming with fun – think hot air balloon rides, bushwalks, boutique stores and plenty of baked goods. Add the charming small towns of Picton , Thirlmere , The Oaks, Appin and Wilton – all just an hour's drive from the CBD – to your road trip itinerary and start exploring.

Highlights include stopping in classic country bakeries for a handmade pie or sausage roll, such as Appin Bakery, DeliciousLeigh Cakes in Thirlmere and Picton's La Crema Cafe; enjoying a beer and a schnitty in the sunshine at George IV Inn , one of Australia's oldest pubs; marvel at the feat of engineering that is Cataract Dam and the heritage-listed  Stonequarry Creek Railway Viaduct ; embark on a nature hike at Thirlmere Lakes National Park ; and embrace your inner adrenaline junkie by getting a bird's-eye view of the region either with  Balloon Aloft Camden  or Sydney Skydivers .

Thirlmere Lakes National Park , Thirlmere

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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 Jul 25, 2021 and updated Oct 7, 2023.

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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 !

about Steph

I am the founder of A Nomad's Passport and a semi-nomadic photographer and writer. Originally from Germany, I have lived in several countries including Australia, Mexico, and Malta.

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 best road trips from Sydney - 2022

Plan the adventure of a lifetime using our guide to the 10 best road trips from sydney. , 10 best road trips from sydney, 1. the best road trip from sydney to the blue mountains.

2. The best road trip from Sydney to Wollongong

3. The best road trip from Sydney to the Hawkesbury

4. The best road trip from Sydney to Hunter Valley

5. The best road trip from Sydney to Kangaroo Valley

6. The best road trip from Sydney to Dubbo

7. The best road trip from Sydney to Kosciuszko (via Canberra)

8. The best road trip from Sydney to the NSW South Coast

9. The best road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay

10. The best road trip from Sydney to Melbourne

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The 13 Best Day Trips from Sydney

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Sydney has more than enough beautiful beaches, iconic landmarks, and hip restaurants and bars to keep you occupied for weeks. However, if you're looking to escape the city for a day or two, you can't go wrong heading up or down the coast for tiny, chilled-out beach towns and flourishing small cities.

If nature is more your style, drive west to the mountains or explore the wine regions of New South Wales. Even Australia's capital city, Canberra, is only a three-hour drive away. Despite Australia's size, Sydney is in the perfect location for travelers looking to make the most of nearby cities, coastal towns, the countryside, and everything in between.

Palm Beach: Seaside Luxury

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Sydney's Northern Beaches are famously gorgeous and secluded, and Palm Beach is the best of the bunch. An easy drive from the city center, this stretch of golden sand and clear blue water features exclusive vacation homes and appears as the backdrop for the iconic Australian soap opera "Home and Away." Hike up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for the best views.

Getting There: Palm Beach is around an hour's drive by car from the center of Sydney. Buses depart from Circular Quay and Central Station to Palm Beach via all of Sydney’s Northern Beaches. You can also take a 20-minute scenic flight with  Sydney By Seaplane from the eastern suburb of Rose Bay.

Travel Tip: Beloved waterside café The Boathouse is perfect for a casual breakfast. If you're a serious foodie, make a lunch or dinner reservation at contemporary Australian restaurant Jonah's , which overlooks nearby Whale Beach.

Wollongong: A Relaxed Beachside City

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Over the past decade, Wollongong has transformed from a dreary industrial port into a thriving cultural hub. With great beaches, good food, and a quirky small bar scene, this little city is an affordable, laid-back escape south of Sydney .

Symbio Wildlife Park is a popular local attraction for those interested in getting up close and personal with native animals, while Stanwell Park offers ideal hang-gliding conditions.

Getting There: If possible, rent a car and take the coastal road to soak up the stunning views offered by Sea Cliff Bridge; this over-ocean engineering marvel runs parallel to the cliffs north of Wollongong. The city can also be reached by train. Whether driving or using public transport, the trip will take around 1.5 hours.

Travel Tip: One of Wollongong's more off-beat attractions is Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere. It is open Tuesday through Sunday and features an excellent vegetarian cafe.

The Hunter Valley: Aussie Wine Country

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North of Sydney , the Hunter Valley offers travelers over 150 wineries and a slew of award-winning restaurants. The most plentiful grapes in the Hunter are Chardonnay, Semillon, Verdelho, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.

With farmlands populated by grazing cattle and kangaroos, the Hunter is not your typical wine region: Its attractions are best explored by bike, horseback, or hot air balloon. Excellent local eateries include Bistro Molines , Muse , and Cafe Enzo , while the best vinos can be tasted at Usher Tinkler , Brokenwood , and Tempus Two .

Getting There: The Hunter Valley is just over a two-hour drive from Sydney. Public transport options are limited.

Travel Tip:  Many cellar doors recommend booking in advance or are only open on weekends, so be sure to confirm ahead of time.

The Blue Mountains: Natural Wonders

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Sydney is surrounded by national parks, including the impressive Blue Mountains World Heritage Area , which rises out of the eucalyptus haze to the west. Most visitors use the small towns of Leura or Katoomba—dotted with galleries, pubs and cafés—as a base to explore the surrounding bushland, waterfalls, and valleys. Don't miss the Three Sisters rock formation.

Getting There: Katoomba is around a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney. It can also be reached by train (just over two hours) or tour bus.

Travel Tip: If you're interested in some more intense hiking, there are plenty of adventure tour companies that can show you the area.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park: From the Bush to the Beach

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Known for its Aboriginal cultural heritage, hidden beaches, and many hiking trails, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is located on Sydney's northern outskirts. Measuring over 3,700 acres, the park's highlights include Resolute Beach, West Head Lookout, Bobbin Head picnic area, and the Red Hands Cave rock art site—all set among lush rainforest, rocky cliffs, and mangroves.

Getting There: Ku-ring-gai Chase is an hour's drive north of the city center. Keen hikers can take the train to Mount Ku-ring-gai or Cowan Station and walk the couple of miles into the park via well-marked trails.

Travel Tip: Check the National Parks website for details about specific trails and park-wide safety alerts.

The Hawkesbury RIver: Historic Towns and Water Activities

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Just outside the city, the charming Hawkesbury River—and the area surrounding it—feels a whole world away. A popular weekend escape, the historic town of Windsor is home to one of Australia’s oldest pubs, the  Macquarie Arms Hotel , as well as the Hawkesbury Paddlewheeler cruise ship. In Windsor and other towns along the river, visitors can enjoy bushwalking, horseback riding, biking, fishing, boating, kayaking, and waterskiing.

Getting There: Windsor is a 50-minute drive northwest of Sydney center and an hour by train.

Travel Tip: The treetop adventure course at Grose River Park will keep the whole family entertained, with obstacles for kids ages four and up.

Port Stephens: Dolphins, Sand Dunes and Surf

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Port Stephens and the neighboring villages of Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay offer the quintessential Aussie beach experience. It's all about the sand and surf, with duneboarding, whale watching, surfing, and kayaking available . Port Stephens is also the best spot to see dolphins in Australia, as over 150 resident bottlenose dolphins live here. Once you've had your fill of the beach, head to Tomaree National Park and hike up the mountain for 360-degree views of the area.

Getting There: Port Stephens is a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney , or 4.5 hours via train or bus.

Travel Tip: Because of the shape of the bay, Port Stephens is one of the few places on Australia's east coast where you can see the sun set over the water, making for some pretty perfect photos.

Royal National Park: Hiking and swimming

In between Sydney and Wollongong, Royal National Park is a sprawling playground for nature lovers. The beach at Wattamolla is one of the park's most popular attractions, with a thin strip of sand that backs onto a calm lagoon—waterfall included. For a relaxing coastal walk, try the  Jibbon Beach loop track  from Bundeena.

Getting There: Royal National Park is under an hour's drive south of Sydney. It is also possible to take the train, as the three-mile Karloo Walking Track starts from Heathcote Station and ends at Uloola Falls. Alternatively, you can catch the ferry from the Sydney suburb of Cronulla to Bundeena for a more scenic trip.

Travel Tip: Wedding Cake Rock and Figure-Eight Pools are popular spots in Royal National Park. However, park authorities discourage all but the most experienced hikers from visiting these fragile natural areas due to safety concerns.

Newcastle: History, Food, and Culture

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If you're looking for something a little more cosmopolitan, take a trip to Newcastle, the second largest city in New South Wales (after Sydney.) There are plenty of beaches, including surfers' paradise Mereweather and family-friendly Bar Beach. For trendy food and boutiques, head to the Darby Street precinct or the open-air Hunter Street Mall. Because Newcastle was a center of industry in Australia's early years, history buffs will find relics like the old Convict Lumber Yard and the impressive Newcastle Museum worth a visit.

Getting There: The journey from Sydney north to Newcastle takes 2.5 hours on the train, and a little less by car.

Travel Tip: While Newcastle's beaches are world-class, the city's ocean baths are a tranquil and unusual alternative. The art deco  Newcastle Ocean Baths is always refreshingly cool, while the Mereweather Baths holds the distinction of being the largest ocean baths complex in the Southern Hemisphere.

Canberra: Australia's capital city

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A quick visit to Canberra will allow you to hit all the major landmarks, with a little time left over for some local food and wine. As the nation's capital, Canberra was designed in the early 20 th century to house institutions like Australia's Parliament House , National Gallery , War Memorial , and National Museum .

Head to the inner north suburb of Braddon for the best coffee and all-day breakfast, then hike up Mount Ainslie or walk around Lake Burley Griffin to check out Canberra's unique geometric layout. The city is also surrounded by one of Australia's best cool-climate wine regions .

Getting There: Canberra is a three-hour drive from Sydney. It can be reached by train or an hourly bus service.

Travel Tip: Canberra's many museums and galleries have activities to keep kids of all ages occupied, making it a great choice for families.

The Southern Highlands: Quaint Small Towns

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Located between Sydney and Canberra, the Southern Highlands region—made up of adorable towns like Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, and Berrima—is perfect for those who crave a slower pace. The highlands are known for their fall colors and blooming gardens in the spring. The region's cool temperatures also offer a lovely respite from Sydney's summer heat.

Visitors flock to the 260-foot-high Fitzroy Falls at Morton National Park, a twenty minute drive from Bowral. The Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame , dedicated to Bowral-born cricketing legend Donald Bradman, is a must for sports fans.

Getting There: The Southern Highlands region is only an hour's drive from Sydney, and can also be reached by bus or train.

Travel Tip: Events like the Tulip Time floral festival are an ideal time to visit. Check the NSW tourism website for dates and details.

Kangaroo Valley: A Haven for Wildlife Lovers

As the name implies, Kangaroo Valley is all about wildlife. You can spot kangaroos and wombats at the Tallowa Dam picnic area and Bendeela campground , go trail riding , or visit a working farm . Kayaking on the Kangaroo River and hiking in Budderoo National Park are also great ways to explore this region's natural beauty.

Stop by Hampden Deli to grab the best of the region's produce, including meats, cheeses, bread, and cold-pressed juices for your picnic.

Getting There: Kangaroo Valley is a two-hour drive southwest of Sydney. Public transport options are limited.

Travel Tip: Keep an eye out for Hampden Bridge. The only surviving suspension bridge from the colonial period in New South Wales, this bridge still carries traffic across the Kangaroo River.

Jenolan Caves: An Underground Wonderland

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Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, the Jenolan Caves system is made up of 11 enormous limestone caverns, dotted along ancient rivers and filled with marine fossils and crystal formations. The cave complex is approximately 340 million years old, making it the world's oldest known and dated open cave system. It holds spiritual significance to the local Gundungurra and Wiradjuri indigenous peoples.

Getting There: The Jenolan Caves are located just under a three-hour drive from Sydney. There are no public transport options.

Travel Tip: There are a variety of cave tours available, with tickets starting at AU$42 for adults. Night tours run every day of the week except Sundays, and several undeveloped caves are available for adventure caving.

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14 best day trips from sydney you won’t want to miss (2024).

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Are you visiting NSW and looking for the best day trips from Sydney? Perfect! We are here to help!

Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a pillar of incredible beaches, nature, and wildlife. When the world thinks of Sydney, the world thinks of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. But that’s not all! 

There are many other landmarks to discover in the city and a plethora of day trips to take from Sydney.

National parks, beach towns, wine regions… there is a bit of everything!

So, are you ready? Let’s discover the most unforgettable day trips from Sydney!

🔎 Table of Contents

1. The Blue Mountains National Park

📍  Distance : 100 km / 50 min to 1:30 hour

✅  Perfect for : Outdoors, hikes & waterfalls

The Blue Mountains National Park is a World Heritage Site attracting over 3 million yearly visitors.

Situated only 50km west of Sydney CBD, the Blue Mountains are a very popular day trip from Sydney amongst both locals and international visitors.

Once you arrive, you’ll find an incredible national park spanning over 2,551,730 acres. The most popular attraction is the Three Sisters lookout.

These iconic rocks are known in the entire world and will truly give you an idea of how beautiful this area is.

There are many legends and stories about the 3 sisters and if you are interested in learning more about the aboriginal heritage in the Blue Mountains, that’s an excellent place to do so.

Also, from the lookout you can truly see why the Blue Mountains are called as such.

You see, the Blue Mountains are covered with gumtrees (eucalyptus). With the sun and quantity, they create a bit of a blue hollow. This is why they are called the Blue Mountains.

Try to get to this lookout as early as possible. It’s a popular spot and can be a bit packed at times.

Furthermore, if you would like to find native wildlife – such as Kangaroos and Wallabies – you should check out the Jenolan Caves. You’ll find plenty of wild Kangaroos there during the daytime.

There are also many hiking opportunities in the Blue Mountains including the Grand Canyon in Blackheath and Wentworth waterfalls.

HOW TO GET THERE:

• Train: It’s very easy to get to the Blue Mountains with public transport. You can use your Opal card and take the train from Central Station to Katoomba. It costs around $8 each way but it’s much cheaper if you travel off-peak (around $4). This is the cheapest way to get to the Blue Mountains however, you won’t be able to get around that easily once you are there. If you just want to visit Katoomba though, it’s perfect.
• Day tour: There are many organised tours going from Sydney to the Blue Mountains . It is more expensive however, it’s perfect for first-timers. Transport is included but you will also learn plenty thanks to the local guide. You will go to all the main sites in the Blue Mountains and truly make the best of your day. See prices here.
• Car: you can easily drive to the Blue Mountains. It takes 1,5 hours to get to Katoomba. It is longer than with the train and you might be stuck in traffic too but you will have more flexibility once you are in the national park.

2. The Royal National Park 

📍  Distance : 33 km / 45 minutes

✅  Perfect for: Outdoors, hikes & rock pools

One of Sydney’s most tremendous benefits is its proximity to nature. Sydneysiders and tourists love escaping to quiet yet stunning national parks, and the Royal National Park is one of the best options. 

The Royal National Park is Australia’s oldest and the world’s second-oldest national park.

It’s located 36km south of Sydney, and it makes for the ultimate day trip. Visitors find endless hiking trails, gorgeous white beaches, and even native wildlife if you’re lucky!

The most famous natural landmarks in the Royal National Park are the figure-eight pools. As much as you should definitely visit them, make sure to head there early so you can beat the crowds.

After that, you can do one of the coastal hikes. They are absolutely fantastic and the views are incredible.

HOW TO GET THERE: The best way to get there is via car, but you can catch the train to Cronulla and the boat to Bundeena.

You can also opt for a private tour from Sydney ( prices here ) or a guided hike to the figure eight pools ( prices here ).

Moreover, the Royal National Park has many camping sites, but you must inquire with the Royal National Park before camping. If you are thinking about staying more than a day, it can be an option.

3. Palm Beach 

📍  Distance : 43 km / 50 min

✅  Perfect for: Beach

Palm Beach is one of the first day trips that tourists and backpackers enjoy once they land in Sydney. The iconic beach is the filming location for Home & Away and home to stunning views and hikes. 

Popular Palm Beach attractions include Sand Point, Barrenjoey, and Paradise Beach.

Many visitors love climbing towards the lighthouse, where you’ll find spellbinding views of Palm Beach and its idyllic blue waters and beautiful white sands.

The beaches are incredibly popular with surfers, so if you love surfing, be sure to check out Palm Beach and the surrounding areas. 

HOW TO GET THERE: You will find Palm Beach 41km north of Sydney CBD, and you can get there via bus.

If you choose public transport, the journey can take up to 2 hours depending on traffic and the number of people on the bus. Otherwise, driving will take under 1 hour.

Finally, you can opt for a day tour from Sydney to the Northern Beaches.

Click here to see the prices.

4. Manly  

📍  Distance : 17 km / 25 minutes

✅  Perfect for: Outdoors, hikes and BBQ

Manly is different from many day-trip options listed in this article because it’s actually within the city, but it still makes for an unforgettable outdoor day-trip.

Manly is famous for its hiking, beaches, and viewpoints.

If you feel like hiking, you can do the excellent hike from Spit to Manly.

The total distance is 10k, but it takes you through many stunning beaches and secluded bushland. 

Once you arrive in Manly, you can enjoy restaurants, Manly Beach, and the Manly scenic walkway. Moreover, Shelly Beach is an excellent place to relax during the summer days.

It’s a heaven for backpackers and families, and you’ll find many places to cook a BBQ and enjoy the sunshine.

HOW TO GET THERE: You can effortlessly get to Manly from Sydney harbour via boat in 20 minutes, and once you arrive, the incredible nature and views will blow you away!

You can also go on a 10k hike through Sydney Harbour National Park to Manly.

This will take about 5 hours. You can do it on your own or opt for a guided tour with a local.

The guide will show you some secret beaches and tell you many stories about the area. 

5. Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park

📍  Distance : 38 km / 30 min

✅  Perfect for: History and beaches.

The Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park is a phenomenal day trip from Sydney. You will find a historic national park that’s full of deep-rooted aboriginal history. Perfect for history buffs! 

It’s also one of the best places to enjoy the many incredible coastal viewpoints around Sydney’s Northern Beaches. 

A popular hike is the Aboriginal Heritage Walk , where you’ll find rock art and engravings from the aboriginal people. 

Furthermore, the Hawkesbury River is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the stunning Sydney sunshine. 

Interesting fact: it is Australia’s second-oldest national back behind the Royal National Park. If you’re full of energy, you can complete many hikes through the national park before ending up at the iconic Palm Beach.

HOW TO GET THERE: It’s pretty easy to get to the national park from Sydney CBD. Here are your options:

• By car: it’s a short 30 minutes drive on the Pacific Highway to get to the national park.
• By public transport: you can take the train from Central station. You’ll need to change in Turramurra and it will take about 1h15 altogether. This is not the most practical way so avoid it if you can but the option is there.
• Tour: You can opt for a day tour that includes the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, Northern beaches and Home & Away locations. Click here to see the prices.

6. Sailing Adventure

So far you’ve seen very famous spots but now is time to mention an unusual day trip from Sydney.

Sydney is known for its harbour and proximity with the sea. There are many cruise ships arriving every day and yet, a lot of people almost forget that you can go on a day cruise too!

If you want to go on a bit of an adventure without even having to drive, you can go on a sailing trip around Sydney

The sailing trip lasts a couple of hours which is enough to see all the main spots.

You will get to see the iconic landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House but also Fort Denison.

The ship is a replica of an historic one which makes it even more unique. If you like taking photos, you will be in for a treat with this one!

Click here to see the latest prices.

7. Taronga Zoo

Although it is located in the city, Taronga Zoo is a place where you can easily spend a whole day so it deserves to be on this list.

If you are looking for a great Sydney day out with kids, look no further!

Taronga Zoo is home to African animals as much as unique native-Australian species including the Tree Kangaroo.

HOW TO GET THERE: Getting to Taronga Zoo is just as fun as visiting the site itself. Why? Because you need to take the ferry from Circular Quay and it’s a beautiful ride.

It’s only 12 minutes but you will get to see so much!

You can use your Opal card for the ferry and buy your ticket for the zoo separately. See prices.

Otherwise, you can take a combo ticket with cruise + Zoo entrance. See prices here.

8. Wollongong

📍  Distance : 85 km / 1h15

✅  Perfect for : Beach, activities and hikes.

Do you love escaping the crowds and tourists? The truth is that many national parks surrounding Sydney will attract large numbers of visitors.

Nonetheless, Wollongong is a hidden gem of a little town just 85km south of Sydney. 

There are various top-class attractions in Wollongong, including the Sea Cliff Bridge.

You’ll find this Oceanside cantilever bridge next to Wollongong, and the coastal views are simply breathtaking from the bridge.

You will pass by the Sea Cliff Bridge when you drive down the Grand Pacific Drive, one of Australia’s most incredible road trips. 

If that’s not enough, Wollongong is home to various tremendous hiking trails and viewpoints.

The Sublime Point Walking Track is a highlight of Wollongong, offering excellent views of nearby areas.

You’ll witness 180-degree coastal views, 17 beaches, and rainforests from the Sublime Point Viewpoint.

If you love adrenaline rushes, you will be happy to know that Wollongong is also one of the best places in Australia for skydiving . See prices here.

HOW TO GET THERE: Driving is the best way to get to Wollongong and also the most recommended as it is a very scenic drive!

9. Kiama 

📍  Distance : 120 km / 1h45 min

✅  Perfect for : Blowholes

If you’re looking for a relaxed town away from the big city, you should head two hours north towards Kiama.

Once you arrive, you can walk across the coastal walk and eat ice cream during the summer sunshine. 

Tourists love seeing the beautiful Cathedral Rocks, where you’ll find some of the best-rugged scenery in New South Wales .

Moreover, Kiama is a fantastic whale-watching area during the spring months as the whales head south past Australia’s east coast. 

The town is ideal for families and people of all ages and offers the perfect day-trip getaway from the millions of people in Sydney.

Plus, if you enjoy surfing, you should check out Surf Beach and its excellent waves. 

The most famous landmark is Kiama Blowhole. It’s a very unusual thing to see!

HOW TO GET THERE: You can easily drive down to Kiama from Sydney. It will take you about 2 hours. 

If you are a group between 3 and 7, you may want to opt for a private guided tour. It is customisable and includes the blowholes as well as some hidden gems.

10. Southern Highlands

📍  Distance : 133 km / 1:30 hour

✅  Perfect for: Wine tasting

The Southern Highlands are the perfect day out from Sydney. It will make you feel like you travelled to England for a second!

You can discover the quaint towns of Bowral and Berrima. There are many antique shops, local cafes and restaurants where you can grab delicious food.

Finally, if you are visiting in September or October, make sure to go to the Tulip Time Festival. It’s in Bowral and you will get to see thousands of tulips. It’s so pretty!

HOW TO GET THERE: It’s an easy 90 minute drive from the CBD to the Southern Highlands. If you have your own vehicle, you can easily explore on your own.

Alternatively, you can opt for an organised tour which includes the south coast and the Southern Highlands.

11. Morton National Park

📍  Distance : 137 km / 1:45 hour

✅  Perfect for : Wine tasting

Morton National Park is part of the Southern Highlands. It’s one of the most underrated national parks in Australia. 

Whereas everyone heard of the Blue Mountains, most people don’t know anything about Morton National Park.

This is not going to happen to you! 

Morton National Park is the ideal day trip from Sydney if you love nature, outdoor activities and stay away from the crowds. 

The most popular natural landmark in the area is the Fitzroy Falls. These plunge waterfalls are absolutely stunning! It’s only a short walk to get there but you can also go on one of the local hikes if you want to make it longer.

HOW TO GET THERE: You can easily drive from Sydney CBD to Fitzroy Falls. If you want to make a bit of a road trip out of your day, you can drive along the coast down to Kiama and then head to the falls. It will be much longer but it’s a very beautiful drive.

You can also opt for a day tour from Sydney that includes both the Royal National Park and Morton National Park.

12. The Hunter Valley

📍  Distance : 196 km / 2h30 hours

The wine industry regards Australia as one of its finest gems. There are many great wine regions down under, including the Barossa Valley, Margaret River, and the Eden Valley. With that said, the Hunter Valley is one of the most significant wine regions in the southern hemisphere. 

The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest and most famous winery, and it’s only a 2-hour 30-minute drive from Sydney CBD. The 2019 bushfire crisis damaged much of the region’s wine production, but the area is bouncing back and producing world-class Shiraz, Semillon, Chardonnay, and many more!

The Hunter Valley has over 150 wineries, thousands of wine tours, and some tasty cheeses, olives, and olive oil on offer. The region dates back to the 18th century when European settlers started producing wine.

It’s a great place to visit on a day trip from Sydney as you can go wine tasting and eat a delicious and authentic lunch. There is nothing better than local produce and the Hunter Valley sets the bar high when it comes to that.

HOW TO GET THERE: If you have a vehicle, you can drive to the Hunter Valley. As previously mentioned, it’s about 2h30 drive so you need to be ready to drive about 5 hours in a day.

Alternatively, you can opt for a day tour from Sydney. This is well worth it as it includes wine tasting, lunch and transportation. That way you just relax and enjoy!

13. Jervis Bay 

📍  Distance : 196 km / 2h40 hours

✅  Perfect for: Beach, dolphin & whale watching

Located almost 3-hour south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is famous for being home to Hyams Beach, the whitest beach in the world according to the Guinness Record Book.

Not only does the beach have the most idyllic scenery imaginable, but you can also see native wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch glimpses of dolphins and whales in the sea. 

If you are visiting in winter, you should opt for a dolphin or whale-watching cruise as it’s one of the best places in Australia to see the migrations.

Jervis Bay is a bird-watching paradise, with over 2,000 species of birds flying around the area; you better make sure you have your binoculars!

Also, the area has so much aboriginal heritage. The early aboriginal people had robust ties with the Jervis Bay area, so you’ll find numerous historical sites in the region. 

The main town in Jervis Bay is Huskisson. You will actually find two national parks nearby: Booderee and Jervis Bay National Park.

That having been said, if you are only visiting for a day, here is what you should do:

• White sands walk (it’s only a couple of hours and you will get to see Vincentia, Blenheim Beach, Greenfields Beach and Chinamans beach)
• Hyams Beach. You can easily park there and relax on the beach. Grab a fish and chips at Hyams Beach Cafe
• Dolphin or whale watching cruise in the afternoon. See prices here.

HOW TO GET THERE: Jervis Bay is a 3-hour drive south of Sydney and easily one of the best places to visit in New South Wales.

It’s entirely possible to get a day tour from Sydney, but if you drive via rented car – you’re free to hike, swim, and enjoy the national parks on your terms!

If you don’t want to drive, you can also book a day tour from Sydney. This is a great way to make the best of your day as the local guides know exactly how to save time and show you as much as they can!

Click here to see the prices.  

14. Canberra

📍  Distance : 286 km / 3 hours

✅  Perfect for: Modern Australian History & Politics

When you ask the question, “ What is Australia’s capital city ?” many people will automatically assume it’s Sydney or Melbourne. The capital of Australia is Canberra, and better still, it’s accessible on a day trip from Sydney. It is a 3-hour drive from Sydney.

Australia made Canberra the capital city in 1908 because of a compromise between Australia’s two megacities Sydney and Melbourne. 

There are similarities between Washington D.C and Canberra, with both cities being in-land, somewhat isolated, and unusual capital city choices. 

The city’s principal tourist attraction is the Australian War Memorial, which details Australia’s vast military history in the Vietnam War and both world wars. 

Another top-rated attraction is the National Gallery of Australia because it’s home to a fascinating international art collection.

You can also discover both the new and old parliament. You can either see them from the outside or visit inside.

If you want to learn more about the history of Australia, you should visit the National Museum of Australia. It’s entirely free and one of the best museums in the country. You will learn plenty of the traditional owners, the British colonisation and modern times.

Finally, if you have a bit of time left, drive up the Black Mountain. The views over Canberra are stunning from there.

HOW TO GET THERE: You can drive from Sydney to Canberra. It will take you about 3 hours.

Make sure to leave early so you get enough time in Canberra and don’t get stuck in Sydney’s traffic.

Another alternative is to go on an organised day trip. It is a bit pricey but well worth it for a day trip.

This private tour includes a local guide, transport and snacks. It will be personalised to your wishes and needs so you can be 100% sure to see exactly what you want to see.

Final Thoughts 

Sydney is a big city, and it’s home to so many incredible things to do. You can enjoy CBD shopping, the hipster vibes of Newtown, or hike along the world-famous Bondi to Coogee walk. 

However, the real benefit of visiting Sydney is the incredible and undisturbed nature surrounding the city. If you’re visiting Sydney, you must check out Jervis Bay, the Blue Mountains, and Palm Beach. 

Once you see the sheer natural beauty surrounding Sydney, there’s a good chance that you’ll want to live there!

You may also be interested in:

• Best Day Trips from Melbourne
• 23 Best Days trips from Adelaide : for both locals & first time visitors
• 12 Best Day Trips from Hobart that you must take during your stay in Tasmania
• The 12 Best Day Trips from Cairns, Queensland: beautiful places to visit & excursions

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

30 Best Day Trips From Sydney You’ll Love 2024 Guide

Looking for the best day trips from Sydney? If you simply want to escape the city for the day or find new places to visit in New South Wales, we’ve got the perfect Sydney day trip ideas for you to choose from! Expect the second oldest national park in the world, road trips down to the beautiful Grand Pacific Drive, wine tasting in Hunter Valley and so much more.

Whether you’re looking for new places to visit in Sydney, or just looking to get out of the city, we’re here to help you.

We’re including day trips from Sydney by train and bus, so if you’re new to Sydney or don’t have a car, you can use this article as your go to Sydney weekend guide.

Table of Contents

DAY TRIPS NORTH OF SYDNEY WITHIN 2 HOURS

1. spend the day at avalon beach.

North Sydney / 50 mins drive from Sydney

After living in the nearby Warriewood for a few months, we spent a lot of time exploring the area so you might like to check out our huge Northern Beaches in Sydney Guide .  

While most people skip Avalon Beach in Sydney and head straight to Palm Beach, there’s so many reasons why Avalon easily makes it onto our best day trips from Sydney list. Spend the day exploring the beautiful Avalon shops as well as the many cafes and restaurants to choose from. You can check out our full guide on  where to eat in Avalon Beach .

Pro tip – drive over to the Pittwater side in Clareville, you’ll have access to the gorgeous Clareville Beach which is popular with families. Drive on a little further an explore the stunning Paradise Beach which we randomly found on Google Maps. This slice of heaven feels remote, like you’ve found a real hidden gem. You can read more about  Paradise Beach in our guide  here.

How to get to Avalon Beach By Car:  It’s a 50m drive north of Sydney By Bus:  You’ll have to take two busses to get to Avalon Beach which will take 1h30m.

2. Take A Ferry Over To Beautiful Scotland Island In Sydney

North Sydney / 40 minute drive from Sydney

If you fancy going on a boat on your day trip from Sydney then we recommend getting the ferry over to Scotland Island from Church Point in Pittwater. The boat ride itself is gorgeous and we highly recommend it even if it doesn’t take very long. Read our complete Scotland Island Guide for logistics on how to get there and things to do.

When you return from your ferry ride either opt for the beautiful Church Point Waterfront Store & Cafe or pop next door to Pasadena. If you’re unsure which one is better, Pasadena has a great beer garden on the water and they do a cracking fish & chips which is slightly cheaper than the Waterfront Store & Cafe. The latter is beautiful though and definitely worth eating at even if you just want to pop into the store to pick a few snacks up.

How to get to Scotland Island By Car:  It’s a 40m drive north of Sydney By Bus:  You’ll have to take two busses to get to Church Point Wharf to get the ferry over which will take 1h30m.

3. Spend The Day At Palm Beach

North Sydney / 1h drive from Sydney

While Palm Beach is a popular day trip from Sydney, this one hour drive from Sydney Harbour Bridge is worth every single minute because it truly is beautiful.

I have been known to stalk the Home & Away set locations from time to time up here and even found them filming outside The Boathouse once! Check out our complete guide for the Best Things To Do In Palm Beach Sydney for all details on how to spend the day or weekend getaway here.

How to get to Palm Beach By Car: It’s a 1 hour drive north of Sydney By Bus: The L90 will take you directly to Palm Beach which takes about 1h30m.

4. Go On A Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Walk

North Sydney / 1 hour drive from Sydney

As we mentioned above about our secret hike we do from Palm Beach, you can get to the beautiful  Resolute Beach from Palm Beach Wharf . We tend to jump on the ferry to Great Mackerel Beach which is stunning in itself, then walk 40 minutes or so around to Resolute Beach in Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park. I wouldn’t take young kids as it’s hiking in the bush next to the water on a not so well trodden on track, not on a boardwalk.

If you’re driving over to Ku-ring-gai National Park, you can head down the Resolute Beach track from the beautiful West Head Lookout. West Head Lookout is stunning and has a great perspective of the famous Barrenjoey Lighthouse in Palm Beach.

How to get to Ku-ring-gai National Park By Car:  It’s a 1 hour drive to America Bay Track By Bus:  Sorry there’s no public transport to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park 

5. Go On The Riverboat Postman Cruise On The Hawkesbury River

North Sydney / 45min drive from Sydney

We loved our experience on the  River Boat Postman Cruise  which is located in Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River. That’s right, you can join the postman on his run around the islands in the Hawkesbury for a fun boat trip which lasts for 3 hours. At the time of writing, it was just $58 for adults and $18 for kids.

This is also a really easy day trip from Sydney by train. You just need to jump on one train from Central and it will take just over an hour to get there. Best of all, the train station at Brookyln is directly opposite the Riverboat Postman Cruise!

How to get to Brooklyn By Car:  It takes 1hr from Sydney By Public Transport:  1h15m train from Central station

6. Spend The Day At An Aussie Sheep Farm

North Sydney / 1h20m from Sydney

If you’re looking an authentic taste of Aussie culture then we recommend heading over to  Tobruk Sheep Station  for a bit of a different Sydney day trip. You’ll see demonstrations in whip cracking, sheep-sheering and even boomerang throwing to keep you entertained.

How to get to Tobruk Sheep Station from Sydney By Car:  It takes 1h20m from Sydney By Public Transport:  It takes 2h45m with a combo of a train and bus

7. Relax At Patonga & Pearl Beach

A bit further north of the Hawkesbury River and you’ll come to the beautiful Patonga Beach and Pearl Beach. You can actually get a ferry from Palm Beach over to Patonga so it’s up to you how you decide to do your day trip from Sydney.

There’s a campground at Patonga Beach which we always said we’d love to stay at one day because it’s right on the water and looks beautiful. Plus, it’s just a short walk down the road to The Boathouse at Patonga.

8. Check Out The Beautiful Avoca Beach

North Sydney / Between 1h30m – 2h drive

Avoca Beach is a beautiful little coastal town, perfect for a day out of the city or weekend getaway. We recommend Aqua Fun for the family, a visit to one of the BBC’s best cinema’s in the world – the  Avoca Beach Picture Theatre  and the Gin Distillery for some gin tasting and walks around the beautiful gardens.

How to get to Avoca Beach By Car:  Between 1h30m – 2h By Bus:  Takes 2 hours from Sydney with a combo of train and bus

9. Go Horse Riding Or Abseiling At Glenworth Valley

North Sydney / 1h20m drive from Sydney

A great family day trip from Sydney or anyone really is spending the day at  Glenworth Valley . Just an hour north of Sydney will bring you to an adventurers paradise (especially for kids). Expect quad biking, horse riding, abseiling and a whole lot more.

How to get to Glenworth Valley By Car:  It takes 1h20m to get there from Sydney By Bus:  There’s no public transport to Glenworth Valley unfortunately

10. Spend The Day At The Hippest Town On The Central Coast, Long Jetty

North Sydney / 1h30m

Known as being the Central Coast version of Newtown, expect some cool cafes, antique shops, fab street art and much more at Long Jetty, a hidden gem nestled right next door to The Entrance. Find out more about it in our guide, Best Things To Do In Long Jetty .

How to get to Long Jetty By Car:  It should take 1h30m to drive from Sydney to Long Jetty By Public Transport:  You’ll need to take the Newcastle train to Gosford, then take the B21 or B22 bus to Long Jetty which will take 2h30m total.

11. Spend The Day In Newcastle

North Sydney / 2h by car

Just a two drive north of Sydney, Newcastle has many incredible beaches you’ll find not nearly as busy as any Sydney beach. We lived there for about a year and have loads of guides for you to check out including:

Best Things To Do In Newcastle – discover everything from the best restaurants, shops and hidden gems.

Best Beaches In Newcastle – check out our favourite hidden beaches only locals would know about.

How to get to Newcastle By Car:  It’s just a 2hr drive north of Sydney By Train:  It takes 2h30m to get there with a combo of train and the newly built tram line into the centre of Newcastle

12. Spend The Day At Hunter Valley

North Sydney / 2h10m drive from Sydney

The Hunter Valley is known as NSW’s wine country, and it can be on the pricey side too. But, we’ve done our research and found some great gems when it comes to exploring this area. We recommend eating at  Cafe Enzo  and going on a DIY wine tasting tour. Also, how could we forget, visit the  Hunter Valley Gardens  for a great family day out – there’s a couple of fairground rides as well.

HOW TO GET TO HUNTER VALLEY By Car:  2h30m drive from Sydney By Bus:  There’s no public transport but there’s loads of tours to Hunter Valley from Sydney.

13. Something For Everyone At Port Stephens

North Sydney / 2h30m drive from Sydney

Just an hour’s drive north of Newcastle is the beautiful Port Stephens. It’s one of those places that has something for everyone. There’s loads of activities to keep the family entertained like going  sandboarding on the dunes , as well as exploring the set location of the Mad Max movies, camel rides and  shark cage diving !

How to get to Port Stephens By Car:  It’s a three hour drive north of Sydney, past the city of Newcastle By Bus:  It takes an hour from Newcastle on the bus.

DAY TRIPS WEST OF SYDNEY

14. get some space in blue mountains.

Western Sydney / 1h30m drive from Sydney

The Blue Mountains National Park is one of the most popular day trips from Sydney. There’s loads of hikes to tackle with our favourites being  Hanging Rock  and  Wentworth Falls , as well as Insta famed lookout points that you can drive right to such as: Lincolns Rock and our favourites, Hargraves Lookout and Blackheath Lookout. Check out our Blue Mountains guides which include visiting scenic world, outdoor rock climbing and so much more:

Best Things To Do In Blue Mountains

Best Blue Mountains Hikes

Best Lookouts In Blue Mountains

Ultimate Guide For A Romantic Weekend In Blue Mountains

Everything You Need To Know About Camping In Blue Mountains

Best Places To Stay In Blue Mountains

How to get to Blue Mountains National Park from Sydney By Car:  It’s a 2h drive from Sydney By Train:  One of the easiest places to get to from Sydney via public transport is Blue Mountains. It’s a 2h20m on the train.

15. Experience A Slice Of England At Breenhold Gardens

Western Sydney / 1h50m drive from Sydney

Right near to Blue Mountains National Park you’ll find Mount Wilson and the beautiful  Breenhold Gardens . It’s only open during a few weeks in the year during Spring and Autumn but we reckon these gardens are the best to see the autumn and spring colours in Sydney. If you’re British, these gardens will certainly remind you of home being one of the most amazing day trips from Sydney.

It’s no wonder Mount Wilson is often used as the set location for many movies including The Great Gatsby which you can read about int our  18 Hollywood movies filmed in Sydney   guide.

How to get to Breenhold Gardens from Sydney By Car:  It takes 2h10m to get to Breenhold Gardens By Public Transport:  Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Breenhold Gardens 

16. Relax In The Best Hot Baths In NSW At Sparadise Japanese Bath House

West Sydney / 2h30m drive from Sydney

Another amazing day trip from Sydney is  Sparadise Japanese Bath House  in the middle of the Blue Mountains. We absolutely love this gem where you’ll be sitting in 30C+ water, looking out to magnificent views and wondering how on earth you didn’t know anything about it before.

How to get to Sparadise By Car:  Approx. 2h30m from Sydney By Train:  Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Sparadise 

17. Visit The Less Touristy Caves Near Sydney

Western Sydney / 3hr drive from Sydney

Our another awesome day trip from Sydney without the crowds is at  Wombeyan Caves  which is just a stones throw from Blue Mountains National Park. You might have heard of Jenolan Caves but if you drive just an hour longer, you’ll come to Wombeyan Caves. You can do a tour or a self guided tour into the caves just like we did! If visiting in Summer, trek into the  Mares Forest Creek Canyon  for a hike and swim, it’s one of the best things we’ve ever done in Australia.

How to get to Wombeyan Caves By Car:  It takes around 3hr to drive there By Bus:  Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Wombeyan Caves

18. Be Totally Wowed By The Views At Kanangra-Boyd National Park

Western Sydney / 2h45m drive from Sydney

Very few know about  Kanangra-Boyd National Park  and although it’s a bit of a drive to get there, you’ll be in complete amazement of the beauty of this part of the Blue Mountains National Park. You’ll honestly think you’re in somewhere like Borneo when you see the views from this stunning day trip from Sydney. There are campsites here too if you want to make a weekend of it!

How to get to Kanangra-Boyd National Park By Car:  It takes around 2hr45m to drive there By Bus:  Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Kanangra-Boyd National Park 

19. Visit The Secret Glow Worm Tunnel In Newnes

Western Sydney / approximately 3h30m drive from Sydney

Newnes is one of the proper gems to visit near Sydney. It might take a while to get there but it’s totally worth it. Even the scenery on the way to Newnes is exceptional. We recommend going on  the glow worm tunnel hike  (good for families too) where you have to walk through a very black tunnel along the old railway tracks to see the glow worms.

If you fancy staying for a few days, there’s an awesome free campsite there too. We want to head back to see the old zig zag railway bridge too!

How to get to Newnes from Sydney By Car:  It can take up to 3h30m to drive to Newnes By Bus:  Unfortunately there’s no public transport options to get to Newnes 

DAY TRIPS SOUTH OF SYDNEY

20. spend the day at royal national park.

South Sydney / 1 hour from Sydney

This is clearly one of our favourite day trips from Sydney! As the second oldest national park in THE WORLD, you’ll find plenty of incredible beaches and hikes to go on. You can read our full list of the  15 Best Royal National Park Walks  if you want to know all of our favourite places to visit.

Some of our favourite hikes include the  Wedding Cake Rock walk  which leads onto the stunning Big Marley Beach as well as the Palona Cave walk.

2. Hike To The Insta Phenomenon Figure 8 Pools

Southern Sydney / 1hr drive from Sydney

Although it is part of The Royal National Park, we felt it was only right to give the Figure 8 Pools hike a section of its own which is just an hours south of Sydney. Make sure you check the tides before going there otherwise you might have wasted your day as it would be too dangerous at high tide. We recommend reading  our full blog post about Figure 8 Pools  first before you go on this amazing coastal walk along beautiful beaches.

How to get to Figure 8 Pools from Sydney By Car:  It’s a 1 hour drive from Sydney By Bus:  It’s a 1 hour train ride to Otford, then hike from there

22. Find The Famous Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout

Continue on your drive on the south coast and you’ll find the beautiful lookout point at Stanwell Tops which reaches over to the famous Sea Cliff Bridge in the distance.

We loved the short hike up to the view point ( read our Sea cliff Bridge Guide first ), but just be careful if you do attempt it. Please don’t take children up there and if you go be super careful and always wear hiking boots as thongs or trainers won’t cut it.

How to get to Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout By Car:  It’s a 1 hour drive from Sydney By Bus:  It’s also a 1 hour train ride from Central to Stanwell Park Station

23. Have A Fun Packed Day In Wollongong & Kiama

Southern Sydney / 1h30m to drive from Sydney

You’ll find not one but two incredible temples to visit in Wollongong being the beautiful Nan Tien Temple and  Sri Venkateswara Temple, a couple of awesome lookout points, brilliant hikes and zip lining for the family.

Obviously don’t forget to visit the biggest blowhole in THE WORLD down at Kiama as well. Read our full guide for the Best Things To Do In Wollongong before you go which is full of hidden gems!

How to get to Wollongong from Sydney By Car:  It takes 1h30m to drive from Sydney By Bus:  It takes 1h30m to get the train from Sydney – Wollongong.

24. Bring Out Your Inner Child At Jamberoo

Southern Sydney / 1h30m-2h drive from Sydney

Jamberoo Action Park  is a brilliant day trip from Sydney during the summer. Set in the country on the outskirts of Kangaroo Valley, this water slide park is a great day trip for the whole family.

How to get to Jamberoo from Sydney By Car:  It takes between 1h30m-2h to drive there By Bus:  It takes about 3hr with a combo of bus and train

25. Visit The Beautiful Southern Highlands

Southern Sydney / 1h30m drive from Sydney

Southern Highlands is one of our favourite weekend getaways from Sydney. We also love mooching around the shops in Bowral, driving around the stunning Kangaroo Valley and Kangaroo River, as well as appreciating the hiking trails and secret gardens in the area. Check out our guides for weekend trips or a day trip below:

The Ultimate Guide For Visiting Southern Highlands

42 Things To Do In Kangaroo Valley

15 Best Things To Do In Robertson

28 Best Things To Do In Bowral

The Best Kangaroo Valley Waterfalls You Need To Visit

How to get to Southern Highlands By Car:  It takes about 1h30 to drive there. By Public Transport:  Catch a direct train from Sydney and you’ll be in Bowral in 1h30m.

26. Visit A Thai Buddhist Monastery

Southern Sydney / 2hr drive from Sydney

We absolutely love  Sunnataram Thai Buddhist Monastery  in Bundanoon which is west of Kangaroo Valley. If you’re not up for doing one of their donation based weekend retreats, you can visit every Sunday from 11-4pm. Just make sure you cover your shoulders, arms and below the knees for respect for the monks.

How to get to Sunnataram Forest Monastery By Car:  It takes about 2 hours to drive there. By Public Transport:  It takes between 2-3 hours to get there with a combo of buses and trains.

27. Discover The Whitest Sand Beach In The World At Jervis Bay

Southern Sydney / 3hour drive from Sydney

Just a three hour drive south of Sydney sits the beautiful Jervis Bay. With the title known as the world’s whitest sand beach, we recommend going on the White Sands Walk which is one of the most beautiful coastal walks in Australia.

When visiting, make sure you jump on the  legendary dolphin cruise , Jervis Bay Passage Tour and check out our review of the whale watching tour in Jervis Bay too!

Jervis Bay is a fantastic day trip from Sydney, you’ll be coming back time and time again! Just make sure you check out our popular  Jervis Bay Guide  before visiting!

How to get to Jervis Bay from Sydney By Car:  It takes 3 hours to drive there. By Public Transport:  Unfortunately there’s no public transport to Jervis Bay from Sydney 

28. Discover The Hidden Gems In Canberra

Southern Sydney / 3hr drive from Sydney

We were blown away by the amazing things to do in Canberra. Although everyone we spoke to always said ‘we weren’t missing out on much’, we were really surprised about how cool the city actually is. Expect amazing art galleries, some of the best we’ve seen, fantastic wine bars and great places to eat.

Check out our guide to the  best things to do in Canberra and our Floriade Review as well before visiting.

29. Find The Best Waterfalls To Swim In Sydney

Various Sydney Spots

If you’re looking for some day trips from Sydney which involve finding some of the best wild swimming spots around, check out our  16 Best Waterfalls In Sydney To Swim  guide.

We’ve also found some of the  best secluded beaches in Sydney  as well that won’t have many or anyone else on them. You can thank us later for this!

30. Explore some of the best hikes in Sydney

If you’re looking to get out and explore more hidden gems in Sydney, you’ll find some of them in our  18 best hikes in Sydney  guide. These hikes are some of the best secluded places near Sydney and if we mentioned them all in this post, it would go on forever!

We hope our best day trips from Sydney has helped you plan your future getaways!

Looking for Weekend Getaways From Sydney?

Check out these articles to help you plan your weekends away.

45 Best Weekend Getaways From Sydney

15 Best Hiking & Camping Weekend Itineries In Sydney

How To Spend The Weekend Hiking In Blue Mountains

22 Romantic Getaways From Sydney

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If you found this post helpful, please share it on your social media pages 🙂

As someone who came to Australia from the UK, 20 years ago – this is a great list of day trips and recommendations, I will be using some of your research to plan trips when my relatives next visit – I love the fact that you look beyond the obvious, Bondi beach etc, which I never visit as a local – the list of walks you have are some of my favourite places and some new ones for me to try out too – thanks for the research and hard work pulling the VLOG and website together.

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Wattamolla, Royal National Park Sydney, New South Wales © Filippo Rivetti, Destination NSW

The best day trips from Sydney

Drive a few hours out of Sydney to find fresh produce, world-class wines and beautiful beaches and coastline.

By Paul Chai  

Take a break for the day and head out of  Sydney . You can take a beach break along the South Coast and learn to surf, you can walk in the footsteps of the first Aboriginals at the Royal National Park or you can taste wine at one of the oldest wine regions in the country.

Palm Beach, Sydney, New South Wales © Adam Krowitz

Did you know?

Palm Beach is the setting for Summer Bay, the fictional beach in the television show Home and Away .

Where: Just over an hour drive from the city centre.

At the apex of Sydney's stunning Northern Beaches is  Palm Beach , which sits on a narrow peninsula surrounded by golden sand and sparkling water. Take a coffee stop on the way up at  The Boathouse , a wooden cottage right on the water where you can try the buttermilk scones with fresh strawberries with your caffeine hit. Once at “Palmy”, as the locals know it, take a swim at the beach or climb to Barrenjoey Lighthouse. The Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve walk to the lighthouse starts with a stroll along a small patch of beach, where jet skis create swirls of whitewash in Pittwater. When the track curls inland you can choose to go straight ahead on the Service Road or take the steeper, shorter Smugglers Track. Halfway up you get an amazing view back along the twin crescents of Palm Beach and Pittwater that bracket the lush headland.

Royal National Park

Curracurrong Falls, Royal National Park, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Where: A one-hour drive south of the city centre.

The  Royal National Park  offers 15 hectares (37 acres) of thick bush, clifftop walks and hidden swimming spots. Walk the beginning section of the 26-kilometre (16-mile) Coast Track, where the traditional owners – the Dharawal people – used to gather on rocks and create art. Nearby you can see engravings that are more than 1000 years old, find shell middens and discover Depression-era cave dwellings where hard-up locals used to live. In whale watching season (May to November) the cliffs are a great places from which to spot humpback whales as they head along the coast. You can finish off with a dip at Garie Beach.

Where: Just under a two-hour drive west of the city.

The  Blue Mountains  offer forest walks through ancient trees and ferns, the famous Three Sisters rock formations at  Echo Point Lookout , and fabulous food. Stop in Medlow Bath for a high tea at the opulent  Hydro Majestic Hotel , which underwent a massive makeover in 2015 and now offers excellent tea and cakes in its Art Deco surrounds. Have lunch at historic  Lochiel House , a fine diner in a historic coach house where you can lunch on steak tartare or grilled octopus. On the way back to Sydney, take the back road, the Bells Line of Road, and call in at  Bilpin Cider Co , where you can sample the local brew made from fruit grown in the surrounding valley.

Southern Highlands

Centennial Vineyards, Bowral, New South Wales © Kramer Photography

The Southern Highlands is also home to a number of  wineries  where you can enjoy a flight of cool-climate wines or a long lunch overlooking the vineyards.

Where: A one-hour drive south-west of the city.

The New South Wales Southern Highlands is a region of rural townships set among rolling hills and state forest. At Bowral visit the  Bradman Centre , a cricket museum in honour of Australia's most famous player, Sir Donald Bradman. Shop for antiques at  Dirty Janes , a vintage market, or grab a bite at the  Mill Café  in a huge old building with a giant cockatoo mural on the wall. Dine on delicious modern Thai food at Paste in Mittagong, or head to Berrima, to browse the shops and enjoy a drink at the historic sandstone  Surveyor General Inn , built in 1834. 

The South Coast

Blowhole Point Rock Pool, Kiama, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Where:  Just over an hour south of Sydney when you pass the Royal National Park.

Take the  Grand Pacific Drive , which heads out over the water on the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge then on to the seaside towns of Wollongong and Kiama. Wollongong and surrounds are full of beaches, small coastal towns and coastal walks and cycleways. At Kiama visit the famous Kiama Blowhole, where the crashing waves are forced up through a hole in the cliff, forming a huge fountain. Play golf at the rural golf course with great views and kangaroos for company, or walk parts of the Kiama Coast Walk , which weaves through stunning headland, rivers and secluded beaches.

The Hunter Valley

Tyrrell's, Pokolbin, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Where:  About a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney.

The  Hunter Valley , one of Australia's premier wine regions, offers a range of adventurous ways to explore the region, from an early morning hot air balloon to  horseriding  through the vineyards. But most people come for the food and wine. Have lunch at  Muse  in Pokolbin, considered the best restaurant in the valley, or try nearby  Restaurant Botanica , that has its own kitchen garden. Taste wine at  Tyrrell's , a winery that dates back to 1858, try the more modern  Tempus Two  with its striking cellar door, or sip local bubbles at  Peterson House .

Shoalhaven Region

Where: About 2.5 hours south of Sydney.

The  Shoalhaven Region  has white sand beaches, an emerging foodie scene based around the area's amazing fresh produce, and quaint coastal towns. At  Berry,  a country town with heritage buildings set among lush farmland, you can get freshly baked bread at the  Berry Sourdough Bakery & Café , piping hot treats from the Berry Donut Van  and an old-school pub beer at the  Great Southern Hotel . Work off your foodie binge at Murrays Beach, where the clear blue waters are ideal for snorkelling. Spot dolphins in the water and kangaroos on the beach in Jervis Bay, or head to Mollymook to stay and dine in luxury at Bannisters .

Where: 1.5 hours south from Sydney

The beachy suburb of Wollongong can be as relaxing or adrenaline-fuelled as you like. Along the way, be sure to take a detour for the  Symbio Wildlife Park  (just off the Princes Highway) to meet the local mammal population of native and exotic wildlife. Continue along the scenic route via the Sea Cliff Bridge and stop for lunch at the  Scarborough Hotel . This casual pub has some of the best views of the sweeping coastline. Beachgoers are spoilt for choice in “The Gong” (as it’s affectionately known to locals), with picturesque soft sand beaches, great surfing waves, ocean pools and picnic areas. The most popular option is the swimmer-friendly North Beach, though City Beach in the city centre tends to get wilder waves. Book a private lesson with the  Illawarra Surf Academy  and learn how to surf with the locals at Thirroul and Corrimal (just north of Wollongong). With more than 40 kilometres (25 miles) of shared paths threaded across the Wollongong coast, cycling is on par with surfing as the local pastime. Rent a set of wheels from  South Coast Bike Hire  and hit the waterfront cycleway, or for the thrill-seekers,  Skydive Sydney-Wollongong  will take you on a scenic plane ride over the coast before you make the crucial jump from 14,000 feet up. Largely considered one of the most spectacular skydives in Australia, you’ll get to take in the dramatic views over Wollongong before landing on North Beach.

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The best road trips around New South Wales

Pack the boot, start those engines and hit the open road on one of the best drives in the state

If you've ever endured long haul travel – jetting through multiple timezones and a series of identical yet somehow still bamboozling airports – you may have found yourself questioning if it truly is about the journey and not the destination.

We've got just the thing to restore your faith in that old adage. Take a ride on one of these gorgeous scenic road trips around New South Wales. Pack the boot, roll down your windows and let gorgeous scenery whizz past you – be that soaring coastal cliffs, native bushland, or towering alpine forests. Trust us, no one will be asking if you're nearly there yet.

Want more inspo? These are the best weekend getaways close to Sydney Check out these gorgeous natural wonders worth a day trip from Sydney

These are the most quirky places to stay in nsw.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Sydney to Avoca

Route: Sydney - Avoca Beach For a short and breezy roadtrip option, look no further than the Central Coast's sleepy little township of Avoca Beach. You'll get there before lunchtime, which leaves plenty of time for seaside chills. It's not quite as cheeky as its namesake in Rio, but head to Copacabana for a surf, or the busier, more bustling Terrigal Beach further north if you'd rather just a dip. Set on a sprawling homestead out of town, Shady Palms  is the spot for modern Australian and Italian lunch fare, and catch a flick at the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre   before you hop back in the car to head home – it's been unwinding reels since 1948. If you have a little longer, put your hiking boots on and take in the views from a glorious coast-hugging trek through Bouddi National Park . 

The Waterfall Way

Route: Coffs Harbour - Armidale With 185km worth of national  parks, waterfalls and lofty lookout platforms between the Central NSW towns of Coffs Harbour and Armidale, you'll be glad you took a spin over this route.  From Sydney, it'll take you around five and a half hours to snake along the coast to reach the regional hub of Coffs Harbour, where you can stop in for a caffeine hit at Suppy Speciality Coffee Co or   Sawtell's the Hilltop Store   (owned by ex- Chiswick and 4Fourteen head chefs). Then you can turn westward towards Armidale. Make sure to pack a picnic to unwrap as you sit and gaze over the rushing streams of Dorrigo's majestic Dangar Falls,  or the 220m-high Wollomombi Falls . 

The Grand Pacific Drive

Route: Sydney - South Coast The Grand Pacific Drive hugs the ocean for much of its 138km span bridging the distance between Sydney and New South Wales' South Coast. Roll down your windows to feel the brisk, salty sea air on your drive through the pretty towns of  Austinmer, Thirroul and Kiama. Factor  in some time to stop by the road for crisp fish and chips from a corner store by the beach – Thirroul's South Sailor should have you covered. Once you reach Werri Beach, turn right back around to head home, or wander westward to navigate to the idyllic scenery of the Southern Highlands – there's pastoral charm and wine aplenty waiting for you. 

Sydney to Wagga Wagga

Route: Sydney - Wagga Wagga This five and a half hour drive into the heart of the Riverina region will take you past a lot of pretty pastoral scenery, but the real attractions are the nibbles along the way. Stash those petrol station chippies, because  quality paddock-to-plate eateries line the trail between Sydney and the country town of Wagga Wagga. G rab some local jam  and honey from the  Little Hand-Stirred Jam Shop  in Berrima; pick up a bottle or two of local wine from The Vintner's Daughter in Murrumbateman (and check out its sci-fi memorabilia); or why not sample some  handmade fudge at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory ?  Once you arrive in Wagga, head over to the Thirsty Crow for a cool beer and a chinwag with the locals – or hit up one of Australia's secret 'beaches', and see if you can catch the single wave that supposedly passes over the enigmatic lake each day at 5pm. 

Sydney to Mudgee

Route: Sydney - Orange - Mudgee There's a roadtrip route to suit everyone, and this one is clearly earmarked for the foodies amongst us. Follow breadcrumbs from Sydney for four hours towards the promise of unparalelled gastronomic experiences in the vineyard-bound town of Orange . Here, you can while away a day or two exploring high-elevation vineyards like Brangayne of Orange , or sip on light reds while tasting fresh, local produce at the Swinging Bridge   cellar door. Jump  back in the car for another two hours and h ead to Mudgee where you’ll find another plethora of wineries and restaurants – from the  architectural fine dining haunts like the Pipeclay Pumphouse   to creative local cafés like   The Dancing Goat . Head back to Sydney, and try not to stop in at the exact same places on your way home.

Kosciuszko Alpine Way

Route:  Khancoban - Thredbo-Perisher, Kosciuszko National Park As you weave your way from Jindabyne through the tall gum tree-lined forests of Kosciuszko National Park, this route is a mountainous, otherworldly journey into the heart of New South Wales. It's well-storied, too – heard of 'The Man from Snowy River'? Yep, this is where you'll breathe in that "clear as crystal" air Banjo Paterson was banging on about. During months with less snow, as the deep grooves of mountain-bike and hiking tracks resurface again, hop out of the car to stretch your legs with some exercise in the mountain air. To warm up, head to  Black Sallee's for goulash, gourmet hot dogs and the best hot chocolate on the mountain. Oh, and make sure to pull over and take pictures of wildflowers – they grow by the roadside.

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Hit the road and discover all the incredible things on offer in our spectacular state. Whether it’s a classic drive along the coast, a food and wine trail through the countryside, or an epic Outback adventure, there’s a road trip for everyone in NSW.

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Sydney to Cairns Road Trip

Alison Condon

September 10th, 2024

7 minute read

A road trip from Sydney to Cairns is hands-down one of the most iconic trips that you can take through Australia. Spanning more than 2,400km from one city to the other, this drive takes you up the country’s stunning east coast. Stopping off at all sorts of tropical beach towns, bustling cities , and thriving rainforests along the way - not to mention its proximity to the one and only Great Barrier Reef - this is the ultimate road trip for those looking to make the most of their time Down Under! So, dig out that backpack and splash out on sunscreen because we’ve got all the info you need to set off on your Sydney to Cairns adventure!

Is it Worth Driving to Cairns from Sydney?

Yes, driving from Sydney to Cairns is absolutely worth it, as long as you give yourself enough time to enjoy it. While some travellers might prefer to fly or catch the bus from one destination to another, there are lots of advantages to doing this journey as a road trip.

Not only do you get to choose your itinerary based on your budget, bucket list , and time frame, but you also get the rare opportunity to uncover all sorts of stunning hidden gems along the way! If you want to get the most out of your East Coast visit, a road trip is the way to go.

Towns and cities along the coast are particularly used to tourists, backpackers, and visitors, so you'll come across plenty of accommodation options, filling stations, fun-filled tours and activities, campsites , and eateries along the way.

Lots of people set off on Sydney to Cairns (or Cairns to Sydney) road trips year-round, and stop off at a lot of the same hot spots. As a result, you're bound to bump into some familiar faces or make some friends along the way. Another perk of taking a road trip up the East Coast is that, at the drop of a hat, you can rearrange your journey, extend your stay in a certain destination, book a new tour, or reserve new accommodation as you meet new people on your travels.

How Many Days to Travel from Sydney to Cairns?

How many days you spend driving from Sydney to Cairns is entirely dependent on you! Driving directly from Sydney to Cairns without a break would take around 30 hours. Of course, a fun road trip will ideally include some stops along the way for activities, exploration, food, and at least a little bit of sleep!

While deciding how long your road trip should last , ask yourself: How long would you like to spend travelling? Which East Coast destinations would you like to visit along the way, and how long would you like to spend at each one? What are some activities you just can’t miss along the East Coast, and what’s the availability like for each one?

If you’re short on time, you could do a whistle-stop tour through the key East Coast spots in two weeks . But if you want to be more flexible with your itinerary and give yourself enough time to see all of the best bits, we recommend dedicating five weeks to this road trip. Be warned, though: the more time you spend uncovering Australia , the more tempted you’ll be to stay!

Where Should I Stop Between Sydney and Cairns?

There are so many breathtaking stops you could make during the drive from Sydney to Cairns that, if you stopped at all of them, your road trip might never end! However, there are some essential East Coast stops that you just can’t miss. 

Where to stop between Sydney and Cairns

Australia’s largest city and one of the most popular starting points for those hoping to travel Down Under. Stop off at its famous beaches like Bondi and Manly, and be sure to get your photos at world-famous landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge! This bustling, vibrant city is the perfect starting point for an East Coast tour, complete with stunning coastal walks, brilliant day trips , perfect surf, fun nightlife, and top-tier entertainment.

Become one with the laid-back hippy atmosphere of Byron Bay , do the famous Byron Bay Lighthouse walk, check out eclectic local boutiques and markets, and take advantage of the coastal town’s excellent surfing.

Noosa is famous for its relaxing, beachy atmosphere, its excellent selection of restaurants, shops, and cafes, and its natural beauty. Visitors are urged to check out the breathtaking coastal walk and explore the Noosa Everglades while they’re in town.

The next major city along the East Coast after Sydney is the Gold Coast . Not only does it boast world-famous surfing spots and a thriving nightlife scene, but the Gold Coast is home to the best theme parks in Australia, including Dreamworld and Wet 'n' Wild!

K’gari (Fraser Island)

K’gari is one of the most popular stops along the east coast of Australia thanks to its crystal clear freshwater lakes and thick green rainforests to its 4WD and dingo-spotting opportunities. Go camping in the wilderness, explore the dunes, take a dip in Champagne Pools, and explore an ancient shipwreck while you’re on the island!

You’ll be in search of more crowds and civilisation after a few nights on K’gari, which is why Brisbane is the perfect next stop. Enjoy some great food and indulge in some local arts and culture before taking a trip out to Moreton Island or visiting the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the world-famous Whitsunday Islands, best known for their colourful and lively coral reefs and iconic landmarks like Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout. Stop by for a few days and book an overnight tour to guarantee you get the very best of the Whitsundays. Visit at the right time of year and you could have an encounter with some humpback whales !

Magnetic Island

Just a short ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island is a beautiful, relaxed destination abundant with Aussie wildlife, beautiful hiking trails, and secluded beaches. Must-see spots include Forts Walk and Horseshoe Bay, while breakfast with koalas is one of the most beloved activities to book!

Get the most exceptional views of the jaw-dropping Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, as well as natural wonders like Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. While you’re in the area, be sure to take some time to visit Kuranda - a tropical mountain-top village. If you’re seeking a thrill, try out bungy jumping , river rafting , tubing , or skydiving !

Things to do between Sydney and Cairns

If you’re struggling to choose which stops you should make along the East Coast, it can help to decide what sorts of activities you’d be interested in during your travels.

Those hoping to explore the Great Barrier Reef during their road trip should absolutely stop off in the Whitsundays, Cairns, and Port Douglas for some exceptional scuba diving, snorkelling, and scenic flights. If you’re a thrill-seeker, Byron Bay, Airlie Beach, Mission Beach, and Cairns are the top spots for all things sky-diving and bungee jumping. Surfers can catch the best waves along the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, and in Sydney beaches like Bondi and Manly.

Spend a little more time in the tropical north than in the south if you want to explore the very best rainforests, waterfalls, and natural swimming holes. If you’re interested in living the island life, be sure to carve out time to visit K’gari (Fraser Island), Magnetic Island, Green Island, and Whitsunday Island .

When is the best time for a Sydney to Cairns road trip?

Strictly speaking, there is never a bad time to embark on a road trip from Sydney to Cairns. However, you’ll get to experience the coast at its very best during Australian autumn or spring. It all depends on what your priorities are during your adventure! Check out our full seasonal rundown of the East Coast for a better idea of when would suit you best.

If you have any questions ahead of setting off on your once-in-a-lifetime East Coast Tour, our friendly travel experts are available to chat 24/7 .

Build your own east coast itinerary or take a look through our pre-built itineraries ., start your own journey.

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