Popular Day Trips from Sydney, Australia

This collection of day trips from Sydney provides some great options for current domestic travel, as well as for visitors to Australia. It is written by Raki, a Sydney local and tour guide. See his details below.

Australia has gained a reputation among millions of tourists as a charming and peaceful holiday destination. Although Australia is quite far away from many countries, travel agents, hotels, and transportation companies lighten the burden by supporting travellers as much as possible.

Sydney has become a fan favourite thanks to its abundance of wonderful natural artefacts and their ease of access.

The surrounding area has some of the best day trips from Sydney. These short trips from Sydney can be covered within only a few hours if you choose to visit this gorgeous country down under.

Sydney Day Tours offers a complete experience of entertainment and nature visits compared to the usual day trips.

Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney

The large rugged valley called “The Blue Mountains” is a combination of natural resources and man-made attractions such as lush forests, cave paintings, picturesque waterfalls, and hiking trails. 

Day trips to the blue mountains from Sydney can be done through a few methods. If you go by car, it takes about 1.5 hours via the M1 motorway. Alternatively, you can take the new City West Link, starting from Wattle Street. This significantly reduces the time to reach the Blue Mountains.

A Blue Mountain day trip from Sydney can also be done by taking a train from Sydney Central Station. The train is the cheapest transport to explore the Blue Mountains, costing only AUD$4-5 during off-peak hours.

For a more complete visit, try a Blue Mountain tour in Sydney. Guided and pre-organised, it’ll allow you to see every corner of the Blue Mountains Valley. You can book one of these Blue Mountain Sydney Tours here. 

Serenity in the mountains

As one of several fantastic weekend trips from Sydney, the Blue Mountains has mesmerising views, including the Three Sisters rock formation.

Alongside its scenic beauty, this area also hosts native birds such as kookaburras. In summer, the birds strike up a harmonious chatter, making this one of several good weekend getaways from Sydney.

Another 45 minutes past the Three Sisters lies the Jenolan Caves, Australia’s most spectacular cave system. Beautiful and off of the beaten path, it is a fantastic place to relax and find comfort in quiet solitude.

Scenic world tours and picnics

Are you a fan of adventure? Adventurous day trips to the Blue Mountains from Sydney include Scenic World’s four combined tours, plus a bushwalk in the Leura picnic area.

Hunter Valley day trips from Sydney

If you want to sip a glass of Shiraz while overlooking quaint views, a trip to Hunter Valley is for you. For centuries, the Hunter Valley has provided the region’s best wines. Full of hospitality and elegance, a Hunter Valley day trip from Sydney will tickle your tastebuds.

Hunter Valley lies 230 km north of Sydney, or a 3.5-hour drive. Transport will depend on your budget and what experience you want. Hiring a car from rental companies such as Avis or Hertz and driving via the M1, you’ll be paying as little as AUD$60.

However, if no one wants to miss out on the fun, you’ll want to book a Hunter Valley Wine Tour from Sydney. This is a common choice even for locals, so no one has to be the designated driver.

Enjoy wine and cheese on these Hunter Valley trips from Sydney

Over 150 boutique wineries are located in the Hunter Valley region. You can explore the different grapes, with varieties such as Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Verdelho.

You won’t be able to visit everywhere in a day. However, your Hunter Valley day tour from Sydney can still hit a lot of sweet spots. We recommend you try a few of your favourite wine varieties, plus handmade fresh cheese and chocolate delicacies from the local stores.

Charming Hunter Gardens and Orchards

The Hunter Gardens are a charming and picturesque place for a stroll. If you want to take the sightseeing further on your Hunter Valley day tour from Sydney, you can even enjoy a balloon ride over the valley.

Port Stephens short trips from Sydney

Port Stephens is an ideal destination for any aspiring explorer who wants an adventurous beach holiday. One of several short day trips from Sydney, this region is full of exciting and fun activities.

Only a 2.5 hours drive, Port Stephens is 200 km north of Sydney. You can drive there on the M1 or take the Port Stephens Express Bus from Central Station. If you take the bus, you’ll need to treat it as one of your overnight or weekend trips from Sydney.

Dolphin watching

Enjoy a photogenic dolphin adventure amid the endless tides. There are three cruise options for dolphin watching. I recommend giving it a go if you’ve never done it before. Dolphin watching is a beautiful and mesmerising experience.

Adventurous activities

The brave traveller will want to try some of Port Stephens’ more adventurous activities. Choose from options such as Beach Dune Tours, Sygna Wreck Tour, and Tomari Short Trips.

Where is Sydney?

Sydney is located on Australia’s east coast. It is the country’s largest city by population, as well as being the capital of the state of New South Wales. Sydney Harbour, especially at sunset, is often thought of as the world’s most beautiful inlet. The Sydney Opera house is its most recognizable icon.

Save for later

If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media and save it for later on Pinterest.

Which of these day trips from Sydney will be on your bucket list?

About the author

Raki is a private tour guide based in Sydney, Australia, who operates his own day tour business. His tour portfolio includes the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and the Southern Highlands of Sydney. You can contact him via Facebook to book your Sydney adventure. 

Photo Credits: Except where noted, all photos on this page copyright Raki Kumarage. Used with written permission.

More from Australia you might like:

• Highlights of our Great Ocean Road Self Drive in Australia
• Things to do in Sydney for Free: Walkable from the Waterfront
• Things to do in Jindabyne Australia – A Visitors Guide
• 17 Fun Things to Do in Adelaide South Australia
• Fun Things to Do in Melbourne for Couples