Ideas for day trips from Sydney

Kunal Kalra - profile photo
· 10 min read
Ideas for day trips from Sydney

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales and one of the most populous cities in Australia, is a great starting point for a range of exciting day trips and longer getaways. Here are ten ideas for a ten-day trip from Sydney, including visits to the beautiful Kiama and Blue Mountains regions:

  1. Kiama

    Kiama is a beautiful town located on the South Coast of New South Wales, about two hours south of Sydney. It is known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and quaint atmosphere. There are a number of activities to do in Kiama, including swimming, surfing, fishing, and walking along the scenic coastline. The town is also home to a number of charming cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, which makes it a great place to relax and unwind. Additionally, Kiama is close to other popular destinations in the region, such as Jamberoo, Gerringong, and the Minnamurra Rainforest, which can all be visited in a day trip from Sydney.

    Getting here: Kiama is located about 100 kilometers south of Sydney, which is a drive of about two hours depending on traffic. It is easily accessible by car, with several routes available from Sydney. The most direct route is to take the Princes Highway, which takes you through the towns of Wollongong and Shellharbour before arriving in Kiama. There are also several public transport options available for getting to Kiama from Sydney, including trains and buses. The train journey from Sydney to Kiama takes about two hours, with trains departing from Central Station and stopping at a number of stations along the way. There are also regular bus services that operate between Sydney and Kiama, with the journey taking approximately three hours.

  2. Blue Mountains

    The Blue Mountains is a beautiful and picturesque region located just outside of the city. It is known for its stunning scenery, with rugged sandstone cliffs, deep valleys, and dense eucalyptus forests. The Blue Mountains is also home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including the Three Sisters rock formation, the Scenic World skyway, and the Katoomba Falls. There are a number of activities to do in the Blue Mountains, including hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and sightseeing.

    Getting here: To get to the Blue Mountains from Sydney, you can take the train from Central Station to Katoomba, which is the main town in the region. The journey takes about two hours, and trains depart regularly throughout the day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, with services departing from a number of locations in the city. The journey by bus takes about two hours, depending on traffic. You can also drive to the Blue Mountains from Sydney, with the trip taking about one and a half hours depending on the route you take.

  3. Berry NSW

    Berry is a charming town located on the South Coast of New South Wales, about two hours south of Sydney. It is known for its beautiful countryside, with rolling green hills, dairy farms, and charming country lanes. Berry is also home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including the Berry Museum, the Berry Chocolate Factory, and the Berry Tea House. There are a number of activities to do in Berry, including shopping for locally made crafts and produce, visiting the many art galleries and studios in the area, and exploring the nearby countryside.

    Getting here: To get to Berry from Sydney, you can take the train from Central Station to Bomaderry, which is the nearest train station to Berry. The journey takes about two hours, and trains depart regularly throughout the day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sydney to Berry, with services departing from a number of locations in the city. The journey by bus takes about two hours, depending on traffic. You can also drive to Berry from Sydney, with the trip taking about one and a half hours depending on the route you take.

  4. Central Coast

    The Central Coast is a beautiful region located about an hour north of the city. It is known for its stunning beaches, picturesque waterways, and lush national parks. The Central Coast is home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including the Australian Reptile Park and the Bouddi National Park. There are a number of activities to do on the Central Coast, including swimming, surfing, fishing, and bushwalking.

    Getting here: To get to the Central Coast from Sydney, you can take the train from Central Station to Wyong, which is the main town on the Central Coast. The journey takes about one hour, and trains depart regularly throughout the day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sydney to the Central Coast, with services departing from a number of locations in the city. The journey by bus takes about one and a half hours, depending on traffic. You can also drive to the Central Coast from Sydney, with the trip taking about an hour depending on the route you take.

  5. Hawkesbury

    The Hawkesbury region is a beautiful and picturesque area located just outside of the city. It is known for its stunning waterways, charming villages, and rich history. The Hawkesbury region is home to a number of popular tourist attractions, includingthe Hawkesbury Museum, and the Wisemans Ferry, which is a historic ferry crossing on the Hawkesbury River. There are a number of activities to do in the Hawkesbury region, including bushwalking, fishing, and water sports.

    Getting here: To get to the Hawkesbury region from Sydney, you can take the train from Central Station to Richmond, which is the nearest train station to the Hawkesbury region. From Richmond, you can catch a connecting bus or hire a car to explore the region. The journey by train from Sydney to Richmond takes about 45 minutes, and trains depart regularly throughout the day. Alternatively, you can drive to the Hawkesbury region from Sydney, with the trip taking about 45 minutes depending on the route you take.

  6. Royal National Park

    The Royal National Park is known for its stunning coastal scenery, with sandy beaches, rocky headlands, and crystal clear waters. The Royal National Park is home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including Wattamolla Beach, Garie Beach, and the Lady Carrington Drive scenic drive. There are a number of activities to do in the Royal National Park, including bushwalking, swimming, surfing, and picnicking.

    Getting here: To get to the Royal National Park from Sydney, you can take the train from Central Station to Cronulla, which is the nearest train station to the park. From Cronulla, you can catch a connecting bus or hire a car to explore the park. The journey by train from Sydney to Cronulla takes about an hour, and trains depart regularly throughout the day. Alternatively, you can drive to the Royal National Park from Sydney, with the trip taking about 45 minutes depending on the route you take.

  7. Southern Highlands

    The Southern Highlands is located about an hour southwest of the city. It is known for its charming villages, stunning gardens, and cool climate. The Southern Highlands is home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including the Southern Highlands Winery, the Bowral Art Gallery, and the Bradman Museum. There are a number of activities to do in the Southern Highlands, including shopping, dining, and exploring the many wineries and gardens in the area.

    Getting here: To get to the Southern Highlands from Sydney, you can take the train from Central Station to Mittagong, which is the main town in the region. The journey takes about an hour, and trains depart regularly throughout the day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sydney to the Southern Highlands, with services departing from a number of locations in the city. The journey by bus takes about one and a half hours, depending on traffic. You can also drive to the Southern Highlands from Sydney, with the trip taking about an hour depending on the route you take.

  8. Hunter Valley

    The Hunter Valley is a popular region located about two hours northwest of the city. It is known for its stunning countryside, with rolling green hills and valleys, and its world-famous wine industry. The Hunter Valley is home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including the Hunter Valley Gardens, the Hunter Valley Zoo, and the Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival. There are a number of activities to do in the Hunter Valley, including wine tasting, hot air ballooning, and horse riding.

    Getting here: To get to the Hunter Valley from Sydney, you can take the train from Central Station to Maitland, which is the nearest train station to the region. From Maitland, you can catch a connecting bus or hire a car to explore the Hunter Valley. The journey by train from Sydney to Maitland takes about two hours, and trains depart regularly throughout the day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, with services departing from a number of locations in the city. The journey by bus takes about three hours, depending on traffic. You can also drive to the Hunter Valley from Sydney, with the trip taking about two hours depending on the route you take.

  9. South Coast

    The South Coast is a popular day trip destination from Sydney. It is a beautiful and picturesque region located about two hours south of the city. It is known for its stunning beaches, charming towns, and natural beauty. The South Coast is home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including the Kiama Blowhole, the Jervis Bay National Park, and the Mogo Zoo. There are a number of activities to do on the South Coast, including swimming, surfing, fishing, and bushwalking.

    Getting here: To get to the South Coast from Sydney, you can take the train from Central Station to Wollongong, which is the main town on the South Coast. The journey takes about one and a half hours, and trains depart regularly throughout the day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sydney to the South Coast, with services departing from a number of locations in the city. The journey by bus takes about two and a half hours, depending on traffic. You can also drive to the South Coast from Sydney, with the trip taking about two hours depending on the route you take.

  10. Central West

    The Central West region, including the towns of BathurstOrange, and Mudgee, is a popular day trip destination from Sydney because it is a beautiful and picturesque region located about three to four hours west of the city. It is known for its charming towns, stunning countryside, and rich history. The Central West region is home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, the Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit, and the Mudgee Wine Region. There are a number of activities to do in the Central West region, including wine tasting, bushwalking, and exploring the many historic sites and museums in the area.

    To get to the Central West region from Sydney, you can take the train from Central Station to Bathurst, which is the main town in the region. The journey takes about three and a half hours, and trains depart regularly throughout the day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sydney to the Central West region, with services departing from a number of locations in the city. The journey by bus takes about four and a half hours, depending on traffic. You can also drive to the Central West region from Sydney, with the trip taking about three hours depending on the route you take.

No matter what your interests, there are plenty of exciting day trip and getaway options to choose from in and around Sydney. From the beautiful beaches of Kiama to the stunning Blue Mountains, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Ready to get active?

Find local activities, venues, and events near you.

Back to blog Back to home
Can Strength Training Help Women Over 60 Sleep Better?

Can Strength Training Help Women Over 60 Sleep Better?

08 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Poor sleep can make everything harder, from mood and memory to finding the energy to stay active. A 2025 randomised controlled trial of 160 older women found that 12 weeks of supervised resistance training improved sleep quality, anxiety, mood, cognitive function, and physical capacity. The useful part is that the...

What If More Australians Got Active? The Health Gains Are Bigger Than You Think

What If More Australians Got Active? The Health Gains Are Bigger Than You Think

06 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

A 2026 Australian simulation study asked a simple question: what would happen if more of us moved more? The answer was measured in healthier years, fewer early deaths and billions of dollars in extra working-age income. But the most useful finding is not that everyone needs to become extremely active....

Do Dogs Really Improve Your Health? Australian Stories and Research Suggest They Can

Do Dogs Really Improve Your Health? Australian Stories and Research Suggest They Can

18 May 2026 · 7 min read

Dog owners often describe their pets as the reason they walk more, meet neighbours and maintain daily routines during difficult periods. Large international studies involving millions of people have linked dog ownership with lower mortality rates, better cardiovascular outcomes and higher physical activity levels. Australian stories reveal a similar pattern,...

Sports in Pakenham: A Town Where Old and New Codes Sit Side by Side

Sports in Pakenham: A Town Where Old and New Codes Sit Side by Side

17 May 2026 · 8 min read

Pakenham's sporting story sits at an unusual intersection: a football club that goes back to 1892, a netball association that's been here for decades, and a new wave of social sports like pickleball and weeknight basketball filling the gaps in between. Here's how it all fits together, and where to...

100 parkruns at 81: How North Wollongong Helped Maggie Hamilton Get Started

100 parkruns at 81: How North Wollongong Helped Maggie Hamilton Get Started

13 May 2026 · 6 min read

When Maggie Hamilton completed her 100th parkrun at North Wollongong in early 2026, she was 81 years old and only a few years removed from her first event. Her story captures what makes parkrun work for so many Australians who never considered themselves runners. The free weekly 5km has become...

Looking to get active?

Here is a few options to explore: