If you want to plan a day out of the city, there are a number of places you can visit from Sydney. The list includes Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie and the Southern Highlands. Whether you want to go hiking or just relax and take in the views, you’ll find something that suits your tastes.
Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie is the perfect place for a day trip from Sydney. You can easily drive up the coast to this beautiful spot in New South Wales. Located just 90 minutes north of Sydney, you can find plenty of great activities to do while visiting the area.
One of the most popular attractions in the region is the Museum of Art and Culture. The museum is home to a comprehensive collection of distinguished pieces. It offers a wide variety of visitor programs as well.
Another attraction in the region is Caves Beach. Known for its extensive network of sea caves, this beach is one of the most famous attractions in the area. Visitors can explore the caves or enjoy the beachfront restaurants and barbeques. This is also a great spot to watch the sunset.
Another nearby attraction is the Watagans National Park. A short drive from the city, this national park is full of scenic hiking trails and waterfalls.
If you’re travelling by boat, the Belmont Jetty is a great spot to take in the lake’s scenery. Fishing is also a popular activity here.
Other spots in the region are Redhead Beach, which is popular for surfing and swimming. There are also several bathing areas around the area. Grannies Pool is another great spot to visit.
Lake Macquarie also has plenty of flora and fauna. There are a number of wildlife parks in the region.
Port Stephens
If you’re looking for the perfect day trip from Sydney, you may want to consider a trip to Port Stephens. It’s located just over two hours away from Sydney, and there are plenty of things to do.
There are more than 20 beaches in the area, so you can spend a day relaxing in the sun. The region has a rich marine life, so snorkelling is a great option. In addition, there are many whale watching opportunities, as well.
If you’re in the market for an adrenaline-filled activity, you can take a sand boarding tour at Anna Bay, or try rock climbing at Wollongong. Also, you can visit the Murray brewery, one of Australia’s top craft beer breweries. You can even go on a camel ride at Birubi beach.
One of the best things to do in Port Stephens is to visit the Australian Reptile Park. Here, you can experience billy tea making and snake milking demonstrations, as well as a few of the classic Aussie BBQs.
The Port Stephens harbour is impressive. It’s more than twice the size of Sydney Harbour and is home to over 120 resident bottlenose dolphins.
One of the best ways to see dolphins is to take a dolphin watching cruise. Many cruises leave from Nelson Bay’s d’Albora Marinas. Aside from the obvious reasons, a cruise is also a great way to spot local wildlife.
Cronulla
Cronulla is a beachside haven on Sydney’s south coast. Located near the Royal National Park, this quaint town is home to a few of the best day trips from Sydney. With a wide range of recreational activities, there’s something for everyone.
The Royal National Park is home to a variety of attractions, including waterfalls, rainforests and a large variety of wildlife. There’s also a lookout that allows you to view some of the best coastal spots in the area.
A two-hour walk will show you some of the more impressive features of Cronulla. The Cronulla Walk will give you a glimpse of the city’s best ocean pools, including the Cronulla Tidal Pool, which is a flat rock formation with a sand bottom.
If you like to fish, you can charter a Cronulla fishing boat and try your luck at targeting Marlin, Flathead, Yellowtail Amberjack and Snapper. This is a great way to experience one of the most iconic beaches in Australia.
Cronulla offers a great range of dining options, from a seafood restaurant to a cosy B&B. It’s also home to a number of well-maintained parks, and some great picnic spots.
Cronulla is located just a little over an hour from Sydney’s central station. A train ride will take you around 50 minutes and costs just $6.99 each way for adults. You can buy tickets on the train using an EFTPOS card.
Hunter Valley
If you’re looking for an awesome day trip from Sydney, then there are some excellent options available. From national parks to seaside towns, you’ll find plenty to see and do in this area.
You can spend a whole day at the Royal National Park and Cronulla beaches. The park protects over 15,091 hectares of land, including pristine beaches and an abundance of Australian wildlife. This is a great place to see kangaroos and platypus.
Another good day trip from Sydney is to visit the Blue Mountains. Located west of Sydney, this is one of the most scenic and adventurous places to visit in the country. The mountainous scenery is breathtaking and there are many spectacular waterfalls to be seen.
The Hunter Valley is an area in Australia that produces some of the best wine and cheese in the country. There are over 100 wineries in this region and you can also check out the local food scene.
The Mermaid Pools is a water hole located near Tahmoor Gorge. While not a safe place to swim, it is a popular swimming spot.
The Great North Road was constructed to link Sydney with the Hunter Valley. It is a World Heritage listed site and has been used by the convicts in the past.
Among the many other things to do in the region is to sample the local wares at the Wisemans Ferry. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to houseboats and a convict-built Great North Road.
Southern Highlands
Southern Highlands is the perfect destination for a weekend escape from the city. This region of NSW boasts picturesque scenery, a great selection of outdoor activities, and delicious foods and wines. It’s a short journey from Sydney or Canberra, and is accessible by train and car.
Aside from the incredible natural beauty of the area, Southern Highlands is also home to a number of historical sites. You can explore a range of old buildings, churches and jails. The towns are also brimming with antique shops and bakeries.
The town of Berrima is home to Australia’s largest hedge maze, the Harpers Mansion Maze. The maze is open on weekends only. Another place to visit is Mount Gibraltar, a high point in the Southern Highlands.
Kangaroo Valley is a popular destination for swimming and outdoor activities. The town has a couple of great cafes, and a pub. If you’re in the mood for some hiking, there are several trails.
Mittagong is the first town you reach on the freeway from Sydney. It’s also home to a beautiful lake. Lake Alexandra has walking trails, and a number of picnic spots. There is also a distillery in the town.
Southern Highlands is home to a number of wineries. Wine tours are a great way to experience the countryside. Tours will take you to a number of vineyards, and there are also several that you can stay at.
Palm Beach
If you want to get away from the city for a day, then Palm Beach is a great place to go. It’s a seaside town on the northern beaches of Sydney. You can find a range of activities to do there, including surfing, swimming and fishing. There is also a golf club, tennis club and a surf school. In the summer, you can expect a lot of tourists to visit this beach, but in the winter it is a more relaxed spot.
One of the most iconic places in the area is the Three Sisters. These three mountains are all in the Blue Mountains, which is located 80 km west of Sydney. The Blue Mountains are named after the intense blue haze they produce.
Another must see in the area is the Kiama Blowhole. This is a hole in the ground that allows you to swim underwater. To get there, you’ll have to go on a hike, and it’s worth it.
Also worth a look is the Gerroa Boat Fishermans Club. Here, you can watch the locals catch fish and whales, or try kayaking.
Another interesting site is the Barrenjoy Lighthouse. You can hike up the cliffs for a fantastic view of the ocean and peninsula. The views are stunning, and it’s a good place to stop for a picnic. Some parts are a little rocky. However, the view is well worth it.
