The Best Day Trips You Can Take Out Of Sydney If You Need To Escape The CBD

Whether you’re living in Sydney or just coming to visit, you may find yourself looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for quick day trips. But while you may be too time-poor to take a multi-day getaway, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a little R&R on a day trip out of the CBD.

Sydney benefits from being close to, well, everything, which means you are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to day trip options. It doesn’t matter if you’re feeling like a big hike, a beachy getaway, or a relaxing trip to a wine region, there’s a place for you and chances are, it’s probably not that far from the CBD.

But with so many options it can be hard to choose just one to visit, so we’ve rounded up some of the best day trips out of Sydney for your weekend pleasure.

Hunter Valley

Just under three and a half hours from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is one of the country’s best wine regions.

Whether you’re after a romantic getaway or a trip with friends, nothing beats a day out at the wineries.

In addition to the obvious wine-tasting part, you can try your hand at pasta making classes, take a hot air balloon over the vineyards, pair your vino with a yoga class, and even play a round of golf at Cypress Lakes Golf Club — one of the country’s best courses.

If a glass of wine gets you feeling creative, there are galleries to visit, paint and sip classes, and you can even take a stroll through Winmark Sculpture Park.

Blue Mountains

Located just an hour from the CBD by car, or a convenient train ride away, the Blue Mountains is the perfect place to get out in nature and immerse yourself in the beauty of the state.

There are countless hikes and lookouts if you’re feeling like a day of walking and exploring, or — if you’re in the mood for something a little more relaxing — you can visit the Japanese Bath House to soak yourself in hot springs while overlooking the beauty of the region.

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is the perfect place for a picnic — and you can even do some plant shopping while you’re there.

Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can also visit Lithgow’s Glow Worm Tunnel to see all the bioluminescent bugs.

Nelson Bay

Located less than three hours from Sydney, Nelson Bay is the biggest town in the Port Stephens area and well worth a visit.

You can sip your delicious morning coffee at Cafe Kin before taking a walk through the Tomaree National Park to enjoy the picturesque views from the top.

Depending on the time of the year, you can also hop on a whale watching boat cruise, or swim with the dolphins just off the coast for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Or, if you’d prefer to stay on land, you can hire an e-bike and ride around the town enjoying the local shops and the stunning views from the shore.

Berry

Situated just two hours south of Sydney by car or three hours on the train, Berry is a favourite among South Coast residents — and for good reason.

You get the best of both worlds with pristine beaches and stunning greenery that’ll have you forgetting you’re just a few hours outside of the city.

But in addition to stunning views and scenery, Berry is also a foodie’s paradise, with cafes and bakeries galore.

Make sure you head down on the first Sunday of every month so you can also check out the Berry Markets at the Berry Showground for handmade goods and foods.

Oh, and it’s not a trip to Berry without treating yourself to a donut from the iconic Berry Donut Van that has been a staple of the community for 55 years!

Royal National Park

Whether you want to swim under waterfalls, canoe down the river, hike along the cliffs or cycle along the trails, the Royal National Park is the place to be.

Just an hour out of Sydney, the Royal National Park is brimming with outdoor opportunities for you to get some fresh air, some vitamin D, and a great Instagram photo or two.

Depending on the time of year, you can also watch the whales migrate north for the winter.

Our recommendation is to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the many spots overlooking the water or the forest.

Lake Macquarie

Just 90 minutes north of Sydney, Lake Macquarie is the perfect escape for the day.

With multiple townships surrounding the lake, each with their own unique vibe and personality, there is something for everyone.

You can take a sailing tour across the lake, go on a fishing charter or just relax at Naru — a pristine beach with crystal clear waters that’s a hidden gem.

There’s a golf course where you can hit a few rounds, countless lakeside dining options, and a seemingly endless selection of walking tracks to get your step count up.