The 8 Best Day Trips from Sydney: Tested + Ranked

The Best Day Trips from Sydney 2026: 8 Tested Itineraries

Best day trips from Sydney: Blue Mountains hiking + Hunter Valley wineries + Bondi-to-Coogee coastal walk + Royal National Park + Manly ferry + Kiama blowhole.

Quick Summary

Best day trips from Sydney: Blue Mountains hiking + Hunter Valley wineries + Bondi-to-Coogee coastal walk + Royal National Park + Manly ferry + Kiama blowhole.

Top 8 Day Trips from Sydney

1Blue Mountains + Three Sisters

Distance: 1 hr 30Duration: Full day

Eucalyptus haze + Three Sisters rock formation + Echo Point + Scenic World cableway.

How to get there: NSW train from Central to Katoomba, 2 hrs, AUD 9.

2Hunter Valley Wineries

Distance: 2 hrDuration: Full day

Australia’s oldest wine region — Shiraz + Semillon + cellar door tastings + cheese pairings.

How to get there: Self-drive recommended. Or tour bus from Sydney AUD 150-250.

3Bondi-to-Coogee Coastal Walk

Distance: 30 minDuration: Half day

6km cliff-top walk past Bondi + Tamarama + Bronte + Coogee beaches. Iconic Sydney experience.

How to get there: Bus 333 to Bondi from Circular Quay, AUD 5. Walk to Coogee, bus back.

4Royal National Park

Distance: 1 hrDuration: Full day

World’s 2nd oldest national park + Wattamolla beach + Figure 8 Pools (low tide!) + Coast Track.

How to get there: NSW train to Loftus + connecting bus. Or self-drive.

5Manly via Ferry

Distance: 30 min ferryDuration: Half day

Classic Sydney ferry across harbour + Manly Beach + Shelly Beach snorkel + Spit-to-Manly walk.

How to get there: Manly Ferry from Circular Quay, 30 min, AUD 8.

6Kiama + Blowhole

Distance: 1 hr 45Duration: Full day

South Coast — dramatic blowhole + Cathedral Rocks + beach + dairy country.

How to get there: NSW train from Central to Kiama, 2 hrs, AUD 9.

7Featherdale Wildlife Park + Parramatta

Distance: 45 minDuration: Full day

Hand-feed kangaroos + hold koalas + 1788 colonial history at Parramatta Park.

How to get there: Train to Parramatta + bus 753 to Featherdale.

8Wollongong + Sea Cliff Bridge

Distance: 1 hr 30Duration: Full day

Iconic curved bridge over Pacific + Symbio Wildlife Park + Wollongong beaches.

How to get there: NSW train to Wollongong, 1.5 hrs. Self-drive for Sea Cliff Bridge.

Planning more of Sydney? See our 3-day Sydney itinerary, Australia travel guide, the destinations index, or our Ultimate Bucket List.

Sydney Day Trips FAQ

What is the best day trip from Sydney?

Blue Mountains (1.5 hrs) for Three Sisters + bushwalking. Hunter Valley (2 hrs) for wineries. Bondi-to-Coogee walk for coastline (no transport needed).

Can you do Hunter Valley as a day trip?

Yes — most travelers do it as wine tour with driver (AUD 150-250). DIY by car possible but tasting + driving don’t mix.

Is the Blue Mountains worth visiting?

Yes — World Heritage rainforest + Three Sisters + dramatic clifftop views. Easy half-day from Sydney; better as full day.

How to get to Featherdale Wildlife Park?

Train to Parramatta then bus 753, ~45 min total. Or guided tour bus from Sydney AUD 90-150.