12 Sydney Day Trips That You’ll Love (A Local Guide for 2025)

If you’re looking for the best Sydney day trips, you’re in the right place. After a lifetime of living in Sydney, I know the area well, and I’m sharing some of my favourite day trips around Sydney, including some of the city’s most scenic spots.

In the beautiful beachside suburbs like Bondi or Palm Beach, you can experience the laid-back surf vibe that Sydney is famous for. Catch a ferry to Manly or Watsons Bay, see Sydney’s stunning harbour, and enjoy the beaches and outdoor cafés.

Or venture a little further out, to discover stunning national parks with coastal walks and quiet stretches of sand. To the west of the city, the Blue Mountains offer World Heritage wilderness and beautiful bushwalks in a breathtaking landscape, on one of the most popular day trips from Sydney.

Sydney’s iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge are wonderful to see but there’s so much more to explore beyond the main sights. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for new ways to experience the city, my favourite Sydney day trips showcase some of the city’s scenic highlights and best-kept secrets.

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12 Favourite Sydney Day Trips

1. Manly Beach

At the top of my list of favourite Sydney day trips is visiting Manly Beach by ferry. It’s one of the best things to do in Sydney. Famous for its lovely beach and stunning coastal scenery, Manly has a laidback surf scene, an upmarket vibe with a good selection of cafes and restaurants.

Manly has some lovely coastal walks and superb city and ocean views from North Head at the entrance to Sydney Harbour. You can walk to the lookout from Manly Wharf, but it’s a steep path and takes around 45 minutes.

There’s also an 8-kilometre track that starts above Shelly Beach and loops up and around the North Head. If you have a car, you can drive there and take the short Fairfax track to the lookout.

I remember catching the ferry to Manly as a uni student, buying an ice cream and enjoying the beach with my friends. And I think the best part of this classic day out in Sydney is the ferry ride on beautiful Sydney Harbour, and it never fails to impress.

Have your camera ready when you leave Circular Quay as the Manly ferry passes right by the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

2. Watson’s Bay

Next on my list of best day trips around Sydney is Watson’s Bay, one of the city’s most exclusive suburbs and a lovely place to stay in Sydney.

Watson’s Bay is a scenic half-hour ride across Sydney Harbour and is located on Sydney’s south Head, across the water from Manly.  Choose a sunny day and catch a ferry from Circular Quay to enjoy the beautiful beaches, parklands, lighthouses and lovely harbour views. It’s the perfect spot to watch a stunning Sydney sunset over the harbour.

One of my favourite things to do in Watson’s Bay is to walk along the South Head Heritage Trail from the ferry wharf, past Camp Cove beach to the colourful Hornby Lighthouse at the mouth of Sydney Harbour.

On the way, there’s a historic sandstone lighthouse keeper’s cottage and sweeping ocean and city views. It’s fun to swim at Camp Cove Beach, grab a coffee at the kiosk, or buy fish & chips at the ferry wharf.

Many locals visit Watson’s Bay to dine at “Doyles”, one of Sydney’s most famous harbourside seafood restaurants, and I have enjoyed special meals here along with the stunning harbour views.

I love to stop off at “The Gap” opposite Robinson’s Park and watch the waves crashing against the dramatic sea cliffs. The Gap was the site of a shipwreck in 1857 and is now a famous suicide spot. The scenery here is wild and beautiful.

I can happily spend a day relaxing in Watson’s Bay, but if you’re keen to keep exploring, hop on a bus to Bondi Beach; it takes around 40 minutes from Watson’s Bay.

The #380 bus stops on Military Road, opposite Robinson’s Park, across the road from the Gap.

3. Bondi Beach

Featured in TV dramas like Bondi Rescue and Bondi Vet, Bondi Beach is one of Sydney’s most famous spots and one of the most popular Sydney day trips for tourists. On a hot day, locals and visitors alike head to the beach, and the vibe is lively, with swimmers, surfers, backpackers, and sunbathers soaking up the sun and surf.

Right behind Bondi Beach, you’ll find plenty of cafés, pubs, and ice cream shops. While the busy beachfront is great for people-watching, locals often head a little further back towards Hall Street for more relaxed coffee spots.

For something a little different, try swimming at the Bondi Icebergs sea pool. Filled with fresh ocean water, it’s a spectacular spot for a dip, with sweeping views of the beach from the entrance to the club.

And if you’re feeling active, the clifftop paths are perfect for a walk.  The Bondi to Coogee coastal trail is a favourite and one of Sydney’s most beautiful coastal paths, with around 6 kilometres of dramatic ocean views, beaches, and parklands. If you’re staying in Sydney for a few days, this is one to remember.

 Allow around two hours for the walk and catch a bus back when you’re done.

To get back to the city, hop on the #380 bus to Bondi Junction and then catch the train into town. Or, take the scenic route via Watsons Bay and a ferry across the harbour to Circular Quay.

4. Blue Mountains

West of the city, the beautiful Blue Mountains are one of my absolute favourite Sydney day trips. I never get tired of the dramatic cliff views, deep green valleys, and cascading waterfalls. The scenery still takes my breath away every time I visit.

One of the most popular things to do in Katoomba is to visit Echo Point and the famous Three Sisters. Take the cable car across the valley for incredible views and ride the Scenic Railway. You can also walk down the cliff path from Scenic World to the Jamison Valley and wander along the bushwalking tracks and catch the railway back to the top of the cliff.

Hiking the Prince Henry Cliff path along the rugged mountain tops is one of my favourite bushwalks in the Blue Mountains. The valley and escarpment views are stunning!

Katoomba is around 2 hours by train from Central Station in Sydney, and there’s a local bus to Echo Point that leaves from the station.

But another great option is to take the Blue Mountains Hop-on-hop-off bus to see all the main sights, including scenic World, Echo Point and the spectacular Blue Mountains lookout points along Cliff Drive.

Tip: To make the most of your time, I recommend booking a Blue Mountains day tour from Sydney. It’s a stress-free way to see the best sights and try some of the top activities in one day.

While the Blue Mountains are a wonderful day trip from Sydney, I try to stay for a night or two to explore the stunning lookouts, enjoy the crisp mountain air, and relax in the charming cafés and antique shops.

Where to stay in the Blue Mountains

I love the historic Carrington Hotel in Katoomba. Colourful stained-glass windows decorate the grand entry, and the location near the station is very convenient. My brother was married here and I’ve enjoyed dancing in the ballroom for Winter in July celebrations.

Another favourite is the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel in Medlow Bath. Restored to its former glory, this lovely hotel has an excellent location opposite the train station and stunning views over the Megalong Valley. I recommend calling in to enjoy the delicious High Tea, the view and the ambience, even if you’re not staying here.

5. Palm Beach & Barrenjoey Head

For a delightful city escape, head north to Palm Beach. It’s a jewel in the Northern Beaches and a wonderful day trip from Sydney. With Pittwater’s serene waters on one side and the rolling surf of Palm Beach on the other, it feels like a holiday whenever I visit.

Palm Beach is famous as the filming location for Home and Away, but for me, it’s all about the natural beauty of the area.

Climbing the steep path to the lighthouse at the top of Barrenjoey Headland delivers sweeping views of Pittwater, Broken Bay, and Palm Beach. Last time I was there, I saw colourful rainbow lorikeets in the bush. And, if you’re lucky, you might also catch sight of a sea eagle or a black cockatoo.

 From May to September, you can spot migrating whales as they swim past, close to the headland.

Visiting Palm Beach is one of the most scenic day trips around Sydney, and it’s worth staying a few nights to soak in the relaxed Northern Beaches lifestyle. Avalon, Whale Beach, and Narrabeen are all nearby, each with their own charm.

Where to Stay at Palm Beach

Spend the night in comfortable accommodation near the ferry wharf at Barrenjoey House, or catch a ferry to the YHA Pittwater Eco on Morning Bay in Ku-ring-gai-chase National Park. It’s more remote, and the accommodation is basic, but it’s a magical spot for a leafy escape from the city. I loved staying here, but be prepared for a steep hike up the hill.

And if you feel like exploring further, you can take a scenic day trip from Barrenjoey to West Head Lookout and Ettalong.

6. West Head Lookout & Ettalong

One of my favourite ways to explore the area is to hop on the ferry from Barrenjoey Wharf and cross Pittwater to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. From there, it’s a steep hike up to the West Head Lookout.  

But the views across the water and back towards Barrenjoey Headland are absolutely breathtaking!  If you don’t feel like walking, West Head Lookout is also accessible by car, and if you have a bit more time, it’s worth taking the scenic ferry ride around the headland to Ettalong

7. La Perouse & Botany Bay

If you’re looking for a Sydney day trip with history, nature, and a relaxed coastal vibe, La Perouse is a gem. Sitting on the northern headland of Botany Bay, it’s the spot where French navigator La Pérouse landed in 1788, just days after Captain Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet arrived in Australia, before settling in The Rocks.

I love wandering out along the timber footbridge to Bare Island, where you’ll find the old military post, complete with sweeping views across the bay. There’s also a small museum where you can step back in time and learn more about the area’s fascinating past.

When the weather’s warm, the sheltered beach is perfect for a swim, and the surrounding headland offers some beautiful walking trails with sweeping coastal views. I often end my visit with fish and chips or a coffee at The Boatshed, while watching the sun disappear over Botany Bay; the sunsets here can be spectacular.

La Perouse is about 14 km southeast of the city. I usually drive, but you can also hop on a bus from Circular Quay (Route 394) or Railway Square (Route 393).8. Cronulla Beach

8. Cronulla Beach

Further south of the city, Cronulla Beach is less explored by tourists and another one of my favourite Sydney day trips. Like Bondi and Manly, Cronulla also has a laid-back surf scene, breathtaking coastal views, and glorious beach sunrises.

The beaches here are some of Sydney’s best, perfect for swimming and surfing. I love to take a dip in the ocean rock pools that fill up at high tide, stroll along the scenic esplanade and around the point, taking in the sea breeze and the coastal views.

On the sheltered side of the peninsula, Gunnamatta Bay offers calm waters for sailing and kayaking. It’s a peaceful spot for a picnic, and from there, you can hop on the ferry to Bundeena and the Royal National Park, where there are walking trails, hidden beaches, and dramatic cliff views.

To get there, catch a train from Central Station to Cronulla, then it’s just a short walk to the beach or the ferry.

Cronulla is just an hour by train from the city and a ferry ride away from the beautiful Royal National Park. It’s worth staying a night or two to really unwind, and the perfect base to explore the coast and the National Park.

Where to stay at Cronulla Beach

Budget: The Cronulla Motor Inn is a good budget option with clean, tidy rooms and an easy walk to the beach, shops, restaurants and train. Guests say it’s great value.

Mid Range:  Rydges Cronulla Beachside offers clean, spacious rooms, in a great location for a morning dip and a walk along the esplanade to South Cronulla.

Quest Cronulla Beach has clean, comfortable rooms, a pool and a great location near the beach.

9. Bundeena & Royal National Park

Visiting Bundeena and the Royal National Park is one of my favourite Sydney day trips! With a scenic ferry ride from Gunnamatta Bay in Cronulla, it’s a lovely day out in Sydney. Enjoy the magnificent coastal scenery from the ferry and relax on an uncrowded beach at Bundeena.

My first visit to Bundeena was on a school geography excursion. I remember exploring the beach, learning about the coastal rock formations and getting very sunburnt.

If you’re feeling energetic, there are some lovely bushwalking tracks inside the National Park.

• Discover the ancient Aboriginal rock carvings and a 3000-year-old shell midden near Jibbon Beach (5km return – 2 hours)
• or hike to Wedding Cake Rock, an unusual rock formation on the coast (7 km return – 3 hours)

Buy buy lunch and an ice cream at The Driftwood Cafe or the Vintage Beach Cafe in Bundeena, and soak in the beautiful beach views while you wait for the ferry.

If you’re short of time, the best way to visit Royal National Park is to book a private day tour. You’ll see more and be able to arrange your itinerary to suit your interests.

The wildlife, waterfalls and wine tour includes bushwalking in Royal National Park and a visit to Symbio Wildlife Park to hand-feed kangaroos and koalas, a delightful way to meet the local wildlife. Wine tasting at a boutique winery is also included.

10. Sea Cliff Bridge & Bald Hill Lookout

On the scenic Grand Pacific Drive on the way to Wollongong, Bald Hill Lookout and the Sea Cliff Bridge are more stunning destinations for a day trip from Sydney.

Driving or walking across the Sea Cliff Bridge is very scenic but the best views can be found at a distance. The road snakes along, extending out from the tall sea cliffs and the gorgeous coastal views are very photogenic.

The first time I visited was on the back of a motorbike, and we rode through the Royal National Park past Audley and Wattamolla. We came to the Bald Hill Lookout soon after leaving the National Park, near Stanwell Tops and there are panoramic coastal views of the beach, the open ocean, and the Sea Cliff Bridge in the distance.

I’ve visitied by car since then, but you can also catch a train to Coal Cliff station, and the Sea Cliff Bridge is a 20-minute walk down the hill.

11. Kiama

Kiama is another lovely spot for a day trip from Sydney. A seaside town on the Illawarra coast, Kiama is famous for its blowhole, surf and sandy beaches. It’s an easy 2-hour drive from Sydney and takes a bit longer by train.

Kiama is one of the best Sydney day trips for surfers. Mystics at Minnamurra Beach is one of the best surfing spots in Australia, and there are more good breaks at Bombo Beach, Jones Beach and Boneyard Beach.

If I’m driving there, I like to stop at Sublime Point and Mount Pleasant to enjoy thephenomenal coastal views. The lookouts have picnic areas and facilities for a pit stop on the trip south to Kiama on the Grand Pacific Drive.

Catching the train to Kiama from Central Station is also an option. Sit on the left side of the train for the best views, get an express train and leave early; the trip takes around two and a half hours each way

A great way to see the beautiful Kiama coast is to book a day tour to Kiama. You’ll see more than if you catch the train. The tour includes panoramic views from clifftop lookouts, crossing the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, and visit the Kiama Blowhole.

12. Kangaroo Valley

Located inland from Kiama, Kangaroo Valley is a river valley in the Shoalhaven region. It’s an ideal one day road trip from Sydney and takes around 2-hours from the city.

Known for its beautiful country landscapes, Kangaroo Valley is a picturesque and peaceful escape from the city with escarpment views, rainforests, waterfalls and a tranquil river perfect for outdoor activities like bushwalking and kayaking.

A quaint historic village adds to the charm of the Valley with cafes, antique shops and historic pubs, that make a day trip from Sydney worthwhile.

My neighbours loved visiting Kangaroo Valley and bought a holiday house so they could spend more time soaking in the serene landscapes and enjoying the abundant wildlife.

Final Thoughts: Best Sydney Day Trips

So which is the best Sydney day trip? Well, I think that’s a matter of personal preference. They’re all delightful and very scenic. I hope you enjoy these days trips from Sydney as much as I have!

What is your favourite?

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