Sydney is Australia’s largest and most popular city, with millions of people – including tourists – visiting each year. Sydney is magnificent and hosts the world famous harbour. You will find amazing spots in Sydney, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, besides the stunning coastline with many beaches.
Here are ten day-trip points near Sydney to uplift your spirit.
Avalon Beach
Distance from Sydney: About 41 km
Travel Time: 51 min
If you are all-in for the surfer lifestyle, then Avalon Beach can become your favourite destination near Sydney.
Apart from the beach’s association with surfing, sunbathing, and relaxing, you can visit boutique shops for souvenirs and plan date nights at fun-loving bars. The northern beaches near Sydney are excellent for leisure walks and diving into the ocean to forget your worries.
For your upcoming group fiesta, you can plan a day trip to Avalon and visit Alma – the go-to restaurant. The Mexican food there is amazing and will make you and your friends keep coming back for their amazing variety.
If you plan a day trip to Avalon beach with your kids, you cannot miss out on the Avalon Stand-up Paddle venture. You can choose between closed water lessons and surfing in the open to feel the cool ocean breezes.
Scotland Island
Distance from Sydney: About 26 km
Travel Time: 57 min
Scotland Island is an ideal destination for those looking for a simpler life away from the clutter of Sydney traffic. Scotland Island is the perfect spot where you are surrounded by nature – the island is also one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets.
Scotland Island is the pearl of Pittwater Sydney – engulfed by the wings of Ku-ring-gai Chase National park (located in Sydney’s north), the peninsula with its amazing beaches, and the Barrenjoey Headland on the other side – Scotland Island is absolutely stunning.
No matter which direction you head, the scenery is mesmerising. If you are a die-hard fan of watersports, you will find endless options – but the island is also a must-visit spot for art lovers as it is alive with music and arts.
Sydney Island is one of the best in Sydney – its beauty and serenity without the crowds of people and traffic noise is something to look forward to. The best part is that Sydney Island offers some of the most affordable waterfront homes in Sydney.
Palm Beach
Distance from Sydney: 41 km
Travel Time: 43 min
Palm Beach is located to the north of Sydney – this amazing beach town is engulfed by Pittwater, Tasman Sea, and Broken Bay. This beach town’s unique and beautiful atmosphere makes it feel like a secret tropical paradise.
Palm Beach is a popular day-trip destination – not only for the locals but also for hikers, tourists, and anyone looking for a nice holiday retreat. As a backpacker, if you visit Palm Beach, you must hike up to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, which is considered one of Sydney’s top spots for hikes.
Also, when hunger strikes – make sure to have a lunch session at the popular Boathouse in Palm Beach.
Riverboat Postman Cruise on The Hawkesbury River
Distance from Sydney: About 56 km (via M1)
Travel Time: 53 min
The Riverboat Postman Cruise is nothing less than a hidden gem on the Hawkesbury River. On the plus side, it is quite a cheap day out from Sydney through public transport.
As you might have already guessed, on the cruise, you can actually watch the postman deliver the mail to remote homes on the three-hour cruise (10-1 pm) on the Hawkesbury River. Those dreamy river vibes of the Hawkesbury river will make you forget the squash of the city.
The three-hour cruise includes the popular homemade Anzac biscuits, tea, and coffee – upon your arrival. You will fall in love with the delicious biscuits and might want to get the recipe at the end of your trip. Besides, you will fall in love with the remote housing located in the seven different spots around the river.
Aussie Sheep Farm - Tobruk Sheep Station
Distance from Sydney: About 70 km
Travel Time: 1 hr 3 min
If you are looking for an Australian sheep farm experience for a day while escaping from city life, you will want to visit the Tobruk Sheep Station.
You will try different things, including herding, whip cracking, boomerang throwing, and shearing sheep, while a real-life Aussie stockman will guide you on your interactive sheep farm experience.
You can take part in different aspects of farm life or simply observe and feel nature in its best form. Besides, the Tobruk Sheep Station is a popular destination for conferences, farm stays, and weddings.
This day trip is set to be full of fun, good old Aussie humour, and delicious outback BBQ lunch, tea, and coffee. The Tobruk Sheep Station is engulfed by the State Forest and the mesmerising views of the Blue Mountains, which ensures that you have an exclusive scenic tour on your day trip.
Patonga & Pearl Beach
Distance from Sydney: About 96 km
Travel Time: 1 hr 24 min
Located near the Brisbane Water National Park and the Hawkesbury River, Patonga Beach is a delightful fishing village. It makes a great relaxing spot as it is the most isolated beach town near Sydney.
For a day trip, you might also want to engage in fun things. You can explore the beautiful walking track from Patonga to Pearl beach. Besides the aesthetic, the walking track might be challenging and adventurous. As well, you will walk through eucalyptus and red gums – ending up at the ocean.
Patonga and Pearl Beach are all about relaxing, fishing, rejuvenating, swimming, and kayaking up to the Brisbane Water National Park. This beach town is pet-friendly, too – you can allow your pet to run around in the off-leash area of Patonga.
In Patonga, you can join a ferry and cruise to and back from Bobbin Head.
Avoca Beach
Distance from Sydney: 94 km
Travel Time: 1 hr 22 min
Avoca Beach is a popular beach destination near Sydney. The 1.7km long beach is spread between two sandstone headlands. A lake is situated inland in the middle of the beach.
If you are looking for a day trip filled with fun activities, you will love to be here as you can enjoy kayaking on the lake, relaxing in the sand, and surfing. Also, for a date night, you will find quite a few attractions along the beach as there are many cafes and restaurants.
Avoca Beach is an excellent place for a family trip – the lifeguard patrol ensures safe surfing conditions. You can glide around Avoca Lake on stand-up paddleboards as much as you want.
Glenworth Valley
Distance from Sydney: 72 km (via M1)
Travel Time: 1 hr 7 min
Glenworth Valley is all about great outdoor ventures – you have a variety of activities to choose from – including mountain biking, abseiling, and laser skirmish. Since this spot is only one hour away from Sydney, it makes a perfect escape for anyone looking for fresh air and wanting to soak up nature.
Glenworth Valley is one of the most scenic spots outside Sydney for horse riding. If you plan a day trip with your kids, you will enjoy the guided tours and lead pony rides for the younger ones. The staff of Glenworth Valley is pretty helpful and experienced.
Rest assured, you will love bringing out the competitive side of your friends and family with the most exciting game of Laser Skirmish. Dressed up in camouflage, you will rack up points by shooting at your enemy team with infra-red beams.
Is there a more fun way to unwind?
Long Jetty
Distance from Sydney: About 99 km (via M1)
Travel Time: 1 hr 22 min
The small town of Long Jetty is next to The Entrance – another popular town on the Central Coast of New South Wales. Long Jetty is a popular destination for people who love everything vintage. Here you will find very long jetties and attractive vintage stores.
You can enjoy the amazing view of this small town while sipping coffee in one of the trendy cafes the town hosts. Don’t forget to cycle along the Tuggerah Lake – which is also the main attraction point for the families visiting Long Jetty.
You will be amazed to see the amazing vintage things you can discover and buy at the specialty stores in this town. The fun fact is that many locals don’t even know that second-hand and vintage stores are located between Stella St. and Thomson on the Central Coast Highway.
More importantly, don’t forget to walk on the longest Jetty, which is about 351 meters – which is also where the town takes its popular name from.
Mermaids Pool
Distance from Sydney: 101 km (via M3)
Travel Time: 1 hr 13 min
Located in the Southwest of Sydney, Mermaids Pool is a stunning natural water hole on the Bargo River. If you love hiking, enjoying nature, chasing waterfalls, and swimming in clear rivers – then the Mermaids Pool is a spot you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
The Mermaids Pool is so much more than a water hole, which is why it is highly recommended to venture further into the hidden spots of the Tahmoor Gorge Walk. You will be mesmerised by how stunning the Bargo River is.
During your trip to the Mermaids Pool, we recommend taking a little side trip and visiting the magical place of the See Through Pools. This spot offers small waterfalls, swirl holes, and water cascades – don’t forget to take pictures.
Design your own trip in Sydney
If you are looking for great value bus hire in Sydney with a driver then Sydney Bus Hire is definitely one of the buses for hire companies that you have to talk to. We offer tailor-made solutions for all your transport needs, in order to book your bus rental Sydney transportation.
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If you are not traveling as a group
It makes more sense to rent a car to drive yourself in Sydney.
Check out the Low-Cost Self Drive Quote here.