Encircled by one of the world’s most beautiful harbours and gorgeous Australian bushland, Sydney is not only an amazing city in its own right. It offers countless amazing day trip attractions that will make your getaway to Sydney an absolute pleasure.
Whether you’re a business traveller, an international traveller enjoying the best of what Australia has to offer, or a domestic traveller enjoying a week away, plan your next Sydney adventure with the best day tours from Sydney.
Sydney Day Tour #1 – Visit The Blue Mountains
Looking for a serene getaway that offers pristine natural beauty? The Blue Mountains is just two hours drive west from the city of Sydney. Here, you will be captivated by one million hectares of tall eucalyptus forests, quaint towns, stunning sandstone cliffs, gorges and waterfalls, and more than 140 kilometres of hiking trails that make up the spectacular Blue Mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Area boasts stunning scenery that is absolutely unique to Australia: a perfect place to visit if you love hiking and nature.
Outdoor-lovers will be smitten with the opportunities available to soak up the unique beauty of the Blue Mountains. Hike along hundreds of tracks and experience stunning native wildlife and rich Indigenous history. Visit amazing natural wonders such as Echo Point or the Three Sisters, world heritage-listed waterfalls like the Bridal Veil Falls, or the Glow Worm Tunnel in Lithgow. Book a tour to rock climb or abseil down the rugged sandstone cliffs. Take a train to the Blue Mountains through the Jamison Valley on the Katoomba Scenic Railway. Go mountain biking or horseback riding.
Looking for something a little more relaxing? Enjoy the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah or relax at the Echoes Day Spa, enjoying massages, facials and soak therapies.
Sydney Day Tour #2 – Explore The Hunter Valley
The gorgeous Hunter Valley is a popular weekend spot among Sydney locals, renowned for its gastronomic adventures and lush scenery. One of Australia’s oldest wine regions, the stunning valley offers a bounty of fresh produce and artisan foods, showcased in the region’s local restaurants (some of the finest in Australia) and the annual Hunter Valley Food and Wine Festival. If you wander into a farmer’s market, expect to gorge yourself into a food coma, devouring scrumptious cheeses, delicious olives, tasty chutneys, and natural golden honey.
Keen to explore the Hunter Valley’s natural beauty? If you love hiking, we recommend trekking through the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops and Wollemi National Parks. Visit the Hunter Valley Gardens, which offers up more than 24 hectares of gorgeous themed gardens. Short on time? Travelers with a tight timeframe can soak up the beautiful scenery with a hot air balloon or helicopter ride.
Sydney Day Tour #3 – Enjoy Mermaid Pools
If your ideal weekend getaway involves bushwalking, swimming in streams and chasing waterfalls, an adventure to Mermaid Pools is definitely for you.
Mermaid Pools, near Tahmoor Gorge, is just 75 minutes drive (100 kilometres southwest) from Sydney. Here, you’ll have ample opportunities to trek through eucalyptus-scented bushland, clambering up steep steps and rock platforms to take in gorgeous views of this natural gorge and its impressive waterfalls. While jumping into the Mermaid Pools themselves is ill-advised, many swimming holes that you’ll encounter on the trail, including the Potholes Reserve or See Through Pools, are ideal for swimming. These waters are so pure and transparent you can view the hidden rock formations under the water from above.
Sydney Day Tour #4 – Experience Port Stephens
About 200 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD and more than twice the size of Sydney Harbour, Port Stephens is a sparkling, azure bay, blessed with sunshine and a beautiful bushy coastline. Here, you can swim at 26 pristine beaches, snorkel and dive at Fly Point, surf, sail, kayak, boat and enjoy fishing at one of the top fishing destinations in Australia. Relax on beautiful golden beaches or go sand-tobogganing down the majestic Stockton Bight sand dunes.
Are you an animal lover? The spectacular Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park is home to more than 100 dolphins. Try spotting dolphins on a cruise from Nelson Bay, or better yet, snorkel with them in the crystal clear waters. The Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into the water with sharks and stingrays. You can spot wild koalas in the enchanting Tilligerry Habitat or get up close and personal with many native Australian animals at Oakvale Wildlife Park.
Keen for adventure? Reach incredible heights above the ocean while rock-climbing the Port Stephens’ sea cliffs. Explore the giant sand dunes, east of Oakvale in the Worimi Conservation Lands, which are officially the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Go scuba-diving to Cabbage Tree Island’s shipwreck or among Broughton Island’s grey nurse sharks.
Is laid-back feasting more your style? Savour freshly caught seafood, including succulent local prawns, oysters, crabs and lobsters, in sublime natural surroundings. Explore Port Stephens’ enchanting vineyards and craft beer brewery.
Finally, if you’re looking for spectacular panoramas, treat yourself to the breathtaking views at the Gan Gan Hill lookout and hike to the top of Tomaree Headland Summit.
Sydney Day Tour #5 – Escape to Royal National Park
The second oldest national park in the world, Royal National Park’s jaw-dropping 21 kilometres of stunning coastline, plentiful forest and expansive coastal cliffs provide plenty of opportunities for exhilarating adventure. Your choices are endless: Hike through gorgeous ancient forests abundant with unique Australian wildlife, including more than 241 species of birds. Grab your mountain bike and hit the 10 kilometre Loftus Loop Trail. Swim, snorkel and surf your way along the coast, and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of migrating whales from May to November. Enjoy fantastic fishing opportunities or paddle down Hacking River in a canoe hired from Audley Boatshed. Head to Ironbark Flat, Wattamolla picnic area or Wattle Forest for a laidback picnic.
Would you love to experience a Sydney day trip in style? Contact Hughes on 1300 615 165 and hire one of our luxury chauffeured vehicles today.
