9 Nice Short Trips in Sydney

So, if you are looking to spend a day out in Sydney, take a look below to know about some of the fascinating places it has to offer.

To the south of Sydney lies the beautiful city of Wollongong that makes for brilliant Sydney day trips. Lying about 81 kilometers away, it’s not a densely populated region at just 250,000 people. If you are looking for some famous beaches to laze around, then this is the place to be. It’s not just the beaches with their crystal-clear waters that are famous; there are several things you can do in Wollongong to spend the day –

The city is famous for its old heritage buildings. You can head to Diggies Café, which is housed in one such property, a stone’s throw away from the beach.Opening its doors to the public every day at around 6:30 am, the café is abuzz with activity all day long. If you are planning to take the train,then walk along Bourke St from North Wollongong Station towards the direction of the beach. It shouldn’t take you more than fifteen minutes so go ahead and start walking!

Wollongong City Beach is a very popular spot to head to if you want to soak in the sun and the scenery.If you love to surf, then this is the place for you to be. With soft white sand everywhere, there is even a picnic spot behind the beach that you can take advantage of with a great picnic after a grueling swim.

With so many things to do, Wollongong truly is a wonderful place to head to if you are looking for Sydney day trips.

A sleepy coastal town, Kiama, is an absolute home run when it comes to Sydney day trips. Located around 2 hours away from Sydney, it is a famed attraction of day-trippers and families looking to relax and unwind. Here are a few places that you should not miss if you are in the area –

There is a gorgeous dip-spot that has been formed by the Minnamurra River and the ocean. You can take a stroll down a path alongside the river during low-tide and then plunge in and swim to the beach that is on the other side. However, remember, the currents are quite strong, and you might be swept away if you aren’t experienced or careful. There aren’t many cafes around, so you can pack yourself a picnic and have a whale of a time.

If you do not have the time to pack a picnic, then there is one café you can head to that serves some delicious food. Take a walk towards Penny Whistlers and order yourself some of their famed breakfasts and lunches.They even have a scrumptious breakfast spread that consists of hummus, roast pumpkin, asparagus, poached eggs, dukkah, and their homemade cold drip coffee. If you have kids, they will enjoy the mini-sized banana cakes that are baked fresh every morning.

Sydney day trips aren’t complete without a trip to Blue Mountains National Park. It’s a UNESCO deemed World Heritage Area, and is very popular amongst locals and tourists. The name of the park has an interesting story. Home to many Eucalyptus trees, the oil in the leaves imbues the air with a bluish tinge that inspires its name. Nearly 640,000 acres of wilderness is scattered with majestic waterfalls, aboriginal rock paintings, and rugged gorges.

A few things at Blue Mountains National Park that you should look out for would be the Three Sisters, who are a photographer’s paradise. Three Sisters are a unique and unusual rock formation on an escarpment of the Jamison Valley. They make for some fabulous pictures and are sure to make your day. Don’t forget Bridal Veil Falls as it’s a beautiful waterfall and is a visual treat. If you are feeling adventurous, then go down the Jamison Valley that is situated on the Katoomba Scenic Railway.

Reaching Blue Mountains National Park isn’t difficult, and you can take a car and drive down the M4 motorway. You can also catch a train that most locals take for their Sydney day trips. If you don’t want to drive or take the train, then join the Wildlife Day Tour, which takes you on a full-day tour that includes visiting Koalas at Featherdale National Park. A perfect way to start successful Sydney day trips.

Standing around 250 kilometers from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is a popular destination for locals and tourists, hoping to catch a glimpse of a Kangaroo. A paradise for foodies, the Hunter Valley is a must-add to the list of things you can do on Sydney day trips. Believe it or not, this fertile land serves as the oldest region in Australia where grapes are cultivated. Not just grapes, but the region is famous for its artisan food and fresh produce. Things like thick golden honey, chocolates, chutneys, cheeses are readily available here.

With several restaurants dotting the landscape, the gastronomic bounty here is plentiful. Hunter Valley is also brilliant for nature hikes, and you can visit the eucalyptus-scented jungles of Barrington Tops or Wollemi National Park, which falls in the valley. There are also some museums nearby which host objects that tell the rich history of the region.

Hunter Valley was also a coal mining depot in the early part of the 19^th century, so don’t be surprised to see huge colonial-type mansions surrounding the landscape. If you still have time, then head over to the Hunter Valley Gardens, which hosts over 60 acres of horticultural marvels. The themed gardens are a lot of fun to look at and are a brilliant hit with the kids. If you are still pressed for time and don’t suffer from heights, then hop into a balloon or a helicopter and soak in all the beauty from above. A fascinating way to add excitement and adventure to Sydney day trips.

If you want to visit another planet on Earth, Mungo National Park is the place to head to. Featuring in as one of the most beautiful places to visit during Sydney day trips, this national park’s landscape looks just like Mars. Just picture miles and miles of reddish clay lined with dunes, and you have yourself an incredible mental picture before you even land there. However, it’s not a place you can take kids as there aren’t any cafes or attractions nearby. If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, then heading to this forgotten region would be one of the best ideas you can have.

Located about thirteen hours away from Sydney by road, you can’t make this a weekend plan. It’s advisable to do an overnight stay as the park looks fabulous and different at various times of the day. Once you get there, ensure that you take some accommodation through campsites and shouldn’t cost more than sixty dollars per day. The first thing you should do after arriving here would be to head to the Walls of China. There are tours available for the public, and it takes you across the park, and this is where you will be reminded of Mars. Reddish-brown soil with rugged rock formations makes for excellent photo opportunities, so ensure you carry your camera. If you are unsure where to book tickets, the NPS or the Mungo Lodge offers tours every day at 9 am for as little as fifty dollars. However, the NPS doesn’t offer tours during the off-season, so plan accordingly. The Mungo Lodge also offers a sunset tour for around sixty-five dollars, and this is the one to go for if you are staying overnight. The sunsets are brilliant and will leave you with some unforgettable memories. A fantastic addition to Sydney day trips.

Historically significant sites, fabulous landscapes, and several heritages, the Kamay Botany Bay National Park is a favorite on Sydney day trips. Situated near to La Perouse and Kurnell in Sydney, the park is a standing ovation to Australia’s rich Aboriginal heritage and culture. This was the region where Captain James Cook first arrived and introduced the world to the island nation. The park is divided into the northern and southern headlands by waters rich with marine life, which means you can even dive in to observe the flurry of life down below.

Kamay Botany Bay National Park is one of the few places in Sydney where you can go for whale watching. There is nothing more wondrous to see these massive gentle creatures break the water only to dive in with huge splashes. You can capture the entire thing on film from your boat which will always be at a safe distance. The diverse waters also offer ample opportunities for you to scuba dive and snorkel. Some of the best pictures of underwater life have been known to be captured here. Head over to the northern side of the island, which is the last place anyone saw famous French explorer Comte de Laperouse in 1788. The southern side is where the natives first encountered the Endeavour, Cook’s flagship.

They also help you swim easily in the salty water without you having to go against the surf. This makes for great underwater adventures and swimming. So, if you are looking to soak in some culture and history along with some fun, head on over to Kamay Botany Bay National Park today!

Live to drive? If you are in Sydney, then you can start one of the most epic drives ever. 240 kilometers of pure scenic pleasure is what you are about to experience which includes historic villages, rainforests, national parks, and iconic natural marvels. Beginning from the southern part of the Central Business District (CBD), it takes on a journey that can last hours.

From scuba diving to sky diving, you will find everything on the way. Be sure to carry all your gear with you as the rentals can get a bit pricy during the season. If you are looking for something a bit more relaxing, then there are botanical gardens and seventeen beaches that offer a scenic escape from the CBD.

You will pass main towns like Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, and finally finishes in Shoalhaven. The last place is an absolute marvel with pristine white beaches and a wildlife tour in Jervis Bay. Drive past Milton and Cambewarra that has excellent food and wine establishments. This will bring an end to your drive that can be done in over a day if you decide to camp out at a few places. However, if you stretch it out over a few days, then you can explore the towns in a little more detail.

If you are looking for Sydney day trips of significance, then the Royal National Park is the place to be. Featuring in as the oldest national park in all of Australia, and the second oldest in the world, this park has even been visited by the Queen of England. From sprawling beaches to camping grounds, and swimming holes, the Royal National Park has a little something for everybody.

Once you get there, the first thing to do is head towards the Figure Eight Pools. This is a naturally formed pool in the perfect figure of an eight and is a wonderful place for an extensive photo shoot for your social media handles. However, the hike till the pools is about three kilometers from Garrawarra Farm, and it isn’t that easy. The terrain is rocky, so ensure that you have proper footwear. Also, remember to study the tides as this area is notorious for rogue waves crashing over the rocks and causing all sorts of untoward incidents.

If you want something simpler, or you have kids with you, then Wattamolla Lagoon and Beach is the perfect place. Calm waters, hypnotic scenery, picnic spots, and a coastal lookout make this place a region of serene beauty. There is a car park nearby as well, and no long hikes are needed. Just the place you would want to be in if you want a peaceful day out in Sydney.

The Entrance is a beautiful place to head to if you are searching for Sydney day trips. You can drive up to the place from northern Sydney, and it makes for an ideal weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The drive will take you about 90 minutes up the M1 highway and is a simple journey.

The Entrance beach is something to behold as the turquoise water snakes its way around sand pockets, thereby forming the entrance to Lake Tuggerah, from whence the beach’s name has originated. Taking a walk down Marine Parade is another soothing thing to do as you will see locals and fishers enjoying the waves. There are several shops and restaurants surrounding the region, and there is the main shopping district located right at the center. Although it’s not very large, you will find whatever you like in supermarkets like Cole. If you have children with you then you might consider taking them to the northern section of the beach that has several eateries on the waterfront in addition to some fairground rides.

You can also try feeding pelicans at around 3:30 pm when the daily feeding takes place. These giant birds are beautiful to look at and make for a fascinating experience. Take a walk around till you reach Lake Tuggerah, which is fed by the waters of The Entrance, and you would have come to the end of your journey.

There you go! Nine-day trips that you can do while in Sydney will not only show you the entirety of the region but will also leave you with a bunch of photos and unforgettable memories.