Sydney, Australia’s most popular tourist destination, has a lot to offer its visitors. Even if you only have five days in Sydney, there will be plenty of sites and things to keep you busy. This is because the city is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what New South Wales has to offer. The greatest places to visit from Sydney are national parks and seaside towns. The best approach to select where to go is to look over these top day trips from Sydney and see which one appeals to you the most.
1. Manly Beach
Manly is located in the northern suburbs of Sydney, just a short distance away. If you want to have a relaxing day, Manly is the place to go. Naturally, the primary attraction of your visit will be Manly Beach, a magnificent golden beach stretching two kilometers. It also has a good swell, making it ideal for both surfing and sunbathing. As large as it is, Manly Beach can get crowded during the summer; Freshwater Beach is one of several quieter options in the region. For dining and shopping, visit the Corso pedestrian mall, which is home to cafés, restaurants, and a variety of businesses. Another interesting option is to visit North Head at the extremity of the peninsula.
2. Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are a must-see attraction in New South Wales, as well as a popular day trip spot. This breathtaking national park west of Sydney is known for its rugged gorges and ridges nestled inside lush alpine forests. Begin at the Echo Point Lookout to observe the Three Sisters, the region’s most recognizable landmark. Other magnificent panoramic view sites, such as Elysian Rock Lookout and Bridal Veil Lookout, are easily accessible. The Blue Mountains are also home to numerous beautiful waterfalls. Katoomba Falls and Wentworth Falls are two must-see destinations. Then there are the historic Jenolan Caves, where you may witness amazing rock formations.
3. Hawkesbury River
A pleasant way to spend a day in the region of Sydney is to visit the Hawkesbury River and the villages and towns that surround it. With its many twists and turns, the Hawkesbury River has a plenty of scenery to explore, which is best done from the water. You can take a leisurely river cruise or charter a boat in one of the numerous towns and villages along the Hawkesbury. Many of these villages and towns, including Windsor, are worth exploring on their own. Not only will you find the Hawkesbury Paddlewheeler, but also numerous really old heritage buildings from the early days of European settlement. Just downstream from Windsor is the Australiana Pioneer Village, an open-air museum depicting life in the 1800s.
4. Kangaroo Valley
When it comes to deliciously authentic communities surrounded by spectacular natural beauty, Kangaroo Valley is hard to beat. Kangaroo Valley, located on the fringe of the Southern Highlands, exudes country charm and offers easy access to both local heritage and wildlife. Hampden Bridge, a wooden suspension bridge constructed in 1898, is one of the town’s most notable sights. The open-air Pioneer Village Museum, which depicts 19th-century pioneers’ lives, is conveniently located nearby. The Friendly Inn Hotel, located in the heart of town, is a typical old-fashioned tavern that serves as an excellent lunch break. You may explore the region’s natural wonders by kayaking down the Kangaroo River or visiting Morton National Park to see the spectacular Fitzroy Falls. There are also numerous hiking paths through the rain forest around Fitzroy Falls, and you may even spot some local species along the way.
5. Kiama
If you want to visit one of the many communities that line New South Wales’ South Coast, Kiama is a great choice. Kiama, for example, exemplifies the laid-back ambiance typical of Australian seaside towns, so start by walking through town to Kiama Surf Beach. From there, continue the coast up to the famous Kiama Blowhole, where waves slam into the rocky coast, launching water up to 20 meters into the air. Kiama’s Little Blowhole is less well known, although it may be reached by taking the Kiama Coast Walk to the south. As you walk, keep an eye out for whales that may be swimming off shore.
6. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, one of New South Wales’ lesser-known attractions outside of Sydney, provides visitors with magnificent natural beauty and monumental Aboriginal heritage. Despite being the deepest point in the national park, West Head is the finest site to begin your visit. Not only can you admire the vistas of Broken Bay from West Head Lookout and go down to isolated beaches, but it also has the Red Hands Cave, which contains indigenous rock art created by the Guringai people. Both the Basin Trail and the Resolute Track lead you on a forest trek to additional coastal locations, although the former also travels through the Guringai Land Aboriginal Engraving Site, another significant indigenous site.
7. Canberra
Although it may appear to be a long journey from Sydney, the capital city of Canberra is well worth the drive and one of the greatest side trips from Sydney. To gain a sense of the city, climb Mt. Ainslie, which offers a panoramic view of Canberra. Just down the hill is the Australian War Memorial, a monument and museum dedicated to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) and their history. Down ANZAC Parade, you’ll reach Lake Burley Griffin, which is flanked with serene parkland, houses the beautiful National Carillon bell tower, and has a great perspective of Parliament House. If you want to learn more about Australia’s government, take a guided tour of Parliament House. Otherwise, visit one of the city’s top museums and galleries, such as the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, or the National Museum of Australia.
