Sydney is a diverse world capital with incredible vistas, and I wouldn’t blame you for sticking to the harbour. However, getting out of town will show you Australia and its diversity. Take a day trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and take in the greatness of the country !
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The best day trips from Sydney
The Basin
The Basin is a camping ground, tucked away in Pittwater, in Sydney’s North. Backed onto the Ku-Ring Gai National Park, The Basin is a well-kept secret. Accessible only by boat, the place is a haven of peace, ideal for a relaxed swim and a picnic. You can stay overnight in the camping grounds, if you book in advance and pay a small fee. However, the place is quite small and a day trip is equally good. There is plenty of wildlife to spy on, it’s a true Aussie getaway. I discovered The Basin by chance, when a friend invited me on a picnic… It was a revelation, I keep going back there in summer to get away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney.
How to get there:
The Basin is accessible my bus from Sydney CBD. Take the L90 bus at Wynyard Station. Then, you have to take a gorgeous little ferry which will take you across Pittwater.
Prefer a tour instead?
Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley is a small town in the NSW Southern Highlands, a two-hour drive from Sydney. A bucolic and peaceful setting, Kangaroo Valley is a charming village, nestled amongst green rolling hills and rural fields. A selection of specialty shops will offer you a pleasant shopping experience. I do recommend stopping for lunch at the General Cafe for delicious home-grown food and delicious coffee. Kangaroo Valley is also ideal to take some time out of the city bustle and return to nature. Before heading back to Sydney, head to Morton National Park for a bush walk or a quick tour of the Manning Lookout.
The Blue Mountains
Sydney’s Blue Mountains are a UNESCO heritage-listed national park and owe their name to the fascinating blue hues of the mountains. An early tourist destination in New South Wales, the Blue Mountains are an essential day trip from Sydney. There is something for everyone: specialty shopping, restaurants, outdoor activities and sweeping views. The views over the Jamison Valley and the famous Three Sisters rock formation are stunning and there are many lookouts to explore. Bush walking is a prominent activity, with walks ranging from a few hours to several days. Discover the thick eucalyptus forest and search for Australian wildlife such as native birds and possibly koalas.
How to get there:
The Blue Mountains are a two-hour drive or three-hour train trip from Sydney. There is also a Blue Mountains Explorer Bus leaving daily from Sydney.
Prefer a guided tour instead? I reccommend this:
Berrima
Berrima is a quaint and well-preserved Georgian village in the NSW Southern Highlands. Accessible by car, two hours from Sydney, Berrima will charm you. This small town is an ideal day trip to get you away from the city. You can enjoy some food and homeware shopping, a casual lunch at one of the local cafes and restaurants. Berrima also has a nice collection of well-maintained historic buildings such as the courthouse and the sandstone pub, giving you the opportunity to learn about New South Wales’ early colonial history. I love to stock up on local honey and jams at the local store and have a casual lunch at Berrima.
Bouddi National Park
Bouddi National Park is a well-kept secret of the NSW Central Coast, just two hours north of Sydney. It is a peaceful and secluded location for an inspiring coastal walk. Bouddi National Park is known for its “tesselated pavement”, a unique rock formation. The views along the coast are stunning, and the walk is not too demanding. There is a boardwalk for some of the way, however the track can get muddy after rain. Gerrin Point Lookout will have you daydream at the fabulous ocean views and Maitland Bay is ideal for an ocean swim. You may even have the beach to yourself!
How to get there:
Bouddi National Park is best accessed by car, a two-hour drive from Sydney. There are local bus options as well. And to reward yourself, enjoy a coffee at McMasters Beach before you head back to Sydney.
Bio: My name is Delphine, I was born and raised in Paris, France. I have been living in Australia for many years and I’m loving the place! I travelled young, initially with my parents, then by myself, and I met the Australian love of my life in Vietnam, go figure! Now, I’m happily discovering new places and rediscovering old ones, taking photographs and understanding what’s at the heart of a great destination. You can follow my adventures on Lester Lost.
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