Top Day Trips From Sydney – Explore Mountains, Valleys, Vineyards and Tribal Lands

Sydney is a spectacular city that is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. It has attractions to entertain everyone from party going singles, to culture seekers and families.  But after you’ve roamed the city streets, don’t miss the opportunity to ‘go walkabout’.  The outskirts of Sydney offer fascinating landscapes and attractions that you’ll definitely want to put on your itinerary.  Here are our recommendations for the best Day Trips From Sydney.

Blue Mountains Day Trip
Situated close to the centre of Sydney is the World Heritage listed site of the Blue Mountains, making this the perfect day trip for you and the family. Every year, millions of visitors come to see why they are blue. At 1,100m high, the mountains attract a blue haze that can be seen hovering above the mountains. This is the result of the sun warming the vast amount of eucalyptus trees, which then release oil droplets into the atmosphere. After it rains the air becomes clearer, reducing the blue. With amazing scenery, wildlife and plant-life on offer, the Blue Mountains are the ideal day excursion.

You will also want to visit the Three Sisters and the Jenolan Caves. The Three Sisters is a spectacular rock formation in the Blue Mountains situated about 2.5 kilometres from the Great Western Highway. Aboriginal legend has it that the unique landmark represents three sisters who were turned to stone by a witch doctor after trying to protect them from harm during a tribal war when they fell in love with three men from a another tribe. Anyone who visits the Blue Mountains should certainly take the time to see them.

The Jenolan Caves is considered one of Australia’s national treasures, and it’s not hard to see why. These are the world’s oldest and most remarkable caves visitors will experience. Inside, the caves are complete with underground rivers and amazing calcite formations, which are sometimes pure white and of outstanding beauty. On offer are tours of the ten show caves, each delivering a different experience. If you want to be inspired by the stunning formations, the history of the caves or if you want to discover your wild side with Adventure Caving, survive the night tours and ghost tours, then the Jenolan Caves are a must see. Overnight accommodation is also available at the Jenolan Caves.

Across the valley is the open air gondola. From this vantage point visitors to the Blue Mountains can capture some of the area’s most stunning views, look down on to the people below at the Village Events Plaza or they can reach the top of the Escarpment to begin their day’s hiking or biking activities for those who enjoy their outdoor pursuits. Of course, if you are after a more relaxed pace, there are numerous day spas, quaint local shops and antique shopping to quench your thirst for all things old.

Getting to the Blue Mountains couldn’t be easier with several options available for those travelling by car, train or with the various coach tour guides to see the region. If you are travelling by car it is about a 50 minute drive from Sydney. When leaving the city, follow the signs to Parramatta. The M4 Motorway will indicate a starting point at Strathfield, which will take you towards Glenbrook/Lapstone. This is the entrance to the Blue Mountains. Another route can also be taken to the Blue Mountains. This is through Bell’s Line of Road, which begins at Richmond before taking you through Mount Tomah and Bell, and then across Mount Victoria. Compared to the Great Western Highway this is a pleasing drive through the huge Blue Mountains National Park. For those travelling from the outer west, follow signs to Lithgow, before heading through to Hartley. Here you will enter the Blue Mountains through Victoria Pass, which takes you straight to the top at Mount Victoria.

By train, City Rail offers the most relaxed way to the Blue Mountains, running an efficient service. From Central Railway Station a fast double decker train will bring you to the Blue Mountains. Trains typically run every hour with more frequent times during peak hours. If you are taking a coach tour bus for a day trip you should head to the Circular Quay in Sydney. Check with your hotel to find out when services are.

Hunter Valley Day Trip
This is the home of award-winning vineyards for New South Wales. The region is stunning with vineyards, valleys and mountains. You can feast on the gourmet food and enjoy the wine tasting whilst in the heart of some amazing scenery. It is located just two hours drive North of Sydney and is easy to reach.

If you wish to spend some time away from your partner, indulge in pampering at a day spa or play at one of the three championship golf courses. There are more than 120 wineries which you can visit in addition to hot air ballooning and the stunning gardens.  Try your hand at cooking at the Hunter Valley Cooking School or tour the wineries by horse and cart.

Palm Beach Day Trip
Located under an hour’s drive north from the city centre; Palm Beach is home to some of the wealthier residents of Northern Sydney in New South Wales. The millionaire area of Palm Beach overhangs out into Broken Bay splitting the waterway of Pittwater, which is a boating harbour, and the Pacific Ocean.

For those who think that Bondi Beach is the best beach Sydney has to offer, you’re in for a surprise. Palm Beach is home to the legendary town of Summer Bay where fans of Home and Away will know it is located. A day tour to Palm Beach will definitely be a treat.

Whether it’s a picnic at Kuringai Chase National Park, enjoying a spot of golf at the Palm Beach Golf Club, guided tours of Barrenjoey Lighthouse, embarking on a cruise on the Hawkesberry River and Cowan Waters, camping at the Basin in part of the Kuringai Chase National Park or fast paced water sports, there is something for everyone.

Palm Beach possesses fantastic beaches and stunning bushland and for the chance to catch a glimpse of your favourite TV star from Home and Away head to the surf side of Palm Beach along the Pacific Ocean. This is where you see most of the scenes from the hit TV show are filmed. Along this stretch there are long parts of golden sand where it’s guaranteed you’ll find a tranquil spot.

The Tribal Warrior Cruise
Australia has a rich aboriginal history and one of the best ways to experience it is with a cruise on the Tribal Warrior. Setting sail from Sydney Habour those on board will have the chance to take in the aboriginal history with their Aboriginal hosts and crew.

After leaving the Eastern Pontoon at Circular Quay you will be taken on a journey from pre-white settlement to the coastal lifestyle of Australians. During the cruise traditional methods of fishing and food gathering will be taught, while learning the heritage of the Cadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Wallumedegal, Gammeraigal and Eora people.

As a cultural experience that all need to experience you will have the chance to be taken ashore for a unique Aboriginal performance. Here you will learn about Sydney’s landmarks and the meanings behind them.

Once you’ve visited Sydney, many consider investing in property so they can return again and again.  Property is the darling of Australian investment and Sydney is certainly the place to consider for property. Homesales can help you by offering a wealth of advice as well having a number of properties in Sydney right there on the website. Day trips to Sydney could soon become second nature with your very own property in Australia’s most famous city.

Photo Credits:  Wikimedia Creative Commons – #1 Athena Lao, #2 David McLeish, #3 Graeme Churchard, #4Schomynv, #5 Tribal Warrior Cruise