Top 5 Sydney Day Trips (accessible by public transit)

With summer holidays fast approaching and our own visitors coming into town, we are thinking about which Sydney day trips we will be taking in the near future. As much as we appreciate the convenience of city life, we also like leaving it behind some days to immerse ourselves in a more natural setting!

We love to travel up and down the Sydney coast via public transport, meaning all of our favourite destinations can be reached from trains, ferries, or a bus. However,  public transit and a 2-year-old mean we generally stay within 2.5 hours of Sydney. These are our favourite Sydney day trips, easily accessible by public transport, nearby, and outdoors focused.

1. Royal National Park – Day Hikes

Royal National Park stretches across 27 km of NSW coastline, south of Sydney. The park offers a plethora of day (and overnight) hiking options. We love the Marley beach walk for the blue ocean views, deserted white sand beaches, and sandstone cliffs. The walk lacks natural shade, but the refreshing (and powerful) ocean will cool you off at the end. For a partially shaded, shorter walk check out the natural, clear, and calm Karloo Pools. Lastly, for a challenging yet iconic walk lace up your hiking boots to conquer the 27km Coast Track! Many walkers split the walk over two days; however, it can be done in one, and I think it would be more pleasant without lugging a huge backpack.

Transport: Take the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra line from Central to Cronulla and then a ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena

Duration: 1.5 hours (if the train and ferry schedules align)

2. Kiama – Coastal Charm

We cannot stop talking about Kiama, sorry – not sorry. If you’ve never made the trip, then you just don’t understand the charms of this sleepy coastal hamlet. I love this little beachside town so much, and it offers my favourite train trip from Sydney. The scenery along the way is gorgeous and there is a surprising amount to do in Kiama – other than just watch the mesmerizing blow-hole. For a day trip, I highly suggest the 11km Kiama coast walk from the Big Blow Hole to Gerrigong, the picturesque, green rolling hills are incredibly beautiful.

Transport: Take the South Coast line from Central to Kiama

Duration: 2.5 hours

Other Kiama posts:

Toddler Friendly Eats

Things to do (with Kids)

Hike to Gerringong

3. The Blue Mountains – Beyond Katoomba

The most recommended Sydney day trip, the Blue Mountains should be on your list. However, be aware that admiring the famous stone formations like the Three Sister’s is extremely weather dependent. We have been stricken with terrible weather luck on most of our trips, and have yet to see more than two of the Sisters at once. Basically, it’s a perfect day trip when you can check the forecast in the morning and be there by 10am.

Our recommendation is to skip the crowds in Katoomba and head straight for the quaint, artsy town of Leura. Choose a hike among Leura’s many offerings for ferns dripping with morning dew and sparkling waterfalls. Alternately, stop at Wentworth Falls for the tranquil, waterfall-filled Charles Darwin track to Leura. One of our family’s favourite Blue Mountains walks, the Charles Darwin track follows picturesque streams and fields through a mountain valley.

Blue Mountains Day trip Itinerary – with pdf download!

Transport: Take the Blue Mountains line from Central to Leura

Duration: 2 hours (plus or minus 5 minutes for Katoomba and Wentworth Falls, respectively)

4. Northern Beaches – Family Fun

Travel to the Northern Beaches for the perfect experience of the idllyic Sydney coast without the tourist crowds at Bondi. Only an hour from the CBD by bus, the suburbs from Manly to Dee Why brim with family-oriented beaches, coastal walks, and bike tracks. We can pitch our obnoxiously large beach tent and no one will bat an eye – mainly because they have one too! From biking around Manly or Narrabeen Lagoon to splashing on the wide, sandy beaches – it’s an awesome getaway for all ages.

Transport: Take either the Manly ferry from Circular Quay (40 minutes) or the L90 bus all the way to Narrabeen beach 45 minutes from Wynard. 

5. Wollongong – Cycling and Sun

On the South coast of New South Wales lays a lovely coastal city of Wollongong. It is about an hour closer to Sydney by train than Kiama, with plenty to explore for a day. Cycle along the shore on more than 60 kms of cycle friendly routes in the area (check out the detailed map here). Stop by the Botanic Gardens to admire the Japanese garden or stay for Sunset Cinema on the lawn (book tickets ahead). For a satisfying day hike, trek up the Mt Keira Ring Track for breathtaking views of the city below!

Transport: Take the South Coast line from Central station to Wollongong

Duration: 1.5 hours

While it’s hard to beat the vibrancy, color, and beaches of Sydney in the summer, these day trips are the perfect excuse to jump on a train, bus or ferry and explore.