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Looking for the best day trips in Sydney, but you’re unsure where to look? Not to worry…I got you! With its sheer size, Sydney can be quite overwhelming so I’ve kept it simple and straightforward for you.
Just know that within this monster of a city, there are so many cool things to do! You just gotta know where to look.
Known as the capital of New South Wales, Sydney is rampant with Backpackers and tourists who flood the beaches and pubs on the daily. Making Sydney an incredibly diverse city to visit and experience.
So let me show you the best day trips in Sydney.
Recognized as one of the best Sydney day trips, Bondi never disappoints. This iconic beach attracts tourists from all across the globe in order to catch that perfect wave, so while you are there go surfing!
If you’re lucky enough to be around at Christmas time…Make sure to celebrate Christmas on Bondi! It’s a pretty wild party with Santas everywhere. Don’t forget your Santa hat!
NOTE: Obey the lifeguards and signs, the riptide can suck out to sea very easly.
Best way to get there: Public transport.
Distance from Sydney: 15min – 10km.
Recommended Bondi Beach Tours: Bondi Beach 2-Hour Surf Lesson Experience for Any Level
Located on Market Street, between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets. The Sydney Sky Tower is one of the most prominent tourist attractions, you just can’t miss it!
The best part of this short day trip is what’s inside this mighty tower! It has this EPIC skywalk (if you have the balls to do it) as well as a 4D cinema and a view like no other.
Best way to get there: Public transport or walking.
Distance from Sydney: 2min – 1km.
Recommended Tours: Ultimate Sydney Pass with Sydney Tower Skywalk
Fun Fact: Sydney Tower is also known as Flower Tower, Glower Tower, and Big Poke.
Not the coolest or most exhilarating thing to do in Sydney, but if you’re an opera fan, by all means, go see a show.
If opera is not your cup of tea…walk around this architectural wonder, take pictures and simply enjoy the Harbour.
Best way to get there: Public Transport or walking.
Distance from Sydney: 15min – 10km.
Recommended Tours: The Sydney Opera House Tour
Know as one of the most unusual Sydney day trips; Madame Tussaud always delivers the goods whether it’s in America, Europe, or Asia you’re always guaranteed to see something weird!
As for the Sydney location, you get to see all your favorite Australian celebrities such as Christopher Hemsworth, Hugh Jackman, Mel Gibson, Nicole Kidman and so much more. All standing proud and waiting to take pictures with you.
Best way to get there: Public Transport or Uber
Distance from Sydney: 15min – 10km.
Recommended Tours: Madame Tussauds Sydney General Admission
Fun Fact: In 1925 Madame Tussauds suffered a fire and many statues melted.
NOTE: Make sure to purchase your ticket in advance as they always sell out
Loaded with backpacker drinking holes, you’re sure to find some great drink deals and places to hang out with your friends.
If you’re feeling a little more risqué and naughty, head on over to Kings Cross (the red light district). FYI, it’s a pretty sketchy area, but loads of fun!
Best way to get there: Public transport, walking or Uber
Distance from Sydney: 15min – 10km.
Recommended Tours: The Rocks Pub Tour with Meal
Fun Fact: When you see a pink triangle on top of the bars in Sydney that indicates that it’s an LGBTQ bar. (just a heads up)
If you love animals, this family day trip is a must! Loaded with monkeys, giraffes, crocodiles, and killer everything else! What’s not to love about this day trip?
Best way to get there: Ferry, public transport or Uber
Distance from Sydney: 12min by ferry and 49min by bus
Fun Fact: The zoo officially opened its doors on 7 October 1916. The zoo covers about 21 hectares (52 acres) and holds over 2,600 animals of 340 species.
Australia is known for many sports, but two that stand out the most are Rugby and Aussie Rules. Two of the most ruthless full-contact sports that exist.
And the best part, they can both be seen at the SCG (Sydney Cricket Grounds). Don’t miss your chance to see these athletes in action. As a sports lover, this is one of my favorite day trips around Sydney.
Best way to get there: Public transport, walking or Uber
Distance from Sydney: 15min – 10km.
Recommended Tours: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and Museum Walking Tour
This is one of the most popular Sydney attractions, and one where you get to discover all kinds of sharks, jellyfish, rays, and basically a lot of things that can kill you.
But not to worry there are always friendly penguins and turtles for the kids.
Located right by Darling Harbour the Sydney Aquarium is home to over 13000 different species of fish and other sea creatures just waiting for you to knock on the glass.
This is one of those day trips in Sydney that the whole family can enjoy.
Best way to get there: Public transport, walking or uber.
Distance from Sydney: 15min – 10km.
Recommended Tours: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Probably the creepiest entry of any carnival or amusement park in the world…The Sydney Luna Park has been in operation since October 4, 1935, and is free to enter, all you need to pay for is the rides and food.
Loaded with delicious greasy carnival food and rides for the whole family, Lune Park is also open year-round for your thrill-seeking pleasure, and it’s definitely one of those things to do while in Sydney.
Best way to get there: Ferry, public transport or Uber
Distance from Sydney: 15min – 10km.
Looking to get out of the city for the day? The Blue Mountains is one of the best day trips from Sydney. Only 1-hour drive from Sydney the Blue Mountains is home to the three sister peak, waterfalls, charming villages, and thousands of eucalyptus trees.
This is one of those Sydney day trips that will take your breath away.
Note: The Blue Mountains can also be a weekend trip from Sydney.
Best way to get there: Organized tour or car rental
Distance from Sydney: 2h30min – 104km.
Recommended Tours: Blue Mountains: Small Group, All-Inclusive Tour
Connecting the CBD (Central Business District) and the North Shore, the Harbour Bridge was built in 1932, and believe it or not…you can actually climb this iconic bridge.
The Bridge Climb Tours have been one of the staple day trips in Sydney for over 75 years. If you’re scared of heights…I would recommend a less adventurous activity.
Best way to get there: Public Transport
Distance from Sydney: 10min – 10km.
Recommended Tours: The Bridge Climb
If you’re looking for one of the most popular active day trips in Sydney, look no further than joining a bicycle tour.
This 2h30 hours bike tour will take you around the most scenic places around Sydney such as the majestic Opera House, Walsh Bay, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, and more. So make sure to bring a water bottle!
Best way to get there: Public transport or Uber.
Distance from Sydney: 15min – 10km.
Recommended Tours: Sydney Highlights 2.5-Hour Bike Tour
Probably the most thrilling of day trips in Sydney; the Sydney Thunder Jetboat!
This state-of-the-art jet boat will take you around Sydney Harbour and get your heart pumping with its wild 360-degree spins and insane power slides.
Best way to get there: Public transport or Uber.
Distance from Sydney: 15min – 10km.
Recommended Tours: Sydney Harbour: Thunder Thrill Ride
With a population of 5 million. Staying in Sydney can get quite expensive, below is a map of hotels available by region.
If you’re looking for something a little more affordable consider a hostel, Sydney has hundred of clean and affordable hostels.
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2 Responses
Good to know! Thank for sharing 😃