The Best Day Trips from Sydney to Take This Summer
When the weather forecast calls for warm sunny days ahead, plan your next day trip from Sydney to one of these fantastic towns.
Downtown Newcastle is brimming with culture and it's only a stone's throw from the sea. The CBD has independent retailers, small bars and restaurants that rival the likes of most Australian capital cities.
FOR ART AND SURFING: NEWCASTLE
When you want to get out of Sydney for a coastal day trip — but don't want to drive too far — the Central Coast is your best bet. And, just 75 minutes in a car or the train will get you to the quaint seaside town of Woy Woy. 
FOR SEAFOOD AND SWIMS: WOY WOY
Port Stephens lucked out when Bannisters arrived back in 2018, bringing a luxurious hotel and, most importantly, a Rick Stein restaurant. And what better way to shake off the big smoke than by sitting in a breezy space overlooking still water.
FOR POOLSIDE RELAXING: PORT STEPHENS
The stunning hamlet of Berowra is literally encircled by natural beauty — it's within Berowra Valley National Park, with Cowan Creek and Berowra Creek running either side of the suburb. 
FOR BOATING AND BUSHWALKING: BEROWRA
Unlike so many coastal areas, Pearl Beach is fiercely protected from development. Just 500 or so residents live here and, because the village is National Trust-listed, further construction is banned. 
FOR HIKES AND BRUNCH: PEARL BEACH AND PATONGA
If Katoomba is the busiest village in the Blue Mountains, Leura is the prettiest — making the neighbouring towns the perfect places to visit on a day trip out of Sydney. For great coffee, head to Frankly My Dear on Katoomba's main drag.
FOR CASCADES AND BLOSSOMS: LEURA AND KATOOMBA
When you fancy a cooler climate, jump on the highway to Bowral. Found in the Southern Highlands — 600 metres above sea level — this pretty country town is usually a few degrees cooler than Sydney. 
FOR A COOL COUNTRY CHANGE: BOWRAL
If diverse, sandy adventures are crucial to your day-tripping joy, Wollongong's your destination. No fewer than 17 beaches line the coast. To get some invigorating perspective, visit one or all of the six local lookouts. 
FOR LOOKOUTS AND CYCLING: WOLLONGONG
When the southeast wind is blowing strong, Kiama's blowhole is at its most powerful. The wind sends waves into the rock aperture, compressing air and sending a spectacular spout into the air. 
FOR BLOWHOLES AND ROCK POOLS: KIAMA
For a day trip that involves wine tasting, rolling paddocks and maybe some cycling, make tracks to Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley. The locality is dotted with cellar doors, vineyards and restaurants. 
FOR WINE AND RIVERSIDE PICNICS: POKOLBIN
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