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Five Easy Day Trips From Sydney Five Easy Day Trips From Sydney
5 Easy Day Trips from Sydney
So you’ve explored the Harbour, strolled through The Rocks, and maybe even braved Bondi on a busy day. Now you’re craving something a little more… out of town?
Good news: Sydney is the perfect launch pad for a road trip. With jaw-dropping national parks, historic caves, wine country and dolphin cruises all within driving distance, you’re spoilt for choice.
Here are 5 of the best day trips from Sydney, all easily reachable with a hire car. Get ready to pack the snacks, queue up your road trip playlist, and hit the road.
1. The Blue Mountains
Drive time: 2 hours
Closest Budget pickup: Budget Car Hire Penrith
Escape the city and head west to the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fresh air, dramatic cliffs, and that dreamy blue haze (thanks to the eucalyptus trees).
Don’t miss:
- The Three Sisters rock formation at Echo PointScenic World’s
- Skyway cable car and world’s steepest railway
- Bushwalks with cliffside views and waterfalls
Perfect for: nature lovers, hiking fans, and anyone needing a breather from the city buzz.
2. Jenolan Caves
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Closest Budget pickup: Budget Car Hire Penrith
If you’re already heading to the Blue Mountains, it’s worth adding Jenolan Caves to your itinerary. These limestone caves are some of the oldest in the world and packed with jaw-dropping stalactites, underground rivers, and ghostly blue lights.
Highlights:
- Guided tours of multiple caves
- Adventure caving (for the brave!)
- Bushwalks and wildlife in the surrounding reserve
Tip: Book your tour in advance—it’s a popular spot on weekends.
3. Koala Park Sanctuary – West Pennant Hills
Drive time: 30 minutes
Closest Budget pickup: Budget Car Hire Westmead
Want to get up close with some Aussie icons? The Koala Park Sanctuary is a great family-friendly day trip with encounters you won’t forget.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus and dingoes
- Koala photo ops and hand-feeding sessions
- Educational shows and shaded picnic spots
It’s low-key, easy to get to, and guaranteed to be a hit with kids (and kids at heart).
4. Hunter Valley
Drive time: 2.5–3 hours
Closest Budget pickup: Budget Car Hire Newcastle
Wine, cheese, chocolate… What more could you want?
The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions and perfect for a relaxed road trip. With over 150 cellar doors, you can spend the day tasting your way through boutique wineries and gourmet experiences.
Other must-dos:
- Cooking classes and vineyard lunches
- Artisan chocolates and local markets
- Day spas and scenic hot air balloon rides
Plan ahead and choose a designated driver if you're doing a wine-heavy itinerary.
5. Port Stephens
Drive time: 2.5 hours north
Closest Budget pickup: Budget Car Hire Newcastle
Port Stephens is all about beach vibes, marine life, and soft, sandy dunes. With over 160 resident bottlenose dolphins, dolphin-spotting cruises here are almost a guarantee.
What to do:
- Dolphin and whale watching cruises (June to November for humpbacks)
- Sandboarding down the Stockton Sand Dunes
- Kayaking, hiking, and waterfront dining
It’s the kind of trip where the water’s blue, the pace is slow, and the seafood’s fresh.
Our tips on getting yourself road ready!
Before you hit the open road, it’s worth doing a quick check to make sure your day trip runs smoothly. Book your hire car early especially during weekends or school holidays so you don’t miss out. Pack the essentials: sunscreen, snacks, water, and a phone charger. Double-check the opening hours and parking options for your destination, and allow some wiggle room in your plans. The best day trips leave space for detours, longer lunches, and unexpected stops along the way.
Get to the good stuff sooner with Budget
Whether you're after waterfalls or wine tastings, wildlife or whale watching—Sydney makes the perfect base for a great day trip. Start your adventure by picking up a car from one of our Sydney Budget locations so you can start your road trip adventure today!
5 Easy Day Trips from Sydney
So you’ve explored the Harbour, strolled through The Rocks, and maybe even braved Bondi on a busy day. Now you’re craving something a little more… out of town?
Good news: Sydney is the perfect launch pad for a road trip. With jaw-dropping national parks, historic caves, wine country and dolphin cruises all within driving distance, you’re spoilt for choice.
Here are 5 of the best day trips from Sydney, all easily reachable with a hire car. Get ready to pack the snacks, queue up your road trip playlist, and hit the road.
1. The Blue Mountains
Drive time: 2 hours
Closest Budget pickup: Budget Car Hire Penrith
Escape the city and head west to the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fresh air, dramatic cliffs, and that dreamy blue haze (thanks to the eucalyptus trees).
Don’t miss:
- The Three Sisters rock formation at Echo PointScenic World’s
- Skyway cable car and world’s steepest railway
- Bushwalks with cliffside views and waterfalls
Perfect for: nature lovers, hiking fans, and anyone needing a breather from the city buzz.
2. Jenolan Caves
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Closest Budget pickup: Budget Car Hire Penrith
If you’re already heading to the Blue Mountains, it’s worth adding Jenolan Caves to your itinerary. These limestone caves are some of the oldest in the world and packed with jaw-dropping stalactites, underground rivers, and ghostly blue lights.
Highlights:
- Guided tours of multiple caves
- Adventure caving (for the brave!)
- Bushwalks and wildlife in the surrounding reserve
Tip: Book your tour in advance—it’s a popular spot on weekends.
3. Koala Park Sanctuary – West Pennant Hills
Drive time: 30 minutes
Closest Budget pickup: Budget Car Hire Westmead
Want to get up close with some Aussie icons? The Koala Park Sanctuary is a great family-friendly day trip with encounters you won’t forget.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus and dingoes
- Koala photo ops and hand-feeding sessions
- Educational shows and shaded picnic spots
It’s low-key, easy to get to, and guaranteed to be a hit with kids (and kids at heart).
4. Hunter Valley
Drive time: 2.5–3 hours
Closest Budget pickup: Budget Car Hire Newcastle
Wine, cheese, chocolate… What more could you want?
The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions and perfect for a relaxed road trip. With over 150 cellar doors, you can spend the day tasting your way through boutique wineries and gourmet experiences.
Other must-dos:
- Cooking classes and vineyard lunches
- Artisan chocolates and local markets
- Day spas and scenic hot air balloon rides
Plan ahead and choose a designated driver if you're doing a wine-heavy itinerary.
5. Port Stephens
Drive time: 2.5 hours north
Closest Budget pickup: Budget Car Hire Newcastle
Port Stephens is all about beach vibes, marine life, and soft, sandy dunes. With over 160 resident bottlenose dolphins, dolphin-spotting cruises here are almost a guarantee.
What to do:
- Dolphin and whale watching cruises (June to November for humpbacks)
- Sandboarding down the Stockton Sand Dunes
- Kayaking, hiking, and waterfront dining
It’s the kind of trip where the water’s blue, the pace is slow, and the seafood’s fresh.
Our tips on getting yourself road ready!
Before you hit the open road, it’s worth doing a quick check to make sure your day trip runs smoothly. Book your hire car early especially during weekends or school holidays so you don’t miss out. Pack the essentials: sunscreen, snacks, water, and a phone charger. Double-check the opening hours and parking options for your destination, and allow some wiggle room in your plans. The best day trips leave space for detours, longer lunches, and unexpected stops along the way.
Get to the good stuff sooner with Budget
Whether you're after waterfalls or wine tastings, wildlife or whale watching—Sydney makes the perfect base for a great day trip. Start your adventure by picking up a car from one of our Sydney Budget locations so you can start your road trip adventure today!