Best Day Trips from Australian Cities

When you have planned your epic trip to Australia, you might not want to miss out any of the key attractions. Here is a collection of the best day trips from various cities of Australia recommended by 23 Travel bloggers.

Australia is big. And it has something for everyone. Whether it is a beach or hiking or just sightseeing, hope this helps you to make your choices. Keep reading to explore Best day trips in Australia including Australia road trips.

Best Day Trips From Adelaide

Day trip to Adelaide Hills from Adelaide

Being the highest peak of Adelaide, Mount Lofty Summit in the Adelaide Hills provides panoramic views across Adelaide’s city skyline. A 20 mins drive from the city, this is a great place to visit. There is also a visitor centre & a cafe is available at the top. Mount Lofty Botanic garden is a 97-acre botanic garden which offers a lot of trails & tranquility.

Adelaide Hill Wineries

While visiting Adelaide Hills, Historic Hahndorf is a great place to explore as well. Situated just 20 minutes drive away from Mount Lofty, this is Australia’s oldest German settlement and has a stretch of cafes & pubs.

With over 60 wineries in the region, Adelaide Hills offers a large variety of world-famous wines & cellar door to excite the wine enthusiast in you.

Check out a Half Day Tour to Adelaide Hills here

Got more time? Check out a Full day Tour to Adelaide Hills – Chocolate & wine

Day trip to Barossa Valley from Adelaide

Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s premium wine regions and makes for a great day trip from Adelaide, or a great addition to anyone road tripping Australia. Just an hour from the city, the Barossa Valley is a whole region encompassing several wineries, the best of which can be visited on a self-drive or guided tour.

Jacob Creek's Winery
Jacob Creek’s Winery PC: Claire Martin

Of course, as one of the main things to do in the Barossa Valley is to drink, you might find it’s best to do a guided tour for this! Unfortunately, there aren’t any feasible public transport links to and around the Barossa Valley.

Some of the best things to do in the Barossa Valley include visiting Jacobs Creek (a favorite wine for any Brits out there!) and the oldest Shiraz wintery in the world. Other non-alcoholic attractions include epic viewpoints over the valley and a stop at the largest rocking horse in the world!

If you’re after something a bit different, you could even explore the area from the air by partaking in a hot air balloon ride over the valley, or a Segway Tour of some of the wineries!

Recommended full day and part-day tours are here https://www.viator.com/Barossa-Valley/d5623-ttd

-by Claire Martin from Claire’s Footsteps

Best Day Trips From Brisbane

Day trip to Gold Coast from Brisbane

Living in Brisbane can be a little frustrating, the coast is right there yet there are no beaches to relax on. However, if you jump on the highway and take an hours drive south you will find yourself on the Gold Coast, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.

Surfer's paradise- Gold Coast
Surfer’s paradise- Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is busy itself but the difference is in the sheer length of the city, meaning that you can always find a quiet spot, to hang down the beach, without any hectic crowds. Whether you are into surfing, stand up paddle boarding, beach volleyball or just generally messing around in the waves there is something to occupy every taste. The huge selection of trendy cafes, coffee shops, and surf clubs dotted along the coast mean you will not have to go hungry either.

If you are tired of the beach, check out many of the other great attractions on the Gold Coast. There is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for the kids, beautiful national parks and waterfalls to hike or even Pacific Fair shopping center for some serious retail therapy. Whatever your preference, there is something for everyone on the Gold Coast!

Buy a ticket to Take a Surf Lesson on the Gold Coast or to visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Follow Sophie from Lifestyle Queensland on Facebook to read more about Queensland travel.

Day trip to Lady Elliot Island from Brisbane

Lady Elliot Island
Lady Elliot Island PC: Fiona Berry

Lady Elliot Island is a small island at the southernmost tip of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s one of Australia’s World Heritage areas, and it’s part of the Marine National Park green zone. Most of the island is surrounded by the coral reef, and the only way to get there is by a tiny carrier plane.  Day trips from Redcliffe in Brisbane can be booked directly through Lady Elliot Island resort.
The short flight offers spectacular views of the coastline and landing on the small grassed airstrip is a unique experience in itself. Your day will be filled with snorkelling or diving adventures, and there are activities to suit all levels.  The ultra clear visibility of the water makes it one of the best places on the Great Barrier Reef to snorkel. There is a good chance that you will spot Mantra Rays and turtles as well as magnificent reefs.  If you’re there during the whaling season, you may also be lucky enough to have these beautiful animals swim along beside you too.

When you’ve had enough of snorkeling, there is an education center to explore where you can learn lots about conserving the reef for future generations.  There’s also a shallow lagoon area which is suitable for reef walking when the tide is low.
A day here may seem expensive at just over  AU $900, but you won’t regret it.

Follow Fiona Berry from Passport & Piano

Day trip to Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island is one of South East Queensland’s hidden gems. There are three main townships on the island. Dunwich, Amity Point, and Point Lookout. Without a doubt, the jewel in the crown is Point Lookout. This picturesque location has something for everyone on a day trip from Brisbane. So plan your day wisely!

North Stradrboke Island
PC: Keith erskine

Situated on the north-east tip of the island, it boasts some of the most beautiful surf beaches accessible from Brisbane. From the raw power of Main Beach loved by surfboard riders to the family-friendly Cylinder Beach.
Within the township, there are magnificent cafés and restaurants. Our pick is brunch at The Blue Room café with uninterrupted views from the deck out across the Pacific Ocean. Depending on the time of year, watch migrating whales as they serve you a delightful healthy breakfast. For great pizza, swing by Chillers Café.

Do go on the North Gorge Walk. This 1.5 km boardwalk takes you around the rugged headland giving spectacular clifftop views of the North Gorge and Main Beach. Watch out for giant sea turtles in the gorge.
If escaping to a remote beach area is more your thing, there are 4WD access roads adjacent to Adder Rock camping ground and at the end of George Nothling Drive. However, you don’t need a 4WD to get to and around Point Lookout. All roads are sealed and in excellent condition.
Getting There
By vehicular ferry. These vehicle transport vessels run from Cleveland every hour to Dunwich and return. Bookings are essential and can be made through the Stradbroke Ferries website. Expect to pay around $160 return for the average family car.
By water taxi. Don’t want the cost of taking your car over? Water taxis also run from Cleveland and cost $16 per adult return for a 25 minute trip across Moreton Bay. A bus service operates from Dunwich to Point Lookout.

Buy Day Tour to Stradbroke Island here.

Follow Keith Erskine from Travellin-lite on Instagram

Day trip to Natural Bridge from Brisbane

A fantastic day trip from Brisbane is to visit Natural Bridge, which is located in the hills behind the Gold Coast.  At Natural Bridge National Park you can do their short walk to visit Natural Bridge Cave which is an amazing cave with a waterfall running through it, backlight by sunlight from an opening in the top of the cave. 

Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge – PC : Anne Sutherland- Smith

You can travel to and from Natural Bridge via different routes, the best option would be to travel the back way via Tambourine Mountain, a one-way journey of 127 km (with quite a few winding roads), and for the return journey of 108km, you can use the Freeway to return to Brisbane.  You can also book a day tour from Brisbane to visit the park through Get Your Guide.

Follow Anne Sutherland-Smith from Pretraveller on Facebook

Day trip to Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island from Brisbane

One of our all-time favorite day trips from Brisbane is to Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island. It’s only a 75-minute ferry ride across the water from Brisbane but you feel like you’ve gone on a tropical holiday the moment you arrive with its white sandy beach and swaying palms.

Tangalooma Island Resort

There are a variety of day trips to choose from and you can choose to be as active as you wish. The most popular choice is the day trip that includes your choice of one activity (sandboarding down the giant dunes, whale watching, snorkeling or a jet boat ride) plus hand feeding wild dolphins in the evening. There are also more basic day trips where you can spend your day laying beside the heated pool or on the sandy beach. My kids think the sandboarding is the best activity ever but you need to be fit to climb the giant dune!
The sunset from the beach is spectacular, so be sure to order a cocktail from the bar to watch the sun go down before you go to feed the dolphins.

Prices for day trips vary depending on the inclusions but they start from $89 per adult and go up to $199 for the top package that includes the dolphin feeding. The price includes the ferry cost and a lunch voucher (or lunch is provided on the boat if you do the whale watching cruise between June – October).  

Check out Moreton island Tour Availability & price here

Need More options ? Check out here

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Day trip to Noosa from Brisbane

As one of the best day trips from Brisbane, Noosa is a picture-perfect little town known for great surfing, yellow-sand beaches, and deep blue waters.

Noosa
An evening in Noosa

Learn to surf, hire a paddleboard or stroll along the wooden boardwalk hugging the ocean. If you choose the latter, at the end of the boardwalk, you’ll arrive at Noosa National Park. Although there are 5 tracks, continue along Noosa Heads Coastal Walk for panoramic views from Boiling Pot and Hell’s Gate. After the 5.4km bushwalk, either loop back on foot or take a bus to Noosa’s Hastings Street from Sunshine beach.

Much deserved, eat your fill at the various delicious restaurants ranging from casual burgers at Betty’s to fine dining at Bistro C. Finish off the day with dessert at Massimo’s Gelateria.

The easiest way to get to Noosa by public transportation is by taking the three hour trip by train and bus. First, take the Sunshine Coast Line from Brisbane to Nambour Station. Once at Nambour, disembark and find the 630 or 631 bus to Noosa Junction. Otherwise, consider renting a car in Brisbane and making the hour and a half drive on M1.’LINKS:

Book a day trip from Brisbane to Noosa here

While here why not try Mooloolaba Seafood lunch cruise ?

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Best Day Trips From Canberra

Day trip to Captain’s Flat from Canberra

Canberra is Australia’s capital city and has an abundance of small towns to explore just outside the city limits.  Captains Flat is one of those little towns and it is only 60 kilometers southeast of Canberra. With a population of only around 600 people this little town that will take you back to Australia’s early mining days. The historic police station and courthouse are worth seeing but if you really want to get a good grasp on Captains Flat, you need to go up to the old Lake George Mine. The Mine operated from 1892 to 1962 and produced zinc, lead, copper, pyrite, silver, and gold. All of the work was underground and it even reached down 619 meters!

Captains Flat
Captains Flat PC: Helena

Today you can walk around the site and see how the mine used to work. Signs are spread around so you can get a good understanding of what you are looking at. It will also give you a great view over Captains Flat. Just remember to be safe as you explore as it is an abandoned mine!

by Helena from Through An Aussies Eyes | Instagram

While in Canberra why not watch Balloon Spectacular ?

Best Day Trips From Darwin

Day trip to Litchfield National Park from Darwin

One of the best day trips from Darwin is Litchfield National Park. Just over 100 km southwest of Darwin, this area is renowned for stunning waterfalls, crystal clear (croc free) billabongs for swimming and gorgeous outback scenery.

Wangi Falls
Wangi Falls – PC: Rachel Rodda

Highlights include Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls. Take in the specter of Tolmer Falls from the lookout and admire the enormous termite mounds scattered throughout the park. If you have a 4wd and want to get away from the crowds, head to Tjaynera Falls where you may even have the Billabong all to yourselves.

Entry to the National Park is free. It is possible to organise tours to the park from Darwin, but it is just as easy to rent a car and drive yourself for more flexibility and time to explore. On the way back to Darwin, make sure to stop in at Berry Springs for a soak in the gorgeous outdoor hot springs. There are grassy areas and barbeques available here too.
As Litchfield National Park is a popular day trip for visitors to Darwin our top tip is to leave early to get the most out of your day.

Book a day tour to Litchfield National Park here Another great option here

-by Rachel Rodda from Adventure & Sunshine | Instagram

Day trip to the Jumping Crocodiles and Humpty Doo

A day trip to the “Jumping Crocs” is one of the best things to do around Darwin and arguably the most unique. From Darwin, you can drive or join a tour and head 45-minutes from the city to the banks of the Adelaide River.
Here, you’ll board a boat and head out in search of these prehistoric creatures.

Jumping crocodile near Darwin
Jumping crocodile near Darwin

The river itself is so crocodile infested that you are guaranteed to meet a few of the locals, and if you’re lucky, one of the large alpha males!
Jumping up from the water is something the crocodiles can do naturally and while on your tour your guide will use chicken to get them leaping from the water. This is one of the only ways you can get close to a Salt Water Crocodile as these crocs are the most aggressive in the world.

The tour lasts for around an hour so there’s still plenty of time to make another uniquely Australian stop at the nearby Humpty Doo Hotel. The Humpty Doo Hotel is a very famous outback pub and a place you would expect to bump into Crocodile Dundee. The hotel is located only 10 minutes from the Adelaide River and is a great place to fill your belly with a crocodile or buffalo burger before heading back to Darwin.

If you need transport to and from the Jumping Crocs then consider joining a full day or a half day tour from Darwin. Tours range from including a visit to Litchfield National Park (one of Darwin’s most beautiful national parks) to a stop at the Humpty Doo Hotel. Tours typically cost around $100 AUD, but if you were to drive yourself and just pay for the Jumping Croc cruise expect to pay around $50 AUD.
This really is the ultimate outback Australia day trip!

Check out Jumping Crocodile Cruises here & here

-by Daniel from Destinationless Travel | Instagram

Best Day Trips from Hobart

Day trip to Richmond from Hobart

Richmond would have to be one of the most popular day trips from Hobart, in fact, it would be on every Tasmanian to-do-list; a gorgeous country town, immense with a history dating back to the early 1800s, character, and culture. It is just 30 minutes from Hobart’s CBD and is situated along the Coal River.

Richmond- Victoria
Richmond – PC: Erin Parker

The Richmond Bridge, built in 1823, is iconic of the town, along with the Georgian style buildings. It is a hub for food lovers, wineries and perfect for the whole family; Richmond boasts tourist attractions to suit visitors from all walks of life.

From the historic gaol, the Old Hobart Model Town, wildlife park, museums, and even a ‘pooseum’, Peter Rabbit’s garden, a golf course, chocolatier, berry farm, cheese making, gift and specialty shops and so much more. The options for a unique and pleasurable dining experience are endless; the Bakery, beautiful cafes, pub meals, local produce through to fine dining and wineries. Richmond is easily accessible from Hobart by car, train, and bus or by Uber.

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Best Day Trips From Melbourne

Day trip to Hepburn Springs from Melbourne

Hepburn Springs is one of Melbourne’s old school day trip getaway destinations. Sitting at the edge of the infamous Macedon Ranges, this area was once the summer playground for Melbourne’s rich and famous, who escaped the summer heat to enjoy the naturally cool wonders of this region. Thanks to modern-day technology, like cars, Hepburn Springs and it’s more famous sister town Daylesford are now popular day-tripper destinations.

Hepburn Springs
Hepburn Springs – PC: Jeanette Cheney

Only a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, through some of Australia’s most lovely scenic areas. Sadly there’s very limited to no public transport out this way. You can get a train to Daylesford, but in all honesty, it’s a train and a bus ride and a hassle. This is an area where you’ll need to be able to drive. Once you arrive in town everything is super close by, so you don’t have to worry about driving.
While the town is teeny tiny, it boasts some fabulous spa resorts, the infamous Hepburn Springs Baths, and some wonderful eating places. It’s the perfect area to experience local cuisine and the beauty of mother nature. The local eateries have ever-changing menus, as they source their ingredients locally. So it depends on what is in season.
A handy tip – if you do visit on the weekend, stop by the Sunday Daylesford Railway market. You’ll drive past on your way to Hepburn Springs.

To Book a trip to Hepburn springs click here

Follow Jeanette Cheney from Traveling Honey Bird on Instagram

Day trip to Geelong From Melbourne

Geelong is Victoria’s second largest city, and at about an hour’s drive, it makes a super fun day trip from Melbourne. It has a distinct small-town vibe with friendly locals and a chilled-out atmosphere.

Geelong
Geelong – PC: Audrey Chalmers

The city is famous for its north facing Waterfront that draws visitors from around the country. The whole area is covered in manicured lawns and gardens, public artworks and restaurants. A highlight of the precinct is the iconic Eastern Beach with its Art Deco pavilion, swimming pool, and stunning promenade.

One of the fun things to do in Geelong is the Bollard Trail Walk. There are more than 100 bollards dotted around the Waterfront from Limeburner’s Point to Rippleside Park. The creation of artist Jan Mitchell the delightful bollards feature unique characters who played a part in Geelong’s history.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. This place is jam-packed with activities from the helicopter and Harley Davidson rides, to stand-up paddle boarding and sailing. There’s enough to do to keep the most energetic visitor busy.

It’s a good idea to coincide your day trip with one of the many events held on the Waterfront. Popular events include the Festival of Sails, Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, and the Geelong Revival.

-ByAudrey Chalmers from See Geelong

Day trip to Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne

Melbourne is a must see destination in Australia and is a popular city as a base to explore further afield. One of the best day trips from Melbourne is to drive or take public transport to the Dandenong Ranges, less than an hour from the city.

Puffing Billy Dandenongs Ranges
Puffing Billy Dandenongs Ranges – PC: James Barnes

The Dandenong Ranges are extremely popular for bushwalking and spectacular gardens. One of the best-known walks is known as the 1000 Steps, a fabulous hike that passes through cool temperate rainforest, massive trees and will leave visitors breathless due to the steepness and beauty of the forest.

Another very good reason to visit the Dandenongs is to ride on the historic steam train called ‘Puffing Billy’. Leaving from the town of Belgrave and winding through the hills to the villages of Emerald and Gembrook. Public transport by train from the city to Belgrave runs regularly, so it is easy to have a fun day out and see a part of Australia that is really special. A return trip on Puffing Billy costs from $29.50 for a child and $57 for adults.

A day trip including Puffing Billy and then driving or catching a public bus into one of the villages of the Dandenongs is an ideal addition to a holiday in Victoria

Book a Trip to Puffing Billy here

Follow James Barnes from Explore the Dandenongs on Pinterest

Day trip to Bendigo from Melbourne

Bendigo has a rich history, grand architecture and gorgeous gardens making this a great regional city to explore from Melbourne on a day trip.

Jump on one of the heritage trams to hear all about the local history then stop off at the Central Deborah Gold Mine. At the mine, you can discover all about gold mining and participate in Australia’s deepest underground mine tour.

Bendigo
Bendigo – PC: Kate Comer

Once you have explored the mine, take the tram to the Golden Dragon Museum. It houses an amazing collection of Chinese artifacts and the museum has done a brilliant job of preserving the Chinese history of Bendigo. The Chinese Garden opposite the museum is a beautiful, calm place to enjoy.

Finally, wander through the magnificent gardens of Rosalind Park to the arts precinct of View Street. Located here is the Bendigo Art Gallery, established in 1887, containing a large collection of Australian art dating back to the 1850s and attracts many well-known exhibitions from across the world.

Bendigo is also well known for fabulous food and drinks so choosing where to eat will be one of your hardest choices for the day. For a special meal make a booking at Masons of Bendigo Restaurant and enjoy their paddock-to-plate philosophy. Otherwise, choose from one of the many excellent cafes around town.

Located north of Melbourne, Bendigo is perfect for a day trip and takes 90 minutes by car or you can catch the Vline train that takes around the same amount of time.

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Day trip to Grampians from Melbourne

As the second largest city in Australia, Melbourne is a great place to visit for a few days, however, it’s worth considering the options of day trips. The Grampians National Park is only two hours from Melbourne and a great place to get away from the big smoke and find a happy place in nature. On the way to the Grampians National Park, you can make stops at the town of Ballarat and discover Victoria’s past as a goldfields town. The open-air museum of Sovereign Hill is an incredibly realistic reconstruction of an 1850 gold town, however, there is a lot to see you may to save it for a separate day trip.

Grampians
Grampians – PC: Delphine

The Grampians National Park is a mountain range sitting in a flat rural valley. The main road winds down from north to south between the mountain ranges and makes for a great drive. The Grampians National Park offers options for camping, bushwalking, and rock climbing. If you are in the Grampians for a day, you can limit yourself to visiting several of the lookouts for some stunning views: the Pinnacle, Reeds Lookout, The Balconies… The views over the valley and the lakes are superb. Also, don’t miss MacKenzie Falls and Mount William. Driving to the Grampians National Park from Melbourne is very straightforward, however, if you need to rely on public transport, you can take a train to Ballarat or Ararat, then a bus to the historic village of Halls Gap.

Check Grampians Tour Availability & price here

-by Delphine from Lester Lost |Instagram

Best Day Trips From Perth

Day trip to Rottnest Island from Perth

Rottnest Island is a pristine island located 18 kilometers from the coast of Western Australia. The island is in actual fact a protected nature reserve which is home to a wallaby-like marsupial, the Quokka. Due to its location, many travelers choose to visit this island as a day trip from the city of Perth.

Rottnest island
Rottnest Island PC: Jolene

To get to the island, you will have to make your way to Freemantle, it is only a short 30 min drive from Perth. From there, you will need to catch a 25-minute ferry ride from Shed B in Fremantle. We highly recommend that you pre-book your ferry time, we missed the first ferry as they were fully booked. If you do not have a car, it might be easier to catch the ferry (90 minutes) from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty.

The most popular way to explore the island is either by hiring a bicycle (from the Rottnest Island Pedal and Flipper), or via the Island Explorer bus, which goes in a 90-minute loop around the island’s only road. This bus will stop at every stop, allowing you to hop-on-hop-off as you please. Alternatively, if you feel like a bit of a splurge, you can also see the island from above via a plane.

Wondering what to do on the island? Why not visit one of the 63 beautiful beaches, grab some selfies with the cute Quokkas, go snorkeling on the reefs, visit the lighthouses, enjoy some surfing and some diving. If you have kids, head to Just 4 Fun Aqua Park, in Thomson Bay. They have inflatable floating rides, rock climbing walls, an obstacle course and paddleboards for hire.

Rottnest Island is a fabulous day trip for couples or families. Enjoy!

Book a Bike & Ferry Combo here or just Ferry tickets here

– by Jolene from Mum Knows Best | Twitter

Day trip to Pinnacles from Perth

One of the best day trips from Perth is along the Indian Ocean Drive to visit the Pinnacles. The Pinnacles are ancient rock formations that rise out of the sand to create a lunar-like landscape and are one of West Australia’s premier tourist destinations. Some of the formations are over 5 meters high and were created thousands of years ago.

The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles – PC: Nina

The Pinnacles are located in the Nambung National Park, approximately 2 hours north of Perth and make for a lovely drive along the Turquoise Coast with gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean and some incredible sand dunes. Once there, there is a scenic 2.5 km drive around the limestone formations with plenty of parking options so that you can get out an explore on foot. There’s also a Discovery Centre that provides more information about the geology and history of the pinnacles as well as a souvenir shop, BBQ and picnic facilities. Highly recommended is a trip to nearby Cervantes which is famous for its crayfish industry. Take a look at the beautiful coastline or a dip in the ocean and indulge in a seafood lunch at the Lobster Shack.

The Pinnacles can be accessed with an ordinary vehicle or you can travel with an organised tour from Perth which also takes in other tourist attractions along the way.  

Check Pinnacles Star gazing tours availability here

-by Nina from West Australian Explorer

Day trip to Mandurah from Perth

At only a 50-minute train ride from the city center of Perth, Western Australia, Mandurah is a great day-trip for travelers and locals alike. There are a lot of things to do there, and many of them are free. Mandurah is most famous for its waterways. In them, you can do a variety of activities such as swimming, kayaking, diving, fishing, motor-sports, or a boat cruise.
For the outdoors lovers there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and camping, including the wetlands, the national park, and sections of the world-class Bibbulmun Track hiking trail.

Mandurah
Mandurah – PC: Bert Luxing

And if you want to get indoors, you can check out some local cultural sites. There is the museum, a war memorial, antique shops, art galleries, a theater, and a top-notch performing arts center. If you’re lucky enough to be around at Christmas be sure to check out the festive lights along the foreshore.
When you need a break from all the activity, grab some lunch at one of the many bars and restaurants. Or set up a picnic on the grass along the boardwalk.
To get to Mandurah via public transport, catch the train from the Perth Underground Station (in the city center) to Mandurah Station.
Whether you want to go for an afternoon, a day, or a few days, Mandurah will not disappoint. There really is something for everyone.

Check out the Tour availability & prices for Dolphin & Scenic canal cruise

-by Bert Luxing Opportunities for hiking |Pinterest

Day trip from Yeppoon to Rockhampton

If you’re traveling through the hot and dusty city of Rockhampton, (best known as the Beef Capital of Australia) then definitely consider a beach escape to Yeppoon for a day. This beachside town is an easy 45-minute car trip from the heart of Rockhampton. With Main Beach blending into Farnborough Beach, and few people to be seen, walking these beaches feels secluded despite them being very central to great cafes, restaurants, and pubs. Yeppoon also has an enormous and very picturesque public lagoon at the southern end of Anzac Parade. The lagoon overlooks the stunning Keppel Bay Islands and gradually extends from zero-depth to 2.4 metres deep, with an infinity edge extending about 80 metres along its beach-side edge. Best of all, parking and entry to the lagoon are completely free!

Yeppoon Lagoon
Overlooking the spectacular Keppel Bay and its islands, Yeppoon Lagoon is a great place to cool off, grab a coffee, or just laze about in the sunshine for the day.
PC: Lisa Scott

Yeppoon is renowned for its friendly and laidback locals, small country town vibe, and spectacular beaches. There’s also plenty of short hiking trails and magnificent lookouts through the Capricorn Coast National Park, which is in multiple sections along Yeppoon’s coastline. It’s definitely worth at least a day to explore all this town has to offer, but I’d recommend staying for a week to really make the most of it.

-by Lisa Scott from Run Rat Sleep Repeat |

Best Day Trips From Sydney

Day trip to Blue Mountains from Sydney

A visit to the Blue Mountains is one of the most popular day trips from Sydney and highly recommended for anyone who is in town for more than 3-4 days.  The mountains are approx. 2 hours travel time from Sydney by train or bus and offer a great change of pace from exploring the city and harbor.

Three Sisters - Blue Mountains
Three Sisters – Blue Mountains

You can take a day tour ( Autopia’s sunset tour is a great choice) or use public transport to reach Katoomba, the main town of the mountains and then buy a hop on hop off bus ticket to explore the area.  The return train ride is less than $20 each and only $2.70 on a Sunday.

The most famous site here is the Three Sisters, a rock formation that is a 20-minute walk from Katoomba Station. From this lookout you can take one of the many bushwalks; they range from short 30-minute strolls to full-day hikes but if you are only here for a day I recommend sticking to a couple of the short ones to get a taste of the area. There is a visitor center at the Three Sisters where you can pick up some maps.

I also suggest a stop in Leura, a pretty little mountain village with lots of cafes and cute shops in the afternoon.  There are also fantastic views over the valley from Sublime Point Lookout in Leura.

Also check out, Autopia Tours – https://autopiatours.com.au/blue-mountains-sunset-tour/

-by Paula Morgan from Sydney Expert | Facebook

Day trip to Bowral from Sydney

Bowral is located in the Southern Highlands Region of NSW. It is only 136km from Sydney’s CBD which makes it an ideal place for an out of town day trip. For those who know their Australian History, Bowral is the place our beloved Sir Donald Brandman spent his early years. The Bradman Museum is a short 15-minute walk from Bowral Railway station, which makes it a perfect place to start the day, a cost of a family pass is $50 and if you are booking 24 hours in advance then secure yourself a free guide.

Autumn colours in Bowral
Autumn colours in Bowral

Bowral is a beautiful country town with its vineyards, festivals and weekend markets that support local produce and cute little shops that range from local artists to local farmers. With its historical venues and much-loved Manors, this place is warm and inviting even in the cold of winter.

A train from Central Station to Bowral will take you just under 2 hours. There are a plethora of things to do in and around this area, and checking out The Southern Highlands tourism website (https://www.southern-highlands.com.au/visitors/tours) would be a great place to start if you would like a local tour of the region.

-by Paula Barnes from The Travelling Expat | Instagram

Day trip to Kiama from Sydney

90 Km South of Sydney lies the beautiful Wollongong beach & further down the Kiama beach. This is a trip you might not want to miss because of the journey itself! The road takes you to the Grand Pacific Drive over the Sea Cliff Bridge towards the beautiful Kiama.

Grand Pacific Drive
Grand Pacific Drive

Kiama is a hot spot for visitors because of the natural blowhole. Apart from viewing the Kiama Blow Hole, there are quite a few activities to keep you engaged. The beach & the nice eateries around it are definitely

Kiama Blowhole
Kiama Blowhole

Wollongong to Thirroul bike trail, Tandem Sky diving, Port Kembla beach, & Nan -Tien Temple are other attractions close to Wollongong.

Check out a South coast tour price and availability here

Day trip to Pokolbin, Hunter Region from Sydney

Pokolbin is the heart of the Hunter Region, renowned for being one of Australia’s best growing areas for wine. Food lovers, families and couples flock to Pokolbin for the vast variety of cafes and restaurants, the plethora of wineries, local produce as well as live concerts and events.

Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley – Wine region

Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village is a popular stop with ample parking, extensive grassed areas for picnics, a playground for the children, mini and aqua golf, a variety of unique cafes and restaurants. Boutique stores boast beautiful clothing, glassware, candles, chocolates, lollies, a Christmas store and so much more.

Plan a stop at Roche Estate for exceptional dining options within a classy yet relaxed atmosphere. For cheese and gourmet produce lovers, across the road from Roche Estate you will find the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory – stop by, delight on their range of tasting option, then take some home for later! Pokolbin is approximately a two-hour drive from Sydney CBD, accessible by public transport or via a tour group.

Check out Hunter valley wine tours here & here.

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Hope you enjoyed reading the article .

This post will be soon updated for more cities. keep checking.





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11 comments

  1. And there I thought South Africa was the most adventurous and scenic country. You certanly proved me wrong, #Australia is so beautiful, from islands to inland waterfalls.

  2. This is great comprehensive guide to places to visit in Australia and it’s useful that you’ve linked them to major cities. Living in the U.K. means that when I finally get to visit Australia I will make sure it’s for a minimum 3 weeks to give myself time to see some of these wonderful places. Australia has so many natural wonders, I would particularly like to visit the Pinnacles.

  3. This is actually a good guide to go on. I have only been to Melbourne in Australia and really wished I checked out the Grampians. I am planning a huge trip to Australia soon (hopefully a 3 monther) so really want to check out these places. I prefer nature to cities.

  4. Hello Rohini,

    Thanks for sharing this it is beneficial especially we never been to Australia. Too many to see and do in the country, and this post is useful! Australia is in our bucket list, and I save it in Pinterest for future travels. Happy Travels!

  5. Places a few kilometres away from the main attraction are generally the best ones. I always look for nearby places to visit while deciding on the destination. This post will be really helpful to me for Australia travel planning.

  6. I used to live in Australia, and we were closest to Adelaide. We visited the city, of course, and probably a few of the surrounding activities. But I was too young to go wining, and we were too remote to have time to explore the other cities and areas. We can’t wait to go back, and this gives us some great ideas!

  7. I have never been, but this post gives some great options for those that are traveling there. I love doing day trips from our main destination.

  8. This is such an amazing guide for day trips from Australian cities. I’d definitely like to refer this if I am ever i that part of the world.

  9. Such a good idea for a guide! Lots of fun trips. I didn’t know you could do some of these as day trips. It makes domestic travel a lot more exciting 🙂

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