Day Trips from Sydney to New South Wales

Take in panoramic views of top Sydney landmarks as you cruise through Sydney Harbour en route to Taronga Zoo. Your package includes round-trip cruise from Circular Quay to the zoo, and a ride on the Sky Safari Gondola, which whisks you uphill from the boat dock to the main entrance of Taronga Zoo. From the gondola, get an early peek at some of the zoo's inhabitants, such as giraffes, big apes, and native animals like kangaroos and koalas.

Enjoy a deluxe sunset cruise on Sydney Harbour accompanied by a delicious three-course dinner. From the water, admire iconic sights such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison, Luna Park and more. Snap photos as the sky shimmers at sunset and the city skyline lights up for the night as you cruise through Sydney in the evening.

Spend an afternoon visiting Palm Beach, aka Summer Bay from the famous Australian TV show ‘Home and Away.’ Your expert guide shares the inside scoop on the people and places from the hit TV series, and you can snap photos at outdoor filming locations from the show. You may even get meet some of the cast and watch the filming in action. Visit the seaside town of Manly and see other renowned surfing beaches. Choose from four different tour options to suit your schedule and budget.

Cycling around Sydney is the perfect way to sightsee in this gorgeous harborside city. Join your expert guide for a fun and fascinating look at up to 30 top sights, including the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, along with many others. As you pedal around the city, learn about the history, culture and favorite local spots on your choice of four cycling routes. Choose from various tour durations depending on your schedule.

Experience wine and wildlife on this comprehensive day trip from Sydney. Admire gorgeous coastal views on a scenic drive to Royal National Park, snap a selfie with a koala in Symbio Wildlife Park, and hike to a waterfall lookout in Morton National Park. Plus, enjoy a seaside lunch and boutique wine tasting—all included in the tour price. Enjoy a more personal experience with a small-group maximum of 11.

Create a special experience in Sydney with a seaplane tour that includes a gourmet three-course lunch at Cottage Point Inn. The charming waterside restaurant boasts a spectacular location: Cowan Creek in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Enjoy views of lushly forested waterways before your seaplane gently lands near the restaurant’s dock. Take time to savor a gourmet 3-course lunch and soak in the scenery. Wrap up with a scenic flight that provides an excellent perspective on the iconic sights of Sydney Harbour before landing at Rose Bay.

See Australia's most famous native animals in their natural habitat on a full-day tour from Sydney. In a comfortable 4WD, explore the Southern Highlands with a naturalist guide to look for koalas, kangaroos, platypus, emus, wombats and other critters in the wild. Your small-group tour includes refreshments and dinner in a classic pub, and you stay out after dark in order to view nocturnal animals in action. With numbers limited to 11 people, enjoy a more customized experience.

Experience a close encounter with humpback whales without having to leave the city on this thrilling 2-hour speedboat tour from Sydney. Hop on-board the city’s fastest commercial ship and blast off across Sydney Harbour, past iconic landmarks like Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Leave the city behind and speed out into the Pacific Ocean, where you’ll have chance to spot majestic whales swimming and playing in their natural environment.

Get the most out of your day in Hunter Valley by combining two of its features—wine and wildlife—in a single itinerary. With a guide in the lead and transportation all arranged in advance, learn about the famous wine-producing region and its animal inhabitants through stops at a local wildlife park for morning tea and several area boutique wineries. All tastings of wine, chocolate, cheese, olive oil, and beer are included.

Dive deep into the cultural roots of Australia during this Blue Mountains tour from Sydney including round-trip transport, morning tea and scones, and a 2-course lunch. Watch a traditional aboriginal smoking ceremony at Katoomba Waterfall, and then head to the Waradah Aboriginal Centre and Featherdale Wildlife Park. End your day with a ferry ride up the Parramatta River into Sydney Harbour.

Blast off from Circular Quay on a jet boat ride that provides a super-fun 30-minute adrenaline-fueled ride along with a new perspective on Sydney's most iconic waterside sights. Your expert captain slows down to give you a close up look at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and other landmarks, then before zooming off again. Hang on as your jet boat executes 270-degree spins, power slides and other breathtaking maneuvers at high speed. Tours depart throughout the day, every hour.

Learn the art of surfing with a lesson from a qualified instructor at the world-famous Bondi Beach, just a short hop from central Sydney. Get an informative and fun surfing lesson with your expert instructor, who shows you the basics, including getting up on the board, reading the surf and catching waves. If you want advanced instruction, private lessons accommodate all levels of expertise. Add a great workout and some waterside excitement to your vacation with a private or small-group surfing lesson in the heart of Australia’s surf culture.

Explore the beautiful Blue Mountains National Park on this small-group excursion with a local guide. After a convenient hotel or AirBnB pickup, watch for koalas, wombats, and crocodiles at Featherdale Wildlife Park, marvel at Katoomba Falls and the amazing Three Sisters rock formation, enjoy a rainforest railway ride and a complimentary lunch, and learn about important elements of aboriginal culture.

Join your choice of a morning or afternoon excursion to Manly to snorkel in the clear calm waters of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Just a short hop from Sydney, see some of Australia's diverse marine life on this guided snorkeling tour. Your expert guide leads your small group of beginning and experienced snorkelers into the water from the beach. With group numbers limited to 10 participants, enjoy customized attention from your guide. Also, take a short guided walk on the headlands for fantastic views of the Northern Beaches.

Experience Sydney Harbour in a unique way: during a 30-minute wild ride on 'Thunder', a jet boat capable of slides, twists, wave riding, and fishtails. Enjoy some sightseeing between tricks with views of Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Opera House, Rose Bay and other famous Harbour landmarks.

Sail around Sydney on the impeccably restored ‘James Craig’ — an authentic square-rigged ship that offers sailing adventures only twice per month. Morning tea, picnic lunch and afternoon tea are all included during your 6-hour cruise (afternoon tea and coffee included for the 5-hour adventure), which details fascinating stories from your ship's history and Sydney's maritime past. Embark on a lovely route around Sydney Harbour that goes past Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House before venturing into the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. Choose to sail for five or six hours on this must-do Sydney experience.

Enjoy an exhilarating half-day sailing cruise on Sydney Harbour aboard a luxury yacht with an experienced captain. Take in stunning views of Sydney's waterside landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Mrs. Macquaries Chair, Fort Denison, Watsons Bay, Sydney Heads and more. Anchor in a secluded bay in Sydney Harbour National Park with time for beach walks, swimming, snorkeling and a delicious lunch with Australian wine and beer. This small-group tour is limited to eight people, ensuring a personalized experience with your knowledgeable captain.

Visit your choice of two, three or four of Sydney’s top attractions with the convenient and economical Sydney combo pass. Choose from a list of five options: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye or Madame Tussauds Sydney. The Sydney Tower Eye observation deck offers sweeping views over Sydney Harbour and the city. The zoo and aquariums feature an amazing array of native Australian wildlife. Pose for photos with life-like wax statues of your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds.

Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House for a fascinating look at this Sydney icon. Your knowledgeable guide leads you through the World Heritage–listed building on a walking tour, sharing entertaining stories about the revered performance center's history and providing access to off-limits parts of the house.

Take a day away from Sydney and head north: filled with beaches, historical sites, and Australian bushland. This private tour includes time to linger at Manly Beach and a stop at West Head Lookout in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park to view aboriginal rock art. At Palm Beach we visit Barrenjoey Lighthouse and have a nutritious lunch. We then have a brief stop at Avalon and Bilgola Beaches, and catch a return ferry on Sydney Harbour from Manly. The day covers a lot of ground, with exceptional scenery.

Located on shoreline of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Taronga Zoo is home to thousands of fascinating animals, including Australian natives such as the koala, kangaroo, and platypus. With your admission ticket, you gain entrance to the zoo along with the Sky Safari cable car, which gives you the chance to look down into the animal enclosures and enjoy sweeping views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline. Check the schedule for daily keeper presentations, or book an animal encounter or guided tour (own expense) for a more in-depth experience.

Get your thrills with this immersive virtual reality experience. Assemble your group (up to 12 players can be hosted at one time), get outfitted with the latest VR gear, and embark on a time-traveling mission to keep humanity from vanishing. With your trusted companions, jump from the future to ancient Egypt to medieval times—and save the world during this fun and affordable VR adventure.

Cruise through Sydney Harbour in style on board a spacious flagship vessel that departs from Circular Quay and King Street Wharf. Glide by landmarks, including the floodlit Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, and watch the city change colors with the sunset. Then sit down for a 4-course dinner with an array of international dishes including fresh seafood. Enjoy the views from your table or the viewing deck, and live music on this 2-hour dinner cruise.

Escape the tourist trail as you paddle your way around Sydney’s Middle Harbour on this 3-hour self-guided tour. After picking up your rental kayaks and mastering some basic techniques, set off on an independent adventure, getting close to wildlife in the Garigal National Park or exploring some of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches. With all equipment and full instruction included, this kayak rental is ideal for all skill levels, including first-timers looking for an adventure.