6 of the best winter day trips from Sydney

Right in the middle of winter, you start to wonder how you can spend a day in the cold. Here are six of the best winter destinations, all a quick drive away from Sydney.

Just like you, we’re always itching for adventure and something to do. Though with the shorter days winter brings along, it’s not so easy to work out how you can spend a day in winter.

For you, we’ve selected six different destinations to beat the winter blues.

1. Thredbo

Thredbo is a beautiful snowy alpine village and has the longest ski run in Australia. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the mountain range conditions are perfect for all.

You can also go snowboarding or keep indoors and cozy in the cafes and shopping boutiques.

Booking a tour allows you to have the chance to sleep on the bus as the driver takes you to Thredbo overnight. As you arrive, you’ll have the day to enjoy the snow.

2. Port Stephens

Escape the busy city crowds and spend the day in Port Stephens. About two and a half hours from Sydney, Port Stephens is perfect for the adventurous type. You can drive yourself or book a tour.

On your day trip, you can choose from driving down massive sand dunes or going on a cruise to spot whales and dolphins.

3. Kangaroo Valley

Surround yourself with nature and have a day discovering Kangaroo Valley. Kangaroo Valley is known for its pies, so make sure you’re there for lunch.  And if you’re after something a bit more adventurous, you can go canoeing, kayaking, or do one of the many beautiful walking tracks.

Kangaroo Valley is just over a two-hour drive from Sydney, making it a perfect little winter day trip you can do.

4. Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is a stunning area with the famous Three Sisters and scenic views of Jamison Valley.

The mountains are about an hour’s drive from Sydney which gives you more than enough time to see the surrounding areas. You can see the Three Sisters, go on the three rides at Scenic World, and go wildlife spotting on a bush walk.

5. Hunter Valley

Head three hours out of Sydney and you’ll be sitting down enjoying some of the best wines in the state. Hunter Valley is known for the best semillons in Australia.

To get around Hunter Valley and visit a few wineries, you can book a guided tour, drive yourself, or ride a bicycle.

6. Jenolan Caves

Jenolan Caves are nearby the Blue Mountains and are the oldest caves in Australia. There are 11 show caves you can explore, but you’d probably only have time to see about three in a day.

The caves are limestone and from millions of years of erosion, the caves were formed to how you see them today.

You shouldn’t let the cold weather stop you from exploring these beautiful destinations! You’ll have a fun day, whether you’re indoors tasting delicious wines or out in the snow skiing.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.