Grab your gear, assemble your friends, and pile into the car. We’ve compiled our top picks for a fun day trip out of Sydney!

Berry

If you like hiking and eating, Berry is your new favourite town. Nestled in the Southern Highlands, it’s surrounded by scenic walking routes. You’ll need plenty of energy, of course, so be sure to track down the Famous Berry Donut Van (they seriously have the best donuts ever), meander about the various cellar doors, and tuck into some brunch at the Sourdough Cafe.

Travel time: 2 hours from Sydney

Avoca

A lovely coastal town, Avoca is famed for its gorgeous surf beach. A ten-minute drive from here takes you to Terrigal, where you’ll find craft beer at Six Strings Brewery, fragrant fruit liquor at Distillery Botanica, and the best coffee around at the swanky Zanziba cafe. After that, it’s back to Avoca and straight to Blu Grill for some truly fantastic seafood.

Travel time: 90 minutes from Sydney

Leura

It’s not called the “jewel in the crown” of the Blue Mountains for nothin’, and this picturesque village will melt your stony heart in no time. You could quite easily spend the whole day ambling about in Everglades Garden, but then you’d miss out on the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest toy museum! And don’t even get us started on the teapot museum. Why doesn’t every town have a teapot museum…?

Travel time: 90 minutes from Sydney

Jervis Bay

It may be a bit further out, but Jervis Bay is definitely worth the early start. This is marine life mecca, and you won’t want to miss the chance go snorkelling and exploring at Jervis Bay Marine Park, dolphin and whale watching with Jervis Bay Wild, or kayaking with Jervis Bay Kayak Co. When you’re all worn out, The Waterhouse is the place to head for a well-earned bite and bevvie.

Travel time: 3 hours from Sydney

Wollongong

Lovingly called The Gong by locals, Wollongong is a breezy haven of natural splendour, tranquil beauty and, of course, crazy beachside skydiving. Shoot the flumes at Jamberoo Action Park, explore the coast, and check out the largest Buddhist temple in the whole hemisphere. Finally, stop by Scarborough Hotel, the cliff-side granddaddy of local pubs, and gorge yourself as you gaze out at the majestic ocean.

Travel time: 90 minutes from Sydney