Top getaways near Sydney
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoy a getaway at these cosy cottages right on Sydney’s doorstep.
Sydney and surrounds region
Overview
Explore the twisting inlets and harbour islands of Sydney Harbour National Park, and head to south Sydney for world-class bushwalking and mountain biking experiences in Royal National Park. Looking for more things to do when in Sydney? Visit the Three Sisters and hazy blue valleys of Blue Mountains National Park.
Read more about Sydney and surrounds
Go camping in style at Lane Cove and Ku-ring-gai Chase national parks, which offer breathtaking views of Sydney’s twisting inlets and rocky cliffs. On the city side, catch a ferry to the harbour islands, go kayaking on Sydney Harbour or take a historic walking tour of convict heritage at Goat Island.
Take a short day trip from Sydney to admire the hazy blue valleys of World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. A bushwalker's paradise, join a guided walking tour to explore the park's cascading waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art sites, mountain bike trails and picnic spots - and don't miss the world-renowned views of the iconic Three Sisters at Echo Point Lookout.
Activities in this region (459)
- 4WD touring
- Adventure sports
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters
- Sailing, boating and cruises
- Canoeing/paddling
- Cycling
- Road trips and car/bus tours
- Fishing
- Geotourism
- Horse riding
- Other experiences
- Photography
- Snorkelling and scuba
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Walking
- Wildflowers (seasonal)
- Aboriginal culture
- Cafes and kiosks
- Cultural heritage
- Educational activities
- Historic heritage
- Sightseeing
- Picnics and barbecues
- Visitor centres
- Waterfalls
- Events
- Guided tours
- Itineraries
- Volunteer activities
Stay longer, see more
Best campgrounds near Sydney
Looking for a budget break close to Sydney? Pitch your tent or pull up your camper at a national park campground right on Sydney’s doorstep.
Discover Sydney's hidden gems
Explore Sydney's hidden gems
Enjoy a Sydney adventure without stress. Explore these hidden national park gems for the perfect day trip.
Heathcote National Park
Visit Heathcote National Park at Waterfall, Sydney for self-sufficient bushwalking or camping. The park is easily accessed from Sydney CBD and Royal National Park, making for a great daytrip.
Berowra Valley National Park
Join the Great North walk, mess about on a boat, have a barbecue or enjoy scenic views from one of the lookouts in Berowra Valley National Park, just north of Sydney.
Dharug National Park
Explore the World Heritage-listed Old Great North Road, go camping, mountain biking or canoeing at Dharug National Park near Wisemans Ferry, northwest of Sydney.
Action or relaxation
Top Sydney walks
From world-class walks with spectacular views of the Sydney coastline, to hidden tracks taking in waterfalls, beaches, and history, Sydney's national parks have walks to suit everyone.
Kids’ and family activities
NSW National Parks runs guided tours for kids and families to discover the hidden mysteries of our national parks. There are heaps of fun adventures for the whole family.
Sydney picnic spots
Sydney Harbour, Royal and Ku-ring-gai Chase national parks offer some of Sydney's best picnic areas for a summer picnic with family and friends.
In this region:
Parks (50)
- Abercrombie River National Park
- Bargo State Conservation Area
- Bents Basin SCA
- Berowra Valley National Park
- Blue Mountains National Park
- Bouddi National Park
- Brisbane Water National Park
- Burragorang SCA
- Capertee National Park
- Cattai National Park
- Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve
- Dharawal National Park
- Dharug National Park
- Garawarra State Conservation Area
- Gardens of Stone National Park
- Garigal National Park
- Georges River National Park
- Hartley Historic Site
- Heathcote National Park
- Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
- Jilliby State Conservation Area
- Kamay Botany Bay National Park
- Kanangra-Boyd National Park
- Ku-ring-gai Chase Nat. Park
- Lake Macquarie SCA
- Lane Cove National Park
- Leacock Regional Park
- Malabar Headland National Park
- Marramarra National Park
- Munmorah State Conservation Area
- Muogamarra Nature Reserve
- Nattai National Park
- Palm Grove Nature Reserve
- Parr State Conservation Area
- Popran National Park
- Rouse Hill Regional Park
- Royal National Park
- Scheyville National Park
- Sydney Harbour National Park
- Thirlmere Lakes National Park
- Towra Point Nature Reserve
- Turon National Park
- Wallumatta Nature Reserve
- William Howe Regional Park
- Wollemi National Park
- Wolli Creek Regional Park
- Wyrrabalong National Park
- Yellomundee Regional Park
- Yengo National Park
- Yerranderie Regional Park
