The 20 best day trips to take in Australia

The Royal National Park has endless possibilities for sightseers and explorers eager to connect with nature. Trek the expansive coastal cliffs and walk through eucalyptus bushlands, swim under the waterfalls in Wattamolla, or paddle down the Hacking River by hiring a canoe from the Audley Boatshed. You can even catch a glimpse of whales migrating north for the winter from May to November. Cyclists can brave the ten-kilometre Loftus Loop Trail and unroll a picnic blanket for lunch at Ironbark Flat or Wattle Forest afterwards.

How far? 36km from Sydney

Get there: by car. It’s about one hour away from Sydney CBD. 

Time Out tip: Want to stay the night? There are some magical cottages available to rent.

Famous for being home to the world’s largest wild quokka population, Rottnest is an open-air nature reserve that also acts as a sanctuary for some very rare and special animals. With no cars on the island, you can walk or cycle around to some of the world's most spectacular beaches, plus see quokkas, birds, reptiles, seals and whales all playing in their natural habitat. To make the most of your day trip, we recommend snorkelling at Little Salmon Bay, Parker Point and Little Armstrong Bay. For a land-based adventure, wander the Wadjemup Bidi walking trail and delve into the island’s fascinating Indigenous heritage.

How far: 33km from Perth

Get there: by ferry. Drive 30 minutes to Fremantle before getting on a 30-minute ferry. Ferry tickets should be booked in advance.

Time Out tip: Hiring a bike is hands down the best way to explore nearly the entire island in just one day.

Turn your compass north-eastward and set off to the world-renowned wine region that is the Barossa Valley. A mere 50 minutes in the car will get you between the seemingly endless meandering hills that are peppered with more than 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors waiting to tingle your taste buds. The Barossa is internationally acclaimed for its shiraz, grenache, mataro, cabernet sauvignon and semillon vines – they’re some of the world's oldest continuously producing vines. But hey, it’s not all about the boozy stuff. Go full birdseye with a hot air balloon tour, get your hands sticky at the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, take things slow along the Barossa Goldfields Walking Trail, or enjoy the finer things at a top-tier restaurant – we can vouch for Fino Seppeltsfield, Harvest Kitchen, The Farm Eatery, and Appellation at The Louise – it’s a foodie’s haven out there.

How far? 60km from Adelaide

Get there: by car. Alternatively, book a private van with a designated driver or join a group bus tour.

Time Out tip: Turn your day trip into a weekend getaway by staying the night at The Louise.

If ever a region were ideally suited to a weekend away, it’s the Mornington Peninsula. Whether you’re seeking a family break, an outdoor adventure or a weekend of indulgence, its diverse attractions are best discovered by car. Make stops at the award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs, gourmet fine diner Laura and world-class winery Montalto. Stretch your legs on the Bushrangers Bay Trail at Cape Schanck, where the views overlooking Port Phillip Bay are nothing short of amazing. If you fancy staying the night, we highly recommend the ultra-luxe Jackalope Hotel.

How far? 76km from Melbourne

Get there: by car, it’s a one-hour journey via the M1 and Eastlink tollway. You can also catch a metropolitan train service from Southern Cross Station to Frankston, then take the line 784 bus to Murray St/Barkly Street.

Time Out tip: For something a little out of the ordinary, stop in at the giant Vintage Bazaar, open seven days a week and packed full of groovy clothes and homewares.

If there were a ‘12 Wonders of Darwin’ list, Litchfield National Park would be at the very top. This 1,500-kilometre-square region encompasses everything there is to love about the Top End, including striking waterfalls, curious clusters of termite mounds and sparkling swimming holes. You can take in its dramatic scenery via a range of adventure-packed activities, like four-wheel-driving, hiking, birdwatching, swimming and waterfall chasing. Ask a local for their favourite spot – Buley Rockhole, Upper Cascade Falls and Greenant Creek are up there – and check it out. The reasons to visit Litchfield are endless – just ask the 260,000 people who go there annually.

How far? 106km from Darwin

Get there: by driving just over an hour from Darwin, or on a tour bus with a guide.

Time Out tip: Kakadu National Park also makes for a ripper day out – but we'd recommend staying at least a night to make the three-hour drive worth it.

Sub-tropical Moreton Island is a little slice of paradise right in South East Queensland. Visiting the protected sand island is an unforgettable experience, where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters, marvel at colourful marine life, snorkel the shipwrecks, bask on stunning beaches and toboggan down the towering sand dunes. Tangalooma Island Resort runs accessible day trips to the island, starting at $95 per adult for the chilled-out Beach Day Cruise. Take your pick from add-on activities like whale watching, wreck snorkelling, wild dolphin feeding and safari trips to the sand dunes. The pristine waters provide a striking backdrop for the Tangalooma Wrecks, making snorkelling and glass-bottom kayaking some of the best options for exploring the area. All package deals include return transfer from Brisbane, lunch and use of the resort facilities. If you’d like to stay longer, there are accommodation options ranging from camping to resorts. 

How far? 53km from Brisbane

Get there: via a 75-minute ferry trip, with boats departing from Holt Street Wharf four times daily. The wharf is a 15-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD.

Time Out tip: Stradbroke Island is another favourite island escape, just a scenic ferry ride from Brisbane.

We have to give an honourable mention to the heritage-listed town of Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills. As Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, the influence of 19th-century Lutheran migrants is ever-present, with Hahndorf attracting visitors from far and wide to witness the charm of its original German-style architecture. The tree-lined main street is home to specialty stores like the famed German Village Shop with its year-long Bavarian Christmas wares, yesteryear pubs where lederhosen and accordions are the norm, traditional German bakeries and restaurants galore, as well as op shops, galleries, and gift stores of handmade goods. Pretzels should be a priority too, just sayin’.

How far? 26km from Adelaide

Get there: by car, it’s a 20-minute drive from the city. Or catch the Adelaide Metro 864, 864F or T843 public buses from Adelaide CBD.

Time Out tip: Visit in autumn – the tree-lined streets turn all shades of red, orange and gold, and it’s ridiculously photogenic.

A quick 90-minute drive from Perth brings you to Dwellingup, where jarrah and marri forests cradle rivers and trails perfect for exploring. Cyclists can venture off the beaten path on the Munda Biddi, a popular off-road trail through the Darling Ranges and Southern Forests. Post-cycle, head to Lane Poole Reserve for an afternoon of swimming and kayaking in the peaceful waters. Haven’t got the equipment? Rent kayaks, rafts, stand-up paddleboards and more from Dwellingup Adventures.

How far: 107km from Perth

Get there: by car. It’s around an hour and 15-minute drive from Perth CBD.

Time Out tip: Pick up supplies from the Dwellingup General Store for a scenic picnic in the reserve. 

Tamborine Mountain has spectacular rainforest bush walks, family-friendly attractions and plenty of unique food and drink options. The mountain is in the Scenic Rim area of the Gold Coast Hinterland and is known for its natural beauty. There are plenty of walking tracks, ranging from easy to advanced, and many of the trails visit waterfalls and creeks, perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Attractions include the Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Skywalk (a boardwalk up in the rainforest canopy), the Glow Worm Caves (actually pretty awesome) and Thunderbird Park, where you can fossick for thundereggs or take the Treetop Challenge on Australia’s largest zipline and high ropes course. Throw in artisanal markets, quaint tea shops, fresh produce and specialty restaurants, like The Polish Place, and you won’t go hungry. At the end of a day spent exploring, you can stop for a drink at the Tamborine Mountain Distillery or one of the local wineries.  

How far? 74km from Brisbane 

Get there: by car. It’s a one-hour drive from Brisbane to the top of the mountain.

Time Out tip: Tamborine Mountain is also an easy day trip from the Gold Coast, just 40 minutes by car. 

Set among the verdant, rolling hills of central Victoria, Daylesford is the place to go when you want to slow down, take stock and enjoy the nice things in life. The former gold rush town is a particularly popular destination in winter when fireplaces roar to life and day spas offer a warm escape from the cold. 80 per cent of the country's mineral springs are in this region, which makes it perfect for spa treatments and for growing high-quality produce, which you can enjoy at one of Daylesford's top restaurants. The region is extremely popular with weekenders from Melbourne, and once you visit, you'll soon realise why many of them decide to make the tree change. 

How far? 112km from Melbourne

Get there: by car, it’s an 80-minute drive. Melbourne’s V/Line also operates a number of trains from Southern Cross Station. You’ll need to change over at Woodend Station, with the full trip taking just under two hours.

Time Out tip: For a simple slice of tranquillity, pick up some picnic goods at the gourmet food shops on the main street and head to the pristine Lake Daylesford. 

There’s a reason the Tiwi Islands are known as the ‘Islands of Smiles’. It’s because you can’t help but grin there. The two main islands – Wurrumiyanga (Bathurst) and Yermalner (Melville) – are home to 2,500 residents, famous for their traditional artworks, colourful textiles and die-hard love of football. The local ferry departs Cullen Bay in Darwin every morning at 8am on its 2.5-hour journey to Bathurst Island. Any trip to the Islands should include a visit to the renowned Tiwi Design Art Centre, a cuppa with the ‘morning tea ladies’ (a group of Tiwi women elders who bake damper and brew bill tea for visitors), and a flick of a fishing line in search of an elusive barra. 

How far? 85km from Darwin

Get there: via ferry or with a tour group. Don’t forget to apply for a permit to visit the Tiwi Islands through the Tiwi Land Council.

Time Out tip: Ferries only run on Thursday, Friday and Sunday – so plan your trip accordingly. 

When inland calls, it’s the peaceful town of Mannum that answers. Situated along the banks of Australia’s longest river, the Murray, Mannum is the place for soaking up all that rural bliss in just over an hour’s drive east of Adelaide. Float upstream and take in the wilderness aboard a river cruise or in the comfort of a kayak, unwind waterside and experience country hospitality at the Pretoria Hotel, gaze upon our feathery friends at the Hermann Gass Bird Sanctuary, or navigate your way down Reedy Creek’s walking trail to the scenic Mannum Waterfalls.

How far? 98km from Adelaide

Get there: by car. It’s about 70 minutes away from Adelaide CBD via the Murray Bridge.

Time Out tip: If you love wine, make a stop at the Barossa Valley, just a short detour from your route.

Dedicate a few solid hours to simply wandering around this adorable seaside village, stopping in at cute cafés and the famous Ice Creamery, Kiama (aaaaaaah). A trip here wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Kiama Blowhole, where waves spurt out through a crevasse in the cliff, forming a fabulous salty fountain. Play golf at the rural golf course or walk the Kiama Coast Walk for views of lush green cliffs overlooking rocky shores, rivers and private beaches. There are also plenty of surrounding coastal towns connected by cycleways for fitness fanatics to conquer. You can also book majestic activities like dolphin-watching cruises, outdoor rock climbing and kayaking tours.

How far? 130km from Sydney

Get there: by car, it’s about two hours away from Sydney CBD.

Only a two-hour drive north of Perth, Cervantes is the first stop on the scenic drive along the Coral Coast highway. For seafood lovers, it’s worth making the stop and heading to The Lobster Shack for some of the juiciest seafood you’ll ever eat. Take our word for it and try the hot shack roll, where fresh lobster is sandwiched between a toasted brioche bun. Not far off Cervantes is Nambung National Park, home to WA’s popular limestone rock formations, The Pinnacles, which date back 25,000 to 30,000 years. It’s a breathtaking landscape, and you might even see some kangaroos or emus in the early morning or late afternoon. 

How far: 196km from Perth

Get there: by car, it’s just over two hours away from Perth CBD.

Time Out tip: Visit during the cooler months, from September to April, when the weather is warm but not scorching hot. 

For a chilled-out beach getaway, you can’t beat Noosa. Located north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa boasts stunning beaches, hidden coves, spectacular clifftop walks, chic shopping and tasty eats. Choose from water activities like swimming, paddle boarding, surfing or kayaking; or stick to land and hike along the easily accessible trails of Noosa National Park. The trails wind around cliffs with unforgettable ocean views, so keep an eye out for marine life like whales or turtles, or search the trees for koalas. The walks are particularly beautiful during sunset, and there are plenty of places to stop off and admire the views or go for a swim along the way. Don’t forget to visit Noosa’s main drag, Hastings Street, which is known for its fashion boutiques and dining options. 

How far? 148km from Brisbane

Get there by car, it takes about two hours from Brisbane CBD.

Time Out tip: For something a bit different, explore the Noosa Everglades by kayak or canoe or take a boat trip along the Noosa River.   

There is no denying Ballarat is steeped in history – this is a city shaped by the wealth and opulence that came with Australia’s 19th-century gold rush. And while the spectacular architecture and heritage-listed attractions remain a huge drawcard, modern-day Ballarat is a destination that inspires and surprises visitors via its thriving arts community, burgeoning foodie scene and natural wonders. And you know what, you really can't beat the historical pageantry of Sovereign Hill. This outdoor museum recreates what Ballarat was like ten years after the discovery of gold in 1851. Pan for gold nuggets, dress up in old-school garb and definitely take home some raspberry drops – they're really good.  

How far? 110km from Melbourne

Get there: by car, it’s a 1.5-hour journey. Alternatively, V/Line trains from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station to Ballarat roughly run on the hour, and takes less time than driving (about an hour and 20 minutes).  

Time Out tip: One of the many benefits of catching the train to Ballarat is that Itinerant Spirits is just metres away from the station. This world-class distiller makes whiskey, gin and vodka from locally sourced grains and botanicals. Here, you can sink into one of the comfy lounges for a tasting or cocktail, or attend a fascinating masterclass.

Whether you're a fan of antiquing, slogging through kilometres of scribbly bushland or tearing into flaky croissants, it's never a bad idea to head to the Highlands. This charming region is a foodies paradise full of old-school pubs, little laneway cafés and upmarket restaurants. But, it’s the bakeries that are worth travelling for. With locations in Bowral, Berrima and Mittagong, the award-winning Gumnut Patisserie should definitely be top of the list. You won't regret lining up for their warm sausage rolls, golden croissants and finger lime meringue tartlets, which have drawn locals and visitors to the bakery for almost 30 years. Top tip: the queues are always quieter at Gumnut’s Berrima bakery, and you can walk right across the road to Baked in Berrima for fresh focaccia sandwiches and sugary apple turnovers. It’s also worth dropping into Robertson for a rich pepper steak pie at Southern Rise Bakery, followed by a bright yellow custard tart at the famous Robertson Pie Shop.

How far? 159km from Canberra

Get there by car, it's a one-hour and 45-minute drive north of Canberra. Sydney trains and NSW TrainLink services also stop at various Southern Highlands towns daily. 

Time Out tip: The Southern Highlands are also an easy day trip from Sydney.