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Spring is literally seconds from springing in NSW, and if you ask us, there’s no better time to plan a day out of Sydney. The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up, and the gorgeous countryside that surrounds our city is starting to put on a spectacular display. From Bridgerton-coded country towns to wildflower-studded national parks, these five day trips are all within roughly two hours’ drive of the CBD, making them perfect for a spontaneous spring adventure that will have you back in town by bedtime.
RELATED READ: These are the 8 most beautiful, postcard-perfect streets in NSW
The Southern Highlands
Around 90 minutes from Sydney
If spring had a postcode, there’s a good chance it would be somewhere in the Southern Highlands. Just 90 minutes southwest of Sydney, this bucolic patch of NSW is all rolling green hills, historic villages, grand gardens and cool-climate wineries – and spring is an especially lovely time to visit, when this storybook region bursts into bloom.
Start your day in Bowral, where you can wander through the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens before continuing on to the charming village of Berrima for a leisurely lunch. If you’re after a little more nature, make the trip to Fitzroy Falls, where an 81-metre waterfall tumbles into the valley below and spring wildflowers pop with colour to the surrounding bushland.
Got cash to splash on an extra special extended stay? This Saltburn-coded manor house is the dream for a group getaway, and the recently-reopened Milton Park is perfect for a romantic countryside retreat.
Don't miss: The Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens, Fitzroy Falls and a wander around Berrima.
The Blue Mountains
Around 90 minutes from Sydney
You really can’t go wrong with the Blue Mountains – but come spring, there’s even more reason to make the trip west. The World Heritage-listed region is carpeted with wildflowers, and thrumming waterfalls, magical eucalyptus forests and those famous sandstone escarpments make for a v speccy backdrop to a day spent outdoors.
For the full bucket list box-ticking Blue Mountains experience, we’d suggest basing yourself in Katoomba (the views of the Three Sisters from here are unparalleled), but for a super cute day out we’d recommend heading to Blackheath. Here, you’ll have easy access to the state’s most popular walking trail, as well as a tight handful of cute cafes and bookstores, a super special family-run wine bar and a magical Japanese-style bathhouse.
For something a little more horticultural, make a detour to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, where the sprawling cool-climate garden is particularly rewarding when spring flowers are in bloom.
Don't miss: A peek at the Three Sisters, a glass of vino at Frankie and Mo’s and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah.
RELATED READ: These are the best day trips to take from Sydney without a car
The Central Coast
Around 90 minutes from Sydney
The Central Coast is close enough to Sydney that you might forget you’ve left the city at all – until you’re staring out at a sparkling stretch of Pacific Ocean from a totally deserted beach, shoulders accidentally dropping with a deep sense of calm. If you ask us, spring is an excellent excuse to make the drive north – when the weather is warming up but the beaches are yet to reach their peak summer crowds.
There are plenty of ways to spend the day, but nature lovers should make a beeline for Bouddi National Park. The Bouddi Coastal Walk serves up dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches and plenty of fresh sea air, while the shorter walk to Maitland Bay makes for an easier outing. Alternatively, head towards Wyrrabalong National Park and take in the coastal views from Crackneck Point Lookout before continuing to The Entrance for a waterside lunch.
Making a weekend of it? This divinely rustic Airbnb is our current fave in the area.
Don't miss: The Bouddi Coastal Walk, Maitland Bay, and Crackneck Point Lookout.
Wollongong and the Illawarra
Around 90 minutes from Sydney
The drive south is half the fun. Take the scenic route through the Royal National Park and along the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge, stopping at Bald Hill for one of those knockout coastal views before continuing towards Wollongong.
Once you arrive, there’s plenty to keep you occupied: swim at North Wollongong Beach, wander around the city’s galleries or make a peaceful detour to Nan Tien Temple. If you’re after a little more greenery, head inland towards the Illawarra escarpment – spring is a particularly beautiful time to explore the region’s lush bushland.
Don't miss: Fish and chips from Rosie’s – our favourite f&c in the state – and a drink in the sunny garden at Thirroul’s Frank’s Wild Years.
Kangaroo Valley
Around two hours from Sydney
For those days when you want to feel really far away from the city, Kangaroo Valley is hard to beat. Around two hours south of Sydney, this impossibly green pocket of the Southern Highlands is framed by dramatic escarpments, rolling farmland and dense rainforest – and spring makes the whole place feel particularly fresh.
Start with Fitzroy Falls before winding your way into the valley, where you can stop at the historic Hampden Bridge, explore the tiny village or get out on the Kangaroo River by kayak. If you’re more interested in admiring the scenery than paddling through it, simply take the scenic drive and stop at Mannings Lookout for sweeping views across the valley – then beeline for The Friendly Inn for a perfect pub lunch.
Don't miss: Fitzroy Falls, Hampden Bridge and Mannings Lookout.
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