• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Avoca Beach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Beaches
Avoca Beach
© Daniela/stock.adobe.com

2. Berrima ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Berrima
© Phillip Minnis/stock.adobe.com

3. Berry

Berry
© Ilia Torlin/stock.adobe.com

4. Blue Mountains National Park

Category: Activities
Blue Mountains National Park
© doom.ko/stock.adobe.com

5. Breenhold Gardens

Category: Activities
Breenhold Gardens
© gitusik/stock.adobe.com

6. Canberra

Canberra
© esmehelit/stock.adobe.com

7. Glenworth Valley

Glenworth Valley
© AlexandraDaryl/stock.adobe.com

8. Hawkesbury River Valley

Category: Activities
Hawkesbury River Valley
© Phillip Minnis/stock.adobe.com

9. Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay
© Juergen Wallstabe/stock.adobe.com

10. Kangaroo Valley

Kangaroo Valley
© leelakajonkij/stock.adobe.com

11. Kiama

Kiama
© Alizada Studios/stock.adobe.com

12. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Category: Activities
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
© Camila/stock.adobe.com

13. Manly Beach

Category: Beaches
Manly Beach
© Aleksandar Todorovic/stock.adobe.com

14. Mermaid Pools

Mermaid Pools
© bakalaeroZz/stock.adobe.com

15. Newcastle

Newcastle
© s_porter/stock.adobe.com

16. Palm Beach

Category: Beaches
Palm Beach
© taki_o/stock.adobe.com

17. Port Stephens

Port Stephens
© Michael Kühl/stock.adobe.com

18. Royal National Park

Category: Activities
Royal National Park
© irisphoto1/stock.adobe.com

19. Stanwell Park

Category: Activities
Stanwell Park
© Hermosa Drones/stock.adobe.com

20. The Entrance

The Entrance
© lifeofriley/stock.adobe.com

21. The Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley
© Arnab Maity/stock.adobe.com

22. The Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands
© Csák István/stock.adobe.com

23. Wombeyan Caves

Wombeyan Caves
© Greg Brave/stock.adobe.com

24. Kanangra-Boyd National Park

Category: Activities
Kanangra-Boyd National Park
© katacarix/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Q: What makes Sydney such an iconic city?
  • A: Sydney is one of the most iconic cities in Australia and perhaps in the world, but it's hard to spend all your time in the city when you're surrounded by jaw-dropping natural beauty and charming seaside towns.
  • Q: What outdoor activities can you enjoy around Sydney?
  • A: Head up into the Blue Mountains for a day of hiking, drive down to the coast to relax on gorgeous white sand beaches, or immerse yourself in the area's history by taking a walk down an aboriginal heritage trail in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
  • Q: What are some great things to do outside of Sydney?
  • A: No matter how you feel like spending the day, you have plenty of great options to choose from.

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