Day Trips from Sydney by Train: 5 Easy Routes Without a Car

These five day trips from Sydney by train cover coast, mountains, and country towns — all under two hours from Central Station. No car needed. Take the train and everyone can relax, enjoy the scenery, and even have a cheeky drink at lunch without worrying about the drive home.

I could have made this six trips by train if I encouraged you to visit Newcastle, but I decided after doing it again recently myself for a catch up with family it’s just a little too far to be a fun day trip. Stay for a weekend instead.

Have access to a car? Check out our complete guide to day trips from Sydney which includes destinations only best reached by driving.

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Before You Go

A few things worth knowing before you head to the station.

The weekend fare cap is $9.65 — that’s your total for the entire day, no matter how far you travel. Blue Mountains, Kiama, Woy Woy — all covered for under ten dollars return. You no longer need a physical Opal card either; your phone or a contactless credit card works just as well.

If you’re travelling on a weekday, avoid tapping on between 6:30am and 10:00am to get the 30% off-peak discount.

The one thing that can derail a day trip is trackwork. NSW trains run regular maintenance, particularly on weekends, and trains are often replaced by buses on affected lines. Always check the Transport NSW Trackwork schedule or the Opal Travel app before you leave home.

Kiama and the Illawarra

Kiama has three major draws: rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and the deep blue ocean all accessible via the 20km Kiama Coast Walk, in itself a big drawcard to the town.

For many years, the major attraction in the pretty seaside town of Kiama has been the famous Kiama Blowhole, with the lovely beaches and the rocky coastline a close second.

The Kiama Coast Walk is easy to complete without a car thanks to stations at the start and finish. It can also be carved up into three sections allowing you to do as much of it as you please. It’s perfect for families or those short of time. You could even choose to complete it over a few visits.

There are three sections:

• Minnamurra to Kiama Blowhole (8km)
• Kiama to Loves Bay (5km)
• Loves Bay to Gerringong (6km)

Note that there are currently some minor diversions near Gerringong due to maintenance work — check the Kiama Visitors centre before you go if you plan to walk the full distance.

To fuel all that walking, you will need some sustenance. The town has a growing food scene, after years of being best known for its ice creamery and fish and chips.

Among our favourites is Penny Whistlers in Shoalhaven Street, offering some fantastic salads like the Roasted Broccoli & Macadamia, or big juicy burgers and even a Brazilian seafood stew; all served with stunning water views.

I also love Otis Kiama, owned by Emily Herbert, the ex-head chef at Ottolenghi Belgravia. They do fantastic salads and are perfect for stocking up on picnic supplies.

The region is also famous for its fresh produce. Head to the waterfront park for one of the many markets, including a weekly growers market on Wednesdays and various weekend options. Check the local tourism site for details.

The Blowhole is still worth a look when the weather is behaving, and the nearby visitor centre will help you out with maps and suggestions of more things to do. If the weather is not so kind, the historic Terrace Shops, and others lining the main street, will help fill your time.

In warm weather, it’s hard to resist a swim at one of the four ocean swimming pools along this stretch of the coast.

Photographers will love Cathedral Rocks just north of town. Check the tides for the best time to access them.

Getting there: The trip down from Sydney’s Central Station takes about 2 hours. You can also join the train at Hurstville.

Tip: Sit on the left side of the train for breathtaking coastal views. As you leave Sydney, you’ll see the Royal National Park unfold, followed by dramatic sea cliffs and pristine beaches.

Woy Woy Peninsula

Woy Woy has been a favourite getaway spot for Sydneysiders since back in 1889, when the Hawkesbury River railway bridge opened up this pretty coastal strip to holidaymakers.

Once the train line was electrified in the 1960s and travel time to Sydney was only reduced to a little over an hour, Woy Woy’s population grew significantly. Despite this the peninsula has retained its laid-back charm, making it a perfect spot to unwind.

My love of this part of the coast began in my primary school years when I spent almost every school holidays in the caravan park at Umina Beach. We love it so much that about 10 years ago we bought a house here to retire to one day.

In recent years the area has come to life transitioning from dull commuter suburb to a coastal foodie hotspot. It’s doesn’t take long to find first signs of this with one of our favourite cafes Link and Pin just opposite the station. Pop in on arrival for a great coffee (and more) served by a super friendly team.

The Bayview Hotel, just across from the station, has a Rooftop Bar, Frankies with a range of delicious share plates. They make a decent cocktail too!

Another popular lunch option is seafood from Fishermans Wharf. Either grab some takeaway or splurge on a meal in the attached restaurant.

With a full belly it’s time to check out the town’s other highlights.

You can explore several beaches with the help of the local buses, including Ettalong, Umina, Pearl Beach and Patonga.

The local bus (53) to Ettalong Beach takes less than 10 mins. Once you are there, stroll the 2km waterfront walk to Umina Beach. Several buses will get you back to Woy Woy. Alternatively, you can take the ferry to Palm Beach and make your way back to Sydney on the bus.

Before you head back to the train pop into some of Woy Woy or Umina’s second-hand bookshops and op shops – I rarely leave without a treasure or two.

Getting there: The train ride north from Central to the Central Coast town of Woy Woy takes about 75 minutes. The final 30 minutes from Hornsby to Woy Woy are quite picturesque.

Tip: Sit on the right side of the train facing forward for the best views. The journey takes you through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, offering glimpses of the Hawkesbury River and its secluded bays. The Hawkesbury River Bridge crossing is a highlight.

Katoomba and the Blue Mountains

If you are a regular reader of our site, you will know we have a bit of a love affair with the Blue Mountains. As a non-driver myself, I have done this trip by train more times than I can count.

The ride west to Katoomba is probably the most popular of the journeys we are sharing today, with good reason. You can take a limited stops train from the city at 7.30am and be in the mountains by 9.30am ready to tackle your first bushwalk or hunt down your first lookout.

We recommend strolling via the main street of Katoomba down to Echo Point, it’s a flat walk and gives you a chance to admire the homes and gardens. There is a public bus if you want to save your legs or you can book a Blue Mountains Explorer bus ticket and hop on and off all day.

If you prefer to stay up high, the Prince Henry Cliff walk is a brilliant choice, with dozens of lookouts along the way. The Grand Canyon Walk in Blackheath is an excellent option if you want a longer walk.

Note that the National Pass at Wentworth Falls remains closed due to rockfall risk, so leave that one off your list for now.

After your walk, Mountain Culture Beer Co. in Katoomba has become the top-rated spot for a post-hike drink and is well worth seeking out. The Teapot Museum in Leura does a fabulous high tea if you fancy something a little more refined.

Tip: The new Mariyung intercity trains now run on this line, with charging ports, better luggage space, and improved accessibility. You can take a limited stops service from Central and be in Katoomba in around two hours.

Brooklyn and the Hawkesbury River

The Hawkesbury River is a popular spot for local water lovers. Fishing, skiing, kayaking and houseboat rental are popular along its 120km path from Broken Bay to Penrith. It is thought to be one of the cleanest in the state.

The best-selling Australian novel, The Secret River, is set on the Hawkesbury. It is also the location used for the 2004 feature film The Oyster Farmer and the 2025 series The Last Anniversary.

Once you have had a look around the waterfront, we suggest you get out on the water. There are a few ways to do this. You can take the ferry to Little Wobby or Dangar Island or join the official River Postman on his daily run. If you are brave, hire boats are also available!

Dangar Island Circuit: We have some lovely friends who live on Dangar Island and have had a couple of great visits there. You can take a walk around Dangar, an easy 1 km trip before popping in to the club or the cafe for refreshments. The locals are friendly, and you will probably find someone to chat to. You can read my friend Joanne’s article on Brooklyn here.

There is a more challenging walk at Little Wobby or you can explore the bushland on the mangrove walk which you can reach on foot from Brooklyn.

Tip: Hawkesbury River Station has 100 stairs and no lift, but the staff will help with prams if required. We do not recommend it to wheelchair users.

Getting there: Hawkesbury River station in Brooklyn is on the Newcastle and Central Coast train line. Take the train from Central Station or Strathfield Station.

Bowral and the Southern Highlands

Most Sydneysiders think Bowral is a lot further from Sydney than it is, but it is the perfect distance for a day trip. The train journey takes between 90-120 minutes, depending on the time of day.

So why do we think you should head to the Southern Highlands? Well, so many reasons – among them:

• The Bradman International Cricket Museum
• The autumn and spring foliage
• Antique shops and boutiques
• A pie from Gumnut Patisserie or Stones Patisserie
• Fine dining at Paste Thai Restaurant in Mittagong or one of the other local options

The Southern Highlands offers a little taste of English-style countryside close to Sydney. With four distinct seasons, it is a lovely spot to spend a day when the city is too hot. It can be so different here that it can feel like you have travelled a long way.

Check out our Beginner’s Guide to the Southern Highlands for more ideas about spending time here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning Your Sydney Train Day Trip

These five day trips offer a perfect blend of scenic journeys and diverse experiences, all within easy reach of Sydney. Whether you’re craving coastal views, mountain air, or country charm, there’s a train ride ready to take you there.

Destination	Highlights	Ideal for
Kiama	Coastal scenery, walks	Beach lovers, photographers
Woy Woy	Ferry rides, op shops, food	Families, teens, shoppers
Katoomba	Mountain views, hiking	Nature lovers, hikers
Brooklyn	River scenery, boat trips	Boating fans, history buffs
Bowral	Country charm & Gardens	Cricket fans, shoppers

We have written a great list of day trips from Sydney if you have a car.

Main Image – Kiama from the air – Credit Dee Kramer Photography (Destination NSW)