In Sydney and dreaming of some fresh country air? We’ve got you sorted for under $5.
These 7 top-notch spots are sure to provide a glorious day of activities: think coastal hikes, refreshing swims and bush adventures. Best of all, there’s no need for a car: all these national parks can all be visited by train, bus or ferry from the city for under $5 on a Sunday, when the Opal card capped fare means you get unlimited travel all day for less than the price of a coffee.
NIELSEN PARK: 40 MINS EAST OF SYDNEY
Although this gorgeous harbour-side park, replete with sandy beach, is in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, once you’re here you’ll completely forget you’re in the city. Come for sun-soaked picnics (tip: head to Bottle and Glass Point), swims in glistening ocean water, harbour-side strolls and good vibes all round. Stroll the scenic Hermitage Foreshore Track for glorious views of Shark Island and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or explore the area by kayak. Nielsen Park is an especially good spot for kids, with sheltered picnic areas, a food kiosk and plenty of shade.
How to get there:
From Circular Quay, take the ferry to Rose Bay Wharf (about 15 minutes). Hop on the 325 bus to Vaucluse Road near Greycliff Avenue, which is just a few minutes walk from the park. See the full route and map here.
KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK: 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES NORTH OF SYDNEY
Established in 1894, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park’s 15,000 hectares are home to lush rainforest, rocky cliffs, Aboriginal sites, picnic areas, secluded beaches, mountain biking trails and walking tracks. Follow the popular hiking trail to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for panoramic ocean views and unbeatable vistas over Palm Beach and beyond (tip: keep your eye out for dolphins and whales between May and November). And from 11-3pm(only on Sundays), you can enjoy half-hour guided tours of the heritage-listed lighthouse for just $5.
How to get there:
Take the L90 bus from Wynyard Station to Beach Road near Governor Phillip Park Station in Palm Beach (about 90 minutes). From here it’s about a 15-minute stroll to the start of the track. See the full route and map here.
HEATHCOTE NATIONAL PARK: 60 MINUTES SOUTH OF SYDNEY
With a huge selection of beautiful trails, Heathcote National Park is the perfect spot for an active day out. Explore the rugged beauty of the Australian bush on the Bullawarring Walking Track, a 5.5km pathway rich with local wildlife, including the yellow-tailed black cockatoo, eastern blue-tongue lizard and adorable swamp wallabies. Be sure to bring your swimmers so you can cool off in the rockpools and waterfalls at the Kingfisher Pool picnic area.
How to get there:
Take the T4 Eastern Suburbs line from Central Station to Waterfall station, from where it’s a few minutes walk to the Bullawarang walking track. See the full route and map here.
BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK: ONE HOUR WEST OF SYDNEY
Blue Mountains National Park is a beloved weekend bolthole for Sydneysiders for its soaring sandstone cliffs, fresh mountain air, next-level views and dazzling natural attractions.
Firstly, head to Echo Point Lookout to take in the crown jewel of Blue Mountains views: the Three Sisters rock formation. We also love the 8km-loop Red Hands Cave walking track for some of the area’s best examples of Aboriginal rock art. The small sandstone overhang cave features extensive layers of hand prints in earthy colours of red, orange and yellow that are still vibrant despite being painted between 500 and 1600 years ago. After your hike, cool off at the swimming holes along the Blue Pool Walking Track.
How to get there:
To Red Hands Cave: From Central Station take the 1-hour direct train on the Blue Mountains line to Glenbrook Station. See the full route and map here.
To Echo Point: From Central Station take the Blue Mountains line to Katoomba Station, from where the 686 bus which will take you straight to Echo Point. See the full route and map here.
LANE COVE NATIONAL PARK: 1 HOUR NORTH OF SYDNEY
Just 17 km from the city centre, Lane Cove National Park is an easy Sunday day trip. This pocket of bushland is a magical landscape, with a mix of eucalypt forests, casuarina woodland and saltwater wetlands, all set around the banks of the peaceful Lane Cove River (which flows into Sydney Harbour).
Explore the park’s historic sites along the self-guided heritage walk, and immerse yourself in natural beauty on the 10km Riverside walking track circuit or the more-ambitious Great North walk.
If you’re after something more relaxing, hire a rowboat or canoe from the Lane Cove Boatshed, then hit up one of the many picnic spots for lunch. Keep an eye out for eastern water dragons and echidnas.
How to get there:
Take the T1 North Shore line from Central Station to Chatswood Station, from where it’s a 6-minute bus ride (the 256 or 259) to the park entrance. See the full route and map here.
KAMAY BOTANY BAY NATIONAL PARK: 45 MINUTES SOUTH OF SYDNEY
Kamay Botany Bay National Park consists of two areas: the northern headland at La Perouse and the southern headland at Kurnell. Although the northern headland has excellent beaches and walking trails, we especially love the southern section, where you’ll find epic whale watching (best between May and November) at Cape Solander. While you’re there, look out for the pro surfers at ‘Ours’ – Sydney’s infamous big-wave surfing spot – and stroll the beautiful Burrawang Walk, a 1.2km loop that takes in several historic sites, including the very spot where Captain Cook landed in 1770.
How to get there:
From Central Station take the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra line to Cronulla Station, from where you can pick up the 987 bus to Kurnell. See the full route and map here.
GARIGAL NATIONAL PARK: 1 HOUR NORTH OF SYDNEY
Biking, bushwalking and picnicking in a red-gum forest makes for a Sunday you won’t forget. Stop for lunch at Davidson Park picnic area with its beautiful waterside setting surrounded by eucalyptus trees, then explore the area by canoe as you paddle your way up Middle Harbour Creek. The tracks at Garigal National Park are popular with bushwalkers and mountain bike riders– try the Cascades trail, which takes you past waterfalls, rock platforms and rock pools.
How to get there:
From Wynyard Station, get bus 274 to Warringah Rd at Valley Rd. From here it’s a short stroll to Davidson Park picnic area. See the full route and map here.