Greater Sydney offers plenty to be uncovered, from sandy beaches and ocean pools to adrenaline-rush activities, spa treatments and cool new restaurants. Whether you visit for the day or stay overnight, these one-day escapes take you north, south, east and west without leaving the city limits.  

Explore historic Parramatta 

Start the day exploring Parramatta, a 40-minute drive west of central Sydney, with coffee at Circa Espresso, a cosy café well known among locals. Brunch at Social Hideout, dining on unique, colour-packed dishes such as taro hotcakes or mac ‘n’ cheese waffles. After hours, head to small bar Uncle Kurt’s, a New York-style dive bar with a solid cocktail list.  

Visit historic Elizabeth Farm in Rosehill. Built in 1793, the homestead is one of the oldest residences in Australia and is set among a recreated 1830s garden. Roam freely among the estate before sitting down to Devonshire tea at the Elizabeth Farm Tearoom. 

Hire a rowboat, pedal boat or kayak and experience the tranquillity of Lake Parramatta with Parramatta Rowboats. Then follow a walking trail in Lake Parramatta Reserve, there’s a short 1.5km walk to the 4.2km full circuit looping around the lake.  

Spend the night at SKYE Suites Parramatta. This urban resort offers contemporary and spacious guest suites along with a 25m infinity pool, spa, fully equipped gym and sauna. The hotel is located a short walk to Parramatta Square, Westfield shopping centre and countless dining options. 

Uncover the unexpected in Penrith 

Head to Penrith, a one-hour drive west of central Sydney, to get your thrills at indoor skydiving centre iFly Downunder as you fly gently on a cushion of controlled air. This safe flying experience is suitable for all abilities with a minimum age of three years old.  

Cool off at Cables Wake Park, a purpose-built water ski park where you can try water skiing, wake boarding and knee boarding or enjoy an aqua park of inflatable slides and jumping pillows.  

Be transported to Greece at Avli, an inviting traditional Greek restaurant housed within a converted heritage church. Afterward head to intimate wine bar Allan Grammar and make your way through its list of small batch producers and creative cocktails.  

Rest your head at Mercure Penrith, a beautifully appointed hotel with all the comforts of home. Guests have access to an outdoor swimming pool, gym and BBQ area.  

Sample the delights of Sydney’s South West  

Brunch at The Woods Pantry in Villawood, a 45-minute drive west of the city centre, opting for the crowd favourite “breakfast mezze” board. Or, in Liverpool, check out Ristretto and Co for burgers, waffles and all-day breakfast staples. 

Join a food tour of Cabramatta and experience the sights, sounds and flavours of Sydney’s ‘Little Vietnam’. On this 3.5-hour tour with Taste Tours you’ll learn about the history and culture of Vietnamese Australians, visit street vendors and markets and sample classic Vietnamese dishes such as pho, pork rolls and pancakes.  

Visit the world-class Sydney Zoo, just off the Great Western Highway at Bungarribee. It’s home to more than 1,000 species, including a wide range of exotic and native animals. Or immerse yourself in the creativity of local artists at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, which offers a diverse program of exhibitions and events on the banks of the Georges River in Casula, near Liverpool. 

Stay the night at William Inglis Hotel in Warwick Farm, a boutique five-star hotel that celebrates Sydney’s historic equine culture. Treat yourself with a rejuvenating massage at the Inglis Day Spa. 

Check out cool, laid-back Cronulla 

Come to Cronulla, a 50-minute drive south of the city centre, and swim in Shelly Beach’s ocean pool. This picturesque rock pool has a sandy bank that’s perfect for children. South Cronulla Beach is a patrolled swimming and surf beach with plenty of space to lay down your towel, a large grassed area and fish-and-chips shops bordering the park.  

Refuel at Blackwood Pantry, which serves photogenic food and an all-day menu in an airy space on Surf Lane. Or enjoy a long lunch and cocktails at Next Door overlooking North Cronulla Beach. 

Check into Rydges Cronulla. This sleek beachfront hotel is kitted with all the mod cons — crisp white linen, playful minibar, coffee machine and high-end amenities. There’s an outdoor pool and complimentary hotel bikes for guests to explore the neighbourhood. 

Cross the harbour to Manly  

Take the 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay to the vibrant coastal suburb of Manly. Here you can swim in the big surf or the quieter waters of Shelly Beach. Fairy Bower Pool is a gorgeous saltwater rockpool located along Marine Parade.  

Eat dumplings at Momo Bar or dine on handmade pasta and freshly-shucked oysters at Busta. The Boathouse Shelly Beach is the go-to spot for sunny weekend brunches, while Manly Greenhouse draws a crowd to its rooftop bar at sundown.  

Get active with Joe’s Mountain Bike Tours. These personalised tours will take you through Sydney’s best trails, with pick-up at Manly Ferry Terminal. Allow two to three hours for the Manly Dam ride, which follows a single track around the dam with magnificent views of the dam and ocean. 

Stay at The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach, which offers elegant guest rooms and serviced apartments with two outdoor pools and onsite restaurant, Manly Wine. 

Hit Bondi, Australia’s most famous beach 

There’s plenty to do at Bondi Beach, a 25-minute drive from the city centre. Wander along the 6km clifftop coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee, stopping for a dip at famous ocean pools and beaches. The walk takes in spectacular scenery with beautiful parks, cafés and restaurants along the way. 

Wander along Bondi’s Gould Street with its boutique stores and cafes. Check out home-grown labels Jac and Jack, Bondi Wash and Lucy Folk. Further along you’ll find cult New York-based parfumerie Le Labo and men’s clothing and lifestyle brand Saturdays NYC. 

Dine at popular restaurants such at Totti’s or Raw Bar, before enjoying a cocktail on the terrace at Hotel Ravesis overlooking the water. Dessert is best served at Gelato Messina on Hall Street.  

Join a surf lesson with the award-winning team at Lets Go Surfing. Choose from a group or private lesson and you’ll be up on the waves in no time. 

Sleep in luxury accommodation at QT Bondi, a funky, art-filled hotel located directly opposite the beach. Each room features a plush kind bed, stylish kitchenette and designer bathroom.