Sometimes you don’t have the budget or paid time off to plan an elaborate holiday or maybe you’re not keen to travel too far from home. Luckily, we’ve got heaps of places on our doorstep that promise plenty of budget-friendly fun including foodie adventures, outdoor activities, island escapes and unreal wonders you’ll be stunned to see. These places can be reached within a two-hour drive from Sydney and are also accessible via public transport so you can also save on petrol costs. Here are the best affordable getaways from Sydney and how to get there for your next trip.
1. Katoomba
The best things in the Blue Mountains are free and they come in the form of dramatic landscapes, lush walking trails, glowy waterfalls and brilliant lookouts. The chief town in the Blue Mountains is Katoomba and it offers some excellent natural attractions such as the Three Sisters, the fabulous Grand Canyon Walking Track and picturesque waterfalls and viewpoints. You could spend the day exploring without having to spend much but there are also plenty of Airbnb’s and homestays that are reasonably priced within $75-$90 a night if you want to linger a while.
Distance from Sydney: 90-minute drive, direct train from Central to Katoomba Station.
2. Dangar Island
A place that feels like a completely different world that we were surprised to find exists right on the outskirts of Sydney is Dangar Island. It’s a traffic-free, car-less suburb so peace and quiet are guaranteed and it also offers a number of outdoor activities like leafy walks, Aboriginal rock art and blissful swims on the beach. The best way to get here is by boat and ferry services run regularly from Brooklyn Wharf with the overall trip costing less than $10. Don’t forget to grab a cheap and wholesome breakfast or lunch at Dangar Island Depot, a quaint restaurant perched by the water. Read more about it here.
Distance from Sydney: An hour’s drive from Sydney, direct trains are available from Central Station to Hawkesbury River Station.
3. Kiama
The coastal town of Kiama offers whale-watching spots, the world’s largest ocean blowhole, crystal clear waters and stunning beaches. You could spend the day enjoying the incredible natural scenery, visit the Kiama Lighthouse for free, take a dip at Kendalls, Surf and Seven Mile beaches or browse the farmer’s markets. There are plenty of cafes and eateries along the main road, some dishing out cheap eats and drinks. Other places to see in the area include the Bonaira Native Gardens, Kiama Heritage Walk and Bombo Quarry which are all completely free to visit. You could also go for a walk along the Illawarra Fly Treetops for just $26 or enjoy a treetop and zipline adventure at Treetops Adventure Nowra for just $25. Read more about Kiama here.
Distance from Sydney: Kiama is under a two-hour drive and easily accessible by public transport with direct trains from Central to Kiama.
4. Berry
The small village of Berry has a big personality and presents the perfect weekend escape from Sydney with heritage buildings, boutique shopping and markets to enjoy. Located at the end of the stunning Grand Pacific Drive, the village offers many cheap and free things to budget travellers. Get your donut fill at the famous Berry Donut Van, check out the Drawing Room Rocks bushwalk and lookout, grab $12 burgers on Wednesday and $10 cocktails every day from 4pm to 6pm at the popular The Hungry Monkey eatery and visit the Historical Muir House Gallery which offers free entry. Read more about Berry and start planning your trip here.
Distance from Sydney: Berry is a two-hour drive and easily accessible by public transport with direct trains from Central to Kiama and then Kiama to Berry.
5. The Basin Campground
The Basin Campground in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park may be one of Sydney’s most popular campsites but it is surprisingly cheap. The overnight camping trip is a remote getaway set amidst native bush and wildlife, a shady beach and an inland lagoon. Up to 350 camping spots are available so you’ll have no issues finding a spot to pitch your tent at this calm and picturesque spot. You can reserve your spot for $34 per person and there is also a park entry fee of $12 per day per vehicle but do note that you’ll need to park at West Head Road and then walk to the campground for about 2.8 km. Get more information here.
Distance from Sydney: An hour’s drive from Sydney, ferries services available from Palm Beach Wharf to The Basin Wharf.
6. Berrima
Step back in time at the historic village of Berrima in the Southern Highlands, well-known as one of Australia’s best-preserved Georgian villages. Established in 1831, this charming place is ideal for history buffs looking for affordable getaways around Sydney. Go on the self-guided Berrima Heritage Walk and check out all the architecture, do some wine tasting for just $5 per person at the Southern Highlands’ oldest winery, Joadja Estate and get cosy with a book at the Berkelouw Book Barn, a winery and bookshop rolled into one. You can also go on a tour of the famous Courthouse Museum for just $10 per person.
Distance from Sydney: A 90-minute drive from Sydney. Train services are available from Sydney to Macarthur Station and then to Moss Vale Station.