NSW is so spread out that it’s practically impossible to get anywhere without a car. But there are a few pristine, car-free places where you can unplug and unwind without battling the crowds or needing to drive. From picturesque waterfalls to hidden islands right outside the CBD, these hidden gems can be reached without a car but go prepared with sturdy shoes, portable chargers, and plenty of water. Check out some of our favourites and how to get there from Sydney.
1. Horseshoe Falls
This secret waterfall is so hidden, you can’t even find it on Google Maps. But that’s not the only cool thing about it. This waterfall glows in the dark because it’s home to thousands of twinkling glowworms. Nestled in the Blue Mountains, you can reach the waterfall on a walking track dotted with other small waterfalls like Fairy Falls and Oakland Falls that you can even walk behind. Read more about Horseshoe Falls here.
How to get there: Getting to Horseshoe Falls from Sydney is fairly easy. Simply hop on a train from Central to Hazelbrook Station, this would take around 90 minutes on the Blue Mountains Line towards Katoomba and via Parramatta. From here you will need to walk about 25 minutes to the falls. Look for the carpark on Oakland Road then follow the signposts down the walking track.
2. Washaway Beach
In a city that is full of beaches in every corner, some still manage to stand out. Washaway Beach is one such case and it’s special because it’s simply not there at certain times of the year. During high tide, the beach tends to get completely washed away hence giving it the apt name. It’s also public transport friendly. It’s a beach you will have to share only with a handful of people and you can even get it all to yourself on a good day, once there you can enjoy a leisurely swim with lovely views over Balmoral. Read more about it here.
How to get there: Washway Beach is located on the famed Spit to Manly walk so the best way to get there is to hop on the ferry to Manly. Then walk the track from the Spit Bridge to Manly, keep an eye out for Grotto Point then walk the track down to Washaway Beach.
3. Jenolan Caves
The Jenolan Caves are located about a 3-hour drive from Sydney and longer still by public transport but given that they are the world’s oldest open caves, it’s well worth planning a trip. A number of otherworldly caves can be found here but only 8 are open to the public. These illuminated caves feature stunning limestone formations, giant chambers and ancient fossils. Some to explore include the Temple of Baal which is popular for its beautiful crystals, Lucas Cave which has an underground river and the Pool of Cerebus which is one of the deeper caves. Read more about the Jenolan Caves here.
How to get there: Although best reached via car within a 3-hour drive, you can also opt to take the train from Central to Katoomba and then take the Trolley Tours bus to the caves. Book a trolley tour ride here.
Please note the caves are currently closed due to rain deluge. Keep an eye on the Jenolan Caves website for updates.
4. Dangar Island
Dangar Island is a little slice of paradise we were surprised to find right outside of Sydney. The picturesque spot is flanked by lush bushland and lovely views of the Hawkesbury River. It’s a traffic-free spot, a far cry from the din of the city and offers a slow pace of living with a tranquil beach, a leafy bushwalk and a cafe by the water serving wholesome food. It’s an excellent day trip idea from Sydney and a true hidden gem in NSW.
How to get there: You can only get to Dangar Island by boat. Catch the train from Circular Quay to Hawkesbury River Station then jump on a ferry from Brooklyn Wharf to Dangar Island Wharf. Regular services run all day and you can get there within 1.5 to 2 hours.
5. Guestlands
Can’t afford to fly all the way to Europe but dreaming of an Italian escape this winter? An Italian bed and breakfast less than an hour’s drive from Sydney is the next best thing on offer right here in NSW. This dreamy place includes Tuscan-style gardens, cobblestone streets, gelato and wine nights and clear blue pools. The overnight stay comes with a hefty price tag but if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or treat yourself to a luxe holiday not too far from the city, it won’t disappoint. Book a room here.
How to get there: Guestlands is an easy 45-minute drive from Sydney and equally easy to reach by public transport. Hop on a train from Central to Pennant Hills, then catch the 638 bus towards Berrilee getting off at Arcadia Rd opp Blacks Rd. From here you will need to walk for about 9 minutes before reaching your destination.
6. Wentworth Falls
Wentworth Falls is regarded as one of the most photogenic waterfalls in NSW but remains somewhat underrated compared to the likes of Ellenborough and Dangar Falls. Thanks to its easy access from Sydney, it remains a popular getaway from the city. The steep but short walk from the Wentworth Falls picnic area will take you to this lovely waterfall which plunges 100m into the valley. Pack a picnic and make a day of it at this wonderfully wild part of the Blue Mountains.
How to get there: Wentworth Falls is easy to reach by public transport. Catch the train from Central straight to Wentworth Falls station and a short walk will bring you to the falls. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services advice following the level path past the Jamison and Wentworth lookouts, then climbing down the 200 steps to Fletchers Lookout to get to the waterfall.
7. Resolute Beach
This wonderful slice of paradise may be one of NSW’s best hidden gems and one of the best hidden beaches near Sydney. Located in the sprawling Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the beach presents spectacular blue-green waters, local wildlife, and an isolated setting if you want to escape the crowds. The beautiful beach is a lovely, sheltered spot if you’re seeking some quiet not too far from the city.
How to get there: This is the most challenging spot on this list to reach without a car but it’s worth the trek. The Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park can be accessed via ferry which you can board from Palm Beach. Alternatively, you can catch the train from Wynyard to Hornsby and then take the 598 bus from Hornsby Station towards Bolton Ave at Ju Ring Gai Chase Road and walk for another 8 minutes to get to the park. The shortest way to get to the beach is from West Head Lookout on a walking track that goes past West Head Beach and further on to Resolute Beach. The beach is not signposted and you will have to descend a set of steps to reach it.
8. Everglades House and Gardens
Leura is one of the prettiest towns in the Blue Mountains and an easy day trip from Sydney. It’s the perfect place to snuggle up on a cold day, packed with charming cafes and picturesque lookouts. One of our favourite places in the small town is the Everglades Gardens. Spread across 45 hectares of lush garden space, the space features Art Deco architecture, incredible views of the Blue Mountains, a huge grotto, many ponds and elegantly designed gardens. It’s a wonderfully scenic spot and especially lovely during spring with blooming flowers and many photogenic corners. Find more info here.
How to get there: The gardens are an easy day trip from Sydney with direct train services running daily between Central and Leura. You will have to walk around 1.6km from Leura Station to the gardens but it’s a picturesque stroll lined with cottages and cafes along the way. Alternatively, catch the train from Central to Wentworth Falls Station, then hop on the 685 bus towards Katoomba and walk for another 10 minutes to reach the gardens.