Top 10 Sunday Drives Under 2 Hours From Sydney

They say a Sunday well spent brings a week of content. Well, to us, a Sunday well spent means spending it with the family, but what activity ensures fun for the whole clan? Cue the windows down, snacks within reach, and a solid playlist rolling — Sunday is prime time for a classic Sunday drive with the family.

Not the big, suitcase-stuffed kind, but the easy, low-effort escape where the car becomes basecamp for a day of fresh air, good food, and spontaneous stops. Coastal stretches, leafy hinterland roads, tiny towns with legendary bakeries, and lookout points worth pulling over for — family Sunday drives are just the ticket for a calm week ahead. 

Here are our top 10 picks for Sunday drives within 2 hours of Sydney to escape this weekend.

Top 10 Sunday Drives Under 2 Hours From Sydney

1. Bobbin Head: Ku-ring-gai's Riverside Escape

Tucked inside Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Bobbin Head is the kind of easy wilderness escape that feels a world away from Sydney without the long haul.

Families can start with a wander along the flat, pram-friendly Bobbin Head boardwalk, where mangroves, gentle water views and the occasional water dragon keep kids entertained. The grassy foreshore is ideal for laid-back picnics, while the playground near the marina is a popular choice for younger visitors. Older kids can stretch their legs on short bushwalks, spot birdlife, or cycle the scenic trails weaving through the national park. Add a stop at the waterside café for fish and chips or ice cream, and you've got a low-effort, high-reward Sunday drive destination in nature.

Distance from Sydney CBD: 41 minutes (43.3 km)
Best time to visit: Year-round
Parking: Parking at the National Park costs $12 per vehicle per day.
Highlights for families: Loads of easy walks and bushwalks (some are pram-friendly), a cool playground and coffee nearby.

2. Berry: A Storybook Village on the South Coast

Pretty, polished and made for slow wandering, Berry is a South Coast favourite that ticks all the boxes for a family-friendly day trip.

Start your browsing in town, where heritage shopfronts house bakeries, traditional pubs, and kid-approved snack stops at the Berry Treat Factory and famous Berry Donut Van — yes, you have to stop at both! The incredible Boongaree Rotary Nature Play Park is a top spot for families to reset — there's space for a kick-about, a playground for younger kids and green spaces perfect for a relaxed lunch.

For a dose of nature, head to nearby Seven Mile Beach, where wide sands and gentle waves make for easy, breezy family beach time, or wander the rainforest paths at Drawing Room Rocks for a short adventure with a big-view payoff (best for older kids). Back in town, browse local boutiques, grab an ice cream, and settle into the village rhythm — Berry is less about rushing and more about soaking up that charming, country-coastal pace

Distance from Sydney CBD: 1 hr 53 minutes (151 km)
Best time to visit: Year-round
Highlights for families: Famous Berry Donut Van, Boongaree Rotary Nature Play Park, the Berry Treat Factory, plus Shoalhaven Zoo is just a short drive away in Nowra. 

3. Merewether: The Largest Ocean Pools in the Southern Hemisphere

Okay, okay, so this Sunday drive is just over 2 hours from Sydney, but trust us, it's worth it! Set on Newcastle's sun-soaked coastline, Merewether is a crowd-pleasing stop where ocean swimming meets classic seaside family fun.

The headline act is, of course, the Heritage-listed Merewether Ocean Baths — officially the largest ocean pools in the Southern Hemisphere — where kids can splash safely in calm, filtered seawater while parents soak up those sweeping Pacific views. Right next door, the oceanfront promenade is ideal for scooters, prams, and leisurely strolls.

When it's time to refuel, grassy picnic spots, beachfront cafés and fish-and-chip takeaways have you covered, while the nearby playground and wide sandy beach keep the day rolling. Easy, breezy, and built for families, Merewether turns a simple coastal stop into a full-day outing.

Check out more Family-Friendly Attractions in Newcastle.

Distance from Sydney CBD: 2 hrs 5 minutes (169 km)
Parking: There is a dedicated car park right next to the baths at Merewether Ocean Baths Car Park on Henderson Parade, just steps from the pools and promenade.
Best time to visit: During spring and summer, when the water's nice and warm.
Highlights for families: Swimming adventures and coffee nearby. Modus Merewether is a popular family-friendly pub with an indoor playground.

4. Naru Beach: Lake Macquarie's Hidden Gem

For families keen to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Naru Beach is a prime Sunday drive destination less than 2 hours from Sydney.

Tucked along the calm shores of Lake Macquarie, Naru Beach is a low-key winner for families chasing an easy, fuss-free day by the water. The lake's gentle, wave-free edge makes it ideal for little swimmers and first-time paddlers, while the sand is perfect for bucket-and-spade action. A shaded grassy reserve sits just behind the beach, giving kids space to climb, swing and run wild between swims. Bring a kayak or stand-up paddleboard if you're feeling active, or keep it simple with takeaway fish and chips by the water.

Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty at Naru and no on-site facilities, such as toilets or water. The nearest public toilet is in Marks Point in Baxter Field.

Distance from Sydney CBD: 1 hr 42 minutes (140 km)
Parking: There is parking near the beach, but it fills up quickly due to its popularity. We recommend arriving early.
Best time to visit: During spring and summer, when the water's nice and warm.
Highlights for families: Flat beach with low waves for younger kids, nearby islands to explore by boat or kayak, coffee and takeaway options at Marks Point or Belmont.

5. Bilpin: Welcome to Apple Country

High in the Blue Mountains foothills, Bilpin is a fresh-air favourite where family day trips revolve around orchards, pies and wide-open country views.

In apple season, pick-your-own farms are the main event — kids can roam the rows at the famous Bilpin Fruit Bowl, fill a basket and snack straight from the tree (with plenty of cider and juice for grown-ups, too). Out of season, roadside farm gates and produce stalls keep the local flavour going, while the legendary bakeries serve up warm apple pie, doughnuts, and flaky pastries that are worth the drive alone.

When it's time to burn off that sugar rush, stretch the legs at nearby bushwalks and lookouts in Blue Mountains National Park, or roll out a picnic on one of the scenic grassy reserves. Stop off at the family-friendly Hillbilly Cider for a quick drink or dinner before heading home.

With lush gardens, rustic pubs and seasonal fruit picking (think berries and stone fruit) adding to the country charm, Bilpin is an easy, wholesome Sunday drive close to Sydney. 

Distance from Sydney CBD: 1 hr 22 minutes (89.7 km)
Best time to visit: Year-round, but dress warmly in winter, as Bilpin can be quite chilly.
Highlights for families: Gorgeous scenery and fruit picking almost year-round. The Grumpy Baker is a popular bakery stop along Bells Line of Road, offering pastries, breads, and sweet treats, along with good coffee.

6. Minnamurra Rainforest: NSW's Ancient Rainforest

 

Hidden within Budderoo National Park near Kiama, Minnamurra Rainforest is a lush, Jurassic-feeling stop that's perfect for families who love bushwalking and exploring nature.

Families can follow the elevated rainforest boardwalk beneath towering figs, palms and vines, with the pram-friendly Lyrebird Loop offering an easy, immersive wander through dense greenery and birdsong. Keep an eye out for water dragons sunning themselves on the path and, if you're lucky, the flash of a lyrebird darting through the undergrowth.

For families with older kids and a bit more energy, the walk out to Minnamurra Falls adds a splash of adventure. Traverse suspension bridges, see giant tree roots and enjoy a scenic waterfall payoff at the end. There's a picnic area near the visitor precinct for a post-walk snack, plus open grassy space for kids to reset after the trail. Cool, shaded, and rich in wildlife, Minnamurra is a refreshing nature stop that balances gentle exploration with just enough wildness to feel like a real escape.

If you're planning to make your road trip to Jamberoo an overnighter, you simply must stop at Jamberoo Action Park before the drive home!

Location: 345 Minnamurra Falls Road, Jamberoo
Distance from Sydney CBD: 1 hr 45 minutes (125 km)
Best time to visit: Year-round
Parking: There's a car park right at the visitor precinct, just steps from the rainforest boardwalk, picnic area and walking tracks. It's the main access point for families heading to the Lyrebird Loop and Minnamurra Falls walk.
Highlights for families: Pram-friendly access, easy walks for all ages, Jamberoo Action Park nearby.

7. Central Coast: Sydney's Go-To Coastal Playground

Less than 90 minutes north of the Sydney CBD, the Central Coast is stacked with family-friendly stops that make it one of the easiest — and most rewarding — Sunday road trips going.

You can start sweet at the ever-popular Wyong Milk Factory, where kids can meet farm animals, sample local treats and roam the gardens while parents stock up on cheese and chocolate. Animal lovers should schedule time at the Australian Reptile Park, home to crocodiles, kangaroos, and close-up encounters. Treetops Adventure offers high-ropes courses and ziplining through the treetops for older kids and teens, while Glenworth Valley is all about wide-open spaces, horse riding, quad biking, kayaking, and picnic-friendly paddocks. Back at ground level, the Central Coast Aqua Park brings inflatable chaos to the water, perfect for confident swimmers keen on bouncing, sliding and racing their siblings.
 

Have you heard about the Central Coast secret infinity pool? Tucked deep within Brisbane Waters National Park, Nature's Infinity Pool is one of the Central Coast's most magical hidden gems. This completely natural "infinity" swimming hole sits beside a secret trough waterfall near Woy Woy, reached via a roughly three-kilometre walk from Tunnel Fire Trail off Woy Woy Road. The reward? A serene, bush-framed pool where water appears to spill endlessly into the valley below. It's best suited to families with older kids who enjoy a bit of adventure, sturdy shoes and a sense of discovery.

When it’s time to slow things down, food-focused pit stops keep everyone happy. The Gosford Chocolate Factory is a guaranteed win with its tasting rooms and dessert-heavy café, while parents might appreciate a relaxed wander through Distillery Botanica in Erina. Finish the day seaside at Terrigal Beach, a classic family beach with gentle waves, a playground nearby and plenty of spots for fish and chips as the sun goes down. What a day!

Discover more Family-Friendly Attractions on the Central Coast.

Distance from Sydney CBD: 1 hr 11 minutes (93.6 km)
Best time to visit: The Central Coast is a year-round destination, but note that Central Coast Aqua Park is closed from the end of February to November.
Highlights for families: Loads of all-weather attractions, including the Australian Reptile Park, Gosford Chocolate Factory, Westfield Erina and Wyong Milk Factory.

8. Penrith: Western Sydney's Adventure Hub

Out west and packed with action, Penrith is a choose-your-own-adventure stop that delivers big for families.

Start with high-energy fun at TruNinja Penrith, where kids can leap, climb and race through obstacle courses designed to burn serious energy. Just down the road, iFLY Downunder lets brave flyers experience the thrill of indoor skydiving in a safe, instructor-led wind tunnel — a truly unforgettable hit for older kids and teens.

For something slower-paced, hop aboard the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for a relaxed cruise along the Nepean River, where open decks and calm waters make it an easy family reset. Curious minds will love exploring vintage fire engines and hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Fire, a surprisingly engaging stop packed with history and interactive displays. Round out the day at The Log Cabin Hotel, where riverside views, a spacious outdoor area and a family-friendly menu make it an easy place to refuel before heading home.

Check out our guide for so much more to discover in Penrith, including go-karting, Aqua Golf, playgrounds, and Cables Water Park. 

Distance from Sydney CBD: 45 minutes (57 km)
Best time to visit: Year-round
Highlights for families: Plenty of all-weather attractions to suit families with mixed-aged kids, including escape rooms, water parks, TruNinja, Flip Out, Museum of Fire and family dining.

9. Bowral: Country Cafes & Cool-Climate Charm

Set in the heart of the Southern Highlands, Bowral is a polished country escape where fresh air, gardens and easy family stops set the pace.

Start with a wander through Corbett Gardens, where wide paths and open lawns give kids space to roam (and during spring, the famous tulips add a splash of colour). Nearby, the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame offers interactive exhibits that keep curious young minds engaged, while the leafy Memorial Cherry Tree Walk and Glebe Park are perfect for a relaxed stroll or playground pit stop.

Bowral's café scene is part of the draw, with plenty of kid-friendly spots for hot chocolates, pastries and slow brunches, plus bakeries and sweet treats to fuel the day. In town, families can browse local bookshops and boutiques (Dirty Jane's on Banyette Street is a must!), enjoy a picnic in the gardens, or venture a little further to scenic lookouts and bushwalks around Mount Gibraltar for fresh Highlands air and sweeping views.

Calm, charming and easy to explore, Bowral is a Sunday drive that balances country calm with plenty to keep kids happily occupied.

Distance from Sydney CBD: 1 hr 22 minutes (116 km)
Best time to visit: During springtime for the famous Tulip Time Festival
Highlights for families: Amazing cafe culture and outdoor spaces, including Corbett Gardens, Glebe Park and Mount Gibraltar.

10. Blue Mountains: NSW's Iconic Mountain Escape

Big views, cool air and plenty of room to roam, the Blue Mountains is a classic Sunday drive that delivers for families every time.

Scenic World is a must-visit, where cable cars, the world's steepest railway and rainforest boardwalks turn sightseeing into a full adventure. If you're visiting during the annual Dinosaur Valley event, expect life-sized dinos hidden among the trees — an instant hit with younger explorers. For a slower, nature-filled wander, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah offers wide-open lawns, pram-friendly paths and sweeping mountain views — and the autumn colours from March to May are incredible! For bushwalking enthusiasts, Leura Cascades offers a gentle walk with waterfalls, stepping stones, and shady picnic spots.

If you're keen to go bigger, the spectacular Jenolan Caves offers serious wow factor, with guided cave tours that feel part adventure, part science lesson for curious kids (best for older children). Back above ground, a visit to Mayfield Garden (the world's largest cool-climate garden) offers storybook scenery, expansive lawns, and seasonal colour. Before heading home, swing through Leura village and stop at The Candy Store Leura for old-school sweets and road-trip rewards.

With iconic scenery and a mix of nature, adventure and nostalgic treats, the Blue Mountains remains one of NSW's ultimate family day trips — discover more Family-Friendly Attractions.

Please note: The Jenolan Caves are closed for renovation until mid-2026.

Distance from Sydney CBD: 43 minutes (60.4 km)
Best time to visit: The Blue Mountains is a year-round destination, but the autumn colours are incredible from March to May. If you visit during winter, you might even see snow! Leura often has beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring.
Highlights for families: Autumn colours from March to May, Scenic World, Mayfield Garden, Jenolan Caves and The Candy Store Leura.

More Sunday Drives From Sydney

If you're keen to hit the road more often, check out ellaslist's Sunday Drives Guide, including the Prettiest Beach Towns in NSW, Top Family Attractions in Port Stephens, and the Best Things to See & Do in Lane Cove National Park.

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