Sydney · 1-DAY TOURS
The 15 best 1-day tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Spend 10 hours exploring the Blue Mountains with an English-speaking guide such as Ben, Aaron, Max, or Jed. Feed kangaroos at Featherdale, see the Three Sisters, ride Scenic World’s cableway, skyway, and railway, enjoy free time in Leura, then cruise back to Circular Quay.
“Spectacular views of the Blue Mountains and a good way to finish the trip via a ferry ride from Sydney Olympic Wharf back to the city centre.”
Join FJ Tours for a 10-hour day from Sydney with Featherdale Wildlife Park, Echo Point, Leura, and all three Scenic World rides. Guides such as Ben, Robert, Aaron, and Jed have led this route. Finish with a Parramatta River cruise to Darling Harbour or Circular Quay.
“Horrible experience. No one came to pick up from the hotel which was assured. Also dropped at a far off location. From where we took a ferry for one hour to reach circular quay.”
Spend about 10.5 hours with an English-speaking driver-guide such as Greg, Buck, or Damo, hiking to Wentworth Falls, spotting wildlife, visiting the Three Sisters, and finishing at Lincoln’s Rock for sunset. The late departure helps avoid crowds, but you need good shoes and solid fitness for steep stairs.
“Joe June was an incredible guide - kind, patient and entertaining! Our favorite part of the day was definitely the hike to Wentworth Falls, although it was certainly strenuous since we chose to do the entire hike. Beautiful scenery! I would have preferred to skipped the brief kangaroo “viewing” and had a bit more time for the hike. But overall, a good day trip!”
Spend 11 to 12 hours with Matt of Sydney Guided Tours, moving from the Opera House and harbour views to Berowra bushland, Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, quiet beaches, and local food stops. Your private vehicle, wildlife entry, photos, water, chocolate, and wine are included.
“Matt is a wonderful guide. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about the area. Since it was a private tour, Matt was very willing to tailor it to our interests. Seeing koalas and kangaroos was amazing. We also had a special surprise at the eRead more”
Spend a full day at Scenic World in Katoomba with unlimited rides on the world’s steepest Scenic Railway, Scenic Skyway, Scenic Cableway, and rainforest Walkway. You set the pace, repeat your favorites, and can leave and return the same day. Bring water, allow for queues, and check ride status before arrival.
“Great day out- we went early which facilitated less queues for the cable cars and train. Views were stunning and the dinosaur walk in the rain Forrest was interesting”
Travel from Sydney to Port Stephens for a 90-minute dolphin cruise, an ethical koala sanctuary visit, and 4WD sandboarding at Anna Bay. Guides such as Alfie, Gordon, Chen, and Yan add local facts and humor. Lunch, snacks, water, and transport are included.
“Alfi is a great guide and it was a great day... thank you so much....”
Leave Sydney at 7:30 am in a private vehicle for Calmsley Hill Farm, where you can see koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and emus. Your guide then leads you to quiet Blue Mountains lookouts, the Three Sisters, Govetts Leap, and lunch at the Hydro Majestic. Stops can be adjusted to suit your group.
“This is a great experience to see parts of Sydney that are not beach or city related. Our driver was very knowledgeable and helpful.”
Leave Sydney Central early for Anna Bay’s 4WD sand safari and sandboarding, then enjoy lunch in Nelson Bay. Choose a dolphin cruise with marine commentary or hike Mount Tomaree for harbour views. Guides including James, Mac, Maikel, and Stefan are known for friendly help and group photos.
“The guide was very kind he was able to adapt to his clientele! I recommend it because it will remain one of my favourite excursions! We could see a lot of dolphins and the atmosphere was incredible despite the age difference of the group! Our guide is called Mac”
Meet in central Sydney for a full-day beginner surf trip with Waves Surf School. Ride a 4WD across the sand to a quieter beach, take two two-hour lessons with accredited coaches such as Deano or Nathan, then refuel with a barbecue buffet.
“Great day out even though I am 53 and was with 20 year old Back Packers - Deano was a great bloke”
Join guide Bruce for a private 3.5-hour trip from Sydney to outer Sydney or the Blue Mountains. Look for kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburras, cockatoos, rosellas, and magpies in natural surroundings. Hotel pickup, drop-off, park fees, and an air-conditioned vehicle are included.
“Bruce did an awesome job of keeping us entertained through conversation on the drive from our hotel to where we could find wild kangaroos. The national park he took us to had male, female, and joeys - we were able to see some out on open grassy areas and others in the brush/bush. Bruce also pointed out other wildlife that we would not see where we are from. Highly recommend you give this trip serious priority!”
Travel privately from central Sydney with Andrew or Andrey in a Mercedes Valente for up to eight people. See Australian wildlife at Featherdale, explore the Blue Mountains, stop at three scenic viewpoints, and add Scenic World rides for an extra fee.
“Our tour guide Andrey was fantastic! He is incredibly knowledgeable and made the tour so much fun. He was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly friendly and engaging, making the experience truly memorable. We had a wonderful time on our tour, thanks to Andrey, who was so passionate about the subject matter.”
Spend about 10 hours with a private guide exploring Wentworth Falls, Lincoln Rock, Katoomba, Echo Point, and optional Scenic World or Featherdale Wildlife Park. Pickup and drop-off from Sydney CBD hotels are included. Guides such as Glenn, Laurin, and Phuong tailor the day to your group.
“We took this tour a few months ago and had a fantastic day. We got to see the Blue Mountains from several great viewing spots and then had lunch at a great little cafe in Leura. It was the perfect last outing for our trip down under!”
Travel overnight from Sydney to Thredbo with an onboard guide, arriving via Jindabyne for optional ski hire. You get more than seven hours at the resort for skiing, snowboarding, or snow play, then return by coach that evening.
“Our tour guide Anna was amazing. She was super helpful and accommodating, and I love how she provided information of the places we went to. On the other hand, the bus driver on our way to Thredbo (can't remember his name) was quite Read more”
Travel south from Sydney in a private car with an English, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, or Marathi-speaking driver-guide. See Kiama Blowhole, Jervis Bay, Kangaroo Valley, Fitzroy Falls, Sea Cliff Bridge, and Bald Hill. The dolphin cruise costs extra and may replace some inland stops.
“The tour was amazing. Pranshu was very sweet in the tour and showed us around. The tour was flexible for us . we wanted to go to the national park to see wild kangaroos, they took us there. Pranshu was very gentle with my 60 year old mother, he personally showed her around and took many pictures. Overall amazing memorable trip.”
Spend 10 hours traveling from Sydney to the Hunter Valley in a private minibus, visiting three wineries, Hunter Valley Village, and the Olive Centre. You will taste wines, cheeses, chocolates, olive oils, chilies, chutneys, and dips, with pickup from selected Sydney areas.
“Good trip, friendly tour guide. Like the flexibility of this private day trip. Recommend!”
Pick a wharf, a lookout or a cellar door.
