Always fancied yourself as a Home and Away extra? Head to Palm Beach (where the show is primarily filmed) and you can at least play pretend. If you’ve put your TV stardom dreams behind you, enjoy the scenic walk to Barrenjoey Lighthouse instead, or stop for lunch at one of the many locally loved cafes, such as Barefoot Barista or Dune Cafe. The best bit? You can get here by bus. A regular coach takes off from Sydney CBD and can have you basking in the Palm Beach sun in as little as 90 minutes.

If you want to behold the magical wonder of snow on a day trip from Sydney, your best bet is the Blue Mountains. Even there, it snows infrequently, so you’d best be prepared to make the trip as soon as it looks likely. Should you miss the view of the dusted mountain tops, strap on your walking shoes and embark on one of the many short hikes around the ranges. Ou pick? The Grand Canyon Walk for views, jungle vibes and a good workout.

Gerringong has an old-school coastal town charm that’s hard to beat, even on a winter’s day. Stroll along Seven Mile Beach or take the coastal route from Gerringong to Kiama for some pretty spectacular views. If you’re heading this way between the months of May and July, keep an eye to the water and you may just spot a pod of whales passing by — the whale watching platform on Gerringong Headland is the perfect lookout.

The Hawkesbury is home to several charming spots, but Brooklyn is our pick of the lot for one unique reason — the Sydney Oyster Farm. If you’re looking for a fun way to make the most of a day out of the city, sign up for one of their tours. Complete with a boat ride around the farm, a lesson in shucking, and in-water dining, it really doesn’t get much more unique than this.

If you’re keen on a swim, a stop Wattamolla beach is an absolute must. From soft white sand to crystal waters, it’s the perfect trip for a day in the sun. If the weather doesn’t permit, the Royal National Park has plenty to offer during the cooler months. See whales from the cliffs between June and August or take on part of the spectacular coastal path. A windbreaker is essential as the air can get very crisp, but blue skies and spectacular views make this beauty spot well worth a visit.