Best day trips from Sydney for families: Six of the best

Kiama Blowhole Point, Kiama.Credit: Destination NSW

Great news: a day trip with the family from Sydney doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, some of the area's best child-friendly attractions are not only affordable, but completely free.

If you're planning to head out for the day with kids in tow this summer, these are a few excellent options.

KIAMA

Pack the car up and hit the road early, because it's about a two-hour drive from central Sydney down to Kiama, and it's well worth the effort. Begin at the area's most famous attraction, the Kiama Blowhole, which is spectacular, and entirely free. Next, spend some time playing at the beach, maybe explore part of the Kiama Coast Walk, or head to Minnamurra Rainforest to stroll the 1.6 kilometre boardwalk – and you still haven't spent a cent. There's also Jamberoo Action Park, with more than a dozen waterslides. See kiama.com.au

HUNTER VALLEY

. Credit: Destination NSW.

At first it may seem as if a well-known wine region would not be the ideal place to take children, but there's plenty for little ones in the Hunter. Hunter Valley Gardens is an obvious stop, an easy place to explore with kids, who will find recognisable characters hidden around the grounds. Hunter Valley Zoo is also perennially popular with any child who wants to see a real lion – which is all of them, right? And there are plenty of wineries that are family-friendly, including Scarborough Wine Co, Tulloch Wines, and Calais Estate. See winecountry.com.au

WESTERN SYDNEY PARKLANDS

Credit: James Brickwood

Depending on where you live, this could be a very easy day trip. Western Sydney Parklands is about 45 minutes' drive from the Sydney CBD, and only 20 from Parramatta. Regardless of your point of origin, what you'll find here is 5280 hectares of bushland, riven with more than 60 kilometres of bike tracks and walking trails. There's a huge amount of space for picnics and barbecues at Bungarribee Park, a water play area and climbing equipment at Plough and Harrow East, and a nature-themed playground at Lizard Log. There's also thrills to be had at Treetops Adventure. See westernsydneyparklands.com.au

ROYAL NATIONAL PARK

Credit: Rhett Wyman

Head about an hour south of central Sydney and you have arrived in Australia's first national park – and still one of our finest. Royal National Park has plenty to offer families, including a series of easy, short walks into the bush, some of which are accessible even for those pushing strollers. If your kids are slightly older, head out on the Coast Track, a spectacular hiking path with plenty to see and explore, and turn back whenever you desire. There's also a tranquil lagoon for swimming at Wattamolla. See nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

BLUE MOUNTAINS

Credit: Dallas Kilponen/Destination NSW

There's so much to do up in the Blue Mountains, whether you're with children or without. Obviously, you can do the iconic, free experiences, such as viewing the Three Sisters, walking to Wentworth Falls, checking out the Leura Cascades and exploring Leura Mall. Spend a little money on entry fees, meanwhile, and you can take the kids to the incredible Jenolan Caves, or wow them with a trip to Scenic World, with its cableway, and the world's steepest railway. See visitbluemountains.com.au

KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK

. Credit: Dallas Kilponen/Destination NSW

Sadly, not all of us own a boat upon which to cruise Sydney's gorgeous waterways. The next best thing, however, might just be the ferry from Palm Beach over to the Basin picnic area in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park (accessible only by boat, or a six-kilometre round-trip hike). The ferry itself is a sweet little vessel that the kids will love. And the Basin is a secluded area with calm waters for swimming, walking tracks for wandering, shady areas for picnicking, and even a campsite if you can't bring yourself to leave. See nationalparks.nsw.gov.au