Budget-friendly outdoor escapes near Sydney

Sometimes the best getaways are hidden right under your nose. From sand-driving escapades with your mates to beachside camping with the family, here are four budget-friendly outdoor holidays near Sydney. Who needs to jump on a plane with a backyard like this?

HIT THE DUNES AT MUNGO BEACH

Just a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney, Mungo Beach is a playground for 4WD adventure enthusiasts and a must-visit spot for a group weekend away. The beach itself is a whopping 18 kilometres long, claiming the title of the third longest beach in the state. Fringed by impressive sand dunes and rugged bush, it’s easy to feel like you’re worlds away from the city on this epic stretch of sand.

Given its size, there’s little surprise that Mungo Beach is up there as one of the best sand-driving beaches in New South Wales. Air down your tyres and cruise alongside the coastline, hit up the surf, and try your hand at fishing. Come evening, settle down by the fire at Mungo Beach Campground.

TAKE A ROAD TRIP ALONG THE SOUTH COAST

When it comes to family road trips, the New South Wales South Coast has it all. Pristine beaches with child-friendly waters, beachside campgrounds, family activities and an abundance of wildlife spotting opportunities. Family-friendly campgrounds aren’t hard to come by, but our top picks include Seven Mile Holiday Camp in Gerringong, Holiday Haven White Sands Beach in Jervis Bay and Pebbly Beach Campground in the Murramarang National Park.

VENTURE INTO WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK

New South Wales isn’t short of national parks, but if you’re looking for an adventure among the trees, the World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park is a must. Perched north-west of Sydney, you can be riverside camping in just a matter of hours. Activities are endless in this vast slice of wilderness. Think canoeing and swimming across gorges and rivers, exploring ancient ruins, mountain biking through the forest, taking on 4WDing tracks and feasting your eyes on thousands of glow worms.

EMBARK ON THE DARLING RIVER RUN

It’s not just New South Wales’ coastline that boasts outdoor adventures. The state's outback is equally - if not more – adventure-ready. Soak it up in true overlanding fashion on the Darling River Run road trip. Spanning 950 kilometres along the Darling River to the Mighty Murray, along this iconic route you’ll uncover history, culture, wildlife, and of course, some unforgettable off-road tracks. It’s not the closest to Sydney, but it’s well worth it.