Five day trips from the North Shore

If you’ve got fuel in the tank and a taste for something different, read on.

Brooklyn

For over a century, the Riverboat Postman has delivered mail and goods to the many river-access-only settlements along the Hawkesbury River. In recent decades, the mail boat has become a tourist attraction, with visitors hopping on board for a serene cruise along the Hawkesbury. 

Tours include hot tea, freshly baked ANZAC biscuits and a ploughman's lunch. The cruise is just over three hours. Adults $72, seniors $62 and school-aged children $25. Kids who haven’t started school go free, but still require a booking.

When: 10am, Monday to Friday

Where: 3 Dangar Road, Brooklyn

Central Coast

If massive crocodiles, deadly snakes and creepy crawlies are your thing, head north to the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast. You can’t miss Ploddy The Dinosaur, overlooking the Pacific Motorway. Adults $56, kids three to 15 $36, kids under 3 free.

Open seven days a week, 9am to 5pm.

Wisemans Ferry

Wisemans Ferry is a quaint town along the Hawkesbury, home to a historic pub, the oldest continuously operating ferry crossing in New South Wales, and plenty of convict era heritage. 

If visiting in winter, head along the river to pick fresh imperial mandarins from Watkins Family Farm.

Blue Mountains

The Three Sisters in Katoomba are one of Australia’s most iconic natural phenomena, and are of special importance to the Gundungurra and Darug People, who are the traditional custodians of the area. 

About 90 minutes by car from Sydney, the Three Sisters walk will get you up close to the rock formations and views of the Blue Mountains National Park. 

From here, head toward the Megalong Valley’s Dryridge Estate, where the cellar door offers  cheese, cold cuts and wine tasting, with views of the Blue Mountains. 

The cellar door is dog-friendly and open Saturdays 11am to 5pm, Sundays 11am to 4pm.

Wilberforce

For history buffs and heritage enthusiasts, the Australiana Pioneer Village, a preserved streetscape circa 1810, is a great way to step back in time. The heritage-listed open-air museum is just outside Wilberforce, run by a dedicated group of volunteers and open on Sundays 10am to 4pm.