5 Budget Day Trips For Your Mid Semester Break

Emily Graetz has your holiday plans sorted.

The mid semester break is fast approaching. Whether you’re running from assignments, exam study or impending boredom, Pulp has you sorted for your holiday entertainment. No car? No time for a night away? Not much money? No worries. These five dreamy locations are all accessible via public transport and definitely day-trip worthy. So pull out your runners, pack a sandwich and pick a book for the train. We’re holidaying. 

Katoomba, Blue Mountains 

You can’t go past the World-Heritage listed Blue Mountains if you’re looking for stunning views, expansive wildlife and flora and impressive Indigenous sites. Located within the Country of the Darug and Gundungurra people to the West of Sydney, Katoomba is the chief town of the Blue Mountains and boasts access to a plethora of unforgettable walks and lookouts. The Three Sisters Lookout is just a 10 minute bus ride or 30 minute walk from the station, as are Katoomba Falls and Echo Point Plaza. If the weather isn’t so great, both the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and Waradah Aboriginal Centre are worth your while. 

Time from Central Station: 2 hours 10 minutes

Cost for return trip: $12.40 Adult, $6.20 Concession + entry fee for Cultural Centre and Waradah Aboriginal Centre 

Kiama 

The breezy coastal town of Kiama -  the ancestral lands of the Wodi Wodi people - are unmissable if you’re heading South of Sydney. Kiama is home to a scenic coastal walk and if you’re there at the right time of year, whale watching. This handy guide will give you the low down on local walks and the Kiama library also provides free access to self-guided walking apps for you to download. If you’re looking for a more laid back adventure, I’d recommend fish and chips and a stroll down to the headland where you can admire the iconic Blow Holes as well as the dreamy rock pools and ocean lookouts. Just don’t forget to appreciate the view on your way home - the train trip is as impressive as the destination. 

Time from Central Station: 2 hours 15 minutes

Cost for return trip: $12.40 Adult, $6.20 Concession 

Gosford 

Situated on the Darkinjung lands in the Central Coast, Gosford is an ideal destination for holidayers seeking something more tranquil. Once you jump off the train, a short stroll or bus trip down the mainstreet will lead you to the peaceful estuary of Brisbane Water - perfect for the swimmers who don’t want the waves. The Gosford Regional Gallery is also well worth your time - it’s surrounded by extensive gardens and a Koi Pond where you can feed the fish. It’s popular amongst kids...but who says adults can’t enjoy the fish too?

Time from Central Station: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cost for return trip: $12.40 Adult, $6.20 Concession

Stanwell Park 

If you’re craving pure-beach-goodness, Stanwell Park is the place for you. Admittedly a little less easy to get to, access to the beach will require a 20 minute walk from the station. It’s well worth the walk though - located at the southern end of the Royal National Park, you’ll be situated between the towering escarpment and crystal clear seas. Pack your swimmers if the weather is nice or marvel at the hang gliders who take off from nearby Stanwell Tops. If you’re feeling snacky on your way home, pop by LOAF Kitchen for some colourful and tasty sandwiches. 

Time from Central Station: 1 hour 15 minutes

Cost for return trip: $9.64 Adult, $4.80 Concession + $15 for lunch 

Bowral

The largest town in the Southern Highlands and home to the Gundungurra and Dharawal traditional custodians, Bowral is the perfect Autumn retreat. You can’t go past Dirty Jane’s Emporium for vintage and antique goodies or Harry’s @ Green Lane for coffee with ambience.  Pop down to Gibbergunyah Reserve for bushland walking trails, waterfalls and maybe a cheeky sighting of wombats and echidnas if you’re lucky. If you’re a cricket fan, the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame has got you covered. 

Time from Central Station: 2 hours 20 minutes

Cost for return trip: $12.40 Adult, $6.20 Concession + entry fee for Cricket Hall of Fame

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So, what are you waiting for? NSW is your oyster! If you’re going hiking or swimming we recommend taking a friend - and always let someone know what your plans are for the day. Happy mid semester break!