Riding Sydney train lines to the end

Train to Cronulla ends near the beach.

I see you are from the US. Beware that Australia is also a huge country, and Sydney is rather large. If you are literally going to ride the trains to the very end of the line then you are talking about 2-3.5hrs each way.

We have country trains and suburban trains, but all country trains also serve suburban train lines (stopping only at major stations).

The Blue Mountains line has plenty to do nearby if you hop off in Katoomba, Leura, Wentworth Falls or Blackheath, and probably lots more in the mountains. Takes two hours to get up there.

The Newcastle line - it's a nice place but takes over three hours to get there.

Kiama is the end of the South Coast line, again over 3 hours, and is the last stop before you change over to diesel trains. A lovely place. Wollongong is also a worthwhile stop on this line and is a major destination in itself.

As for the suburban lines - you're still talking well over an hour each direction. IMHO if you really want to "ride the trains" then you'd be better off getting a country train and going to a real destination for the day rather than just going to a suburb and coming back again.

However ... can I suggest that you do exactly as you planned - on the ferries! Hop on the next one that comes along and just stay on it for the return journey - 99% of the time they come back to Circular Quay again.

Great idea, as mentioned above, the distance from start to end can be some distance.

The network is a a 3/4 circle with Sydney being the hub in the middle and the lines radiate to regional cities and towns 2-3 hours aways. If you imagine the end of the line being in no where this is not the case.

The top 5 I would have are Cronulla - down by the beach and the option to take the tiny ferry over to Bunbeena for Royal National Park; Lithgow - up and over the Blue Mountains to the working class mine town filled with all sorts of social & industrial history; Richmond - now part of the urban sprawl has a rich amount of early colonial buildings (although Windsor just before on the same line a bit better); Kiama for Berry - Kiama is the end of the line for electric trains from there the remaining 3 stations including gorgeous Berry are served by a two carriage diesel service; Dungog - technically the line continues all the way to Brisbane but this is the end of the metropolitan ticketed area. Small town with great local countryside, it is some hours from Sydney with a change of train at Hamilton (Newcastle), most probably requires an overnight stay.

Have a google for "NSWTrainlink Dayscapes"

I would NOT ride the trains to the end of the line, with the possible exception of Cronulla then Bundeena Ferry.
I'd get off the western line at Katoomba (Lithgow is not attractive), I'd get off the southern line at Kiama (this one ends at Bomaderry, which is literally nowhere, because it's the wrong side of the Bridge from Nowra), and I'd get off the Northern line at Brooklyn (on the Hawkesbury - great fish and chips and the Riverboat postman).
But the best public transport option in Sydney is to get the bus from the city to Palm Beach and either hop off at the last stop, and walk along the beach and up to the lighthouse, or a few stops before that at Palm Beach ferry wharf, and get the ferry to The Basin - stunning views, and in a national park with great walks.
Or, take the train to Circular Quay, and catch the ferry to Manly, or Watsons Bay. At manly walk down to the ocean beach, or you can then hop another bus which ends at Church Point, which is also stunning.
In short, forget trains, and think ferries, Sydney has a great harbour, and lots of other great waterways. The ferries are cheap public transport, and all have fantastic views.

the op wanted to hike not sit on his butt ?

as a canuck for the life of me cannot fathom other than the blue haze all the hype re blue mountains. not much diff than Collingwood ont . has the Niagara falls touristy feel.

if you walk across the bridge you will encounter quite a nice area to roam a nice park to rest up in. along the way. lunar park lends itself to photo ops. quick snack your on your way. grab train go on from there. get off as whim desires.. while in mellie I did the train bit simply asked an employee whats the best one to ride mentioned what I was up to number 1, he replied so I rode that one. great views.

i find the newcastle line as far as wyong is spectacular as the line goes along the hawksbury river inlet..

and crunulla and katoomba too..

so yeah, another vote for crunulla being the only train worth riding to the end of the line..

and the manly ferry