road trip new south wales australia

The 6 BEST NSW Road Trips – Epic Drive Itineraries [2024 Edition]

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

If you’re looking for some incredible NSW road trips that will take you from the coast into the mountains, we’ve put together the 6 best drives to add to your list!

Road tripping in New South Wales is a must for the intrepid traveller who wants to experience everything Australia has to offer.

From beaches, national parks and forests there are no shortage of things to see or do, particularly along the coast.

The following are some of the best road trips in NSW that won’t disappoint. Here is our list of 6 road trips in New South Wales that you have to do.

Table of Contents

Greater Blue Mountains Drive

Grand pacific drive, kosciuszko alpine way, mighty murray river drive, darling river run, waterfall way road trip, the 6 best nsw road trips for 2022.

Check out the table above for a sneak peek overview of the best NSW road trips and be sure to read through all the details below!

• Route – Sydney, Katoomba, Lithgow, Mt Tomah, Bilpin, Hawkesbury
• Distance – 220km
• Duration – 2 – 4 days
• Vehicle – Any vehicle is suitable
• Road Conditions – All roads are sealed
• Highlights – The Three Sisters, Scenic World (walkway, skyway, cableway and railway), Govetts Leap Lookout, Wentworth Falls, Lot of Hiking and Heritage Trails, the towns of Katoomba and Leura

You can explore the rugged wilderness of Australia’s iconic Blue Mountains on a four-day road trip.

This circuit will take you from the Lower to the Upper Blue Mountains and then around the Hawkesbury River with its orchards and gardens on your way back up again.

You can spend days exploring the wilderness of Katoomba , but don’t overlook the various towns along the drive.

The Echo Point Visitor Information Centre offers maps and information for your adventure while paying tribute to Sydney’s iconic Three Sisters at Jamison Valley .

The Blue Mountains are a hiker’s paradise, with trails winding through forests of eucalyptus and wattle trees.

After taking in the views from Victoria Pass, make your first stop at Hassan’s Walls for incredible vistas to Hartley Valley below or head straight down into Jenolan Caves – one of Australia’s top attractions!

Dating back 340 million years, these caves were once an important location for Gundungurra people as well as being popular among locals today.

Take Mount Victoria Road, heading left until you reach Bells Line of Road which will lead through Bilpin and then down into the Hawkesbury region where there are many stunning sights waiting for travellers who want to exploring more gorgeous scenery.

If beautiful natural beauty is on your mind while driving, don’t forget that the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah features over 6 thousand plant species as well as 244 hectares (600 acres)of wild vegetation. It’s the highest botanical garden in Australia!

The Hawkesbury River is the northern-western boundary for Sydney and offers an impressive watery wonderland with historic towns lining its shores.

• Route – Sydney, Royal National Park, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, and the Shoalhaven
• Distance – 140km
• Duration – 2 – 3 days
• Vehicle – Any Vehicle
• Highlights – Bald Hill Lookout & Sea Cliff Bridge, Austinmer Beach, Wollongong’s Foreshore, Nan Tien Temple, Shellharbour Village and Killalea State Park, Kiama Blowhole, Hymes Beach

The Grand Pacific Drive is a scenic drive in Australia that starts at the Royal National Park, crosses over the Sea Cliff Bridge and continues through Wollongong to Kiama .

Along this route, there are many jaw-dropping sights including Scarborough Beach , which displays one of New South Wales’s most famous beaches with its white sand and surf.

The drive starts in Sydney and continues to Nowra, about 140 kilometres (or around two hours driving) away along the beautiful beaches and cliffs overlooking Australia’s dramatic coastline.

Alongside stunning views from rainforests and rugged coastlines, travellers will be able to relax at any number of quaint towns situated alongside this iconic road trip through natural wonders- perfect for those seeking an authentic Australian experience!

READ MORE: Check out all the top Royal National Park walks you should tackle on the way.

The route along the Grand Pacific Drive starts at Sydney’s Phillip Bay in a suburb called Queenscliff, where road trippers will be able to see the famous Pylon Lookout and climb the nearby Bald Hill for more incredible views.

From here, you can head through Narooma and Bermagui before arriving at Culburra Beach on the coast of New South Wales.

• Sydney to Wollongong – 85 km
• Wollongong to Shellharbour – 21km
• Shellharbour to Kiama – 15 km
• Kiama to Shoalhaven (check out Jervis Bay while you’re there) – 72 km

• Route – Cooma, Jindabyne to Khancoban
• Distance –  170km one way 
• Duration – About 3 days
• Vehicle – Any type of vehicle but no large caravans as the road is very windy.
• Road Conditions – The road is sealed the whole way
• Highlights – Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, Mount Gladstone Lookout, Mountain Biking at Thedbo or around  Lake Jindabyne, whitewater rafting expedition on the Snowy River, Wildbrumby Distillery, Kosciuszko Brewing Company, hikes in Kosciuszko National Park.

The Kosciuszko Alpine Way is one of the most iconic road trips in Australia. Located on the border of New South Wales and Victoria, you will experience a scenic drive with stunning views and beautiful landscapes.

The road follows the mountain up and down through the amazing Snowy Mountains which is the highest section of the Great Dividing Range.

There are many spots to stop for walks in the national parks and even mountain biking if you are keen.

You can go either way on the Kosciuszko Alpine Way. When we did the road trip, we went from Jindabyne and Khancoban as we were heading in this direction.

We started at Cooma and explored the beautiful historical town, which is a great place to stop for some coffee or food.

There are some short hikes near the town and the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre .

There are many activities you can do on the Snowy River, like trout fishing, kayaking and whitewater rafting.

After exploring Cooma, head to the Mount Gladstone Lookout just out of Cooma for a great view.

Coming into Jindabyne is a sight to see. As you roll over the hill you are greeted with the beautiful view of Lake Jindabyne with little hills around the lake and big mountains in the background. It is stunning.

Stay here and explore the area in and around the town of Jindabyne . There are so many activities to do on Lake Jindabyne and up in the mountains at Thredbo with hiking and mountain biking.

READ MORE: See what makes the cut on our list of the best Queensland road trips !

If you are here in December there is a rodeo celebrating the Man from Snowy River. And if you have mountain bikes with you, head up to Thredbo Resort through the Thredbo Valley and enjoy the adrenaline-pumping tracks.

You can hire bikes from in town or at the resort if you need them. There are great tracks also around Lake Jindabyne for the whole family.

Jindabyne is a great place to base yourself for the Kosciuszko National Park. There are a number of hikes in the area, do some mountain biking, go on a horse ride, go fishing or go kayaking.

Kosciuszko National Park is an all year round adventure paradise. You can explore the number of hikes in the area, do some mountain biking, go on a horse ride, go fishing or go kayaking.

After Jindabyne, you will head back out on the Alpine Way where it links the towns of Jindabyne and Khancoban over a mountain pass. You will follow one of Australia’s highest windiest roads.

This section of the Kosciuszko Alpine Way is a steep and narrow road. This is why it is suggested that vehicles towing large caravans do not drive on this road.

But the pass is very popular with motorbike riders thanks to the windy roads. Once you are over the mountain pass you will reach the town of Khancoban .

The Kosciuszko Alpine Way is a great New South Wales road trip.

• Cooma to Jindabyne – 62km
• Jindabyne to Kosciuszko National Park – 41km
• Jindabyne to Khancoban – 111km

• Route – Albury to Wentworth
• Distance – 830km
• Duration – 4 days to a week
• Highlights – Wagirra Trail, Corowa Whisky and Chocolate, Lake Mulwala, Big Reedy Lagoon Wildlife Reserve, Tocumwal Blowhole, Murray Valley National Park, Historic steam engines and paddle-steamers on the river, Morrisons Riverview Winery, Restaurant & Brewery, Balranald Heritage Trail, Mungo National Park

Along this iconic NSW road trip you will see diverse landscapes, taste amazing local food & wine and enjoy the spectacular activities and tours the Murray River has to offer.

This Murray River road trip itinerary follows the Murray River itself as it meanders from town to town.

You will visit beautiful historical country towns and you can immerse yourself in local Aboriginal tours and experiences as this area has some of Australia’s most significant Aboriginal history along the way.

The Murray River is 2,508km and runs along the border of New South Wales and Victoria, being Australia’s longest river.

From Albury all the way across to Wentworth, you can stop off where you like and enjoy the experiences that interest you.

The trip can take you up to a week or even 2 weeks if you like to take it slow. This area is really breathtaking.

• Albury to Howlong – 28km
• Howlong to Corowa – 29km
• Corowa to Yarrawonga-Mulwala – 45.5km
• Yarrawonga-Mulwala to Tocumwal – 55.5km
• Tocumwal to Echuca-Moama – 121km
• Echuca-Moama to Barham – 90km
• Barham to Balranald – 149km

• Route – Wentworth, Pooncarle, Menindee, Wilcannia, Tilpa, Louth, Bourke, Cobar, Hillston
• Distance – 950km
• Duration – 5 – 7 days at a leisure pace
• Vehicle – Any vehicle
• Road Conditions – Mostly sealed but there are unsealed roads
• Highlights – Aboriginal experiences, Mount Grenfell Historic Site, Kinchega National Park, Kallara Station, Tilpa Hotel, Bindara On The Darling, Mungo National Park, Mungo Woolshed, Gundabooka National Park, Dunlop Station.

The outback of NSW is a place where you can find invigorating hikes and scenic views.

The Darling River stretches 2,740km through the outback of New South Wales, going from the Victoria border where it meets up with the Murray River to all the way up to the Queensland border.

Travelling through the Darling River, Bourke to Wentworth route offers an unforgettable experience with ancient rock formations, historic landmarks and plenty of wildlife that will leave your friends jealous when they see photos from this incredible journey!

This natural beauty touring route can be undertaken either in whole or part and will not disappoint those seeking adventure for their next vacation destination!

The stunning views are only matched by rafting down different sections of its course that you choose based on your desires. There’s something here for everyone looking for an authentic experience just two hours outside Sydney.

From white water rafting and fishing in the Darling River to visiting Aboriginal communities offering cultural experiences surrounding this iconic river through outback New South Wales.

Aboriginal culture is strong in this area. And you can do anything from reading about their history on Mulgowan (Yappa) Art Site walk or experiencing it first-hand along with shearing techniques during a visit to Kinchega Woolshed.

This is said to be one of Australia’s most significant historic buildings still operating today!

For those looking for an escape after all that exploring, there are many tranquil spots beside Darling River where you can stop for a picnic lunch or set up camp under the starry desert sky.

Although only a fraction as long as its name suggests, there are still many things to see travelling 730km along this course between Brewarrina Junction and Walgett.

For example, you could stop at Barwon Falls or explore some ancient Aboriginal rock art sites.

With beautiful scenery in some of the best national parks, as well as easy farm-stays, you can get a real feel of outback life.

The route starts at Walgett then continues south all the way down until Brewarrina and Bourke with day one being 730 kilometres (454 miles) long.

You’ll find local attractions, such as Mungo National Park on its southern border, which is home to some of NSW’s most spectacular scenery. Or Kinchega Nature Reserve that offers an off-road experience like no other.

There are also unique experiences one could only find in Outback NSW. From learning about Aboriginal heritage at Lajamanu Community Museum to tasting delicious bush tucker prepared by locals while camping under the stars!

The Barwon River starts near Walgett, but the best way to experience Outback NSW’s towns and National Parks is by following a tour of these places that are not located along this path.

The route includes Lightning Ridge as well as other communities off the actual river, which flows from Brewarrina to Bourke before meeting with Bogan.

• Walgett to Brewarrina – 134km
• Brewarrina to Bourke – 98km
• Bourke to Louth – 99km
• Louth to Tilpa – 67km
• Tilpa to Wilcannia – 156km
• Wilcannia to Menindee – 155km
• Menindee to Pooncarie – 123km
• Pooncarie to Wentworth – 188km

• Route – Coffs Harbour to Armidale
• Distance – 185km
• Duration – About 2.5 hours
• Vehicle – Any vehicle is fine
• Highlights – Waterfalls in Dorrigo National Park, New England Tablelands, Gondwana rainforest, Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve in Coffs Harbour, Town of Bellingen, Solitary Islands Marine Park.

If you’re looking for a scenic drive in New South Wales, Australia that will take your breath away, then the Waterfall Way is where it’s at.

The Waterfall Way road trip runs east-west from the Pacific Highway to the New England Highway at Armidale in New South Wales.

The route passes through some of NSW’s most scenic countryside and has become well known as its best – and Australia’s third most beautiful tourist drive!

You could cover this richly diverse region (5 national parks!) in about 2 ½ hours. But with so many amazing stops along the way, why do that? We’d advise you to stay the night along the way and take it all in.

The drive starts at Coffs Harbour , where you can get your fill of stunning waterfalls before continuing on to rainforest, open woodlands or farmland if desired.

It’s a journey into one of Australia’s most stunning regions, travelling through various environments including coastal rainforests and farmlands.

While there is so much to see and do when planning an epic road trip around New South Wales.

These are some of our favourite places to go when we have a desire to hit the road and explore the wide open country.

Whether you’re interested in a drive along the South Coast, are searching for the best walking trails in the Alps or want to take in delicious pub meals at off-the-beaten-path bars in one country town or another, we’re confident that these six NSW road trips will be as memorable as they are enjoyable!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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9-Day Australia Road Trip Itinerary Around The Best Of NSW — Sydney, Blue Mountains and Beyond

Explore New South Wales (NSW) with this 9-day road trip covering a wide range of adventures beginning from Sydney to the Central Coast, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Hunter Valley and the Blue Mountains.

Sydney is a great base for epic road trips. After our  7 Day South Coast Road Trip  — where we drove all the way to Mount Kosciuszko (Australia’s Tallest Peak) — we wanted to see more. This time, we head up north of Sydney and the Blue Mountains to explore the best sights, thrills and nature NSW has to offer.

Read Also:  Top 10 Things To Do in NSW That Will Satisfy Any Adventurer

The Great New South Wales Road Trip

From soulful gourmet experiences, interactions with adorable animals, and some once-in-a-lifetime experiences, some of the key highlights in this itinerary include: hiking to epic viewpoints in the Blue Mountains , riding the world’s longest zip-line in Central Coast , sky-diving over the gorgeous landscape of Newcastle , whale watching in a speed boat at Port Stephens  and riding a  hot air balloon over the magical Hunter Valley .

Pre-Trip Essentials

Airport Transfer  — From Sydney Intl. Airport, we hopped on  this airport transfer (S$19.25/pax)  which sent us straight to the doorstep of our accommodation near Kings Cross Station. Unlike most airport transfers that serve only bigger hotels, this service will send you anywhere within Sydney’s city centre, be it to a hostel or an Airbnb home.

Public Transport — You can purchase an  Opal card  from any convenience store or bookstore (like WHSmith at the airport). The card is free so you only need to pay for the credits to travel on NSW’s trains, buses, ferries and light rail.

Staying connected  — There are Vodafone and Optus booths right outside the arrival hall but  Optus  had better deals when we were there. Our 4G SIM cards came with 15GB data, unlimited local calls and texts for AU$20.

Day 1-2: Sydney city

Getting around Sydney: Travelling via public transport is perhaps the easiest and most efficient way of getting around the city.

*Pro-tip:  Make full use of the Opal card on Sundays when transportation fees are capped at AU$2.60.

Accommodation:  Stay within the city centre to save on transport. We got an Airbnb near Kings Cross station for less than AU$200/night shared amongst the three of us.

Sydney Fish Market 

Sashimi lover? Head out to Sydney Fish Market for some of the freshest seafood you can find in Sydney. Not only is there a wide array of fresh seafood, you’ll get to find some of the most interesting fusion food too.

This sushi doughnut is a classic example!

It is also at the Sydney Fish Market where you can get the freshest Sydney Rock Oyster. Endemic to Australia and New Zealand, the Sydney Rock Oyster is famous for its extra creamy texture, one that oyster lovers should not miss!

Opening Hours: 7AM – 4PM daily Address:  Pyrmont Bridge Rd, Sydney NSW 2009, Australia

Queen Victoria Building

If you’re a shopaholic, you shouldn’t miss the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) located in the heart of Sydney. This 19th-century building has been conserved and restored into a mega marketplace.

Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM (Weekdays), 10AM – 4PM (Sat), 11AM – 4PM (Sun) Address:  455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Exploring The Rocks

Our trip coincided with Vivid Sydney (held between 25 May – 16 Jun 2018), and we were lucky enough to catch most of the art installations put up for the annual winter event. The lights and music displays of Vivid Sydney start upon sunset and go up full-force at  6PM.  The colours and energy definitely warmed us up in the chilly winter night.

Vivid Sydney is an annual festival of light, music, and ideas that started in 2009 as an energy-efficient light painting projected on both sides of the Opera House. Today, the Sydney Opera House holds contemporary music performances during Vivid Sydney — Known as Vivid Live — featuring local and international artists.

Dinner at Pancakes On The Rocks

One of the most highly-rated eateries in Sydney, we knew we had to give Pancakes On The Rocks a try. We took the savoury Fresh Mushroom Crepe (AU$14.95) and sweet Nutella Pancake (AU$15.95), both generously packed with ingredients so dense that they were enough to share among us three.

Costs: AU$10.95 – AU$35.95/dish   Address:  4 Hickson Rd, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia Opening Hours: 24 hours

Carriageworks Farmers’ Market

If you’ve been to Australia, you’ll realise how seriously the locals take their farmers’ markets. The Carriageworks Farmers’ Market  may not be super famous, but it’s definitely well-loved by its locals!

Here you’ll find homemade cheese, freshly-baked bread, coffee, granola and even kombucha for sale. There are also dining areas both inside and outside — where the old railways are — if you decide to have a meal there. We had a truffle steak burger, bibimbap, and pho, all of which were delicious!

Opening Hours: 8AM – 1PM every Saturday Address:  245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh NSW 2015, Australia

Taronga Zoo

Opened in 1916, Taronga Zoo remains one of the most highly-visited zoos in Australia. Its proximity to the city centre makes it a great place for visitors who have little time in Sydney to see some of Australia’s wildlife.

We recommend going on a 2-hour zoo tour with cable car ride  for a more in-depth experience at the zoo. Our guide Rob, an experienced keeper, walked with us while sharing fun facts about the residents. Other than the kangaroos, koalas, platypuses, and echidnas, we even got to get up close with a wallaby and feathertail glider!

Something interesting to note is that within the state of NSW, there’s a hands-off policy that makes it illegal to touch koalas within the zoo compounds. Doesn’t make the flurry tree-dwellers any less cute though!

It’s difficult to imagine how a zoo can be this close to the cityscape, but Sydney’s skyline stunningly works as the perfect backdrop to the giraffe’s enclosure.

Cost:  Entrance only — AU$47 at the gate , S$31 online ; For the 2-hour tour with cable car ride — ~S$130 Tour Timings:  10:15PM – 12:15PM or 2PM – 4PM (reservations must be made at least a day in advance) Regular Opening Hours:  9:30PM – 4:30PM daily Location:  Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia

Sydney Tower Buffet

At 309m, the Sydney Tower Eye is the tallest structure in Sydney. While there’s an observation deck you can pay to access, we took the opportunity to have lunch at its revolving restaurant instead — you can feast on food and feast your eyes on the views of Sydney’s CBD, the Sydney Harbour area, and even the St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Lunch was a buffet spread of more than 50 dishes across a range of cuisines including Australian, Italian, and Japanese. From salad, seafood, and hot dishes to cold desserts, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Note that you’ll need to pre-book your table for the  Sydney Tower Buffet , especially on weekends.

Cost:  S$57 – 85 depending on lunch/dinner and weekdays/weekends. Opening Hours: 11:30AM – 3:30PM (Daily Lunch), 5PM – 10:30PM (Daily Dinner). Dining time of 1.5 hrs. Address:  Level 4, Westfield Sydney, 100 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Luna Park Sydney

This old-school amusement park has been a source of entertainment since 1935 and still is a great place to hit for fun and screams. Unlike the bigger names like Six Flags, Universal Studios, or Disneyland, the 16 rides  Luna Park Sydney operate are less sophisticated but do not pale in comparison when it comes to eliciting a scream or laugh from riders.

Cost: Entrance is free and you can pay AU$10 per ride, or AU$35 for the Twilight Saver Pass for unlimited rides after 6PM. Address:  1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061, Australia Opening Hours: FRI & SAT: 11AM – 10PM SUN: 10AM – 6PM MON: 11AM – 4PM TUE – THU: Closed  

Day 3: Central Coast

Accommodation:  Oaks Waterfront Resort

Treetops Zip-lining

This is the day we picked up our rental car from Hertz  to begin our road trip. First stop, we arrive at Tree Tops Central Coast, a 90-minute drive from Sydney. At Treetops , there’s an array of exciting challenges like zip-lining, trapezes, Tarzan swings, and tightropes! We heard about the “world’s longest roller coaster zip-line” and definitely couldn’t give that a miss!

Treetops’ TreeTop Crazy Rider has two zip-lines — Pioneer and Xtreme. Pioneer is a shorter line at 330m that features a 360° loop and a drop, which is always fun. The Xtreme is a longer (the world’s longest!) ride at 1km long, has four 360° loops, and a bigger 540° loop with 2 drops.

Now, imagine zipping through the forest on the world’s longest roller coaster zip-line — wild!

There are also GoPro cameras for hire from AU$25 for you to record your rides. You can bring your own GoPro as long as it fits into the standard mount Treetops provides.

Cost: AU$39 (Pioneer), AU$79 (Xtreme), AU$99 (Combo) Address: Ourimbah State Forest, 1 Red Hill Rd (cnr Yarramalong Rd), Wyong Creek NSW 2259 Australia Opening Hours: 10AM – 4PM (Weekdays), 9AM – 4:30PM (Weekends)

Horse-Riding at Glenworth Valley

At Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures , there are various outdoor activities one could engage in, such as horse-riding, quad biking, kayaking, and camping. We tried horse-riding around the valley through different terrains such as bushlands, forests, and creeks.

Every evening at 4:30PM, the handlers will release the horses for their evening walk where they roam freely around the forests of Glenworth Valley. The sight is the most spectacular on Saturday evenings, as all 220 horses of Glenworth Valley will be mustered out of the horse-riding yards.

Cost: AU$95/pax for 2 hours Address:  69 Cooks Road, Glenworth Valley, NSW 2250 Horse-riding Timings: 10AM & 2PM (Weekdays), 9AM, 11AM & 2PM (Weekends)  

Check-in At Oaks Waterfront Resort 

Located at The Entrance, right next to the sea, we spent a night at the Oaks Waterfront Resort  in Central Coast.Location aside, rooms are affordable and come with a range of facilities including a gym and an outdoor swimming pool. Our 2-bedroom loft with 2 bathrooms, a mini kitchen for light cooking, a washer, and dryer would fit up to 5 adults comfortably and only cost ~S$208/night!

Cost: From S$208/night for a 2-bedroom loft Address:  89 The Entrance Road (via Duffys Lane), The Entrance NSW 2261 Australia

The Entrance Weekend Market

If you’re around on a Saturday, check out  The Entrance Weekend Market conveniently in front of Oaks Waterfront Resort. Most of the stall owners are locals from around NSW, and you can find things like handicrafts, farm produce, and food stalls. We got ourselves a hearty bowl of Phở and some home-made raw honey as souvenirs.

Opening Hours: 9AM – 2PM (Sat) Address:  Marine Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261, Australia

Day 4-5: Port Stephens via Newcastle

Accommodation:  This gorgeous Airbnb in Soldiers Point for less than S$200/night

Skydiving at Newcastle

We hope you didn’t have too heavy a breakfast because next up on the agenda is skydiving! While Australia has several skydiving locations, we hear that Newcastle  (30-minute drive from Oaks Waterfront) is the one with the best views.

If I were to jump out of a perfectly fine plane, it’d better be worth every nerve it took me to overcome my fear of heights. And I’m glad I took the leap at Skydive Newcastle .

We recommend getting the package that comes with video and photos; you won’t want to keep memories of such a daredevil move to yourself only, right? 😉

Cost: S$384/pax (Weekday), S$434/pax (Weekend) Address: Lake Macquarie Airport, 864 Pacific Highway, Marks Point, NSW Opening Hours: 7AM – 9PM Daily Drive to Soldiers Point, Port Stephens

Dolphin & Whale-watching cruise in Port Stephens

After an hour’s drive, we arrive in Port Stephens, a permanent home to about 90 bottlenose dolphins. This means you can spot them just about any time of the year! If you’re visiting during the autumn – spring months, you’ll even get to see the migrating humpback whales.

We went on a whale-sighting ride with  Imagine Cruises  which brought us out on an exciting high-speed boat. Not only did we get to see a pod of dolphins that swam pretty close to us, we saw a humpback whale within 10metres from our speedboat too!

We also got to see some fur seals at the Cabbage Rocks, which is another pleasant surprise as they’re said to only be around during the whale-sighting season.

Cost: AU$68/pax  (Booking required) Address:  Teramby Road, Nelson Bay, NSW 2315 Australia Opening Hours:  9AM – 5PM

Check-in for the night at Soldier Point

For the night in Port Stephens, we stayed at this gem of an  Airbnb in Soldiers Point for less than S$200/night! Not only was it very near the sea, it was also located in a quieter area void of light pollution. When the night fell, we caught a dazzling sky of stars above us.

Tomaree Head Sunrise Hike

The next morning, we started our day early with a short hike up Tomaree Head Summit to catch the sunrise. What caught us by surprise was a few whale sightings! The walk up only takes about 20 minutes which is a great trade-off for the stunning views of Shoal Bay.

Address:   Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay NSW 2315, Australia

*Pro-tip: Boat Harbour is another area at Port Stephens where you’ll get many sightings of Humpback and Southern Right Whales during migration season between mid-May to mid-November!

Quad Biking on Stockton Sand Dunes

No trip to Port Stephens is complete without checking out  the largest moving dunes in the Southern Hemisphere — The Stockton Sand Dunes.  And what better way to explore than on quad bikes! We signed ourselves up for a 1.5-hour session with  Sand Dune Adventures .

The huge area of sand is formed due to years of wind blowing the beach inwards, and the sand shifts by 4 metres inwards every year. The vast beach with sand dunes go on forever, and for the unsuspecting, it truly looks like we’re within a desert.

Cost: AU$135/pax Address:  2163 Nelson Bay Rd, Williamtown NSW 2318, Australia Opening Hours:  9AM – 4PM daily

Check-in at the Hunter Valley Resort

Before the sun sets, we drove an hour to the  Hunter Valley Resort  where we spent 2 nights. Other than being an accommodation, this family-run business offers a range of activities within their 70 acres of 50-year-old Shiraz vineyards.

The Hunter Room sleeps up to four people. There’s a glass door that opens to the lawn, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see animals passing by such as parrots and wallabies!

Costs: AU$245/night (sleeps 2 pax, +AU$25 for additional pax) Address:  Corner Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia

Day 6-7: Hunter Valley

Accommodation:  Hunter Valley Resort

Off-Road Segway Tour around Hunter Valley Resort’s Vineyards

The Hunter Valley Resort has a space of 70 acres with rows of Shiraz vineyards and other interesting features. One of the best ways to explore is on an hour-long  Segway Tour  (which was honestly a lot more fun than we had expected). Guided by an instructor, we rolled through plains, forested areas, and vineyards; we even spotted wild kangaroos too!

Cost: AU$50/30mins, AU$75/hr ( Advance booking is required )

Wine and Cheese Tasting

After the adventurous experience on the Segway, we proceeded to the wine and cheese factories to see how the local wines and cheese are produced. The quality wines here are actually really affordable and we each ended up buying a few back home. We personally recommend the Silver Moscato and Hele Family Vanessa Vale Shiraz.

Dinner at Matilda Bay Brewhouse

One of the perks of living in a vineyard resort is that everything is walking distance from the accommodation. We had our dinner at Matilda Bay Brewhouse  and had the opportunity to have a meal with Phil Hele , the owner of Hunter Valley Resort.

After a fun beer pairing lesson taught by Mr. Hele, we moved on to wines and finally understood how different food choices could affect the taste of wine we were having.  “Life is too short for bad wine” , quips Mr. Hele, and we agreed wholeheartedly.

Cost: Mains from AU$19.50 – AU$36/dish Opening Hours: 12PM – 4PM (Lunch), 6PM – 9PM (Dinner) daily Address:  Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia

Peterson House Hot Air Balloon (Sunrise Flight)

There’s probably no better way to see the vast vineyards than from a hot air balloon. Our sunrise flight booked with  Balloon Aloft  may just have been one of the most memorable experiences on the trip.

After meeting the team at 5:30AM, the balloon pilot and his team will drive participants to the lawn side where they’ll set up the balloon. Before that, they did a weather test with a lit helium balloon to check the wind direction.

Before anyone gets into the balloon’s basket, participants will be asked to help tip the basket. It takes about 20 minutes for the balloon to be inflated and upright ready for boarding.

During the hour-long flight, we floated around Hunter Valley and saw some great views of vineyards, residences, mountains, lakes, and even wildlife!

Fun fact! It’s impossible for balloon pilots to control the direction of flight as the balloon moves along with the wind’s direction. The pilots can, however, climb or descend into winds of different directions.

After the flight, participants will be driven back from the lawn to Peterson House for breakfast.

Cost: AU$269/pax (inclusive of breakfast) Opening Hours: 9AM – 4PM (MON – FRI), 9AM – 1PM (SAT), Closed on SUN Address:  Wine Country Drive Corner of Broke Road Pokolbin NSW 2320

Hunter Valley Horse Riding

We had a taste of horse-riding at Hunter Valley around our resort. An experienced guide led us along bush trails and vineyards, while the horses trotted gracefully through the bushlands. We were taught some basic horse-steering and controlling techniques, and that’s all we needed. The horses are tame and well cared for, so they tend to just follow their usual paths. We’d recommend wearing boots and a jacket as the horses will walk through muddy grounds and near trees.

Cost: AU$60/hr Address: Hunter Valley Adventure Centre, Hunter Resort. 917 Hermitage Road Pokolbin 2320 Booking is required for the horse-riding activity. More details can be found on the Hunter Valley Horse Riding website .

Drive to Blue Mountains

From Hunter Valley, get ready for a 3-hour drive to the Blue Mountains. We checked into Old Leura Dairy — an old dairy plant converted into cosy homes for travellers visiting the Blue Mountains. Check out our full 3D2N Blue Mountains Itinerary .

Cost:  From ~AU$200/night Address:  61 Kings Rd, Leura NSW 2780, Australia

Day 8-9: Blue Mountains

Accommodation:  Old Leura Dairy

The Blue Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a 90-minute drive from Sydney. Other than being home to the unique Three Sisters rock formation , there’s also a bunch of hikes, caves and viewpoints to discover. For more details of our time in the Blue Mountains, check out our 3D2N Blue Mountains Itinerary .

One of our favourite hikes was the  Grand Canyon Walking Track , perfect for an off-the-grid morning walk. The 6.3km through dense vegetation, waterfalls, and creeks is a relatively easy walk and you’ll get to be within nature for a good 2 – 3 hours.

Another attraction we highly recommend visiting is Jenolan Caves , a collective of expansive limestone caves within the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. While there are 11 caves that welcome visitors, we chose the Lucas Cave (AU$42) , the most famous of the cave systems. Within lies a great chamber — the “Cathedral Chamber” so famous for its acoustics that underground concerts take place in it.

The Blue Mountains region definitely offered more than we could visit during the 3D2N we were there. The beautiful natural landscapes of mountains, valleys, bushlands, and majestic caves gave us a sneak peek of what New South Wales embodies.

Read also:  The Full 3D2N Blue Mountains itinerary  

Thereafter, we started our 90-minute drive back to Sydney.

While Sydney is always appealing, why not head to the outskirts and experience other great adventures within nature? We hope this 9-day road trip itinerary will be useful for your next self-drive trip in New South Wales! Know of other amazing places in NSW? Share them with us in the comments section below~

This post was brought to you by Destination New South Wales (DNSW) .

  A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Jun 8, 2018 at 2:04am PDT

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Hi! What a fun-packed 9 days’ trip you had! Do you mind sharing the total cost you spent for this trip? Thanks!

Don’t have the exact breakdown for this trip but it was probably between AU$1.3 – 1.6k excluding flights 🙂

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The best road trips around New South Wales

Pack the boot, start those engines and hit the open road on one of the best drives in the state

If you've ever endured long haul travel – jetting through multiple timezones and a series of identical yet somehow still bamboozling airports – you may have found yourself questioning if it truly is about the journey and not the destination.

We've got just the thing to restore your faith in that old adage. Take a ride on one of these gorgeous scenic road trips around New South Wales. Pack the boot, roll down your windows and let gorgeous scenery whizz past you – be that soaring coastal cliffs, native bushland, or towering alpine forests. Trust us, no one will be asking if you're nearly there yet.

Want more inspo? These are the best weekend getaways close to Sydney Check out these gorgeous natural wonders worth a day trip from Sydney

These are the most quirky places to stay in nsw.

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Sydney to Avoca

Route: Sydney - Avoca Beach For a short and breezy roadtrip option, look no further than the Central Coast's sleepy little township of Avoca Beach. You'll get there before lunchtime, which leaves plenty of time for seaside chills. It's not quite as cheeky as its namesake in Rio, but head to Copacabana for a surf, or the busier, more bustling Terrigal Beach further north if you'd rather just a dip. Set on a sprawling homestead out of town, Shady Palms  is the spot for modern Australian and Italian lunch fare, and catch a flick at the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre   before you hop back in the car to head home – it's been unwinding reels since 1948. If you have a little longer, put your hiking boots on and take in the views from a glorious coast-hugging trek through Bouddi National Park . 

The Waterfall Way

Route: Coffs Harbour - Armidale With 185km worth of national  parks, waterfalls and lofty lookout platforms between the Central NSW towns of Coffs Harbour and Armidale, you'll be glad you took a spin over this route.  From Sydney, it'll take you around five and a half hours to snake along the coast to reach the regional hub of Coffs Harbour, where you can stop in for a caffeine hit at Suppy Speciality Coffee Co or   Sawtell's the Hilltop Store   (owned by ex- Chiswick and 4Fourteen head chefs). Then you can turn westward towards Armidale. Make sure to pack a picnic to unwrap as you sit and gaze over the rushing streams of Dorrigo's majestic Dangar Falls,  or the 220m-high Wollomombi Falls . 

The Grand Pacific Drive

Route: Sydney - South Coast The Grand Pacific Drive hugs the ocean for much of its 138km span bridging the distance between Sydney and New South Wales' South Coast. Roll down your windows to feel the brisk, salty sea air on your drive through the pretty towns of  Austinmer, Thirroul and Kiama. Factor  in some time to stop by the road for crisp fish and chips from a corner store by the beach – Thirroul's South Sailor should have you covered. Once you reach Werri Beach, turn right back around to head home, or wander westward to navigate to the idyllic scenery of the Southern Highlands – there's pastoral charm and wine aplenty waiting for you. 

Sydney to Wagga Wagga

Route: Sydney - Wagga Wagga This five and a half hour drive into the heart of the Riverina region will take you past a lot of pretty pastoral scenery, but the real attractions are the nibbles along the way. Stash those petrol station chippies, because  quality paddock-to-plate eateries line the trail between Sydney and the country town of Wagga Wagga. G rab some local jam  and honey from the  Little Hand-Stirred Jam Shop  in Berrima; pick up a bottle or two of local wine from The Vintner's Daughter in Murrumbateman (and check out its sci-fi memorabilia); or why not sample some  handmade fudge at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory ?  Once you arrive in Wagga, head over to the Thirsty Crow for a cool beer and a chinwag with the locals – or hit up one of Australia's secret 'beaches', and see if you can catch the single wave that supposedly passes over the enigmatic lake each day at 5pm. 

Sydney to Mudgee

Route: Sydney - Orange - Mudgee There's a roadtrip route to suit everyone, and this one is clearly earmarked for the foodies amongst us. Follow breadcrumbs from Sydney for four hours towards the promise of unparalelled gastronomic experiences in the vineyard-bound town of Orange . Here, you can while away a day or two exploring high-elevation vineyards like Brangayne of Orange , or sip on light reds while tasting fresh, local produce at the Swinging Bridge   cellar door. Jump  back in the car for another two hours and h ead to Mudgee where you’ll find another plethora of wineries and restaurants – from the  architectural fine dining haunts like the Pipeclay Pumphouse   to creative local cafés like   The Dancing Goat . Head back to Sydney, and try not to stop in at the exact same places on your way home.

Kosciuszko Alpine Way

Route:  Khancoban - Thredbo-Perisher, Kosciuszko National Park As you weave your way from Jindabyne through the tall gum tree-lined forests of Kosciuszko National Park, this route is a mountainous, otherworldly journey into the heart of New South Wales. It's well-storied, too – heard of 'The Man from Snowy River'? Yep, this is where you'll breathe in that "clear as crystal" air Banjo Paterson was banging on about. During months with less snow, as the deep grooves of mountain-bike and hiking tracks resurface again, hop out of the car to stretch your legs with some exercise in the mountain air. To warm up, head to  Black Sallee's for goulash, gourmet hot dogs and the best hot chocolate on the mountain. Oh, and make sure to pull over and take pictures of wildflowers – they grow by the roadside.

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13 Epic NSW Road Trips: From Coast to Countryside

NSW road trip offers everything from pristine beaches to beautiful landscapes so unique you might think you have landed on another planet. We have spent years exploring the coastal cities and small county towns in NSW and today we thought we would try to inspire you to do the same.

Not sure where to go? Well, these road trips are a great place to start. From opals and hot springs to an open-range zoo and more than a dozen waterfalls. There’s much to do when you hit the road and explore NSW.

Because we haven’t been everywhere yet we asked our travel writing friends to share their favourite road trips in NSW to come up with 13 NSW Road Trips we think all locals should tick off their list.

White Cliffs

Lightning ridge, kangaroo valley, maitland and morpeth, coffs harbour.

This page contains affiliate links. You can find our full disclosure policy here .

If you are new to driving in Australia, then we suggest you start with this guide to Driving in Australia. You may also find our tips for r enting a motorhome in Australia helpful if you want the freedom of not having to book accommodation in advance. You can rent a campervan if you are travelling on a budget, but still have the convenience of a home on wheels.

Head west: Road Trips in NSW That Are Not On The Coast

As a nation of coast dwellers, many of NSW’s favourite holiday spots are dotted on the coast between Eden and Tweed Heads. But we would love to encourage you to take the road less travelled and head inland for an epic outback adventure. There is so much to see inland. It’s time to visit our unique country towns and enjoy their hospitality.

You may not have heard of the historic town of Wentworth but I am sure you will be familiar with its best known sites.

The river town of Wentworth 1050 kilometres west of Sydney offers travellers everything from significant landmarks and fascinating colonial history to natural wonders, including one of New South Wales’s most beautiful national parks.

Wentworth sits on the junction of the Murray River and Darling River. With its lovely reserve, an observation tower and plenty of information about the intersection. If you’re a history buff, there’s a lot to like about Wentworth. Highlights include the PS Ruby, a self-guided historical walk/drive, the wonderful Pioneer Museum and the well preserved Wentworth Gaol. There are some great natural features around Wentworth too. Perry Sandhills is 6km south of the town. They are great for sandboarding or just walking across to appreciate their size. Anyone with a green thumb will love The Australian Inland Botanic Gardens. It features a rose garden with over 1600 rose varieties. There is also a great playground and giant musical instruments made from recycled materials that kids will love.

Wentworth is the closest base from which to explore Mungo National Park only 150 kilometres away. The wind and water sculptured desert landscape is spectacular. Combine what you see today with the area’s 40,000-year-old indigenous history, and you have a unique location. Wentworth is a brilliant spot to visit year-round. Although, if you don’t like the heat, avoid visiting in the summer.

Contributed by Natalie and Steve, the Curious Campers

The highlight of my Sydney to Broken Hill drive is a tie between White Cliffs and Mungo National Park. While Mungo National Park is all over Instagram, few people have heard of White Cliffs. This old-school mining town in NSW is the definition of an underrated destination. Yet it is in my opinion much cooler than its more well-known cousin in South Australia, Coober Pedy.

Visiting the strange white hilly landscape that the locals of White Cliffs call home is a fantastic experience. Underground houses can be found below the white hills and give the town its deserted feel upon arrival. They are absolutely necessary though to maintain a cool indoor climate in the gruelling heat. Don’t forget to visit one as the interior of houses such as ‘the White House’ is nothing short of spectacular. If you are looking at staying in White Cliffs, look no further than The Underground Motel. The name gives it away, but the hotel only has underground rooms. Think cool temperatures, a lot of history, and nature’s best blackout curtains.

Marijs originally from Belgium now calls Australia home. Her website Rooftop Antics encourages women to travel more and gives you great solo itineraries. 

NSW Answer to Coober Pedy

Located approximately 9 hours’ drive northwest of Sydney is the historic mining town of Lightning Ridge . This unique town is bursting with character and is a favourite among road trippers looking for something completely off the beaten track.

One of the primary attractions in Lightning Ridge is the natural bore baths. These natural hot springs are perfect for relaxing after a long drive. The water in these bore baths is rich in minerals, making it ideal for soaking away any aches and pains. Visitors can sink into the soothing waters while admiring the beautiful Australian outback views.

Lightning Ridge is also famous for its opal mines. You can explore the town’s mining history by visiting the mining museum and learning how opals are mined and refined. Gem shopping is also a highlight, with many shops offering exquisite opal jewellery and other gemstones. It’s very hard to leave without buying at least one!

For a unique and adventurous experience, visitors can try fossicking for opals with Opal Mine Adventure. We loved our day out with them and it was the perfect way to learn more about the character of the town. We also got to meet the local ducks!

Plan to visit in autumn or winter. In summer, even the locals clear our heads deep into their mines to escape the unbearable heat.

A great introduction to outback NSW Cobar makes a great stop on a road trip to Broken Hill.

Since copper was discovered in the mid-1870s, Cobar, which sits in the middle of NSW between Dubbo and Broken Hill, has been one of the state’s most productive mining towns.

The first discovery was made by a pastoralist who was led to the site by local Aborigines; I wonder if they knew what sharing the location would result in if they would have gone ahead.

Today, thanks to increased mining in recent years, activity Cobar’s is home to 4,000 people and is a busy, welcoming town. Several mines, including the New Cobar Open Cut Gold Mine and Great Cobar Copper Mine, are open for visitors.

There are several heritage buildings in Cobar and a stop at the Great Cobar Heritage Centre where you can learn about Cobar’s history is a good way to start your visit.

However, one of the biggest draw cards to the Cobar area is the incredible Aboriginal rock art. You will find it about 40 km west of the town at the Mount Grenfell historic site. The site boasts 1,300 artworks of the Wongaibon people, including hand stencils and depictions of animals and people, making it one of the most significant in the state. Cobar is just under 700 kilometres from Sydney via Dubbo, and the drive takes about eight hours. We suggest you avoid driving between dusk and dawn as it is prime time for kangaroos, goats and emus to wander on the road. Visit in Spring or Autumn when the weather is mild. Summer can be scorching!

Suggested by Leah Smileski from Kid Bucket List who visited Cobar in NSW Central West with her whole family

The best choice for a family road trip in NSW, a trip to Dubbo includes the world class Taronga western plains zoo, the Royal Flying Doctor Centre and lots of family friendly accommodations .

Just five hours away from Sydney lies the charming town of Dubbo, which is more than just a pit stop for a visit to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Dubbo is by taking the scenic Great Dividing Range route. This route takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in NSW while showcasing the natural diversity of the region. From soaring mountain ranges to sprawling farm fields, the Great Dividing Range route has it all.

Aside from its breathtaking natural scenery, Dubbo is also steeped in colonial and Indigenous history. Discover the town’s rich history by visiting landmarks such as the Old Dubbo Gaol, or learn about Australia’s first people through the exhibits at the Dubbo Regional Museum. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the Royal Flying Doctor base; an essential service that links rural Australians with vital medical care.

Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in history or explore the great outdoors, make a stop in Dubbo for a perfect family road trip.

A charming town surrounded by nature

Nestled in the heart of the New South Wales Southern Highlands , Kangaroo Valley is a small town that offers a peaceful and scenic getaway. Its lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque river make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

A stroll through Kangaroo Valley’s streets will let you take it to its many heritage buildings. The historic Hampden Bridge is also worth a visit for its unique and beautiful design. Stop in at the General Cafe for some delicious homemade scones with jam and cream.

For those looking for adventure, the town also offers a variety of outdoor activities. Canoeing down the Kangaroo River is a popular choice, as is horse riding through the rolling hills. The town is also home to several bushwalking trails, which showcase its stunning natural beauty.

Kangaroo Valley is a great getaway from Sydney if you are looking for a quick drive from Sydney that delivers a quiet, back-to-nature escape.

NSW Road Trips for Foodies

The wine regions and dairy country of NSW, complete with the natural beauty of our next few stops offer excellent road trip getaways that are not too far from Sydney.

Mudgee is a fantastic food and wine region, just on the other side of the Blue Mountains.

Mudgee is one of NSW’s premier wine regions in the Central Tablelands of NSW. The 270 km journey will take you around 3.5 hours to 4 hours, or 45 minutes, by air with Pelican Airlines.

Mudgee is home to over 35 wineries, a gin distillery, cheese-makers, local restaurants and bars. You can wander the historical streets of Mudgee in the morning taking in the colonial buildings that date back to the 1800s, or enjoy a coffee at one of the many coffee shops before heading to one of the local wineries for wine tasting and farm-to-table lunch experiences. Two of our favourite wineries are Gooree Park Wines and Moothi Estate. The best time to visit Mudgee is in the spring or autumn. The summer months between December and February will see temperatures reaching the high 30s. If you can plan to visit Mudgee between Thursday and Sunday, you will find all the wineries and restaurants open, and some of the smaller wineries close between Monday and Wednesday. You can choose from a range of accommodations from boutique hotels, glamping, bed and breakfasts, pubs and farm stays.

Suggested by Jane from To Travel Too

A very pretty town with a fabulous food and wine industry. This is the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

Orange is a sophisticated, large country town buzzing with quality and hatted restaurants, cafes and wine bars, high-end boutiques, and artisanal stores. All this is surrounded by vineyards and over 40 cellar doors on the outskirts of the town. Orange in the Central West is ideal for a country food lover’s escape. It’s a good place to experience ‘living like a local’. Just a 3.5-hour scenic drive from Sydney west over the Blue Mountains, Orange is also accessible by XPT train and direct daily flights from Sydney with REX Airlines.

Blessed by four distinct seasons, you’ll want to keep coming back to experience them all. The annual Orange F.O.O.D Week festival each April coincides with the autumn produce harvest and wine vintage, attracting over 10,000 visitors to the region over its two-week program.

Six months later, the Orange Wine Festival is held in October, incorporating the Orange Wine Show where local vignerons uncork the latest vintage to review the spectacular results.

The Orange wine region is the highest altitude wine-producing region in Australia (starting at 600 metres up to 1,100 metres above sea level). The cool-climate wines of the Orange region are produced in an elegant, full-bodied style similar to Europe with the Chardonnay, Sparkling, Shiraz and Pinot Noir varietals the stars of the region.

Contributed by Orange local, Kelly Anne from Silver Compass Tours

While a trip to the Hunter Valley is on many getaway lists but nearby Maitland and Morpeth are fabulous towns with plenty to keep you entertained.

While many are familiar with the fabulous wineries in the Hunter Valley, the adjacent county towns of Maitland and Morpeth have developed a strong foodie culture that is the perfect foil to their region’s supply of world-class wines, farm-fresh produce and quality artisan foods. The chefs and owners of the innovative local cafés, restaurants and bakeries have put the towns on the map as a must-visit destination for food lovers.

Located just a 2-hour drive from Sydney, it’s easy to incorporate Maitland and Morpeth into your NSW country road trip. It’s a picturesque drive too, as both historic towns are on the banks of the mighty Hunter River with plenty of open farmland and rolling fields.  Another reason to visit these historic river port towns is their gorgeous heritage buildings and the stories from the past. Take one of the self-guided heritage walks, join a tour of Morpeth Gaol, wander along the riverfront and seek out the street art down by the Levee.  There’s no one right time to visit the Maitland area, but our pick is when the temperatures fall, and you can enjoy cozying up in front of an open fire with the famed Hunter Valley hospitality.

Suggested by Toni from 2 Aussie Travellers

Read about our stay in Morpeth and Maitland earlier this year.

Iconic Coastal road trips in NSW

Beach holidays on the NSW Coast are an unforgettable experience for almost every Sydneysider. The beautiful beaches and amazing stops along the Pacific highway offer plenty of options for a fabulous scenic drive.

The 3rd largest city in NSW this Illawarra Coast hotspot is an easy escape on the city’s doorstep

The Grand Pacific Drive route will take you via Sydney’s Royal National Park to the South Coast and gives you an opportunity to drive across the Sea Cliff Bridge .

Located just an hour south of Sydney, Wollongong is a vibrant coastal city less than ninety minutes from Sydney. With its stunning beaches, acclaimed restaurants, and chic city bars, Wollongong has something for everyone.

The city’s beaches are a major draw card, with the famous surf break at North Wollongong Beach attracting surfers from all over the world. But it’s not just about the surf – Wollongong’s beaches are also perfect for swimming, fishing, and relaxing in the sun.

When it comes to dining, Wollongong has plenty of options to choose from. Head to the bustling Crown Street for a range of cuisines, from modern Australian to Asian fusion.

As the sun sets, Wollongong comes to life with a range of night-time entertainment options. For a laid-back vibe, head to the Illawarra Brewery for craft beer and live music. For a more intimate experience, the wine bar at Mia Mia is the perfect spot to sample some of the region’s best drops. And for a night to remember, Pepe’s on the Beach in North Wollongong is a must-visit – with stunning views of the ocean and delicious food and drinks on offer.

Related: We recently spent 2 nights in Newcastle and had a fabulous time!

Home of the white sand beaches

Jervis Bay , located on the south coast of New South Wales, is an ideal destination for a NSW road trip itinerary. The bay is renowned for its crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, making it an oasis for beach lovers and water enthusiasts alike.

One of the most popular spots in Jervis Bay is Huskisson, an idyllic seaside town with a lively atmosphere. Take a stroll down the main street for a range of boutique shops and cafes, or grab a meal at Pilgrims Vegetarian Cafe, a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.

For nature lovers, Booderee National Park is an absolute must-visit. With its pristine beaches, rugged coastline, and lush forests, this park is home to an abundance of wildlife and biodiversity.

In addition to swimming and snorkelling, Jervis Bay is also a whale watching hotspot. During the winter months, visitors may catch a glimpse of humpback whales as they migrate along the coast.

Overall, Jervis Bay is a beautiful coastal destination with a range of attractions and activities to explore. Consider staying at Mollymook , a pretty beach town with plenty of accommodation options.

A Picturesque Coastal City on the mid-north coast

Coffs Harbour is a beautiful coastal city located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, on the North Coast of New South Wales. Known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and laid-back vibe, it is a popular stop for road trippers exploring the east coast.

One of the must-visit attractions in Coffs Harbour is the Big Banana, an iconic landmark of the city. Visitors can enjoy fun activities such as a giant slide, mini-golf, and a water park at this family-friendly attraction.

Jetty Beach is another great spot for a swim or a picnic with its calm waters and scenic views. For those interested in marine life, the National Marine Science Centre is a fascinating place to learn about the underwater world and conservation efforts.

Muttonbird Island is a beautiful nature reserve and home to hiking trails offering stunning views of the coastline and abundant birdlife.

We usually stay at the Oaks Resort and Spa which has breathtaking ocean views and excellent amenities. The Big 4 Caravan Park is a great choice for families.

Tip: Make sure you stop off for a delicious and fresh seafood meal, at the iconic Fishermen’s Co-Op.

Coffs Harbour is the perfect destination for road-trippers looking for a peaceful coastal getaway with plenty of natural beauty and family-friendly fun activities to indulge in.

A classic Aussie coastal town with beautiful beaches and a laid-back vibe

Located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Kingscliff is a coastal town that offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere. Known for its long gorgeous beaches, Kingscliff is a perfect stop for those looking to unwind and soak up the sun.

The town’s pristine white sand beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing or surfing. The nearby Cudgen Creek also offers calmer waters for those looking for a more relaxed experience.

Kingscliff is surrounded by scenic drives, making it a perfect stop for road trippers. Visitors can take a scenic drive that offers panoramic ocean views as well as the panoramas of the stunning hinterland.

For adventure enthusiasts, Kingscliff offers a range of outdoor activities such as mountain biking and walking tracks through the nearby nature reserves and national parks. The town also boasts a range of dining options, from fresh seafood to wine bars, as well as boutique shops selling local art and crafts.

Overall, Kingscliff is a laid-back and charming coastal town that offers a perfect stop for visitors looking for relaxation and outdoor adventures.

Want to start with shorter drives? Check out our list of day trips 1-2 hours from Sydney.

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney? Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help

6 thoughts on “13 Epic NSW Road Trips: From Coast to Countryside”

Great suggestions. There are so many places to visit in NSW. My mum was born in Maitland so I have been there many times!

That’s a great spot right by the vineyards!

Can’t wait to explore these while we are in Australia! So many great tips!

Thank you for this post! I saved it for later as it will help in planning the epic Australia road trip that’s on my bucket list. White Cliffs is now on my itinerary!

I’ve been to half of these places but obviously have a lot more exploring to do in my own state. Thanks for hosting me in this great collab post.

Even when you love a good road trip as much as we do there are always new places to discover. Thanks Paula for adding a couple more good options for our next trip south.

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The optimal nsw road trip we mapped out an itinerary of the state’s best stops.

Ally Burnie

Ally is happiest in her hiking boots out in nature and exploring all that Mother Earth has to offer. Whenever she gets the chance, you’ll find her travelling, going on long road-trips, camping, swimming in the ocean and having some mad Jeep adventures.

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It’s time to hit the open road kids! We’ve mapped out the ultimate NSW road trip itinerary. It’s MEGA, but is it doable? Heck yeah, but only for the most passionate and adventurous outdoor explorers. Is that you? Let’s find out…

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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You know the best thing about a road trip? There’s no right or wrong way to do it. All you need is a car, your mates (optional tbh), a map of sorts, and a wild and adventurous spirit.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t be smart about your road trip too. Because here’s the thing – NSW has so many froth-worthy spots to visit and sadly, we’re all adults with jobs who can’t afford to spend months-on-end careening around the state without a care in the world.

Read more: How To Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip

We’ve mapped out a complete itinerary of the state’s best stops so when you do have the time, these are the must-visit locations.

From natural thermal pools in Kosciuszko National Park to the beginning of the Outback at the Walls of China in Mungo National Park, to a night of stargazing in Jervis Bay, there are so many amazing adventures to be had right in NSW.

We’ve also included some excellent tours worth looking at while you’re on the road. A bit of local knowledge or expert gear might be what’s needed to craft an unforgettable trip.

And look, we’re realists. We know it’s not exactly a feasible road trip… unless? If you absolutely can’t get enough of the great outdoors, this is a call to arms – we dare you to try tick off all these spots.

Oh, and before you head off on your adventure, please remember to check the National Parks website for closures and other important alerts. 

Read more: Remember to leave no trace !

Stop 1: The Royal National Park

Location: Royal National Park, Sydney Highlight: The Coast Track

Let’s kick off the adventure close to home, eh? Embark on an unforgettable multi-day journey along the stunning Coast track that stretches from Bundeena to Otford in Sydney’s Royal National Park.

Endless clifftop views on the Coast Track | @allyburnie_

This challenging 26km hike offers incredible coastal vistas and beautiful swimming spots along the way.

While it can be done in a day, we’d recommend breaking it up over 2 days. You could also cover either the Northern section (18km) or the Southern section (8km) of the walk if you only have one day.

Stop 2: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Location: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Highlight: Fliteboarding

Travelling a little further north, your next stop is the beautiful Ku-ring-gai National Park. Plenty of trails to be tackled – but did you know you can go fliteboarding?

With Fliteschool Manly , you can master the art of flying an electric hydrofoil surfboard through the park’s breathtaking waterways. No wind or waves necessary! If that’s not your jam there are plenty of lush hikes too.

As if you wouldn’t give this a crack? | Photo: Destination NSW

Stop 3: Bouddi National Park

Location: Central Coast Highlight: Bouddi coastal walk

Next, head to the sunny Cenny Coast, one of my personal fave spots in NSW and home to one of the best hikes in the state.

Soaring views all the way to Palm Beach in Bouddi | @allyburnie_

The 8km Bouddi coastal walk stretches from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach and is an incredibly scenic trail famous for its picturesque beaches, sweeping views, serene rainforests, and plenty of places for a picnic or swim.

Hot tip: Want to see the coast from the water? Coast XP run coastal sightseeing tours and whale watching (June – November) from their custom built boat.

Stop 4: Worimi Conservation Lands

Location: Stockton, Nelson Bay Highlight: 4WD beach driving

Get ready to hit the sandy shores of Worimi Conservation Lands for some seriously wild beach and dune driving action. With over 19km of Stockon beachfront and a whopping 350 hectares of dune driving, this is the ultimate playground for off-road enthusiasts.

Don’t own a 4WD? Take a quadbike for a spin! | Photo: Destination NSW

Or, if you don’t have a 4WD, why not take a quad bike or other tours through Sand Dune Adventures on land adjoining the park?

Want to start 4WDing? Read this beginner’s guide

Stop 5: Port Stephens

Location: Port Stephens Highlight: Mt Tomaree Head Summit Walk

Possibly one of the most iconic and popular places to snap a pic commemorating your journey north is from the top of the Mt Tomaree Head Summit Walk . It’s a short but steep walk that’ll take you about two hours, but the expansive views from the top are certainly bloody worth it. Pro tip: get up there for sunrise.

Stop 6: South West Rocks

Location: South West Rocks Highlight: Smokey Cape Walking Track

South West Rocks is a must-visit on any NSW road trip and a great place to soak up heaps of chill coastal vibes before adventuring inland.

The Smoky Cape walking track in particular is a must-do and is part of the longer Little Bay to Smoky Cape walk located in the northern precinct of Hat Head National Park. The trail can be done in under two hours and will take you along ridges and down gullies behind North Smoky Beach, weaving through dense rainforests of cabbage tree palms and lush ferns.

Hit up Trial Bay Gaol Campground for a beachside zone to stay the night.

Nearby Accommodation

Stop 7: dorrigo national park.

Location: 1 hour from Coffs Harbour Highlight: Skywalk Lookout

There’s plenty going on in Dorrigo National Park, but an essential visit is the Skywalk Lookout . Perched 21m above the rainforest on the edge of the escarpment, the lookout offers striking views of the Bellinger Valley all the way to the coast, showcasing deep valleys and gorges covered in lush rainforest.

Misty mountain views from the Skywalk Lookout | Photo: Destination NSW

Keep an eye out for Regent bowerbirds, Topknot pigeons, and Grey goshawks as you saunter through the rainforest.

Read more: Don’t miss the tranquil cascade of Crystal Shower Falls!

Stop 8: Mt Kaputar National Park

Location: Near Narrabri Highlight: Sawn Rocks

If you’re in your Ross Geller era and love cool-looking rock formations, prepare to be awed by the epic Sawn Rocks , located north of Mt Kaputar National Park. This towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes reaches a height of 40 metres and is the impressive result of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano over 21 million years ago.

Sawn Rocks is one of Australia’s best examples of a rock formation called ‘organ-piping’ – because they look like a wall of giant organ pipes – go figure! To reach the rocks it’s an easy 1.5km return hike.

There’s so much more to explore at Mt Kaputar, camp out at Dawsons Spring Campground for a cool night high above the plains.

Stop 9: Pilliga National Park

Location: Near Narrabri Highlight: Pilliga Forest

Pronounced ‘pilly-gah,’ the Pilliga Forest is an unmissable destination for anyone seeking rugged beauty on a grand scale. With over half a million hectares to explore, you can drive or hike along the 2,000km of public access trails to discover the vastness of this iconic Australian landscape.

Pitch your tent at the free Sculptures in the Scrub campground in Timmallallie National Park, and take a guided Discovery tour of Sandstone Caves to learn about the Gamilaroi people’s deep connection to this ancient landscape.

Stop 10: Gundabooka National Park

Location: Bourke Highlight: Little Mountain Walking Track

Get ready to immerse yourself in the inspiring beauty of the Australian outback with the Little Mountain walking track in Gundabooka National Park. This red-soil track runs from Dry Tank campground to Little Mountain lookout, offering breathtaking views of the Gunderbooka Range rising up from the plains.

The lookout at the end of the track offers scenic views of the range’s entire northern escarpment and is especially beautiful at sunset. We recommend visiting in spring and autumn when the wildflower displays are spectacular.

Stop 11: White Cliffs Area

Location: White Cliffs Highlight: Paroo-Darling National Park

Venture to the enchanting White Cliffs region, a remote and breathtaking corner of NSW. This awe-inspiring area is renowned for its opal fields, subterranean dwellings, colonial history, and spectacular desert vistas. You can even stay in an underground motel ! Make your way to nearby towns like Wilcannia, Tilpa, and Louth, each with its unique charm and character.

Be sure to explore the magnificent Paroo-Darling National Park , home to an abundance of birdlife and significant Aboriginal sites. Witness the natural beauty of the Paroo Overflow, the only unregulated river in the Murray-Darling Basin, and bask in the expansive landscapes.

Stop 12: Mungo National Park

Location: Mungo and Wentworth Highlight: Walls of China

About 1000km to the west of Sydney you’ll find the other-worldly Mungo National Park . While Outback NSW is often forgotten in a NSW road trip itinerary, we’re here to tell you it should be on the top of your list – especially Mungo National Park and the Walls of China .

The moonrise over the Walls of China helps you remember you’re still on Earth | Photo: Destination NSW

Best view at sunrise or sunset, these dramatic formations shaped by wind and erosion are not to be missed. Take the time to explore the ancient lakebeds where historic relics of early Aboriginal culture have been found and marvel at the true wonder of the NSW Outback.

Stop 13: Snowy Mountains

Location: Kosciuszko National Park Highlights: Charlotte Pass Walk, Thredbo Valley Track & Yarrangobilly Caves

The Snowy Mountains region is a unique wonderland that never fails to amaze and inspire with its stunning contrasts. With towering peaks and serene valleys, grand hikes and delicious thermal pools, this place is truly one of a kind.

If you’re up for a challenge, I’d recommend the 18.6km Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk , or you can try the easier 9km Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk which is the first section of the new multi-day Snowies Alpine Walk.

Seamans Hut near Mt Kosciuszko |  @allyburnie_

If you prefer to adventure on wheels check out the Thredbo Valley Track . Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the track offers a variety of cycling experiences to suit your level.

You can choose from guided tours, the easier first section from Thredbo to Lake Crackenback Resort, or go all out on the full 35-kilometre adventure.

With a day of adventuring complete, you have to visit the picture-perfect Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool .

Nestled within the lush valley surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees and close to the Yarrangobilly River, this 20m thermal pool is sourced from a natural spring approximately 1km beneath the surface and remains a balmy 27°C all year round.

Yarrangobilly Pools stay warm year round | @allyburnie_

Stop 14: Merimbula

Location: Sapphire Coast Highlight: Kayaking adventures

Merimbula is a magical coastal town located on the Sapphire Coast, which boasts breathtaking ocean beaches and quiet coastal lakes.

There are plenty of exciting adventures to be had here, especially surfing,  kayaking or SUP-ing on Merimbula Main Beach – five kilometres of pristine blue ocean.

Long waves at Merimbula Bay | Photo: Destination NSW

Have your own kayaking adventure or be guided by the awesome team at Navigate Expeditions who offer immersive, and regenerative travel experiences for the environmentally conscious traveller.

Hot tip: Halfway between Merimbula and Jervis Bay is the new Murramarang South Coast Walk , a gorgeous three day coastal hike with camping or cabins to stay in!

Stop 15: Jervis Bay

Location: South Coast Highlights: Stargazing, Booderee National Park , Honeymoon Bay, Woebegone Freedive

From beach-side camp spots like Green Patch in Booderee National Park to the awe-inspiring Gosangs Tunnel in Honeymoon Bay, to one of the best scuba diving spots in the South Coast, there’s no limit to the adventures you can have in the Jervis Bay region.

We especially love Woebegone Freedive , a unique and adventurous underwater experience. Embark on a truly phenomenal beach and boat snorkelling expedition of Jervis Bay, catching epic seal colonies, migratory humpback whales, sea caves, and beautiful white sandy beaches.

Then, experience a new POV as you turn your head to the sky with Jervis Bay Stargazing – a new 90-minute tour led by an astrophysicist. This out-of-this-world tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the night sky using a state-of-the-art telescope and astronomy binoculars.

If you’ve never stargazed with a telescope you’re missing out! | Photo: Destination NSW

Don’t Miss Adventures in Kangaroo Valley: Valley Outdoors in Kangaroo Valley run canoeing, hiking, camping, and abseiling experiences. Or if you’re feeling peckish the Canoe and Canapes tour by Wild Food Adventures might be more your speed.

Stop 16: Wollongong

Location: Bald Hill Lookout and Shellharbour Highlight: Hang gliding

Possibly NSW’s most popular lookout spot, Bald Hill Lookout is a must-visit on any NSW road trip itinerary. Not just a great spot to snap a pic, it’s also a hang-gliding hotspot – want to give it a go ?

From Bald Hill, you can catch a glimpse of the Sea Cliff Bridge, an iconic attraction that extends along the Grand Pacific Drive (another must-do on any NSW road trip).

Or you can get out on the water with Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour . Think sunrise paddling, after dark paddling (!) or even SUP yoga or surfing – if it’s on a SUP these guys offer it.

Stop 17: Blue Mountains

Location: Blue Mountains Highlight: Mountain Biking & Lake Lyell

You can’t leave out the Blue Mountains on a NSW road trip – but unlike most itineraries, we’re not gonna tell you to visit the Three Sisters.

We reckon your time in the Blue Mountains is better spent on a mountain biking adventure . With a range of tours spanning the length and breadth of the national park, there’s an adventure for everyone.

Mountain biking is a stellar way to see the Blue Mountains | Photo: Destination NSW

After your day of adventuring, book a spot at Lake Lyell Recreation Park . This huge campground is perfect for water skiing , fishing, kayaking, and boating, and best of all it’s dog-friendly, there’s no better spot if you love camping by the water.

Morning camp views at Lake Lyell | @allyburnie_

Reckon You Could Tackle this Road Trip?

Are you the ultimate road-tripper? Think you could complete this mega road trip and tick off every place and adventure? Go on, we dare ya. Let us know in the comments if you reckon you could! Also, let us know your must-visit spots on a NSW road trip – we’d love to hear about your fave places and add them to the map.

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28 unforgettable road trips in NSW

Whether it's journeying from beautiful beaches to ancient rainforests, traveling along picturesque coastlines, grazing through bountiful food and wine trails, or embarking on an epic outback adventure, these 28 New South Wales road trip itineraries have got you covered.

This article may contain links from our affiliate and advertising partners. When you click on them, or share this content, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

Kosciuszko Alpine Way

Cooma to kosciuszko national park.

Pack your sense of adventure for this unforgettable drive from Canberra through to the magnificent Snowy Mountains. On the 180-kilometre drive, stop in Cooma for Snowy River adventures, take in serene scenes at Lake Jindabyne (pictured), then get ready for the all-seasons alpine playground of Kosciuszko National Park. Picture: Destination NSW

Coast and Country Highlife

Bowral to robertson.

This 540-kilometre loop offers a tasty foray into coast and country. Explore the culinary highlights of the Southern Highlands, visit a sustainable farm in Braidwood, shuck oysters and spot whales in Batemans Bay (pictured), feast on fresh seafood at Mollymook, sip wines in the cellar doors surrounding Jervis Bay, find an epicurean hub in Gerringong, and stock up on cheese and jams in Robertson. Picture: Destination NSW

Stargazing and Storytelling

Parkes to bourke.

Weave your way through Central and Outback NSW on this 910-kilometre epic drive . From Parkes, wander Dubbo’s zoo and historic streets. Gaze at the stars at the Warrumbungles (pictured) and learn more about the Dark Sky Park in Coonabarabran’s observatories. Fossick for opals at Lightning Ridge, get a deeper understanding for Aboriginal culture at Brewarrina and wrap up on the river in Bourke. Picture: Destination NSW

Greater Blue Mountains Drive

Katoomba to hawkesbury.

This two-day, 220-kilometre circuit is an exploration through the alluring sandstone plateaus west of Sydney. See the Three Sisters in Katoomba, explore the 340-million-year-old Jenolan Caves, stroll the verdant Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah, go cider tasting in Bilpin, and finish with a paddle on the Hawkesbury River. Picture: Destination NSW

Cool Coast to Intrepid Inland

Newcastle to maitland.

From world-class surf to world-famous wineries this 250-kilometre loop offers fun for everyone. Start with a dip in Newcastle’s ocean baths then head south to Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast. Explore Glenworth Valley’s serene wilderness by horseback, drink in the vine-covered hills of Hunter Valley wine country, and finish in the graceful riverside towns of Maitland (pictured) and Morpeth. Picture: Destination NSW

Heritage Highlights

Picton to coalcliff.

Take a trip back in time on this historic 210-kilometre sojourn . Visit NSW’s first European settlement in Picton, the heritage rail lines of Thirlmere, and Australia’s best-preserved Georgian town Berrima. Taste exceptional wine and food in Bowral and Berry, hike the cliffs of Kangaroo Valley, and finish with a scenic drive across the ocean-perched Seacliff Bridge (pictured) in Coalcliff. Picture: Destination NSW

Waterfall Way

Coffs harbour to armidale.

Celebrate wilderness and wonder on this 210-kilometre drive from the Mid North Coast to the country. Explore the natural beauty of the Coffs Coast; pass lush countryside of Bellingen; chase the waterfalls of Dorrigo National Park (pictured) and Dangar Falls; hike through volcanic, Gondwana forest-clad valleys in Ebor; spot wallabies in Wollomombi; and end in Armidale, the ‘Cathedral City’. Picture: Destination NSW

Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive

Wollongong to merimbula.

Find indulgence and adventure on this 420-kilometre voyage between two cities. From Wollongong, journey through Kiama’s hinterland to the white sands of JervisBay and picturesque harbour town of Ulladulla. Taste oysters in Batemans Bay, take a scenic flight over Moruya and swim with the seals off Montague Island (pictured). Find more great surf and seafood in Merimbula, just an hour from the border. Picture: Destination NSW

Kamilaroi Contrasts

Willow tree to bourke.

Take your time roaming Kamilaroi country on this 930-kilometre cultural odyssey . Drive through bright canola fields of Quirindi and get close to nature in Gunnedah. Take a dip in the Great Artesian Basin bore baths, follow in the footsteps of legendary Aboriginal tracker Norman Walford on the Walford Walkway, search for opals at Lightning Ridge (pictured), and get a taste of real outback life in Bourke. Picture: Destination NSW

Darling River Run

Walgett to wentworth.

Follow the Darling River (pictured) to the great outback on this 930-kilometre tour through the bush . Dip in Walgett’s thermal Artesian Bore Baths, see 40,000-year-old fish traps (Ngunnhu) in Brewarinna, go paddle-boating in Bourke, stop for a meal at the legendary Tilpa Hotel, learn our Indigenous history at Kinchega National Park in Menindee, and finish at the sweeping red sand dunes near Wentworth. Picture: Destination NSW

Legendary Pacific Coast

Lake macquarie to tweed heads.

Meander up the Pacific Highway on this 820-kilometre coastal journey . Explore sea caves and rockpools in Lake Macquarie (pictured), find the beach lifestyle of Newcastle, marvel at the sand dunes in Port Stephens, meet koalas in Port Macquarie, birdwatch in the wetlands of Hat Head National Park, snap the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, surf in Byron Bay, and savour the fruits of Tweed Heads. Picture: Destination NSW

Fossickers Way

Barraba to tamworth.

Brush up on mining history on this 585-kilometre adventure . Start in the heritage town of Barraba and see the magnificent silo art, fossick for sapphires in Inverell, and marvel at the giant cedars and coachwood trees in Glen Innes. Sample local produce, brews and spirits in Uralla; learn the gold-mining past of Nundle; and finish with a stop in country music hub Tamworth. Picture: Destination NSW

Mighty Murray River Drive

Albury to wentworth.

Starting in far south NSW, this 880-kilometre road trip revolves around the river. Canoe on the Murray in Albury; see the Tocumwal Blowhole, fed by an underground stream; board a historic paddle-steamer in Echuca-Moama; fish in the Five Rivers Fishing Trail in Balranald; journey to the desert landscapes of Mungo National Park; and finish where the rivers converge in Wentworth.

Food-Lover's Loop

Hawkesbury to hunter valley.

Taking in all things delicious, this 550-kilometre circuit offers long lunches, paddock-to-plate dining and edible souvenirs. Find the farm trails of the Hawkesbury, devour the gourmet offering in the Blue Mountains, sip wines in Mudgee and Rylestone and end your journey in the world-acclaimed vineyards and award-winning restaurants in the Hunter Valley.

Coast to Country

Port macquarie to coffs harbour.

Discover something new on this 430-kilometre adventure through the Mid-North Coast. Hang with koalas and camels in Port Macquarie, join a bush tucker tour in Kempsey, and taste cheeses from the buffalo farm at Eungai. Float in the rainforest-lined Bellingen River (pictured) or take on the white-water rapids in Nymboida. Detour to the Grafton Heritage Trail and finish the fun in Coffs Harbour. Picture: Destination NSW

Tablelands Food and Wine Trail

Gundaroo to bungendore.

Embark on a culinary country escape with this 550-kilometre grazing tour. . Try the cool-climate wines of the Yass Valley and Canberra District, then discover a hidden foodie’s paradise in Jugiong (pictured). Wander the orchards, vineyards and olive groves in Young, and feed the alpacas in Crookwell. Find a treasure trove of antiques and cafes in Braidwood and end the trip at the elegant cellar doors in Bungendore. Picture: Destination NSW

Kidman Way and Beyond

Albury to bourke.

This epic 830-kilometre route cuts through the centre of rural NSW from south to north. Soak up the river ambience on a scenic canoe tour in Albury, camp on the Murrumbidgee in Darlington Point (pictured), feast on Griffith’s food-bowl bounty, check out the old gold mines of Cobar and relax on a paddleboat in Bourke. Picture: Destination NSW

The Classic Australian Drive

Wentworth to gundagai.

Uncover the history and sights of true blue Australia on this 860-kilometre country trip . Speed down the red dunes in Wentworth and explore the striking rocky landscapes of Mungo National Park (pictured) . Follow the heritage trail or go fishing in Balranald, and visit an 1870s homestead in Hay. Delve deeper into Wiradjuri culture in Wagga Wagga, and finish on the Murrumbidgee River in Gundagai. Picture: Destination NSW

The Long Paddock

Echuca-moama to wilcannia.

Retrace a historic network of stock routes on this 600-kilometre drive to the heart of the outback. Follow the Murray River on a heritage paddle-steamer in Echuca-Moama, go bird watchingin Booroorban and watch sheep shearing in action in Hay. Explore the Ivanhoe Heritage Walk and set up camp on the Darling River in Wilcannia. Picture: Destination NSW

Grand Pacific Drive

Royal national park to jervis bay.

Offering an endless slideshow of natural beauty, the 210-kilometre Grand Pacific Drive takes in the heritage rainforests of Royal National Park just an hour south of Sydney, laidback seaside living in Wollongong, spectacular scenes at Kiama’s blowholes, before finishing on the stunning white sands of Jervis Bay (pictured).

A Tour of Caves and Fossils

Sydney to wellington.

Discover wonders old and new on this 570-kilometre expedition across country NSW. In Sydney unearth fossils at the Australian Museum then hike to soaring views in the Blue Mountains and Capertee Valley. Drive the cliffside curves in Bathurst, learn the bushranger history at Canowindra, taste cool climate wines in Orange, and finish in the gardens, rainforests, and caves of Wellington (pictured). Picture: Destination NSW

Central to Outback NSW

Dubbo to broken hill.

Adventure seekers and history lovers alike will appreciate this 790-kilometre trip through Outback NSW. Starting in Dubbo, visit historic agricultural town of Nyngan, learn the Indigenous culture and colonial history of mining town Cobar (pictured) , admire the colonial architecture of Wilcannia, and end the trip stargazing in heritage-listed Broken Hill. Picture: Destination NSW

Rainforest Way

Byron bay to tabulam.

From the Byron Coast (pictured) to the lush hinterland, travel at your own pace on this 250-kilometre journey . Discover an ancient volcanic caldera in Murwillumbah, World Heritage-listed rainforests at Uki, creative communities in Lismore and the charming towns of Casino and Tabulam. Picture: Destination NSW

Heritage Towns and Contemporary Tastes

Yass valley to jugiong.

Find unexpected adventures on this 430-kilometre circuit . Taste wine in Yass Valley’s historic vine-filled estates, follow antique trails through gold rush country, graze the orchards of Young (pictured), and feast on prime produce served in heritage settings in Junee. Taste the fruits of the Riverina food bowl in Wagga Wagga, and book into the rustic restaurants and wineries of colonial town Gundagai. Picture: Destination NSW

NSW Food and Wine Trail

Lithgow to mudgee.

Feast through Australia’s food bowl on this 580-kilometre epicurean journey . Sample cheese and whisky in the Blue Mountains, tour the wineries of Orange, and taste farm-to-table fare in Canowindra (pictured). Drive past golden canola fields outside of Parkes, stop by the farmers market in Dubbo, and celebrate the end of your journey with a glass of wine on the rolling hills of Mudgee. Picture: Destination NSW

Riverina to Snowy Valleys Way

Griffith to tumbarumba.

Take along your appetite on this 400-kilometre journey through NSW’s food bowl. Wander the vineyards of Griffith (including Yarran Wines, pictured), the cellar doors of Leeton, and unwind on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River in Narrandera. Taste cheese in Coolamon, chocolate in Junee, more wine in Wagga Wagga, and finish among the hillside grape vines of Tumbarumba. Picture: Destination NSW

High Country to Cruising Coast

Cooma to bungendore.

A feast for all senses, this 400-kilometre adventure begins in the laidback town of Cooma and bucolic dairy town Bega. Eat your way along the Sapphire Coast: oysters in Tathra (pictured), cheese in Tilba, fresh produce in Cobargo and all-natural ice-cream in Bodalla. Talk to the animals at Mogo; search for sea life at Batemans Bay; and go back in time in Braidwood and Bungendore. Picture: Destination NSW

North Coast Hinterland Adventure

Tea gardens to port macquarie.

Go from the waves to the waterfalls on this 300-kilometre nature pilgrimage. . Paddleboard beside the mangroves in Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, kayak through the World Heritage-listed rainforest of Barrington Tops (pictured); look up at 200-metre Ellenborough Falls, one of the longest single-drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere; get lost in the Bago Maze; and go on a camel safari in Port Macquarie. Picture: Destination NSW

See also: 26 amazing NSW walks.

10 best free and cheap camping sites in NSW.

20 best NSW long weekend escapes.

These photography tours will change how you travel

Snap to it for a tour that’ll challenge your photography skills.

Chef’s guide to the world’s best markets

Based in Bondi, Aussie chef and TV host Guy Turland loves nothing more than discovering food markets around the world.

World’s most eye-popping animal encounters

Based on Phillip Island, this wildlife biologist and park ranger’s love of watching animals in their natural habitats has taken her all over the world. She shares her favourite experiences.

Never break these 9 rules on a camping trip

Whether you want to pitch a tent or drive a home on wheels, we've got all you need to know about camping and caravanning - from campsite etiquette to the right gear to budget hacks to stretch your holiday dollars.

JENNIFER EMPEY

Nsw roadtrip places to visit.

by Jennifer Empey | Last updated Apr 28, 2024 | 84 comments

• Where to visit on a road trip in New South Wales Australia?
• NSW Roadtrip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains then along the South Coast of NSW
• Where should I go on a road trip in NSW?
• Mimosa Rocks
• Wallaga Lake
• Australia Rock Narooma
• Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
• Blue Mountains
• Bombo Quarry Headland
• Hyams Beach
• Glasshouse Rocks Narooma
• Cathedral Rocks Kiama Downs
• Batemans Bay

The Rainbow on the Great Dividing Range

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn compensation when you make purchases, at no extra cost to you . Thank you for your support.

For this post, I traveled at my own expense.

• FirstHeading

NSW Roadtrip

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First, I planned a NSW Roadtrip.

So, at the end of August and the beginning of September, I traveled by road from Victoria to Canberra, to Sydney. Then, traveled around New South Wales Australia.

Here, August is the end of winter, and September is the start of spring.

I had never been to the southern coast of NSW. So, after the Blue Mountains that was my main destination on the way back from Sydney.

Then, it was only a few months later, that the areas I traveled, to were ravaged by the fires.

I would like to dedicate my post to all the brave people who helped to combat the fires and helped the people, wildlife, property,  and those affected by the fires.

Australia is a great southern land with much beauty and terror.

Tourists to the towns and regions affected by the fires in NSW and other states like Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, and ACT. They would help these towns and the businesses affected by the fires. It's not just the towns that were directly impacted, other towns and regions have been affected by people staying away

The slogan #emptyesky has rained. Whereby, you visit with an empty esky. So that, you can buy food, drinks, and produce when you visit these impacted towns and regions.

My favorite place on my travel along the south coast of NSW.

On the way, there was an Echidna in the middle of the road. So, I needed to hit the dirt to avoid a collision with the Echidna.

Imagine I am driving on a dirt road for kilometers. I drive up and down a big dipper. Along each side of the road, I am surrounded by tall trees and mounds of shells.

At the entrance to the campground, I see two wallabies standing watching in front of me in the middle of the road.

There are no other cars in sight. I am the only person there to experience the nature of this place.

I see the beach is made of pebbles. And I walk over this gigantic uneven terrain of a mound.

On my way down to the pebble beach, I walk on the wooden planks of the boardwalk.

I read signs that indicate to me that it's an area of Aboriginal significance.

And, I say to myself. I love this place of nature.

Mimosa Rocks National Park © Jennifer Empey

My favorite place that I stayed was at Wallaga Lake in a cabin. Wallaga Lake is near Bermagui on the south coast. Driving from the north, you'll drive over a one-lane bridge over  Wallaga Lake.

Outside of the cabin, you'll hear the sounds of the lake. Across the lake to the other side, you'll see Gulaga Mountain and Gulaga National Park.

And, behind you are the sounds of the waves of the ocean crashing at Camel Rock Beach.

Stay at the Lake and read my post for things to do at Wallaga Lake .

Wallaga Lake  © Jennifer Empey

** Australia Rock and Bar Rock Lookout are currently closed to visitors, check updates and details .**

Yes, there's a rock in the shape of Australia. And, when you look through the hole in the rock, it looks out over the ocean.

You'll find Australia Rock at the entrance of Wagonga Inlet. And, you veer left before the end of Bar Rock Road which goes up to Bar Rock Lookout.

At Bar Rock Lookout, you can see the breakwalls and Montague Island.

Read my post to learn more and link to check for updates on things to do at Narooma .

Australia Rock © Jennifer Empey

There, you can walk along the track in the treetops or zipline through the treetops.

Have you experienced or planned to experience a walk through the treetops?

Learn more in my post about the Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

Illawarra Treetop Fly Adventures © Jennifer Empey

In the Blue Mountains, there are many lookouts to stop and check out the view. The most famous is the Three Sisters at Katoomba. You can go on the Three Sisters Walk and see the formation closer. And you can go to the Boars Head Lookout, pictured below.

You can ride the scenic railway, go on the cable car, walk bush tracks, walk among the gum trees, climb the giant stairway, and see waterfalls. Read my post about the Blue Mountains for more things to do .

Boar Head at the Blue Mountains © Jennifer Empey

Camel Rock lies on the beach along the southern coast of NSW. I walked up close and took some pictures on my first visit.

On a subsequent visit, I walked further around Camel Rock. And, to my surprise, I found more rocks the size of Camel Rock.

So, I was in photography dreamland. See my photography at Camel Rock .

And, Horsehead Rock is another place to visit which is nearby. You can view it from a platform on the cliff. However, I didn't get to experience Horsehead Rock.

You can read my post about Camel Rock Surf Beach .

Camel Rock © Jennifer Empey

The Kiama Lighthouse and Blowhole are easy to get to by driving or walking from the town. They are on Blowpoint Headland and within walking distance of each other.

And, the Kiama Lighthouse is to the Kiama Blowhole. It has you memorized waiting for the water to come blowing out of the hole.

Kiama Lighthouse shows a picture story of daylight, sunset, blue hour, and night art photography of my journey at the lighthouse.

In my post, you can find things to do in Kiama . And, you can read more in my post about the lighthouse  and the blowhole .

Kiama Lighthouse © Jennifer Empey

Along the south coast of New South Wales at Bombo, Kiama is the Bombo Headland Quarry.

It can be quite dangerous here when the ocean is wild. The unique structure of Bombo Quarry is a photography destination. It's better to go at sunset or sunrise instead of during a bright sunny day.

Read about my experience at Bombo Quarry

Bombo Quarry Kiama © Jennifer Empey

There are many beaches in Jervis Bay. At Hyams Beach, the sand is white.

At the beach, the sun shone. The skies were clear. The waves crashed upon the shore. The beach is nestled close to the town.

I remember the white sandy beaches of Great Keppel Island in Queensland. The sand would squeak as you walked. You can experience what Great Keppel Island would have been like to holiday in 1980.

Read my post to learn more about Hyams Beach .

Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay © Jennifer Empey

From the cliff, at Narooma Cemetery you can see Glasshouse Rocks.

Getting down to the beach is not possible near the rocks because it's private property. I met a couple whilst I was there. They were looking for the way down to the beach.

It's near a white pick fence at the cemetery. It's too steep for me and needs to be low tide to go down.

Read my post about Glasshouse Rocks for more details

Glasshouse Rocks © Jennifer Empey

Along a winding track, you can see Cathedral Rocks.

As can be seen, the tide was in, so I didn't venture far. The access was from Jones Beach, however, I was on the other side. Birds were sitting on top of Cathedral Rocks.

When the tide is out, there are rocks on the beach and a cave. So, access for me would have been tough anyway.

Read my post about photography and Cathedral Rocks .

Cathedral Rocks © Jennifer Empey

Bermagui is the last major town before driving towards Mimosa Rocks National Park. Bermagui lies along the Sapphire Coast on the south coast of New South Wales.

In the town, there is a Visitor Information Centre which has information and maps about the area.

The boats are docked at the jetty in the harbour on the Bermagui River. You can see the fishing lines standing high in the boats, indicative of their use for deep sea and game fishing.

Learn more about things to do in Bermagui .

Bermagui © Jennifer Empey

At Eden, I stayed at a holiday park that has Legges Beach and Twofold Bay as its doorstep. Which looked out further to the South Pacific Ocean.

The color of the red rock is amazing. See the blue of the water. And, experience the walk along the sand to Quandoa Point at low tide.

And, you can visit the Eden Lookout and Rotary Park for Whale-watching when it's whale season. The killer whale museum rings its siren so that you can see whales from the shore. Visit the museum to see old Tom, and find out about the stories and history of whaling and Eden.

And, you can go on a whale-watching cruise.

You can stay at the beachfront holiday park in Eden .

Legges Beach at Eden © Jennifer Empey

I couldn't resist a quick stop at Batemans Bay as I traveled along the southern coast of NSW.

See the old Batemans Bay Bridge that crosses over the Clyde River in the picture below. Well, it's no longer there, it's been pulled down since I've been there. A new bridge has been built.

And, I remember driving past the turn-off to Mogo Wildlife Park.

As the bushfires ravaged New South Wales, they reminded me of the places that I had traveled.

Read my post about the things to do at Batemans Bay .

Old Batemans Bay Bridge © Jennifer Empey

Ulladulla is another town along the southern coast of NSW where I made a stop.

It is situated on the Princes Highway. And, there is parking by Ulladulla Harbour Beach.

• Have a picnic
• Go for a walk and stretch your legs
• Sit and watch the boats
• Grab something to eat at a cafe, bakery, or restaurant
• Get some fresh air
• Make a toilet stop
• Go to the shops
• Watch the birds and wildlife

Read my post about the things to do in Ulladulla .

Ulladulla Harbour © Jennifer Empey

And, I have left the most amazing experience to the last.

You can drive from Eden to Canberra. And, across the Great Dividing Range.

The scenery wasn't what I was expecting. It was rather barren, within a plateau with ranges in the distance. And, it was cold and windy.

As I was driving, I could see a rainbow. As I drew closer. there weren't any distractions. It seemed so huge across a paddock, not so far away.

It was like I could see the ends of the rainbow. I was in awe.

Read my post, where is the end of the rainbow ? And you can go to the map where it was on the Great Dividing Range .

Rainbow on the Great Dividing Range © Jennifer Empey

You can find travel essentials like where to check the weather, beach information, and national parks in NSW sites and information.

You can see in the map below the places to visit in NSW by car

• Kiama Things To Do

Things to Do at Kiama Visit the Kiama Lighthouse and Blowhole in NSW Australia The next overnight stop was Kiama Australia. The place had ocean views. However, there were signs that it would be renovated into townhouses. It's in a great location close to the town and...

Things To Do In the Blue Mountains

Go on the Three Sisters Walk in the Blue Mountains Blue Mountains Things See and Do Stay and participate in mountain activities. You'll find bush walks, the Three Sisters, the rocks, and waterfalls. And explore the caves. Watch sunsets and sunrises. You can catch the...

• Wallaga Lake Things To Do

Things To Do At Wallaga Lake Spend Time by a Lake on the south coast of New South Wales Australia I immersed myself in nature during the lakeside stay at Wallaga Lake. I witnessed the breathtaking hues of the sunrise painting the sky on the other side of the lake....

• Kiama Blowhole
• Kiama Lighthouse
• Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay White Sandy Beach
• Glasshouse Rocks NSW Where Are You?
• Things to Do at Narooma
• Things to Do in Bermagui NSW
• Camel Rock Beach Where Is?
• Bombo Quarry
• Batemans Bay Things To Do
• Ulladulla Things To Do
• Eden Beach Experience
• Whale Watching in Eden at the Lookout
• Stay in Eden
• Blue Mountains in NSW
• End of the Rainbow on the Great Dividing Range
• Sydney Melbourne Inland Roadtrip

Of the 16 places, you can visit on the NSW Roadtrip, which would you pick to do?

Are you attracted by the beaches and coastal places?

Or, are the mountains, hiking, and activities your go-to destination? Leave a Comment!

84 Comments

how beautiful. I’ve never been to australia. would like to see it

Thank you Jen. Hope you get to travel to Australia

Can’t wait to go to Australia one day! Stunning pics! Thanks for sharing all of your stops.

Thank you Debbie. You’re welcome. Hope you do travel to Australia

Beautiful country – would love to explore one day!

Thank you Tiffany. Hope you get to travel to Australia

You have so many different types of places! I love the quarry! I don’t think I have ever seen anything like it.

Thank you Tricia. The quarry is unique.

This is a great list!

Thank you Kat

At the top my bucket list! I have always wanted to go to Australia..Thank you for sharing this wonderful post!

Thank you Holly. You’re welcome. Hope you get to travel to Australia

Thanks for sharing about you trip and the photos. Can’t wait to go to Australia someday!

Thank you Stacey. Hope you travel Australia

This would be so cool to see in person. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you Jody. Hope you get to travel to Australia

I just have to thank you. Australia has always been near the top of my travel list. Your photos gave me the experience of the next best thing to being there. I absolutely LOVE how you put this post together so artistically.

Thank You Ramae. Glad that I could share my experience of Australia with you.

There are so many beautiful places to see in Australia. I’d love to go one day. I especially love your ocean pictures. Gorgeous!

Thank you Stacey. Hope you get to travel to Australia

Beautiful photos. I hope I can visit there someday.

Thank you Sandi. Hope you get to travel to Australia

So many beautiful places to see! Thank you for sharing about them. I probably mispronounced all their names in my head, haha, but I enjoyed seeing them and learning about them.

Thank you Debbi. The ones I knew I was okay. My brother goes to that area a lot, so he knows the correct pronunciation.

I am all over the Bombo Headland Quarry and Hyams Beach. Australia is on my bucket list for sure…so this post is so helpful! Thank you!

Thank you Judean. Sounds like you like the beach, you’d love Mimosa Rocks, too. Hope you travel to Australia

Wow! Great detail on this awesome destination. I’m really drawn into seeing Bombo Headland Quarry. Gorgeous!

Thank you Kendra. It’s unique.

Love the pictures! It makes me want to visit all of those locations!

Thank you Sydney. Hope you to travel to Australia

Australia is such a beautiful country. I would love to do this road trip!

Thank you Lisa. Hope you get to travel to Australia.

What an awesome place to visit. I hadn’t considered this area, but your pictures are incredible.

Thank you Vanessa. Hope you get to travel to Australia

It is simply a gorgeous country. I would love to go someday.

Thank you Heather. Hope you travel to Australia

Wow! Wow! Just stunning. Australia is bucketloads for us and your photos gave us the reason to visit next year. Every place is beautiful, especially the Australia Rock and Bombo Headland Quarry. It’s good to see the other side of Australia.

Thank you Jane. Hope you travel Australia next year.

Wow, such beautiful scenery! The rainbow picture is amazing!

Thank you Noelle

Such a diverse and beautiful country! Thank you for taking me on your tour!

Thank you Suzan. You’re welcome.

Beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you Lisa, You’re welcome.

We are driving from Sydney to Melbourne in October, can’t wait.

Wow Wendy. Enjoy. They’ll love you traveling through there.

Australia and New Zealand have been high on my wish list for as long as I can remember! Pinning this for when I make it there! Thanks!

You’re welcome Michele. Australia is waiting for you to travel

Australia is my dream trip! I pinned this for future refernece!

You’re welcome Adrienne. Australia is waiting for you to travel.

Not to sound redundant but total bucket list trip!

You’re welcome Angela. Hope you travel Australia.

That rainbow! Wow!! We just did a trip to Australia, but didn’t see any of these places. We will have to add them to our next road trip itinerary! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you Holls. That’s cool you traveled Australia. You’re welcome.

I would like to visit Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures. Playing in the trees is the life for me.

Thank you Missy. Something about being in the treetops is an adventure.

I’ve never been to Australia so would love to visit all 16 places!

Thank you kmf. Hope you travel Australia.

You definitely saw some beautiful scenery. I love all the beach photos with all the different variety of rock formations.

Thank you Leeanne. The rocks are so cool. And, good for photography, too.

So much fun stuff to do! I would love to do the tree zip lines. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you Melissa. You’re welcome. It’s quite an adventure up high in the trees.

All of these look amazing! Hope I get to check them all out one day

Thank you Taci. Hope you travel Australia

What a great way to see Australia, road tripping to experience the area. I’d hike the mountains and visit the beach

Thank you Hera. I liked the travel around NSW Australia. AT the Blue Mountains you do the bush walking tracks. The beaches are varied. Some of rock formations that are great photography locations.

Looks like some great places to visit in NSW Australia!

Thanks Amanda

I would love to take a trip there someday!

Hope you get to travel Australia, Courtney

So many beautiful places to go! I would love to check out: Bombo Headland Quarry.

Thank you Lisa. I get that Bombo Quarry is unique.

Such a beautiful place to visit and explore, thanks so much for the vacation inspiration!

Thank you Angela. You’re welcome.

Great lists!Thanks for sharing I’ll pick the Hyamas Beach

Thank you April. I like the white sand at Hyams Beach.

Wow! Your photos are stunning and make me want to visit as soon as possible!

Thank you Shirley. Hope you travel Australia

Australia is on my travel list! Great info.

Thank you Cindy. Hope you travel Australia.

I love the virtual trip you took us on!! That picture with the rainbow . . . LOVE IT!!

Thank you Annette. I love the rainbow, too.

This road trip is high on my family its bucket list! I loved reading about all the highlights. So nice of you to dedicate this post to everyone that helped combat the 2019 bush fires.

Thank you for reading. Enjoy exploring NSW when you visit.

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Sensational South Coast NSW Road Trip Itinerary

When it comes to road trips from Sydney , traversing the stretch of highway leading down to Eden on the Sapphire Coast is a journey that promises an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, coastal charm and good old Aussie adventure.

As you leave behind the bustling cityscape of the Emerald City, you’ll find yourself immersed in a breathtaking landscape encompassing pristine beaches, lush forests and charming seaside towns. Or you can head inland to see rural New South Wales in all its lovely glory. The choice is yours!

Whichever way you go, the scenic drive celebrates Australia’s diverse landscapes, offering a perfect opportunity to unwind, explore hidden gems and experience the unique culture and hospitality the New South Wales south coast offers.

So, if you are in mind for a driving holiday in NSW, please keep reading until the end, as we reveal some of the best drives from Sydney you can treat yourself to.

What is the Distance Between Sydney and Eden?

How long is a south coast nsw road trip, best time of year to do a south coast nsw road trip, coastal route to eden, inland route to eden, essential tips for a south coast nsw road trip.

The distance from Sydney to Eden depends on which of the NSW road trips you want to complete.

• If you fancy sticking to the coast along the M1 and Princes Highway, the journey covers about 475 km and takes about 6.5 hours of non-stop driving.
• Alternatively, should you prefer to venture inland and cover the Australian Capital Territory as well (home to the country’s capital city, Canberra), your New South Wales road trip will cover a minimum distance of around 550 km and take about 6 hours and 15 minutes of direct driving.

You will be in for a treat, whichever you choose, as the scenery and road conditions are superb.

While you can efficiently complete your New South Wales road trip along the state’s south coast in half a day, the fun of doing it is to spend some quality time at various destinations along the way.

Ideally, you should devote 2-4 days to the journey as a minimum, stopping at various places to get a feel for what makes the area unique.

Ultimately, though, the more time you can spend exploring the area on your NSW south coast road trip, the better, as there is so much to see and do.

We suggest taking the inland route in one direction and the entirely coastal route the other so you can experience the best that southern-Australia has to offer.

• Extend your road trip all the way along the southern coast to Melbourne, Victoria

The New South Wales south coast is a region you can explore all year round. However, the best time to do it depends on which route you want to take and what kind of experience you are after. 

Generally speaking, the most popular and widely recommended time to partake in drives from Sydney is during the spring and summer months, from September to March. During this period, the region comes alive with vibrant flora, warmer temperatures, and longer daylight hours, ideal for beachside adventures, water activities, and exploring picturesque coastal towns.

By contrast, spring offers blooming wildflowers and lush green landscapes, perfect for exploring the country areas, while the summer months provide excellent beach weather and opportunities for whale watching. Remember that this is also the peak tourist season, so booking accommodations in advance is advisable.

If you prefer fewer crowds and milder weather, consider travelling in the shoulder seasons of autumn (March to May) or early spring (September to October), when the South Coast region retains its natural beauty and tranquillity. Winter (June to August) can be a quieter time for a driving holiday in NSW; just be prepared for cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall.

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Best Stops on a NSW South Coast Road Trip

Exploring the South Coast of New South Wales on road trips from Sydney exposes you to a treasure trove of captivating sites and experiences.

From pristine beaches and fantastic restaurants to breathtaking natural wonders and charming country towns, this section will guide you through the must-visit destinations that make the journey along the South Coast NSW an unforgettable adventure.

If you intend to drive along the coastal route, here are some of the best places to visit:

The Royal National Park

One of the first places you should stop after leaving Sydney is at Royal National Park . Located about an hour’s drive away, a visit here offers something different to what you’ll see elsewhere on this South Coast NSW road trip.

Start your adventure with a scenic coastal drive along the Grand Pacific Drive, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Then, explore the park’s numerous walking trails, such as the popular Coast Track, which takes you through lush rainforests, past secluded beaches and to stunning lookout points like Wedding Cake Rock and Eagle Rock.

Birdwatching is excellent here, so you should take the chance to spot various avian species in their natural habitat. Alternatively, you can swim, snorkel, or sunbathe at Wattamolla and Garie Beach or enjoy picnicking and barbecues in one designated area.

The park also boasts kayaking, cycling, and even whale-watching opportunities during migration season, while the heritage-listed Audley Dance Hall and nearby Audley Weir offer historical insights.

A visit to Jervis Bay promises to be one of the highlights of your NSW coast road trip.

Nestled within the unspoiled beauty of the Shoalhaven region, Jervis Bay boasts some of Australia’s whitest sands and crystal-clear waters.

Here, you can explore world-renowned beaches like Hyams Beach , where the sands stretch endlessly. You can also swim in the gentle waves, go whale watching, or hike in Booderee National Park to witness the region’s rich indigenous culture and wildlife.

With its stunning coastal vistas and diverse outdoor activities, Jervis Bay is an unmissable destination on a South Coast New South Wales itinerary.

Batemans Bay

A little further down from Jervis Bay on your NSW coast road trip is the beautiful destination of Batemans Bay. The town is known for its stunning beaches, making it a paradise for fans of water-based recreational activities. 

You can spend your day swimming, sunbathing, or trying your hand at surfing or paddleboarding. Additionally, nature lovers can explore the nearby Murramarang National Park , home to diverse wildlife and scenic coastal trails. Don’t miss a visit to the Birdland Animal Park to get up close and personal with native Australian animals. 

During your time at Batemans Bay, you can also take a scenic cruise along the Clyde River or visit the Mogo Zoo , where you can see an array of exotic animals. If you love seafood, then you will be in your element at Batemans Bay. It is a culinary haven with plenty of fresh seafood markets and restaurants in which to get your fix. 

Tucked away on the far south coast of New South Wales, Bermagui is the perfect place to enjoy some coastal tranquillity.

The town is famous for its beautiful beaches, such as Horseshoe Bay and Camel Rock Beach , where you can swim, sunbathe and explore intriguing rock formations. For fishing enthusiasts, Bermagui is renowned as a game-fishing hotspot, with the chance to reel in marlins and other big game species.

If you’d prefer to stick to dry land, however, you can take in the area’s scenic beauty by walking along the rugged coastal trails of the Bermagui Blue Pool , where you might spot dolphins or whales in season.

The historic Montreal Goldfields are not too far away, offering a glimpse into the town’s gold rush past. At the same time, Bermagui is home to some excellent art and craft galleries showcasing the creative flair of several up-and-coming artists.

Before we jump into all the best experiences in Eden at the very south of NSW, let’s look at some of the key stopping points if you take the more inland route.

We would suggest breaking this into at least a two-day journey with an overnight stop in Canberra (or longer if time permits!)

• We cover the section driving from Sydney to Canberra in much more detail here .

Whilst driving through the picturesque Southern Highlands during your New South Wales road trip, a visit to Bowral is recommended.

Known for its historic charm and stunning gardens, Bowral is a delightful place to explore. It is particularly appealing if you’re a fan of cricket – the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame resides here, paying tribute to the legendary Sir Donald Bradman and the game in general. 

Even if you aren’t a cricket fan, there is plenty to entertain. The beautifully manicured Corbett Gardens and the Cherry Tree Walk during spring’s colourful bloom are sure to impress. At the same time, the Milk Factory Gallery and Bowral Art Gallery will provide you with a nice dose of culture.

Foodies will also relish in the gourmet delights of local wineries and restaurants, while antique lovers can hunt for treasures in the town’s various antique shops.

As the capital city of Australia, Canberra should be on the itinerary of all NSW road trips south of Sydney.

One of the first places you should visit is Parliament House , where you can witness democracy in action and enjoy panoramic views from its rooftop. You should also take the time to immerse yourself in Australia’s heritage at the Australian War Memorial – a moving tribute to the nation’s military history.

Art lovers will appreciate the National Gallery of Australia , home to an impressive Australian and international art collection. Likewise, the National Museum of Australia showcases the nation’s cultural history through its displays and exhibits.

Elsewhere, the Australian National Botanic Gardens is well worth exploring. Discovering the diverse flora while wandering around Lake Burley Griffin and its surrounding parks is a terrific way to immerse yourself in the city’s beauty.

If the kids really need a good stretch of the legs, though, the National Arboretum is a must-stop on an ACT itinerary. Sensational playgrounds, walking trails and play spaces over 250 hectares are home to the world’s largest living collections of rare, endangered and significant trees.

• Grab our more detailed family guide to Canberra if you’d like to explore the capital in more detail.

Cooma , the largest town in the gorgeous Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales, offers an intoxicating blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences for visitors to enjoy.

One of your first ports of call should be the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, where interactive exhibits showcase the region’s engineering marvels. Elsewhere, nature lovers will want to venture into Kosciuszko National Park , where hiking, skiing, and snowboarding in the winter months provide ample excitement.

The scenic drive to nearby Lake Jindabyne is also worthwhile, offering boating, fishing, and stunning views of the Snowy Mountains. Meanwhile, those interested in aviation history should find the Cooma Aviation Museum fascinating.

The final stop on our South Coast NSW road trip is the charming seaside town of Eden. Set on the beautiful Twofold Bay, Eden is blessed with stunning beaches and enveloped by two national parks.

This picturesque town is a haven of natural beauty but also steeped in history. It is one of the country’s premier locations for whale watching in the Spring, with crowds flocking to the Sapphire Coast to witness the annual migration of humpback whales, some even coming into Twofold Bay with their calves.

Outside of whale watching season, you can pay a visit to the Eden Killer Whale Museum . This unique museum is educational and brings to life the area’s whaling history through fascinating exhibits and stories, perfect for sparking the curiosity of young minds.

Nature lovers will soon see how Eden got its rather idyllic name. Beowa National Park (Previously Ben Boyd National Park) offers a variety of walking trails with breathtaking coastal views. The Light to Light Walk is a popular trail taking you from Boyds Tower to Green Cape Lighthouse (though families may want only to tackle sections as it’s 30km long!).

The beaches in Eden are another huge drawcard for families. Long Beach and the Pinnacles in Ben Boyd National Park are a highlight, as is Aslings Beach in the heart of town; the rock pools are a highlight here, as well as strolling the 6 km Lake Curalo Boardwalk .

A new opening to look out for in late 2023 is the Gravity Eden Mountains Bike Park – offering two-wheeled explorers over 48 km of MTB trails through the Nullica State Forest – definitely pack the bikes on this trip if you can!

Simply put, a road trip from Sydney to Eden will highlight some of Australia’s lushest and most dramatic coastline. A treasure trove of family-friendly activities awaits as you head from Australia’s largest city to the Sapphire Coast and all the treasures it beholds.

• Should you choose to go inland on your South Coast NSW road trip, be sure to fill up with petrol at the more prominent towns you come across. Some parts of this route are remote, so if you run out of petrol, the nearest station might be several kilometres away.
• New to Australia? Grab more of our handy tips for road tripping in Australia , helping you plan the best routes, what sort of vehicle you’ll need and where to pick up your road-tripping supplies for an epic adventure Downunder.

© Family Road Trip

Epic Eyre Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary Exploring South Australia

The Savannah Way – Road Trip Broome to Cairns

An 8-day road trip itinerary along the NSW South Coast

Carla Grossetti

Sub-Editor & Journalist

31 October 2023

Plot a course around the South Coast of NSW with our itinerary of must-dos.

Book some annual leave, throw your bags, kids and dogs in the car and follow our itinerary around the stunning NSW South Coast. Just remember to pack light, as you will want to stock up on artisan produce during the course of your leisurely road trip.

Day one: Sydney to Jervis Bay (drive time: three hours, 20 minutes)

This road trip loop begins in Sydney to Jervis Bay . But if you’re travelling south to north, you could easily pivot this itinerary around Eden. The stunning Shoalhaven town of Jervis Bay is a playground comprising crystalline waters and white sands.

The first thing you need to note when visiting Jervis Bay is how to pronounce it: it’s JERvis, not Jarvis. When you mention Jervis Bay, many Australians recall the spectacular white sand and turquoise waters of Hyams Beach. But Jervis Bay is actually a huge marine park with 16 beaches. It’s also a haven for bottlenose dolphins, the northernmost fur seal colony in Australia, and fairy penguins, making it one of the best places in the country for wildlife experiences . It’s what makes the region extra special.

Swim with the seals in Jervis Bay.

Fringed by Booderee National Park and Jervis Bay Marine Park, the region is a veritable paradise for nature lovers, surfers and – from May to October – whale watchers who come to see the whales come into the bay to rest and play. You can’t possibly do it all in one trip, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top 10 things to do and one of the standout options is a self-guided trail that will take you from Flamin’ Galah Brewing Company to Jervis Bay Brewing Co. where hop heads can pick up a few different styles of ale and lager to take home.

Grab yourself a pint at Jervis Bay Brewing Co.

Whether you’re keen for casual frolicking or serious underwater adventure, the dazzling waters off the coast of Jervis Bay beckon: head to the marine park and book yourself in for a snorkel or dive session with Woebegone Freedive .

When all that saltwater action has worked up a ravenous hunger, head to the Huskisson Hotel for good, coastal pub fare or refuel with an Aussie-style burger and milkshake at The Cooked Goose on Hyams Beach, one of many top spots to eat in Jervis Bay .

There are a number of great Jervis Bay accommodation options, but to start your trip on a luxe note spend a night or two at Paperbark Camp. Here, you can truly appreciate the unique importance of your bushland surrounds in the Deluxe Plus Safari Tents which are perfect for family and friends travelling together as they can accommodate up to four people.

Paperbark Camp has five swish Deluxe Plus safari tents to add to its luxe offering.

You can also immerse yourself in the coastal experience at  Bangalay Luxury Villas , Shoalhaven Heads. For something altogether more casual, book a tiny cabin at  Huskisson’s Holiday Haven White Sands .

Dine by the pool at Bangalay Luxury Villas.

For families on a budget, head to the old-school Green Patch campsite in Jervis Bay, which is a short stroll away from Green Patch Beach and a protected, picturesque lagoon set within Booderee National Park. The Jervis Bay Holiday Park , which is set right on the river, is very family-friendly and you can pitch a tent or park your caravan on one of the powered or unpowered sites.

You can find more Jervis Bay accommodation options here.

Day two: Jervis Bay to Milton (one hour), then Milton to Batemans Bay (one hour)

After breakfast, pick up a grab-and-go option from Bangalay Dining to enjoy at your final destination: beautiful Batemans Bay. But relax and take it easy; there’s no hurry to get there. It is, after all, about the journey, so rise early and thread your way through the historic village of Milton, enjoying a stroll and stopping for coffee and cake at Small Town Food & Wine .

Navigate your way to the hills behind Milton for lunch and you’ll be rewarded with a wine-and-dine experience in the hinterland at picturesque Cupitt’s Estate . We do recommend, however, that you have the ‘designated driver conversation’ before  you start your meal.

Once you’re suitably fed and quenched, it’s just an hour’s drive to Batemans Bay, where there’s plenty to see and do. Do it right and time this leg so as to arrive for a restorative afternoon swim. Make a note to return to the property without the kids to stay in the luxury new pods. And don’t leave before picking up more provisions from Cupitt’s Estate, home to a fromagerie, brewery and winery.

Enjoy a tasting at Cupitt’s Estate winery.

Make sure you build in some time to sample at least one of the many culinary gems dotted around Milton and the neighbouring towns of Mollymook and Ulladulla.

This area is well-endowed with excellent eateries, from the sleek and polished Rick Stein at Bannisters and Tallwood in Mollymook to Milton’s inviting Harvest Bar and Ulladulla’s Maverick Coffee.

You can also treat your tastebuds to lunch at The Ruse overlooking Ulladulla Harbour.

Inside the sleek and polished Rick Stein at Bannisters.

The next leg of the South Coast NSW itinerary steers visitors into Batemans Bay for the night. But if you’re altogether captivated by Milton and its surroundings, you can opt to bed down at nearby  Surfside Cudmirrah Beach .

If you are continuing on, however, there’s a good chance you’ll arrive late in Batemans Bay. Know that when you do turn up, you’ll be warmly greeted at  The Esplanade , a boutique hotel where you’ll likely want to add a second night.

But what are road trips, if not flexible, right? You can also plump for a few nights at Pebbly Beach Escapes , just a 20-minute drive away in magical Murramarang National Park. The newly renovated Bay Breeze Motel is another boutique option located on the waterfront in Batemans Bay.

Be greeted warmly at the boutique hotel, The Esplanade.

Day three and four: Batemans Bay to Bermagui (one hour and 25 minutes)

Before you put tyre to bitumen on the Bay to Bermagui leg, we strongly suggest you spend a good portion of the day exploring this country town in the heart of Australia’s Oyster Coast.

Batemans Bay

You might choose to do so by bike and pedal your way along the Batemans Bay cycleway, or perhaps you will decide to paddle along as part of a kayak tour with Bay and Beyond in the gentle waters of the Batemans Bay Marine Park.

Join the kayak tour by Bay and Beyond.

Be sure to block out some beach time at Mossy Point, which is often overlooked by visitors travelling along George Bass Drive. Stop off at the Mossy Point Cafe for coffee and healthy food options. Mossy Point is located smack-bang between the pristine Tomaga River and Candlagan Creek and one of the best ways to explore the coastal village is via kayak with Region X . You can also cycle all the way from Candlagen Beach to South Broulee.

Don’t forget to grab yourself a cuppa at Mossy Cafe.

Before setting off bound for Bermagui, head to the Oyster Shed on Wray St to pick up a cheeky dozen. Foodies will love the fact they can also arrive at the Oyster Shed by paddling along the Clyde River with Region X. You can also go for a twilight seafood cruise on the Clyde/Bhundoo onboard the MV Merinda , operated by the Innes family, long-term South Coast locals.

Continue onto Bermagui on the stunning Sapphire Coast. This picturesque harbour town is well known for its impossibly fresh seafood and deep-sea game fishing. While you may not be here to throw a line out, you can certainly indulge in the catch of the day at the Bermagui Fishermen’s Wharf .

The traditional owners of the land around Tilba are the Yuin people and Gulaga is the sacred mother mountain of the region. After European settlement, the region’s rich volcanic soil lured dairy farmers and this industry is still evident at makers such as Tilba Real Dairy . You can also enjoy artisan produce at the famous heritage-listed Dromedary Hotel .

Welcome to Batemans Bay.

If you’re travelling with children, we advise you swing through historic Mogo and pay a visit to  Mogo Zoo before continuing onto Bermagui. There’s also a Rock Platform Discovery Walk near Depot Beach along the intertidal zone in Batemans Bay Marine Park where you can spot colourful crabs walking sideways to their homes in the rock pools. For parents with teens, there are quality points and beach breaks dotted between Mollymook and Batemans Bay.

Order some meals online from Eastwoods Deli & Cooking School , pop into the Camel Rock Brewery Bar & Grill for woodfired pizzas and pints, and enjoy fine dining on the grounds of Mimosa Winery in the heart of the Sapphire Coast. Make sure you restock your picnic hamper with bakery items from Il Passaggio and Honorbread.

Try the fresh oysters from Il Passagio at Bermagui Fishermen’s Wharf.

If you choose to drive to Bermagui via Bega, you can enjoy the South Coast’s award-winning premium gin experience.

Although the name implies that the gin is made in Eden, North of Eden distillery and cellar door is actually located closer to Bega. North of Eden Gin runs gin-making classes – a must for an interactive experience in the region – and bookings are essential.

Learn how to make a variety of cocktails with North of Eden Distillery.

Buy some local oysters from the iconic East Lynne Store roadhouse and enjoy a seafood feast by the pool at The Anchorage Bermagui before retiring to your self-contained apartment.

Enjoy a barbecue and retreat to your room at The Anchorage Bermagui.

Oakleigh Farm Cottages is half an hour’s drive from Bermagui and another family-friendly option for accommodation on the Eurobodalla South Coast of NSW. You can also bunker down at Mimosa Wines farmhouse, which sleeps nine guests – perfect for a few families or group of friends – or nestle down in Narooma at the Bermagui Beach Hotel, which has great food and magic views.

Other accommodation options in the area include Mystery Bay Cottages, Mountain View Farm at the base of Gulaga and Tilba Lake Camp.

Oakleigh Farm Cottages is another family-friendly option.

Day five: Bermagui to Merimbula (70 minutes) then Merimbula to Eden (25 minutes) and back to Merimbula overnight (25 minutes)

Rise and get the day off to a shining start with some more baked delights from Bermagui’s Honorbread . Once you’ve inhaled some delicious carbs, head to the famous Blue Pool just off Pacific Drive for an invigorating dip. The pool is still worth a visit in the cooler months as it offers a great vantage point for whale-spotting.

Start the day with some baked delights from Bermagui’s Honorbread.

Enjoy Red Brick Coffee and supreme plant-based cuisine at Boneless , a vegetarian café in Bermagui. Enjoy aperitivos at the Harbar overlooking – you guessed it – Bermagui Harbour before finding a place to perch at Il Passaggio, a modern Italian restaurant located at the Fisherman’s Wharf.

It’s time to roll on to the Merimbula Wharf Aquarium and Restaurant where you can feed the fish in this remarkable location that clings to the coastline. Stop in at Toast Pambula for a healthy brunch, then cross the road to the  Wild Rye’s Baking Co  to pick up some coffee and pastries that will sweeten the short drive to NSW’s most southerly town of Eden.

Do not leave town before dining at Valentina , the hottest (and most sophisticated) ticket in town and sister restaurant Dulcie’s Cottage, which serves craft cocktails and beer alongside local oysters and fries.

Stop in at Toast Pambula for a healthy brunch.

Eden is a town of deep beauty, where the verdant bush virtually tumbles down craggy cliffs and into the sea. It also has a fascinating (and horrific) whaling history, which you can explore at the home-spun  Eden Killer Whale Museum  and by driving the Killer Whale Trail on the Sapphire Coast.

If you’re wild about whales, plan your visit in November to coincide with the Eden Whale Festival. Keen bird-watchers will appreciate the gentle pace of a kayak tour with Kiah Wilderness Escapes, as guide Jen Robb points out native flora and fauna in the local environment. Grab coffee and a toastie or healthy salad at Sprout, a cafe on the main street of Eden that also puts together epic picnics.

Appreciate the calm waters through a kayak tour with Kiah Wilderness Escape.

Head to Green Cape Lookout for mesmerising vistas from the jagged peninsula, where you might even spot a fur seal or an albatross. Join a Cat Balou  cruise of Twofold Bay for a more in-depth interaction with this coastal beauty or a Wharf to Wharf Walk with Sapphire Coast Guiding Co . Guide Cam Read also conducts e-bike tours of Mimosa Rocks National Park and can tailor a tour of the Sapphire Coast to suit. Foodies can also pinball between oysters, distillers, brewers, makers and bakers along the newly launched Gourmet Coast Trail .

Join a Cat Balou cruise of Twofold Bay.

Keep it low-key at one of the many Airbnbs or camping parks in the area or stay at the newly made-over Hillcrest Merimbula which is luring style-savvy road-trippers with its retro vibes.

The two-storey motel, which is located at the top of Merimbula Drive, faces seaward and has the feel of a lighthouse. It also has a tennis court, pool, and fire pit and can arrange a private sit-down dinner catered to by local chefs.

Keep it low-key at the newly made-over Hillcrest Merimbula.

Day six: The return journey to Sydney from Eden to Tathra (50 minutes) then Tathra to Narooma (70 minutes)

Sadly, it’s time to point the nose of your car homeward. Stop at Sprout Eden for brunch where you can stock up on local smoked seafood from the  Eden Smokehouse before your cruise north.

Then it’s onward to Tathra, where you can find yourself an ocean-side picnic spot and decant the smoked goods from your esky, supplemented with some  Tathra Oysters  you’ve picked up on the way.

Walk along the new Tathra Headland Walk to arrive at the iconic Tathra Wharf, before heading to the Tathra Hotel for lunch. Pividori’s Tathra Beach is the new sister eatery to Blend and a prime spot to perch. Burn off those calories by hiring an e-bike from Tathra Beach & Bike and exploring the region’s 55 kilometres of trails.

After all the exploring, head to the Tathra Hotel for lunch.

The biggest takeaway message when exploring the tiny coastal hamlets on the NSW South Coast is that you will have a multitude of reasons to return. If you didn’t get to Narooma on the way south, head there on your way northward to check out what hotelier Justin Hemmes has contributed to the local amenity.

Hemmes, who owns a coastal homestead nearby, has given a very considered zhoozing to the tiki-style Quarterdeck pub and cocktail bar, The Inlet next door and the 17-room The Whale Inn .

Help yourself to some tiki style cocktails at Quarterdeck.

Believe the Narooma rumours: Hemmes has done a wonderful job of reimagining all three properties, which are still a work in progress. In taking that slowly-slowly approach, Hemmes is being led by the community and giving them what they need and want.

Take a tour out to Montague Island with Montague Island Adventures where you can snorkel with the seals, take a penguin tour and enjoy hearing the history of the island with a National Parks & Wildlife Guide.  Fisherfolk should also factor in an offshore adventure with Charter Fish Narooma.

Landscapes at Tilba Valley Winery and Alehouse

The clear waters of Narooma in the Eurobodalla region invite swimmers, surfers, snorkellers and divers into its pristine depths. But if you have the time, a must-visit itinerary item is a day trip to  Montague Island with Montague Island Adventures . Here,  you’ll find incredible sea life, birdlife (including penguins) and a fur seal colony, all just nine kilometres from Narooma.

Hire an e-bike from Southbound Escapes and burn off some of those Quarterdeck calories on your way to the quirky food van known as The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter , located overlooking the Coxon family’s oyster lease on the banks of Wagonga Inlet.

Beer nerds will also appreciate craft beer and tacos and live music on offer at Big Niles Brewery , another noteworthy Narooma operation run by Cam White, a former pro BMX rider turned brewer.

Montague Island is practically begging for a day trip.

As aforementioned, The Whale Inn was snapped up by Justin Hemmes in 2021. And the bar tsar, who calls Narooma home for much of the year, has built on the previous owners’ vision for a destination restaurant with rooms. Check into The Whale Inn before taking a short drive to Tilba for a lazy afternoon at the Tilba Valley Winery and Alehouse.

If you have time, take a side trip to explore Cobargo, Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba, where lunch at the Dromedary Hotel is a must. Reserve a table at The Whale Inn for dinner so you can enjoy some Merivale magic.

You will also enjoy views over Montague Island from your room at the Amooran Apartments just opposite the cliff-top Narooma Golf Course.

Bed down beachside at the adorable  Mystery Bay Cottages, where you have your own, private four-star cottage set on a beachfront 12-hectare property or step it up a notch again and treat yourself to a night in a converted barn studio at Tilba Lake House , set against the sacred Mount Gulaga.

For something a little more low-key and family-friendly, try Big4 Narooma East’s Holiday Park and Tathra Beach House Apartments .

Have a restful stay at the adorable Mystery Bay Cottages.

Day seven: Narooma to Kiama (three hours, four minutes)

Today is the day you will be making your way from Narooma to pretty Kiama. Enjoy a pop-up breakfast picnic on the shores of Wagonga Inlet via Southbound Escapes or visit the takeaway window at Mr Bold Catering Co. in the industrial area of Narooma to stock up before you set off. Mr Bold Catering takes pre-orders of local grazing platters on Wednesday afternoons with a rotating roster of heat-and-eat meals that you can enjoy at your local accommodation. You can also pre-order a picnic platter and cocktails or the full dinner party feast.

Head down for an afternoon surf and catch this breathtaking sunset in Kiama.

When you do arrive in the coastal village of Kiama, you must take a tour of those breath-snatching blowholes before settling into the laidback-luxe vibes at Diggies  at Blowhole Point for a well-rounded afternoon of good eats and cooling cocktails.

Laidback-luxe vibes at Diggies.

Still hungry? Head to The Hungry Monkey and The Brooding Italian for burgers. Miss Arda  is the sister venue of  Otis Deli , both opened by chef Emily Herbert (the former head chef under Yotam Ottolenghi at Ottolenghi Belgravia in the UK).

The Kiama Coastal Walk is a 20-kilometre track that curls gently from Minnamurra River to Gerringong’s Werri Werri Beach. For such a staggeringly beautiful coast-fringed walk, it’s remarkable how under-the-radar this experience is. You needn’t do it all; simply choose the section that suits you best and be entirely captivated by this special place.

See views of Werri Werri Beach on this staggeringly beautiful coast-fringed walk.

Kiama has a sparkling new boutique hotel. Complete with 32 stylish rooms, a pool, and coffee dispensed from a ‘Kombi’,  Nova Kiama will bring your road trip to a well-appointed end.

Nova Kiama will bring your road trip to a well-appointed end.

Day eight: Kiama to Sydney (one hour, 42 minutes)

It’s time for the final leg of your NSW South Coast escape. You came, you spent money, and you’ve left these communities in slightly better shape than before your visit. There’s no doubt you’re also feeling restored by this enriching experience punctuated by clear waters, astounding wildlife and friendly locals. This is what we call mutually beneficial tourism. Well played, travellers.

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Road Trips Australia

Travel made easy.

Road Trips New South Wales

Plan a trip nsw: best road trips from sydney.

Visit the vibrant city of Canberra to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Follow windy roads through tall eucalypt forests. Stop over in historic towns. Take in the views from one of many lookouts. Fall in love with the deep blue ocean and beaches of Eden to Jervis Bay.

Alpine Peaks to Coastal Bays

Distance: 1473 kms 

Length: 13 nights 

When to visit NSW: September to May

Where to stay: Choose accommodation, RV camping, or camping. 

Day 1/2 – First destination on this planned road trip: Canberra. 286 km from Sydney. See parliament house in the vibrant, hip city. Catch the tram into the city and find a unique meal to suit your taste, or visit one of the many parklands. Base your exploration on Canberra Park . Stay two nights.

Day 3/4 –  Wee Jasper Reserves, 94 km. Get back to nature at the Micalong Creek Reserve camping area. Explore the reserves, rivers and caves in the area. Stay for two nights.

Day 5/6 –  Bago State Forest near Tumut on the Blowering Dam 132 km. Enjoy walking trails, picnic areas and off-road driving—several waterside camping areas for self-sufficient travellers who like to escape. Or, for comfort and facilities, check out Riverglade Caravan Park . Stay one night.

Day 6/7 – Continue through the alpine region to Jindabyne, 203 km. Visit the Snowy Region Visitor Centre for information and purchase your Kosciuszko pass . Browse accommodation options in Thredbo or camp on the upper Snowy River at Island Bend Campground . You are continuing along Kosciuszko Road to reach Perisher Valley, where one of the Kosciuszko Summit walks starts. The summit can also be reached via the Thredbo chair lift and hiking trail—also a popular spot for mountain bike riders in Summer. Stay for two nights.

Day 8 – Bombala, 109 kms. Discover heritage buildings, visit the Platypus Reserve , and check out the town further from above Bombala Lookout. Stay local at Bombala Caravan Park . Stay one night.

When travelling through the alpine country, check weather conditions regularly and current closures.

Day 9/10 – Eden, Via White Rock River picnic area, 112 Km. Stay by the waterside at Eden Holiday Park. Visit Broadwater Oysters overlooking Pambula Lake or the Whale Museum. Perhaps get close to a real whale with Cat Balou Cruises . Stay two nights.

Day 11/12 – Stop at the seaside town of Batemans Bay, 197 km. Stay at Big 4 and discover the Square Head trail showing off the area’s natural beauty. Uncover more picture-perfect bays by kayak on a half-day tour with Region X . Stay 2 nights.

Day 13/14 – Jervis Bay 141 km. Pull into Cave Beach camping ground to explore the sandy white beaches and bays—spot marine life, including seals and penguins. Explore the rugged coastline at Booderee National Park for your perfect holiday pics! Return to Sydney via the Sea Cliff Bridge and Coalcliff Rock Pools. Stay one night.

Return to Sydney 199 km. Respect our natural environment, and leave no trace.

Best Road Trips from Sydney via Byron Bay NSW

Follow the highway north, and stop to explore seaside towns showcasing long sandy beaches and rocky headlands.  Discover historic towns, and taste local produce. Take in the varied landscapes, from the rainforest and rock formations to breathtaking views over the Blue Mountains.

Coast and Land Road Trip

Distance: 2133 kms 

When to visit NSW: September to November

Where to stay: Holiday park accommodation, RV camping, or camping. 

Day 4/5 – Byron Bay, 265 km. Famous Byron Bay, visit shops and cafes in the hip township or book a tour from surfing, kayaking, dolphin or whale tours to stand-up paddle boarding. Take in coastal views from the lighthouse or one of the many beaches. Stay by the beach at First Sun Holiday Park, offering a range of accommodations. Stay 2 – 3 nights.   

Day 8/9 –  Washpool National Park . 278 km. Breathe the clean rainforest air, listen to birds and the bubbling creek. Surround yourself with nature at Bellbird Campground and experience the walking trails. Stay one night.

Day 9 /10 – Glen Innes. 86 km. Try your luck at fossicking, horse-riding, fishing or swimming at Three Waters High Country Holidays. Stay one night.

Day 10/11 – Coonabarabran, 397 kms. See the best of the stars at Sliding Spring Observatory. Take in the Grand High Tops rock formations nearby at Warrumbungle National Park . Stay at John Oxley Caravan Park or Camp Blackman in Warrumbungle National Park. Stay for two nights.

Day 12/13 –  Banjo Paterson Way , south of Dubbo. Spot the animals on bikes on this sculpture trail! Stay at Canobolas Caravan and Camping in the historic town of Orange, 277 km. Explore cafes and galleries, or take a food-tasting tour with Country Food Trails . Stay one night.

Day 14/15 –  Blue Mountains , 153 km. See the famous three sisters, among other great activities to suit your budget and interests. Stay nearby at Katoomba Falls Tourist Park as a base for exploring. Stay two nights.

Return to Sydney 102 km. Respect our natural environment, and leave no trace. 

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Three epic road trips to try in New South Wales, Australia

​Sydney is a showstopper, but the state of New South Wales has a lot more to offer. Hit the road to experience homegrown delicacies, spectacular landscapes and wildlife encounters you’ll find nowhere else on earth.

If you’re visiting Sydney on Australia’s East Coast, nobody could blame you for wanting to stay put. Sipping a coffee while overlooking the iconic harbour with its world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House   shimmering in the distance, it’s hard to imagine getting into a car and driving away. But the city is just one must-see stop in the diverse state of New South Wales. Take to the road to discover a whole new world of experiences, from wandering culinary markets and world-class vineyards to snorkelling with sea turtles, whizzing through treetops on a zipline and glamping under the stars.

1. The Grand Pacific Drive

Best for nature adventures

South of Sydney along the eastern coast is an 87-mile stretch of rugged cliffs and pristine beaches known as the Grand Pacific Drive. It starts amid the windswept grasslands and cliffs of the Royal National Park, perfect for hiking bush trails or exploring ancient Aboriginal sites.

Keep your camera handy for the Sea Cliff Bridge, a sinuous concrete curve around steep coastal crags on the way to Wollongong, a city nestled between golden surf beaches and the high-forested walls of the Illawarra Escarpment. Brush up your surfing skills at the beach or explore the coastal lagoon of Lake Illawarra by stand-up paddleboard. At Kiama, just a 15-minute drive south, gentle green hills descend into the drama of black volcanic rocks, thrashed with surf. Check out the rock pools and the surging Kiama Blowhole, or head inland for an adventure among the treetops with a heart-thumping ride on Australia’s highest zipline, the Illawarra Fly Zipline Adventure.

Finish your drive at the whale-watching mecca of Jervis Bay. Around 30,000 whales migrate along   the New South Wales coast between May and September along the ‘Humpback Highway’,   while seals and dolphins can be spotted year-round. For a perfect end to your journey, stay in a luxury tent amid eucalypts and paperbark trees, where you can sit back, sip a locally brewed craft beer and relax under the stars.

2. The Legendary Pacific Coast Drive

Best for wildlife encounters

The coastal route that sweeps north from Sydney to the edge of Queensland has an epic name: the Legendary Pacific Coast Drive, and it’s not hard to see why. With sandy beaches, ancient rainforests, national parks, coral reefs and laid-back seaside towns, this multi-day journey has everything you could want in a coastal road trip — including unique wildlife encounters to look forward to. Head north from Sydney, tracing the shores of the placid saltwater Lake Macquarie, to reach the town of Port Stephens. Perched on the natural estuary of the Karuah River, it has over two dozen beaches to explore, and it’s known as Australia’s dolphin-watching capital, so make sure to leave enough time for a swim with the local pod of wild bottlenose dolphins.

Follow the Pacific Highway north to Port Macquarie, where you can hit the surf on a bodyboard and get up close and personal with some of Australia’s fuzziest icons at the world’s first koala hospital, before continuing to Coffs Harbour. Here, you can wander out onto the fittingly named Look At Me Now Headland to meet the bounding resident population of grey kangaroos, or grab your snorkel to explore the coral reefs of the Solitary Islands Marine Park among sea turtles and manta rays.

3.   Sydney, Wine and Wildlife Drive

Best for food and wine connoisseurs

With 14 wine regions and enough artisanal produce to satisfy the most demanding gourmand, New South Wales makes for a truly mouth-watering road trip. Start in the foodie haven of Sydney — known for its market-fresh oysters, cutting-edge cocktails and harbourside brunches. Climb the 440ft to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for spectacular 360-degree views, or simply stretch out on one of the city’s famous beaches and watch the world go by.

From Sydney, head west to reach the Blue Mountains, an undulating stretch of eucalypt forests, canyons and rocky cliffs running with waterfalls, where you can work up an appetite exploring bushland trails before tasting your way around one of the many growers’ markets, sampling local mountain honey, sourdough and kombucha. Afterwards, take the road northeast to the Hawkesbury River, a laid-back region of peaceful waterways and orchards, where you can pick your own apples and mandarin oranges.

Finally, drive north through the Central Coast region, with its line-up of coastal villages and perfect surf spots, until you reach the Hunter Valley. This is Australia’s oldest wine-growing region, with more than 150 cellar doors to visit and endless vineyards to explore. Try the signature local drop — the dry and fruity semillon — or choose from some of the best chardonnays and cabernet sauvignons in the New World.

Plan your trip

Flights to New South Wales are available from London to Sydney via Asia, the US or the Middle East. Sydney has good public transport, but outside the city you’ll need a car to explore the state. Audley Travel’s New South Wales trips offer expert local suggestions and planning, with flights, private transport and boutique accommodation built around a customised itinerary. To find out more, visit audleytravel.com

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• WILDLIFE WATCHING

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The Ultimate 2 Week South Coast NSW Road Trip Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase. Read Disclosure .

Arguably the best way to explore New South Wale’s South Coast is by car. A South Coast NSW road trip takes you past some of the best beaches, national parks, rainforests and quiet small towns.

While you can drive from one side to the other in 6 and a half hours, a South Coast NSW itinerary should be spread over a couple of weeks, because there is so much to see and do along the way.

After spending five weeks discovering the south coast for the first time, we were lucky enough to discover the beauty of this region and have lasting memories of our trip.

To help you out, I’ve shared the itinerary for the South Coast NSW that we took from Sydney, so you can map out you own itinerary.

But first…

Stop 6: Merimbula (2 Nights)

How long do you need for a south west coast nsw road trip.

While there is no set answer for this, we think the ideal amount of time to spend exploring the South West Coast is two weeks ?

You could actually do five weeks, like we did, and not get bored, but most people generally have a two week period for travel.

What is Considered The South Coast NSW?

The South Coast of NSW region begins just outside of Sydney and stretches from the Royal National Park to the town of Eden.

It’s one of our favourite regions in Australia and is famous for its stunning beaches , hinterland, hundreds of wild kangaroos hopping around, and quiet atmosphere compared to the north NSW coast.

Map of this South Coast Road Trip Itinerary

To help you plan your trip, here is a map of this South Coast road trip and where to stop.

2 Week South Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Without further ado, here is my recommended South West Coast road trip itinerary for two weeks.

Stop 1: Wollongong (2 Nights)

Heading south from Sydney, drive through the Royal National Park and make you way down the Grand Pacific Drive.

Along the way, make a stop at Bald Head Lookout for some beautiful views, and the Scarborough Hotel for lunch.

After an hour and 45 minutes of driving, you’ll pass over the Sea Cliff Bridge to Wollongong .

Wollongong is a vibrant seaside town with so much to see and do.

Things to do in Wollongong:

• Cycle the Wollongong foreshore
• North Wollongong Beach
• Nan Tien Temple
• Science Centre & Planetarium
• Seven Mile Beach
• Kiama Blowhole

Places to Eat & Drink in Wollongong :

• Illawarra Brewery
• Dew Drop Inn Tea House (Nan Tien Temple)
• Diggies Beach Cafe
• Lagoon Restaurant

Read more ideas in our post on things to do in Wollongong, NSW

Where to Stay in Wollongong: Novotel North Beach

Stop 2: Kangaroo Valley (2 Nights)

After spending a couple of night’s in Wollongong, it’s time to explore the South Highlands . Head south from Wollongong and stop at Gerringong for coffee, and then lunch at the Great Southern Hotel in Berry.

After driving for an hour and 10 minutes, you will reach Kangaroo Valley, the next stop on this itinerary.

Kangaroo Valley is known to be as green as Ireland and with the Australian bush and escarpments framing it.

There’s so much to see and do here, it’s really a pretty place to spend a few days.

Things to do in Kangaroo Valley:

• Historic Hampden Bridge
• Fitzroy Falls
• See wild wombats at Bendeela Picnic Area
• Upper Kangaroo river for a picnic or bbq
• Cycle (or drive) the Upper Kangaroo River Road

Places to Eat & Drink in Kangaroo Valley:

• Sweet As Kangaroo Valley Fudge House and Gelato Shop
• The Friendly Inn Hotel
• Burrawang Village Hotel

Places to stay in Kangaroo Valley: Crystal Creek Meadows

Read our review of Crystal Creek Meadows and our post on things to do in Kangaroo Valley

Stop 3: Jervis Bay (4 Nights)

Drive for another 1 hour and 10 minutes from Kangeroo Valley and you will reach our next destination, Jervis Bay.

Jervis Bay is magical and easily one of the best beach destinations in Australia. I have no doubt you will be blown away by the beauty just like I was.

The Jervis Bay area needs most of your attention, which is why I recommend you stay for 4 nights/3 days at a minimum.

There is so much to see and do around Jervis Bay, from exploring its lush beaches, taking whale watching cruises or exploring the beautiful Booderee National Park, which are arguably the best beaches in NSW South Coast .

Things to do in Jervis Bay:

• Hyams Beach
• White Sands Walk
• Green Patch Beach
• Greenfields Beach
• Murrays Beach
• Chinamans Beach
• Booderee National Park
• Scottish Rocks
• Kayak along Currambene Creek
• Go fishing / whale watching

Read our post on top things to do in Jervis Bay, NSW.

Places to Eat & Drink in Jervis Bay:

• The Husky Pub
• Husky Bakery & Cafe (famous for pies)
• Hyams Beach Cafe
• Picnic or BBQ at any of the Beaches

Places to Stay in Jervis Bay: Stay in a cabin at Jervis Bay Caravan Park

Stop 4: Murramarang National Park (2 Nights)

Now we’re getting into rural territory, it’s time to ditch technology and enjoy cutting off for a couple of nights. The drive between Jervis Bay and Murramarang National Park is only 1.5 hours, but you will want to drive slowly and stop off along the way for amazing coastal views.

Take a detour over to Milton and the neighbouring towns of Mollymook and Ulladulla on the way to the national park, which is known to have amazing places to eat such as Rick Stein at Bannisters. Be sure to check out Cupitt’s Estate Winery in Ulladulla if you’re a wine lover.

Murramarang National Park is a great place to go camping, either by pitching a tent or staying at a caravan park near Batemans Bay or Bermagui.

It’s one of the best places in Australia to spot eastern grey kangaroos .

If you have time at your disposal, you can walk the entire Murramarang South Coast Walk which takes 3 days, and takes you through the parks most beautiful sites, from craggy cliffs to grassy headlands.

Things to do in Murramarang National Park

• Pretty Beach
• Pebbly Beach (famous for kangaroos)
• Depot Beach
• Durras Beach
• The Pretty Beach to Merry Beach coastal walk

Places to Stay Murramarang National Park: Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach

Stop 5: Narooma (2 Nights)

Drive for an hour and a half South along the Princes Highway and you will reach Narooma.

Narooma is another sleepy town that is simply stunning. The scenery is breathtaking and so unique, in fact, the name Narooma means “blue water” in ancient aboriginee, so you can pretty much expect beautiful waters here no matter when you visit.

I don’t think I have ever seen water that colour before in any other place in NSW.

It’s also a great place to rent a bike and cycle between beaches, check out impressive rock formations, take a boat cruise over to the nearby nature reserve, Montague Island, where you can see native seals and penguins, or you can simply bath on the beach.

Things to do in Narooma:

• Cycle The Mill Bay Boardwalk (look for stingrays)
• Bar Lookout
• 12 km to cycle way to Dalmeny Beach
• Australia Rock at sunrise
• Montague Island Nature Reserve (breathtaking wildlife sanctuary)
• Central Tilba Markets
• Bodalla Dairy Shed to learn about Tilba Cheese
• Drive to Camel Rock and swim in the blue pool ocean pool

Places to Eat & Drink in Narooma:

• The Quarterdeck (cool cafe and bar on the water)

Where to Stay in Narooma: Horizon Holiday Apartment s is a 4-star hotel, just a few minutes’ walk from Narooma Surf Beach and the town center

From Narooma, it’s a 1 hour and 25 minute drive south to our next and final stop, Merimbula.

We actually stayed in Eden when we visited Merimbula , but don’t stay in Eden. Merimbula is a nicer town. We make these mistakes so you don’t have to

Merimbula is a small town on the Saphire Coast and is known for having surf breaks over a sandbank at the beach, so surfers can find excellent waves all year round. The nearby Short Point is a great place to see humpback whales during their annual migration (June to November).

Things to do in Merimbula:

• Ben Boyd National Park (don’t miss the Pinnacles)
• Cycle the Merimbula Boardwalk
• Mimosa Rocks National Park
• Merimbula Bar Beach
• Short Point Beach
• Whale watching in Eden
• Visit Potoroo Palace to see wombats, echidnas and kangaroos
• Tathra Wharf

Where to Stay in Merimbula: Narooma Palms Holiday Apartments

Final Thoughts on This 2 Week South West Coast Itinerary

The South West Coast is an underrated region in Australia and one of our favorite parts of New South Wales.

It has some of the best beaches in Aus , incredible natural beauty, and a sleepy small-town atmosphere that allows you to disconnect and recharge your batteries.

I hope that this guide gave you some inspiration for how to plan your South Coast NSW road trip and helped you work out where to stay and what to do.

Have you already been to South Coast NSW? What places would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments.

About The Author

Craig makepeace.

Best Northern NSW Road Trip Via Coast and Country in 2024

One of the best ways to see Northern NSW is with the flexibility of an NSW road trip. Whether you are travelling as a family, as a couple or with a group of friends a road trip is the way to go. There is something really special about exploring areas that you haven’t visited before, finding hidden gems and creating memorable adventures along the way.

Where do you start? How do you plan an NSW road trip itinerary where you want to fit in as much as possible?

We planned this road trip NSW itinerary for a duration of two weeks travelling from Sydney up to the North Coast of NSW to Byron Bay and returning inland so that we could see as much as we could in our two weeks. You could easily extend this itinerary to 3 weeks or even 4 and even shorten it if you only have one week.

We cover some of the best beaches, great places to stay, visiting towns on the coast and inland, breweries, wineries, gin distillery, famous pubs and some of the best restaurants and local produce that rivals anywhere else in Australia.

Would we change anything on our NSW road trip? Yes, some extra time would have been a bonus on the return part of the journey. Most of our time was spent on the coast and not in the New England region of NSW. I put this down to the fact that I lived in the region around Tamworth for around 2 years when I was in my late teens and travelled around. The other reason was that the hotel we wanted to stay in Scone was fully booked so we chose instead to stay in Uralla and Wingham.

Another road trip is heading 1.5 hours from Sydney to visit the Blue Mountains Attractions.

Table of Contents

Our NSW Road Trip Itinerary

In this itinerary, we cover visiting:

Sydney to Port Stephens visiting Bennetts Beach (Hawks Nest), Tea Gardens, Salamander Bay, Nelson Bay

Port Macquarie

Beechwood, Nambucca Heads, Bellingen, Raleigh, Urunga, Sawtell, Yamba and Angourie

Lennox Head, Byron Bay, Newrybar,

Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Uralla, Wingham, Gloucester and return back to Sydney.

This post may contain affiliate links.  Please see our disclosure for more information.

Best NSW Road Trip Details – NSW Coast Road Trip Sydney Byron Bay

Sydney to port stephens.

Our first port of call was to visit Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens and in particular Bennetts Beach before heading to Salamander Bay for 2 nights. The journey on average takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes to travel 220 km via the M1 and Pacific Highway/A1.

Bennetts Beach is also known as Hawks Nest Beach and it is 14.3 km long of silvery-white sand running from Seal Rocks to the north to Yacaaba to the south. It is popular with surfers and swimmers. There is parking available at the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Lifesaving Club. The beach is patrolled from October to April.

Hawks Nest is a popular summer destination where visitors enjoy swimming, surfing, windsurfing, boating, canoeing, fishing, bushwalking and diving.

There is a range of accommodation available in Port Stephens from camping grounds to motels, cottages and much more.

Good to know : If you are considering visiting at Xmas time or the Easter school holidays you will need to book in advance.

Tea Gardens

From Hawks Nest travel back over the Singing Bridge to Tea Gardens – yes it does sing, you can hear it when the south-westerly winds are blowing. If you wander under the bridge you may see bottle-nose dolphins in the Myall River and you may even be greeted by a family of pelicans.

There are some great restaurants to choose from in Tea Gardens. Our visit coincided with the running of the Melbourne Cup and our only choice for lunch was the very busy fun Tea Gardens Hotel. The atmosphere was electric and the food was excellent. All in all a good choice!

There are 4 restaurants/cafes that interest us when we return:

Mumms on the Myall – 46 Marine Drive Tea Gardens overlooking the Myall River

Open: Breakfast Saturday and Sunday 08.30 am – 10.30 am

Lunch – 10.30 am – 2.00 pm

Dinner Wednesday and Saturday from 5.30 pm

Tea Gardens Boatshed – 110 Marine Drive Tea Gardens overlooking the Myall River

Open : breakfast 7.30 am – 11.00 am

Lunch: 12.00 – 2.30 pm

Tillermans – 77 Marine Drive Tea Gardens

Open from: Thursday – Sunday from 8.30 am – 2.00 pm Friday & Saturday night by booking only

Hook n Cook – 77 Marine Drive for fish and chips

Open: 10.30 am to 6. 45 pm

Where to Stay in Port Stephens

There are many areas to stay in Port Stephens such as Nelson Bay, Anna Bay, and Shoal Bay but this time we chose to stay in the Oaks Pacific Blue Resort at Salamander Bay

Salamander Bay is centrally located to see all that the Port Stephens region has to offer.

What To Do in Port Stephens and Surrounds

If you have one day in Port Stephens we would recommend:

In the morning visit Tomaree National Park for hikes and walks. Allow 2- 3 hours for a variety of walks. Gan Gan Lookout at Lily Hill Road Nelson Bay is worth a visit. Allow 30 minutes at the lookout.

Lunch : Visit Murrays Craft Brewery at 3443 Nelson Bay Road Nelson Bay for a range of craft beers, Australian wines, great food and a gourmet produce shop.

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm

Afternoon : Visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary at 562 Gan Gan Road One Mile Port Stephens.

Opening hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm – in winter they close at 4.00 pm.

You can purchase tickets in advance here

If you have 2 days to spend in Port Stephens :

Visit the Nelson Bay Lighthouse at 5A Lighthouse Road Nelson Bay and enjoy morning tea at the Inner Light Tea Rooms which is open from 8.30 am daily and close at 3.00 pm

Visit Nelson Bay township for shopping, street art, the harbour, restaurants and cafes.

If you are interested in a tour we can recommend the following:

Port Stephens to Port Macquarie

Driving time 2 hours 50 minutes – 250 km journey Pacific Highway/A1

Where to stay in Port Macquarie

In Port Macquarie, we stayed at the Ibis Styles – 4-star accommodation in a great location with an easy walk into town, views, a swimming pool and a very comfortable stay. You can read our review here.

What to do In Port Macquarie

Depending on what you are interested in there is so much to do here you can allow at least 2 days even 3 days.

• Visit Port Macquarie’s historical buildings that date back to the early 1800s
• Wander the Hello Koala Sculpture trail – with over 80 koalas in the area
• Visit the Koala Hospital
• Wander along Port Macquarie’s break wall
• Visit Port Macquarie’s Lighthouse
• Take a 15-minute scenic helicopter flight – check availability here
• Visit the local wineries
• Get lost in the Bago maze
• Take coastal walks
• Enjoy the local beaches

Port Macquarie to Nambucca Heads

We travelled from Port Macquarie to Beechwood to have lunch at the Beechwood Hotel. It is a short journey of 27 km with an average driving time of 26 minutes. The Beechwood Hotel was named the best hotel in the Wotif 2021 Uniquely Aussie  Awards . It is a traditional country pub and on the weekends you may encounter the locals riding their horses to the hotel and tying them up outside on the railings and popping in for a cold beer or two.

Distance from Beechwood to Nambucca Heads

After a great lunch enjoying the antics of the locals we headed off to Nambucca Heads – a distance of 117.3 km with a driving time of 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Where to Stay in Nambucca Heads

We were fortunate to be able to enjoy the delights of the new The Beach Rooms in Nambucca Heads overlooking Gordon Park with stunning views of the river and ocean. The Beach Rooms offer funky accommodation, with a range of accommodation that suits families, couples and singles. There is on-site parking available, wifi and a shared kitchen/lounge area. You can read our review of our stay here

What to do in Nambucca Heads

Nambucca Heads is known for its 23 km of coastline. it is a great family destination where all can enjoy swimming, surfing, boating and visiting the towns of the hinterland.

You can read our article on things to do in Nambucca Heads here

What towns to visit in the Hinterland of Nambucca Heads

Bellingen is 37 km from Nambucca Heads with an average driving time of 30 minutes. Bellingen lies halfway between Sydney and Brisbane. For a small town, it punches a great funky bohemian vibe.

Bellingen is located by the Bellingen River along the Waterfall Way. The Waterfall Way runs from Coffs Harbour to Armidale for 185 km through rainforests, river valleys and waterfalls.

Why visit Bellingen?

• Enjoy the many cafes and restaurants
• Wander the main street and admire the historical buildings
• Attend the local markets on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Saturdays of the month
• Shop the arts and craft galleries at the Old Butter Factory on the outskirts of town
• Enjoy a picnic by the Bellingen River

A highlight of taking time out of the day is to visit the Raleigh Winery at 36 Queen Street. Enjoy a spectacular lunch at the Raleigh Winery Restaurant and you can even spend a night or two at Raleigh House just a few steps from the cellar door and restaurant.

Distance from Raleigh to Urunga 4 km with an average driving time of 5 minutes.

Urunga is a small town north of Nambucca Heads. It is famous for its surfing, fishing and boating. Take a walk along the waterfront and enjoy the Urunga Boardwalk which is 1 km in length and it is also wheelchair friendly. Urunga is also where two rivers meet – the Bellinger and the Kalang. You may be lucky to see a pod of dolphins when you visit. During May and November you can see the migration of whales.

Nambucca Heads to Yamba

The distance between Nambucca Heads and Yamba is 180 km with an average driving time of 2 hours and 5 minutes.

You can take a break and stay at Coffs Harbour along the way. The distance between Nambucca Heads and Coffs Harbour is 48 km with an average driving time of 40 minutes. Another option is to break the journey in Sawtell just 15 minutes south of Coffs Harbour. Sawtell is a pretty town, the main street is full of cafes and boutique shops and has a lovely landscaped central median strip.

We chose to stop at Sawtell for lunch. Friends of ours live in Sawtell and we met up with them at The Hilltop Store for lunch. We can recommend their tasty seasonal menu for brunch or lunch. They are also licensed.

Address: 114 First Avenue Sawtell

Distance between Nambucca Heads and Sawtell – 44 km average driving time 33 minutes.

Distance between Sawtell and Yamba – 143 km average driving time 1 hour 40 minutes

Where to Stay in Yamba

There are over 177 properties to choose from to stay in Yamba.

We chose to stay at the Angourie Resort in Yamba, 5 minutes away from the beach. The resort has a range of accommodation that suits families and couples. There is a large outdoor pool, children’s pool and play area, day spa, tennis and restaurant.

You can read our review of our stay here

What To Do in Yamba

There is so much to do and see in Yamba , you should allow at least 3 nights here.

The highlights are:

• Angourie Blue and Green Pools – great for swimming and family picnics, a very scenic spot, easy to park
• Swim at Yamba’s 5 beaches
• Do the Yamba historical walk to learn more about its history
• Visit the Yamba Museum
• Visit the Yamba Lighthouse
• Enjoy the local markets
• Visit the Wobbly Chook Craft Brewery

Yamba to lennox Head

The distance between Yamba and Lennox Head is 112 km with an average driving time of 1 hour and 20 minutes.

We chose to stay in Lennox Head rather than the very busy touristy town of Byron Bay. Byron Bay is 20 km away from Lennox Head and depending on traffic it is a 20-minute journey. At school drop off and pick up times the journey can take a little longer. Lennox Head is a quieter place to stay and perfect for families, couples or friends. There are restaurants, a cliffside walk, surfing, 4 WD driving, kayaking and boating on the Tea Tree Lake.

Lennox Head is a good base to visit the hinterland towns.

what To Do in and Around Lennox Head

Highlights of visiting Lennox Head and the Surrounding Hinterland:

• Enjoy a 2 hour group surf lesson in Lennox Head

• Kayak, canoe and stand up paddleboard on Lake Ainsworth (aka Tea Tree Lake)
• Paraglide and hang glide from Lennox Head
• Whale watching from June to October from Byron Bay
• From Byron Bay – Hinterland Magic and Glo Worm experience – Go for a refreshing swim at a secluded waterfall. Walk among ancient trees and visit one of the highest waterfalls of the region. Adventure into the magical forest where glowworms light up the scene.
• From Byron Bay a sea kayak adventure – Enjoy a 2.5-hour sea kayak tour on the pristine waters of Byron Bay. On the tour, lookout for native marine life, such as Pacific bottlenose dolphins and 3 different types of turtles. At the end of the tour, try surfing a wave to shore on your kayak.
• Visit Seven Mile Brewery in Ballina
• Visit Husk Distillery in North Tumbulgum
• Visit the hinterland towns of Newrybar and Bangalow
• Enjoy the region’s cafes and restaurants with their inspirational menus with sourced local produce

Top Adventures Tours Around Byron Bay

Big Day Out Byron Hinterland Tours

• • Bush walk through ancient rainforests in the world heritage listed Nightcap Nationalpark 
• • Discover stunning Minyon Falls with breath taking views
• • Enjoy a delicious BBQ style lunch
• • Visit the famous little town Bangalow with its fascinating mix of local shops, galleries and cafes
• • Weave your way trough beautiful landscape as you return to Byron Bay

Byron & Beyond Tour

• Drive up to the iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse for the best ocean and Byron Hinterland views and to spot migrating whales (between May and October) and local dolphins
• Visit The Farm, a real working local farm with a range of different growers, producers, eateries, shops and kids activities
• Experience magical Crystal Castle and walk through stunning gardens, touch the world peace stupa and enjoy the beauty of crystal from giant formations to exquisite jewellery
• Have a delicious locally sourced BBQ-style lunch
• Stop at the historical little town of Bangalow and tour its fascinating mix of local shops, galleries and cafes
• Weave your way through beautiful landscape as you return to Byron Bay

Half Day Out Byron Bay Tour

• Visit the Byron lighthouse and have your photo taken at Australia’s most easterly point
• Watch whales (June-Oct), dolphins and sea turtles along the coast
• Tour the sustainable-farming and food experience that is The Farm
• Visit the beautiful little hinterland town Bangalow

Where To Stay in Lennox Head

There are 82 properties to choose from to stay in Lennox Head.

We chose to stay in an Airbnb property opposite the beach. The property has a funky style and has been designed by an interior designer. La Luna is suitable for 6 guests, 2 bedrooms, 4 beds and 2.5 baths. There are two outdoor dining areas, a spa and an outdoor shower. Three bikes and 2 kayaks have been provided by the owner.

Country NSW Road Trip from Lennox Head to Sydney

Our inland NSW road trip itinerary:

Lennox Head to Uralla via Tenterfield and Glen Innes

Uralla to Wingham via Gloucester

Wingham to sydney, lennox head to uralla.

What a stunning scenic drive from Lennox Head to Lismore and Casino onto Tenterfield. Driving distance of 197 km and an average driving time of 2 hours and 51 minutes.

Our aim was to visit Tenterfield for lunch and to visit the Tenterfield Saddler made popular by singer Peter Allen. Unfortunately, due to Covid, the Tenterfield Saddler was closed. The store is run by volunteers and contains a lot of historical items. Maybe next time!

Where to have lunch in Tenterfield?

The Courtyard Cafe is located at 203 Rouse Street in the historic Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Building.

The cafe is open for breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. The cafe has an extensive menu to suit all palates and there is a choice to sit in the courtyard or inside. It is a popular venue for the locals.

Tenterfield to Uralla via Glen Innes

The next stage of the journey was 211 km from Tenterfield to Uralla, with an average driving time of 2 hours and 25 minutes.

We wanted to stop in Glen Innes briefly to view the Australian Standing Stones at Centennial Park. “The Stones celebrate the Celtic nations whose descendants contributed to the Australian way of life and reflect the movement of the Earth around the sun, an important feature of Celtic life.” source Visit NSW

There are many things to do in Glen Innes so plan to spend a few nights.

Good to know: The New England Highway/A15 was a quiet road and road conditions are not the best. We would recommend that you drive carefully and keep an eye out for potholes. I am used to driving on country roads and always ensure that I have a full tank of petrol and bottles of water. Wifi reception was poor in the area as well.

Where to Stay in Uralla

In Uralla, we stayed in an Airbnb 1 bedroom property that belongs to a local horse whisperer. The property was located a few kms out of town in a beautiful countryside setting. Our apartment was attached to the main house with views over the countryside. It is pet-friendly. More details can be found here.

What to do in Uralla

There are plenty of things to do in Uralla to keep you occupied for a day or two:

• Visit the Barking Dog Gallery at 36 Bridge Street
• Visit the Uralla Foundry Museum at the corner of Salisbury and East Streets – established in 1872 the foundry until recently was the oldest foundry still operating in Australia. Ring for appointments on 02 6778 6420
• Collect your free Heritage Walk from the Visitors Centre
• Visit the McCrossin’s Mill Museum , Gallery and Function Centre at 31 Salisbury – the historic 3 storey flour mill houses exhibits, tells the story of Thunderbolt, artefacts from the goldfields and the story of the Chinese Joss House.
• Whyworry Wines (Kingstown Road, Kingstown)and the distillery of Eastview Estate at 298 Kentucky Road, Kentucky.
• Visit Greenhill Orchards at 670 Hawthorne Drive at Arding – a working family orchard producing summer fruits and apples and pears
• Visit Sunhill Dairy Goats at 645 The Gap Road Uralla – meet the goats and taste their cheese – tours are available
• Visit Berry Good Berries at 70 Goodes Road Uralla – pick your own fruit
• Visit Uralla Combined Indoor Market on the 4th Saturday of every month between 9 am and 12 pm in the Memorial Hall in Salisbury Street Uralla
• Visit the Kentucky Seasonal Craft & Produce Market 2nd Sunday of each season in the Memorial Hall Kentucky from 9 am to 1 pm for local produce, arts and crafts
• Visit Dangars Gorge & Falls along Tourist Drive 19, 35 km east of Uralla

Where To Eat in Uralla

The Top Pub in Uralla is the popular place to eat in town. The restaurant was excellent, with a great menu and wine list, you do need to make an advanced reservation. There is an outdoor and indoor eating area as well as the main bar. We would definitely return.

Address : 23 – 27 Bridge Street Uralla

Open: Daily except for Christmas Day. Lunch from 12.00 pm to 2.30 pm. Dinner from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm

With dishes such as African Spiced Lamb Rack, Fig and Brie Garlic Roasted Chicken to gluten-free and vegetarian options such as Thai Crispy Tofu and homemade spinach pie- no wonder the restaurant is booked out in advance. Did I also mention the mouthwatering desserts on offer too!

New England Brewery

Next to the Top Pub at 19 Bridge Street is the New England Brewery with a range of craft beers and their speciality IPAs. Currently, they open from Wednesday to Saturday. Check their times here .

Other places to eat out in Uralla Shire are:

• Cafe Gusto for Italian Cuisine at 46 Bridge Street Uralla – open Thursday to Sunday for lunch and dinner
• Michael’s Cafe, Deli & Catering at 98 Bridge Street – open Monday to Friday 6.30a am to 4.00 pm (closed Thursdays) for coffee, all-day breakfast, fruit platters and veggie packs
• Thunderbolt Inn Cnr Bridge & Hill Streets Uralla – open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week -for good pub food

Distance : 254 km driving time average 3. 5 hours from Uralla to Wingham on the Thunderbolts Way. The road is named after a local bushranger, Frederick Ward, who roamed around the New England region in the 19th century. The road is steep in parts and is not in good condition.

The town of Gloucester is located in the Barrington Coast Hinterland and it is the closest town to the Barrington Tops National Park. The Gloucester River runs through town and you can wander along the riverbank.

The Gloucester Information Centre is one of the best we have encountered. Not only were they open, but also open on a weekend, with very knowledgeable staff and lots of information on the area.

What to do in Gloucester

• Go hiking – for more information click here
• Visit the historic towns of Nabiac, Stroud, Patterson and Dungog
• Visit Villa d’esta winery at 2884 Wallambah Rd, Dyers Crossing
• Visit Gap Hill Winery at 8 Gap Hill Road Stroud Road Stroud
• Visit Tugwood Winery at 450 Mograni Creek Road, Gloucester NSW
• Visit Gloucester River Wines at 51 Stantons Lane Gloucester
• Grab a juicy meat pie from Hebbys Bakery at 55 Church St Gloucester
• Take a scenic drive through the National Parks – more information here

Where to Stay in Gloucester

There are 11 properties available to stay in Gloucester NSW

Gloucester to Wingham – 68.7 km average driving time 55 minutes

Where To Stay in Wingham

Unfortunately, our beautiful farm stay in Wingham had to close shortly after we stayed there.

There are 5 properties available to stay in Wingham .

The other alternative is to stay in Taree where there are 17 properties available. Taree is 9 km from Wingham with an average driving time of 9 minutes.

What To Do in and Around Wingham

• Wander the streets of Wingham and enjoy the street art
• Dine at Bent on Food
• Admire the historical buildings in town
• Have a beer at The Australian Hotel
• Visit the Manning Museum
• Wander Wingham Central Park
• Take the Wingham Self-Guided Heritage Walk
• Visit the Coorabakh National Park
• Visit Ellenborough Falls , one of Australia’s top ten waterfalls
• Visit Potaroo Falls
• Visit Saltwater National Park
• Visit Crowdy Bay National Park
• Explore the Manning River – a fishing and boating paradise
• Visit Tapin Tops National Park
• Take a self-guided Cattai Wetlands walk
• Enjoy dinner at the Wynter Tavern 1 Bushland Drive Taree not far from Wingham

The final leg of our north coast of NSW road trip.

Distance from Wingham to Sydney 321 km with an average driving time of 3 hours 38 minutes.

We hope you enjoyed our article on our North Coast Road Trip travelling via the coast and returning via the country. Feel free to share our article with family and friends. If you have any questions please contact us or post your question on our private Facebook group here .

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Two Week NSW South Coast Road Trip Itinerary

For those who live in Sydney, a road trip down the NSW South Coast is pretty much a rite of passage. I have many fond memories from my childhood, and during my adult life, of holidays visiting parts of this stunning and often underrated part of Australia.

The NSW South Coast is generally quieter than travelling north from Sydney. The beaches more untouched, the towns more quaint and the local produce in abundance. It ticks all the boxes for all kinds of trips, from family holidays, couple road trips and friend group getaways.

With lots to see and do, where do you start with planning your NSW South Coast road trip itinerary.

First, you need to work out how long to take for your South Coast road trip from Sydney. From there you can determine how many places you’ll be able to fit into your time. However if you want to see all the best bits in one trip, my suggestion would be to allow at least two weeks.

If you don’t have quite as much time to spend then you can use this South Coast road trip itinerary and pick parts out of the road trip to explore at different times.

Hiring a Vehicle

First thing you will need is a vehicle. If you live in Sydney or nearby, you’ll likely have your own car. If you will be flying into Sydney you’ll need to hire a car, campervan or caravan.

There is plenty of different types of accommodation available on the NSW South Coast to accommodate those travelling both by car and by campervan or caravan. Holiday parks with space for campervans, caravans and campers are in abundance in most towns along the coast.

A car will give you more freedom to park on the side of the road to discover something new. While campervan’s and caravans are your home on wheels. There are pros and cons to both options. Read my post on choosing the right means of transport for more on this.

Which ever option you choose, Hertz has great car, campervan and caravan hire options with comparative prices.

NSW South Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Days 1 to 2 – Sydney to Kiama

Set off from Sydney in the early morning to allow plenty of time for stops along the way to Kiama, the first destination on this two week NSW South Coast road trip.

Things to See Between Sydney and Kiama

Leaving Sydney you have many options for places to stop and explore along the way. In order below is a list of some of my favourites:

The Royal National Park – One of the oldest National Parks in the world, there is heaps to explore here and you could quite easily spend a week just seeing everything in the park. For this trip I’d suggest driving through the park rather than taking the highway south. Maybe make a stop at the Audley Boatshed for a coffee or short walk at Wattamolla.

The Grand Pacific Drive – This is a beautiful stretch of coastal road with stunning beaches and breathtaking bridges that allow you to drive over the ocean away from the sheer cliffs above. You can read more about some of my favourite spots on the Grand Pacific Drive here .

Wollongong – The 10th biggest city in Australia, don’t let this put you off as most of the city is facing the coast and has a really relaxed vibe. Wollongong is a great place to stop halfway through your drive to Kiama to have a dip in the ocean and grab a bite to each for lunch. There are lots of great cafes, restaurants and take-away stores along the beaches.

What to See & Do in Kiama

The sleepy town of Kiama is the perfect place to stay the night. This lively town is full of restaurants, cafes and boutique shopping as well as some must see attractions around the area.

The Blowhole – This natural phenomena is basically a hole in the volcanic rock that shoots water metres into the air when the sea rushes underneath. It is said to be at its best when the seas run from the south east but having been there dozens of times myself, I haven’t left disappointed regardless of the sea direction.

Kiama Seaside Markets – Kiama hosts two monthly markets, on the third Sunday of the month for handmade goods, and the other on the fourth Saturday of the month selling local produce.

Terrace and Sandstone Walk shops – This small collection of shops are housed in restored timber houses circa 1886 which are the last of their kind. They were originally built by the local miners and today house boutique shops, restaurants and cafes.

Kiama Coast Walk – This 20 km walk along a sign posted coastal track takes you from Minnamurra Village through Kiama and finishes at Werri Beach in Gerringong, south of Kiama. You can do the walk in sections or complete it in a whole day. More details about the walk can be found here .

The Beaches – Kiama has some fantastic beaches for all occasions. Looking to spend the day relaxing and swimming, head to Surf Beach which is patrolled; wanting to escape and have a beach all to yourself, check out Jones Beach which is also a great spot to see the Cathedral Rocks; endless stretches of sand can be found at Seven Mile Beach just south of Kiama in Gerroa; or my personal favourite Werri Beach where you can enjoy all of the above plus watch the locals surfers in action.

Jamberoo – Famous for the water park of the same name, there is more to Jamberoo than waterslides. A nice short countryside drive inland from Kiama, Jamberoo has weekend markets, quaint stores and a small array of excellent cafes.

Where to Stay in Kiama

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – Kiama Shores Motel

Mid-Range – Big4 Easts Beach Holiday Park

Luxury – Terralong Terrace Apartments

Read More About Kiama

Things to Do in Kiama and Surrounds

Long Weekend Travel: 5 Easy Trips from Sydney

Walking the Sea Cliff Bridge

Days 3 to 5 – Kiama to Jervis Bay

The next stop on your road trip NSW South Coast is Jervis Bay. The drive from Kiama to Jervis Bay isn’t far, taking less than an hour. You can have a late start and make a few stops along the way. There are two routes you can take, first along the highway or take the detour through the coastal towns of Gerringong, Gerroa and Shoalhaven Heads.

Berry – One of the top quaint towns in NSW, in Berry you will find plenty of great places to eat, lovely little local shops selling locally made items and some top pubs. If you are there for breakfast or morning tea, check out the Milkwood Bakery or for lunch the meals at the Great Southern Hotel are always great. Just a few minutes drive from the main street is the Berry Treat Factory, a great place to stock up on treats for the long road trip ahead.

Shoalhaven Heads – The quintessential sleepy seaside town. A nice place for a stroll to stretch the legs after being in the car. The Shoalhaven River meets the sea here so you get the best of both worlds, nice river and ocean views plus a great stop for a swim!

What to See & Do in Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay is a year round destination fringed with stunning beaches, pristine national and marine park and quaint little towns with an abundance of delicious places to eat and drink. The whole area has a very chilled out vibe with lots to see and do for all ages.

Booderee National Park – Home to some the the areas most stunning beaches like Caves Beach and Murray’s Beach where you might run into a few of the local kangaroos who like to hang out in the car park. This National Park also has some great short walks, ruins and interesting Botanical Gardens. You could easily spend a day or more just exploring this park.

White Sands Walk – Beginning at Greenfield Beach picnic area this walk takes you on a loop past some of the best white sand beaches on the bay including world famous Hyam’s Beach, said to have the whitest sand in the world. The whole loop takes about an hour and is relatively flat, so good for most fitness levels.

See Whales and Dolphins – During whale season (roughly June to November), these majestic creatures like to make their way into the bay and sometimes put on a bit of a show. However, if you’re not in the area during whale season then you can still see the amazing dolphins that live in the bay. The best way to see these creatures is on a cruise. Here are three great options to choose from:

• 1.5 Hour Dolphin Cruise
• Dolphin Cruise with Boom Netting Experience
• 2 Hour Whale Watching Cruise

Point Perpendicular Lighthouse – On the northern end of Jervis Bay, this lighthouse offers spectacular views looking out over the bay and through the opening out to sea. You can even make out the white sands of the beaches that rim the bay.

Nearby St Georges Basin – Just 10 minutes from Huskisson (the main town in Jervis Bay) is St Georges Basin, a shallow lake home to some of the regions most beautiful flora and fauna. From Erowal Bay and the few towns along the Basin you’ll be able to go fishing, see flocks of birds take off and land on the still water and watch kangaroos lazing by the shore just before sunset. Its one of the most peaceful places on earth.

Where to Stay in Jervis Bay

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located in Huskisson, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – Huskisson Holiday Cabins

Mid-Range – Huskisson Beach Bed and Breakfast

Luxury – Ceespray on Owen

Read More About Jervis Bay

Things to Do in Jervis Bay

The 16 Best NSW South Coast Beaches

Days 6 to 8 – Jervis Bay to Batemans Bay

Heading further south in the morning from Jervis Bay, the drive to Batemans Bay is about two hours with lots of beach stops and detours along the way.

Lake Conjola – On the lake of the same name, this sleepy little town is a short detour from the highway and a great place to grab a coffee and stretch your legs with a walk along the lake front.

Milton – A little further south on the highway is the historic town of Milton which is packed with art galleries, antiques and, surprisingly for the location, fine dining restaurants. Grab a treat from the Heritage Bakery at the very least.

Mollymook – Popular holiday spot for families in summer, I love the beach here which is patrolled during summer and great for a swim or surf. The town also has some great beach cafes and fish and chip shops, so this could be a good place to grab a late breakfast or lunch.

Pretty Beach in the Murramarang National Park – Taking the Bawley Point turn off from the highway, this slightly longer detour is worth it for the stunning and secluded beach you’ll find at the end, Pretty Beach. From Pretty Beach there are lots of walks you can do, keeping your eye out for kangaroos in the grass. Also a great spot for a picnic.

What to See & Do in Batemans Bay

Arriving in Batemans Bay will be the start of your adventures in the Eurobodalla region of the NSW South Coast. Famous for amazing beaches and waterways perfect for outdoor activities and food, incredible locally sourced food. The countryside throughout the whole region is rolling hills with grazing cows on the right as you head south and aqua blue ocean on the left.

Oysters! – The Clyde River which runs right through Batemans Bay is home to plenty of oyster leases meaning an abundance of local oysters for you to eat. My favourite spot to grab and oyster is The Oyster Shed on Wray St where you will get the freshest oysters served either on the deck over looking the river or for takeaway.

Mogo – 10 minutes south of Batemans Bay is the tiny town of Mogo. The street is lined with quaint antique and crafty stores as well as a few great places to grab a bite to eat, maybe even a locally made cake. While in Mogo, check out the zoo there which has a great reputation for the protection of endangered species, you can even feed a giraffe!

Hit the Beach – There are lots of beaches around Batemans Bay. My favourite would have to be McKenzies Beach in Malua Bay, just south of town on the coastal tourist drive. Its less crowded and has beautiful semi enclosed surrounding cliffs.

Mossy Point – On the coastal tourist drive south of Batemans Bay is this lovely little coastal township where the Tomago River meets the sea. Down by the river mouth you can hire a kayak and paddle up the river spotting sting rays as they glide under the kayak. It is pristine beauty at its best.

Durras Discovery Trail – Just north of Batemans Bay off the highway is the southern part of the Murramarang National Park where you will find this 1.5km loop walk through the rainforest. It is a great escape from the beaches in summer with temperatures generally lower in the rainforest.

Where to Stay in Batemans Bay

Budget – Batemans Bay Holiday Park & YHA

Mid-Range – Clyde View Holiday Park

Luxury – Bay Breeze Boutique Motel

Read More About Batemans Bay

Things to So in Eurobodalla on the NSW South Coast

Days 9 to 11 – Batemans Bay to Narooma

The next stop is what I think to be one of the best places to visit on the NSW South Coast, Narooma. Around an hours drive from Batemans Bay to Narooma with more stunning countryside and coastal towns to explore along the way. You could easily have a late start today, however make sure you allow enough time to check out some of these spots along the way.

Moruya Heads – A sleepy coastal town with great Tuesday local farmers markets and beautiful views where the Moruya River meets the sea.

Coila Prawns – If you love prawns, a stop at the service station on the highway here will allow you to buy some of the freshest prawns you can get. These are not just any prawns though, they are Coila Lake prawns which are small, sweet and delicious, with the prawns completing their entire lifestyle in enclosed waters, which is rare.

Tuross Head – Another lovely sleepy town along the coast and probably one of my favourites. There’s a great short tourist drive you can do around Tuross Head if you don’t have much time here. It takes in all the best spots around town including some lovely lookout spots.

Bodalla Dairy Shed – Cheese and dairy lovers will be in heaven in this place. Here you can taste and buy locallly made dairy products including the Bodalla Cheese Company. I especially like their saltbush cheese for something different and don’t forget to grab a deliciously fresh milkshake for the road.

Dalmeny Drive Detour – Just before arriving in Narooma, you can turn off the highway and continue the rest of the way along the coastal Dalmeny Road for beautiful beaches and coastal views. There is also a coastal walking path which you can walk part of to stretch your legs after the drive.

What to See & Do in Narooma

Narooma is gateway to some of the best beaches, snorkeling and wildlife on the NSW South Coast. Set on the Wagonga Inlet, it is a popular place for family holidays, fishing and lazy days at the beach.

Hit the Beach – Surf Beach right in the heart of Narooma is the most popular beach in the area and rightly so. The water is crystal clear, the sand pristine and it is patrolled all throughout summer making it great for swimmers and surfers. It is also home to the Glasshouse Rock formations, great for exploring at low tide.

Montague Island – Located just 9 km off the coast of Narooma is this nature lover’s paradise. It is home to a famous lighthouse as well as many animal species such as the little penguins, seals and sea birds. You can visit the island on a guided tour at various times throughout the year.

Mill Bay Boardwalk – A short 350m boardwalk around Mill Bay is the perfect way to start the day off when visiting Narooma. Locals and visitors a like take this walk to see stingrays feeding and take in the beautiful surrounds.

Mystery Bay to 1080 Beach Walk – This moderate 5 km return walk through the bush also has the option of a beach walk return when tides are right. The walk is located just a 10 minute drive south of Narooma.

Gulaga Walk, Mt Dromadery – A little further south of Narooma, this walk is a lot tougher than those mentioned above and is good for those who have good physical fitness and are looking for a challenge. It is 14km return taking around five hours to complete with the majority of the walk heading straight up to the top of this extinct volcano.

Where to Stay in Narooma

Budget – Coastal Comfort Motel

Mid-Range – Narooma Palms Holiday Apartments

Luxury – Top of Town Motor Inn

Read More About Narooma

he Best Self-Contained NSW South Coast Accommodation

7 Eurobodalla Culinary Delights That Should Not Be Missed

Days 12 to 14 – Narooma to Merimbula

The final leg of this NSW South Coast itinerary takes you further south to the town of Merimbula and part of the spectacular Sapphire Coast. There are two routes you can take, the first is just to head straight down the highway in about an hour and a quarter through the countryside or you can take the more scenic coastal route in just under two hours stopping at scenic coastal towns along the way.

Tilba Tilba – Similar to Mogo, this historic little town is home to some quaint little galleries and antique shops as well as cafes selling local produce.

Camel Rock – One of the oldest rocks known in NSW. Access to the beach of the same name is via the car park and take a walk along the beach to see the rock which is, as the name says, shaped like a camel.

Bermagui Pacific Drive – A short drive around this coastal town where you can visit Dickinson Point for spectacular ocean views or take a dip in the Blue Pool, a natural rock pool that shines sapphire colour on a sunny day.

Tathra – Head into this sleepy fishing town to walk out on the famous pier and grab some fish and chips while enjoying the peace and lovely views.

What to See & Do in Merimbula

The heart of the Sapphire Coast, Merimbula is a lively coastal village surrounded by pristine marine and national parks. There is an abundance of things to see and do for those who love being outdoors and lots to keep the foodies happy too.

Ben Boyd National Park – Named after entrepreneur, Ben Boyd, the park was first established in 1973 and encompasses an area of over 10,000 hectares. It’s the perfect place for nature and wildlife lovers to explore with plenty of excellent walking tracks, interesting geological features and structures, beautiful beaches and opportunities to spot wildlife. You could easily spend a day or more exploring the park.

Enjoy the Beaches – Right in the heart of town you will find great beaches to relax and enjoy some water sports. For something a bit quieter, head further south to Pambula or Eden.

More Oysters! – If you haven’t had your fill of this delicious morsels yet then you are in the right place. Pambula oysters are among some of the best in Australia. While you can buy them all over the region fresh, it doesn’t come fresher than joining Sponge on his Magical Oyster Tour around his Pambula River oyster leases. He will even pull an oyster fresh from the water for you to try. Read more about my tour experience with Sponge here .

Whale Watching – From September to November each year humpback whales can be seen off the Sapphire Coast making their way south to Antarctica for the summer. There are of course lots of places where you can spot them from the shore but the best way to get up close to these incredible creatures is on cruise.

Take a Walk – There a many great walks around the Sapphire Coast for all fitness levels:

• Merimbula Boardwalk that starts from right in the heart of Merimbula and follows the water’s edge for 3.4 km to Lakeview Drive;
• Eden Boardwalk takes you around Curalo Lake and along Aslings Beach for about 6km; and
• Mt Imlay is a challenging half day walk to the summit is 6 km of steep track that requires a bit of rock climbing and scrambling. Your efforts are rewarded at the top with nice views of the surrounding area.

Where to Stay in Merimbula

Budget – Ocean View Motor Inn

Mid-Range – Seashells Apartments

Luxury – Albacore Apartments

Read More About Merimbula

How to Spend a Day in Ben Boyd National Park

Things to Do on the NSW Sapphire Coast

Getting Back to Sydney

You have a few options to get back to Sydney once your NSW South Coast road trip is over.

The quickest way is the inland route via the Snowy Mountains , Canberra and the Southern Highlands . If you have a few more days to spare on your holiday, you can make a few stops along the way in these three regions. Driving straight without stops, this drive will take about five to six hours.

Alternatively, you can just head straight back up the Pacific Highway the way you came. This drive will take you a little over six hours.

Continuing to Melbourne

Another option if you have a lot of extra time is to continue along the coast into Victoria and onto Melbourne .

There are lots of places to explore on this route and you could easily spend another week or two on your road trip.

Visit sleepy Mallacoota, explore the Gippsland Lakes and take in some of the most untouched national parks in the region.

Check out this Two Week Sydney to Melbourne Road Trip Itinerary (The Coastal Route) for more ideas on where to stop and stay.

Over to you!

Which part of this NSW South Coast Road Trip Itinerary are you most looking forward to exploring?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

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17 Best Beaches In New South Wales To Visit!

G rowing up in New South Wales, we were blessed to have been surrounded by some beautiful beaches and endless opportunities to admire the Pacific Ocean.

After spending 18 months road tripping Australia, we can now confirm that the beaches in New South Wales, are definitely the best.

I’ve been to most of the best beaches in NSW, so coming up with a list of my favourite beaches is never easy.

We are spoilt for choice on the east coast and there is a beach for everyone whether you are looking for a family friendly beach or to go surfing, swimming, walking, fishing, snorkeling, diving or even four-wheel driving.

So, if I had to recommend a list of my favourite beaches in NSW that I have personally set foot on, below are my top suggestions.

1. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay

2. red rock beach, coffs harbour, 3. palm beach, sydney, 4. greenfield beach, jervis bay, 5. green patch beach, jervis bay, 6. main beach, byron bay, 7. wategos beach, byron bay, 8. pebbly beach, 9. seal rocks, 10. bronte beach, sydney, 11. bondi beach, 12. balmoral beach, sydney, 13. murrays beach, jervis bay, 14. diggers beach, coffs harbour, 15. seven mile beach, shoalhaven, 16. lighthouse beach, port macquarie, 17. jibbon beach, royal national park, map of these nsw beaches, tours in nsw, more nsw travel tips, pin to save on pinterest, the best beaches in nsw.

Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay is famous. It’s been listed in The Guinness Book of Records for having the whitest sand in the world.

I didn’t know you could get sand whiter than at Whitehaven Beach in Queensland, but the sand at Hyams is definitely up there! Not only that, but it’s fine, soft and clean.

Hyams is a quiet beach side town in the Jervis Bay region of south coast NSW, just 180 km south of Sydney.

It’s a great family beach and doesn’t have the high rise development like many north coast beaches. Be sure to finish off your visit by heading to the Hyams Beach Cafe for good food and coffee.

Check out places to stay nearby on Booking.com

We have done the Sydney to Gold Coast road trip many times but had always driven by Red Rock Beach until at last we made the trip – and boy, were we missing out!

Red Rock is about a 30 minute drive north of Coffs Harbour and is one of those hidden gems that is tucked away 6 km’s off the Pacific Highway.

It’s a beautiful sweeping beach with an impressive headland and these red coloured rocks that lead you into to the crystal clear water.

You can camp at Red Rocks, here are some popular campsites!

Palm Beach is Sydney’s most northern beach and possibly our favourite beach in the Sydney area. Scenically it’s incredibly beautiful with the golden sand stretching for 2 kilometres and the colours in the water move between spectacular shades of turquoise and aqua.

On one end is Barrenjoey Head where you can take an easy 1 km bush-walk up to the old sandstone lighthouse for stunning views back over Palm Beach or across the Broken Bay region.

You don’t have the crowds you get at say Bondi or Manly Beach, and in winter it’s the perfect place to spot migrating humpback whales.

Palm Beach is the home of Summer Bay, the famous and long running TV show. You can join a popular Summer Bay tour of Palm Beach. 

Find places to stay in Sydney here!

Greenfield Beach is another pristine beach in the Jervis Bay region with that beautiful white powdery sand.

It’s another family friendly beach perfect for swimming with clear aqua water and small waves, and it’s a top spot for a beach side BBQ.

It’s here that you can start the sensational White Sands Walk , which is one of our favorite coastal walks in NSW.

When I first set eyes on Green Patch Beach I was blown away. I’d never heard of this beach or Booderee National Park where it is located, and it was just as spectacular as Hyams in nearby Jervis Bay.

Are you getting the hint yet that the Jervis Bay region has some amazing beaches?!

The water, whilst a little cool for swimming in September was clean and clear and the sand soft and beautiful to walk on.

We spent two nights camping in the campground right on the beach which offers a real bush camping experience. Be sure to walk around the headland from Green Patch and explore the amazing Scottish Rocks .

Located in the northern end of New South Wales is the legendary Byron Bay, which is famous for surfing and an alternative surfers lifestyle.

If you’re a surfer, Byron Bay has 11 great beaches to choose from but it’s Main Beach which sees most of the visitors walking, swimming and enjoying a beach side BBQ.

Whist at Byron, don’t miss the Lighthouse Walk to Australia’s most easterly point and here are reasons to visit Byron Bay with kids .

• Check out accommodation options at Byron Bay here.
• We love camping at Clarkes Beach

Just around the corner from Byron Bay is beautiful Wategos Beach, one of the most northern beaches on this list and a paradise away from the big waves frequented by surfers in Byron.

This beach is protected by the headland which makes it an awesome beach for swimming AND riding a longboard with the gentle waves and long rides.

There’s a BBQ area to enjoy or make yourself up a picnic and sit on the beach admiring this picturesque location.

You’ll also pass this beach on the coastal Lighthouse Walk, but if you have the time spend at least a few hours here.

The Watermark Hotel is a popular self contained apartment accommodation close to the beach

Located in Murramarang National Park on the NSW south coast , Pebbly Beach is probably most famous as the place to see wild kangaroos hopping around on the sand. (Here are more places to see wild kangaroos in Australia )

They are used to human interaction and there’s a chance you can get up close and personal.

Our kids loved it and the turn-off is about 10 kilometres south of Termeil.

Pebbly Beach is a popular camping area with a good surfing beach and bush walks within the park.

We stayed in these beach shacks at Pebbly Beach.

If you are planning a Sydney to Brisbane road trip ,  I highly suggest a stop at Seal Rocks, a quiet fishing village offering clear bays for swimming, snorkelling, boating and fishing.

This beach is just perfect, and much quieter than your usual east coast beaches, and has a gentle slopping shoreline that makes it great for little ones to paddle in.

Seal Rocks is also a great place to go camping and has numerous campsites with facilities.

And why not treat yourself to a few nights in a Lighthouse Keepers Cottage with amazing ocean views?

There are many great beaches in Sydney, but another of our favourite’s would be Bronte Beach in the eastern suburbs.

It’s a beautiful beach with a small main street giving it a great vibe.

We always stop at Bronte when we do the Bondi Beach to Coogee coastal walk and just love it as a family beach.

The rock pool is awesome for the kids to swim in, the HUGE grass and BBQ area is a bonus for families, and there are no pubs nearby so no drunkenness and disorderly.

Read More:  15 things to do in Sydney with kids

I always hesitate to put Bondi Beach on any list because as a beach it’s not one of my favourites, but hey, it’s Bondi and one of Australia’s most famous beaches and you should go there at least once!

Actually, the more I go there lately the more I appreciate it.

It’s the starting point to our much loved Bondi to Coogee coastal walk , and I don’t think you could get any more Australian than learning to surf at Bondi.

The people watching is first class, and the views from Bondi  Icebergs  as you sip on an afternoon beer are legendary.

Find places to stay in Bondi Beach here!

Balmoral Beach is a picturesque coastal gem just outside Sydney and is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Its calm waters and golden sands make it an ideal spot for families who want relaxation.

What makes Balmoral Beach so pristine is the tranquil ambiance and stunning waterfront views, and there’s many waterfront restaurants to visit when you need refreshments or a bite to eat.

One of the best beaches in the South Coast NSW is Murrays Beach, located in our favorite spot, Jervis Bay.

Murrays Beach is also nestled within the Booderee National Park, which as I mentioned before, is one of my favorite places in Jervis Bay, and perhaps Murrays Beach will show you why.

It’s unspoiled and reasonably quiet, allowing you to escape the crowds and enjoy peace and quiet on the soft pearly white sand.

It has gentle waves because it’s sheltered by Bowen Island, which means it’s great for families with small kids who love to paddle.

If you enjoy hiking, you’ll find some great nature trails near Murrays Beach. And best of all, there’s ample parking near this beach.

One of our friends who lives in Coffs Harbour recommended Diggers Beach as one of the top things to do in Coffs Harbour (located across from the Big Banana) and we’re glad we listened to them!

It’s a great family-friendly beach being sheltered and wide making it a nice place for our kids to swim and play on the sand.

It’s also a popular surfing spot for the locals or for a wind-free beach walk.

Find places to stay in Coffs Harbour here!

When the tides are optimal, one thing you will find at any beach in Australia is surfers. Another popular surfing spot on the NSW coastline is Seven Mile Beach, located in a national park near Shoalhaven.

This long stretch of sand is famous for its surf, and you can always see people out on the waves from dawn until dusk. There may even be some playful dolphins swimming between the boards, too!

Behind the beach is a diverse ecosystem made of dunes and forest. The area has a unique vegetation that’s growing out of the sand dunes that is rare to see in other parts of Australia.

Find places to stay near Shoalhaven here!

Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie is not only visually stunning but it’s also a great place for whale and dolphin spotting. The beach is known for its excellent surf and expansive golden sandy beach. You can visit the historic lighthouse, go swimming, or enjoy camel rides on the beach.

To get there, take the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, which is one of the top things to do in Port Macquarie .

It not only finishes at Lighthouse Beach but also takes you to Town Beach, Flynn’s Beach, Shelly Beach and Lighthouse Beach.

Find places to stay near Port Macquarie here!

There are many beautiful beaches in Royal National Park, but none are as stunning as Jibbon Beach, known for its serene atmosphere and sparkling views.

There is a wonderful hike called the Jibbon Beach Loop Track, which takes you past an extensive network of Aboriginal rock engravings. It’s one of our favorite walks in Royal National Park !

Not only is Jibbon Beach rich in culture but it also has soft sand and turquoise water, making it an enchanting oasis to relax on.

Find places to stay near Royal National Park here!

To help you plan which beaches to visit, here is a detailed map showing their locations.

Need More Tips for NSW? Check out these posts:

• Our favourite places to visit in NSW
• The Ultimate Guide to Sydney
• What to do in 48 hours in Sydney
• Things to do in Kiama, NSW
• Things to do in Wollongong