best road trips sydney

20 Best Road Trips From Sydney

If you're living in Sydney or just visiting and have a few days (or better yet, weeks) to spare, you could throw a stone in a random direction and follow it to a number of beautiful road trip destinations.

Starting off at Australia's east coast is very advantageous for thrill-seekers and explorers, as the area is rich in expansive parks and preserves, sky-high mountains, and cities and towns that'll win you over in a matter of hours.

Featuring everything from ghost towns in the middle of nowhere to the world's largest rainforest, here are some of the road trips that will stay with you for life and make you an expert on all things Australia.

1. Moss Vale Road

2 hours 10 minutes from Sydney (160 km)

If you want to get away from the bustle of Sydney life and visit someplace more rural yet nearby, Moss Vale makes for a beautiful Highlands retreat, and getting there via Moss Vale Road makes for a very scenic experience.

You can get to Moss Vale Road by simply following Highway 1 and Princes Highway along the coast, then joining Kangaroo Valley Road at Berry and staying on it for about 15 km.

Following Moss Vale Road north will take you through Kangaroo Valley and across Kangaroo River via the beautiful Hampden Bridge. Here, you can check out the KV Pioneer Village or keep going further north through the Barrengary Nature Reserve, which is roughly where the road ends.

If you're itching for more, continue north along Nowra Road (stopping at Fitzroy Falls is a must!) until you reach the town of Moss Vale - thanks to its pleasant summer temperatures and the unique ambient of places like Argyle Street, you'd be hard-pressed to find a homelier town in East Australia.

One of the fastest-developing towns in New South Wales, Moss Vale has plenty of bars, retail stores, and a great golf course - great news for prospective visitors like yourself!

This is a town with a lot of history, so while you're here, take a few hours and enjoy a self-guided heritage tour that covers everything from the beautiful Leighton Gardens and Pavilion to the historic houses on Argyle and Brownley Streets.

2. Newcastle

2 hours 15 minutes from Sydney (163 km)

For those looking for something more urban but still by the ocean, follow the Pacific Highway north for two hours to reach Newcastle, New South Wales' second-most populated city.

This coal export juggernaut (named after England's very own coal port of Newcastle) is a beautiful coastal city boasting incredible beaches, countless scenic parks, and year-round cultural events, courtesy of the gorgeous Newcastle Civic Theatre.

If you're visiting on a sunny day, definitely go on a picnic and fire up a barbecue at Blackbutt Reserve or enjoy a swim at the near-100-year-old Mereweather Ocean Baths. Alternatively, if you're a history buff, take a tour of the monumental Fort Scratchley and see some breathtaking views of the ocean while you're there.

A good place to get a great view of Newcastle is the Obelisk, a monument for a windmill that once pumped water to the area. Because you won't be directly by the coast, your beautiful panoramic view will include not just the city but the blue ocean waters as well.

On the way to Newcastle, be sure to stop at Broken Bay Pearl Farm to learn some trivia on pearls or rent a boat to catch some oysters yourself. Also on the way is Lake Macquarie, the largest saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere (and a beautiful one at that).

Finally, check out Hunter Valley, known for having some of Australia's best wineries – be sure to enjoy a bottle of the iconic Hunter Valley Semillon, and experience Chardonnay like you never have before.

3. Blue Mountains National Park

2 hours 20 minutes from Sydney (139 km)

As great as East Australia's towns and cities are, our next itinerary demonstrates the country's greatest asset, its natural beauty – we're talking about Blue Mountains National Park.

Although there's some stiff competition, the signature features of this park are the Three Sisters, a one-off triad of rock formations which you can access via the Giant Stairway or admire from the nearby town of Katoomba.

Speaking of, Katoomba's Scenic World is as scenic of an experience as they come – featuring an incline railway system and a cableway ride from Doppelmayr to Jameson Valley, this place is not to be missed.

The park features countless hiking trails that seem to go on forever, and you can enjoy an outdoor meal by Wentworth, Katoomba, or Gordon Falls as you listen to the relaxing sounds of water.

You can get to Blue Mountains NP by taking a 2.5-hour drive along the M4 Motorway and Great Western Highway west of Sydney.

If you're looking to take the road trip a bit further, consider visiting the town of Lithgow – combining a small-town feel with the nearby Blue Mountains and national parks from all sides, this makes for a very scenic afternoon stop before venturing deeper into New South Wales for your next adventure.

4. Grand Pacific Drive to Jervis Bay

3 hours from Sydney (196 km)

Capitalizing on the beautiful coastline of the South Pacific, Jervis Bay is definitely one of the crowning jewels of New South Wales.

The bay features impossibly white sand, often said to be the whitest in the whole world. You can cruise along the entire bay or settle on one of the beaches and camp out there – the White Sands Park is definitely a highlight, as are Jervis Bay Marine Park, Cave Beach, and Greenfield Beach.

Jervis Bay is ideal for water-based activities, so consider going sailing, kayaking, or take full advantage of the many dive boat services and explore the ocean bed.

If you want to see one of the best national parks in the South Pacific Coast, check Booderee National Park's unique blend of beaches, high cliffs, and botanic gardens. For something a little bit different, visit the historic Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and enjoy the splashes of the ocean waves from its titular peninsula.

The drive from Sydney can be every bit as scenic as Jervis Bay itself – along the Grand Pacific Drive, you can turn your trip into a full-fledged coastal vacation by stopping at Royal National Park, Wollongong, Shellharbour, and a slew of other beautiful places that deserve their own travel guide.

5. Canberra

3 hours from Sydney (290 km)

An uninitiated foreigner may be surprised to find out that Sydney is, in fact, not the capital of Australia – Canberra is. That aside, a road trip from one of Australia's biggest metropolises to another is sure to give you plenty to look at.

Driving through Campbelltown, follow the M31 Motorway and the Federal Highway all the way to Canberra. The trip Sydney to Canberra spans just under 300 km and can be done in about 3 hours.

Designed some 100-odd years ago by American architect W.B.Griffin, the ‘Garden City' of Canberra beat out Sydney and Melbourne for the title of capital of Australia, and it's not hard to see why.

With beautiful landscapes like the National Arboretum and the Australian National Botanic gardens, this is one of the greenest major cities you're ever likely to visit. Keep a camera handy even in the most urban parts of town.

As you might expect from such a large city, the list of things to do here is practically endless – relax in the Lennox Gardens by Lake Burley Griffin, brush up on the country's history at the National Museum of Australia and the War Memorial, or enjoy a fancy night out in one of the countless bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

For the ultimate Canberra experience, you should explore the Parliamentary Triangle – this part of the city was designed with tourism in mind, and most of Canberra key buildings and constructions can be found here, from the Parliament House to various recreational facilities.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Sydney to Canberra

6. Mollymook

3 hours 10 minutes from Sydney (225 km)

Mollymook is a small beachside town with a population of just over 1000, whose name is thought to be derived from a species of albatross.

Getting here from Sydney couldn't be much simpler – follow Highway 1 and Princes Highway south (mostly sticking right by the coast) for about 225 km, or 3 hours.

Mollymook is actually generally used as a blanket name for two locations – the town of Mollymook and the adjacent Mollymook Beach, which has double the population and, as the name suggests, a beach on the Tasman Sea.

There's nothing exceptionally flashy about this town, yet it simply commands your attention with its beautiful coastal views, surf-friendly beaches, and events such as poker tournaments and boat races.

In the charming town of Mollymook, be sure to check out Bannisters Day Spa & Walking Track, and take a few swings at the Mollymook Golf Club or Hilton Golf Course if you feel so inclined.

On your way here, you should definitely consider stopping at Milton, a unique little town along the Princes Highway and an important thoroughfare for its region.

7. Central Tablelands

5 hours from Sydney (435 km)

If you're looking for something a little bit more obscure, you can explore the hidden gem that is the Central Tablelands region, a sequence of several small towns best known for their wineries. The towns are sprawled along the M31 motorway and the Lachlan Valley Way, and you can reach the last one in the chain in about 5 hours.

Your first stop would be the town of Gundaroo, which is close to Lake George (check out Weereewa Lookout – it's beautiful!), as well as Tallagandra Hill Winery and Lerida Estate – you can actually order the former's wine from anywhere in Australia if you wind up liking it, and the latter offers servings of delicious truffle dishes to go along with your wine sample.

Next up are the twin towns of Harden and Murrumbateman – being slightly bigger than Gundaroo, you'll have a bigger selection of charming locales to visit here. On top of that, wineries include Clonakilla, Helm Wines, and Dionysus Winery, among others.

The last town on this itinerary is Young. Because of its annual Cherry Festival, this town is affectionately called the Cherry Capital of Australia. Visit Wombat Heights to sample the fabled Young cherry, and cap off your road trip with a picnic at Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Garden.

Another thing that's great about this route is how close it is to Canberra (Gundaroo is less than 2 hours away). If you have some extra time and took us up on our Canberra suggestion (#5), be sure to stop by Central Tablelands on the way back.

8. Thunderbolts Way

5 hours 30 minutes from Sydney (415 km)

Some 150 years ago, an escaped convict, alias Captain Thunderbolt, ran and hid from the authorities along a route that spanned several hundred kilometers. This route would later come to bear his name, and is one of the most beautiful stretches of land in East Australia.

Thunderbolts Way combines the Eastern Highlands, various national parks, and a couple of quaint villages and farmlands into an unforgettable experience. After following Highway 1 north of Sydney to Gloucester, your journey officially begins.

As great as cruising along the Great Dividing Range is, it's even better for you to stop by Chinamans Creek, Manning River, or any of the National Parks on either side of you to soak in the beautiful scenery.

Around the halfway point of the route, you'll enter the farming town of Walcha, home to the Apsley River. The town also acts as a passageway towards Werrikimbe and Oxley Wild Rivers National Parks, the latter of which features the gorgeous Apsley Falls.

If you want to dedicate more time to this area, make an overnight stop at the next town – Uralla. Featuring museums, memorials, and heritage sites, this historic town is a staple of the route and a definite must-see.

As soon as the route ends in Inverell, things get a lot more urban. Finish your trip by learning about the town's rich history at Inverell Pioneer Village, and enjoy the vintage vehicle exhibits at the National Transport Museum.

9. Jindabyne and Kosciuszko National Park

6 hours from Sydney (520 km)

Traveling with a backdrop of the Australian mountains is one thing, but getting up close and personal is a different animal altogether. Following Monaro Highway and Boboyan Road past Canberra and into Snowy Mt Highway, it won't be long before you reach the beautiful Kosciuszko National Park.

Featuring, among others, the tallest mountain in the Australian Mainland (Mt Kosciuszko, at well over 2,200m) and a network of rivers including Eucumbene and Snowy Rivers, you'll have a virtually endless supply of hiking trails and campout spots here.

Thanks to its Alpine climate, the park has enjoyed a rich skiing history spanning over 150 years, and it features the Perisher and Selwyn Snow Resorts, both quintessential Kosciuszko experiences if you're traveling in the winter.

To really make the most of this trip, your best bet would be to visit the town of Jindabyne first – check out the town's visitor centre to get acquainted with the area and enjoy a stroll along the Lake Jindabyne shoreline.

From there, take the Alpine Way running for over 120 km, through Kosciuszko National Park and to the edge of New South Wales. Following this road into the high country, you can explore the gorgeous Alpine woods and enjoy a scenic hike or mountain bike ride.

10. Coffs Harbour

7 hours 30 minutes from Sydney (670 km)

If you're up for a scenic ride including coastlines and rainforests alike, and especially if you took our advice and checked out Newcastle (#2), consider driving out to Coffs Harbour along Highway 1 and then trekking through some gorgeous natural parks.

Coffs Harbour is a beautiful coastal city with plenty to see and do. The Regional Botanic Garden should make for a great warm-up for the rest of the route, and you can admire the tropical haven that is the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House (which also features dinosaurs, because why not?)

Prior to becoming a major tourist attraction, Coffs Harbour owed most of its economic growth to the production of bananas. If you're up for something a little bit different, you could spend a few hours at the banana-themed Big Banana Fun Park – it's every bit as wacky as it sounds!

Taking a two-hour drive west of here along the aptly named Waterfall Way, you'll drive through (or past) several national parks and various breathtaking waterfalls before reaching the town of Armidale.

Bongil Bongil National Park a coastal park featuring lush eucalyptus forests, beaches with dunes, and the ever-so-adorable koala. Be sure to check out the beaches to the east to take a quick dip or relax by the dunes.

Further west, Durango's dangling boardwalk will literally have you walking above the park's gorgeous rainforests. Some of the waterfalls featured here include Crystal Shower, Red Cedar, and Dangar Falls, each more beautiful than the last.

Rounding off the chain is Cathedral Rock, which combines forests and granite formations into a very unique national park. Once you're done exploring, definitely stop at Wollomombi Falls, not far from Armidale.

11. Byron Bay

8 hours 30 minutes from Sydney (760 km)

Byron Bay marks the easternmost point of mainland Australia and is quite beautiful to boot, so if you have about 8h 30m, consider making the drive here from Sydney .

From its humble beginnings as a logging town to one of the fastest-developing towns in the east coast, Byron Bay has grown to attract hundreds of thousands of tourists each year thanks to its beautiful landmarks and relaxed, hippie-esque community.

Later on, farming would become the main industry in Byron Bay and has continued to thrive until the present day. Get a sample of the local delicacies by checking out The Farm at Byron Bay – after visiting bakeries, restaurants, and home-grown food freshly picked from the soil, you definitely won't be leaving town hungry.

To see the actual easternmost point of this easternmost town, go and visit the Cape Byron Lightstation. On top of its beautiful ocean views, the lighthouse is also a museum that teaches you about its own history, and that of Byron Bay as a whole.

The lighthouse is nestled between some beautiful beaches, The Pass being the most iconic, and is part of the incredibly scenic Cape Byron State Conservation Area – if you're going to stay in Byron Bay for the night (which you really should), you'd be wise to find a room here.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Sydney to Byron Bay

12. Lightning Ridge

8 hours 45 minutes from Sydney (715 km)

For a small settlement with barely over 2,000 people and no major parks or preserves to its name, this quaint mining town is sure to keep your schedule full, especially if you love art. It might seem like too long a drive to see such a small place, but it's well worth it.

Following the Great Western Highway out of Sydney, past several beautiful national parks and onto Castlereagh Highway, you'll reach Lightning Ridge in just under 9 hours, breaks excluded.

This inconspicuous town is very special, in that it's one of the few places worldwide where you can find the gorgeous black opal. To get an idea of what the excavation process entails, take the Big Opal Underground Mine Tour and check out the Walk In Mine.

Amigo's Castle is probably the last thing you'd expect to see in a place like this – in this tower-turned-art-gallery, you can admire local art and paintings as you learn the story of the former miner who built a castle of his own.

Another must-see in town are the Chambers of the Blackland, an underground opal shop featuring sandstone carvings of Elvis, Chewbacca, Medusa, the Buddha, and a few hundred others.

If you haven't had enough exposure to beautiful, yet bizarre art, be sure to visit John and Viki Murray's Art Gallery – you can purchase paintings and admire murals of decrepit vehicles, arid desert landscapes, and emus wearing makeup.

13. Melbourne

9 hours from Sydney (880 km)

The city of Melbourne truly needs no introduction – Australia's former seat of government is one of the richest and most beautiful cities in the modern world. Getting to Melbourne from Sydney involves a relatively simple drive down Hume Fwy and Craigieburn Bypass.

European influence permeates throughout Australia, but it is probably most apparent in Melbourne. From the domed Flinder Street Station and its multicolored art trams to countless themed restaurants and locales, the city borrows aspects of European culture and makes them its own.

Exploring the city can be quite the experience, as it is said to go through “four seasons a day”. You can expect the unexpected here, including sudden, heavy rain which may or may not clear up in a matter of minutes – nevertheless, it's a quintessential part of visiting here.

Some of the most obvious places to check out include the Royal Exhibition Building (with the gorgeous Carlton Gardens), the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, and Queen Victoria Market, the Southern Hemisphere's largest outdoor marketplace.

Although there are plenty of strong contenders, the natural highlight of the city would have to be the Royal Botanic Gardens – combining lovely lakes, thousands of floral species, and a breathtaking view of the city, no visit to Melbourne can be complete without visiting the Gardens.

If you're historically curious, check out the Old Melbourne Gaol, a former prison that housed the most hardened of criminals, as well as the Shrine of Remembrance, which commemorates those who served in World War I.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Sydney to Melbourne

14. Murray River

9 hours 30 minutes from Sydney (880 km)

A great way to sweep through the Australian southeast is to travel along the Murray River, the longest in all of Australia at just over 2,500 km.

Starting from the Australian Alps and continuing northwest, the river defines the border between New South Wales and Victoria and empties into the Southern Ocean at Murray's Mouth. On the way, it cuts through plenty of interesting towns, especially towards the east.

For instance, the charming town of Echuca makes the most of its proximity to the river. For example, you can take a walking tour of the Port of Echuca, or take a riverboat and cruise along the Murray River, enjoying an on-board meal and snapping some great pictures.

Right across the river is the town of Moama, well-known among gambling aficionados for its poker machines. You can expect some crowds if you visit in mid-February, as the town marks the finish line of the Southern 80 Water ski race.

Up north is Deniliquin, and you should definitely consider stopping at Waring Gardens for a picnic – what started off as a testing ground for the fertility of the soil is now a beautiful park featuring Italian sculptures and a lagoon system.

Further east, in the Tocumwal area, you shouldn't miss out on Barmah and Murray Valley National Parks, characterized by their beautiful flooded forests. In conjunction, these two parks form the largest red gum forest in the entire world.

15. Brisbane and Gold Coast

10 hours from Sydney (910 km)

Our first venture into Queensland takes us to the large-and-in-charge city of Brisbane and its adjacent Gold Coast. To get there, follow the classic Pacific Highway route north for about 900 km.

Once you get to Brisbane from Sydney , your first order of business should be to cross Victoria Bridge into the South Bank precinct. Located by the Brisbane River, this beautiful area features plazas, rainforests, and the iconic Wheel of Brisbane.

For a once-in-a-lifetime view of Brisbane, you should go to the Mount Coot-tha Lookout. Try to avoid visiting during the weekend if you can help it, though, as it can get rather crowded and take away from the serenity of the experience.

Eat and shop at the Northshore, go rock climbing at Kangaroo Point Cliff Park, or go for a cruise on the Brisbane River – there truly is something here for everybody.

Thanks to their proximity and shared status of large coastal towns, Gold Coast and Brisbane are like two sides of the same coin – there's no reason to visit one without stopping at the other too. Click here to read our detailed guide on the ultimate road trip from Sydney to Gold Coast.

If the name didn't give it away, the beaches at Gold Coast are absolutely incredible. The view of the city's gigantic buildings from Surfer Paradise Beach is incredible, and if you'd like to hit the waves, Snapper Rocks is one of the area's best surf breaks.

Gold Coast has theme parks, and lots of them – here, you can awaken the child in you and have a blast at Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet n Wild Gold Coast, and so many others.

Much like the one in Brisbane, the highest point in Gold Coast is one you don't want to miss. The SkyPoint Observation deck offers an outright unbelievable panoramic view of the city and ocean. If you're up for an adrenaline rush, grab a harness and do the SkyPoint climb to the top pf the building.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Sydney to Brisbane

16. Old Glen Innes Road

10 hours 30 minutes from Sydney (790 km)

Before the advent of highways and motorized vehicles, going along Old Glen Innes Road (or Old Grafton Road) was the only practical way of accessing the mountains in the Australian northeast. The benefit of driving it today is the long stretch of beautiful landscapes.

From Sydney, follow the Pacific Highway for about 6.5 hours to Grafton. You'll definitely want to fuel up here, as Old Glen Innes Road takes 4 hours to drive through and has no petrol stations of its own. From Grafton, follow the Gwydir Highway for just over 5 km to get to Old Glen Innes Road.

One thing you'll be seeing plenty of along this road are rivers – Orara, Guy Fawkes, Nymboida, and Boyd are just a few in a long list of rivers worth checking out on the way. As is typical of water-rich areas, you can also expect to see lots of gorgeous valleys and forests that time forgot.

Just past the halfway point is the town of Dalmorton, once a prosperous mining area, but currently a ghost town featuring campsites for travelers of the Old Glen Innes Road. The main thing of interest here is the Historic Tunnel, whose walls are decorated by near-150-year-old black graffiti.

17. Nightcap National Park and Dorrigo National Park

12 hours from Sydney (970 km)

The Rainforest Way is a choose-your-own-adventure-type itinerary that'll have you driving through a few dozen towns and cities, as well as the Gondwana Rainforests and various national parks in Queensland and New South Wales.

We've already said our piece on Byron Bay (#11) and Gold Coast (#15), two of the key stops along this route – if you do visit either of these places, consider pivoting from there into some of the other spots of interest along this route.

For example, west of Byron Bay begins a northward sequence consisting of Whian Whian State Conservation Area (home to Minyon Falls and countless hiking trails), Nightcap National Park (named after and containing the endangered Nightcap oak), and Mount Jerusalem National Park (rich in rivers and great for bird watching).

Dorrigo National Park deserves a special mention because of its popularity – boasting beautiful vistas and a slew of hiking spots, this park and its neighbors in New South Wales form the largest rainforest stretch in the world, the Gondwana Rainforests.

A prominent feature of the Rainforest Way is the Scenic Rim, a series of forested mountains belonging to the Great Dividing Range. While you can't go wrong with any of the parks or ranges here, some highlights include O'Reilley's Rainforest, Tamborine National Park & Mountain, and the Gallery Walk just off Gold Coast.

18. Darling River Drive: from Walgett to Wentworth

19 hours from Sydney (1,560 km)

If you'd be willing to commit to a longer drive, a road trip along Darling River, one of Australia's longest rivers, would make for quite a scenic travel experience across New South Wales.

First off, you'll want to get to the town of Walgett. The quickest way there from Sydney would be driving through Blue Mountains National Park, then following Castlereagh Highway and the B55 the rest of the way.

From Walgett, take Kamilaroi Highway to get to Bourke – be sure to stop at Brewarrina to check out its camping reserve by the Barwon River, which features beautiful, partially submerged trees. From Bourke, you can start following the Darling River.

Just outside of town is the Gondabooka National Park, which contains petroglyph art. In Louth, you could stop for the night at Trilby Station, or continue on forward to Tilpa – further down, you can check out the Paroo-Darling National Forest, which features red sands and the Peery Lake, which is a great bird watching spot with a free picnic area.

Menindee is the Darling riverside's oldest town, and the first to be inhabited by European settlers. Adjacent to the town is Kinchega National Park, featuring campgrounds and lovely river red gum trees.

Past the village of Pooncarie, you'll reach Mungo National Park, where the oldest human remains in all of Australia were found. In addition, the park is famous for the beautiful Walls of China, Lake Mungo, and over a dozen other ancient dry lakes.

The town of Wentworth marks the end of the route and the meeting point of the Darling and Murray Rivers - at this very point lies Junction Park, ideal for a riverside picnic. Also located in Wentworth are Australian Inland Botanic Gardens, which house lemon-scented gums and other trees that thrive in dry living conditions.

19. Tasmania

24 hours from Sydney (1,600 km)

Few places in Australia and beyond can compare to the rugged natural beauty of Tasmania, so this long and winding road trip is definitely worth considering.

The first step of the journey is to get to Melbourne, which we discussed above (#13). From there, take the Melbourne – Devonport ferry over to the island, which should take around 10 hours.

Tasmania's national parks are out of this world – for example, the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park features Mount Ossa (the highest in Tasmania), and Mount Pelions East and West. The highlight here, however, is the Overland Track, which connects its titular mountain and lake and amounts to one of the most scenic walks you'll ever take.

Freycinet National Park contains one of Australia's most beautiful bits of nature, and certainly the most beautiful spot between all the natural parks – Wineglass Bay. The arched beach, crystal-blue water, and green, sunny backdrop look amazing from any angle, and any elevation. Also worth noting is the park's unique 5-mountain granite range known as The Hazards.

Obviously, you'll also want to visit Hobart, the state capital. One thing that should immediately strike you about this city is the Victorian-era architecture – although many locals associate it with the country's dark history, it nonetheless creates a unique atmosphere for tourists and visitors.

Tasmania's most famous tourist attraction is definitely the Salamanca Market in Hobart. Every Saturday, thousands of tourists flock around the 300 stands, which sell everything from local food and wine to paintings and hand-made jewellery.

Even if you don't find museum trips particularly fun, the Museum of Old and New Art will definitely be of interest to you. Featuring a surface-level exterior and a burrowed interior, the museum's provocative art and unique ambient are bound to get a reaction out of you.

Besides the capital, Launceston is Tasmania's second-largest city and it houses a sizable chunk of the population. The best-known spots in town would be the scenic City Park, as well as the Cataract Gorge Reserve, an incredible river gorge less than a mile from the center of town.

20. Silver City Highway: from Buronga to Tibooburra

26 hours from Sydney (2,300 km)

If you prefer the thrill of a long, scenic trip over driving to reach a single final destination, the Silver City Highway is the ultimate Australia road trip for you.

At a staggering 683 kilometers, this highway connects the towns of Buronga and Tibooburra, located on opposite ends of New South Wales. The drive is different than most of the ones we've proposed so far, in that it has you driving through The Outback – petrol stops are scarce, so load up.

One of the earlier stops you can make is in the town of Wentworth, located at the junction of the Murray and the Darling – you can admire the beauty of the two rivers from Junction Park, and visit the Old Wentworth Gaol to learn what life was like for prisoners some 200 years ago.

Further north, next up is Broken Hill, also known as Silver City– this is a major player in Australia's mining industry, as reflected in the countless mine-themed museums and memorials.

For something that hits a bit closer to home, you can visit the Mad Max 2 Museum (you read that right) to pay tribute to one of Australia's greatest films, or check out the Living Sculptures, erected to act as guardians of the flora in the Living Desert.

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Best Road Trips from Sydney (Itinerary Ideas)

• 18 March, 2022

Crystal Egan

This page may contain compensated links. For more information read our disclaimer .

Choose from seven incredible road trips from Sydney, depending on how much time you have.

Our HUGE Sydney road trip guide is complete with all you need to know including drive time between stopovers, where to go, what to see and do, and the best places to camp overnight.

ROAD TRIPS FROM SYDNEY – CONTENTS

❶  Sydney Road Trips Map ❷  Road Trip: Jervis Bay ❸  Road Trip: Melbourne ❹  Road Trip: Kangaroo Valley ❺  Road Trip: Canberra & Snowy Mountains

❻  Road Trip: Blue Mountains ❼  Road Trip: Newcastle & Hunter Valley ❽ Road Trip: Byron Bay ❾ Campervan Hire Tips

We all know there are few better feelings than setting out on the open road with all of the everyday stress of life in your rearview and nothing but possibilities stretching out in front of you as far as the eye can see. From long scenic routes to quirky roadside stops, to quick weekend trips, Sydney drives have endless options for getting out of the city.

Pack a bag, pick a beautiful destination, put on your favourite playlist, and read over our Sydney trip planner. We’ve amassed everything you need to know to enjoy the ultimate trips from Sydney, all tailored to your every whim. Below are all the very best road trips from Sydney, so you can plan your ideal itinerary and hit the ground running (or more like driving). 

Where to Hire Vehicles for Sydney Road Trips

There are lots of companies where you can hire a campervan or car in Sydney. I personally like to use  Travellers Autobarn for campervan hire. When you hire with TAB, you can pick up your campervan in Sydney, drop them off wherever you want to finish, and the prices are reasonable too!

To read all of my super useful tips on hiring a campervan in Sydney,  click this link to jump  to the section at the bottom of the article.

Where to go on Sydney Road Trips

You might be wondering where you want to go first on road trips from Sydney, and you can’t really decide just by looking at the map. That’s why we put this Sydney road trip guide together.

Check out our  7 awesome Sydney road trip options here  and compare which one suits your time limits and the type of activities you like best.

Map of Road Trips from Sydney

This custom map is split up into coloured sections with our 7 best road trips from Sydney, things to do, sightseeing stops and where to stay for a night or two along the way.

To open and save our road trip maps into your own Google Maps app on your phone, simply tap the small square frame icon on the top right-hand side of the map, when looking at this article from your phone. 

The map will automatically save into “Saved” > “Maps” with the title Best Road Trips from Sydney . You can then select an area to download and use offline, ready for any time you don’t have access to mobile data in New Zealand.

Starting your road trip from Sydney? Here are the best things to do in Sydney on a budget

7 Awesome Road Trips from Sydney

Ready to hit the road? We have more than enough road trips around Sydney to keep you busy no matter how long you have in NSW. All you have to do is calculate how much time you have and what you want to see and do the most!

❶  Jervis Bay Road Trip  (3-8 days):  White sand beaches, water activities, scenic drives ❷  Melbourne Road Trip  (1-3 weeks):  City to city along the spectacular southern coastline ❸  Kangaroo Valley Road Trip  (1-2 days):  Stay a couple of days in the rainforest ❹  Canberra/Snowy Mountains Road Trip  (5-10 days):  Best of country NSW, the ACT and Mt. Kosciuszko ❺  Blue Mountains Road Trip  (2-4 days):  Explore this famous national park by hiking and adventure sports ❻  Hunter Valley/Newcastle Road Trip  (3-10 days):  Best of everything in a short time including national parks, coastal cities, and vineyards ❼  Byron Bay Road Trip  (7-15 days):  The perfect east coast road trip, with a mix of small towns, cities, and hippy getaways

How many days do you have for a road trip from Sydney?

Here are some Sydney road trip ideas based on how long you have for travel.

Weekend road trips from Sydney

Some of your best memories can be made on 2-day trips from Sydney. There are some amazing places you can go for the weekend to get out of the city, without a long drive.

If you can’t get the time off work or just want to travel for a short break, then we recommend short trips from Sydney to Kangaroo Valley or the Blue Mountains , or to either Newcastle or the Hunter Valley , but not both together. The Royal National Park is also one of the best weekend trips from Sydney, especially if you like camping.

You may be able to squeeze in a very quick road trip to  Jervis Bay in a weekend but be warned, you’ll feel like you didn’t get enough time there!

3 day trips from Sydney

So you have a long weekend and want to do a 3-day road trip from Sydney? We recommend you take either a road trip to the Blue Mountains ,  Newcastle , or  Jervis Bay . You will be able to fit a few activities in these long weekend road trips from Sydney, but you’ll likely be scheduling in time to return!

7 day road trip from Sydney

If you have time for a 1-week road trip from Sydney, you can do any of the road trips on this list. With 7 days you can thoroughly explore either Newcastle and the Hunter Valley , or Jervis Bay with stopovers on the Grand Pacific Drive , or Canberra and the Snowy Mountains .

You can also do a quick east coast road trip to either Melbourne or Byron Bay , without too many overnight stopovers or side trips.

2 weeks road trip from Sydney

A 14 day Sydney road trip itinerary is the perfect amount of time to do a Sydney to Byron Bay road trip , including a couple of days in Newcastle . This is one of the best NSW road trips for people who want to explore the east coast and rainforests.

You could also combine the Kangaroo Valley , Canberra and the Snowy Mountains , and Jervis Bay road trips, which would take you from coast to country.

2 weeks is also a decent amount of time for a one-way road trip from Sydney to Melbourne , including a couple of nights in Jervis Bay .

Sydney to Jervis Bay Road Trip

Distance Covered: 209 km, 3.5 hours driving

Total Time Needed: 3 – 8 days in total

● Best road trip from Sydney for pristine white sandy beaches, water activities and nature

Jervis Bay is set along the South Coast and is rightfully known as a crown jewel of NSW. Just a 3 hours drive from Sydney, along a stunning stretch of coastline featuring crystal clear ocean lapping upon some of the whitest sands in the world, Jervis Bay is one of the most delightful short road trips from Sydney on this list.

This dazzling road trip takes you along the Grand Pacific Drive just out of Sydney, starting in the Royal National Park and finishing up in Jervis Bay. It hugs some of the most spectacular coastlines in the country, weaving amongst bush, rainforest, cliffs, and coastal towns.

Like you know when people say it’s about the journey, not the destination? They’re talking about this road trip in particular. It’s well worth the journey as one of the best weekend trips from Sydney.

Stops on the Grand Pacific Drive

The Grand Pacific Drive map starts in the Royal National Park and hugs the scenic coastline through Wollongong, Kiama, and Shellharbour and finishes at Jervis Bay.

There are numerous worthwhile stops along the Grand Pacific Drive to Jervis Bay and you can add as many or little stops as you want, depending on how much time you have and what interests you most.

See the sights of the Royal National Park

Distance Sydney to Royal National Park:  40 km, 1 hr

Suggested Stay:  1 – 2 days

We start this road trip in the Royal National Park, the oldest national park in Australia set on 16,000 ha of lush eucalyptus forests, secluded beaches, pretty picnic grounds and much more! This park is over 100 years old and boasts over 100 km of bushwalking tracks, several beaches, campsites, and even hang gliding.

Here’s what you shouldn’t miss in the Royal National Park:

● Wedding Cake Rock is a natural white rock formation that looks exactly as the name suggests ● The beaches of Burning Palms, Marley, and Era ● Hiking to the Figure 8 Pools during low tide and calm waters ● Wattamolla Lagoon and Beach has great walking trails nearby too ● The Coast Track from Bundeena to Otford for bird and whale watching ● The Jibbon Headland Aboriginal engravings

Drive over the Sea Cliff Bridge

Made famous by featuring in numerous car adverts, the stunning Sea Cliff Bridge must be driven over at least once on your road trip from Sydney, preferably more.

We recommend driving over it a couple of times, then parking at either end to get out and walk. From your sidewalk vantage point you can spot where the previous perilous road once was, now crumbling with the dramatic cliff edges. Peer over the edge to try to spot manta rays and sea birds or meander underneath onto the rocky shores below.

Snorkel at a shipwreck in Shellharbour

Distance Royal National Park to Shellharbour:  85 km, 1 hr 40 minutes

Suggested Stay:  1 day

Next, you’ll drop into Shellharbour, a coastal town blessed with a stunning location and its very own surfing reserve at Killalea Beach called “the Farm”.

Snorkel around a shipwrecked American tanker at the secluded bay of Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve. While visiting, make time to follow the indigenous cultural walk to learn about the way Indigenous people connected with the land, movement patterns, diet, resources and tools.

Marvel at coastal rock formations in Kiama

Just 12 minutes south of Shellharbour is the seaside town of Kiama, which boasts unspoilt beaches, lush rolling hills, and a creative and laid back vibe. It has garnered great fountain fame for having one of the largest ocean water blowholes in the world, Kiama Blowhole.

If unusual rock formations are your thing, be sure to stop by Bombo Headland and Cathedral Rocks, a geological site featuring some very religious-looking basalt columns.

Soak up the sun in the Shoalhaven Region

After Kiama, you’ll be entering the Shoalhaven region, which stretches between Berry and Pebbly Beach, covering inland to Kangaroo Valley and Budawang National Park, including Jervis Bay. Visit Shoalhaven Heads for laid-back surf vibes, Shoalhaven River, and great wineries.

If you have the time, drive off the Princes Highway up Turpentine Road to Jerrawangala Lookout for views from Gerringong to Ulladulla. A vantage point once used by indigenous people to send messages. This national park is also full of rare heath frogs, sooty owls and New Holland honeyeaters. 

Things to do in Jervis Bay

Distance Shellharbour to Jervis Bay:  91 km, 1 hr 20 minutes

Suggested Stay:  2 – 5 days

Jervis Bay is heralded for its absurdly soft, stark white sands, like the sands of Hyams Beach, and its seriously crystal clear aqua waters, so get ready for some seriously tropical vibes.

There are an array of water activities to partake in, from sailing to paddle boarding, to diving, and is home to migratory whales in May through November, and bottlenose dolphins year-round.

Snorkel or swim the best beaches in Jervis Bay

Get in amongst the turquoise-hues and blinding white sands of the best beaches in Jervis Bay:

● Murrays Beach – In Booderee National Park is especially popular with families, but the smooth glassy crystal-clear waters are not to be missed ● Chinamans Beach – My favourite of all the beaches due to its brilliant white sands without the crowds ● Scottish Rocks in Booderee National Park – Has the best snorkelling of all. I saw two Port Jackson sharks there! ● Hyams Beach – Recognised in the Guinness Book of Records for being the whitest sand beach in the world ● Blenheim Beach – Surrounded by dense sloping bushland and gentle and calming waves

Beach-hop in Booderee National Park

A whole world of natural wonders awaits within the Booderee National Park.

Visit the Hole in the Wall rock formation and take a cool picture before exploring the rock pools around the headland. Murrays Beach is widely considered a crown jewel of the coast due to its calm clear water and lots of great snorkelling! Cave Beach is named for the stunning rock formations you’ll find along the shore and is a popular hot spot to hang ten.

The Botanic Gardens here are so beautiful as well. They’re the only Aboriginal-owned gardens in the entire country and a wander through will teach you all about medical uses for native plants and how to forage. Then you can impress all your friends with all your newfound natural knowledge. 

You can also camp in Booderee, which we have talked a bit more about below.

Visit Point Perpendicular Lighthouse

This adorable little landmark is a must-visit while in town. While you can’t go inside a climb to the top offers one of the best vantage points around. It’s such a famous historical fixture of nautical history here and also secretly the best spot for whale watching.

Climb to the lookout 90 meters above sea level and gaze out over the sparkling seas for signs of majestic marine life. We highly recommended stopping here at sunset to get the most out of the view.

Be sure to drop in to Honeymoon Bay on your drive to the lighthouse for great snorkelling or a hike to Silica Cove and the shipwreck on Longnose Point.

See sights from the water a boat tour

The best way to explore Jervis Bay is by a boat tour, and you have quite a few really cool ones to choose from! Because there are so many dolphins within the bay, we recommend hedging your bets on seeing dolphins on one of the other, non-dolphin centric tours so you can really get the most out of your boat tour.

Here are some of the best boat tours to take in Jervis Bay:

● Jervis Bay Passage – See the amazing cliff formations plus Point Perpendicular Lighthouse up close ● Seals and Seacliffs – See seals plus even more cliff formations out on the ocean ● Whale Watching Tour – At the right time of year spot whales as they take refuge in Jervis Bay ● Sea Kayak Tour – Paddle past spectacular beaches with the possibility of seeing sea life up close

Down some street food and craft beer at a brewery

There’s not one, but two, really cool open breweries set in the industrial area near Huskisson, ready for you to savour a local drop while chowing down some grub from the street food stands in the pretty outdoor beer gardens on site.

Jervis Bay Brewing Co. have sustainability at the heart of what they do and create delicious craft beers that bring people and communities closer together. Nearby, you can sip on a tasting paddle while admiring the brew system at Flamin Galah Brewing Co.

Snorkel or dive with sea life

We’ve already established how great Jervis Bay is for observing whales, dolphins, seals, and birdlife. But you might also want to dive under the surface and meet with some residents face-to-face.

With Jervis Bay Dive you can take tours that snorkel with humpback whales, or scuba dive with seals, rays, Port Jackson sharks, and cuttlefish.

Take one of the beautiful walks around the bay

The most famous walk in the area would have to be the White Sands Walk taking you past Blenheim Beach, Greenpatch Beach and Chinamans Beach. Be sure to bring your camera and a swimsuit.

If you like shipwrecks, take the Abraham’s Bosom Walking track to the wreck of S.S. Merimbula, or the more difficult Silica Cove hiking trail from Honeymoon Bay to the shipwreck of the St. Martin de Porres.

Near Gorgeous Murrays Beach, you might also like to take the Governor Head track to the lookout over Bowen Island, where you might be able to catch a glimpse of the fairy penguin colony during breeding season from August to March.

Grand Pacific Drive and Jervis Bay Camping

All the campsites listed below are perfect for you to overnight on a Sydney to Jervis Bay drive tour and accommodate RV, trailer, campervan, or tent camping.

● Royal National Park Camping:  Bonnie Vale Campground  (From $34.85 per site as of Feb 2022) – Located near Bundeena this popular riverside campground offers powered and unpowered sites suitable for tents, trailers, and caravans, making it a fantastic place for beach camping south of Sydney.

● Shellharbour: NRMA Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park (From $44 for powered sites) A short walk from the village and surrounded by beaches, this park is affordable with all the necessary amenities like WiFi, a kitchen, a swimming pool, and even laundry. There’s a caravan park site, campsite, and cute cabins to rent.

● Jervis Bay Camping Camping:  Hidden Creek Campsite  (From $40 per site as of Feb 2022) – Nestled in amongst five acres of natural bushland, alongside a peaceful creek, each campsite is uniquely different but every one of them has their own campfire pit. Toilets and hot water are available.

● Booderee National Park Camping:  Green Patch Campground  ($51 per standard site/night as of Feb 2022) – Located in close proximity to a picturesque lagoon, and surrounded by trees and bushland, sites are available in standard and large sizes and as well as drive-in or walk-in with sheltered BBQ, tables and seating.

Sydney to Melbourne Road Trip

Distance Covered: 1,352 km, 18 hours driving

Total Time Needed: 1 – 3 weeks

● Best long Sydney road trip for cities, coastal wilderness, ancient ranges, and native wildlife

A scenic sojourn through NSW and Victoria connects two of the biggest (and best) cities, creating the ultimate Aussie adventure of all the road trips Sydney has to offer.

The road trip Sydney to Melbourne portion via The Coastal Discovery Drive truly captures the heart and spirit of Australia. It includes the Grand Pacific Drive, which we have written about in more detail above , as well as the magnificent coastline of vivid colours.

This Sydney to Melbourne drive will have you stopping in at the blinding-white sands of Jervis Bay , hanging out with kangaroos on the beach in Bateman’s Bay, discovering actual Eden, getting lost in the lush wilderness of Mallacoota and Wilsons Promontory, boating the pristine waterways of the Gippsland Lakes, and welcoming home the fairy penguin colony of Phillip Island.

Stops on the Sydney to Melbourne road trip

The Coastal Discovery Drive is a great route with plenty of sun-soaked beaches to explore or stay between Melbourne and Sydney.

Float in the turquoise-hues of Jervis Bay

Distance Sydney to Jervis Bay :  200 km, 3 hrs

Suggested Stay:  1 – 4 days

A picturesque bay teeming with sea life, with vividly clear water lapping upon soft white sandy shores. Jervis Bay is one of the most special destinations on the East Coast of Australia. Snorkel at Plantation Point, take a whale-watching cruise and enjoy a relaxing respite on the insanely white sandy shores.

This stop along the Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive is a popular Sydney road trip destination in itself! That’s why we wrote up it’s own Jervis Bay road trip section above. But it’s also a fantastic stop on your coastal drive to Melbourne, so schedule in at least a few days here.

Soak up sun on the soft sands in Mollymook

An hour south of Jervis Bay, you can get even more secluded on Mollymook Beach, a 2 km stretch of sand where you can surf, spot dolphins, or simply slow down and enjoy the endless ocean views. Take a picnic to the grassy knoll behind the beach or savour some of Mollymook’s culinary hotspots.

Savour fresh seafood in Batemans Bay

Distance Jervis Bay to Batemans Bay:  106 km, 1 hr 30 minutes

A 4-hour drive from Sydney, Batemans Bay is a pretty area of the NSW ‘Oyster Coast’. Named after the sheer number of mollusc growers in the region, these expansive waterways make the area popular among adventure-seekers, with tours ranging from glass-bottom kayaking, to e-biking, and oyster tasting.

The Pizza Paddle Sunset Kayak Tour here basically checks all our boxes for tours. Paddling in picturesque mangroves as the sun slowly sinks with a mouthful of a savoury slice is a dream we never knew we had.

If you’re not a tour person, find your favourite water activity from surfing to scuba diving and get to it, finish the day with a meal of fresh oysters.

Also, check out Maloney’s Beach where a local group of kangaroos live, for a picture-perfect Aussie moment.

Discover a natural paradise in Eden

Distance Batemans Bay to Eden:  191 km, 2 hrs 20 minutes

Next on the coastal drive from Sydney to Melbourne is Eden, and it’s aptly named at that, set on a hillside overlooking the coast. Comfortably sitting in the middle of the Sapphire Coast, an area famous for uncrowded pristine beaches, ancient landscapes, and untouched national parks, Eden is a natural paradise.

Soak up the sun on a perfect beach, indulge in fresh seafood right from the wharf, or pop into the kitschy yet informative Killer Whale Museum.

Walk the Wilderness Coast in Croajingalong National Park

Distance Eden to Mallacoota:  91 km, 1 hr 10 minutes

Escape civilisation and get as far out in the wilderness as you possibly can, without leaving the coast, in the Croajingalong National Park. This area near Mallacoota, found in far-east Victoria, is home to ancient forests, pristine inlets, picturesque campgrounds, giant sand dunes, abundant wildlife, and the first place on east coast Australia to be seen by James Cook’s Endeavour in 1770.

Do forest walks, bird or bandicoot spotting, kayaking around Tamboon Inlet, visit Point Hicks Lighthouse, or camp at Shipwreck Creek.

Go boating around the inland waterways of Lakes Entrance

Distance Mallacoota to Lakes Entrance:  202 km, 2 hrs 30 minutes

Lakes Entrance, a coastal town in eastern Victoria is known for the Gippsland Lakes, a vast system of inland waterways just waiting for you to explore. Hire your own boat through Riviera Nautic, no boat license is necessary, and discover what this calm waterway has to offer.

The pristine golden sands of 90 Mile Beach, which separates the Gippsland Lakes from the Bass Strait, is the highlight of this area. One of the most natural and unspoilt beaches in the world, take the pedestrian bridge to the beach for an array of water activities, take a pic at the Trinculo Ship Wreck, or just come to ogle the long and slender sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see.

A great day trip from Lakes Entrance, especially if you’re into stalactites, is a visit to Buchan Caves, which is about an hour’s drive. Carved by an underground river almost 400 million years ago and significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners of the land, the honeycomb cave system draws in visitors with impressive cavern size, limestone formations, pillars, and rim pools.

Take an amphibious boat tour from Wilsons Promontory

Distance Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory:  272 km, 3 hr 20 minutes

Wilsons Promontory is the southernmost tip of Australia’s mainland and one of the most remote places to visit between Melbourne and Sydney. The deserted beaches, woodland trails, dramatic granite outcrops and mountains, and abundant wildlife, like wombats and kangaroos, are just some of the great reasons to include this out-of-the-way stop on your drive from Sydney to Melbourne by car.

Take a seriously unusual amphibious boat tour to prehistoric boulders and Skull Rock – a magnificently weird granite monolith.

This stopover adds an extra hour of drive time to your next stopover to Phillip Island, so skip over it if you don’t have the time to spare.

Welcome fairy penguins home at sunset on Phillip Island

Distance Wilsons Promontory to Phillip Island:  131 km, 1 hr 40 minutes

Phillip Island, made famous by its adorable resident fairy penguin colony, is a popular stop on a Melbourne to Sydney coastal drive. Grab tickets for the Evening Penguin Parade at sunset after a day exploring the exciting coastline’s idyllic beaches, sea caves, and fur seal colonies on a cruise.

Things to do in Melbourne

Distance Phillip Island to Melbourne:  142 km, 2 hrs

The next stop is the final destination, and it’s a doozy! Known as the cultural capital there’s no shortage of fun pastimes to partake of in Melbourne. World-famous food, street art, music, and shopping makes up the heart of its notoriously cool scene.

Uncover Melbourne’s oddities

Melbourne is a melting pot of culture and oddities. To get a bit off the beaten path in this unique city, explore the elaborate system of subterranean storm tunnels, see the whimsical Fairies Tree at Fitzroy Gardens, find graffiti art in Union Lane or Hosier Lane, or do one of Melbourne’s many ghost tours .

Check out the beaches

Head to the suburb of St. Kilda to get some sand between your toes and meet some of the special locals. Squeal from cuteness overload at the St. Kilda Pier Penguin Colony. It’s part wildlife park and part beautiful bay, and a lovely way to spend a day soaking up the scenery of Melbourne. Go for sunset and you won’t be disappointed.

Drive 6 km further south and you’ll come across Melbourne’s most colourful beach, Dendy Street Beach, in the affluent suburb of Brighton. Neatly lined upon the shore, colourful Victorian bathing boxes often painted in themes like underwater, or the Australian flag.

On a budget? Do something in Melbourne for free!

There are loads of really cool activities in Melbourne just waiting for you to try. We wrote a whole post on the 10 things to do in Melbourne for free which includes a free walking tour, where to find the best street art, free museum entry, iconic Princes Pier, plus the best markets and gardens.

Where Next? How about a road trip from Melbourne over the Great Ocean Road

Best camping between Sydney and Melbourne

These are the best places to pitch a tent or park a campervan along the Coastal Discovery Route when you drive Sydney to Melbourne.

Whether you’re into bush camping or beach camping, all the campsites listed below are perfect for you to overnight on a Sydney to Melbourne road trip and accommodate RV, trailer, campervan, or tent camping.

● Beach camping near Batemans Bay: Pebbly Beach Campground ($24.60 per site) Tucked behind the Murramarang National Park forest along the coastline, this is the ultimate place to meet fellow campers and the resident kangaroos.

● Batemans Bay Camping: Batemans Bay Holiday Park ($34 per powered site) They’ve got it all at this holiday park, from deluxe cabins to ensuite caravan sites. There are so many fun extras here for channelling that inner child, like mini-golf, go-karts, and a game room.

● Beach Camping near Eden: Gillards Campground ($24.60 per site) You’ll find this pretty campground nestled between the beach and the bush in Mimosa Rocks National Park, offering opportunities to go surfing, fishing and walking.

● Eden Camping: Ingenia Holiday Park Eden Beachfront ($25 per campsite) They’ve got the best of both worlds, immersed in nature and still super close to all of the coolest sights in the city. Cabins and campsites abound here.

● Croajingolong National Park Camping: Shipwreck Creek Campground (from $13.90 per site) This small, secluded campground is set among tall eucalypt trees a short walk away from the secluded Shipwreck Beach named after the wreck of The Schah (1837), one of Victoria’s oldest shipwrecks. It can accommodate camper vans and tents and is found down a long gravel road.

● Free Camping in Lakes Entrance: Shoreline Drive Campgrounds (Free) 19 unpowered coastal campsites with ready access to the beach. Dogs allowed in some sites on leash. Limited facilities.

● Wilsons Promontory Camping: Tidal River Campground (from $30.20 per site) 484 popular, well-equipped powered and unpowered sites for tent and caravan camping in one of Victoria’s best-loved national parks surrounded by wallabies and wombats.

● Philip Island Camping: NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park (from $46 per night) The ultimate base to explore the best of this idyllic holiday island with unpowered or unpowered sites on grass or mat close to the water.

● Melbourne Camping: The Gums Campground (from $14.70 per unpowered site) For those that prefer the bush, check out the Gums. A campground 65 km from Melbourne centre, it’s cheap, super peaceful, and set up perfectly for avid adventurers with plenty of basic amenities.

Sydney to Kangaroo Valley Road Trip

Distance Covered: 158 km, 2.5 hours driving

Total Time Needed: 1 – 2 days in total

● Best short road trip from Sydney for a secluded weekend getaway to the bush

Kangaroo Valley has got to be the perfect pick from all the weekend road trips from Sydney. 2 days is the exact amount of time you’ll want to dedicate to this delightful little jaunt away, perfect for a breath of fresh air and “forest-bathing.”

En route the Sydney to Kangaroo Valley drive, be sure to take Moss Vale Road for a lovely and leisurely cruise through the iconically rural surroundings. Visit Fitzroy Falls on the way in or out, and spend the weekend going a little further afield to discover natural swimming holes, art museums or scenic lookouts.

On your way back to Sydney, visit the Bundanon Art Museum then take one last scenic route on the Grand Pacific Drive before going back to city life.

Things to do in Kangaroo Valley

So you need a break from city life and have the urge to be in outdoors, there are loads of nature-centric, foodie things to do in Kangaroo Valley, read on for more.

Eat your way down the Main Street

The charming main street on Moss Vale Road through Kangaroo Valley has a personality all its own. A stroll down reveals some of Kangaroo Valley’s most famous attributes and delicious dining destinations.

The eateries here are some of the best, especially if you have a craving for homemade pies and fudge. Grab a fabulous bite at the General Store or the Friendly Inn and you can see what all the foodie fuss is about.

Walk to the escarpment lookouts at Fitzroy Falls

Head out over the historic Hampden Bridge, a spectacular single-span suspension structure, to find the cascading Fitzroy Falls in Morton Valley National Park.

There are a few bushwalking trails full of cute critters and the highlight, of course, is a dramatic waterfall flowing fast over a rugged cliff wall falling 81 metres down into a verdant valley below.

Kayak under the famous Hampden Bridge

It’s hard not to marvel at the quaint, historic Hampden Bridge, which crosses the Kangaroo River. In the spring and summer, hire a kayak or take a kayak tour starting at the Hampden Bridge to get a different view of the gorgeous scenery.

Wild swimming at Flatrock Waterhole

In Kangaroo Valley we love to take the road less travelled off the beaten path to discover secret wild swimming at idyllic destinations like Flatrock Waterhole. It’s secluded and shrouded in scenery, ideal for a refreshing dip.

Visit Bundanon Art Museum and the Bridge

Embedded in the surrounding natural landscape, the Bundanon Art Museum houses a changing program of contemporary exhibitions and unique cultural experiences, with a focus on Indigenous Australian art.

You’ll also love to take in the breathtaking views from Red Rock Trig or Cambewarra Mountain Lookout on the 35-minute drive between Bundanon and Kangaroo Valley.

Wander the adorable country town of Berry

The adorable hamlet of Berry is another idyllic itinerary item on your country road trip from Sydney. Only a 25-minute drive from Kangaroo Valley, Berry boasts an array of specialty shops full of artisan wares and vintage treasures as well as cute cafes with tasty treats and nearby natural wonders.

Camping in Kangaroo Valley

All the campsites listed below are perfect for you to overnight on a Kangaroo Valley road trip from Sydney and accommodate RV, trailer, campervan, or tent camping, plus a cheeky Kangaroo Valley free camping option.

● Kangaroo Valley Camping Ground: Holiday Haven (from $24 unpowered sites) The perfect place for a country getaway with campgrounds, self-contained cabins, and bungalow rooms all full of rustic charm. You’ll find firepits, barbecues, a kitchen, WiFi, river access, trails, canoes and kayaks, and an animal farmyard. This holiday park is not taking bookings from 18/3/2022 click the link for details.

● Free Camping in Kangaroo Valley: Bendeela Recreation Area (FREE/$6 booking fee) This is a popular camping and recreation area, so it’s super safe along with being spacious and scenic. It’s a cheap and easy jumping-off point for outdoor adventure. Closed due to flooding from 18/3/2022 click the link for details.

Sydney to Canberra and the Snowy Mountains Road Trip

Distance Covered: 827 km, 11 hours driving

Total Time Needed: 5 – 10 days in total

● Best central NSW road trip for country towns, museums, the ACT, and famous Mount Kosciuszko

The best country drive Sydney has to offer is the classic route to Canberra and the Snowy Mountains. Heading southwest to the national capital has all the makings of the authentic Aussie journey of your dreams, full of delightful surprises all along the way.

It’s easy to spend a few days on the road with this one before arriving in Queanbeyan, the entrance to the dramatic Snowy Mountains.

Stops between Sydney and Canberra

When you road trip Sydney to Canberra, be sure to take it slow and soak up the quaint country towns and scenery along the way.

Marvel at Australia’s largest botanic gardens

A lovely first stop on the Sydney to Canberra road trip is to discover the state’s newest and the nation’s largest botanic gardens, The Australian Botanic Garden Mt Annan.

Explore 416 ha of themed garden areas and natural tracts of endangered vegetation, or have your first road trip coffee at Melaleuca House.

Munch on gourmet food in historic Bowral

Distance Sydney to Bowral:  118 km, 1.5 hrs

As the largest town in the Southern Highlands, historic Bowral is the perfect first overnight stop on your to Canberra road trip from Sydney.

Wander the historic village and Bong Bong Street, stopping in at Gumnut Patisserie for gourmet baked desserts with an Aussie twist, The Milk Factory Gallery, where local art adorns the walls of a former dairy warehouse, and Dirty Janes, an emporium packed-full of curious vintage goods.

Explore Fitzroy Falls and Kangaroo Valley

Distance Bowral to Kangaroo Valley:  40 km, 45 min

Detour to Moss Vale Road for a side quest through the iconically rural surroundings of Kangaroo Valley, a destination we have written about in detail in this post above .

Stopover at Fitzroy Falls for a scenic walk before continuing over historic Hampden Bridge and into the centre of quaint Kangaroo Valley township. Stop for a bite or a coffee here before continuing along the Hume Highway to Goulburn next.

See a giant ram in Goulburn

The drive southwest 1 hour from Bowral to the Southern Tablelands passing national parkland and conservation areas, gorges, rivers and waterfalls. Goulburn, the state’s first inland city, houses Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum and the Big Merino, a 15.2 metres tall concrete merino ram.

Between Goulburn and Canberra, be sure to also stop in at the Bushranger Hotel, a now heritage-listed hotel named after a shootout in 1865 between bushranger Ben Hall and the town of Collectors only police officer, Constable Samuel Nelson, right outside the hotel.

Swim inside a canyon at Wombeyan Caves

Distance Goulburn to Wombeyan Caves:  76 km, 1 hr 10 mins

Wombeyan Caves is an extensive series of beautiful limestone caves featuring vast caverns adorned with striking and delicate formations in which you can swim, walk, or do a tour of the three different caverns.

Be sure to take a dip in the vast canyon of Mares Forest Creek Canyon, a secret wild swimming spot perfect for adventurous souls.

Wombeyan Caves are about a 1-hour detour away from Goulburn so skip this stop if you don’t have time. We suggest staying overnight at the campground on-site and going for a swim around midday when the sun warms up the cool, refreshing water.

Things to do in Canberra

Distance Goulburn to Canberra:  92 km, 1.5 hr

Suggested Stay:  1 – 3 days

Canberra may not have been very high on your choice of Sydney road trips, but it is a goldmine if you know where to look. Fabulous food, a happening bar scene, excellent coffee, stunning natural surrounds, great shopping, and world-class galleries and museums are what make Canberra an awesome place to spend a few days.

There are plenty of cool tours to take here as well, on everything from brewery tours to building and architecture tours .

Peruse the National Gallery of Australia Sculpture Garden

Once in the cultural haven of Canberra, scope out the National Gallery Sculpture Garden. 30 large scale creations from artists all over the world are dotted around this vast verdant space for an immersive and one-of-a-kind artistic experience.

Visit the The Shine Dome at night

The Shine Dome is a copper-coated, multi-arch modern structure surrounded by a moat. The largest free-standing dome in the country, it’s home to the nation’s foremost scientific society. It’s an even cooler sight when it’s all lit up at night.

Learn through interaction at Questacon

The Questacon National Science and Technology Centre is a hands-on museum unlike any other science museum in the world. Interactively travel from the centre of an earthquake to the heart of a beehive, and all the way to outer space with a visit to Questacon, a place sure to open your mind.

Sit in on parliament in action

Experience Australia’s robust democracy in action on a visit to the Australian Parliament House. You can watch Question Time, see bills being debated, and sit in on committee inquiries as current issues are explored in detail.

Driving Between Canberra and Kosciuszko National Park

Drop in to the charming country town of Queanbeyan

Queanbeyan is a quaint town full of history and hospitality and the ideal antidote to city life in Sydney. A gateway to the Snowy Mountains and Canberra, this charming country town, filled with historic buildings and positioned between the Molonglo and Queanbeyan rivers, is deserving of a stopover on your Canberra road trip.

Of course, a quick detour to soak up the geological wonder that is the Googong Dam Foreshore is recommended, check out the London Bridge Arch here, or just enjoy some bushwalking.

Drive the Alpine Way to Kosciuszko

Starting in Canberra and winding through some of the most unique and dramatic landscapes in the state, the drive along Kosciuszko Alpine Way takes you through lush farmland, into rolling hills, mountain tops, and finally alpine forests.

Things to do in the Snowy Mountains

Distance Canberra to Kosciuszko National Park:  212 km, 3 hrs

Next, stunning vistas await as there’s something ethereal to explore in every season on the Sydney to Snowy Mountains road trip. This rugged range is home to the highest peak in the country, Mount Kosciuszko.

Depending on the season, there are loads of things to do in the Snowy Mountains. This place is made for having a good time. Go skiing or snowboarding at Perisher or Thredbo in winter, or in summer, summit the mountain by hiking or mountain biking, before heading to Lake Jindabyne for a swim and a picnic.

Hike up Mount Kosciuszko

Set out along the old road to Mount Kosciuszko for a day of high altitude adventure. Hike or ride from Charlotte Pass to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko passing weathered snow gums and rock formations on the way. The historic Seamans Hut is a favourite spot to rest or enjoy a picnic surrounded by the beauty of the Snowy Mountains, as you climb to Australia’s highest peak.

Discover lakes, falls, and pools

An icy swim in one of the pristine lakes around the Snowy Mountains is a great way to cool off after a day of adventuring. Lake Jindabyne is the perfect place to take a dip and a picnic, since it’s so big you’ll have plenty of space to yourself.

Head over to Paddy’s River Falls where you can soak up the spray, take a dip in the actual Snowy River from along the beautiful and easy Illawong Track, or peruse the handcrafted sculptures at Lake Crackenback.

Prefer a warmer swim? Drive over to the thermal pool at Yarrangobilly Caves and take a plunge in a much more pleasurable 27ºC.

Camping between Sydney and Canberra/Snowy Mountains

All the campsites listed below are perfect for you to overnight on a Snowy Mountains and Canberra road trip from Sydney and accommodate RV, trailer, campervan, or tent camping. Many of the campsites in Kosciuszko National Park are free or cheap, making this a great Sydney road trip to do on a budget.

●Camping near Bowral: Berrima River Reserve Campground ($18 per night) These primitive campgrounds are equipped with cold water showers, toilets, BBQ facilities, no power, and not much else. It’s set super close to the Wingecarribee River and is perfect for day trips into Bowral and Kangaroo Valley.

●Free Camping near Bowral: HQ Camp Wingello State Forest (FREE unpowered sites) Tent and campervan sites among the whispering trees, magpies singing and a crackling campfire. Soft pine needles underfoot, plentiful free firewood, and a clean drop toilet. BYO drinking water.

●Camping near Goulburn: Wombeyan Caves Campground (from $24.60 per night) This large campground is perfect for caravans and motor homes, close to all the attractions in the park. There’s a communal kitchen and BBQs, as well as fireplaces and hot showers.

●Canberra Camping: Alivio Tourist Park ($69 for a drive through van site) Right near the city centre, you can stay in villas, cabins, motel rooms, or caravan sites here, plus an abundance of free provisions for all. No tent camping is available here.

●Camping near Canberra: Cotter Campground ($15 per night) On the banks of the beautiful Cotter River, 21 minutes from Canberra, this space caters to a wide range of styles with easy access to the wilderness and amazing facilities.

●Free Camping in Thredbo: Thredbo Diggings – (FREE/$6 booking fee) Open all year round, this site by the Thredbo River is great for anyone wanting to rough it in some majestic surroundings for a small fee. Bring your own water and firewood to this one.

● Free Camping in Kosciuszko National Park:  Long Plain Hut Campground  (FREE/$6 booking fee) Set up your caravan or pitch your tent with a view of historic Long Plain Hut, nestled among sub-alpine bushland dotted with snow gum and candlebark trees. This campground is close to the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool.

Sydney to Blue Mountains Road Trip

Distance Covered: 150 km, 2 – 3 hours driving

Total Time Needed: 2 – 4 days in total

● Best long weekend trip from Sydney for mountains, views, hiking, and adventure

The Blue Mountains are a majestic fixture of the Australian terrain and one of the best scenic drives in Sydney. Take the M4 Motorway and Great Western Highway for 1200 km of carved mountains and valleys, thick ancient rainforest, and historic towns only an hour and a half out of Sydney.

Once you reach Lithgow on your Sydney to Blue Mountains drive, toss a coin to figure out the rest! Heads mean north towards Mudgee and Orange, and tails mean east driving back towards Sydney. Both ways are good options.

Things to do in the Blue Mountains

There are endless hiking trails to trek in the Blue Mountains, each with its own specific allure. It’s the perfect short Sydney road trip for anyone seeking a blissful break full of nature. It’s super accessible and an amazing place to camp ensconced within the scenery underneath the starry skies.

Take an all-inclusive tour or pick your own path to discover intricate cave systems, beautiful botanical gardens, relaxing health spas, glow worm caves, eucalyptus forests, magical lookouts, and impressively tall cliff walks all in the pristine wilderness of the Blue Mountains National Park to complete one of the most stunning road trips in NSW.

Explore Katoomba and the Thee Sisters

The most famous Blue Mountains landmark is undoubtedly the Three Sisters. A triad of rock formations that tower high above the rest of the otherworldly surroundings. The Echo Point Lookout is the best (but also most popular) place to admire the beauty of the three sisters.

The Giant Stairway is another awe-inspiring way to see these bad babes up close. You can take this short trail from Echo Point in Katoomba.

Side note – the little village of Katoomba is super cute and also has a quaint railway system that is an excellent addition to your Blue Mountains itinerary.

See a different side of the mountains on an waterfall canyoning tour

If you’ve never tried canyoning before – you must! This canyoning tour is packed with adventure and is sure to get your adrenaline pumping when you hurl yourself over the edges of the mountains that make this part of the world famous.

On a canyoning tour, you will abseil down a series of cliffs and waterfalls, rock jump, and swim in pools, all while admiring the valley views and moss-covered cave walls. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, canyoning in the Blue Mountains is a life-changing experience!

Go hiking on spectacular trails

There’s an abundance of trails to trek, some with the best lookouts for sweeping vistas in the area, or others are great for wild roaming and picture snapping.

The best hikes in the Blue Mountains include:

● The Giant Stairway – Walk out onto the first sister from Katoomba ● Charles Darwin Walk to Wentworth Falls – An easy stroll along a boardwalk and bush track ● Prince Henry Cliff Walk to Leura Cascades – This takes you from Katoomba Cascades over waterfalls and caves, to some of the best views in NSW ● Grand Canyon Circuit Walk to Evans Lookout – A challenging hike through lush rainforest with creek crossings, waterfalls, and rock overhangs ● The Chester Trail to Lincolns Rock – The best sunset vantage point

Drive down to the Megalong Valley for tea and scones

This incredibly scenic drive takes you ascending through thick rainforest and windy roads before opening up into grassy fields surrounded by the spectacular rims of the Blue Mountains. Listen out for lyrebirds, which mimic the sounds of cars, heavy machinery, and even dogs!

Travel past Old Ford Reserve, Six Foot Track crossing and through to Dryridge and Megalong Creek Estates, the boutique vineyards of the valley.

If you’re feeling peckish, or just down for a decent coffee, head over to the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms, for really good home-made scones with jam and cream on one of their beautiful outdoor tables overlooking the valley.

Camping in the Blue Mountains

These are the best places to camp on a Blue Mountains road trip from Sydney. The Blue Mountains City Council also has a great resource page for camping in the Blue Mountains .

● Free Camping in the Blue Mountains: Old Ford Reserve (FREE) This spot in the Megalong Valley offers a more remote and rugged experience. Free camping is allowed in campervans or tents and it’s likely to be the most picturesque place to stay around. Toilets provided but no other facilities.

● Glenbrook/Blue Mountains Camping: Euroka Campground ($24.60 per site) This campsite is for tents only, with a short walk from the parking space. You’ll need to come prepared here, with your own water and firewood. However, there’s plenty of space in scenic surroundings and basic facilities like barbecue facilities and restrooms, and it’s a great place to camp with kangaroos.

Sydney to Newcastle Road Trip Loop

Distance Covered: 470 km, 6.5 hours driving

Total Time Needed: 3 – 10 days in total

● This short Sydney road trip is the best of everything from the coast, national parks, history, wine tasting, and cities

Just a 2-hour drive from Sydney, a Newcastle road trip is perfect for people who want to see and do something different every day. Explore spectacular beaches on the east coast, a historic road built by convicts, national parks, wine country , and the second-biggest city in NSW.

This is the real deal road trip of all the scenic drives Sydney has to offer. There’s so much to see in between on this Sydney to Newcastle road trip that we think you’ll want to make a lengthier adventure out of it.

Coastal stops between Sydney and Newcastle

Love scenic drives around Sydney? Be sure to include a cruise through the Ku-Ring-Gai National Park plus Tourist Drive 33 on your Sydney to Hunter Valley drive.

Visit the TV-famous Palm Beach

This long 2.3 km-long narrow peninsula was made famous in Home & Away as being their resident fictional beach, Summer Bay . This peninsular has an unbeatable location, with Pittwater to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and Broken Bay to the north at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. Walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for spectacular views of all three.

Hike to beaches in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

A popular day trip from Sydney, the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a spectacular stopover on your way north. Hike to the secluded Resolute Beach, do the Aboriginal Heritage Walk to see the red hands cave, marvel at the dramatic scenery from the lookout, or simply drive through the mesmerising scenery.

Want to explore this area of North Sydney from the water? Search for pretty inlets and secluded beaches yourself by hiring a boat from either Barrenjoey to take into Pittwater Bay, or Akuna Bay to take up the Hawkesbury River (no boat license necessary).

Stay on an island in the Hawkesbury River

Distance Sydney to Brooklyn:  55 km, 1 hr 20 min

This winding 120 km-long river stretches from Yarramundi in the west to Broken Bay near Pittwater in the east. The Hawkesbury River, or Dyarubbin as it’s known to the Darug and Darkinjung people who lived along it, is usually gifted with clear, green waters. Perfect to explore by tinny, ferry, or the Riverboat Postman.

Driving north out of Sydney inevitably means you’ll be crossing the Hawkesbury River at some point. But this lovely area remains somewhat of an undiscovered gem in terms of tourism. You can hire houseboats, stay in a campground, or hire an Airbnb to spend the night on one of the pretty islands like Dangar or Milson Island.

Inland stops between Sydney and Newcastle

Take tourist drive 33 through wollemi national park.

Want to take the road less travelled on your route to Newcastle? The perfect scenic drive on the Sydney to Hunter Valley road trip is to follow Tourist Drive 33 along the historic Convict Trail built in the 1800s, traversing stunning sandstone gorges, razorback ridges, and some of the most stunning NSW countryside.

From Sydney, take the Peats Ridge Road exit on the M1 near Sydney, to Broke in the heart of wine country along the historic Great North Road.

World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park is perhaps best known for containing a tree so valuable and ancient that its exact whereabouts are kept a secret. The Wollemi Pine, or the Dinosaur Tree, was thought to have disappeared 100 million years ago and was known only through its fossils. It was discovered alive and well in a gully by a canyoning national park worker in 1994.

Despite not being able to visit the Dinosaur Trees yourself, Wollemi offers a dramatic setting for scenic walks, swimming, canoeing and camping, as well as being the best scenic drive from Sydney to the Hunter Valley.

Wine tasting in the Hunter Valley

Distance Sydney to Hunter Valley via Tourist Drive 33:  264 km, 4 hrs 30 min

The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine-producing region, with vines being first planted in the early 1820s. You could spend pretty much an endless time in Hunter Valley, but just how much wine time you need is really your call.

Obviously, wine tasting is the best thing to do in the Hunter Valley. But did you know you can take a wine-tasting tour of the Hunter Valley wineries from either Newcastle or the Hunter Valley – so you don’t have to drive when you’ve had a few drinks? Get picked up from your hotel and enjoy the day sampling some of Australia’s best wine, food, cheese, chocolate, and spirits.

Prefer to drive yourself around? Here’s a quick list of some of the best boutique wineries to visit in the Hunter Valley:

● Glandore Estate for wine and chocolate pairings ● Oakvale for organic and vegan wines ● De Iulius do a fantastic wine and cheese pairing ● Horner for a small, intimate tasting ● Comyns & Co. for unique, new-age wines ● Audrey Wilkinson is a great place to take gorgeous pictures of the valley and vines

If you need more information, read my article on the 10 best wineries in the Hunter Valley .

Things to do in Newcastle

Distance Sydney to Newcastle:  163 km, 3 hrs

Suggested Stay:  2 – 4 days

The hip harbour city of Newcastle is the second-largest city in NSW, meaning it’s got all the amenities, from a thriving arts scene to happening nightlife to gourmet grub, as well as amazing beaches and rich history as a working-class steel and coal town.

Visit Darby Street for fantastic eats at quirky sidewalk cafes, plus buzzing shops and galleries. Stroll along Honeysuckle foreshore where the mighty Hunter River meets the sea for harbourside restaurants, cafes and bars taking pride-of-place and offering stunning water views.

Walk Bathers Way for stunning ocean views

After the drive from Sydney to Newcastle be sure to make a beeline for Bathers Way to enjoy the scenery. It’s a 6 km long picturesque path that follows along the coast between Merewether Ocean Baths to Nobbys Beach, with endless opportunities for swimming, basking in the sun, and bites paired with a boozy beverage.

Start at Nobbys Head and Finish at Merewether Surfhouse for lunch and cocktails with a view. While you’re wandering, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins chasing waves among surfers offshore and whales during migration (May through November).

Swim at the best beaches

Newcastle is blessed with a bunch of really good beaches, possibly some of the best in NSW. Here are a few of the best beaches in Newcastle:

● Bar Beach – Not as busy as many of the other beaches and has great swimming and surfing ● Nobbys Head – Great for surfing or a walk along the break wall past the lighthouse ● Merewether Beach – Better for surfing than swimming, as it often has powerful waves and riptides ● Newcastle Beach – The busiest beach, perfect to grab a bite and then go for a swim

Take a dip in an ocean bath

Not only does Newcastle have incredible beaches, but it also boasts gorgeous ocean baths. The Bogey Hole in particular has an interesting history, being the oldest ocean pool in Australia. It was originally hand-cut by convicts out of the rock platform for Major James Morisset, the Commandant of Newcastle, to use as his own personal bath.

Nowadays you can snorkel with the resident fish at low tide, or cling onto the chain sides as waves beat over you during high tide.

There is the art-deco style exterior of Newcastle Ocean Baths, or the Young Mariners’ Pool right next door, which used to have a legendary concrete map of the world as the base.

Then there’s Merewether Ocean Baths, the largest ocean baths in the southern hemisphere.

All of the baths mentioned are free to access and are hugely popular among visitors and locals alike. Get there early if visiting on a weekend.

Feed Aussie animals at Blackbutt Reserve

Blackbutt Reserve occupies approximately 182 hectares of land, with over 10 km of walking trails and wildlife exhibits that are free to enter. It is an environmental education centre with conservation and research programs on site.

Meander the trails spotting wombats, koalas, emus, kangaroos peacocks, and loads of native Australian birds. Attend a wildlife feeding or reptile show (check this website for details), have a picnic or feed the emu with special food bought from the kiosk.

Speed around the Stockton Sand Dunes

My personal favourite thing to do in Newcastle is Stockton Sand Dunes, 32 km of the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. These truly awe-inspiring dunes reach heights of over 30 metres with slopes of up to 60 degrees to form a magical landscape ideal for  sandboarding ,  quad biking , horse riding, or 4-wheel-driving over.

Be sure to visit Tin City, the last legal squatter settlement in Australia! It’s a location on the dunes near the Bob’s Farm area where 11 shacks made of recycled material sit, often partly covered, in the ever-changing landscape. Several scenes of the hit 1979 movie Mad Max were filmed here.

Swim with dolphins at Port Stephens

Port Stephens is the dolphin capital of Australia, home to over 140 bottlenose dolphins. This tour is the only permitted wild dolphin swim opportunity in New South Wales.

This unique dolphin snorkel tour will have you entering a net at the bow of the vessel while attached with a safety lanyard to the catamaran. While the boat moves forward the dolphins will swim back and forth between the bows of the vessel, quite often within a meter of the swimmers. It is the only dolphin swimming tour of its kind in the world!

Also in Port Stephens, the beautiful Tomaree Head Summit walk will take you to an incredible lookout over the beautiful coastline, spectacular bays and inlets, Tomaree National Park, and Shark Island.

Camping near Newcastle and Hunter Valley

All the campsites listed below are perfect for you to overnight on a Hunter Valley and Newcastle road trip from Sydney and accommodate RV, trailer, campervan, or tent camping.

● Camping near Newcastle: Abstobys Retreat ($28 per night) A private property with unpowered grass campsites by a tidal outlet to Port Stephens harbour. Guests have the use of a toilet, retreat shelter, fireplace, and BBQ area.

● Hunter Valley Camping: Wine Country Tourist Park (from $30 per powered site) This small family-owned park puts you right at the centre of all the Hunter Valley action and has some seriously adorable abodes to rent as well as a caravan park.

● Free Camping near Hunter Valley: Olney Headquarters Campground (FREE) 1 hour from the Hunter Valley, in between Wyong State Forest, Watagan State Forest and Watagan National Park. Campervan and tent sites, no booking needed.

Road Trip from Sydney to Byron Bay

Distance Covered: 877 km, 10.5 hours driving

Total Time Needed: 7 – 15 days in total

● Best road trip for beaches and rainforests, warm weather, hippy towns, and exploring the east coast

Have you always wanted to road trip Australia by the East Coast? Set out to explore the entire spectacular East Coast on one epic drive with this Sydney to Byron road trip. There’s so much to see on these Pacific Highway road trips around NSW that we’ve picked out quite a few essential stops.

Stops on the East Coast road trip to Byron Bay

Do you have a week or two and want to get out of Sydney? Byron Bay road trip stops in this itinerary are the perfect way to really get to know this fantastic, wild, beautiful country.

Explore Newcastle and the Hunter

Distance Sydney to Newcastle via Hunter Valley:  233 km, 3.5 hrs

A happening coastal city, Newcastle is the best place to start your Sydney to Byron drive. There are loads of sun-soaked things to do in Newcastle, so we wrote a whole section about it in our Newcastle road trip section above.

Additionally, check out Newcastle Museum (entry is free), or historic Fort Scratchley offers a fascinating glimpse into military history. Or Dave’s Brewery Tours can take you on a historic pub walk or a wine-tasting tour of the Hunter Valley .

As you travel north, be sure to drop into Port Stephens to go sand-duning over Stockton Dunes , explore picturesque Nelson Bay, and swim with dolphins in the marine park bay.

Cruise around the Great Lakes and Forster

Distance Newcastle to Forster via Great Lakes:  161 km, 2.5 hrs

As the largest coastal lake system in NSW, the Great Lakes on the Barrington Coast encompasses three beautiful lakes as well as the vibrant small town of Forster. Flanked by kilometres of pristine white beaches on the east and the Barrington rainforest to the west, this natural paradise is a haven for boating, dolphin spotting, swimming, and beach-hopping.

Drive past all of the lakes – Myall, Smith and Wallis – on your Sydney to Forster road trip, before hitting up One Mile Beach for a swim, Cellito Beach (also known as Sandbar) for a hike to seclusion, Blueys and Boomerang beach for the surfers, and Elizabeth Beach for the families.

Search for koalas in Port Macquarie

Distance Forster to Port Macquarie:  110 km, 1.5 hr

Port Macquarie is a sleepy beach town with plenty of hidden gems to discover, including the Bago Maze and Winery for a glass of white and a dizzying wander, the Koala Hospital to get a peek at some super cute rescued and recovering creatures, Ricardoes Tomatoes to pick your own fresh produce, and Lighthouse Beach for a charming swim with a side of heritage.

The road trip Sydney to Port Macquarie portion is a coastal drive that will put you about halfway to Byron bay. Be sure to try spot as many of the 83 artist-painted Hello Koalas sculptures scattered around town as you can.

Drop in to quirky Nambucca Heads

Distance Port Macquarie to Nambucca Heads:  120 km, 1.5 hr

Nambucca Heads is a must and only three hours from Byron Bay. While its coastal beauty makes for a breathtaking stop, its quirky fixtures add to its charming character.

Nambucca Heads is home to Australia’s longest sculpture made of a mosaic depicting a swirling tale of how the river winds through the mountains to the sea.

There are several shops stocked with cute curios and eccentric memorabilia. We also love to pick up a picnic from Bookshop Cafe to chow down along the shores of the Nambucca River while in town.

Get some rainforest healing in Bellingen

Distance Nambucca Heads to Bellingen:  37 km, 30 min

Before hitting Coffs Harbour, head inland to Bellingen. It’s a beautiful rainforest break from so many seaside towns and is known for its creative, bohemian community.

A stroll down the main street is full of historical architecture and feels like a step back in time (but in a good way). The lush landscape is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, who descend to hike, kayak, canoe and swim. The Never Never Creek is a lovely little escape into nature here too.

Take a day trip drive up to world heritage listed Dorrigo National Park to explore the ancient Gondwana Rainforest. Walk to Crystal Shower Falls or traipse over the elevated Walk with the Birds boardwalk.

Back in Bellingen, stock up at the Growers Market for fresh fares before heading back onto the open road.

Soak up the sun in Coffs Harbour

Distance Bellingen to Coffs Harbour:  35 km, 45 min

Suggested Stay:  1 days

A Sydney to Coffs Harbour road trip will have you just 3 hours from Byron Bay. Stop here for a night or two for a visit to spectacular beaches, rainforests, and banana farms.

Sealy Lookout is a lovely walk up to a sweeping vista looking out over the coastal landscape or head to Boambee Beach for sunset along its curve of golden sand extending more than 5.7 km. Also, check out the offbeat, but adorable mini Dutch village called The Clog Barn as well.

As you head north on the Sydney to Byron Bay drive a stop to see the Big Banana comes highly recommended, if only for the selfie.

Things to do in Byron Bay

Distance Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay:  233 km, 3 hrs

Byron has a hippy, cruisy vibe we can’t get enough of. Hit the beach, wander the wonderfully weird streets as you vibe with the buskers, eat your way around town, or kick back with a boozy beverage at any number of cool bars.

Beach-hop in Byron Bay

Of course, you will want to check out as many of these famously pretty beaches on your visit to Byron Bay as you can. Here are some of the best beaches in Byron Bay and why you should visit them:

● Main Beach – Best for people-watching and a walk to the lighthouse ● Broken Head Beach – Usually patrolled. Walk 7 km between Broken Head and Tallow Beaches ● The Pass – Has the perfect right-hander for surfers ● Wategos Beach – A pretty little cove great for swimming ● Belongil Beach – Home to ‘The Wreck’ and a popular swimming and snorkelling spot ● Clarkes Beach – A great beach to learn to surf

Meditate at Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens

For anyone feeling like channelling their inner hippie, head to Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens where you can enjoy some of the biggest crystals in the world and take part in healing walks and meditations.

Take a restorative swim at Lake Ainsworth

Lake Ainsworth in Lennox Head is known locally as Tea Tree Lake due to the tinted colour caused by tannins from the tea trees that surround the lake.

The water is said to have rejuvenating, health-giving properties for the skin and hair. You can also do stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing or use the wonderful barbecue and picnic facilities.

Day trip to Nimbin township and waterfall

Nimbin is a colourful ’hippie town’ with an alternative counter-cultural vibe, famous for its extremely relaxed attitude towards weed. As you wander the charming, arty streets of Nimbin, you’ll likely be straight up offered to buy anything from hash cookies to fat joints.

While you’re in the area, hike into the rainforest to the impressive Hanging Rock Falls near Nimbin. Wander behind the roaring waterfall and take a wild swim in the picturesque swimming hole.

Sample craft beer on a hot day at a local brewery

Along with being an artistic community, Byron Bay also houses an array of great craft breweries. Pay a visit to the following for a tasting paddle on a hot day:

● Stone & Wood Brewery in Byron Bay ● Seven Mile Brewing Co. in Ballina ● Byron Bay Brewery the Old Arts Factory

Camping on the Sydney to Byron Bay road trip

All the campsites listed below are perfect for you to overnight on a Sydney to Byron Bay road trip and accommodate RV, trailer, campervan, or tent camping.

● Forster Camping: Smugglers Cove Holiday Village (from $33 non-powered sites) This nautical themed holiday park is set on 20 acres of sub-tropical garden. It offers clean and modern amenities in a variety of accommodation styles.

● Camping near Port Macquarie: Diamond Head Campground ($24.60 per site as of Feb 2022) One of the most beautiful campsites on the coast, all sites are within a 2-minute walk to the beach and include space for tents to motorhomes and clean shower and toilet facilities. There is so much to explore, the gorgeous beach being only one activity.

● Central Port Macquarie Camping: NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park (from $35 unpowered sites) Famous for its outstanding waterfront views, beautifully landscaped gardens and situated on the banks of the Hastings River, right by the beach and the city centre.

● Nambucca Heads Camping: Pelican Caravan Park (from $40 unpowered sites) This is a riverfront property with a bunch of bonus features like a private boat launch and swimming pool. There are deluxe cabins, unpowered campsites and everything in between.

● Bellingen Camping: Bellingen Showground (from $15 per site) Close to swimming in Bellingen River and shops, with powered and non-powered sites, glamping tents, and bathroom amenities.

● Coffs Harbour Camping: BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park (from $37 per site) Surrounded by natural bushland and featuring wide-open spaces and stunning water views and fantastic amenities.

● Byron Bay Camping: Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay (from $29 per night) There’s no shortage of space or style of accommodation on these 28 acres of parklands which fronts onto the famous Tallow Beach. With access to cooking facilities, coin-operated laundry, jumping pad and saltwater swimming pool.

How to Hire a Campervan in Sydney

To hire a vehicle for any Sydney road trips in Australia, try Travellers Autobarn . They’re a one-stop shop for backpackers and budget travellers exploring all the wonders of this captivating landscape.

There’s a branch located conveniently in Sydney, as well as locations all up and down the coast. You can drop your chosen whip off at any of them, giving even more freedom to fangirl over.

If you’re looking to be in it for the long haul, you can even purchase one of them with a guaranteed buyback.

They have everything from decked out campervans to more simple station wagons. The ease and comfort of having your own wheels, let alone an entire abode inside, opens up a whole new type of travel.

Some added perks include 24/7 roadside assistance and discounts at caravan parks. It’s easy to get a quote to help organise finances ahead of time, and we love the peace of mind that comes from a trusted reputation backed by rave reviews.

Do You Need Special Insurance?

Okay, so the good news here is that insurance for a Campervan is much easier to procure than for a motorhome. It’s generally less expensive as it can be considered a regular van or car despite the basic facilities inside.

The company you hire a vehicle from will likely include insurance, though sometimes you can waive it and leave a deposit instead. You can also get private third party insurance – which is not required, but recommended – which may let you customise your policy more closely to your needs.

Often things like lost luggage, car accidents, and medical emergencies should be covered. Travel insurance and credit card insurance don’t always include campervan coverage with the basic policy you may already have.

As always, we recommend being fully covered for safety (and soothing anxiety), plus be sure to read your coverage policy carefully before buying it. Rentalcover is a popular pick among travellers looking to take trips from Sydney on their own terms.

What is it Like Driving in Australia?

First of all, the most important thing to note for all our foreign friends visiting Australia is that driving is done on the left side of the road! It’s also good to note that traffic rules are uniform from state to state.

It’s a relatively straightforward process. The roads are wide and there’s lots of open space, so it’s usually an enjoyable experience, especially once you leave the city.

In Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne you’ll come across a number of tolls, so be sure to budget them in.

Be sure to buckle up and follow all speed limits! Regular rules apply: don’t drink and drive or be on your mobile phone while operating a vehicle. An important Aussie tip, watch out for wildlife crossings, like kangaroos, koalas, emus, and wombats.

If you’re headed into the outback, be prepared for more rugged road conditions. Know the emergency services number just in case, which is 000.

Do you need an International Driver’s License?

It’s generally okay to drive with an overseas license as a temporary visitor (under three months) or with the addition of an international driving permit, as long as it’s in English or officially translated.

Rules for Camping in Australia

For campervan trips from Sydney, free camping is both possible and popular, but it isn’t allowed just anywhere. Commonly found at rest areas all over the country, free camping sites are used as an overnight stopover haven for getaways galore.

Wild camping, however, is actually illegal and refers to those that think they can just park up anywhere and get some shut-eye for an evening. Using the designated spots help you to avoid incurring any enormous fines and adds a bit of extra safety as a bonus.

More specific campsites are available for a nominal fee, making Sydney road trips more accessible than ever. Generally, these are parks, forests, and reserves and they often require a reservation ahead of time which can be done online.

Regardless of the camping you choose to do, always respect the land you’re on and follow our favourite rule: leave no trace!

It’s helpful to note that a lot of the campgrounds and campervan parks listed have cabins available. This is a great option to enjoy a more comfortable indoor space when you need a break, without shelling out for a hotel room, and still enjoying the great outdoors.

Most National Parks have clean facilities and cheap campsites, and all NSW State forests are free to camp in designated areas.

Cheap or Free Campsite Websites

It’s easier than ever to explore Australia on a budget, just check out CamperMates or WikiCamps to explore all the options along your chosen route.

● National Parks NSW ● Free Camping Australia ● Travellers Autobarn Free Camping in NSW ● National Parks Victoria ● Aircamp ● Hipcamp ● FindaCamp ● NSW State forests

Enjoy Your Roadtrips from Sydney

We hope you’ve found this information on taking Sydney roadtrips around NSW and Victoria. Feel free to ask us any questions using the comments form below. And make sure you save this post for future reference!

What are your road trip ideas from Sydney?

Passionate baby goat cuddler and part-time adventurer, Crystal can often be found doing headstands on the edges of cliffs, taking photos of abandoned buildings or sleeping on deserted islands with dangerous criminals. She has too many awesome stories and helpful tips to keep them all to herself so follow along and in return she will bring you inspiring pictures, travel videos and a whole load of fun!

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Hit the road and discover all the incredible things on offer in our spectacular state. Whether it’s a classic drive along the coast, a food and wine trail through the countryside, or an epic Outback adventure, there’s a road trip for everyone in NSW.

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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!

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6 incredible road trips from Sydney

Looking to get out of the city for the day on a scenic road trip from beautiful beaches to charming country towns, world-renowned wine regions to world heritage-listed national parks, we have you covered..

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For families: Blue Mountains

Travelling with young children in tow? We know what that’s like. To save you the grumbling, complaints and “are-we-there-yets” that arise from long car rides with active critters, we recommend driving up to the Blue Mountains – just 90 minutes from Sydney. Replete with dramatic scenery, lookouts and nature trails, the Blue Mountains will take your breath away.

Head to Scenic World in Katoomba to admire the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, and kids will absolutely love riding the Scenic Cableway. For a good dose of ecotherapy for the whole family, head to the Grand Canyon Track – easily the most impressive walking trail in all of the Blue Mountains where you’ll be fully immersed within lush rainforests and tumbling waterfalls. You can also visit the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah, nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage site with walking trails suitable for all ages, and home to more than 400 different plant species.

Grand Canyon Walking Track , Blackheath

For adventure seekers: Port Stephens

Fans of the great outdoors must have Port Stephens on their list. A 2.5-hour drive from the centre of Sydney, this destination is known for having the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s also the dolphin capital of Australia – home to over 140 bottlenose dolphins! A requisite experience is with Sand Dune Adventures , where thrill-seekers go quad biking on the Stockton Sand Dunes, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about Australia’s indigenous history and traditional foods.

If that’s not enough, you can also take a kayak out to explore the pristine waters of Shoal Bay and enjoy diverse marine life as well as get up close and personal with wild dolphins. Make the trek to Tomaree Head Summit , where between April to November, it’s the perfect lookout as majestic whales migrate along Port Stephens’ beautiful coastline.

Sand Dune Adventures , Port Stephens

For gourmands: Hunter Valley

Did you know that the ultimate foodie paradise is just 2.5 hours away from Sydney? The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine-producing region, and is also renowned for being a gastronome’s haven. Leogate Estate is a must-see, boasting 50 hectares of vineyard that produce some of the finest chardonnay, semillon and shiraz in New South Wales. Oenophiles would also appreciate a trip down to Audrey Wilkinson for a wine-tasting session or even spend the night at The Mulberry Cottage for a lovely B&B experience.

New-age drinkers should stop by Tamburlaine Organic Wines , Australia's largest independent organic wine producer. We also recommend making a reservation at the two-hatted Muse Restaurant located at the entrance to Pokolbin for a curiously delicious combination of indigenous-Asian cuisine – you want gourmet? You got it.

Brokenwood Wines , Pokolbin

For nature lovers: Grand Pacific Drive

If you’re keen to see and experience Australian wildlife and scenic coastal views like no other, the Grand Pacific Drive is perfect for you. This is a great route to follow for a day trip out of Sydney if you’re looking to maximise on time spent in the great land Down Under. Start your adventure at the Royal National Park – home to coastal cliffs, secluded beaches and bushland. You can get a slice of NSW’s sweeping coastline at the Wedding Cake Rock, which – as its name describes – looks just like a slice of wedding cake. (Make sure to stay behind the fence for your own safety). If you’re there a little later in the evening, we recommend making the trek to Eagle Rock to catch the sunset and soak in its magical views.

Snaking along the majestic waters of the Pacific is the world-famous Sea Cliff Bridge , another worthy stop to take for a photogenic road trip to remember. This bridge is an amazing vantage point to observe startling sea life below including massive manta rays and an array of water birds. Other fantastic stops along the Grand Pacific Drive include the Kiama Blowhole, one of the world’s largest blowholes written about by British explorer George Bass in the year 1797. And don’t miss Jervis Bay, great for observing whale and dolphin migrations, snorkelling, scuba-diving and paddle boarding on crystal blue waters.

Sea Cliff Bridge - Credit: Wollongong Visitor Information Centre

For happy campers: Glenworth Valley

There’s no better way to connect with the great outdoors than camping in unspoilt nature. For camping enthusiasts, we suggest taking an easy hour’s drive north of Sydney down to the lush Glenworth Valley. From glamping in style in luxurious, spacious tents to reconnecting in secluded cabins with spectacular views of the valley or pitching a tent by gorgeous rivers the true blue camper’s way, Glenworth Valley is the quintessential camping ground for families and groups of friends.

This destination is also one of Australia’s largest horse riding and outdoor adventure centres, replete with many activities such as quad biking and kayaking for a truly memorable camping experience. Make sure not to miss the running of the horses – an iconic moment where you can observe a whopping 200 horses rush across the valley’s horse-riding yards every afternoon.

Glenworth Valley , Central Coast

For a local secret: Wollondilly Shire

Locals wanting to escape Sydney for a day have perhaps never considered a scenic drive to the Wollondilly Shire. But this hidden gem is brimming with fun – think hot air balloon rides, bushwalks, boutique stores and plenty of baked goods. Add the charming small towns of Picton , Thirlmere , The Oaks, Appin and Wilton – all just an hour's drive from the CBD – to your road trip itinerary and start exploring.

Highlights include stopping in classic country bakeries for a handmade pie or sausage roll, such as Appin Bakery, DeliciousLeigh Cakes in Thirlmere and Picton's La Crema Cafe; enjoying a beer and a schnitty in the sunshine at George IV Inn , one of Australia's oldest pubs; marvel at the feat of engineering that is Cataract Dam and the heritage-listed  Stonequarry Creek Railway Viaduct ; embark on a nature hike at Thirlmere Lakes National Park ; and embrace your inner adrenaline junkie by getting a bird's-eye view of the region either with  Balloon Aloft Camden  or Sydney Skydivers .

Thirlmere Lakes National Park , Thirlmere

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7 Beautiful Road Trips To Take In NSW In 2024

By Joe Rivers

4th Apr 2024

Ready to hit the road? Prepare for a new way to move in the Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER. Driven by electric, fuelled by petrol—so you’ll never need to plug-in. Click here to explore the range and find out more.

NSW has some of the most varied and exciting scenery in the world, and there’s no better way to explore it than on four wheels.

With great food, stunning views, great-value accommodation, and activities as far as the eye can see, here are seven of the best road trips to take from Sydney.

Parkes to Lightning Ridge

Pass through the Great Western Plains and Gilgandra and into The Warrumbungles where you’ll find Australia’s first and only Dark Sky Park , an area specifically protected for its spectacular night-time vistas (can you sense a theme developing yet?). The end of the line is Lightning Ridge, a famous outback town where you can try your hand at opal mining before taking a peek at Australia’s own, below-ground version of Mount Rushmore, carved by a local miner.

Top tip: It’s worth spending a night or two in Dubbo, and there’s a range of accommodation options to cater for all budgets

Length: 7 hours, though you can cut that to 5 hours by skipping The Warrumbungles—we recommend you don’t though!

Mighty Murray River Drive

Arguably, however, the best is saved for last: Mungo National Park . You’ll feel like you’ve been sent back in time as you look over ever-changing lake beds and weathered dunes. It’s a World Heritage Site that is also the home of Mungo Woman and Mungo Man—human remains thought to be the oldest in the country.

Top tip: As you’ll be following the water the whole way, keen anglers should plan for extra time and make sure they’ve got their gear on hand

Length: 10.5 hours

The journey from Griffith first takes you through landscapes dominated by red soil and then sparse plains before reaching the town of Cobar. Cobar may have been a big mining town in its day, but now it’s ideal for seeing the outback as it was always intended to be. Finally, you arrive in Bourke, a town keen to show off its Aboriginal heritage to visitors keen to learn about Country and the traditional ways of life.

Top tip: Stop at Coleambally, the state’s newest town and home of The Kidman Way’s only cellar door .

Length: 9 hours

Sydney To Coffs Harbour

It’s a good idea to leave the highway whenever you can, particularly to hug the coast between South West Rocks and Nambucca Heads. Here, stunning, empty beaches are the norm (some are even 4WD-friendly ) and Nambucca Heads offers beautiful riverside walks where you can see community art on the breakwaters. Stop off for a forest walk in Bongil Bongil National Park before hitting Coffs Harbour and hopping over to Muttonbird Island for stunning views across the water.

Top tip: Take the road less travelled between Newcastle and Forster for stops at Seal Rocks and Blueys Beach, and some of the most beautiful views of the trip.

Length: 5.5 hours if you stick to the Pacific Highway, but you can make it as long as you need.

Snowy Mountains Loop

Sometimes, a road trip is a lot easier if you know you don’t have to retread your steps on the way back. Kick-off in Cooma, a quaint little town that is a decent base for skiing if you prefer somewhere quieter. Adaminaby is worth visiting mainly because of its unusual heritage—the original town was drowned and the new Adaminaby contains some of the original buildings from the Aussie Atlantis. As you enter Kosciuszko National Park, your activities will be determined by the time of year: hikes in the summer months and snow sports in the winter.

Thredbo and Jindabyne are the tourist centres for NSW’s snowfields, and both are geared up for an influx of skiers and snowboarders. There’s more to these towns than just the powder, however, with plenty of opportunities for fishing, mountain biking and horse riding. From there, before you know it, you’re back in Cooma again to relax and recharge.

Top tip: Hit Thredbo in January for the annual Thredbo Blues Festival.

Length: 5.5 hours if you opt for the scenic route through the National Park, taking in the scenic towns of Cabramurra and Khancoban.

Wentworth To Wagga Wagga

Wentworth is where the Murray and Darling rivers cross, and we begin this epic tour here, on the Victorian border. Your next destination is Balranaid, which may look like a non-descript sleepy town, but there are five different rivers within a half-hour drive, making this perfect if you’re angling for a short diversion.

Taking the road East out of Balranaid means you get to drive through the saltbush plains before reaching Hay, a place with such good sunset views there’s a dedicated sunset viewpoint outside the town. Narrandera is on the outskirts of Murrumbidgee National Park, a tranquil area ideal for spotting a koala or two napping in a red gum. By the time you get to Wagga, it’ll probably feel like a big city, but it’s definitely worth a day or two to explore the town’s plentiful food and culture options, as well as an award-winning riverbank beach.

Top tip: There’s a chance to overlap this route with parts of the Mighty Murray River Drive and create your own bespoke ultimate NSW road trip.

Length: 8.5 hours

The Blue Mountains

From Blackheath, you can also take a diversion into the Megalong Valley, where the pastoral farmland is a change of pace from the dramatic clifftops. Here, there are a couple of boutique wineries that are well worth your time. Rejoining the main road and continuing west will take you to Lithgow, home of the region’s highest lookout: Hassan’s Walls. You can finish your mountain journey at Jenolan Caves—a spectacular cave system thought to be the oldest in the world.

Top tip:  If you want to beat the crowds at Echo Point, make sure to rock up early before the convoy of coach tours arrives

Length:  2.5 hours from Parramatta to Jenolan Caves

Keen on more adventures? Check out these nine otherworldly destinations in NSW . 

Image credit: Destination NSW

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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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10 best nsw road trips 2024 [with scenic views].

Amy Fairall

As the Editor, if you read WAE, you've more than likely read something Amy's written. Amy lives on Larrakia land in the NT and is frequently on the hunt for new bodies of freshwater to dunk herself into. She has a preference for adventures slightly off the beaten track, with a penchant for multi-day hikes and a new found love of paddling.

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Tim Ashelford

Tim's the Publisher of We Are Explorers and he's been around since the early days. You're most likely to find him running trails around Sydney with mates or dialling in his lightweight hiking setup, but he can also be found falling off bikes, surfboards and climbing cliffs all over the country. Tim also writes for NSW National Parks and he's passionate about inspiring people to get outdoors.

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Keen to get back in the car and on the open road? These are our favourite NSW road trips, and they’re packed to the brim with nature and adventure.

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

• Best National Parks in NSW for a Northern NSW Road Trip
• Best Wild Western Mountains in NSW
• Three Action-Packed NSW Road Trips for Day Seizers
• Secret Wild Swimming Holes in NSW [including Waterfalls]
• Best Photography Spots in NSW [For Landscape Photography]
• 10 Super Handy Car Accessories for Your Summer Road Trip
• The 10 Best Winter Getaways in NSW
• New England High Country Best Road Trips
• 11 Best Camping Stoves in Australia in 2024

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Nsw is made for road trips.

NSW is home to a drove of epic road trips. They wind along coastlines, through luscious valleys, dewy rainforests, and down dusty outback roads. These road trips link together some of the state’s most stunning national parks and all the hidden gems in between.

No matter which way you point your wheels, you’ll end up somewhere totally different, but truly spectacular. With adventures to be found in every direction.

These are our top NSW road trips – it’s time to hit the road.

Wondering what kind of road tripper you are? Take our quiz to find out!

Looking for road trips around other states? We’ve got you covered;

7 Best Road Trips in Victoria Top 10 Road Trips in Queensland Best 6 Tasmania Road Trips

Mountain Road Trips in NSW

1. the greater blue mountains.

Distance: 1200km Start point: Sydney End point : Sydney Highlights: Katoomba, Capertee Valley , Wollemi National Park, Hunter Valley, Hawkesbury River, Southern Highlands

The Greater Blue Mountains Drive is truly epic. 1200km of carved mountains and valleys, ancient forests, historic townships and delicious local food and bevs! Make your way to the heart of the Blue Mountains, Katoomba and the Three Sisters, before winding your way through the grandeur that is the Blue Mountains National Park .

Once you reach Lithgow, toss a coin to figure out the rest! Heads mean north, tails means south. North will take you on a loop of Wollemi National Park, from Mudgee, to Musswellbrook, down to the Hawkesbury River, Hunter Valley and back to suburbia.

South will loop you around Kanangra-Boyd National Park to Oberon, down to Goulburn and the Southern Highlands, then back up to the city.

Love getting lost in nature? Sounds like you’re a Nature Frother

How To Get There

Driving North

Driving South

2. Kosciuszko Alpine Way

Distance: 507km Start point: Canberra End point: Kosciuszko National Park Highlights: Cooma, Jindabyne, summiting Mt Kosciusko Australia’s highest mountain, Yarrangobilly Caves, snow-capped mountains and Snow Gums

Charlotte’s Pass | @ainraadik

The drive along Kosciuszko Alpine Way winds through one of the most unique landscapes in the state. Starting in the nation’s capital, drive through lush farmlands, turning into rolling hills, turning into mountain tops and alpine forests.

Cooma marks the entrance to the Snowy Mountains and Jindabyne is the adventure capital of the area. Between the ski fields, Lake Crackenback and Mt Kosciuszko this place was made for having a good time.

Deeper into Kosciuszko National Park you’ll find the quaint township of Khancoban, the Yarrangobilly Caves and Blue Pool. Take a dip if you dare, the water is icy.

Love packing your days from sunrise to sunset? You’re definitely a Day Seizer

Coastal Road Trips in NSW

3. grand pacific drive.

Distance: 215km Start point: Sydney End point: Jervis Bay Highlights: Royal National Park, Sea Cliff Bridge, Kiama blowhole, Gerringong, Booderee National Park

Bombo Beach | @jonharris_photography

The Grand Pacific Drive is a road trip you’ve got to take at least once in your life.

The whitest sand in the world is only a few hours drive from Sydney. Once you’re out of the bustle of southern Sydney take the turn off to the Royal National Park and feel that sea breeze caress your face.

Wind your way down the narrow Illawarra coastline before emerging in Wollongong. Opt for the coast road as you head towards the green rolling hills of Kiama and Gerringong where you’ll find the Kiama blowhole and coastal walk .

Jervis Bay is a pretty spectacular final destination, but it’s only the tip of the South Coast iceberg. To find more hidden treasures, extend your road trip down to Bermagui.

4. Pacific Coast

Distance: 985km Start point: Sydney End point: Tweed Heads Highlights: Lake Macquarie, Stockton Dunes, the beaches of Port Stephens, Dorrigo National Park, Byron Bay

This drive up the legendary Pacific Coast is a summer classic. Starting from Sydney and shooting straight up the north coast along the Pacific Highway, you’ll encounter more beautiful beaches than you can keep track of. Lake Mac is great for a kayak, while Stockton Dunes will knock your socks off.

Coffs Harbour has much more going for it than just a Big Banana . Why not take a detour inland to check out the rainforests of Dorrigo National Park ? Yamba’s a local secret and Byron Bay’s a must-see (even if everyone else thinks so too).

The final leg up to the Northern Rivers and Queensland border may be the most beautiful, with rainforest and rivers running rampant.

Stockton Sand Dunes | DNSW

Nearby Accommodation

Vera – Unyoked

Kaia – Unyoked

Nev – Unyoked

Secret Treehouse – Love Cabins

The Enchanted Cave – Airbnb

Hatter’s Hideout Cave and Lodge – Airbnb

Galong Cabins – Blue Mountains National Park

The Clearing – Tiny Away

Forest road trips in nsw, 5. waterfall way.

Distance: 196km Start point: Coffs Harbour End point: Armidale Highlights: Bellingen, Dorrigo National Park, waterfalls galore particularly Crystal Shower Falls , Armidale

Crystal Shower Falls | @liamhardyphoto

Waterfall Way is the perfect single day road trip with stunning national parks to guide you on your way.

Starting on the beautiful Coffs Harbour coast head south to the charming village of Bellingen . A little past Bellingen you’ll enter Dorrigo National Park , with its spectacular rainforests and abundance of waterfalls. This is the part where you park the car, get those legs pumping and witness these luscious waterfalls for yourself.

Drive on to the town of Dorrigo with more waterfalls along the way. The final stretch to the historic town of Armidale will take you past New England and Cathedral Rock National Parks , both worth a roadside stop and explore!

6. Rainforest Way

Distance:  230km Start point: Byron Bay End point: Tabulam Highlights: Byron Bay, Mt Warning, Mebbin and Nightcap National Parks, Nimbin, Lismore

Rainforest of the Northern Rivers | @patsuraseang

Starting in the iconic Byron Bay, this roadie winds you through the flourishing rainforests of the Northern Rivers region and will well and truly give you that tree fix you’re after.

Read more: 3 Adventure Fuelled Road Trips Around NSW Northern Rivers

Head north towards Murwillumbah and the banks of the Tweed River before dipping back down through the villages of Uki and Australia’s hippy capital, Nimbin. Stroll through the luscious rainforests of Mebbin National Park and give into Protesters Falls .

Heading further south, Lismore is becoming a major art hub and Casino is a great base for exploring the rainforests nearby. The final stretch to Tabulam gives you ongoing green goodness with the Richmond Ranges and Tooloom National Park.

Country Road Trips in NSW

7. kidman way.

Distance:  822km Start point: Albury End point: Bourke Highlights: Murray River, Jerilderie, Griffith wine region, Cobar and its mining history, Bourke

Outback roads | @patsuraseang

Starting at Albury on the Victorian border and going straight up the guts of NSW, the Kidman Way follows the exploration route of Sir Sidney Kidman who was once the world’s largest landowner.

From the banks of the Murray, head north to the charming town of Jerilderie and learn the history of Ned Kelly in the area. Check out Coleambally, one of Aus’ youngest towns, indulge in a few bottles of red in Griffith and sit by the Lachlan River in Hillston.

From here on out it’s big sky country. Cobar has a massive open-cut mine to see (if you’re into that sort of thing) and the final leg to Bourke breaks into desert and is considered the last outpost before the Outback.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace !

8. Mighty Murray River Drive

Distance: 328km Start point: Albury End point: Deniliquin Highlights: Albury, Rutherglen wine region, water sports at Tocumwal, paddle-steamers at Moama, Deni

Ulupna Island | @lexcello

Marking the border between NSW and Victoria, the mighty Murray River also serves as the route of this splendid road trip . Packed with history, scrumptious wine, towering gums, and plenty of watersports, this drive will give you a taste of life on the river.

Starting in Albury, cruise your way west through Howlong and Corowa. Make sure to stop in at Rutherglen for a tipple of the good stuff. Tocumwal boasts beaut riverside beaches and watersports.

Ditch the car for a paddlesteamer in Moama before heading inland to the adventure hub Deni . If you’re there at the right time of year you might even catch the Deni Ute Muster in full swing.

Like the sound of this road trip? You’re probably a Culture Kid

9. Darling River Run

Distance: 1075km Start point: Walgett End point: Wentworth Highlights: Bourke, Wilcannia, Kinchega National Park wetlands, Mungo National Park, Murray River

Mungo National Park | @ainraadik

This classic road trip follows the flow of the Darling River from its source in NSW’s north, through the dusty outback, down to where it meets the Murray River on the Victorian border.

Read more: The Tiny Towns of Outback NSW

Starting in the tiny town of Walgett, head west to the classically country town of Bourke. Stop for a schooey at the Tipa Hotel and take in the grandeur of the heritage town of Wilcannia.

The luscious wetlands of Kinchega and show-stopping sand dunes of Mungo National Park will have you wondering if you’re in the NT. Finish up in Wentworth and maybe even treat yourself to a night on a riverboat.

10. Central to Outback NSW

Distance: 759km Start point: Dubbo End point: Broken Hill Highlights: Dubbo, Cobar, Wilcannia, Broken Hill and Mundi Mundi Plains

Mutawintji National Park | DNSW

This drive from Central NSW to the Outback puts you well and truly in the heart of country NSW. You begin meandering through pastoral landscapes and slowly but surely find your way to the Outback.

Starting in Dubbo, famous for the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, travel west to Nyngan, home of the Big Bogan and further on to Cobar with its long history of mining. Scoot onto charming Wilcannia on the Darling River before making the final push to the famous Outback town of Broken Hill.

Broken Hill is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding wonders. From the tiny town of Silverton and the Mundi Mundi Plains, to Mutawintji National Park and even up to corner country, where three state borders meet, there’s more to see in the Outback than dust.

Like the sound of this epic outback adventure? You’re probably a Culture Kid

NSW Road Trip FAQs

1. what should you pack on a road trip.

In addition to your usual holiday packing list you should ensure you have a spare tyre, your car manual and plenty of food and water, depending on how remote you plan to go.

2. How often should you stop on a road trip?

To avoid fatigue, you should take at least a 15 minute break every 2 hours

3. How long does it take to drive the Alpine Way?

The Alpine Way is 507km and should take between 5-6 hours to complete.

So what are you waiting for? Pack the car and get out there!

Feature photo by Michael Hill

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10 of Australia’s most iconic road trips

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Feel the freedom of the open road with these unmissable road trips.

By Leah Dobihal and Carly Spek

There’s no shortage of adventure on the spectacular Legendary Pacific Coast between Sydney and Brisbane , boasting the wineries of the Hunter Valley , the sparkling beaches of Port Stephens , the hippie-chic scene of Byron Bay and the glitz of the Gold Coast . It’s a wind-the-windows-down kind of road trip that embraces Australia’s coastal beauty and laid-back vibes, even passing one of the most iconic road trip pit stops: the Big Banana .

Drive the Legendary Pacific Coast Touring Route

From world-class wine to sparkling beaches and ancient rainforest walks, the New South Wales Legendary Pacific Coast is a drive to be savoured.

Read time • 8min

Coastal drives fit into a road trip category of their own, with the endless ocean on one side and sweeping landscapes on the other. One of Australia’s most spectacular coastal drives is New South Wales’ Grand Pacific Drive . Beginning just south of Sydney , the road clutches the coastline, unfurling onto the Sea Cliff Bridge, which seemingly levitates above crashing waves. Along the way, visit a dramatic blowhole in Kiama, stroll along the bone-white shores of Hyams Beach and witness ancient history .

Sydney to the Sapphire Coast road trip

With pockets of paradise like Eden and Merimbula, the Sapphire Coast in New South Wales is so much more than just a whale-watching mecca.

Read time • 6min

The central Australian outback is a place of transformation. Ancient ochre landscapes, dynamic cultures and starry skies create an energy unique to Australia’s red heart. Driving the Red Centre Way, a loop beginning and ending in the outback town of Alice Springs , means meeting Australian icons at every turn. Ulu r u, Kata Tju t a and Watarrka National Park are the heavy hitters, but don’t overlook the dramatic gorges and cool swimming holes of Tjoritja (the West MacDonnell Ranges).

Alice Springs to Uluru: a 7-day road trip

Tour the ancient landscapes of Central Australia on this iconic Aussie road trip through Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru.

Not all great drives are long drives, even in a place as big as Australia. From the tropical city of Cairns to the wilds of Cape Tribulation, the Great Barrier Reef Drive offers more than its fair share of wonders. Where else can you stand on the border of two World Heritage Listed sites ? Or spot the vibrant colours of both cassowary birds and coral? Amid your travels between the reef and the Daintree Rainforest , you can chill beneath palms, search for tree kangaroos and snorkel over the kaleidoscope of colours and creatures on the reef .

14-day Tropical North Queensland Drive

Drive from Cairns to Townsville via Cooktown, through World Heritage-listed reef and rainforests to golden outback savannah, taking in tropical Queensland at its finest.

Read time • 11min

Meandering all the way from Adelaide to Darwin , the Explorers Way passes through a tapestry of ancient gorges, weathered peaks and red rock canyons. In South Australia’s outback, you’ll find the natural wonders of the 600-million-year-old Flinders Ranges as well as the underground city of Coober Pedy. After crossing the border into the Northern Territory , you’ll soon see the majestic Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a appear ahead as the earth turns red beneath your tyres.

14 days along the Explorers Way

This 14-day adventure takes you down the centre of Australia, from Darwin to South Australia. Along the way you'll explore striking landscapes from wetlands to deserts, as well as outback towns, world-class wineries and beautiful beaches.

Read time • 10min

From snow-capped mountains to sapphire-blue bays, Tasmania is overflowing with natural beauty. Take in Tassie’s coastal wonders as you follow one of the island’s grandest road trips – the Great Eastern Drive . Head north from Hobart to the Bay of Fires , where the beaches are white, the air is clean and the scenery is magnificent. Wander around the sandstone ruins of the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur convict settlement one day and find yourself admiring the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay the next. 

5 days on Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive

Sample the splendours of Tasmania’s stunning east coast, from seafood and wine to lush rainforest and powder-white beaches.

Read time • 5min

If experiencing Australia’s wide-open spaces is on your wishlist, set your sights on the Nullarbor Plain , located along the Great Australian Bight. There are incredible experiences to be found as you drive along the open road, from wandering the wild coast of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula to hitting the holes on the world’s longest golf course . Add in caves, old gold mining towns, the remains of a space station that crashed to Earth and character-rich roadhouses, and the Nullarbor becomes a bucket list Aussie road trip.

Driving across the Nullarbor Plain

Widen your horizons driving the Eyre Highway across the vast Nullarbor Plain, four times the size of Belgium.

Read time • 9min

The centre of the Kimberley is as vast and majestic as its famous coastline. The Gibb River Road , which stretches from Derby (near Broome ) to almost as far as Kununurra , is a legendary outback route for good reason. Offering secluded gorges, rocky ridges and that indescribable open-road feeling, it’s a drive that will transform you with each passing kilometre. Head off in a 4WD to explore bulbous boab trees, glimpse the rugged Cockburn Range and soak in glassy waterholes.

Gibb River Road: a 12-day adventure

Journey across one of the country’s greatest 4WD adventures through Western Australia’s captivating Kimberley wilderness.

The route between Perth and Esperance truly has it all: blindingly white beaches, strikingly clear water, some of the tallest trees in the world and premium wineries. Lose yourself in the natural beauty, seclusion and tranquillity of the South West Edge road trip. Pay a visit to Lucky Bay’s beach-loving kangaroos, bounce along a walkway suspended in the treetops at the Valley of the Giants and join an expedition to see killer whales (between late January and April). And that’s just the start.

Western Australia's South West: 14 day road trip

Experience the extraordinary landscape of the South West in one great road trip.

Read time • 16min

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most thrilling drives, studded with dramatic views of rugged coastline. Take it slow and enjoy the breathtaking views along this iconic stretch of road before heading inland to discover dense forests and misting waterfalls. Seize the chance to marvel at the famous 12 Apostles’ towering limestone rock formations – stunning at any time of day, but especially as the setting sun turns the cliff face a fiery red.

6 days on the Great Southern Touring Route

Take a road trip along Victoria’s eye-popping southern coastline, through Aboriginal history and into sparkling spa country. It’s nature, nurture and wonder all the way.

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9 Best Weekend Road Trips from Sydney

Written By Bastian Graf

Stuck at home, and just need to get out of the city this weekend? Dive into nature, with a short road trip from Sydney.

As host to many attractive destinations, New South Wales offers a tonne of easily-accessible getaways within a few hours of Sydney – and so – we’ve put together a hand-picked list of the very best day trips for your weekend.

Thinking about the ultimate trip away? Here’s a quick tip – try hiring a campervan, and hit the road for an adventurous weekend. There’s no need to pack a tent or any other gear and the options of where you stay each night are plentiful.

With that in mind, let’s jump into the best 9 weekend road trips from Sydney…

South Coast

Jervis bay / hyams beach.

Getaway from the hustle and bustle of Sydney and head to Jervis Bay, in just under three hours you will arrive at the whitest sand you’ll see in the world at Hyams Beach right on the shores of Jervis Bay. In this small village, you will feel the bliss sea breeze and the fresh air that’ll make you sleep like a baby.

Stay at the Green Patch campground in the Booderee National Park, hidden beneath the trees you will wake up to kangaroos all around you which you can hand feed and take advantage of the 5 minute walk to the beach and a 15 minute drive to Hyams Beach. Enjoy the calm before returning to your busy life!

How long does it take to drive from Sydney to Jervis Bay?

To drive from Sydney to Jervis Bay, it takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Is the sand on Hyams Beach actually white?

Yes! Hyams Beach still sits in the Top 10 for Australia’s whitest beaches.

Are there any toll fees?

On the way down to Jervis Bay you will not encounter any toll fees, though entry into some national parks may require a small fee. We would recommend checking all visitor information before planning a trip.

Where should I take a break?

If you want to split up your trip on the way down, consider a quick pit stop in Berry or Kiama – both towns are easily accessible from the motorway.

Pebbly Beach

Isolate yourself within pure serenity, sit back, and watch the world go by with kangaroos as your company all within NSW.

Continue your road trip from Jervis Bay for an extra 2 hours and arrive at Pebbly Beach. Watch the stars with no light pollution, listen to the cicadas sing at sunset, and enjoy the peacock’s flair their feathers in the picnic area. With amazing nature walks where you will find hidden beaches you will truly feel like you are out of Sydney maybe even Australia.

How far is Pebbly Beach from Sydney?

Though it may sound daunting, Pebbly Beach is exactly 274 kilometers from the heart of Sydney. It will take approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to arrive by car.

You won’t encounter any tolls fees on the way down to Pebbly Beach, but if you want to enter the campground, you will need to pay an $8 AUD entry fee.

For more information on the Yuraygir National Park, consider checking visitor information in advance.

Drive just 2 hours from Sydney and step back in time into the little village of Berry. Spend a night here on the way further south or enjoy the simplicity of life within Berry for a few days. Stay at the Berry showground where they pride themselves on the facilities and cleanliness of the campground and its dog friendly! It is a short two-minute walk into the village so leave the van and just enjoy the fresh air.

Surrounded by beautiful nature walks and hikes you’ll find yourself lost for words looking over the town once you get to the end of the Drawing Room Rocks bushwalk, pack some lunch and enjoy a picnic on the rocks that double as luscious table and chairs. Drive 15 minutes from Berry to Black Head, Gerroa to try spot some whales in their natural habitat during the migrating season which is between May – November.

Berry has a pretty unique, low key food scene they love a treat and a glass of wine. So, after you’ve exhausted yourself with nature go treat yourself and stop by The Treat Factory and then go explore the wineries or find one and make yourself comfortable, remember it’s a little break, enjoy yourself!

What is Berry, NSW famous for?

Berry is well known for its markets and rural charm – host to a wonderful display of gardens, arts, crafts and antique stores.

What can I do in Berry?

Should you stop in at Berry, be sure to visit Milkwood Bakery for some delicious sourdough, or the award-winning Treat Factory for sweets, jams and all sorts of confectionary. If you time it right, the Berry Markets are another highlight – operating on first Sunday of every month.

North Coast

Forster / pacific palms via seal rocks.

Every Australian knows Forster, but not everyone knows about the little town just outside called Pacific Palms. This is a proper Australian beach town where the beaches outnumber the shops. It’ll take you a short 3 hours and 15 minutes to feel like you’re genuinely days away from Sydney, from hidden beaches to family-friendly beaches you have everything you could want in a short getaway here.

Do you want to feel like you’re in a scene from Jurassic Park but also relaxing on the beach? Of course, you do, Cellito Beach also known as Sandbar allows you to look at a beautiful blue ocean but if you turn slightly to the left you will also see a huge dense green forest. To actually access the beach, it’s a short walk through what feels like a huge forest where you will see a goanna if you are lucky, then you’ll arrive at the beach, remember to bring your water and snacks with you!

This is only one of the beautiful beaches here, you will also find Blueys and Boomerang beach for the surfers and Elizabeth Beach for the families. Fall asleep to the sea breeze and the sound of waves crashing at the Pacific Palms Caravan Park at Elizabeth Beach.

How far is Forster from Sydney?

Forster is approximately 306 kilometers from Sydney. By car, you’ll arrive in 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Port Stephens

There is something special about Port Stephens, maybe it’s the fact its amazingly beautiful in winter and summer, or the fact that there are several towns surrounding it that offer amazing beaches, bush walks, and great breakfast spots, it doesn’t matter who you are, Port Stephens will leave an imprint on you like no other.

Port Stephens is about a 2-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney and it’s well worth the drive. Once you arrive at Port Stephens you can explore the surrounding suburbs like Nelsons Bay, Soldiers Point, and Shoal Bay.

Enjoy some of the freshest seafood you can get from the fish markets or local restaurants, who wouldn’t want to enjoy Oysters on the beach whilst watching the sunset?

If that doesn’t interest you, there are surf lessons daily or dolphin and whale watching at certain times of the year, or just take a nice walk to the Point Stephens Lighthouse and look over the beautiful view of the beaches. There is so much diversity within Port Stephens to keep everyone happy, it’s family-friendly as well as offering some great bars and restaurants, there’s something for everyone.

How far is Port Stephens from Sydney?

To drive from Sydney to Port Stephens, it will take you 2 hours and 30 minutes via the Motorway.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Do you ever just feel like a spontaneous trip for the weekend? Well, this is the place to go, just a short one hour drive out of Sydney you will arrive in what feels like another world. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers bushwalks, rainforests, beautiful beaches, and Aboriginal historical sites. Not only are you relaxing in the clear blue water but also embracing the Aboriginal heritage it has to offer.

Getting to the national park may seem a bit daunting if you aren’t organised. You can either drive and park at the West Head Road car park and walk down a 2.8km incline or park your car and catch the ferry from Palm Beach Wharf and arrive that way to the only campground in the park, the Basin Campground only allows tents.

Once you have arrived, get exploring! Mackerel Beach and the Resolute loop walk offers Aboriginal rock engravings and beaches not many will access as they are off the beaten track, if walking isn’t your thing, go and hire a kayak for the day from The Basin campground.

Ku-ring-gai Chase offers a variety of things to do, spend the day here or spend the night, either way, you’ll love it.

How far is Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park from Sydney?

To drive to Ku-Ring-Gai from Sydney, it should take you no more than 45 minutes by car.

Kangaroo Valley

Kangaroo Valley is a small village known for its historic bridge, pies and the fudge is amazing! But the nature around the valley is the true winner here, nestled between the Southern Highlands and the NSW South Coast and about a two-hour drive from Sydney you will find yourself among dense trees, early morning fog and a breath of fresh air.

You will find yourself at awe looking at Fitzroy Falls. The 81-metre-high falls with the incredible backdrop of mountains will leave you breathless and wishing you could watch it all day (which of course you could). Fitzroy Falls has nice and easy walks, where you will encounter beautiful wildlife along with trees and plants you would have never seen before if you’re lucky you might even cross paths with an echidna.

Every second Sunday of the month Kangaroo Valley Farmers Market is where you can stock up on fresh produce and enjoy the live music and just immerse yourself in the valley life. Kangaroo Valley is somewhere where you need to take advantage of the quietness and run away from the stresses of life for a moment.

The Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley will be where you want to stay, it is located right on the Kangaroo River where you can swim and kayak or simply just have a picnic by the water, it is just a short walk to the Friendly Inn Hotel in the village where you can grab a beer and a bite at the heritage-listed pub.

How far is Kangaroo Valley from Sydney?

From Sydney to Kangaroo Valley, it will take 2 hours to arrive by car.

What is Kangaroo Valley, NSW famous for?

Kangaroo Valley is well known for its National Parks, the Hampden Bridge, and its selection of local pies and wine.

Snowy Mountains

Close to a 5 hour drive from Sydney, the Snowy Mountains are full of spectacular views and actives for the families and for the couples. Whether you want to go in summer or winter there is always something to do here.

In winter you can go try your hand at skiing/snowboarding on the mountains of Thredbo or Perisher for the day or just go and look at the landscape that no one expects Australia to have. You need to be sure to have a national park pass before entering the Kosciuszko National Park where Thredbo is situated. Thredbo village will warm you up for tea and coffee from The Bakery in the Village Square once you’ve had enough of the slopes.

If you want a free campground Thredbo Diggings is situated on the Thredbo river with an amazing mountain view to wake up to, keep an eye out for platypus but be careful not to grab them, as they can be venomous.

If winter isn’t your thing, don’t worry summer is just as amazing in the mountains.

If you are a mountain biker or a hiker Mount Kosciusko is a great challenging adventure, it is also the highest mountain in Australia, or you could even try horseback riding for the day.

After a full day of adventure head to Lake Jindabyne for a swim and a picnic, with the abundance of lake you will have no issue finding a quiet private area for your afternoon.

On the drive back to Sydney, you can stop at Bredbo for its famous pancakes or go look at the big trout in Adaminaby, there’s a lot that the area has to offer, you will never get sick of it.

How far are the Snowy Mountains from Sydney?

To reach the Snowy Mountains, you’ll need to drive a little over 5 hours from Sydney.

Blue Mountains

Just under a 2 hour drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are home to Three Sisters and beautiful scenic walks which vary from easy trails to do with the kids, to three-day camping hikes to Jenolan Caves.

Your first stop when arriving at the Blue Mountains should be the Three Sisters, where the information centre is also located for you to really figure out what direction you want to go in. After taking in the remarkable rock formations, head to the Giant Stairway and walk out onto the first sister, it really puts into perspective just how huge they are.

From here you can keep walking around the sisters or choose from a variety of different tracks from Wentworth Falls to Lincolns Rock where you can watch the gorgeous sunset.

Katoomba Cascades hike will have you walking into waterfalls and through half-formed caves, this walk will keep you guessing to what you’ll see around the corner next.

Perrys Lookdown campground which functions on a first-in first-served basis is a free campground will do you just fine for a night with the necessities you need.

The Blue Mountains is a must on the Sydney weekend trips list, it’s an easy drive with luscious views, what more could you ask for?

How far are the Blue Mountains from Sydney?

To reach the Blue Mountains lookout, you’ll need to drive a little under 2 hours from Sydney.

Why are they called the Blue Mountains?

The oils emitted from eucalyptus and gum tree oils create a distinguishable blue haze, which covers the landscape, and results in a stunning panorama of blue mountains.

Road trips offer a perfect mix of food, culture, and sightseeing. Hire a campervan in Sydney , pack your bags, get set, and go! Speak to the team at Travellers Autobarn for more details today.

Looking to explore other areas? Check out our Best Australian Weekend Road Trip Guide .

About the Author

Bastian Graf

Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.

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• Country and City

7 Scenic Road Trips From Sydney For The Ultimate Nature Getaway

Syahirah Mazlan  •  Oct 07, 2022

A road trip is the perfect getaway! ? It gives you the chance to take in the stunning scenery, visit hidden gems, travel according to your own schedule and make memories that’ll last a lifetime. ? If you’re looking for a memorable trip, you can’t go wrong with Sydney! Coast along on these 7 scenic road trip routes from Sydney for the ultimate nature getaway!

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1. Grand Pacific Drive and beyond

Credits: Destination NSW

Less than half an hour from Sydney is the Grand Pacific Drive , a 140km scenic coastal drive beginning at Royal National Park . This natural beauty is the second oldest natural park in the world, and it’s perfect for sightseeing with several walking trails to choose from! ?

Hop off the car and stretch your legs as you walk along the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, a picturesque coastal road . The 665-metre-long bridge extends into the ocean and is absolutely breathtaking. You can feel the ocean breeze from every angle!

Drive a little further and reward yourself with an incredible coastal view with the Wattamolla to Eagle Rock lookout route. This route is truly a hidden gem where you can see Curracurrong Falls, a spectacular waterfall that cascades down into the ocean - it’s definitely worth the drive.

Continuing down this path will also take you through coastal cities and townships of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven.

Another picturesque spot on this route is the DARKES At Glenbernie Orchard , nestled within the beautiful mountain range. This family-run orchard is a popular spot to pick fruits. ?You have to visit the Apple Shack that’s opened daily for fresh fruit, seasonal produce, spreads and apple cider ( non-alcoholic ciders are available). You’ll find juicy peaches, plums and nectarines from November to early January, while apples are in season from late January to late April.

Credits: Destination NSW 

Further down the route is the scenic coastal town of Kiama , which offers a perfect mix of activities for an amazing adventure. Visit the Kiama Farmers Market open from 2PM to 5PM every Wednesday for fresh produce from local suppliers, then head to the viewing platforms at Kiama Blowhole , the world’s largest blowhole that can spurt water up to 30 meters into the sky! The Kiama Coastal Walk is another hot spot in town, and it's made up of rock formations that give the coast its iconic rugged look.    

If you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ll love Wollongong Skydive , one of the best places to do skydiving in Australia. Be prepared for a freefall over North Wollongong Beach, followed by a relaxing parachute descent as you slowly glide down while taking in the phenomenal views! ?

Credits: @akelltayiib on Instagram 

Halal food nearby: Samara’s Restaurant and Al Aseel 

• Samara’s Restaurant 

A homemade meal is always a great idea. Feast on delectable Lebanese cuisine at Samara’s Restaurant, a multi-award-winning family-owned restaurant! Start your meal with the mezza platter (an entree that comes with Lebanese puffs, cheese puffs and kibie mikliyeh, fried wheat balls stuffed with lamb and herbs) and savour dips like labne yoghurt (traditional Lebanese yoghurt). As for mains try the Beruit Chicken, shish kebabs and lamb shawarma. ?

Halal status : All meats and ingredients are sourced from halal suppliers.

Opening hours : Open daily; 11AM - 8PM

Address : Corner of Market & Corrimal St Wollongong, NSW  2500

Website | Facebook | Instagram

If you’ve brought your family along, you’re in for a treat! Ideal for family feasts, Al Aseel serves delicious Lebanese cuisine including kibbeh nayeh (raw minced beef with house spices), shish tawook (marinated chicken breast),and mjadara (slow-cooked rice). If there are little ones, you can order meals in kids-size too!

Halal status : All meats and ingredients are sourced from halal suppliers, but do note that alcohol is served on the premises. We recommend that you dine at your own discretion.

Opening hours : Mon–Wed & Sun; 11AM-9:30PM | Thu; 11AM-10PM | Fri-Sat; 11AM-10:30PM

Address : 1-3/118 Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow, Wollongong NSW 2519

#HHWT tip: Extend your journey along the Grand Pacific Drive by joining a Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise at Jervis Bay. And while it’s a natural phenomenon, lucky travellers might even get to experience the exciting glow of the sea (bioluminescence) that will make your hands glitter (also at Jervis Bay), relax at Blenheim Beach, or enjoy fresh seafood at Jim Wild's Oysters (Fun fact: Jim Wild is the former world champion for shucking oysters). 

If you’re planning to spend a night, consider glamping under the stars amongst eucalyptus and paperbark trees at Paperbark Camp . ?  The campsite can help source for halal meats for you in case you’re planning a BBQ steak night out! And to ensure the camp will provide halal ingredients for you, you must make sure you make this request in your booking. For example: SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: HALAL MENU 

2. Southern Highlands 

Famous for its quaint country towns, green pastures and rolling hills, Southern Highlands is only a 90-minute drive from Sydney. ? The best times to visit are during Spring for tulip season and Autumn - from March to May - for the glorious autumn colours and red maple leaves. n Regardless of the time of year you visit, you’ll find things to do all year round! Known for its old-world charm, country mansions and garden estates, be sure to visit the picturesque heritage villages of Bowral and Berrima. 

#HHWT Tip: Occasionally, the village will organise markets on the weekends. However, do note that the venues and times differ so its best to check ahead of time to avoid disappointment! ?

Credits: Destination NSW. Kramer Photography; www.kramer.photography

On this route, you’ll see Fitzroy Falls , one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Australia! ? It plunges into the untouched valley 81 metres below into Morton National Park. ? In addition to the breathtaking view of the falls, you canenjoy winding forest trails and birdwatching for rare and native birds so don’t forget to bring your binoculars. 

Between the months of September and October, the town of Bowral transforms into a rainbow of floral gardens where travellers and locals can visit the annual Tulip Time Festival . The curated tulips display will have you whipping out your phones for that IG-worthy moment! ? Admire the view of the spring blooms, cherry and magnolia trees amongst the daily entertainment and local stalls. 

After that, if you’re up for an adventurous day out, visit Tallowa Dam in Morton National Park where you can see a natural dam, or even head out for a kayak on Lake Yarrunga. The calm waters are great for beginners and families so you don’t have to worry about the currents. End the day with a picnic together and make full use of their barbecue facilities. ?

Halal food nearby : Veggie Nook 

Only a short drive away from Southern Highlands, you can find Veggie Nook which offer flavourful vegan and vegetarian meals. ? If you have an adventurous palate, why not try their jackfruit burger, or perhaps their smoky BBQ mushroom tacos? Try the popular potato rösti (grated potato cake) and vegan desserts for the full experience! Do note that not all dishes are available all year round, so it's best to check their social media account before you go.

Opening hours : Thurs & Sun: 10AM - 4PM; Fri – Sat: 10AM – 8PM

Address : 6 Bundaroo Street, Bowral New South Wales 2576

3. Palm Beach 

You must add Palm Beach to your bucket list! It’s just a one-hour drive north from Sydney CBD, located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. ? With beautiful sunrise and sunset views, it’s a popular destination for Sydneysiders and tourists alike. This Instagram-worthy spot also links Barrenjoey Lighthouse to Little Head sandstone rocks. 

Begin exploring this coastal haven with the Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk which is a short bush walk but you’ll be rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of Palm Beach. ? This area is absolutely breathtaking from the coast, all the way out to the lighthouse. 

With the warmer weather, remember to wear good walking/hiking shoes and bring along water when visiting areas that require you to walk out in the open! And if you want to get the best view, opt for the Smugglers Track which is a short and moderate-level hike with an impressive view at the end! Alternatively, you could rent kayaks, paddleboards or tinnies (aluminium boats) at Barrenjoey Boating Service and explore the waters in an exciting way. ?

You might feel sad to part with the coastal view but now it’s time to visit Ku-ring-gai National Park . This is the second oldest park in Australia with bush walks, waterfalls, creek crossings, beautiful natural scenery and wildlife. We recommend one of the easier tracks - America Bay Track. It’s about 2km long and it’s also a lovely spot for a picnic! ? 

Halal food nearby :

• Ocean Master Newport Beach 

Get your fish and chips fix here, where only wild-caught sustainable fishes are served. The must-try dishes include their fresh calamari, prawn cutlets and sea scallops. 

Opening hours: Open daily; 11AM - 7PM

Address: 385 Barrenjoey Rd, Newport NSW 2106

Website | Facebook

4. The Blue Mountains 

Another scenic road trip near Sydney is a drive to the Blue Mountains ! The Blue Mountains is home to charming mountain towns like Katoomba, Leura and Blackheath; iconic tourist attractions with impressive scenery. Just 90-minutes via car out of Sydney will get you to Katoomba, the first stop on this trip. 

The best view of the iconic Three Sisters rock formations are from the Echo Point Lookout in Katoomba. Afterwards, visit Scenic World for 4 exciting attractions including the Scenic Skyway, a cable that lets you take in the view of the Blue Mountains from high above sea level! ?

You can take the cable car (which is the largest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere!) from Eagle Lookout to the Scenic Walkway in Jameson Valley or Skyway East Station to see Three Sisters from the Echo Point Lookout. Or you can opt for different viewpoints with Scenic Cableway , Scenic Skyway or Scenic Railway , the steepest passenger railway in the world. Some of the other scenic lookouts include - Olympian Rock (which has a great view across the Jamison Valley!), Elysian Rock, Pulpit Rock and Honeymoon Bridge. 

Another great way to explore the surroundings is via the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus , a sightseeing tour with live commentary. It’s a hop-on, hop-off bus that allows you to explore each destination on your own time. Getting excited already? Add the Three Sisters , Leura Village and Katoomba Falls to your must-see stops! ?

Everglades House & Gardens in Leura is one of the must-visit destinations on this road trip! 

Walk to the Terrace View to see the edge of Jamison Valley, admire pink weeping cherry blossoms in full bloom in Spring, and enjoy the scenic drive surrounded by nature! 

If you like exploring, you have to visit the largest cave in Australia and oldest in the world, the Jenolan Caves . Lucas Cave is one of the more popular caves, showcasing the famous Broken Column, Cathedral and Underground River, part of the river formed in the cave. 

If you’re thinking of spending the night in the Blue Mountains, we recommend staying at Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains . In addition to the stunning views you’ll get all day, this hotel also offers accommodation for families; their spacious Family Suite comes with two interconnecting bedrooms, one for the parents and one for the kids. 

Halal food nearby: We recommend Cedar Kebab Cafe Katoomba , a Lebanese cafe just a 10-minute drive from the resort. Choose from their kebabs (chicken or beef) or falafel bowls; the best part is you'll enjoy generous portions.  

Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 11AM - 7PM | Fri: 11AM - 8PM | Sat-Sun; Closed

Address: 129b Katoomba Street, Katoomba NSW 2780  

#HHWT tip: The stars shine brighter in this region so why not join a Blue Mountains Stargazing tour led by an astrophysicist? Cosy up with a cup of hot chocolate, blankets, binoculars and all the necessities needed for a perfect night gazing at constellations, planets, satellites and more! Spend the night under the stars in a luxurious glamping tent with Bubbletent , overlooking the Capertee Valley ?

5. Central Coast

The Central Coast is just an hour’s drive north from Sydney and it offers many beach towns and outdoor and nature activities. From hanging out in the treetops to a memorable experience horse riding in the hinterland, there are plenty of activities suited for all ages. 

Get everyone pumped up and ready for a fun adventure at TreeTop Adventure Park and TreeTop Networld !  Put your mental and physical abilities to the test with elevated obstacles or have fun bouncing around with giant inflatable balls amidst the trees.

If you’ve always wanted to experience the farm life, this is your opportunity, head over to Iris Lodge Alpacas and be prepared to meet over 60 alpacas and llamas! ? You can even have breakfast with the alpacas (as well as feed and pet them too!) and meet the rest of the farm family - wiltipoll sheep, horses and cows.

Drop by Glenworth Valley for an exciting outdoor retreat! Choose from an array of activities including horse riding, quad biking and stand by during the The Running Of The Horses experience, the best way to see majestic horses gallop past you. 

Nearing the end of the road trip, stop by the small town of Long Jetty and spend the evening walking along its namesake, NSW’s longest jetty, the 351m Long Jetty on Tuggerah Lake. At sunset, this Instagram-worthy spot will make you feel like you’re walking on top of water! 

Halal food nearby : Shahi Mahal and Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf

• Shahi Mahal

Order authentic Indian cuisine like the tandoori grilled platter, biryani, or choose from the chef’s special, which includes lamb chop masala, zenobia (cottage cheese and potato balls cooked in curry sauce), or karuvepillai fish curry. 

Halal status: Halal meats and ingredients used

Opening hours: Open daily; 4PM - 10PM 

Address: 261 The Entrance Road, The Entrance 2261

• Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf

This iconic wharf restaurant serves the freshest seafood from prawns to mud crabs. We recommend getting their takeaway fish and chips.  Halal status: Seafood options available. Alcohol is served, so do dine with discretion

Opening hours: Opens daily; 12PM - 3PM. Fish and chips are available for takeaways from Sun - Thurs: 11AM - 5PM, Fri - Sat: 11AM - 7PM

Address: The Boulevarde, Woy Woy NSW 2256 

Website | Instagram

6. Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley has world-famous wineries and is Australia’s oldest wine-growing region. ? However, you’ll also find many non-wine related experiences for Muslim travelers just two hours via car out of Sydney. 

Enjoy a fun day out with your family at Hunter Valley Gardens ! Explore their 10 unique and award-winning gardens such as the Rose Garden, Storybook Garden, and Sunken Garden. ? There are many seasonal events throughout the year including Snow Time in the Garden (June to July) and Christmas Lights Spectacular (November to January). 

Get ready for an exciti ng balloon ride on the Balloon Aloft that’ll take you over Hunter Valley. There’s just something magical about being up in the air surrounded by loved ones! ? Each flight comes with delicious gourmet breakfast and a digital photo package to commemorate this event.

Get up close and personal with alpacas at Starline Alpacas . This working alpaca farm is a great way to meet these furry animals and feed them! You can also pop by their shop to browse through their alpaca products and get some souvenirs. 

7. Port Stephens 

Home to the largest coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere and a bay that is more than twice the size of Sydney Harbour, Port Stephens isn’t just a natural wonderland, it also happens to be the dolphin capital of NSW! ? Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney, you must add this to your road trip itinerary!

Adventurous souls can testify that the Stockton Sand Dunes and Worimi Conservation Lands have much to offer for rugged outdoor activities.This spectacular landscape stretches 32 kilometres to Newcastle, it’s practically one gigantic sandpit nestled alongside the spectacular coastline. Discover this extraordinary natural beauty by quad biking, a 4WD tour, sandboarding, or riding a camel.

Credit: Port Stephens

Dolphin or whale watching cruises are also not to be missed in Port Stephens. Did you know that over 140 bottlenose dolphins call Port Stephens home? You can see bottlenose dolphins all year round or join whale-watching cruises between May and November. ?You can even book a dolphin and whale tour to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat! Moonshadow-TQC Cruises is one of the cruise operators and they serve halal food on board too. ?

Finally, don’t miss Tomaree Head Summit Walk ; you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views over the entire region. It’s a short walk to the summit and you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree and Fingal Island.  ?

#HHWT tip: Combine your Central Coast and Port Stephens trips; the Central Coast makes the perfect stopover en route to Port Stephens. 

• The Only Place Indian Restaurant

This acclaimed restaurant serves dishes from all regions of India with varying spice levels. Choose from butter chicken, goat curry, pulusu (Fresh prawn cooked in spicy tamarind sauce) and garlic takada (marinated prawn or fish). 

Opening hours: Open daily; 11:30AM-2:3PM, 5:30PM-10PM

Address: 10/17-19 Stockton St, Nelson Bay NSW 2315

With these scenic drives, you’ll be able to explore the open roads, immerse yourself with nature, enjoy great halal dining options, including fresh seafood and much more! ? If you love long drives, why not invite a couple of your travelling buddies or your family to get in on these road trips near Sydney with you? All these fun sights and activities are sure to get everyone excited to hit the road!

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Ultimate Sydney to Melbourne Road Trip Itinerary

Taking the Sydney to Melbourne drive is the best way to travel between two of Australia’s best east coast cities. It’s also one of the best road trips in Australia.

Why fly when you can drive through the most beautiful outdoor scenery and visit the best destinations that Victoria and New South Wales have to offer?

Road trip along the spectacular southeastern coastline, calling in at national parks and small towns along the way.

Start your journey after exploring all the best sights and beaches of Sydney and end your road trip in Melbourne’s cool cafes!

To inspire your next Aussie adventure, here’s our guide to planning a Sydney to Melbourne road trip!

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Australia (Travel Guide)

Sydney to Melbourne Drive: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Table of Contents

How Long is a Sydney to Melbourne Road Trip?

Distances in Australia are pretty vast. This is a huge country, and it’s not quick driving between any major cities. Sydney to Melbourne is one of the faster routes you can drive along the east coast.

The quickest way to travel by road is just over 500 miles, but this cuts straight through the outback and makes for a monotonous road trip. If you’re in a hurry, you could drive this in a long day, though!

A better Sydney to Melbourne road trip will take you along the coast, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the region’s incredible natural and tourist attractions.

This is a longer route, covering around 700 miles. To really appreciate the stops, we’d recommend taking a week for the road trip, that way you’re never driving for more than a few hours a day.

Quick Info:

• Sydney to Melbourne: 1109 kilometers – 690 miles on A1 (coastal drive) or 878 kilometers – 546 miles on M31.
• How long is a Sydney to Melbourne road trip: 13 hours and 29 minutes on A1 or 8 h 54 min on M31.
• How many days should a road trip from Sydney to Melbourne take? Average Sydney to Melbourne road trip takes 4-7 days depending on your stops, You can drive it in one day without stopping.
• What is the halfway point between Sydney to Melbourne? Canberra, Australia

Best Stops Along the Sydney to Melbourne Drive

This road trip itinerary predominantly sticks to the coast, where the best attractions are. After leaving Sydney, though, you have the chance to visit Canberra, the nation’s capital.

However, this will add on a few extra miles as you’ll need to head inland, then back to the coast. 

While you’re road tripping, you’ll quickly realize that there are plenty more great stops you might want to visit, too, so it’s great to stay flexible on the way from Sydney to Melbourne!

Your journey begins in Sydney, one of Australia’s most iconic destinations. Before heading out on the road, take a few days to explore the city, especially if it’s your first time in Australia.

Sydney has so much to offer, with a bustling city center packed full of attractions waiting to be explored.

Visit the Sydney Opera House before taking on the adrenaline-inducing Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb for epic views over the harbor area.

Make sure you head out to the coast before you start your Sydney to Melbourne road trip. This is a city built by the ocean, and some of the country’s favorite beaches are just a short drive from the center.

Visit Bondi Beach if you’re into surfing and take a ferry across the harbor to Manly Beach to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand!

Stay awhile and truly feel the Sydney area:

• Park Hyatt Sydney – Luxury
• The Mercantile Hotel – Midrange
• Sydney Harbour YHA – Budget

Top 5 things to do in Sydney:

• Ultimate Sydney Arrival Package
• The Rocks Walking Tour: the Original Guided Walking Tour of The Rocks
• Sydney by Night | The Original Luxury Private Night Tour | 3 Hours
• Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney Harbour – Lunch Cruise
• Sydney Opera House VIP Tour, Opera Ticket & Dinner Package

Blue Mountains

The first stop on your Sydney to Melbourne road trip should be a slight detour into the Blue Mountains.

This spectacular area of natural beauty is located just an hour away from the city, so you can always make this a day trip from Sydney before setting off south.

The Blue Mountains National Park is a spectacular place for hiking. Visit Katoomba, where you’ll be greeted by epic clifftop walks and unique rock formations, such as the Three Sisters.

There are small mountain towns, a scenic cable car ride, and plenty more outdoor sights!

Stay awhile and truly feel the Blue Mountains area:

• Lilianfels  – Luxury
• Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery – Midrange
• Metropole Katoomba Guesthouse – Budget

Top 5 things to do in the Blue Mountains:

• Sunset Blue Mountains Wilderness & Wildlife Tour (Without the Crowds)
• Blue Mountains Unique Small-Group Day Adventure with BBQ Lunch
• Blue Mountains Private Tour of Scenic World and Featherdale
• Canyoning at Stunning Empress Canyon
• Blue Mountains Hanging Rock Self-Guided Mountain Bike Tour

Take the highway south from Sydney, and your first stop on the road trip will be Jervis Bay . This beautiful seaside community is home to what the locals claim is one of Australia’s best beaches.

That’s a huge claim, but when you see the beach for the first time, you might just agree. Spend your day relaxing on the soft sands or get active and enjoy the snorkeling because the water here is crystal clear.

Stay awhile and truly feel the Jervis Bay area:

• Dolphin Sands – Luxury
• Dolphin Shores – Midrange
• Huskisson Beach Bed and Breakfast – Budget

Top 5 things to do in Jervis Bay:

• Jervis Bay Whale Watching Cruise
• Jervis Bay Dolphin Watch Cruise
• Hiking The Castle in the spectacular Budawang Mountain Range
• Jervis Bay Passage Cruise
• Fishermans Paradise Eco-walk

Canberra (Detour)

From Jervis Bay, you can take a detour inland to visit the nation’s capital. It’s a two-hour drive away from the coast, but it’s worth spending a full day to explore Canberra’s museums.

The city is very underrated when it comes to tourism, and most travelers miss out on the capital.

Yes, it’s purpose-built, but Canberra is where you’ll find the country’s best museums, as well as the Australian parliament building.

You can take a guided tour of the parliament to learn more about Aussie history and politics!

Stay awhile and truly feel the Canberra area:

• Jamala Wildlife Lodge – Luxury (Amazing for wildlife lovers)
• Novotel Canberra – Midrange
• Canberra City YHA – Budget

Top 5 things to do in Canberra that you simply must do!

• Cockington Green Gardens General Entry Ticket
• Skip the Line: Telstra Tower Observation Deck Ticket
• The best of Canberra Walking Tour
• Twilight Animal Tour
• Batemans Bay Overnight Kayak Camping Tour from Canberra – All Inclusive

From Jervis Bay or Canberra, you now need to drive south, because your next stop is the aptly named town of Eden. This is the most southerly town in New South Wales, so after this, you’ll be driving into the state of Victoria.

Visit the local museum, where you can learn about the town’s whaling history, before heading to the beach to admire the spectacular coastline.

In the right season, you can join a whale-watching trip to see how the locals transitioned from whaling to whale watching!

Stay awhile and truly feel the Eden area:

• Coast Resort Merimbula – Luxury
• Seahorse Inn – Midrange
• Eden Gateway Holiday Park – Budget

Drive south into Victoria and make your way to Gippsland, where you can find the glorious Gippsland Lakes.

This coastal community is a popular holiday destination for Australians because the area is known for its delicious seafood and excellent wines.

Enjoy the lakes, take a boating trip, and enjoy the great food and great wine as you relax in Gippsland.

Stay awhile and truly feel the Gippsland area:

• Astra Lodge Falls Creek – Luxury
• Gebi’s Apartments – Midrange
• Riverview Caravan Park – Budget

Your next stop in Victoria needs to be Walhalla, an old gold mining town where you can learn more about Victoria’s gold mining history.

The town has just 20 residents but sees many more thousands of visitors each year. There’s some dramatic scenery nearby, including forests and gorges.

The town itself has been preserved much as it would have looked in the mid-1800s when it was founded during the gold rush era.

Stay awhile and truly feel the Walhalla area:

• Walhalla’s Star Hotel – Midrange
• Mountain Rivers Tourist Park – Rawson – Budget

Wilson’s Promontory

One of the best stops on your Sydney to Melbourne road trip is Wilson’s Promontory.

This small peninsula juts out from the mainland and offers exceptional views over the ocean and all along the windswept southern coastline.

The national park is home to some excellent beaches, but it’s the hiking that will draw you into this protected area, and keep you for longer than you were planning.

You can find some great campsites around the area to get closer to nature and to give you the chance to take as much time as you want to enjoy this beautiful part of Australia!

Stay awhile and truly feel the Wilson’s Promontory area:

• Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Retreat – Luxury
• Tidal River Cabins Wilsons Promontory – Midrange
• Prom Gate Getaway – Budget

Top tours that includes Wilson’s Promontory.

• Wilsons Promontory Day Trip from Melbourne
• 2-Day Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory Tour from Melbourne

Phillip Island

You’re almost in Melbourne, but you’ve got a few great stops left still. For nature lovers, a trip to Phillip Island is a must, because this small, rugged, windswept island is home to thousands of friendly penguins.

If you can stay until the evening, you’ll be able to witness the world-famous Penguin Parade, when the penguins return in vast numbers from the ocean where they’ve been fishing all day, to spend the night on Phillip Island.

Stay awhile and truly feel Phillip Island:

• The Castle – Villa by the Sea – Luxury
• Phillip Island Cottages – Midrange
• North Pier Hotel – Budget

Top recommended tours for visiting Phillip Island:

• Half Day Phillip Island and Penguins Tour from Phillip Island
• Private Tour: Phillip Island, Penguin Parade and Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park from Melbourne
• Phillip Island Helicopter Tour
• Phillip Island Whale Watching Tour
• Phillip Island Twilight Cruise

Before you head into Melbourne itself, take a stop at St Kilda, where you’ll find the city’s best beach and most happening community.

St Kilda is popular amongst backpackers and travelers, and you might end up staying a lot longer than you anticipated!

Enjoy the beach and the markets, or take a trip to Luna Park, Australia’s most famous amusement park. If you’re a backpacker, why not check into a hostel and have a night out in St Kilda too?

Stay awhile and truly feel the St Kilda area:

• Pan Pacific – Luxury
• Adara St Kilda – Budget
• St Kilda Hostel – Budget

Top recommended tours in St Kilda, Australia:

• Nightlife in Melbourne: St Kilda
• Kiteboarding Lessons
• Food Tour Melbourne – St Kilda
• Meet the Artists on a Art Wine Tour in St Kilda

After several hundred miles of driving, you’ve made it to the end of your Sydney to Melbourne road trip! Take a few days to enjoy Australia’s capital of coffee and all things cool.

Take a street art tour of Melbourne to see the city’s artistic side, before visiting Queen Victoria Market, the botanic gardens, and the Old Gaol Museum.

If you’ve still got a few days at the end of your road trip, you could consider extending the itinerary to drive the Great Ocean Road.

This starts just outside of Melbourne in Torquay, and it’s often named one of the best road trips in the world!

There are many awesome things to do in Melbourne , so be sure to plan in a few extra days on the end of your road trip to hit at least the highlights.

Top 3 places to stay in Melbourne:

• The Hotel Windsor – Luxury
• Milano Serviced Apartments – Budget

Top 5 things to do in Melbourne that you simply must do!

• Melbourne Complete Walking Tour
• Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tours
• Premium Phillip Island Penguin Express Tour from Melbourne
• Melbourne Balloon Flight at Sunrise
• Melbourne City Sights Kayak Tour

Add On the Great Ocean Road

If you have more time in Australia and have seen the best that Melbourne has to offer, consider adding the Great Ocean Road drive to your itinerary.

This is one of the most iconic and scenic drives in all of Oceania , so if you have the time you do not want to miss it.

Doing A Melbourne to Sydney Drive Instead

Alternatively, it is possible to reverse this whole route by taking a Melbourne to Sydney road trip instead.

This will depend on if you can find cheap flights to Melbourne or Sydney when you arrive. There really is no right or wrong way to make this drive, so plan it in the direction that suits your plans best.

Road Safety in Australia

In Australia, you need to drive on the left-hand side of the road, but there are a few other things you might need to get used to on your Sydney to Melbourne road trip.

Once you’re out of Sydney, you’ll start to encounter wildlife in rural areas. You might be itching to see a kangaroo, but you don’t want to meet them on the roads!

Kangaroos are a serious danger when you’re driving along the highway, so try to avoid driving at dawn or dusk and after dark. This is when kangaroos are found bounding across the roads.

For a Sydney to Melbourne road trip, you really don’t need a fancy four by four. Roads here are great, but do remember to get breakdown cover and insurance – you don’t want to be stuck miles from the nearest town!

Supplies and Accommodation between Sydney and Melbourne

Compared to other parts of Australia, where things are much more remote and rural, the great thing about a Sydney to Melbourne road trip is that you don’t need to plan too much.

There are always gas stations and supermarkets within easy reach.

As with anywhere in Australia, though, it’s good practice to keep your gas tank full and stash a few supplies, especially water, in the car.

You’ll find lots of accommodation along the route – from guesthouses and hotels in tourist destinations to campsites along the coast and in national parks.

A great way to explore the east coast is by campervan; you’ll find these are welcome in caravan parks and campsites all the way from Sydney to Melbourne!

More on Australia:

• 25 Top Things to Do in Australia (On Your First Visit!)
• 28 Great Things To Do in Queensland, Australia
• 11 Best Things to Do in Darwin, Australia
• 10 Spectacular Things to Do on Fraser Island
• Should I Rent a Jucy Campervan in Australia?
• Oceania Travel Guide

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

1 thought on “Ultimate Sydney to Melbourne Road Trip Itinerary”

We did the Sydney to Brisbane trip a few years ago. This looks amazing! We’ll have to go back for this one.

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Home » Oceania » Australia » Best Road Trips from Sydney to Melbourne (Can’t-Miss Stops in 2024)

Best Road Trips from Sydney to Melbourne (Can’t-Miss Stops in 2024)

Planning an epic backpacking trip in the land down under? We bet that Sydney and Melbourne are two cities firmly on your agenda. But the real adventure is what sits between these two gleaming metropolises.

Glistening white sand beaches and ancient rainforests. Quirky towns you’ve probably never heard of. Fragrant vineyards and snow-capped mountains. Rad surfing spots and ski resorts. And naturally, an abundance of exotic Aussie wildlife.

We’re sure you’d rather explore these incredible landscapes on your own, rather than squeezed onto a tourist bus. That way, you can experience the real ‘Straya. All you need is a stellar Sydney to Melbourne road trip itinerary… and someone to plan it for you.

So, that’s where we step in. We’ve created two awesome road trips from Sydney to Melbourne. One follows the tropical coast, the other snakes through towering mountains and alpine forest. In fact, you could even take one route to Melbourne, then the other back to Sydney!

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Why Roadtrip from Sydney to Melbourne?

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While travelling Sydney and Melbourne is already incredible in itself, there’s an abundance of adventure between the two cities that shouldn’t be missed.

Here are the five top reasons why our road trips from Sydney to Melbourne are a journey of a lifetime:

• You’ll see landscapes that’ll make you double-take. Travelling through both New South Wales and Victoria, you’ll notice these regions are packed with all kinds of scenery – ranging from stunning coastlines to some of the tallest peaks in Australia.
• It’s a chance to experience the great outdoors. It’s a chance to experience the great outdoors. Whichever road trip you pick, you’ll break up the drive with hiking and all kinds of outdoor activities – even skiing if you travel during winter. During summer, chuck a tent in your rental and turn your road trip into a proper walk on the wild side.
• Awesome surfing. You’ll have plenty of surfing opportunities on the road from Sydney to Melbourne. That is, providing you follow our coastal route. If that’s not enough, you can go sand-surfing down mega dunes and snorkel in crystal-clear water!
• Explore cool cities and historic towns. While our road trips from Sydney to Melbourne are nature-focussed, you’ll have the chance to see some of Australia’s most interesting urban areas too; these vary from laid-back beach resorts to historic gold mining towns and the Aussie capital itself.
• Fascinating wildlife. From cutesy koala bears to curious kangaroos and snack-stealing possums, these territories are teeming with wildlife! Coordinate your Sydney to Melbourne vacation trip planner between May – November and you’ll have a good chance of spotting a whale or two as well.

Coastal Drive – Sydney to Melbourne (9 days)

The alpine way – sydney to melbourne (5 days).

• From:  Sydney
• To:  Melbourne
• Total Distance:  1,438 km
• Days:  9 days
• Top Road Trips Stops:  Royal National Park, Jervis Bay, Pebbly Beach, Croajingolong National Park, Wilson’s Promontory, Phillip Island

This route hugs the sensational Pacific Coast and has plenty of opportunities to surf (or work on your Aussie tan). You’ll also dip into some of Australia’s best national parks , where we can meander through ancient forests and clamber up mountains.  This is easily the best road trip from Sydney to Melbourne for beach bums, surfers, and wildlife lovers.

Road trip highlights:

• Sunbathe on the beach as wild kangaroos bob past
• Spot whales (May – November) from the beach or take a boat excursion to get your close-up
• Stretch your legs in Australia’s oldest national park
• Dine on ocean-fresh oysters while you sit back and admire the Sapphire Coast
• Boogie board down the sand dunes of Croajinolong or Wilsons Promontory

Day 1: Sydney to Wollongong (2 hours 30 minutes)

Say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of the city, and prepare yourself for a complete change of scenery.

This drive takes you through Australia’s oldest national park, home of gushing waterfalls, eucalyptus bushlands and emerald lagoons. Stop and check out the scenery with one of the shorter forest trails. Once you arrive in serene Bundeena, you can take your pick from kayaking or stand up paddle-boarding.

If you have time, you can also walk to the Wedding Cake Rock before taking the Grand Pacific Drive south. Plenty of chances to stop off and admire the viewpoints before you cruise over the scenic Sea Cliff Bridge!

• Best stops:  Royal National Park, Bundeena, Wedding Cake Rock
• Where to eat: Big Red Cafe, Driftwood Cafe, The Scarborough Hotel
• Where to stay: Wollongong Surf Leisure Campground ($), Wollongong Backpacker’s Keiraleagh ($), Beachside Studio ($$)

Day 2: Wollongong to Jervis Bay (2 hours)

Grab one of the funky caffeine creations at Ariel’s Coffee before hitting the road. You’ll follow the coastal road south soaking up those azure views. Fancy catching a wave? The Killalea Reserve is the place and is awesome for newbies too.

Alternatively, Kiama is another option for surfers. While you’re here, check out the blowhole – which is visible even at low tide. Once you get to Jervis Bay, you can sink your toes into that famous white sand – the whitest in the world, according to the rumours. If you’ve got your camping gear with you, this is a great place to pitch your tent for the night. 

• Best stops: Port Kembla, Kiambla Blowhole, Killalea Reserve, White Sands Walk
• Where to eat: Ariel’s Coffee, Penny Whistlers, Hyam’s Beach Store and Cafe
• Where to stay: Cave Beach Campground ($) Jervis Bay Holiday Park ($$) Jervis Bay Oasis ($$)

Day 3: Jervis Bay to Eden (4 hours 20 minutes)

Ever wanted to sunbathe alongside kangaroos on the beach? Today your dream can come true at Pebbly Beach, which a local clan of roos has claimed for themselves. Break up today’s drive as and when with stops at small towns and picturesque beaches along the Sapphire Coast.

Wildlife lovers – take a gander around Birdland Animal Park, home to koalas, wombats, snakes and native birdlife. Meanwhile, love ‘em or hate ‘em, no Sydney to Melbourne vacation trip planner is complete without knocking back some oysters. Sample the goods at Tathra Beach Tapas, or once you’ve arrived at Eden.

• Best stops: Booderee Botanic Gardens, Pebbly Beach, Birdland Animal Park, Mimosa Rocks, Tathra
• Where to eat: The Treehouse Cafe, Tathra Beach Tapas, Drift
• Where to stay: Eden Nimo Motel ($) Twofold Bay Villas ($$$)

 Day 4-5: Eden to Croajingolong National Park (2 hours)

Eden is one of the best places to spot whales in NSW, so we recommend starting the day with a whale-watching excursion. Then,  drive straight to the Croajingolong National Park to maximise your time there. You can surf the giant dunes, hike, swim and kayak. It’s an adventurer’s playground.

If you skipped the whale-watching, you might get lucky and spot one from the beach. Also, keep your eyes peeled for monitor lizards, bandicoots, and all kinds of birds. Book accommodation for two nights so you can spend the whole of tomorrow exploring the national park as well.

• Best stops: Whale Watching from Eden, Croajingolong National Park
• W here to eat: Sprout Eden, Greek Soul Food, Lucy’s
• Where to stay: Croajingolong campground – choice of 4 sites ($), Mallacoota Shady Gully Caravan Park ($$)

Day 6-7: Croajingolong National Park to Wilsons Promontory (5 hours 45 minutes)

After a full day of adventuring and soaking up the unspoiled wilderness of Croajinolong, you’ll be settling into a long comfy drive today. Along the way, you can admire the lush alpine scenery of the mountainous Snowy River National Park.

Once at Wilsons Promontory (mainland Australia’s southernmost tip), there are loads of activities to choose from, so we recommend staying for two nights. Choose to scuba dive or snorkel in the marine reserve or hit the surf. Maybe give your lungs a run for their money with the hike to the summit of Mount Oberon – it’s short but steep. Or, grab a board and surf the giant dunes on the peninsula.

• Best stops: McKenzie River Rainforest Walk, Snowy River National Park, Cabbage Tree Creek, Mount Raymond Lookout
• Where to eat: Cabbage Tree Creek General Store and Bushware Cafe, Wishing Tree Cafe, The Rhythm Cafe & Restaurant
• Where to stay: Tidal River Campground ($), Sandy Point Beach Escape ($$), Olivi ($$$)

Day 8: Wilsons Promontory to Phillip Island (1 hour 50 minutes)

This short drive has heaps of surf stops and seaside towns to stop off at. Once at Phillip Island, you’ll find wineries, wildlife parks and cruises to explore. Don’t forget to get down to Penguin Parade in time to watch the penguins come home to nest!

• Best stops: Venus Bay, Inverloch, Cape Patterson, Nobbies Centre, Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, Koala Conservation Centre
• Where to eat: Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses, Beach Box Cafe Inverloch, Bani’s Restaurant & Bar
• Where to stay: The Island Accommodation YHA ($), Bohemian Beach Bungalow ($$), Banksia Beach Cottage ($$)

Day 9: Phillip Island to Melbourne (2 hours 30 minutes)

After a leisurely morning on Phillip Island, time your first stop at San Remo to coincide with the noon pelican feeding. You might also spot a ray off the beach here while you eat your fish and chips!

Follow the coastal road to Melbourne for beautiful seascapes and the chance to stop for a final spot of surfing. We told you this route would be popular for surfers! Tonight, we’ll part ways in Melbourne over a local brew and toast the end of an awesome road trip. make sure you have a great night sleep as well by staying an one of the awesome Airbnbs in Melbourne . After being on the road for so long, you’ll appreciate some privacy and a comfy bed.

• Best stops: Cadillac Canyon, San Remo, Maru Koala & Animal Park, Brighton Beach, Chelsea Beach
• Where to eat: Madcowes, Purple Hen Winery, One Fine Day Cafe, The Baths Middle Brighton
• Where to stay: United Backpackers ($), Bellbird – Free wi-fi plus breakfast first morning ($$)
• From:  Sydney
• Total Distance:  1,278 km
• Days:  5
• Top Road Trips Stops:  Canberra, Southern Highlands, Kosciuszko National Park, Thredbo Alpine Village, Mount Macedon

Yearning for crisp mountain air and maybe a sly day on the slopes to break up your drive? Then you’ll want our alpine Sydney to Melbourne road trip itinerary.

The landscape of this route will vary depending on whether you take a road trip in autumn/winter (March-August) or spring/summer (September-February). As will the activities – during summer the ski resorts turn into hubs for hiking and biking. This road trip also takes you through the Aussie capital, some cute mountain villages and heritage towns where you can indulge your inner culture vulture.

• Spend an evening in Australia’s capital and cultural hub, Canberra
• Ski, mountain bike, or simply admire the scenery of the majestic Snowy Mountains
• Clock a view of Australia’s tallest peak, Mount Kosciuszko
• Hunker down in the wilderness at a picturesque campsite during summer (plus, save some dollars at one of the free campgrounds we’ve found)
• Explore the natural beauty of Barmah National Park

Day 1: Sydney to Canberra (3 hours)

After an hour of driving south from Sydney, the landscape pops with greenery: you’ll see rolling valleys, springy meadows and fairytale forests. Stop off at some of the quaint villages and take a short walk – the Berrima River Walk is a one-hour return with the chance to spot a platypus. This area is also crawling with vineyards, where you can grab a bottle to enjoy at your final destination for the day, Canberra.

Once in Canberra, it’s over to you how you want to spend your time in the capital. Relax in Canberra’s best accommodation, or delve into Aussie history with a museum or gallery. Alternatively, chill by the river and people watch!

• Best stops: Southern Highlands, Bowral, Berrima, Mittagong Lookout, Australian War Memorial
• Where to eat: Lake George Winery, Cherry Hill Wines, The Surveyor General Inn
• Where to stay: Canberra City YHA ($), Charming Tiny House in the Heart of Old Griffith ($$)

Day 2: Canberra to Jindabyne (2 hours)

Buckle up – today, you’ll head into the heart of the Snowy Mountains – home of Australia’s tallest peak and activities galore. If you want to plan a road trip from Sydney to Melbourne in winter, this one is a spectacular drive through snowy winter wonderlands.

Once the snow arrives, the Snowy Mountains are alive with skiing and snowboarding (note that the best time to hit the slopes is in July and August). On the other hand, you can hike, bike, and then cool down with watersports during the summer. There are even helicopter flights around Mount Kosciuszko if you’re feeling really flush.

• Best stops: Kosciuszko National Park, Nanny Goat Hill Lookout (Coomba)
• Where to eat: Kuma Pies & Pastries, Rawsome Earth Cafe, Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery, Alpine Larder
• Where to stay: Island Bend Campground (free), Siesta Villa ($$)

Day 3: Jindabyne to Albury-Wodonga (3 hours 35 minutes)

Follow the Alpine Way west to Albury-Wodonga. This scenic tourist drive winds its way steeply through alpine forests and snow-capped peaks. In summer, you can hike the Dead Horse Gap trail, or in winter, squeeze in some skiing at Thredbo.

One you leave the clutches of the Snowy Mountains, you’ll cruise through small charming towns steeped in history. Albury-Wodonga is made up of two cities right by the state borders, so you’ll be half in NSW and half in Victoria!

• Best stops: Thredbo Alpine Village, Khancoban, Murray Gorge, Avondale Gardens, Tallangatta, Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), Lake Hume
• Where to eat: Avalanche Cafe, Trev’s Place, Tallangatta Bakery, La Maison Restaurant, HAPI
• Where to stay: Australia Park Motel ($), Attico – A Loft in the Heart of Albury ($$)

Day 4: Albury-Wodonga to Moama (2 hours 50 minutes)

Follow the M31 so you can explore some interesting small towns. There’s an old printer in Chiltern which is pretty cool to check out, or enjoy a spot of kayaking at Wangaratta.

Once in Moama, you can explore the official paddle steam capital of Australia. Take a ride on a riverboat ourselves and take in the red river gums. Alternatively, you can saddle up for a horse riding session at Billabong Ranch. The Barmah National Park is a final chance for you to fill our lungs before reaching the big city. You can hike and even camp here for the evening. Check out local event listings for Moama; the city often hosts music and craft festivals. 

• Best stops: Chiltern, Wangaratta, Barmah National Park
• Where to eat: Hub 62, The Baker’s Wife, The Sweet Meadow
• Where to stay: Barmah Lakes Campground (free), Mary Ann Road Garden Cottage ($$), Moama Central Motel ($$)

Day 5: Moama to Melbourne (2 hours 40 minutes)

Leaving the serenity of Moama behind, you’ll make a stop at its larger twin, Echuca, before exploring the fragrant gardens of Mount Macedon. The Sanatorium Lake Walking Trail is an easy hike where you can admire the lake and surrounding forestry. You can drive up to the summit of the mountain for views of the surrounding vineyards.

After this, the Organ Pipes National Park trail is a short hike to see the freakish rock formation. You’ll make it to Melbourne in time to grab a cold beer and chill out in Melbourne’s coolest bars .

There’s loads of great places to stay in Melbourne , and we recommend spending a few days here (at least) to make the most of it!

• Best stops: Echuca, Woodend Hanging Rock, Mount Macedon, Forest Glade Gardens, Gardens of Tieve Tara, Organ Pipes National Park
• Where to eat: Hanging Rock Brewery, Rochester Bakery, Bomba Tapas Bar & Rooftop
• Where to stay: United Backpackers ($), Leafy Room with Private Entrance & Bathroom ($$), The Victoria Hotel ($$)

Roads between Sydney to Melbourne are a joy to drive – they’re sealed and in excellent shape. However, do take care when driving in winter, when alpine roads are subject to frostier conditions. 

Meanwhile, renting a car or camper in Australia is extremely straightforward. In fact, thousands of backpackers and holidaymakers do it each year, and there are heaps of rental companies all around the country. 

Renting a Vehicle From Sydney to Melbourne 

Self-driving is the most rewarding way to explore the countryside between Sydney and Melbourne at your own pace, and you’ll get to stop off at all the hidden gems that the tourist buses breeze past.  You can save some dollars while you’re at it, especially if you have a tent with you! 

In order to rent a vehicle in Australia, you need a valid driver’s license from your home country, plus photo ID. Depending on your nationality, you may also require an International Driving Permit (IDP).

When you collect your rental, your rep will most likely add the following fees to your package. Make sure you factor these costs in when planning a road trip from Sydney to Melbourne:

• Age surcharge. You need to be at least 21 to rent a vehicle in Australia. If you’re between 21 – 24,  you’ll probably need to pay a surcharge.
• Bond/deposit. You will need to pay a deposit/bond which covers the vehicle against any damage. The amount varies depending on the vehicle and the rental company; in Australia, it ranges from $200 – $1000.
• Additional drivers. If you’re planning to share the driving, the rental company will add additional drivers on the rental agreement. Your insurance will not cover you if you have an accident while an unregistered driver is behind the wheel. 

In terms of insurance, all rental companies will try to convince you to purchase their insurance; however, their prices will make your eyes water. Backpacker to backpacker, we recommend checking out RentalCover.com before you collect your car. Their rates are much more budget-friendly, and their cover is comprehensive. This saves you some cash for your other Sydney to Melbourne road trip essentials – snacks!

Road Rules From Sydney to Melbourne

While you plan your road trip from Sydney to Melbourne, note that all Australian territories take their road safety laws very seriously. Aussie police are more than happy to slap you with a hefty fine if they see you going against the handbook. Also, each territory has its own set of road laws.

Here are some unusual rules for driving in NSW and Victoria to bear in mind:

• Think before you honk. Australia has a nationwide ban on unnecessary tooting. Only use your horn when it’s deemed necessary. In both NSW and Victoria, the penalty is almost AU$300.
• Don’t pick up any hitchhikers in Victoria – it’s illegal in the territory and warrants a $30 fine. 
• Mind the gap in Victoria. If you’re more than three metres away from your vehicle, your windows cannot be open any more than five centimetres. It’s a $282 fine if you break the rule! Also, make sure your car is locked to avoid a second fine.
• No flashing while driving. No, not that kind. Flashing your lights in NSW is considered dangerous as it may dazzle the other driver, and could land you a fine.
• No splashing. If you drive through a puddle and splash pedestrians in NSW, you’ll get a police fine and probably the finger from whoever you drenched. 
• Don’t hog the middle lane. No-one likes a middle-lane hogger, especially the NSW police force. Stay in yo’ lane, or pay the price.
• Watch your speed. You can get fines for both speeding and driving too slowly in Australia. 

Okay, that’s enough of the rules. Now, it’s time to start your adventure. 

Browse our Sydney to Melbourne road trip ideas and choose whichever one most excites you. Don’t forget, you can always take one route out, explore Melbourne for a while, and return with the other!

Before you dash off to pick out your comfiest driving thongs and wax your surfboard, we just want to remind you about insurance. As dreary as the topic is (we know), insurance is one of your Sydney to Melbourne road trip essentials. In the event of an accident, car rental insurance is also your new best friend.

In Australia, you are required by law to have Compulsory Third Party (CTP), sometimes known as Green Slip insurance. Your rental desk will offer you either an Excess Waiver, Damage Liability Waiver, or  Reduction Liability Waiver. Essentially, this brings the remaining excess on your vehicle to zero in the event of an accident.

This usually adds $20 – $60 per day to your rental – which ain’t cheap. Instead, we suggest you buy your additional insurance with an independent insurance company, such as RentalCover.com . They’ll cover you in the event that an accident happens, regardless of whose fault it is. Your flat fee usually comes with perks like Personal Accident Insurance and Roadside Assistance. We’re sure you won’t need it, but nothing really beats that feeling of peace of mind, does it?

While comprehensive isn’t mandatory, it is something you may want a quote on.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Active Roots Money Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle – it’ll save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl geopress is a true behemoth amongst water bottles acting as a purifier AND temperature regulator – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are.

Active Roots Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

Active Roots Camping Hammock

Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy (chicks dig hammocks), and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super-efficient way to organise your bathroom stuff. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

And there you have it! We hope you’ve found the best road trip from Sydney to Melbourne to suit your own adventure style.

We think both routes are rewarding, which is why we’d recommend you to take one route to Melbourne and one on the way back! Just remember to book yourself into some Sydney accommodation ahead of time, backpackers fill quickly in peak season!

The time of year that you take your road trip may also sway your decision – the coastal route is perfect for summer while the inland itinerary is awesome during winter snowfall. Seasons are different down under, so make sure to check the weather ahead of time!

Either way, both of our Sydney to Melbourne road trip ideas are packed with dramatic scenery and exciting outdoor pursuits. This is Australia after all – make the most of it!

Now, what are you waiting for? Go pack your bags and sort out your road trip playlist!

Alexandria Zboyovski

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Hi Sir, Which car rental company have reasonable price for rental? Thanks in advance.

Bayswater Car Rentals is known as reasonable and accessible car rental in Sydney.

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20 of the best road trips in Europe

Posted: March 16, 2024 | Last updated: March 16, 2024

Europe is a continent best known for amazing public transportation. Seriously, the rail network and bus connections over there put the US to shame. However, this limits your trip, as not every site or adorable town or viewpoint is located conveniently on the train line or near a bus stop. So, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best road trips around Europe.

Romantic Road, Germany

This route weaves through two southern provinces, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg,  and follows an old Roman road. You’ll enjoy stunning views in the Bavarian Alps, storybook castles like Neuschwanstein, and medieval towns like Rothenburg de Tauber.

You may also like: The 15 best beach towns in Italy

Alsace Wine Route, France

One of the original wine routes in France, Alsace is ideal throughout the year. You’ll stop at numerous wineries between Mulhouse and Strasbourg. Additionally, many other fairytale villages, such as Colmar and Riquewihr, are included.

Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.

Istria Peninsula, Croatia

Istria is one of the few parts of Croatia that can still be considered a true hidden gem, as the masses have yet to descend. The beaches, wineries, hilltop towns, and olive oil producers are best visited via car. Base yourself in Pula or Rovinj and take day trips!

You may also like: 20 things you must do in Dublin

The Northwest Coast, France

Brittany and Normandy are some of the most underrated coastal regions in Europe. White sand beaches and turquoise waters await, with none of the crowds of the south. Start in Rennes and head west to Dinan, Saint-Malo, and Dinard. Then head north to Cancale and before stopping at the straight-from-Disney Mont St Michel. End your trip at the D-Day beaches.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

This 1,600-mile route would be ambitious to complete on a single trip. It stretches from Kinsale in the south along the west coast all the way to Malin Head. Most people complete one or two sections at a time.

You may also like: 15 things you must do in Venice, Italy

Southern Albania

Thanks to electric blue waters and stunning cliffs, Albania has blown up on social media in recent years. And all those stunning beaches you see on Instagram? They’re located in the southern part of the country. So rent a car in Tirana and head to Vlorë, then continue south with stops in Dhërmi, Himarë, Sarandë, and Ksamil.

Dalmatia Coast & Montenegrin Coast, Croatia/Montenegro

Travelers flock to southern Croatia for a reason: it’s amazing. Rent a car in Split or Dubrovnik, take a ferry to an island, check out Zadar and Cavat, and then head to Montenegro. Must-sees in this country include Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Budva.

You may also like: The 20 best small towns in Europe

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

It would be almost criminal to leave Italy’s most iconic stretch of coast off this list. And it’s best explored by car if you can stomach the narrow roads and occasional street cliffside drop-offs. Start in Salerno and head to the town of Amalfi before heading to Ravello, Positano, and Sorrento.

Villages de Caractère Drôme/Ardèche, France

These two neighboring regions in central-southern France are home to many “Villages de Caractère” (basically an official title designating them as cute), castles, wineries, and hikes. Rent a car in Valence or Montélimar, then head west to Aubenas, the entry point for the Regional Ardche Park. Return to the Drôme via Vallon Pont d’Arc and make sure to hike among the natural arches. Then check out Alba (Roman ruins), Grignan, and Nyons.

You may also like: 15 scenic train rides across Europe

Benelux, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg

These three small Western European countries are best covered in a vehicle. Fly into Amsterdam and pick up a car. Explore the Netherlands before continuing south to Belgium and ending in Luxembourg.

Northern Lakes, Italy

Start in Milan and hit up all the major lakes in northern Italy, from glamorous Lake Como to less pretentious but still lovely Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, plus plenty of other small ones. You’ll delight in the Italian mountain scenery!

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West Coast, Sweden

Sweden’s west coast is a beautiful part of the country, with amazing cities such as Malmo and Gothenburg. However, plenty of smaller towns, beaches, and lakes await you in this epic part of the country.

Cotswold, UK

This storybook part of the United Kingdom is full of adorable thatched cottages, scenic walking routes, and villages plucked from a Miss Marple episode. The towns are best explored with a car but can also be walked between if you’re keen on some hiking!

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Ring Road, Iceland

The Ring Road is a well-trodden (or, in this case, driven) tourist route for a reason. You’ll hit up all the best sites in the country: cascading waterfalls, glacier beaches, and volcanic landscapes. Just be prepared to share the roads with lots of other tourists!

Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania

This mountain route through the Carpathian Mountains is breathtaking at every turn. Just be mindful of the speed limit, as you’ll need to go slow at many points due to curves and landscape preservation.

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Basque Country, Spain and France

This unique part of both countries is perfect for those looking for something different. Begin in Bilbao and drive north with stops in San Sebastian, the Pyrenees Mountains, and Bordeaux. As a bonus, plenty of amazing wine is available to sample along the way (once you’ve finished driving for the day, of course.)

Atlantic Road, Norway

This beautiful drive along the Atlantic Ocean in Norway is great if you’re not looking for a major road trip. It’s only a few miles long but crosses bridges with the ocean on either side and has amazing views of fjords and mountains.

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The Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece

Greece is often thought of as a sea-oriented trip, thanks to the ease of island-hopping via ferry. However, if you want to explore the mainland, a car is the easiest way to get around, especially the historic Peloponnese Peninsula. Home to Nafplio, Sparta, and numerous ancient sites, it’s the ideal place for a road trip.

European Alps, Austria, Switzerland, and France

This route is ideal for mountain lovers, whether you want to complete it in the winter and ski along the way or wait until summer to hike your way through it. Start in Vienna and grab a rental car, then head west to Salzburg, Austria’s gateway to the Alps. Continue to Innsbruck before crossing into Switzerland and, finally, France.

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Wine Country to the Med, Slovenia

Slovenia is a great country for a road trip as it is compact but diverse in its small area. Start in Maribor in the east before heading west to Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj. Spend a few days hiking in Triglav Nation Park before turning south to Piran on the coast. Then return to the capital, Ljubljana, to end your trip!

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The world's safest cities for travel have been announced for 2024 and Sydney has ranked fourth

An annual global study has ranked Sydney as one of the safest cities in the world – and it's the only Aussie city to make the list

Aside from the devastating events that have taken place recently, most people would agree that life in Sydney is pretty safe – relative to other places across the world. And now, that theory has been validated, with the annual  State of Travel Insurance  Safest Destinations report   listing Sydney as the fourth safest city in the world for travellers. Not the first time Sydney has ranked highly in safety studies in recent times .

Top of the list of the world’s safest cities was Hawaiian capital Honolulu, which appeared behind Sydney on a recent round-up of the most relaxed cities in the world .   

The methodology used to determine the list involved analysing a combo of traveller survey responses along with third-party data sources to evaluate weather emergencies, health measures, terrorism and the safety of underrepresented groups. Based on the data, our Harbour City came out as the fourth safest city in the world. On the list of the world’s safest countries, the lucky country came in at number ten.  Despite Australia ranking within the world’s safest countries, Sydney was the only Australian city to appear in the list of the world’s 15 safest cities, appearing behind Honolulu, Montreal and Reykjavik. 

Last year, Australia ranked as the fourth safest country in the world in the same report, and we suspect the climate crisis might have something to do with our fall in the rankings, with authors listing our weak ozone layer as a danger for travellers visiting us Down Under.

According to the report, Australia has a notably low number of homicides (a still heartbreaking 377 in 2022, compared with a devastating 692 during the same year in Chicago).

The report lists wildlife as the main danger to look out for in Australia, quoting the State Department who say ““Australian fauna can be dangerous. From jellyfish to crocodiles, sharks, poisonous insects, and snakes, the continent and its waters host wildlife that merit awe and respect in equal doses.”

And while Australia as a whole might have fallen in the rankings, it looks like visiting Sydney is regarded as safer – with the Emerald City jumping from the tenth safest city in 2023 to number four in 2024. After what Sydney has gone through in the past weeks, here’s hoping it’s true.

You can read the full list of the world’s safest cities here , and find more info on the safest countries to travel to in 2024 over here .

Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  

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• Winnie Stubbs Lifestyle Writer

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