places to visit in nsw by car

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

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Greater Blue Mountains Drive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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

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28 unforgettable road trips in NSW

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

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Kosciuszko Alpine Way

Cooma to kosciuszko national park.

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

Coast and Country Highlife

Bowral to robertson.

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

Stargazing and Storytelling

Parkes to bourke.

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

Greater Blue Mountains Drive

Katoomba to hawkesbury.

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

Cool Coast to Intrepid Inland

Newcastle to maitland.

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

Heritage Highlights

Picton to coalcliff.

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

Waterfall Way

Coffs harbour to armidale.

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

Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive

Wollongong to merimbula.

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

Kamilaroi Contrasts

Willow tree to bourke.

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

Darling River Run

Walgett to wentworth.

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

Legendary Pacific Coast

Lake macquarie to tweed heads.

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

Fossickers Way

Barraba to tamworth.

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

Mighty Murray River Drive

Albury to wentworth.

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

Food-Lover's Loop

Hawkesbury to hunter valley.

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

Coast to Country

Port macquarie to coffs harbour.

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

Tablelands Food and Wine Trail

Gundaroo to bungendore.

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

Kidman Way and Beyond

Albury to bourke.

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

The Classic Australian Drive

Wentworth to gundagai.

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

The Long Paddock

Echuca-moama to wilcannia.

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

Grand Pacific Drive

Royal national park to jervis bay.

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

A Tour of Caves and Fossils

Sydney to wellington.

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

Central to Outback NSW

Dubbo to broken hill.

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

Rainforest Way

Byron bay to tabulam.

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

Heritage Towns and Contemporary Tastes

Yass valley to jugiong.

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

NSW Food and Wine Trail

Lithgow to mudgee.

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

Riverina to Snowy Valleys Way

Griffith to tumbarumba.

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

High Country to Cruising Coast

Cooma to bungendore.

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

North Coast Hinterland Adventure

Tea gardens to port macquarie.

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

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• Blue Mountains
• Central Coast
• Central West & Orange
• Lord Howe Island
• Hunter & Mid-Coast
• Lake Macquarie & Newcastle
• – The Tweed
• New England & North West
• Outback NSW
• Riverina Murray
• — Albury Wodonga
• Snowy Mountains
• South Coast
• Southern Highlands & Tablelands
• Daylesford & Macedon Ranges
• Geelong & The Bellarine
• Great Ocean Road
• Victoria’s High Country
• Mornington Peninsula
• Phillip Island
• Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
• Mackay Isaac
• Outback Queensland
• Southern Queensland
• Sunshine Coast
• Townsville North Queensland
• Tropical North Queensland
• Whitsundays
• Coral Coast
• Margaret River & South West
• The Kimberley & North West
• Eyre Peninsula
• Fleurieu Peninsula
• Flinders Ranges & Outback
• Kangaroo Island
• Limestone Coast
• Yorke Peninsula
• Katherine & Surrounds
• Alice Springs & The Red Centre
• Arnhem Land
• Hobart & South
• Launceston & North
• North Island
• South Island
• Cook Islands
• New Caledonia
• Philippines
• Switzerland
• United States
• Aboriginal Culture
• Arts & Culture
• Beach Lifestyle
• Eat & Drink
• Nature & Parks
• Adventure & Sports
• Microadventures
• Multi-day Hikes
• Canyoning & Abseiling
• Climbing & Bouldering
• Dog Friendly
• Gravel & Bikepacking
• Kayaking & Paddling
• Mountain Biking
• Skiing & Snowboarding
• Skills & Safety
• Snorkelling
• Trail Running
• Wild Swimming
• Comparisons
• Gear Guides
• Photo Essays

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

Ally Burnie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Remember to leave no trace !

Stop 1: The Royal National Park

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

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

Endless clifftop views on the Coast Track | @allyburnie_

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

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

Stop 2: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

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

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

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

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

Stop 3: Bouddi National Park

Location: Central Coast Highlight: Bouddi coastal walk

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

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

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

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

Stop 4: Worimi Conservation Lands

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

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

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

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

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

Stop 5: Port Stephens

Location: Port Stephens Highlight: Mt Tomaree Head Summit Walk

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

Stop 6: South West Rocks

Location: South West Rocks Highlight: Smokey Cape Walking Track

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

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

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

Stop 7: Dorrigo National Park

Location: 1 hour from Coffs Harbour Highlight: Skywalk Lookout

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

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

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

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

Stop 8: Mt Kaputar National Park

Location: Near Narrabri Highlight: Sawn Rocks

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

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

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

Stop 9: Pilliga National Park

Location: Near Narrabri Highlight: Pilliga Forest

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

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

Stop 10: Gundabooka National Park

Location: Bourke Highlight: Little Mountain Walking Track

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

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

Stop 11: White Cliffs Area

Location: White Cliffs Highlight: Paroo-Darling National Park

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

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

Stop 12: Mungo National Park

Location: Mungo and Wentworth Highlight: Walls of China

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

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

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

Stop 13: Snowy Mountains

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

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

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

Seamans Hut near Mt Kosciuszko |  @allyburnie_

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

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

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

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

Yarrangobilly Pools stay warm year round | @allyburnie_

Stop 14: Merimbula

Location: Sapphire Coast Highlight: Kayaking adventures

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

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

Long waves at Merimbula Bay | Photo: Destination NSW

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

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

Stop 15: Jervis Bay

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop 16: Wollongong

Location: Bald Hill Lookout and Shellharbour Highlight: Hang gliding

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

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

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

Stop 17: Blue Mountains

Location: Blue Mountains Highlight: Mountain Biking & Lake Lyell

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

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

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

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

Morning camp views at Lake Lyell | @allyburnie_

Reckon You Could Tackle this Road Trip?

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

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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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Escape to the outback with these NSW road trips

Enjoy feeling like you’re the only people on earth then grab a travelling partner, hop in the car and take a remote nsw road trip to feel alone, together..

Destination NSW

For a bit of perspective on life, and an insight into just how ancient and vast this land really is, head out on a road trip into the NSW outback.

From desert sculptures near iconic mining towns to night-time skies that you have to see to believe, the outback has countless ways of making you feel like a small dot in a vast and very beautiful universe. Disconnect from the big smoke to experience something out of this world.

Mungo National Park , Mungo

Mungo National Park via Griffith

A trip to the surreal beauty of Mungo National Park  is a classic outback experience. Home to Mungo Man and Mungo Lady – the famous remains of people cremated here about 42,000 years ago – this land of dunes, mallee and dried-up lakes has a rich Aboriginal history.  You can learn all about it as you join a National Parks Aboriginal ranger to discover the otherworldly landscape known as the Walls of China .

Walls of China , Mungo National Park

You can also explore by yourself on a 70km self-guided drive tour where you’ll have emus, red kangaroos and wedge-tailed eagles for company. To get to the national park by the most direct route involves an 11hr drive west from Sydney, via Gundagai (home to the Dog on the Tucker Box ) and the multicultural foodie town of Griffith . Near the river port of Wentworth , don’t miss the shifting dunes of the Perry Sandhills : you can almost feel the footsteps of the megafauna that used to roam here.

Mungo Lodge , Mungo

Where to stay: Bunk down at the Mungo Shearers’ Quarters , at the start of the self-guided drive tour. Mungo Lodge also makes a fantastic base, only 2km from the entrance to the park.

Bourke and the Darling River Run

For an alternative route to Mungo National Park, hit the Darling River Run . On this iconic adventure, you’ll retrace the steps of explorers Burke and Wills as you travel from Walgett in the north of NSW to Wentworth in the south-west, via some unforgettable outback locations. This is unsealed road, best tackled by 4WD, over four or five days, or even more.

Darling River, Bourke

Jump aboard a paddle vessel for a trip up the Darling River at Bourke ; call in for a coldie and a classic outback pub experience at the Tilpa Hotel ; discover Aboriginal art and sandstone heritage buildings at Wilcannia ; and revel in your freedom as you camp among river red gums and discover the birdlife of Kinchega National Park at Menindee , before arriving at one of the outback’s greatest treasures, magnificent Mungo National Park , from the north.

Where to stay: Camp (or stay in a cabin), and fish, bushwalk, play golf and birdwatch by the Darling River at Nelia Gaari Station , between Wilcannia and Menindee.

Sunset in Kinchega National Park - Credit: D Finnegan, National Parks

Broken Hill via Cobar

If you’ve never been to Broken Hill , it’s time you did. This legendary mining town in the state’s far west is likely to turn any preconceived ideas you had about the NSW outback upside-down.

Visit The Palace Hotel (from the classic movie The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert ) and play a game of drag bingo. Discover the local art scene at venues including the Broken Hill Regional Gallery  and Pro Hart Gallery , head out of town to roam the glorious outback landscape of the Living Desert and Sculptures , discover Aboriginal rock art in Mutawintji National Park , visit the iconic town of Silverton , and camp beneath an endless sky with Outback Astronomy .

The Living Desert and Sculptures , Broken Hill

There are a few ways of getting to Broken Hill. One of the best is via Dubbo and historic Cobar on a Central to Outback NSW road trip.

Where to stay: Camp, rent a swag or stay in a room or unit at Eldee Station , a working sheep and cattle farm near Silverton.

Lightning Ridge and the Great Artesian Drive

Take a trip up to northern outback NSW, and the opal-mining town of Lightning Ridge , where buildings are made of beer cans and bottles , and the local characters are as colourful as the gemstones. You’ll know you’re in the outback when you head to The Grawin , a working opal field, and have a cold beer and a dusty game of golf at the Grawin Club in the Scrub . Check out the underground sandstone carvings at the Chambers of the Black Hand and have a soak at the Lightning Ridge Bore Baths while you’re here.

Lightning Ridge Bore Baths , Outback NSW

For more mineral-enriched bathing, explore the Great Artesian Drive , a touring route taking in towns including Moree and Narrabri . Near Moree, get out and focus your binoculars on the waterbirds of the Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area . And consider heading back to Sydney via Australia’s stargazing capital, Coonabarabran – outback skies don’t get much bigger or better than these.

Where to s tay: Head to Lorne Station , a 4,000-hectare property with cabins and camping sites near Lightning Ridge.

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Blenheim Beach, Jervis Bay, New South Wales © Destination NSW

12-day road trip through New South Wales

Venture beyond landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach, and you’ll be rewarded with world-class wineries, stunning white-sand beaches, and once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters.

By Alissa Jenkins

Its icons are incredible, but  New South Wales  offers much more than the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Driving north from  Sydney , this 12-day circuit takes you to some of Australia’s most beloved beach destinations, across to vibrant wine-producing regions, into ancient forests and south to dazzling white-sand beaches before looping back up to Sydney, the Harbour City.

What to expect

• Swim with wild dolphins in beautiful Port Stephens
• Sample world-class wines from New South Wales’ most renowned wineries
• Explore the Blue Mountain’s dramatic canyons and Jurassic rainforest
• Time: 12 days
• Distance: 1,800 kilometres (1,118 miles)
• Transport: car
• Nearest major city: Sydney
• Price: $$$$

Day 1: Sydney to Newcastle

The Boathouse Palm Beach, Sydney, New South Wales © Filippo Rivetti, Destination NSW

Did you know?

The waves at Merewether Beach are so good, it hosts an international surf competition, Surfest , every year.

Depart Sydney early and drive for an hour northeast to Palm Beach , situated at the top of a long peninsula and surrounded by clear waters and leafy, mansion-studded streets. At the far end of the beach, take the 800-metre (0.5-mile) walking trail to  Barrenjoey Lighthouse and lightkeeper’s cottages for panoramic views over Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park , before lunch at local favourite,  The Boathouse Palm Beach .

Once you’ve eaten, set the GPS for the 2.5-hour drive via the M1 to Newcastle , Australia’s second-oldest city. See why it’s a world-famous surfing destination with a swim at  Merewether Beach , or skip the waves at heritage-listed ocean pool,  Bogey Hole , before a Mediterranean-inspired dinner at popular seaside restaurant  Rustica . Stay overnight at Newcastle’s award-winning  The Lucky Hotel , a historic, renovated pub home to 30 boutique rooms with modern furnishings and luxury bedding.

Day 2: Newcastle to Port Stephens

Sand Dune Adventures at Stockton Beach, Port Stephens, New South Wales © Tourism Australia

Kick-start the day with family-friendly fun at  TreeTop Adventure Park , set among the Australian bush about 30 minutes west of Newcastle. Here, you can climb, weave and fly through the tree tops on self-guided rope courses and zip lines.

After your feet are back in solid ground, continue to drive an hour northeast to the stunning seaside destination of Port Stephens , renowned for its long sandy beaches and the vast  Stockton Sand Dunes — the largest moving dunes in the southern hemisphere. Spend the afternoon on a sand dune safari, which you can experience via 4WD or quad bike tour, or try sand boarding as you surf down the massive 40-metre (130-feet) high dunes.

At night, stay at  The Anchorage Hotel & Spa in Port Stephens, with a range of luxurious, nautical-inspired suites, as well as two waterfront restaurants that showcase locally-sourced produce.

Day 3: Port Stephens to Hunter Valley

Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Begin the day with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — swimming with wild dolphins in the beautiful Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park. With wetsuits, masks and snorkels provided, as well as a light breakfast, guests also have the option to stay dry and watch these magical creatures from the boat or climb into the water for a profound yet playful wildlife encounter.

Back on land, drive 90 minutes west to one of Australia’s leading wine regions, the Hunter Valley . Renowned for producing excellent semillon and chardonnay, spend the afternoon driving or cycling between the valley’s prominent cellar doors, taste testing the talents of winemaking heavyweights like Audrey Wilkinson ,  Harkham Wines , and  Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard . For those who prefer beer or spirits,  Ironbark Hill Brewhouse and  Hunter Distillery are also worth a visit. You can also enjoy fine dining and boutique accommodation at many of the Hunter’s wineries, such as  Bimbadgen ,  Tinonee Vineyard Estate and  Whispering Brook .

Day 4: Hunter Valley to Mudgee

Cheese and charcuterie, Mudgee, New South Wales © James Horan, Destination NSW

Before you leave Mudgee, stop by High Valley for a cheese tasting and some delicious edible souvenirs. 

Pack your binoculars and a picnic of Hunter Valley produce to drive 2.5 hours west to  Lees Pinch lookout in the picturesque  Goulburn River National Park . Accessible via an easy one-kilometre (0.6-mile) walking track, there are viewing areas that take in the lush forest, flowing river and sandstone gorge below. Keep watch for native wildlife such as wallabies, wombats, and birds of prey soaring above.

After lunch, continue driving one hour southwest to the charming colonial township of Mudgee , another one of New South Wales’ great winemaking regions. Here, summer is prime time for cherry picking at Mudgee’s delightful  Roth Family Orchard , where you can spend the afternoon picking your own fruit.

In the evening, reserve a table at the award-winning  Zin House restaurant , and enjoy a memorable dinner overlooking vineyards and the restaurant’s organic garden, where much of the produce is grown. Sample more of the region’s best wines from the cobblestone courtyard of  Alby & Esthers wine bar, then walk just ten minutes to Mudgee’s stylish  Perry Street Hotel , with 13 modern suites available.

Day 5: Mudgee to Orange

Vineyard, Orange, New South Wales © Taste Orange

Start the morning with a 2.5-hour drive south to Orange , also popular among travellers for its impressive wine industry and abundance of food producers – don’t miss  Patina ,  Philip Shaw and  Swinging Bridge wineries.

If you’d rather spend your day outdoors, explore the mysterious Borenore Caves , 20 minutes west of Orange. There are easy walking trails around the Tunnel Cave and Arch Cave, just a short walk from the Borenore picnic area, where you can take in these unusual rock formations and their black, orange, and yellow striped markings.

Next, sample Orange’s delicious dining scene with a special dinner at the eminent  Lolli Redini restaurant, famed for its Italian and French-influenced menu. Afterwards, relax at  de Russie Boutique Hotel , with beautifully-appointed suites promising plush bedding and modern amenities.

Day 6: Orange to Katoomba

Scenic World's aerial cable car, Katoomba, Blue Mountains, New South Wales © Scenic World

Venture two hours east into the heart of Australia’s iconic Blue Mountains , arriving at Katoomba. Surrounded by plunging canyons and awe-inspiring rock formations, see this awesome landscape in all its glory at  Scenic World . Board the  Scenic Railway , the steepest passenger railway in the world, and descend into the spectacular Jamison Valley in a glass-bottomed carriage. At the bottom, stroll the 2.4-kilometre (1.5-mile)  Scenic Walkway , taking you on an elevated boardwalk through Jurassic rainforest. On the return trip, glide between cliff tops, suspended 270 metres (885 feet) above ancient ravines, on the Scenic Skyway . With 360-degree views, see renowned local landmarks such as Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters rock formation, and beyond.

For a more soothing afternoon, enjoy high tea at  The Hydro Majestic Hotel — a revitalised historic property, boasting Art Deco architecture and magnificent views over the Megalong Valley. You can also stay overnight in one of 67 regal guest rooms that combine the hotel’s glamorous past with modern comforts.

Day 7: Katoomba to Bilpin

Hillbilly Cider, Bilpin, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Follow the scenic roads that weave north from Katoomba to the  Blue Mountains Botanic Garden . Take a free guided tour around the 28 hectares (69 acres) of breathtaking, cool-climate gardens, or explore on your own. Continue driving a further 20 minutes to the fruit-growing village of Bilpin, where you can stop at  Bilpin Springs Orchard and pick your own assortment of fresh apples, oranges, pears, peaches and plums — juicy snacks for the day ahead. Don't miss a stop at  Hillbilly Cider , which serves up simple ciders made with Bilpin apples in a quaint shed overlooking the orchards.

Next, drive an hour north into the inspiring wilderness of World Heritage-listed  Wollemi National Park . Home to spectacular canyons, towering cliffs, wild rivers and tranquil forests, there are many bushwalks to explore, such as  Bob Turners Track . This six-kilometre (3.7-mile) loop takes you along the beautiful Colo River, where you can cool off with a swim. Then finish the day with a rejuvenating stay in one of the cottages at  Rustic Spirit in Kurrajong Heights, or treat the whole family to an elegant farmhouse getaway at  Suzarosa in Berambing.

Family road tripping on the South Coast

Day 8: Bilpin to Bowral

Green Lane, Bowral, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Farewell the majestic Blue Mountains and drive two hours south to the sophisticated centre of the Southern Highlands , Bowral. Home to picturesque gardens and popular wineries, Bowral was also the home of legendary Australian cricket batsman, Sir Donald Bradman. Visit the  Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame , which not only celebrates ‘The Don’, who is still widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time, but also features interactive exhibits, significant memorabilia, the origins of cricket, and how the game has evolved over time.

Spend the rest of the afternoon trawling the antique shops, galleries, and speciality stores that adorn Bowral’s town centre, including  Dirty Jane’s and Lancelot Hill Antiques.

For dinner, head to Harry's on Green Lane to sample their delicious menu with local Southern Highland wine. Suitably full, retire at one of Bowral’s many dreamy stays, including  Peppers Craigieburn or  The Hidden Door Bowral .

Day 9: Bowral to Canberra

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © VisitCanberra

After a wholesome breakfast at  Raw & Wild , drive two hours southwest to Australia’s innovative capital city, Canberra . A cosmopolitan mix of world-class museums, gourmet dining precincts and kangaroo-dotted reserves, there’s no shortage of attractions to visit. Among them is the vast  Lake Burley Griffin in the city’s centre, with more than 40 kilometres (25 miles) of shoreline to walk or cycle around.

Spend the afternoon perusing your choice of incredible national landmarks overlooking the lake, including the home of Australian politics,  Parliament House , and the  National Gallery of Australia , with 150,000 artworks and counting. Families will especially love  Questacon , housing more than 200 interactive exhibits relating to science and technology.

Stay overnight at the uber contemporary  East Hotel , situated moments from  Manuka Oval — Canberra’s premier cricket venue.

Day 10: Canberra to Jervis Bay

Picnic by Hyams Beach Hampers, Jervis Bay, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Depart the nation’s capital early for a 2.5-hour drive east to the stunning seaside wonderland of Jervis Bay . Stop in Huskisson for lunch at local institution,  Pilgrims Vegetarian Café , serving generously-sized dishes that are equal parts healthy and tasty. Then visit Murrays Beach , known as the jewel in the Booderee National Park for good reason. The pure white sand and clear water are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. 

Alternatively, join a dolphin or whale watching cruise with Jervis Bay Wild . The waters of the bay are abundant in sea life, so you're likely to spot pods of playful dolphins and humpback whales as they splash and breach. Whale migration season runs from mid-May to mid-November.

Afterwards, retreat to the romantic  Hyams Beach Seaside Cottages , or select a coastal escape to suit from  JB Beach Houses .

Day 11: Jervis Bay to Wollongong

Kiama Blowhole, South Coast, New South Wales © Murray Vanderveer, Destination NSW

Journey 50 minutes north through rolling green hills to the heritage town of Berry . Brunch on local, seasonal produce at the rustic Salmon and Co Eatery, and don’t leave town without collecting dessert from the famous  Berry Donut Van . Next, follow the Princes Highway 20 minutes north to laidback Kiama , where you can take in the powerful  Kiama Blowhole , a sea-cliff cavern that spouts seawater 20 metres (65 feet) into the air, or refresh with a swim in the nearby ocean pool .

Continuing north, drive a further 40 minutes to Wollongong, with an impressive array of stunning beaches, acclaimed restaurants, and chic city bars. From the laidback  Illawarra Brewery  and the intimate wine bar at  Mia Mia  to the oceanfront views and exquisite cocktails at  Pepe’s on the beach in North Wollongong, there’s no shortage of night-time entertainment. Stay close to the action at  Novotel Wollongong Northbeach (right above Pepe’s), with spacious, light-filled rooms just steps from the beach.

Day 12: Wollongong to Sydney

Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Finish your road trip on a high (literally) with  Skydive Sydney-Wollongong , where you'll enjoy a scenic plane ride before you make the leap from around 14,000 feet up, and serenely skydive over the coastal surrounds before landing on Wollongong’s beloved North Beach.

Afterwards, enjoy an impeccable breakfast and beach views at local favourite,  Diggies café. Then begin the last leg back to Sydney, taking the spectacular  Grand Pacific Drive route, which includes 140 kilometres (87 miles) of coastal scenery and snippets of the Royal National Park . The highlight is the incredible  Sea Cliff Bridge , 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Wollongong, which curves around towering cliffs while suspended 665 metres (2,181 feet) above the ocean.

Explore more nearby

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JE NNIFER EMPEY

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

The Rainbow on the Great Dividing Range

For this post, I traveled at my own expense.

• FirstHeading
• Where to visit on a road trip in New South Wales Australia?

NSW Roadtrip

Bushfires 2019, nsw roadtrip, 1 mimosa rocks, mimosa rocks national park nsw australia, 2 wallaga lake, wallaga lake nsw australia, 3 australia rock, narooma nsw australia, 4 illawarra fly treetop adventures, illawarra ranges nsw australia, 5 blue mountains, katoomba nsw australia, 6 camel rock, bermagui nsw australia, kiama nsw australia, 8 bombo headland quarry, kiama south nsw australia, 9 hyams beach, a white sandy beach in jervis bay nsw australia, 10 glasshouse rocks, glasshouse rocks narooma nsw australia, 11 cathedral rocks, kiama downs nsw australia, 12 bermagui, nsw australia, eden nsw australia, 14 batemans bay, batemans bay nsw australia, 15 ulladulla, ulladulla nsw australia, 16 the great dividing range, new south wales road trip details, travel essentials, nsw roadtrip map, places to go on a nsw road trip, destinations on a new south wales australia on a road trip, search activities & tours.

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First, I planned a NSW Roadtrip.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mimosa Rocks National Park © Jennifer Empey

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

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

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

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

Wallaga Lake  © Jennifer Empey

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

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

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

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

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

Australia Rock © Jennifer Empey

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

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

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

Illawarra Treetop Fly Adventures © Jennifer Empey

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

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

Boar Head at the Blue Mountains © Jennifer Empey

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

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

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

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

You can read my post about Camel Rock Surf Beach .

Camel Rock © Jennifer Empey

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

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

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

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

Kiama Lighthouse © Jennifer Empey

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

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

You can read about my photography experience at Bombo Quarry

Bombo Quarry Kiama © Jennifer Empey

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

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

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

You can learn more in my post about visiting the white sand beach, Hyams Beach .

Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay © Jennifer Empey

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

Going to the beach is impossible near the rocks because it's private property. I met a couple whilst I was there. They were looking for the way down to the beach.

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

You can find more details in my post about Glasshouse Rocks .

Glasshouse Rocks © Jennifer Empey

Along a winding track, you can see Cathedral Rocks.

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

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

You can read my post about photography and Cathedral Rocks .

Cathedral Rocks © Jennifer Empey

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

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

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

Learn more about things to do in Bermagui .

Bermagui © Jennifer Empey

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

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

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

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

You can stay at the beachfront holiday park in Eden .

Legges Beach at Eden © Jennifer Empey

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

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

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

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

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

Old Batemans Bay Bridge © Jennifer Empey

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

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

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

Read my post about the things to do in Ulladulla .

Ulladulla Harbour © Jennifer Empey

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

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

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

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

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

In my post, you can see the end of the rainbow in the Great Dividing Range . And you can view the location of the rainbow in the Great Dividing Range on the map .

Rainbow on the Great Dividing Range © Jennifer Empey

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

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

Pin It For Later!

Kiama Things To Do

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

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

Are you attracted by the beaches and coastal places?

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

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

Thank you Jen. Hope you get to travel to Australia

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

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

Beautiful country – would love to explore one day!

Thank you Tiffany. Hope you get to travel to Australia

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

Thank you Tricia. The quarry is unique.

This is a great list!

Thank you Kat

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

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

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

Thank you Stacey. Hope you travel Australia

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

Thank you Jody. Hope you get to travel to Australia

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

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

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

Thank you Stacey. Hope you get to travel to Australia

Beautiful photos. I hope I can visit there someday.

Thank you Sandi. Hope you get to travel to Australia

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you Kendra. It’s unique.

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

Thank you Sydney. Hope you to travel to Australia

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

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

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

Thank you Vanessa. Hope you get to travel to Australia

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

Thank you Heather. Hope you travel to Australia

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

Thank you Jane. Hope you travel Australia next year.

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

Thank you Noelle

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

Thank you Suzan. You’re welcome.

Beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you Lisa, You’re welcome.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not to sound redundant but total bucket list trip!

You’re welcome Angela. Hope you travel Australia.

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you kmf. Hope you travel Australia.

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you Taci. Hope you travel Australia

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

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

Looks like some great places to visit in NSW Australia!

Thanks Amanda

I would love to take a trip there someday!

Hope you get to travel Australia, Courtney

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

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

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

Thank you Angela. You’re welcome.

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

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

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

Thank you Shirley. Hope you travel Australia

Australia is on my travel list! Great info.

Thank you Cindy. Hope you travel Australia.

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

Thank you Annette. I love the rainbow, too.

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

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

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

Carla Grossetti

Sub-Editor & Journalist

31 October 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Swim with the seals in Jervis Bay.

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

Grab yourself a pint at Jervis Bay Brewing Co.

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

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

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

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

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

Dine by the pool at Bangalay Luxury Villas.

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

You can find more Jervis Bay accommodation options here.

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

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

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

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

Enjoy a tasting at Cupitt’s Estate winery.

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

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

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

Inside the sleek and polished Rick Stein at Bannisters.

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

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

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

Be greeted warmly at the boutique hotel, The Esplanade.

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

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

Batemans Bay

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

Join the kayak tour by Bay and Beyond.

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome to Batemans Bay.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oakleigh Farm Cottages is another family-friendly option.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop in at Toast Pambula for a healthy brunch.

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

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

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

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

Join a Cat Balou cruise of Twofold Bay.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Help yourself to some tiki style cocktails at Quarterdeck.

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

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

Landscapes at Tilba Valley Winery and Alehouse

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

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

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

Montague Island is practically begging for a day trip.

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

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

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

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

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

Have a restful stay at the adorable Mystery Bay Cottages.

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

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

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

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

Laidback-luxe vibes at Diggies.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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14 Top Attractions & Places to Visit in New South Wales (NSW)

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Sep 24, 2021

New South Wales (NSW) is the oldest state in Australia and one of its most diverse. Sydney shines as the state capital, with famous tourist attractions like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as top-notch restaurants, galleries, and museums. Venture beyond this beautiful harbor city, and you'll find a state full of surprises, with six of Australia's World Heritage Areas.

Topographically, New South Wales reflects the diverse landscapes of the country as a whole. The Great Dividing Range cuts through the center of the state, carving it into an eastern coastal strip, rimmed by dazzling beaches, while the stark desert beauty of the Outback sprawls to the west.

Exploring New South Wales is easy, and you'll find plenty of rewarding things to do. Climb or ski the rugged peaks of the Snowy Mountains, hunt for opals in red-earthed Outback towns, hike through World Heritage-listed rainforests, dive the coral reefs of Lord Howe island, and step back in time at Norfolk Island's World Heritage historic sites.

Learn more about this dynamic state with our list of the top attractions and best places to visit in New South Wales.

2. The Blue Mountains

3. lord howe island, 4. byron bay, 5. the south coast's beaches, 6. the hunter valley, 7. coffs harbour, 8. norfolk island, 9. port stephens, 10. the snowy mountains, 11. kangaroo valley, 12. outback nsw, 13. armidale, 14. canberra, map of attractions & places to visit in new south wales (nsw).

Sydney, the capital of NSW, is one of the world's most alluring cities. Graced by the iconic Sydney Opera House and harbor bridge, the sparkling blue harbor is the city's crown jewel. Hop aboard a ferry or harbor cruise to really appreciate these top Sydney attractions and the city's stunning waterfront location.

In addition to world-class restaurants, festivals, galleries, and museums, you'll find plenty of things to do in Sydney . Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the historic Rocks area; wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens ; or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can also explore the shops, restaurants, and tourist sites at Darling Harbor , one of the top New South Wales attractions for families.

Sydney is known for its excellent beaches . You can bask on famous Bondi Beach , learn to surf at Manly, or paddle the calm waters at Balmoral.

You'll also find plenty of attractions near Sydney. Stretching northwest from the city, the picturesque Hawkesbury River and surrounding national parks are great day trip destinations, with excellent opportunities for bushwalking, birding, and boating.

The Blue Mountains are one of the most scenic places to visit in New South Wales. For more than a hundred years, this region has been a favorite getaway for nature lovers.

About 65 kilometers west of the city, the mountains rise steeply out of the coastal plain, combining magnificent gorges, waterfalls, rock formations, and sacred Aboriginal sites with excellent tourist facilities. Named for the blue haze created by the many eucalyptus trees, the region forms one of the state's magnificent World Heritage Sites .

Popular things to do in the Blue Mountains include hiking, rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, and photographing the spectacular beauty. Save time to see all the top attractions. Highlights include Wentworth Falls , the towering sandstone rock formations called the Three Sisters , and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah .

At Jenolan Caves , the world's oldest known open cave system, you can view glittering stalactites and stalagmites. The Blue Mountains also host some of Australia's best hiking trails .

Wondering about the best way to see some of the top natural attractions with limited time? Sign up for the adventures offered by Scenic World. These include a Skyway, cableway, an elevated walkway, and one of the world's steepest railways. Better still, book a combination of these adventures to see the park from different perspectives.

Blue Mountains National Park is one of the top places to visit near Sydney by car, but you can also catch a train or join a guided day trip tour.

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in the Blue Mountains

World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is a haven for serenity-seekers and nature lovers. Surrounded by the world's most southerly coral reef , this spectacular island, about 660 kilometers off the New South Wales north coast, only allows a maximum of 400 guests at a time.

Lord Howe encompasses a number of islets, which are part of a former volcano. Dramatic cliffs rise along the rugged coast, and other island highlights include white-sand beaches, pristine native forests of pandanus and kentia palms, and spectacular views from atop 875-meter-high Mt. Gower .

Almost two-thirds of Lord Howe is protected, and the island is home to a diversity of flora and fauna. Birding is excellent, with more than 130 permanent and migratory species. Offshore, the Lord Howe Island Marine Park protects coral reefs, and offers superb diving and snorkeling.

Other popular things to do on Lord Howe Island include fishing, surfing, kayaking, and hiking along the many walking trails. Bikes are the best way to explore the island - they are also the island's main mode of transport.

Looking to disconnect from the stress of daily life? You're in luck. You won't find any cell phone reception here, which helps to preserve the peaceful ambience.

Lord Howe Island lies less than a two-hour-flight away from Sydney or Brisbane, and although it's not technically a tropical island, it still ranks as one of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific .

On the north coast, Byron Bay is a hot spot for surfers and New Age nature buffs. A wide stretch of golden beach fronts the ocean here, and a lovely hike along the Cape Byron Track leads to the most easterly point on the Australian continent and its famous lighthouse. Dolphins and whales frolic in the waters, and water sports abound.

In the hinterland, you can explore World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park (formerly Mount Warning National Park) with tranquil rainforests and waterfalls. Byron is also known for its colorful markets, as well as its health and yoga retreats, spa resorts, and luxury boutique hotels.

Lately, celebrity spotting has become a favorite pastime. Chris Hemsworth is a famous resident, and several other high profile Hollywood stars have spent time here between movie shoots.

To soak up the soul of old Byron Bay, venture about an hour inland to the tiny town of Nimbin , a hippie hub and hotbed for counterculture and alternative lifestyles.

If you love beaches, bucolic landscapes, and charming small towns, you'll love the South Coast of New South Wales. Stretching from the southern fringe of Sydney to the Victorian border, this region is home to some of the state's most beautiful white-sand beaches set against the dark summits of the Great Dividing Range . Rolling green hills, lakes, inlets, and forests fringe the coast, and the climate is mild throughout the year.

Strung along the coast are a series of small holiday resorts. Many offer fantastic opportunities for water sports from their beaches, including swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and surfing. Kiama is home to the world's largest blowhole , and Jervis Bay is a standout with its radiant powder-soft sands. Nearby, the dazzling Hyams Beach, reputedly with the world's whitest sand, is one of Australia's best beaches . Batemans Bay is also home to alluring shores, as well as the Batemans Bay Snorkelling Trail.

If you're looking for some of the most beautiful hidden places in New South Wales, you'll find them along the South Coast. Merimbula and its sister village Pambula on the Sapphire Coast are hidden gems, with beautiful beaches, crystal-clear lakes, and fantastic opportunities for water sports.

One of the most southerly places on the coast is the old fishing village of Eden , once a prosperous whaling station. North and south of town lies the Ben Boyd National Park with magnificent views of reddish sandstone cliffs from Boyd's Tower, a former lighthouse.

The picturesque Hunter Valley, about a two-hour drive north of Sydney, is one of Australia's most famous grape-growing regions. It's also a popular weekend escape from Sydney - especially for foodies, who come here for the delicious farm-fresh produce, cooking schools, and gourmet restaurants with chef's tasting menus.

Highlights of the Hunter Valley region include the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens , several excellent art galleries, and vast stretches of unspoiled bushland.

At World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops National Park, you can hike through ancient rain forest and see impressive waterfalls and a diversity of wildlife.

Also in the region, Wollemi National Park is one of the largest national parks in New South Wales. It's home to the famous Wollemi pine and offers excellent bushwalking, rock climbing, and canoeing.

Newcastle is one of the largest towns in the region, and it's a great place to visit if you want an urban buzz after your country getaway. It's one of the biggest New South Wales' cities after Sydney, with museums, galleries, excellent cafés and restaurants, and a lively entertainment scene. Save time to stroll along the Bathers Way coastal walk while you're here. It's one of Newcastle's most popular attractions.

Accommodations in the Hunter region range from luxury spa resorts and boutique hotels to rustic cabins.

Blessed with beautiful beaches and a mild, subtropical climate, Coffs Harbour is a favorite holiday destination for families. The town is famous for its Big Banana , an homage to the local banana-growing industry, with interesting displays, sweet banana-inspired treats, and kid-friendly attractions.

Favorite Coffs Harbour activities revolve mostly around the water. Along the coast, you can bask on uncrowded beaches, fish, surf, dive, kayak, and visit the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve .

About 50 kilometers west of Coffs Harbour, nature lovers can explore the rainforest and waterfalls of Dorrigo National Park, a World Heritage Area. To the north lies a string of pretty beaches (Emerald Beach is a favorite), and the town of Grafton . Famous for its jacaranda trees, Grafton has six large national parks within easy reach, including the World Heritage Areas of Gibraltar Range National Park (Glen Innes) and Washpool National Park .

Once a brutal convict colony, Norfolk Island is now a charming holiday resort with World Heritage-listed historic sites . Although the island is an external territory, it remains part of the Commonwealth of Australia and is home to the Pitcairn Island descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers.

Today, you can tour ruins of the old settlements and learn about the island's Polynesian heritage and colonial past at its excellent museums. A third of this emerald island consists of national parks and reserves, with scenic hiking and biking trails, excellent birding, and sweeping green landscapes dotted with native Norfolk Island pines.

Water sports are a highlight. Diving, swimming, and snorkeling are all popular things to do on Norfolk Island, and beach lovers will find a few secluded coves carved into the rugged and rocky coast. Coral reefs lie offshore, and the fishing is superb in these remote waters.

One of the most unusual places to visit in New South Wales, Norfolk Island is about a 2.5-hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane.

About an hour's drive north of Newcastle, Port Stephens is a large and beautiful blue-water bay enclosed by two volcanic headlands. Natural bushland fringes many of the 26 white-sand beaches here, and whales and dolphins are often spotted in the bay.

Despite the many vacationers who come here in the summer, you can still find a quiet stretch of beach. This is also one of the top fishing destinations in Australia, especially for big game fishing. Other popular water sports include swimming, surfing, kayaking, and boating.

To see panoramic views of the Port Stephens coastline, take the Tomaree Head summit walk. Another popular activity here is quad biking or sledding on the Southern Hemisphere's largest sand dunes.

The main holiday resorts are Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay, but you can also stay at Soldiers Point, Fingal Bay, and Lemon Tree Passage. Nearby, Myall Lakes National Park encompasses one of the state's largest lake systems and is another great destination for fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

Forming part of the Great Dividing Range , the Snowy Mountains are home to the continent's highest mountains, including 2,228-meter Mount Kosciuszko , Australia's highest peak.

One of the top attractions in the Snowy Mountains is Kosciuszko National Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a popular recreational area year-round. Snowy winters lure skiers, and in the summer, the easily accessible alpine terrain of snow gum forests and glacial lakes attracts hordes of bush walkers, climbers, anglers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and water sports enthusiasts.

Wondering where to stay in the Snowy Mountains? Famous for its excellent trout fishing, Jindabyne is a great base for alpine adventures.

The Snowy Mountains are also home to some of Australia's best ski resorts . Perisher Blue Ski Resort incorporates the popular Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Mount Blue Cow. Thredbo Village, at the foot of the Crackenback Range, boasts a year-round chair lift. Near the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Charlotte Pass is a great base for ski tours to the highest peaks in the Australian Alps.

With all these snowcapped peaks, it's not surprising the Snowy Mountains are one of the most popular places to visit in New South Wales in winter.

Gorgeously green, the Kangaroo Valley is a quintessential Aussie country town. Surrounded by lushly cloaked escarpments and rolling pastures, it lies about a two-hour drive southwest of Sydney in the scenic Shoalhaven Region.

Perhaps the town's most distinctive landmark is the handsome, historic Hampden Bridge spanning the Kangaroo River, Australia's only remaining wooden suspension bridge. Driving across its single-lane between the soaring sandstone pillars sets the tone for a relaxed visit here, encouraging visitors to slow down and smile at passing drivers.

You'll find plenty of things to do in the picturesque Kangaroo Valley. Horseback riding, hiking, golfing, kayaking along the rivers and creeks, and absorbing some local history at the Pioneer Village Museum are all popular activities.

Nature is also a highlight. Don't miss the impressive Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park, and while you're in the valley, keep an eye out for the namesake marsupials, as well as wallabies, especially at Tallowa Dam , where you can also kayak and fish. Beautiful Bendeela Camping and Picnic area is one of the best spots to see wombats in the wild .

The Kangaroo Valley is also earning a reputation as a foodie destination, with its abundance of fresh produce, cute tea rooms, and farmers market. Try to squeeze in a cooking class , and don't miss the fresh-baked pies at Kangaroo Valley Pie Shop in Barrengarry Old Store .

Outback New South Wales is a land of sacred Aboriginal sites, harsh deserts, and haunting beauty. Mungo National Park in the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area holds records of Aboriginal life dating back some 40,000 to 60,000 years.

At Warrumbungle National Park , in the zone of transition between the arid areas to the west and the rainy east, spectacular rock buttresses and domes are the result of volcanic activity. Snow gums crown the surrounding hills, and deep spring-fed gorges lie in the valleys. You can explore this park on an excellent network of hiking trails and see colorful displays of wildflowers in the spring.

In addition to exploring the rugged national parks, the country towns in the Outback are some of the most unique places in New South Wales, with plenty of unusual things to do. You can hunt for opals at the mining towns of White Cliffs and Lightning Ridge, visit the Living Desert Sculptures of Broken Hill , and ride a bike around Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.

In the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, the elegant university town of Armidale is a city of four seasons. Just shy of 1,000 meters in altitude, it's the state's highest town, with relatively mild summers, riotous spring blooms, fiery fall foliage, and even a sprinkling of snow during winter.

Highlights of a visit here include heritage tours of the town's lovely old buildings, which were funded by the region's rich agricultural wealth, as well as visiting the excellent galleries, gardens, and museums. Saints Mary & Joseph Catholic Cathedral is a famous landmark, and the University of New England adds a youthful buzz to this stately town.

Pristine wilderness areas surround the city, with attractions for families and nature lovers, as well as plenty of outdoor adventures on tap. Trout fishing, mountain biking, canyoning, hiking, and bird-watching are just some of the popular things to do.

If you're driving to Armidale, don't miss Waterfall Way. This 185-kilometer scenic drive connects the coastal town of Coffs Harbour with Armidale, revealing beautiful scenery around almost every bend, from river-carved valleys and World Heritage-listed rainforest to picturesque cascades. Ebor Falls is a highlight.

The road also passes through five national parks, including Dorrigo National Park ; the Wollomombi Gorge and Falls, with one of Australia's highest waterfalls; and New England and Oxley Wild Rivers national parks .

Brimming with cultural treasures, the Australian capital city of Canberra lies about 280 kilometers southwest of Sydney. It's technically in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) a 2,400-square-kilometer self-governing federal district, rather than the state of New South Wales, but it is entirely surrounded by New South Wales and is an easy weekend getaway from Sydney.

Besides the city's excellent museums and memorials, it's also known for its fun family-friendly festivals - in particular, the Floriade festival, usually held in September to October, which celebrates the city's many spring blooms.

Canberra was carefully planned. Its streets are laid out on a generous scale, with many of them flanked by colorful flower gardens and thousands of trees with glorious autumn colors. A central feature is sparkling Lake Burley Griffin , a long artificial lake surrounded by parks, picnic areas, a walking trail, and many of Canberra's top attractions .

Canberra's principal buildings lie within the Parliamentary Triangle and include the National Gallery of Australia, with three levels of exhibitions and a sculpture garden; the National Library of Australia ; Old Parliament House , now a museum depicting the story of Australian democracy; and New Parliament House .

Don't miss the poignant Australian War Memorial , and make sure you save time to stroll around the impressive collection of native plants at the Australian National Botanic Gardens .

More on Australia

Easy Blue Mountains Day Trip By Car [Itinerary]

Trying to decide if you should do your Blue Mountains day trip by car? If you are not sure if a Blue Mountains road trip is for you we have all the information you need to help you decide. We have created an easy to follow Blue Mountains driving itinerary to help you plan the perfect day out. Whether you fancy a bit of hiking or are a keen photographer we have you covered.

How to plan a Blue Mountains road trip itinerary

General advice for driving to the blue mountains, itinerary one – exploring the blue mountains with your camera, itinerary two – blue mountains drive with lots of bushwalking, things to know before you go.

This page contains affiliate links. Please see our full disclosure for more details.

Just like our one-day train itineraries , we have created two self-drive itineraries to help you have a perfect day in the Blue Mountains.

• Itinerary 1 – Hit as many sites as you can in one day (limited walking) and lots of photography
• Itinerary 2 – Fit in a couple of long bushwalks

Before you skip to your preferred itinerary, let’s cover some of the basics about taking the drive to the mountains.

Leave Sydney as early as you can and join the motorway towards Penrith. To reach the motorway, follow Parramatta Road to Strathfield and then take the M4, which will eventually join the Great Western Highway at past Penrith. If you don’t already have a car, we recommend Bayswater rentals in Kings Cross or check the options on Vroom Vroom who generally have good pricing.

Do you have to pay road tolls on your Blue Mountains Drive?

Using a rental car? This itinerary includes tolls, so if you don’t have an e-tag, ask your rental company if they supply them. If not, check out this website and learn how to pay your tolls online as you go.

Be sure to pay your toll within three days because they add charges to your original toll, and it can become costly.

Maps and guides for driving and visiting the mountains

If you don’t have a data plan on your phone, you might like to stop at the visitors’ centre at Glenbrook just as you reach the mountains to pick up some maps and local information.

This itinerary is focused on capturing those classic Blue Mountains photos without too much time spent walking on trails. Of course, ideally, you would spend a weekend in the mountains to allow a Blue Mountains sunrise and sunset, in your shot list but if you are limited to one day let’s make the most of it! We will cover four of the most popular Blue Mountains towns in this itinerary:

Wentworth Falls

The first stop of the morning is the charming village of Wentworth Falls. Leave the Great Western Highway and turn left onto Falls Road. If you need any refreshments at this stage, there are several cafes by the train station which is on your right as you are heading along the highway before Falls Road. If you’re someone who loves to shoot flowing water, then you will probably want to spend a couple of hours here. Along with the well known Wentworth Falls themselves, the area also has a few other gems especially the aptly named Valley of the Waters track.

There are two main parking spots in this part of the park,

• Wentworth Falls Car Park – for viewing Wentworth Falls
• Conservation Hut Car Park – for seeing the waterfalls along the Valley of the Waters Track and the cafe.

While you see the top of the falls from Wentworth Falls lookout and the nearby Fletchers Lookout, you need to venture further to see the full beauty of the falls. The Princes Rock lookout is your best bet for getting a good shot without expending too much energy. It is an easy 1.8 km return walk that offers a full view of the 3-drop, 187m falling into the valley below if you are lucky enough to be visiting after heavy rain, you will hear them well before you see them.

Find more details of the tracks and plan your walk here

The other special walk here is the  Valley of the Waters track which will have you walking into a deep gorge and past two small but striking waterfalls along the way.

The track is only 1.5km long but takes about 1.5 hours to walk. It’s graded as hard, but I think that relates to the number of steps rather than anything else. You should have nothing to worry about if you are reasonably fit. It can be quite wet underfoot along this track so do wear shoes with a decent grip and make sure you keep your camera gear well protected when you are not shooting.

The next village along the highway is the pretty town of Leura; many would say it is the most beautiful in the mountains. Along with a bunch of very impressive lookouts that can be easily reached from the car parks, Leura is home to some fabulous cafes and food stores. Consider stopping here for a spell because face it, you will need to put your camera down at some point to eat and there are good choices here!

But first, let’s check out the lookouts . The main ones in Leura are:

• Sublime Point
• Gordon Falls Lookout
• Elysian Rock (2 lookouts connected by a bridge)

Next, come the walks, our favourites are:

• Lyrebird Dell and the Pool of Siloam

If you have spent a lot of time at Wentworth Falls, you might need to pick just a couple. I am partial to Sublime Point Lookout and love the Pool of Siloam walk.

Leura Cascades is very popular and a well-shaded spot to practice taking flowing water images; however, parts of the area are still closed due to landslides. Check out this blog post that showcases so many of the pretty waterfalls in Leura. Tip: If you are here on an overnight visit, then Sublime point is another excellent sunrise lookout. A bonus is that you do not have to hike far in the dark to get to the lookout.

We have finally reached the main town in the mountains and home to the best-known sights in the region, the Three Sisters and Scenic World. Most tours spend the bulk of their time in the mountains in this area, and while it’s a beautiful spot, there are so many other places that are equally as beautiful and attract far few people so we will limit our time here a little to allow us time to explore Blackheath this afternoon.

If you are into street art, make a detour to Beverley Place just behind the main street of Katoomba for a quick look – this laneway full of murals.

If hunger strikes look for Hominy Bakery at 185 Katoomba Street. They offer delicious pies and usually have at least two vegetarian options. Parking can be hard to find here, one hour is $4, so consider parking a little down the way and walking along Katoomba Street to Echo Point to save some stress and money.

There are two lookouts at Echo Point for viewing the Three Sisters. The lower lookout is less crowded, so it’s worth checking out both. It’s also cool to walk out onto the Sisters via Honeymoon Bridge and shoot the rock formation from some less common angles. If you want to do this, it might be better to pay for metered parking at Echo Point to save time as this is also a 30 min return walk.

Once you are done here jump back in the car and make your way past Scenic World to the other side of the Three Sisters. If you need a bathroom stop, there are toilets in the Scenic World car park. Next stop is the reverse view of the Three Sisters seen from Eagle Hawk Lookout. This spot rarely attracts a crowd.

We will now begin to head back to the Great Western Highway for the drive to Blackheath

Along the way, you will pass

• Landslide Lookout
• Narrowneck Lookout
• Cahill Lookout

If you have enough time, you might want to stop at one of these. All are visible from the road, and no walking is required.

Related: Here are fifty more things to do in the Blue Mountains

Spend the afternoon in Blackheath and one of my favourite spots, Govetts Leap, which overlooks the Grose Valley. While I feel this area is best photographed at sunrise, the colours are lovely in the late afternoon too. In the middle of the day, the light is usually too harsh, you can get some good shots but you will need to do a bit of editing.

There are more than a few great spots here for photography. Check out these lookouts – none of them requires much walking to reach the vantage points.

• Evans Lookout
• Valley View Lookout
• Govetts Leap (and the waterfall) – best shot as early in the day as possible
• Pulpit Rock (500m walk) – An almost 360˚ panorama across the dramatic cliff lines to Mount Banks
• Anvil Rock Lookout – dirt road access but suitable for most cars, usually no one else around

Want to stay a while – Check out this cottage in Blackheath we loved.

Also in Blackheath is the Rhododendron Garden (best in early Spring) and the fabulous Victory Antique Centre.

If you need coffee at this point, I suggest the General Store on the Great Western Highway opposite the train station. Now head back onto the highway and retrace your steps home. On the way, you could drop into

Lincoln Rock

Also known as Flat Rock, this is a popular sunset spot to stop on your way back down the mountain. Lincoln’s rock looks out over the King’s Tableland and Jamison Valley. Check this Google map for the location. Please be very careful here as the area is not fenced.

Get more Blue Mountains photography ideas here

If like us, you are tempted to stay overnight and catch both the night sky and a Blue Mountains sunrise, then you might like to check out our Blue Mountains accommodation reviews for ideas.

Two areas that offer fantastic walks but are not well served by public transports are Wentworth Falls and Blackheath. Both of these towns have train stations but reaching the walking tracks adds a few extra km walks, so these are best suited to driving trips. You can choose between these two towns if you want to do a long walk or do two half-day walks, one in each place.

Wentworth Falls for bushwalkers

The first stop on the way up the highway, Wentworth Falls is a 3 level waterfall dropping 187 metres into the stunning Jamison Valley. To view the top of the falls, take the short walk to Princes Lookout. Several tracks in this area are closed indefinitely after a series rock slide that resulted in a fatality of a worker who was checking track safety. The tracks need significant upgrading before they can reopen. Take a look at the National Parks page for Wentworth Falls area for the latest advice.

Option 1. Valley of the Waters

This relatively short track is not an easy one (Grade 4), but it features two beautiful waterfalls that make it worth the effort. It covers 1.5km return, and the suggested time to complete is 1.5 hours, but if you are anything like us wanted to stop and take photos or enjoy the views it can easily take 2 hours.

• Syliva Falls
• Empress Falls

You can extend this walk to another waterfall, Vera Falls; doing this will add 2.5km to the walk and another couple of hours. The additional section is a Grade 5 walk. I would only recommend doing this if you are well prepared and have good hiking shoes and are used to being in the bush. It is a good idea to lodge an intention form at the office before you begin so you can be found in case of any mishaps. Have I put you off yet? If you are not experienced that is my intention 😉

Option 2 – Walk to the Base of Wentworth Falls

The most popular walk at Wentworth Falls is to take the track to see the full view of the falls or even head to the base of the falls. Instructions online vary about the best way to do this. Make sure you are using information that is relatively recent as there are often closures due to maintenance. Check the official NPWS website for current warnings and advice .

The walk to the falls starts from the main car park and follow signs to the Wentworth Falls Lookout. This path takes you over the top of the falls. Keep your eyes out for the Fletchers Lookout signs and turn left when you reach this lookout.

Shortly after this, the stairs begin. You will find going down relatively easy provided you have the right footwear. The stairs will take you to the top of the falls. Keep walking past the top of the falls and head uphill. Take the turnoff marked “Slack stairs” which via even more stairs takes to the bottom of Wentworth Falls swimming hole. There are some very steep metal ladders here; this might seem like the hardest part of the walk but remember you have to come back up them later thanks to the various track closures 😉

After you complete the three metal staircases, walk a little over half a km, and you will come to the base of the falls where you can reward yourself with a swim or some selfies. 

The good thing about the staircases in the second section of this walk is that they deter many people from making the trip to the bottom of the fall so you can often have the place to yourself.

Check out the full range of Wentworth Falls walks if you are keen to explore this area.

Blackheath for bushwalkers

There are so many special walks here that we decided recently to stay for two nights and make a weekend of it, but if you only have one day, you will need to make some choices. I have listed all the lookouts here above in Itinerary 1 so any that you miss on your walk you could swing by on the way home.

Option 1. Grand Canyon Loop Track

Our favourite walk in the Blue Mountains is the Grand Canyon Walk which is a 6km, 3.5-hour medium grade walk that offers a great variety of landscapes. This track opened over 100 years ago and was the first track in the Blue Mountains. We would suggest driving straight here and starting this walk nice and early. If you need a coffee before you begin then check out Synonymous at Medlow Bath or Anonymous at Blackheath. We usually begin this walk at Evans Lookout, but there are a couple of other parking spots nearby if you have trouble parking here. Neate’s Glen car park is also a popular starting point.

Option 2. Cliff Top Track

Update: March 2020 – This walk is currently closed – check the NPWS site for updates

Clifftop Walk is an easy trail if you have already given your legs a workout in the morning. This 6km track will take you about 3 and a half hours and provides more gorgeous lookouts. The only downside here is that it’s a one-way walk so best done if you are travelling with others and have two cars.

Check out the full range of Blackheath walks  they range in difficulty from grade 2 to grade 6, so there is something for everyone. Before you begin to walk on one of the longer tracks, visit the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, in Blackheath and lodge a trip intention form that will let them know you are walking in the park today. If you run into trouble and contact the authorities, they will have a good idea of where to start looking for you 🙂

If you are unsure of walking alone, then look at this option for a guided walk here with Tread Lightly Ecotours. We love visiting Blackheath, it’s a perfect spot for an extended stay and generally away from the tourist trail. AND if it all sounds a bit too much like work you might want to consider our guide to the best tours of the Blue Mountains and let someone else worry about the logistics 😉

Heading home

If you want to take a different way home, continue driving to Mt Victoria and turn right to Bell. Follow the Bells Line of Road to Richmond. This will allow you to visit the beautiful Mt Tomah (Blue Mountains) Botanic Gardens and Bilpin, also known as Sydney’s fruit bowl.

While apples are the main crop, several fruits are grown  including pears, figs, stone fruit and berries. Some orchids open their doors to the public during the season. It is best to check this before heading off to help you plan your route.

You can also enjoy cider tastings at Hillbilly Cider , Bilpin Cider and a bunch of other cellar doors .

Related: Check out some other great Road Trips for Sydney

You will travel on some toll roads so you will need to log on to this site to pay your toll within three days to avoid them adding an admin fee of $10-$20. You can work out toll costs with this calculator .

Check the  weather  forecast before you leave. Temperatures can be entirely different from Sydney.

Blue Mountains Apps

Ask Ros – a very handy app developed by a Blue Mountains local that covers events, attractions, local weather, itinerary ideas and lookouts. Well worth downloading.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife – excellent app for using maps and walking guides offline when internet access

On the way there or back you might want to visit Featherdale Wildlife Park 

Check out these links for more ideas

• 33 Blue Mountains Lookouts
• 12 Short Blue Mountains walks
• 50 Things to do in the Blue Mountains
• Where to Stay in the Blue Mountains

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

6 thoughts on “Easy Blue Mountains Day Trip By Car [Itinerary]”

At Blackheath I presume you mean ‘Anonymous’ cafe and at Medlow Bath its companion ‘Synonymous’; both with Campos coffee. and both good.

Yes thanks Warren, I have corrected the error. Much appreciated.

Hi sydney expert. It seems you don’t purchase any tickets or go on any of Scenic World attractions. Does it mean I can visit the Blue Mountains for free?

Hi Jay You can visit the mountains for free – Scenic World is fun but you can cover get similar views by doing a couple of hikes. Perhaps do a walk from Leura and the walk to Katoomba falls. You could also walk out on to the three sisters. This post might help https://sydneyexpert.com/leura-cascades/

Hi Blue Mountain expert, We wish to enjoy the beautiful landscape including sunrise and sunset at Blue Mountains. We have planned to travel by driving on Feb 7(Sat) and stay one night at Blackheath. Please advise how to plan to the itinerary (with time) to catch the sunset and sunrise.

Please also advise if this is possible: We will likely split in two groups, with the senior group on the car ride and drive to Scenic world & take the cable cars, the other group hike from Echo points to Scenic World to meet the senior.

Thank you from Canada

We shared our weekend in Blackheath on this post https://sydneyexpert.com/a-weekend-in-blackheath/

Get one of the seniors to drop the walkers at Echo Point and park at Scenic World. If they finish the visit before those walking arrive there is a cafe area with a nice view where they can wait.

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The best family road trips in NSW

Check out our favourite NSW road trips with kids and start planning your school holiday adventure or weekend escape. From short breaks on scenic coastal roads to country odysseys.

On a Coffs Coast road trip from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour, you’ll find countless great stops on the journey to and from to break up those hours spent in the car.

Visit the Central Coast for a weekend road trip exploring pristine beaches, inlets and thriving cafe culture.

Spend 3 days exploring the Cental West. Bathurst, Orange and Parkes all have a unique culture of their own.

Go all out and road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay . Stop off at the towns of Terrigal, Newcastle, Forster, Port Macquarie, Nambucca Heads, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Yamba and Ballina. We’ve found the best things to entertain kids at each stop along this NSW road trip.

Then head out into the dusty NSW outback to road trip through mining towns, discover our dinosaur history and visit Brewarrina’s Aboriginal Cultural Museum.

Read on for even more road trips from Sydney and maps to plan your route.

Grand Pacific Drive  NSW road trip

Travel time: 2-3 days

This postcard-perfect road trip from Sydney sure packs a punch. This family road trip in Australia combines some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, dramatic cliff faces and impressive engineering feats.

The route: This 140-kilometre coast-hugging drive is grand indeed. You’ll take in the wild scrub of the Royal National Park, the green-as-green-gets pastures of Kiama and the pearl-white sands of Jervis Bay.

Driving tip: Add on a return trip through Berry, the Kangaroo Valley and the Southern Highlands, and you have yourself a perfect long weekend away

Where to stay: Take your pick of one of 12 Holiday Haven Tourist Parks , all nestled on a picturesque beach, lake or river.

Don’t miss : Walking, biking or driving across Sea Cliff Bridge, a cantilevered road that curves around the shore 50 metres out to sea.

Big Sky Country

Big Sky Country takes up a large chunk of northern NSW, covering the Tamworth-to-Tenterfield section of the New England Highway then stretching across the northwest plains through Gunnedah, Moree and out to   Narrabri . The distances between towns in Big Sky are manageable enough to be able to include at least a few major towns in the space of a week.

Snowy Mountains Alpine Way Road Trip: Cooma to Khancoban

Road trip along the Kosciuszko Alpine Way through Kosciuszko National Park. The stunning UNESCO Biosphere Reserve covers more than 600,000 hectares of alpine terrain. The extraordinary alpine area is home to Mount Kosciuszko, the highest peak in mainland Australia at a mammoth 2,228 metres above sea level. Mount Kosciuszko offers spectacular views, serene campgrounds, magnificent walks, rides, and an abundance of native wildlife, including the critically endangered corroboree frog.

Make your first stop Jindabyne. The small town is on the southern shore of Lake Jindabyne, a lively recreational area packed with families in the summer months. Then hit the road for Thredbo, where spring reveals pretty mountain streams ripe for trout fishing, carpets of wildflowers and a choice of gentle waterfall tracks and challenging hikes. Active families with older kids might even like to tackle the walk to the summit or take the easy way out on the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift. Adrenaline junkies can take advantage of the mountain’s transformation from ski field to downhill mountain-biking haven.  From Thredbo, the Alpine Way ascends to Dead Horse Gap before descending 70 kilometres down to the town of Khancoban, an excellent base for boating, water sports and recreational fishing. 

Road trip to Narrabri

The town of Narrabri is located at the junction of the Newell and Kamilaroi highways in the heart of Namoi Valley in North West NSW. Part of ‘Big Sky Country”, the region – encompassing Narrabri, Mount Kaputar National Park, Pilliga, Wee Waa and Boggabri – offers a nature immersion for active families. Narrabri’s national parks, landscapes and irresistible country charm make it an unbeatable destination for road trippers.

Explore Pilliga Forest

The semi-arid woodlands of the Pilliga Forest are crisscrossed with 2,000 kilometres of walking and driving tracks. Explore the Salt Caves, hike to the Lookout Tower for insane views and head to Dandry Gorge for the magnificent Sculptures in the Scrub walk, celebrating Aboriginal culture and history. While you’re there, keep an eye out for black cockatoos, grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and the mythical Pilliga Yowie, said to roam these parts.

Narrabri highlights

Cool off in Yarrie Lake, a saucer-shaped expanse of water on the edge of the Pilliga Scrub. It’s home to an abundance of birdlife and yabbies.  Its a great spot to try your hand at yabbying. If your Yarrie yabbying proves unsuccessful, you can also take the kids to Narrabri Fish Farm, the largest hatchery-based aquaculture farm in NSW, for an exciting day of fishing and yabbying. Here, you can visit the hatchery, see aquariums, feed fish in their ponds and take a photo with Wal, the sculptured cod.

Mount Kaputar National Park

To escape the summer heat, drive 52 kilometres east of Narrabri to Mount Kaputar National Park, a dramatic landscape of lava terraces and volcanic plugs that rises in spectacular fashion from the flat agricultural plains. At its 1,512-metre summit, the temperature is a solid 10 degrees cooler than sea level. In a separate section of the 51,000 hectare park, tackle the short, kid-friendly route along the Sawn Rocks walking track to see the towering, 40-metre-high organ pipe rock formation, remains of basalt lava flow from the Nandewar (Mount Kaputar) volcano some 21 million years ago.

CSIRO Paul Wild Observatory

For something completely different, visit CSIRO’s Australia Telescope, the largest radio telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. Open seven days a week, it offers your little space cadets the opportunity to enjoy the facility’s hands-on displays and whispering dishes, where the kids can transmit the quietest whisper hundreds of metres to another dish. If you listen closely, it’s bound to be a message saying just how much they love Narrabri.

Read : 21 awesome things to do in Narrabri with kids

The ultimate Coffs Coast road trip itinerary

Boasting almost-always perfect weather, an abundance of accommodation options and one of the most beautiful stretches of coast on the planet, Coffs Coast...

3 best Central Coast road trip stops

This Central Coast road trip promises carloads of family fun and adventure.

The Kidman Way – outback NSW road trip

Travel time: 5 days

This family road trip is named after Sir Sidney Kidman. In 1899 he founded S. Kidman & Co, which eventually became one of the world’s largest pastoral companies. The pioneer long nurtured a vision for opening up the vast interior of NSW. The resulting Kidman Way is quintessentially outback Australian.

The route: From Albury to Bourke, this 830-kilometre odyssey takes in a number of charming shires and deliciously remote national parks.

Don’t miss : Sipping on a bevvy at the tallest bar in the Southern Hemisphere at Merriwagga’s Black Stump Hotel. It was built so horseman could trot in and order without dismounting. Purchase a meal with the Cobar Quid (yep, it has its very own currency), hop aboard the retro bus at Catania Fruit Salad Farm, and drop a line in the Murrumbidgee, Lachlan and Darling rivers

Driving tip: Make sure you have a full tank of fuel leaving Griffith, as service stations are infrequent.

Where to stay: For water views, nab a grassy site at Darlington Point Riverside Caravan & Tourist Park.

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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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12 Scenic day trips from Sydney by car

If you’re on the hunt for the best Sydney day trips by car, you’re truly spoiled for choice. There are so many magical locations to explore outside the city. Not to mention the scenic drives around Sydney’s surroundings are some of the best in the country.

Here, you’ll find a comprehensive list of places to visit near Sydney by car, including some lesser-known secret spots. For those flying in, you can still enjoy these fantastic spots by booking a hire car from Sydney airport or if you’re starting in the city, you can hire a car in Sydney’s CBD and leave from there, too!

1. Find Hidden Spots In The Royal National Park

The Royal National Park makes for a great Sydney day trip by car at any time of year. It can be particularly majestic in spring when the waterfalls are flowing after rainfall but the sun is starting to shine. Just under an hour from the city, the 40km drive largely takes place down the M1 before reaching the edge of the park just off the Princes Highway.

• Anice Falls – Follow Audley Road and be surrounded by a lush canopy of greenery as you wind around each bend. The seven-metre falls are one of the most remotely located in the park, with the walking track passing above for a picturesque view.
• Little Marley & Marley Beach – If you left Sydney early, fuel up on coffee and a brekkie roll at Driftwood Cafe before heading back up the road to the start of the Bundeena Drive to Marley Beach walk. Join up with the Little Marley Trail and take a snap as you spot the first signs of golden sand from above. Once you reach the beaches, it’s a great place to stop and have a picnic.
• National Falls – Follow the sweeping views of Sir Bertram Stevens Drive before reaching the small car park near the National Falls. We highly recommend taking the lesser-known walking route to the lower falls, where you’ll be rewarded with the sight of a stunning overhang – and with any luck, you’ll be the only one there.

2. Explore The Blue Mountains National Park

The Blue Mountains is well known as one of the best places to visit near Sydney by car. But its vast landscapes and multiple viewpoints make it easy to avoid a crowd if you know where to go. It’s always best to tackle the one and half hour drive early, as many commuters head back towards the Blue Mountains in the afternoon.

• Red hand cave – This hidden Blue Mountains attraction showcases one of the best examples of Aboriginal rock art in the region. Just a 10-minute drive from Glenbrook, start from the Jellybean Pool and walk until you find the cave, filled with red, yellow, and white coloured handprints.
• Newnes plateau – Drive deeper into the mountains, and you’ll lose traffic as you head towards the Wolgan Valley and into the ‘lost world’.
• The Campbell Rhododendron Garden – These not-so-secret gardens are too good to skip if you’re a lover of vibrant colour. If you’re looking at day trips from Sydney by car during spring, it’s a must.

3. Find Peace And Good Food In Kangaroo Valley

The wildlife-rich rainforests of the Kangaroo Valley have a stellar reputation. But the scenic drive from Sydney (approximately two and half hours) and the incredible pit stops you can make along the way make it one of the best Sydney day trips by car. Take the coastal route via Wollongong rather than inland, so you can sneak peeks of the ocean and pass through the charming town of Berry.

• Foodie heaven in Berry – For a late brunch when you arrive, you can’t beat The Hungry Monkey. Good coffee, even better chilli relish and the prettiest hotcakes in the region. For those considering spending the night or coming home after dinner, make a reservation at South on Albany . The 3-course set menu is a culinary show of regional ingredients that’ll leave your tastebuds singing.
• Bowral – Located 40 minutes’ drive from the heart of the Kangaroo Valley, a stop at Bowral on your way back to Sydney won’t disappoint. The charming town has plenty of boutiques, gardens and cafes to explore. It would also be a crime not to pick up an eclair or custard tart from the Gumnut Patisserie for the journey home.

4. Get To Know Newcastle

Newcastle manages to blend the best of laidback coastal life with a bustling heart full of cafes and good food. If you’re keen to add it to your list of Sydney day trips by car, opt for the old road and take a more scenic route along the winding Pacific Highway.

• Old biker pit stops – Stop in at Pie In The Sky for (you guessed it) some damn good pies or The Old Road cafe for a toastie made with love.
• The scenic road – For those happy to detour for some breathtaking views, The Scenic Road (yes, it’s actually called that) can be found if you head past Woy Woy. With sweeping mountains on one side and stunning glimpses of the ocean on the other, it’ll certainly make the drive to Newcastle extra special.

5. Put The Roof Down in Port Stephens

Continue along the old road, heading North past Newcastle and towards Port Stephens. This is the kind of trip that cruising along in a luxury car is made for. Put the roof down and feel miles away from the city as you breathe in the salty sea air from your Mercedes or BMW.

• Zenith Beach – Drive along Nelson Bay Road until you reach the end, where you’ll be met with rocky, rugged headlands and the perfect spot for a swim.
• Tomaree National Park – A nature lover’s dream. Come armed with binoculars for spotting whales from the headland outlooks, and keep an eye out for koalas in the trees.

6. Head Out Cave Hunting

For some Sydney day trips by car with a difference, New South Wales is home to some of the most majestic natural caves in the country. These are a great day trip if it’s a little drizzly outside, but you want to enjoy nature. The drives are a little longer, but you’ll get consistent peaks of the mountains, and stunning, dramatic views. There are a lot of popular caves in New South Wales, we’ve got some recommendations for the best ones. It can get a little muddy on the way up to these caves, so take a change of shoes and a jacket if you’re not travelling in summer.

• Jenolan – Tucked away in a remote valley in the southern Blue Mountains National Park, turn left onto Edith Road just before Oberon and enjoy the picturesque drive that’ll lead you to the natural spectacle.
• Wombeyan – From Sydney, take the Hume Motorway towards Mittagong, where you can stop for a break before heading towards the beautiful limestone caves.

7. Cast Your Eyes Over The Crystal Waters of Jervis Bay

With a journey that’s spent cruising along the Grand Pacific Drive , Jervis Bay is a fast favourite when it comes to places to visit near Sydney by car. You can spend all day – or weekend – looking at the crystal clear waters and exploring around the bay. If you’re heading down for just the day, relax after the drive on the sand, but definitely go on the hunt for fantastic fish and chips a little later. If laying on the beach isn’t for you, you can always go on a dolphin watching cruise, too.

• Sea Cliff Bridge – The 665-metre-long bridge is a real road trip highlight, located just before Wollongong and approximately one hour and 20 minutes from Sydney.
• Chinamans Beach – With Hyams Beach always bustling, head here for your white sand and crystal blue water fix, minus the crowds.

8. Discover The Wonder Of The Northern Beaches

Ever wanted to drive over the Sydney Harbour Bridge? A day trip to the Northern Beaches will tick this off your bucket list and more. Once you’re over the water, follow signs to Mosman/Manly and take in the magnificent mansions as you continue north to your destination.

• Manly Wormhole – A passage dug in 1908 offers some of the best uninterrupted views of the blue sea.
• Little Box Coffee Co – Tiny but mighty, this Newport gem has a delicious lunch and breakfast menu. Plus, the coffee beans are from a boutique roaster that’s also local to the Northern Beaches.

9. Be Charmed By The Hunter Valley

It may have a reputation for its wine country, but there are so many other reasons the Hunter Valley is one of the bestplaces to visit near Sydney by car. Ditch the motorway at the Calga Interchange and take the back road to Cessnock, where you can stop in charming towns along the way.

• Hand Made in the Hunter Markets – Held every Saturday in Pokolbin with an array of goodies crafted by Hunter Valley artisans.
• Hunter Valley Shopping Village – Find bespoke stores for antiques, wool items and take-home treats.

10. Score The Best Spot At Hidden Swimming Holes

For an unforgettable road trip with friends in the summer, hire a minivan and head to some hidden swimming spots outside the city.

• Mermaid Pools  – Drive an hour and a half down the Hume Motorway to Tahmoor. The Mermaid Pool is located in the Bargo River under a small waterfall.
• Nellies Glen – This is a beautiful bushland swimming hole found in the Budderoo National Park, about two and a half hours from Sydney.

11. Pack A Picnic For Bouddi National Park

Located just off The Scenic Drive near Killcare Heights, the Bouddi National Park is an hour and a half drive from the city and one of the lesser-known day trips from Sydney by car. This is a great option if you’re feeling active. Chuck a bike in the back of one of our SUV rentals , or pack up a picnic with the whole family and head over this way.

• Bouddi Walking Track – An easy hike with spectacular views that can be finished as fast as 45 minutes and ends back at the Dingeldei picnic area.
• Lobster Beach – Pack your swimmers and head 10 minutes towards Lobster Beach for a post-hike swim and snorkel.

12. Spend Your Day Chasing Waterfalls

For a truly scenic drive near Sydney, chart yourself a route between waterfalls. Start south by driving two hours towards Bundanoon and then make your way back up with as little as 20 minutes drive between each breathtaking cascade.

• Fairy Bower Falls – Located in a mossy glen that looks like something out of a fairytale, this is one of the best falls in the Southern Highlands.
• Fitzroy Falls – Watch in awe as the water plunges over 80 metres into the valley below. The West Rim walking track will take you past multiple lookout points throughout the dramatically untouched valley.

We can’t deny it. Sydney’s best bits, most hidden beaches and awe-inspiring scenery are all spread out! Hire a car in Sydney with SIXT and tell us which one of these driving trips is your favourite.

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The best day trips from Sydney for a dreamy day out

Venture to one of these countryside, coastal or mountainous locations only a couple of hours away from Sydney

Photograph: Destination NSW

Sydneysiders are a lucky bunch. Jump in the car (or the train) and within just a few hours you can find yourself in some of the most beautiful spots in the state.

But with so many options to choose from, it begs the question: where should you visit first? You're certainly spoilt for choice, so we've cherry-picked a selection of the best day trips from the city – featuring quaint villages, seaside hangouts and mountain escapes.

Around a two-hour drive or a scenic train ride away from the CBD, you'll find yourself rambling through eucalypts and gums, gazing out over gorgeous ocean cliffs, or watching the world go by in a sleepy village café. All these places have two things in common: they're close enough to get you there and back within a day, and they're well worth your time.

While you're on an adventure, check out the power of nature at these  waterfalls  and blowholes in NSW.

Want to make a night of it we've rounded up some of the best  tiny houses to stay in  and the best camping spots ., 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..

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The most awesome day trips from Sydney

Ku-ring-gai chase national park.

• Attractions
• Parks and gardens

You’ll discover deep-rooted history and picturesque landscapes at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, 50 minutes north of Sydney by car. Feast your eyes on views of Pittwater to the Central Coast from the sandstone viewing area at West Head Lookout. Take a short walk through the bush to find important Indigenous sites on the Aboriginal Heritage walk , which includes viewings of historic rock engravings and handprints made by the Guringai people. The park includes many waterways including Hawkesbury River, Pittwater and Cowan Water, plus numerous creeks and coves to explore. Want to see more? Hire a paddle boat from the Bobbin Inn.

How far? 43km

Get there by car. It’s about 50 minutes’ drive from Sydney CBD.

• Royal National Park

The Royal National Park has endless possibilities for sightseers and explorers eager to connect with nature. Trek the expansive coastal cliffs and walk through eucalyptus bushlands, swim under the waterfalls in Wattamolla, or paddle down Hacking River by hiring a canoe from the Audley Boatshed. You can even catch a glimpse of whales migrating north for the winter from May to November. Cyclists can brave the 10km Loftus Loop Trail and unroll a picnic blanket for lunch at Ironbark Flat or Wattle Forest afterwards.

How far? 36km

Get there by car. It’s about one hour away from Sydney CBD. Or take the train from Central to Otford, which takes just over an hour and costs $7.65 with an Opal card.

Blue Mountains

Take a train to the Blue Mountains and make a day of visiting gobsmacking lookouts like Echo Point and wandering along tracks that boast rich Indigenous history. Trek the scenic loop of the Grand Canyon track near Blackheath to see world heritage listed waterfalls, sandstone walls and native plants. Or soak in the vibrant shades of flora in the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah . Take a peek into the Glow Worm Tunnel in Lithgow where the bioluminescent glow of fungus gnats covers the walls and ceilings. Or relax in at one of the finest day spas in the Blue Mountains  for massages, facials, soak therapies and body wraps.

How far? 79km

Get there by car, it’s about one hour away from Sydney CBD. Or catch the Blue Mountains line train from Central to Katoomba, then the bus from Katoomba to Echo Point for the lookout. It costs around $10 with an Opal Card.

Dedicate a few solid hours to simply wandering around this adorable seaside village, stopping in at cute cafés and the famous Ice Creamery, Kiama (aaaaaaah). A trip here wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Kiama Blowhole , where waves spurt out through a  crevasse  in the cliff, forming a fabulous salty fountain. Play golf at the rural golf course or walk the Kiama Coast Walk for views of lush green cliffs overlooking rocky shores, rivers and private beaches. There are also plenty of surrounding coastal towns connected by cycleways for fitness fanatics to conquer. You can also book magestic activities like dolphin watching cruises, outdoor rock climbing and kayaking tours.

How far? 130 km

Get there by car, it’s about two hours away from Sydney CBD.

• Things to do

Home to panoramic coastal views, sunny weather and an infamous surf, Palm Beach is the ideal Australian package. Located one hour away from Sydney’s CBD on the Northern Beaches, this hot spot is perfect for a relaxing day trip away from the commotion of the city. Cruise the crystal waters on a boat charter, tee off at the Palm Beach Golf Course, or grab a bite at the Boathouse for lunch after embarking on a Pittwater kayaking tour . The Barrenjoey Lighthouse delivers a bird’s-eye-view of the sandy dunes, 91 metres above sea level. And if you're a die-hard Home and Away fan, you can pretend you're a Summer Bay local, as much of the show's filming was done at Plam Beach and the surf lifesaving club.

How far? 44km

Get there by car. It’s about one hour away from Sydney CBD. Or catch the L90 bus from Wynyard Station for around $5 with an Opal card.

Kangaroo Valley

If you’re looking to escape to the countryside, Kangaroo Valley, located two hours south of Sydney, has got you covered. Go wine tasting at the Yarrawa Estate Winery, where you can sample locally made jams. Entertain the kids by kayaking down Kangaroo River or go horse riding through rainforest and grazing lands . You can admire the Victorian architecture of the Hampden Bridge or the bushland views from Mannings lookout, too. For the DIYers there are also plenty of  hands-on classes in gourmet cooking, gardening, soap-making and the art of high tea.

How far? 156km

Get there by car. It’s about two hours and ten minutes away from Sydney CBD.

Port Stephens

Despite being a two hour drive from Sydney CBD, Port Stephens offers adventure and scenic views that make it worth the time at the wheel. Embark on a camel ride at Oakfield Ranch or dive in for a snorkel with dolphins. Sandboard the largest dunes of Stockton Beach during the day, or do it by sunset for a more romantic picnic setting. For adventurers, the outdoor rock climbing at Port Stephens’ sea cliffs will have you reaching unimaginable heights overlooking the ocean slapping the rocky shore, or you can opt to stretch your legs on the newly completed Tomaree Coastal Walk that is a whole 27 kilometres of stunning views.

How far? 179km

Get there by car, it’s about two hours and 30 minutes away from Sydney CBD.

The Entrance

Less than two hours north of Sydney, you’ll find one of the most charming corners of the Central Coast. Famed for its community of hungry pelicans – there’s a public feeding of the local ‘scoop’ (that’s the collective noun) every day at 3.30pm, which can attract up to 50 hungry birds –  this coastal town sits astride the natural ocean channel that separates the sapphire waters of Tuggerah Lake from the Pacific. A day out here is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors but want to keep one foot planted in civilisation – the town has plenty of caf é s and restaurants you can retreat to when you need a feed or a coffee. There are many super spots for fishing and prawning and multiple places in town where you can hire the necessary equipment if you’re not already kitted out. If you’re a keen cyclist, the 12-km shared trail along the lake will have you spoilt for beautiful views and just north of the Entrance, there are a number of easily manageable bushwalking tracks through Wyrrabalong National Park. During the sunnier months, head to Tuggerah Beach, which boasts more than 8km of golden sands lapped by ocean waves, and if you’re not put off by chillier waters, surf conditions are excellent here all year round.

How far? 110km

Get there by car. It’s about 1.5 hours from Sydney CBD.

This quaint spot is the South Coast getaway for people who live on the South Coast, and being locally adored is always a good sign. It’s basically a two-for-one holiday: the salty sea breeze floating up from Seven Mile Beach to the sprawling green hills makes you feel like you’re in a small country town and a forgotten seaside village in the same breath. There’s incredible baked goods to be found at  Milkwood Bakery and you’ll find unusual bottles of plonk at the almost-too-cool Justin Lill Wines & the Berry Bottleshop . If fancier eats are in order, Queen St Eatery is an elegant little restaurant on Berry’s main drag executing the classics with style. A generous plate of prawns grilled in their shells carry a whisper of aniseed from the Pernod flambe, and the herbal spiciness of a proper Café de Paris butter on a minute steak is balanced by a crunchy nest of wafer-thin fries. If you’re ready to burn some energy, the three-hour return hike to the stunning plateau of the Drawing Room Rocks is always a winner. Looking to stay the night? Plan a long simmer in a balcony bath with sightlines out to the ocean at the stunning Mount Hay Retreat . 

How far? 138km

Get there by car on a two-hour drive that’ll take you past some gorgeous ocean cliffs – stop off at the Kiama Blowhole on the way, or take your pick of other South Coast adventures . 

Step into another time by visiting the historic village of Berrima, established in the 1830s. Widely recognised as the preserved example of a Georgian village on the Australian mainland, Berrima is surrounded by wineries, charming centuries-old architecture, and fancy boutiques. Buy handmade country produce at Mrs Oldbucks Pantry and warm winter knits from the Australian Alpaca Centre. Stop by Eschalot for lunch for a hatted fine-dining experience at a heritage-listed building. Walk by the Berrima River for a platypus sighting, or book yourself a ghost tour at the local courthouse.

How far? 125km

Get there by car. It’s just under two hours away from Sydney CBD.

Lake Macquarie

While you may only know Lake Macquarie for its expansive body of water, this unassuming region sandwiched between Sydney and Newcastle has a lot to offer city folk looking to slow down and get back to nature. If you want to go there and back again in a day, Bilbo Baggins-style, then we must recommend a trail  ride with  AAA Horse Riding & More . You'll be trotting and cantering under palm tree canopies, along lush fern pathways and through skinny gums stretching skyward at the foothills of  the Watagan Mountains. Afterwards, become a salty skipper while you cruise around the region's namesake lake on a private runabout boat with  Jetbuzz Watersports .

How far? 127km 

Get there by car in just under two hours, driving through the bushlands of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Stanwell Park

Situated on the northern tip of Wollongong, Stanwell Park is where Australian aeronautical pioneer Lawrence Hargrave first flew in his box kite in 1894. Since then, Bald Hill lookout has been the spot for hang gliding and paragliding, as well as a good place to enjoy an alfresco lunch. You can also hike the 6.5km walking track of Wodi Wodi or hand feed kangaroos at Symbio Wildlife Park . If all else fails, slap on some sunscreen and head to the beach for a splash.

How far? 64km

Get there by car. It’s about one hour, 15 minutes from Sydney CBD. Or take the train from Central to Otford, which takes around one hour and costs about $6 with an Opal card. The walk from Otford Station to Stanwell Tops takes 22 minutes.

Mermaid Pools

• Southern Highlands

Trek through the bush, swim in rivers and chase waterfalls around Mermaid Pools near Tahmoor Gorge. You’ll encounter steep steps and rocky platforms as you venture to the water, but the views are well worth it. While the Mermaid Pools themselves are not the safest to swim in, the many swimming holes you’ll encounter on the trek are ideal for a splash. The See Through Pools are the perfect pit-stop for a swim, allowing you to view hidden rock formations underwater.

How far? 100km

Get there by car, it’s about 1.5 hours from Sydney CBD.

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A Definitive Guide To The Most Scenic Road Trips In NSW

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Cam Hassard is an international penman, sax-wielder and rogue wayfarer…

As anyone who lives in New South Wales will tell you, their home state is truly one of a kind: a land of endless, postcard-perfect beaches, incredible natural wonders, and world-class city culture – so too, the home of some of Australia’s best and most sought after road trip experiences.

Here’s a hot-list of some of New South Wales’ most awe-inspiring and downright beautiful road trips, so rev the engine, pump up the playlist, and head for these open roads. And remember, take your rubbish with you to help keep the scenic route just as scenic for everyone who comes after you. If you do see someone tossing litter out of their car window, you can report them to the NSW Environmental Protection Authority  here .

The Grand Pacific Drive

A post shared by Grand Pacific Drive (@grandpacificdrive) on Mar 6, 2018 at 9:20pm PST

A road trip as epic sounding as the Grand Pacific Drive simply can’t fail to impress, and thankfully, what you find on the ground is true to its name.

Kicking off from Royal National Park (roughly an hour south of the Sydney CBD), the Grand Pacific takes you on a wild and unforgettable journey along the state’s southeastern coast, where a mix of natural and human-made wonders await: the Pacific vistas along the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, lush natural rainforests, and a peppering of towns including Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Wollongong.

The best part about the Grand Pacific is that the further south you head the better it gets: take the stunning blue waters of Jervis Bay as a prime stop off, or the relaxed, oyster-laden stretch of Bateman’s Bay. Once you’ve made your way down, feel free to venture back north to the big smoke via the impressive Southern Highlands trail, or make a break south of the Victorian border through the charming regions of Eurobodalla and the Sapphire Coast.

Greater Blue Mountains Drive

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Shirley (@shirleylee929) on Aug 29, 2017 at 9:05pm PDT

Without a doubt one of Australia’s most comprehensive and exciting touring journeys, the Greater Blue Mountains Drive covers over 1200km of connecting roads through the spectacular Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

Road trippers can expect epic valleys, sprawling eucalypts, sandstone cliffs, creeks, winding bush roads and historic towns along the main route here, as well as its 18 additional side trails. Stop off at Katoomba and plunge into ancient rainforest at the world famous Scenic World railway, be wowed by the incredible Three Sisters rock formation, and kick back over some of NSW’s best produce at the array of eateries, stop offs and cellar doors along the way. This is truly an adventure for all ages – a journey that keeps on giving.

The Rainforest Way

A post shared by Aussie Destinations Unknown (@aussiedestinationsunknown) on Mar 31, 2018 at 2:42pm PDT

The Rainforest Way is no false advertisement: here be rainforests aplenty, with an epic road in between – one almighty impressive route for the rainforest-inclined. Kick things off at Coffs Harbour and the beaches at Sawtell and Valla, and take in the scenic northern NSW coast through Bellingen, the lush farms and paddocks of the Dorrigo Plateau, on through the New England Tableland to Armidale.

The Guy Fawkes River plunging 100m into the Ebor Falls is well worth a look along the way, so too the epic suspension bridge at Crystal Shower Falls. Expect clean air, clean waterways, clean forests, and clean road tripping – all 185km of it. You really won’t want to stop driving.

The Kosciuszko Alpine Way 

A post shared by Cameron Murphy (@cameronm904) on Dec 4, 2017 at 12:47am PST

Mountain lovers unite: The Kosciuszko Alpine Way will meet your needs with this lush, spectacular stretch. Take a few days off for the privilege, and meander your way through the steep, rugged mountain forest-ways of Jindabyne in Kosciuszko National Park’s southern edge, all the way to Khancoban by the Victorian border.

The Ultimate North Western Australia Itinerary: From Broome To The Pilbara

Gorgeous mountain vistas, sleepy towns, historic homesteads, deep alpine lakes, boulder fields and wildflowers are just some of the amazing natural wonders you’ll encounter on this 108km journey.

Darling River Run

A post shared by Nathan Faber (@nathjf888) on Jun 12, 2017 at 1:17am PDT

While the lush coastal nooks and forested regions of NSW remain some of the more classic road trip choices, there’s no beating a trek through the bush. The Darling River Run is one of Australia’s greatest outback experiences, and a truly epic NSW touring route.

The Darling Run kicks off roughly 8 hours from Sydney near Walgett and Lightning Ridge, and takes you deep southwest along NSW’s ‘spine’ to the confluence of the Murray River at Wentworth.

Sure, it’s a hefty ride, and demands a little map attention, but it’s a deeply satisfying one, with towns like Bourke, Louth, Tilpa, Wilcannia, Menindee, Pooncarie, keeping you filled to the brim with good old-fashioned country road trip goodness.

Thunderbolts Way

A post shared by Catherine White (@catjwhite) on Mar 31, 2018 at 9:11pm PDT

Picture lush hinterlands, verdant fields, rolling farmland and intoxicatingly open NSW skies. Thunderbolts is as much a road trip for the outdoor buffs: rent a kayak at Barrington River, and take in the abundant bushwalking, horseriding, hiking and camping along the way.

Cam Hassard is an international penman, sax-wielder and rogue wayfarer who writes for Junkee, Carryology, Huckberry, Caddie, Fairfax Media, Carryology, Intrepid, Peregrine Adventures and Europe Up Close . He’s eaten ant salad in Laos, hauled trucks from NYC to Vegas, and destroyed himself on the Camino de Santiago. Originally from Melbourne, he currently calls Berlin home.

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Central Coast Council payment gateway will be offline from 4pm, Friday 28 June 2024 to 8:30am, Monday 1 July 2024 . We apologise for any inconvenience during this period.

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Council is progressing a significant program of remediation works at Gosford City Car Park to repair, maintain and extend the lifespan of this well used facility.

Gosford City Car Park (located at 1 Baker Street) is multilevel facility with 650 car spaces that provides both permanent and casual parking for city centre workers, residents, and visitors to Gosford.  This infrastructure is over 40 years old and is showing signs of its age!  

A recent structural assessment identified numerous areas that require remediation works to address issues such as exposed reinforcing bars, exposed mesh, minimal concrete cover, corrosion of the roof structure and cracking in slabs.

Works timing: 

Works are scheduled to commence from 1 July 2024, with an anticipated work period of 6-9 months (with completion expected early 2025).  Works will be undertaken between Monday to Saturday, during the hours of 6:00am to 6:00pm.

Impacts:  

The car park will remain operational, throughout the work period with traffic management in place to allow access to open levels during construction. However, there will be a reduced level casual parking availability due to temporary closures of some levels at varying times.  At most, two levels (of approximately 260 car spaces) will be closed for up to four weeks at a time.

Whilst all efforts are being made to minimise user impacts, drivers may experience delays entering, parking, or exiting the car park throughout the works period.

Looking for a park?

During peak times of use, such as when significant events are being held at Gosford, advice would be to allow additional travel time in case the car park becomes full and parking needs to be sought elsewhere or consider use of public transport.

• There are several car parks located in and around Gosford, along with metered and unmetered street parking options. You can find a list of Council-operated car parks on our parking webpage .
• Public transport can be a convenient option. Gosford Station is centrally located and offers train and bus connections to many destinations. Consider using Transport for NSW’s Trip Planner to find the best route for your needs.

For specific enquiries relating to these works and operations or impacts during this period, please contact Gosford City Car Park’s office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9.00am-4.30pm) by calling 02 4304 7509 or email [email protected] .

To report issues or other enquiries relating to Council’s delivery of these works, please contact Council through the online customer service centre or call 02 4306 7900.

We thank users of this carpark for their cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience you may experience during the delivery of these works, which will ensure this facility will be available for many years to come.

Frequently asked questions

I am a permanent account holder. What happens if my usual car parking spot is closed?

Permanent account holders will continue to have guaranteed parking available throughout the project. However, your reserved space/area may be temporarily relocated to another level within the car park and will be reinstated at the project’s completion. All other account benefits remain unaffected. Communications has been issued to account holders and Council will continue to update with news or changes as possible.  This page will be updated as required along the project.  If there are any questions, please contact Gosford City Car Park’s office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9.00am-4.30pm) by calling 02 4304 7509 or email [email protected] .

I am a casual parker. Where can I find alternative parking options when the car park is full due to reduced casual parking?

There are several car parks located in and around Gosford, along with metered and unmetered street parking options. You can find a list of Council-operated car parks on our ‘parking’ web page.

During peak times, such as major sporting events or festivals, public transport can be a convenient option. Gosford Station is centrally located and offers train and bus connections to many destinations. Consider using Trip Planner | transportnsw.info to find the best route for your needs.

What is the cost of the Gosford City Car Park remediation project, and how is it being funded?

The Gosford City Car Park remediation project budget is estimated to cost over $2million, and is funded by Council - partially through Gosford Parking Station Special Rate Levy (external restricted funding), with the remaining balance by Council’s general funding.

Why not rebuild the car park entirely to improve its look?

We understand the desire for a more modern-looking car park so we investigated this possibility. We conducted studies to assess the car park’s structural integrity and developed a business case to determine the best long-term parking solutions for Gosford.

This process considered a knock down rebuild as an option. However, after careful evaluation, it was determined that remediating the existing car park was the most cost-effective solution. This approach ensures a guaranteed parking availability in Gosford for the next 20-25 years, which aligns to Central Coast Council’s Car Parking Study and Implementation Plan’s long-term parking goals.

New travel deals for Amazon Prime members on cruises, rental cars, flights and more

These savings on travel come in time for any last-minute summer vacations.

Amazon Prime Day is fast approaching, and beyond viral beauty products or hot new kitchenware, the e-commerce giant is introducing savings on travel just in time for any last-minute summer vacations.

Amazon partnered with various travel companies, including Southwest Airlines, Viator, Turo, Carnival, and others, to give Prime members early access to price cuts on travel packages, car rentals, and cruises.

In a similar move last summer fellow retail competitor Walmart partnered with Expedia to give Walmart+ members the ability to earn Walmart Cash by booking vacations.

"These travel deals are sort of an extra that they can offer their members," RetailMeNot editor Kristin McGrath told ABC News. "There are plenty of ways you can save and get discounts. These membership programs can just make it a little bit easier."

Amazon Prime travel deals and discounts for Prime Day

Save 10% on Viator travel experiences Save up to 30% off Avis car rentals and earn 10% back Up to 15% Sixt car rentals Book a Carnival Cruise for to 40% off Southwest Airlines get 50% off Rapids Rewards points

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Walmart+ travel deals.

The company offers discounts on fuel and travel, plus up to 20% back in Walmart Cash for booking through their portal during Walmart+ week.

Costco travel discounts and deals

The warehouse retailer's travel arm offers everyday savings on top-quality, brand-name vacations, hotels, cruises, and rental cars, exclusively for Costco members.

Teresita Nino has used Costco to book vacation packages and told ABC News how she saved on international deals.

"My last trip that we booked was to Saint Lucia and we ended up booking the airfare and the hotel -- I ended up saving about $700," Nino said of her experience using Costco. "Nine out of ten times is Costco Travel is always giving me a better deal overall than other travel companies."

Access to Costco's travel deals require a paid membership as an extra perk for customers.

"The travel savings are the cherry on top -- but it's not necessarily the most lucrative benefit," McGrath said. "In these membership programs, you have to take the value of membership as a whole rather than just joining to save on travel."

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ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

What is that? See images of the futuristic-looking Tesla Cybertruck

Recent sighting: big, stainless steel box on wheels.

Otherwise known as the Tesla Cybertruck .

On a recent morning in West Palm Beach , Starbucks patrons slowed their cars to catch a glimpse of the 'futuristic' car at the corner of Belvedere Road and South Dixie Highway. Some onlookers stopped to snap photos.

"Is that a concept car?" one asked. To which owner of said Cybertruck and personal injury attorney Calvin Robinson explained, "It's a Tesla."

Robinson said he had gotten the electric vehicle delivered a few weeks after ordering it last fall and that he enjoys driving it from West Palm Beach to St. Petersburg to visit family on just one charge.

Read the full story here: Tesla Cybertruck draws gawkers, onlookers at West Palm Beach Starbucks

Elon Musk's EV recalled: Thousands of Tesla Cybertrucks recalled for issues with wipers, trunk bed trim

See images of the Tesla Cybertruck:

Finding a safe place for your tesla cybertruck and all vehicles during a storm.

Ashley Ferrer is a journalist at  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. Help support our journalism.  Subscribe today

Bernie Taupin Documentary in Production from Network Entertainment – Film News in Brief

A documentary on the life and career of lyricist Bernie Taupin is in production from Network Entertainment . Taupin, who has worked in partnership with Elton John for over 50 years, has written songs like “Bennie and the Jets,” “I’m Still Standing,” “Your Song,” “I Want Love” and more.

Matthew Miele will direct the film, which features new interviews and archival content. Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Alice Cooper, James Hetfield, Annie Lennox, Lulu, Gary Oldman, Ringo Starr and Pete Townshend will be featured in the documentary.

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“Time II: Unfinished Business” is set to debut at Essence Festival in July. Directed by Sibil Fox Richardson, also known as Fox Rich, the film continues the love story of Rich and her husband Robert Richardson.

The film is a sequel to 2020’s “Time,” a documentary that follows Rich fighting for the release of her husband, who was serving a 60-year prison sentence for his participation in an armed bank robbery in the 1990s.

The upcoming documentary follows their continued quest for restoration upon Richardson’s release and includes their ongoing efforts to bring home their imprisoned nephew and others in the prison system.

‘Bogotá Story’ and ‘The Car That Came Back from the Sea’ Win Top Honors at Palm Springs International ShortFest

The Palm Springs International ShortFest has announced the juried and audience award winners for its 2024 edition, which took place June 18-24. Over $25,000 in cash prizes and five Academy Award-qualifying honors were presented to the winning films, which included Esteban Pedraza’s “Bogotá Story” and Jadwiga Kowalska’s animated film “The Car That Came Back from the Sea.”

See a full list of winners below.

Oscar Qualifying Awards:

Best Animated Short – • Winner: “The Car That Came Back from the Sea” (Switzerland), Directed by Jadwiga Kowalska

Best Documentary Short – • Winner:” Seat 31: Zooey Zephyr” (USA), Directed by Kimberly Reed

Best Live-Action Short Over 15 Minutes presented by V Channels Corp – • Winner: “Oyu” (France/Japan), Directed by Atsushi Hirai

Best Live-Action Short 15 Minutes and Under – • Winner: “Complications” (Norway), Directed by Ivar Aase

Student Short Awards:

Best Student Animated Short – • Winner: “On the 8th Day” (France), Directed by Agathe Sénéchal, Alicia Massez, Elise Debruyne, Flavie Carin, Théo Duhautois

Best Student International Short – • Winner: “Where Insects Hide at Night” (Brazil/USA), Directed by Lucas Acher

Best Student U.S. Short • Winner: “Primos” (Puerto Rico/USA), Directed by Ricardo Varona

Best Student Documentary Short • Winner: “Remember, Broken Crayons Colour Too” (Switzerland), Directed by Urša Kastelic, Shannet Clemmings

Special Jury Awards:

Best International Short – • Winner: “The Real Truth About the Fight” (Croatia/Spain), Directed by Andrea Slaviček

Best U.S. Short – • Winner: “Trapped” (USA), Directed by Sam Cutler-Kreutz and David Cutler-Kreutz

Best Comedy Short – • Winner: “Favourites” (Australia), Directed by Nick Russell

Best LGBT+ Short – • Winner: “Honeymoon” (Greece/France/Cyprus), Directed by Alkis Papastathopoulos

Best Midnight Short – • Winner: “Wander to Wonder” (Netherlands/France/Belgium/United Kingdom), Directed by Nina Gantz

Bridging the Borders Award presented by Cinemas Without Borders and 360 Media – • Winner: “Palestine Islands” (France/Palestine), Directed by Nour Ben Salem, Julien Menanteau

Local Jury Awards:

Desert Views Award Sponsored by Silvercrest – • Winner: “Then Comes the Body” (USA/Nigeria), Directed by Jacob Krupnick

Young Cineastes Award – • Winner: “Guts” (USA), Directed by Margaux Susi

Kids’ Choice Award – • Winner: “Mog’s Christmas” (United Kingdom), Directed by Robin Shaw

Audience Awards:

Best Animated Short – • Winner: “And Granny Would Dance” (United Kingdom), Directed by Maryam Mohajer

Best Documentary Short – • Winner: “Then Comes the Body” (USA/Nigeria), Directed by Jacob Krupnick

Best Live-Action Short – • Winner: “The One Note Man” (United Kingdom), Directed by George C. Siougas

Best Student Short – • Winner: “Allégresse” (Belgium), Directed by Gillie Cinneri

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