Loading

Hey Alexa, find me 5 epic NSW road trips

Sea Cliff Bridge, CliftonCredit: Destination NSW

Aerial overlooking cars driving along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Hey Alexa, find me 5 epic NSW road trips

Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW

Aerial overlooking cars driving along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Hashtags #feelnsw #newsouthwales

Get a buzz uncovering lesser-known parts of New South Wales and finding new ways to experience the more visited corners of the state. Renew your wanderlust with these five routes to explore NSW’s beautiful beaches, characterful small towns, astonishing natural wonders and tempting food and wine.

Be mesmerised by coastal scenery on the Grand Pacific Drive

Feel enlivened by the sea breeze as you set off on the Grand Pacific Drive at the Royal National Park, less than an hour’s drive south of central Sydney. Be wowed by the dramatic Sea Cliff Bridge, which traces the curves of the coast between Coalcliff and Clifton, and continue to the relaxed coastal city of Wollongong, where you can stop for an energising coffee or a tasty bite to eat by the beach at Diggies. Feel the power of the famous Kiama Blowhole, a natural formation that blasts seawater 30m into the air, in the town of Kiama. Allow the surf to lull you to sleep while staying just steps from the sand at Bangalay Luxury Villas in Shoalhaven Heads, where you savour fine dining infused with Australian native ingredients at its excellent onsite restaurant.

Continue on to the idyllic blue waters of Jervis Bay, just three hours’ drive south of Sydney. Dive in for a refreshing swim, take an exhilarating dolphin- or whale-watching tour with the likes of Jervis Bay Wild and wiggle your toes in some of the whitest sand in the world on the glorious White Sands Walk. Soak up the coastal scenery from a different angle on a luxe glamping stay at Paperbark Camp near bayside Huskisson, which is also home to a memorable restaurant, The Gunyah.

Feel your stress melt into big sky country on a drive from Sydney to Lightning Ridge

Tap into your sense of adventure on a trip along roads less travelled to the historic mining town of Lightning Ridge, almost nine hours’ drive northwest of Sydney in Outback NSW. Discover plenty of interesting stops along the way, such as Katoomba, where you can browse for unique mementos at its antique stores, feel your soul stir as you take in the Blue Mountains views, and enjoy the old-world charm of local stays including the Metropole Guesthouse and The Carrington Hotel.

Lap up the food and wine of the charming country town of Mudgee, where newcomer The Barn at Blue Wren Farm offers a fresh way to savour the scenic region’s renowned produce. Then call in on historic Gilgandra, birthplace of the World War I Coo-ee March, and the outback town of Walgett, for a reviving coffee at Stone’s Throw. From here, it’s only an hour to Lightning Ridge. Experience a warm country welcome upon check-in at the likes of Sonja’s Bed and Breakfast before heading out to explore ‘The Ridge’. Get a taste of the town’s heritage on an opal mine tour, have a blast mastering the art of fossicking, and bliss out in naturally heated artesian bore baths.

Whale Watching, Jervis Bay Credit: Jordan Robins

Humpback whales migrating off the south coast of NSW near Jervis Bay.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Whale Watching, Jervis Bay Credit: Jordan Robins

Humpback whales migrating off the south coast of NSW near Jervis Bay.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Scenic Drive, Cumborah Credit: Destination NSW

Scenic outback drive in Cumborah, near Lightning Ridge.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Scenic Drive, Cumborah Credit: Destination NSW

Scenic outback drive in Cumborah, near Lightning Ridge.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Drift peacefully along the Mighty Murray River Drive

Take an immersive journey into Australian history on the Mighty Murray River Drive, an unforgettable four-day exploration of the Riverina Murray region starting on the banks of the Murray River in Albury, a 5.5-hour drive or a short flight from Sydney. Steep in the area’s heritage on a pre-road trip stay at Circa 1928 Albury, housed in a former bank, or lean into the urban vibe at the Atura Albury. Be surprised and delighted by the fascinating stories of heritage towns including Howlong and Corowa, where Corowa Whisky and Chocolate, set inside a 1920s flour mill, offers a delectable pit stop.

See the Murray from a fresh perspective on an atmospheric Murray River Paddlesteamers cruise in the twin towns of Echuca Moama, throw in a line at Balranald, where five rivers meet, and connect with Aboriginal culture and the unique natural landscape of Mungo National Park. Get a buzz camping alongside native wildlife in the national park, or tuck into a hearty country meal at Mungo Lodge before enjoying a restorative night’s sleep in a spacious cabin room. Your final stop is Wentworth, where you can admire views of the Murray and Darling rivers, call in on the cellar door and restaurant at Trentham Estate Winery, and treat yourself to a night of glamping, including a romantic dining experience under the stars on an almond farm, hosted by Outback Almonds.

Reset on a quick getaway from Sydney to Newcastle

Discover how refreshing even a short trip can be on the drive from Sydney to the coastal city of Newcastle. Pause in the picturesque Hawkesbury region to slurp fresh oysters at the ‘shellar door’ of Broken Bay Pearl Farm in Mooney Mooney, just 45 minutes from the city centre. Move on at your own pace to Lake Macquarie, the largest coastal saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere, where you can get your blood pumping on a kayaking excursion or an invigorating rainforest walk. Once in Newcastle, two hours from Sydney, stroll down to the beach for a refreshing dip before checking out one of the city’s great restaurants. Merewether Surfhouse is the perfect spot for a long lunch with dazzling ocean views, or enjoy a delicious five-course tasting menu at contemporary bistro Subo. Then turn in for the night at the likes of recently opened QT Newcastle or Crystalbrook Kingsley. Connect with the city’s heritage at either hotel, as they both occupy characterful historic buildings.

Breathe in the cool mountain air on a drive from Sydney to Jindabyne

Admire the changing landscape as you make your way from Sydney to Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains, a five-hour trip that’s worth extending to make selfie stops at the likes of the Big Merino in the historic town of Goulburn, two hours southwest of Sydney. Strap in for a thrilling virtual fly-over of the Snowy Mountains at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in the town of Cooma, another two hours down the road. And thrill to on-snow activities for the whole family at the ski resorts of Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass near Jindabyne. No snow? Challenge yourself with a session of rock climbing or mountain biking with K7 Adventures, or linger over an artisan tipple at Wildbrumby Distillery, which bottles schnapps, gin and vodka in alpine surrounds. Seize the opportunity to take a walk to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest point. And be amazed by another natural attraction at Yarrangobilly Caves, two hours north of Jindabyne, where you’ll find stalagmites, stalactites and cave corals, and an above-ground river walk to a thermal pool. Enjoy the convenience of the central location and freshly renovated rooms on a stay at the Banjo Paterson Inn, home of the Kosciuszko Brewery. Savour the fare at the two restaurants located on the property, or take a stroll around town to discover something new such as Holly Go Lightly, a burger bar that also slings excellent cocktails.

Mount Warning Tours, Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW

Friends enjoying an early morning kayak tour on Tweed River with scenic views of Mount Warning.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Mount Warning Tours, Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW

Friends enjoying an early morning kayak tour on Tweed River with scenic views of Mount Warning.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Camping, Kosciuzko National Park Credit: Destination NSW

Camping underneath the stars at Island Bend Campground in Kosciuszko National Park.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Camping, Kosciuzko National Park Credit: Destination NSW

Camping underneath the stars at Island Bend Campground in Kosciuszko National Park.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

MORE INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

More Inspirational Stories

ALL ASSETS FROM THE DESTINATION NSW MEDIA CENTRE ARE FOR EDITORIAL USAGE ONLY AND MUST BE USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS.


For all non-editorial usage, please
visit the Destination NSW Content Library.

REGISTER
NOW

Access assets curated for media and content creators.

For all non-editorial usage, please
visit the Destination NSW Content Library.

Already have an account?

Permission Request


Destination NSW wants to access your Destination NSW Media Centre account.


This application will:

  • View your basic account information
  • View your email address
  • View your phone number, if provided
  • View your street address, if provided
  • View basic information about your organization, if provided
  • View your site usage
  • View your asset download activity

This access will help Destination NSW manage copyright owner rights, provide you with digital assets, keep you updated with new information and improve your user experience.


Do you agree to allow this access? If yes, click the REGISTER button.


You can unsubscribe at any time.

16 + 0 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.

Permission Request

Destination NSW wants to review your registration for your Destination NSW Media Centre account.

This review will:

  • View your basic account information
  • View your email address
  • View your basic information about your organisation, if provided
  • View your site usage
  • View your asset download activity

This will assist Destination NSW manage copyright owner rights, provide you with digital assets, keep you updated with new information and improve your user experience.


By clicking REGISTER, you agree that you have read and agree to the TERMS & CONDITIONS and Destination NSW's PRIVACY POLICY


You can unsubscribe at any time.