Truenorth Helicopters, Snowy MountainsCredit: Destination NSW
Scenic flight over Tumut River and the Talbingo Reservoir in the Snowy Mountains.
#feelnew #feelnsw
After waking up with an invigorating morning ocean swim in Sydney, you can be happily making snow angels in the magical Snowy Mountains by the afternoon. But what’s the rush? Embrace the journey as part of your holiday, taking the entire day or more to uncover the bounty of attractions and experiences on an alternative route. Cruise down through the Southern Highlands to the South Coast and then inland, or through Goulburn and Yass en route to Tumut and the snowfields.
Discover the delights of the Southern Highlands and South Coast route
Relax into holiday mode as you farewell Sydney, heading south along the Hume Highway towards the revitalising rolling hills of the Southern Highlands. Treat the cricket fans in your company with a short detour to Bowral, where you can relive the iconic moments of the game at the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame before surrendering to the sweet temptations of Gumnut Patisserie on Bong Bong Street, from lemon tartlets to cloud-like lamingtons. Or enjoy the sense of community at The Lodge Restaurant in nearby Berrima Vault House. Step back into the 1880s at this convict-built former inn reimagined as a members’ club, which flings open the doors of its smart restaurant to the public on weekends.
With a contented full belly, make for the coast via the lush Kangaroo Valley. Breathe in the eucalyptus-scented country air en route to the hinterland town of Berry, where delightful cafés proffering homemade cakes, pastries and preserves entice you to pause for afternoon tea.
Be dazzled by the azure blues of Jervis Bay as you continue your journey south on the Princes Highway to the pretty coastal town of Mollymook. Pause to browse its galleries or shops, or to treat yourself to a celebratory fresh seafood meal with a side of ocean views at Rick Stein at Bannisters.
After hitting the road again later that day or the following morning, take the time explore the quaint country towns and rugged national parks of the Eurobodalla region as well as the jewels of the Sapphire Coast on the way to Tathra, perhaps taking a pit stop to enjoy some freshly shucked oysters by the water at The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter in Narooma.
Farewell the sparkling sea at Tathra before heading inland to Bega, before pressing onto Jindabyne via Dalgety on the Snowy River Way. Take a moment in Dalgety to wonder what might have been if this candidate for the nation’s capital was selected. Instead of roundabouts and Parliament House, there’s good food, a historic bridge and a great country pub to discover.
Scenic Drive, Kangaroo Valley Credit: Alexandra Adoncello
Car driving through the leafy Kangaroo Valley.
#feelnew #feelnsw
Scenic Drive, Kangaroo Valley Credit: Alexandra Adoncello
Car driving through the leafy Kangaroo Valley.
Tathra Oysters, Tathra Credit: Destination NSW
Farmer at Tathra Oysters in the Nelsons Lake estuary where their award-winning Sydney Rock Oysters are grown.
#feelnsw
Tathra Oysters, Tathra Credit: Destination NSW
Farmer at Tathra Oysters in the Nelsons Lake estuary where their award-winning Sydney Rock Oysters are grown.
Connect with the countryside via Gundagai and Tumut
Buckle up for another memorable adventure to the Snowy Mountains, heading south on the Hume Highway again, but this time bound for Goulburn. Take in the history of Australia’s first inland city as you stroll its storied streets and have a giggle getting a selfie with the Big Merino, then follow the signs to Yass, where an abundance of boutique wineries and gourmet restaurants within easy reach will tempt you to stay overnight.
When you’re ready to move on, peel off the Hume Highway to stretch your legs in charming Jugiong. Follow the scent of freshly baked bread to The Sir George Artisan Bakery to pick up some of its renowned sourdough for a picnic by the serene Murrumbidgee River, or leave the cooking in the very capable hands of The Sir George kitchen or the next-door Long Track Pantry café.
Cruise 30 minutes down the road to the handsome pioneering town of Gundagai. After another must-have photo, here with Gundagai’s beloved statue of the Dog on the Tuckerbox, deepen your knowledge of the region’s rich history at the Gundagai Historic Museum. Oozing country character, nine-room boutique hotel Flash Jacks makes the perfect base for an overnight stop.
Push on along the Snowy Mountains Highway to Tumut and on to Yarrangobilly Caves. Pull over to marvel at its six stunning limestone caves that were millions of years in the making, or to take a soothing soak in the natural thermal pool near the caves, which is a balmy 27°C year round.
Revel in the rugged beauty of the mountainous landscape as you navigate the longer route to the heart of the Snowies via the scenic Alpine Way. Connect with the friendly locals who grow your food when you purchase produce directly from the likes of Wilgro Orchards in Batlow. Then visit Khancoban, a small lakeside town only 1.5 hours’ drive from the ski resort at Thredbo, where Picked Parrot Providore offers another delectable taste of the region.
Sunset, Yass River Credit: Destination NSW
Sun sets over the Yass River and the old railway bridge.
#feelnew #feelnsw
Sunset, Yass River Credit: Destination NSW
Sun sets over the Yass River and the old railway bridge.
Scenic Countryside, Tumut Credit: Destination NSW
Poplar trees lining a country road running through scenic Tumut in the Snowy Valleys.
#feelnew #feelnsw
Scenic Countryside, Tumut Credit: Destination NSW
Poplar trees lining a country road running through scenic Tumut in the Snowy Valleys.
More Inspirational Stories
Sea Cliff Bridge, CliftonCredit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
The beauty of an ambling road trip? Uncovering lesser-known spots and finding new ways to experience more popular locales. Renew your wanderlust on one of these five routes exploring NSW’s beautiful beaches, characterful small towns, astonishing natural wonders and delicious food and wine.
Be mesmerised by coastal scenery on the Grand Pacific Drive
Feel refreshed by the sea breeze as you set off on the Grand Pacific Drive from the Royal National Park, less than an hour’s drive south of Sydney. Be wowed by the dramatic Sea Cliff Bridge, which follows the curves of the coast between Coalcliff and Clifton, then continue on to the relaxed coastal city of Wollongong, where you can stop for an energising coffee and a bite to eat by the beach at Diggies. Keep following the coast to witness the power of Kiama’s famous Kiama Blowhole, a natural formation that blasts seawater 30m into the air. Come nightfall, allow the surf to lull you to sleep while staying just steps from the sand at Bangalay Luxury Villas in Shoalhaven Heads, where you can savour fine dining infused with Australian native ingredients at its excellent on-site restaurant, Bangalay Dining.
Continue on to the idyllic blue waters of Jervis Bay, just an hour’s drive south of Shoalhaven Heads. Dive in for a refreshing swim, take an exhilarating dolphin- or whale-watching tour with the likes of Jervis Bay Wild and leave footsteps 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. Paperbark is also home to memorable restaurant, The Gunyah at Paperbark Camp, built up high off the ground, among the treetops.
Adventure through the outback 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, just under nine hours’ drive northwest of Sydney in Outback NSW. Discover plenty of interesting stops along the way, such as Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, where you can browse for unique trinkets at its antique stores, take in jaw-dropping Blue Mountains views, and enjoy the old-world charm of local stays at the Metropole Guesthouse or The Carrington Hotel.
Head down the mountains to lap up the food and wine of charming country town, Mudgee, where The Barn at Blue Wren Farm offers a fresh way to savour the scenic region’s renowned produce. After Mudgee, call in on historic town Gilgandra, birthplace of the World War I Coo-ee March, followed by the outback town of Walgett, for a reviving coffee at Stone’s Throw. From here, it’s less than 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.
Paperbark Camp, Woollamia Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic glamping getaway at Paperbark Camp, Woollamia.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Paperbark Camp, Woollamia Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic glamping getaway at Paperbark Camp, Woollamia.
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.
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 region starting on the banks of the Murray River in Albury, a six-hour drive or short flight from Sydney. Before you head off on your journey, revel in the area’s heritage 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, encourages a delicious 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 to 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 an hour 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, stroll down to the beach for a refreshing dip before checking out one of the city’s many great restaurants. Merewether Surfhouse is the perfect spot for a long lunch with dazzling ocean views, or enjoy a delicious meal at contemporary bistro Subo. Once satisfied, turn in for the night at the likes of QT Newcastle or the Little National Hotel Newcastle.
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(ish)-hour trip that’s worth extending to include selfie stops at the likes of the Big Merino in the historic town of Goulburn, two-and-a-half hours southwest of Sydney. Another two hours down the road, strap in for a thrilling virtual fly-over of the Snowy Mountains at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in the town of Cooma. Then get an even bigger thrill with snow activities for the whole family at the ski resorts of Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass near Jindabyne, or Selwyn near Cooma. If you’re driving through during summer, 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 a variety of liquors in alpine surrounds. Seize the opportunity to take a walk to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest point, and be amazed by yet another natural attraction at Yarrangobilly Caves, two hours north of Jindabyne, where you’ll find stalagmites, stalactites and cave corals, and a river walk to a thermal pool. Enjoy the convenience of the central location in Jindabyne with a stay at the Banjo Patterson Inn, home of the Kosciuszko Brewery. Savour the fare at the two restaurants located on the property, or take a stroll around town to 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.
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.