Thredbo, Snowy MountainsCredit: Alexandra Adoncello
Scenic road trip along Alpine Way, Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains.
#feelnew #feelnsw
Hit the road in New South Wales during winter to discover spectacular landscapes, charming towns and ideal cold-weather activities, such as longer walks and cosy pub dinners by a roaring fire.
Embrace the romance of the Greater Blue Mountains Drive
Feel the crisp mountain air fill your lungs as you weave up winding roads west of Sydney on the Greater Blue Mountains Drive, taking your time to admire the heritage streetscapes of Springwood, Faulconbridge, Wentworth Falls and Leura en route to Katoomba.
There’s no better time to visit Katoomba than during winter, when the mountain town’s restaurants, hotels and guesthouses feel cosier than ever. Time your visit for mid-winter and you might be lucky enough to wake one morning at the likes of the luxe Lilianfels Resort and Spa to see the magical sight of the region’s eucalypt forests dusted with a layer of snow.
Soak up the dramatic Central Tablelands location of Lithgow to the north before taking an alternative route back to Sydney through historic Windsor. Pause to stretch your legs in the lush surrounds of the cool-climate Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, where you can also enjoy a hearty lunch. The scent of ripening winter fruit perfumes the air as you near the apple orchards of Bilpin on the final leg of your drive – pick up edible souvenirs at farmgate stalls along the way.
Bells Line of Road, Blue Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bells Line of Road weaving through the Blue Mountains.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Bells Line of Road, Blue Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bells Line of Road weaving through the Blue Mountains.
Lincoln Rock, Wentworth Falls Credit: Destination NSW
Morning fog over Blue Mountains National Park as seen from Lincolns Rock in Wentworth Falls.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Lincoln Rock, Wentworth Falls Credit: Destination NSW
Morning fog over Blue Mountains National Park as seen from Lincolns Rock in Wentworth Falls.
Channel your inner drover on The Long Paddock
Take a fascinating step back into NSW’s pioneer past on The Long Paddock drive. Relive an iconic chapter of Australia’s history as you trace the historic Cobb Highway, an integral stock route from the Murray River through the Riverina region of southwest NSW, to the edge of the Outback.
The friendly folk at the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre in Echuca Moama have a wealth of knowledge about this important historical port town. Make the hour-long trip from Moama to the town of Deniliquin and imagine what it must have been like to pass through the now-peaceful riverside town in the mid-19th century, when Deniliquin was a busy livestock trading centre. Seize the opportunity to enjoy a round of golf at the Deniliquin Golf Club or watch the sun sparkle on the Edward River as you take an invigorating stroll along the Beach to Beach Riverside Walk.
Stop in Booroorban and spend the night in a restored ‘red rattler’ train carriage at Burraburoon Farmstay. Then move leisurely on to the towns of Hay and Booligal, where you can get a taste of unpolished outback charm with your pub grub at the Duke of Edinburgh.
Take a moment to admire The Pioneers, a mural by Wayne Strickland in Ivanhoe, north of Booligal, before making your way to the Ivanhoe Hotel Motel. Meet local characters and get a feel for the land over a pub meal before embarking on the final leg to the heritage town of Wilcannia, where you’ll uncover even more historical treasures.
Stand Up Paddleboarding, Echuca-Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Small group enjoying stand up paddleboarding in the river, Echuca-Moama
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Stand Up Paddleboarding, Echuca-Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Small group enjoying stand up paddleboarding in the river, Echuca-Moama
PS Emmylou, Echuca-Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Paddlesteamer Emmylou cruising along the Murray River near Echuca-Moama.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
PS Emmylou, Echuca-Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Paddlesteamer Emmylou cruising along the Murray River near Echuca-Moama.
Nourish your soul on the Riverina to Snowy Valleys Way
Save room in your suitcase for take-home treats when you embark on an exhilarating winter drive that begins in the food-bowl town of Griffith, six hours southwest from Sydney. Stock your car with local goodies before heading on to the relaxing country town of Narrandera, making a short detour to visit Lillypilly Estate Winery and Toorak Winery in Leeton to pick up a bottle or two of locally made wine – perhaps a bone-warming shiraz or petit verdot – to enjoy at the end of the day.
Elevate a picnic lunch in Kindra State Forest, on the journey from Narrandera to Junee, with tasty morsels from Coolamon Cheese Co. in Coolamon. Relive your childhood fantasies at Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory in Junee, then cruise along for another half an hour south to Wagga Wagga for a revitalising cocktail at Birdy Bar before dinner at Pastorale. Showcasing ancient methods of cookery using fire, coals and smoke, Wagga Wagga’s newest fine diner is tailor-made for soaking up the wintery atmosphere.
Allow the Sturt Highway to carry you towards the dreamy Snowy Mountains via charming towns such as Adelong and Tumut. Further south is Tumbarumba, where Australia’s highest peaks form a magnificent backdrop to an emerging wine region. Seek out installations by Australian and international artists on the expanding Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, in and around the towns of Adelong and Tumbarumba, as well as Batlow and Tooma. Travel deeper into this enchanting area on the Kosciuszko Alpine Way, ending your trip in a snowy winter wonderland. Prepare for this final leg by checking for weather conditions and road closure information on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife website before you set off. Immerse yourself in this serene landscape for longer at Common Kosci, a new architect-designed cabin on a farm in Jindabyne built for comfort and connection.
Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, Junee Credit: Destination NSW
Children enjoying a visit to the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, Junee.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, Junee Credit: Destination NSW
Children enjoying a visit to the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, Junee.
Truenorth Helicopters, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic flight over Tumut River and the Talbingo Reservoir in the Snowy Mountains.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Truenorth Helicopters, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic flight over Tumut River and the Talbingo Reservoir in the Snowy Mountains.
Feel moved by the wide open spaces on the Central to Outback NSW drive
Buckle up for a thrilling drive into the heart of Outback NSW during the cooler months to experience a new perspective of the spectacular region. Start by taking a walk on the wild side in Dubbo, a five-hour drive west of Sydney, and see lions up close on a Pride Lands Patrol at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Wind down the window for a blast of fresh country air as you head west on the Mitchell Highway to Nyngan to check out the Nyngan Museum. Then take a restorative walk in the Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve wetlands before diving into country NSW’s mining history in Cobar, 132km inland on the Barrier Highway.
Finally, set your sights on Broken Hill, Australia’s first heritage-listed city. You’ll be amazed by the vibrancy of this remote cultural hub, where you’ll find period buildings, great dining and thought-provoking galleries. Start your day in a delightful time warp with a visit to Bells Milk Bar. This cafe has been serving up sweetness since 1892, but it was a renovation in the 1950s that catapulted it into the city’s cultural canon with its ‘futuristic’ style. Swing by and scoff down some peaches and cream waffles and a coffee and wander its adjoining museum of Aussie milk bar heritage.
The Mutawintji National Park is a ruggedly beautiful desert region, rich in Aboriginal history. Book a guided tour to visit the Mutawintji Historic Site, which has one of the best collections of Aboriginal art in the state. The vibrant red landscapes and lush waterholes will leave a lasting impression. At night, be mesmerised by the clarity of the Milky Way in the dark skies outside Broken Hill during a Spectacular Sky Encounter with Outback Astronomy – an unexpected road trip view you won’t soon forget.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo Credit: Destination NSW
Zoofari animals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo Credit: Destination NSW
Zoofari animals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.
Nyngan Museum, Nyngan Credit: Destination NSW
Entrance to the Nyngan Museum and the Nyngan Visitor Information Centre.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Nyngan Museum, Nyngan Credit: Destination NSW
Entrance to the Nyngan Museum and the Nyngan Visitor Information Centre.
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.