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NSW road trips for epic adventure: complete guide

Road trips

NSW road trips for epic adventure: complete guide

7th October 2021•Camplify Team

New South Wales is a state blessed with one of the most diverse landscapes on Earth. One day you might be wandering behind waterfalls in the Northern Tablelands. The next you might be surveying the desert landscape around Broken Hill. But with so much choice, it can be hard choosing which adventure to take on next! To help you out, our travel experts have compiled this list of the best NSW road trips.

For each road trip, we have included information on the route, distance, days required, highlights, a brief overview and much more.

No matter what you’re hoping to see or do in this great state, you’ll find it on this list of unmissable road trips around NSW!

Use Camplify to quickly and easily arrange campervan hire in New South Wales.

The 14 best NSW road trips

Mountain road trips in NSW

1. The best NSW road trip through the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury

The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.

If you’re looking for a short but sweet NSW road trip from Sydney, you can’t beat this loop around the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury areas. Start in Katoomba and head straight to the iconic Three Sisters before hiking down the Katoomba Falls return walk for amazing views from Juliet's Balcony lookout. Take a break in the pretty town of Leura and enjoy a coffee in the Leura Cascades picnic area.

From there, head to the 340-million-year-old Jenolan Caves, regarded as “Australia’s most spectacular caves”. Drive your car through the entrance cave and join a tour to admire the stalagmites and stalactites in some of the country’s largest cave systems.

Follow the famous Bells Line Road back through the apple-growing town of Bilpin, where you can stop for a cider tasting at a local brewery or wander around the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden. End your trip in the Hawkesbury, camping alongside the river at Wisemans Ferry, host to the oldest ferry crossing still in operation in NSW and a World-Heritage walkway along the convict-built Old Great Northern Road.

2. The best NSW road trip through the Kosciuszko Alpine Way

Kosciuszko National Park is full of beautiful campsites and walks.

Experience the NSW Snowy Highlands in all their glory with this road trip from Sydney to Kosciuszko National Park. Organise campervan hire in Canberra and spend a few days exploring the Australian Capital’s major attractions such as the Australian War Memorial, the halls of Parliament House and the wacky exhibits at Questacon National Science and Tech Centre.

Continue southward and stop over in country towns like Cooma and Jindabyne before ascending into the breathtaking high country of Kosciuszko National Park. If you’re travelling in winter, stay at one of the best campsites near the ski resorts and shred the slopes at Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass or Selwyn. Perisher is the biggest resort with four different areas to ski, while Thredbo tends to have fewer crowds, which means more time on the slopes.

Head back to Jindabyne, where you can stay at the NRMA Jindabyne Park and wake up to some stunning lakeside views in your campervan. If you’re travelling in summer, spend your days mountain biking, horse riding or fishing in the surrounding countryside.

Get some more travel inspiration for colder months with our guide to NSW winter road trip ideas.

Coastal road trips in NSW

1. The best NSW road trip along the Pacific Coast

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.

Keen to venture north along the stunning NSW Pacific Coast on a Newcastle to Byron Bay road trip? Arrange campervan hire in Newcastle and start with a seaside breakfast at the famous The Merewether Surfhouse. Follow up with a wander along the Newcastle Memorial Walk that commemorates the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing and features a 160m stretch of clifftop bridge.

Stop in at the sleepy coastal town of Port Stephens - the dolphin-watching capital of Australia and home to the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Camp at one of the 22 scenic campgrounds around Myall Lake National Park before watching the sunrise at the iconic Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.

Continue northward and visit more attractions like Sea Acres National Park in Port Macquarie and the Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour. Finally, you’ll reach the hipster beach city of Byron Bay - the perfect place to spend a few more days soaking in the sun on the Cape Byron walking track or Main Beach.

Starting from Sydney? Check out the ultimate Sydney to Port Macquarie road trip_!

Alternatively, learn more about the ultimate_ NSW coast road tripor continue even further with this NSW North Coast road trip!

2. The best NSW road trip around the Grand Pacific Drive and Southern Highlands

The Sea Cliff Bridge on the Grand Pacific Drive.

If there’s one NSW road trip you need to put on your ‘must-do’ list it’s arguably this one. Start in Sydney and pass through the Royal National Park - one of the oldest National Parks in the world and home to iconic sights like Wedding Cake Rock and Figure 8 Rock Pools.

Continue south along the Grand Pacific Drive, an amazing 140km stretch of coastal highway that includes the famous 665m Sea Cliff Bridge. Stop for a night in Kiama, a laid back coastal town between lush farmland and salty sea. See ocean water blast 30m into the air at the Kiama Blowhole and admire the historic lighthouse built in 1887.

Turn west into the charming NSW Southern Highlands, winding your way through the forests around Kangaroo Valley before passing over Australia’s last surviving wooden suspension bridge: Hampden Bridge. Return to Sydney via more charming country towns like Bowral, a rural retreat for Australia’s rich and famous and home to the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame.

3. The best NSW road trip around the South Coast

The white sand beaches of Jervis Bay.

A road trip along the NSW South Coast can be enjoyed all year round, with summer being perfect for swimming in the sea and winter bringing whale watching. Arrange campervan hire in Wollongong and spend a few slow days soaking up the sun on the sugar-white sands of Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay.

Continue to port towns like Ulladulla and Batemans Bay, where you can enjoy some of the best seafood in the country. And don’t miss the iconic Mogo Wildlife Park, Australia’s largest collection of exotic animals.

Conclude your road trip in the historic town of Eden, famous for its Killer Whale Museum. In the museum, you’ll see the full skeleton of ‘Tom the Killer Whale’, a legendary orca that used to lead a pack of killer whales in the waters off of Eden. And if you’re travelling in winter, be sure to join a whale watching tour on the so-called Humpback Highway!

Caught your interest? Discover our unmissable NSW South Coast road trip itinerary.

Forest road trips in NSW

1. The best NSW road trip along the Waterfall Way

Explore the waterfalls in Dorrigo National Park.

The Waterfall Way is the perfect weekend road trip for couples wanting a romantic getaway amongst the lush NSW nature. Start by organising your campervan hire in Coffs Harbour, where you can check out one of the few places on earth where rainforest runs all the way down to the ocean at Sea Acres National Park.

Continue south to the charming town of Bellingen, where you can enjoy a pizza and beer lunch at the Bellingen Brewery. Afterwards, walk it off in Dorrigo National Park along the easy Crystal Shower Falls walkway through lush forest and behind the waterfall itself! Not far away is Dangar Falls, where you can swim in the lagoon beneath the 30m cascade.

Make another stop in the village of Ebor, home to the 100m tall Ebor Falls. Use the town as your base for exploring the New England National Park (part of the world-heritage Gondwana Rainforest) and Cathedral Rock National Park (famous for its stacked boulder formations).

After passing through Wollombimbi, pull-over at the Wollomombi Falls Picnic Area overlooking the 220m cascade. End your trip in the country town of Armidale, famous for its leafy streets, grand heritage buildings and churches.

Want a longer version? Check out this Sydney to Coffs Harbour road trip and start your adventure further south!

2. The best NSW road trip on the Rainforest Way

The view from Mt Warning over the Rainforest Way.

Another awesome NSW road trip for couples wanting a quick adventure through the lush forests of the Northern Tablelands. Arrange campervan hire in Byron Bay and leave behind the golden beaches for the Rainforest Way.

Stop in the town of Murwillumbah, where the Tweed River meets the remnants of a volcano at Mount Warning. If you’re up for a challenge, make the six-hour return hike along the Mount Warning summit track. Alternatively, continue following the road along the Tweed River through local dairy farms and plantations to the town of Uki. Set up camp and spend a day canoeing or bass fishing on Clarrie Hall Dam.

Devote a whole day to exploring Mebbin National Park and Nightcap National Park, both of which are World-Heritage listed. Make sure to do the Byrrill Creek walking track that takes you through a sub-tropical rainforest of massive ancient fig trees. Similarly, check out the Minyon Falls lookout over the palm-shaded gorge 100m below.

Pass through the regional centres of Lismore and Casino on your way to Tabulam, a gateway to Richmond Range National Park and Tooloom National Park (both part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and host to ancient Aboriginal sites).

Country road trips in NSW

1. The best NSW road trip from Sydney to Wagga Wagga

You can't miss The Big Merino in Goulburn.

Highlights: Berrima | The Big Merino | Bungonia National Park | Wombeyan Cave | Murrumbidgee River

You can do Sydney to Wagga Wagga in just a day, but let’s face it, where’s the fun in that?! Whether you want to stop off for a night, or simply stretch your legs along the way, here’s how to make the most of your Sydney to Wagga Wagga road trip.

Stop off in Berrima and enjoy a peaceful and serene river walk where you might even spot a platypus with a bit of luck. Don’t forget to grab some local jam and honey from Little Hand-Stirred Jam Shop before you continue the drive.

Goulburn is home to The Big Merino - make sure to take an iconic photo! You can also stretch your legs through Bungonia National Park or head into Wombeyan Cave where you can discover old structures dating back to the early 1900s.

Once you arrive in Wagga Wagga, head straight through to the Thirsty Cow for a well-deserved beer and bite to eat. Then swap those travel clothes for a pair of swimmers and head to Wagga Beach on the Murrumbidgee River. There are plenty of grassy spots, shade and calm waters here to keep you cool and comfortable all day!

2. The best NSW road trip from Sydney to Dubbo

Dubbo Zoo is one of the best in the country.

Take a country NSW road trip to the regional centre of Dubbo - a place full of family-friendly attractions and fine dining! Starting in Sydney and passing over the Blue Mountains, your first stop should be in the country town of Mudgee, famous for producing some of the best food and wine in Australia.

Once you reach Dubbo, you’ll have a stack of award-winning tourist attractions to tick off the list, including the heritage-listed Old Dubbo Gaol and the highly interactive [Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience](https://dubbo.experience.flyingdoctor.org.au/# gref). Devote a whole day to exploring Dubbo Zoo, one of Australia’s largest zoos, which you can drive around in your own car.

See our guide to a Sydney to Dubbo road trip for more information.

3. The best NSW road trip around the Central West

Parkes Observatory was vital in the Apollo 11 Moon Mission.

Continue the Sydney to Dubbo road trip above and get a taste of all that the NSW Central West has to offer. Picking up your campervan hire in Western NSW, spend a few days hitting all the major attractions in Dubbo. Then head to Parkes, famous for the Parkes Observatory that played a pivotal role in the Apollo 11 Moon Mission.

Stop off in iconic country towns like Forbes and Cowra, where the streets are lined with heritage buildings and steeped in history. See the site where legendary bushranger Ben Hall had his final shootout and visit the infamous Prisoner of War Camp Site, where 1000+ Japanese prisoners escaped in 1944.

Enjoy great produce and a vineyard tour in Orange, where you can stretch your legs in the beautiful Cook Park or explore over 60 wineries by bike. Finally, end your county NSW road trip in Bathurst with a lap around the famous Mount Panorama Racing Circuit and a visit to the Australia Fossil and Mineral Museum.

Keen to experience more of the state’s beautiful countryside? Check out our guide to the ultimate Central West NSW road trip.

Wine and dining road trips in NSW

1. The best NSW road trip around the Hunter Valley

Wine and dine in the Hunter Valley.

What better way to spend your cold winter months than a road trip to the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine-growing region. After arranging campervan hire on the Central Coast, spend the day relaxing on different beaches such as Avoca, Terrigal and Patonga.

When you’re ready, head to the town of Nulkaba and set up camp at the Wine Country Tourist Park Hunter Valley, a small family-owned park where you can hire push bikes and ride around the nearby vineyards. From here, the Hunter Valley’s major tourist towns such as Pokolbin, Broke and Wollombi are only ever less than a 30 minutes drive from one another.

Tour over 150 wineries and cellar doors in the area to sample some of the world's best Semillon and Shiraz. Many vineyards also offer a range of local artisan cheeses and chocolates for you to taste and take home.

And don’t miss your chance to take a sunrise hot air balloon ride before throwing on your chef’s hat and taking a cooking class in Asian or European cuisine.

2. The best NSW road trip around the Riverina

Wagga Wagga is renowned for Italian dining.

Treat yourself to a mouthwatering road trip through NSW’s Riverina Region and gorge on an array of delicious local produce. Starting in Wagga Wagga, ride the mini steam trains around the Botanic Gardens before visiting the nearby Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins, where you can walk amongst the historic remains or take a dip in the swimming hole.

Enjoy a locally crafted beer and a gourmet pizza at the Tumut River Brewing Co. before driving to Tumbarumba and marvelling at the live Boggy Creek Show, a horseback spectacular about Australia’s rugged stockmen. The next day can be spent taking an open-air cart tour around Altina Wildlife Park, home to lions, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, wild dogs and much more!

A trip to Griffith isn’t complete without visiting the Pioneer Park Museum, where you can learn about the city’s Italian heritage before heading back to town and enjoying a hot bowl of pasta. End your road trip on a sweet note and treat yourself to some snacks at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory.

Outback road trips in NSW

1. The best NSW road trip on The Darling River Run

Follow the Murray and Darling Rivers through Outback NSW.

Want to go on an NSW Outback road trip without ever leaving the water’s edge? Then the Darling River Run is perfect!

As you depart Walgett, you’ll follow the winding Darling River through beautiful NSW bushland. Stop for the night and camp at the iconic Trilby Station, where you can get a taste of country living and tour the historic Dunlop Station.

Take a day to explore one of the most important Aboriginal sites in Australia, Mungo National Park - where the world's oldest ritual burial took place 42,000 years ago.

Eventually, as you chase paddle steamers down the Darling River, you’ll converge with the mighty Murray River. Camp on the water’s edge and take every chance you get to go for a swim.

Finish your Outback road trip in Wentworth or Mildura, where you can spend a few days skiing or wakeboarding.

See more Australian Outback road trip ideas like this one!

2.The best NSW road trip from Broken Hill to Byron Bay

Sculptures in the desert around Broken Hill.

This epic NSW road trip is for those that want the full-blown Outback experience. Starting in Broken Hill, take a look at the Sculptures and Living Desert Sanctuary before moving on to the Line of Lode Lookout, where you can learn about the 800+ miners that have lost their lives in local mines.

Head east to Bourke, where you can take a dip in the Darling River off of the historic wharf from the 1850s. At sunset, drive to the top of Mt Oxley for panoramic views over the dusty plains.

Continue to Lightning Ridge and soak for hours in the Artesian Bore Baths that heat to about 40 or 50 degrees celsius. Whilst you’re in town, be sure not to miss the Chambers of the Blackhand underground art gallery.

Head to Moree and try your hand at fishing or canoeing in the Gwydir Delta waterways. After a long day on the road, enjoy a paddock to plate dinner at one of the many stellar pubs and restaurants around town.

End your road trip in Byron Bay with a dip on Main Beach and a sunset at the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

Hire a van for your NSW road trip

Decided which

you want to take on? Now it’s time to arrange your wheels (and accommodation)!

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The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.