NSW Road Trips Across the State
From world heritage national parks to hidden towns filled with history and culture, New South Wales offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences for all demographics. Travelling around the state is easiest with a vehicle along the Pacific Highway, meaning road trips are the best way to explore the diverse landscapes, attractions, and hidden gems of NSW.
We've compiled a list of the best road trips to travel around NSW, going through the Far North Coast, Coffs Coast, Mid-North Coast, South Coast, and across the state's outback. Find out more below.
NSW Far North Coast Road Trip
Total Drive: 2hr 14min
Start: Yamba
Finish: Brunswick Heads
Travelling from Yamba to Terrace Reserve, the NSW Far North Coast Road Trip is the perfect choice for those wanting to explore some of Australia's most iconic beaches, rainforests and national parks. Start your journey at Yamba before heading to Evans Head, where you'll be able to drive a beautiful coastal route and take a look at vintage aircraft from WWI.
You can also pay a visit to the small towns of Woodburn, Coraki, Wardell and Ballina, most famous for their water sports and beautiful parks. All around 20 minutes drive apart, the towns around north NSW not only have entertaining activities to partake in but are also convenient to travel between.
NSW Coffs Coast Road Trip
Total Drive: 2hr 33min
Start: Macksville
Finish: Red Rock
The NSW Coffs Coast Road Trip takes you through Nambucca Heads, Coffs Harbour, Red Rock, and more. This road trip allows you to explore some of the region's most pristine beaches, rainforests and coastal walks.
Start your Coffs Coast journey in Macksville, a small, charming town known for its artisan boutique shops, galleries, and cafes. Then head to Nambucca Heads, a picturesque seaside heritage town located on the estuary of the same name. Relax on its beautiful beaches or take a stroll around its delightful parks before heading over to Coffs Harbour, the largest city on the Coffs Coast. Pay a visit to Dorrigo National Park as well as Big Banana Fun Park while you're in the area.
NSW Mid North Coast Road Trip
Total Drive: 7hr 57min
Start: Jimmys Beach
Finish: Scotts Head
The mid-north coastline of NSW is a hidden gem, studded with many beautiful beaches, towns, and natural landmarks to explore. Start your road trip at Jimmys Beach before heading up to Scotts Head. On the way, you can stop by Bonny Hills, Port Macquarie, South West Rocks and Scotts Head.
As you meander along the coast, take some time to explore the unique attractions this region has to offer such as Sea Acres Rainforest Centre in Port Macquarie, North Brother Mountain and its stunning views, or visit Red Rock with its wonderful waterfall. Further up north is Yuraygir Royal National Park where you can hike, bike, and camp without a permit.
NSW South Coast Road Trip
Total Drive: 6hr 48min
Start: Sydney
Finish: Eden
The NSW South Coast Road Trip offers spectacular coastal views and attractions through the lesser known (yet stunning) parts of the state. Starting at Berkely, enjoy rolling green hills and grazing cattle in the southern highlands, before heading down to Batemans Bay further down south, which is a picturesque coastal town with many water activities and majestic beaches. Eden is another southern town that shouldn't be missed - it is home to many whale-watching tours and fishing activities, as well as the ever-popular Oyster Festival during the month of October. If you have time, you can also head to Murray River to witness Australia’s longest river.
NSW Country/Outback Road Trip
Total Drive: 14hr
The NSW outback has much to explore. Take a long drive from Burrinjuck Waters to Kangaroo Valley, and then head further inwards to Hill End. Burrinjuck Waters State Park is a great place to spend a few days fishing and boating. Kangaroo Valley is located within the Shoalhaven region and offers many activities such as horse riding, camping, hiking and kayaking.
Hill End is a historic gold mining town with numerous cultural experiences to be found. Make sure to take some time to explore historic sites such as the Hill End Cemetery, School of Arts, and St. Barnabas Church. Finish off your trip in Copeton Waters - a great spot for fishing, camping and water activities. Learn more about our NSW Country/Outback Road Trip here.
No matter which NSW road trip you decide to take, make sure to pack snacks and drinks, a map and plenty of sunscreen! Also remember to sort out your accommodation in advance with our convenient holiday parks. Drive safe and happy exploring!
The most famous self-drive routes in NSW include the Coffs Coast Road Trip, the NSW Mid North Coast Road Trip, the NSW South Coast Road Trip and the NSW Country/Outback Road Trip. Each of these routes offer a unique experience showcasing the best of what New South Wales has to offer - stunning coastal views, picturesque towns and villages, national parks, historic sites and much more.
Each trip can be customised to suit your needs and interests; there is something for everyone! Popular attractions along these routes include the Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Forster-Tuncurry, Bermagui, and Eden.
You can visit a range of attractions within 2 hours of Sydney. Some popular destinations include the Royal National Park and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, both of which are ideal for a day trip with plenty of walking tracks and stunning views.
The Jimmys Beach and Hawks Nest are also only a couple hour’s drive away from Sydney, offering picturesque beaches and coastal villages, perfect for a weekend retreat from the big smoke.
One of the best scenic drives in New South Wales is the Grand Pacific Drive route, which takes you from Sydney to Wollongong and beyond. Along this route, you will be able to take in stunning coastal views as well as some of NSW’s most popular attractions such as the Sea Cliff Bridge, Kiama Blowhole and Royal National Park before following the coast south to Eden. Stay at south coast Reflections Holidays to find moments of connection on your trip.