If you are planning a trip to Sydney, you might wonder what are some of the best road trips from Sydney to take. Luckily, this article has you covered. Whether you want to visit the Royal National Park, take a scenic drive along the Coastal Discovery Drive, or enjoy the beautiful Byron Bay, you’ll find the right options for your trip in this list.
Kangaroo Valley
If you are planning a trip to the Southern Highlands, Kangaroo Valley is a great destination. The area is a nature lover’s paradise, and is a two-hour drive from Sydney.
This region features beautiful beaches and a number of national parks. Visitors can choose from a number of different day tours.
A visit to the area is a perfect way to see the best of the country. There are plenty of options for camping, as well as other activities such as fishing and horse riding. You may even spot wildlife.
One of the most popular sights in the area is the Kangaroo River. Located in the valley, the river is a great place to go kayaking or canoeing. Kayak tours are available from Kangaroo Valley Kayaks, or you can hire a motorbike to explore the valley.
Another major highlight of the Kangaroo Valley area is the spectacular waterfall. The falls plunge over 81 metres into a green, verdant valley below. Besides being a gorgeous sight, the waterfall has a great information center that provides information about the area’s history.
For foodies, there are several restaurants in the area. Some of the more popular places to eat include the Friendly Inn and General Store, as well as the Gumnut Patisserie, which offers gourmet desserts.
Visitors can also head out to the local wineries. Although the region isn’t as well-known as its sister winery region in the Hunter Valley, there are still plenty of choices.
Nambucca Heads
When you want to spend a few days on a road trip from Sydney to Nambucca Heads, there are plenty of options. You can take a quick trip or stay longer and explore the region on foot or on a bike. No matter what you do, you’ll be able to enjoy stunning scenery.
There are plenty of beautiful beaches and national parks on your road trip from Sydney to Nambucca Heads. From pristine, white-sand beaches to ancient rainforests, you’ll find a range of unique destinations.
The Blue Mountains are one of the best scenic drives in Sydney. This region is filled with magical lookouts and endless hiking trails. You can also go horseback riding or white water rafting in the area.
If you’re looking for a quick trip from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, you’ll want to check out Wollemi National Park. It’s World Heritage listed and features the Wollemi Pine, a tree that was thought to have disappeared 100 million years ago.
On your way back, head to the Hawkesbury River to see historic Convict Trail. The river offers houseboats and other amenities.
Another great stop is the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which is a popular day trip from Sydney. In addition to the clifftops, you can explore the natural beauty of the area on a walk.
While you’re there, you’ll also have the chance to visit the Royal National Park, which is the oldest in Australia. It has a number of secluded beaches, lush eucalyptus forests and pretty picnic areas.
Byron Bay
One of the best road trips from Sydney is the Sydney to Byron Bay route. If you want to drive through the countryside and get off the beaten track, this is the perfect choice.
You’ll find great beaches, surfing, and plenty of markets. The town is also surrounded by national parks, making it a good base to explore the Australian outdoors.
In Byron Bay, you’ll find a famous lighthouse. You can also find Minyon Falls, a rainforest waterfall. This is a definite must see.
The Blue Mountains are a gorgeous natural setting. They’re super easy to access and offer a variety of impressive cliff walks.
Another must-see on the list is the Dorrigo National Park, which is a World Heritage-listed site. The park features a world-class botanical garden. There are also a number of hiking trails.
Some of the more unique things to do in Byron include going for a dip in the sea, scuba diving, and horseback riding. You can also take a stroll along the oceanfront.
There are many great places to stop on the way to Byron. Make sure you check out the Convict Trail. It’s a historic trail built in the 1800s.
For a taste of Byron Bay’s nightlife, you can stay at The Beach Hotel. It’s a great place to enjoy some music or food.
On your road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay, you’ll have to find a place to stay. You can find campgrounds that can accommodate RVs and tents.
Coastal Discovery Drive
The Coastal Discovery Drive is a great route between Melbourne and Sydney. It offers the chance to see some of Australia’s best beaches and wildlife, including Eden, Bateman’s Bay, and Phillip Island.
The drive also includes the quaint village of Berrima. The town was once a major mining center, but has now become a ghost town. Visitors can take a tour of the old town and even stay in one of the several campsites.
The drive can be combined with another one of Australia’s most popular road trips: the Grand Pacific Drive. It runs from the Royal National Park in Sydney to Jervis Bay on the coast.
There are numerous worthwhile stops along the way. One of the most interesting is the Booderee National Park. This park boasts unique natural features, including a stunning lagoon and partially submerged trees.
Another must-see is the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The 2.3 km-long peninsula is a favorite for day trippers from Sydney. You can explore the picturesque landscape at a leisurely pace, or opt for a more adventurous hike through the park.
Jervis Bay is the crown jewel of New South Wales. The bay has crystal clear waters, abundant marine life, and white sands. Cruises are available for whale watching.
Another great destination is the Blue Mountains. A short drive from Sydney, this scenic area is packed with cliff walks, incredible lookouts, and endless hiking trails.
Grand Pacific Drive
The Grand Pacific Drive is a 140km coastal drive on the southern coast of New South Wales. It begins in Royal National Park and finishes in Jervis Bay.
The road is dotted with quaint seaside villages and larger-than-life attractions. On your way to or from Sydney, consider this scenic drive.
A trip down the Grand Pacific Drive is definitely worth the time. You will see breathtaking scenery, coastal rainforests, and some larger than life attractions. This route takes about 6 hours to complete.
One of the more impressive features along the drive is the Sea Cliff Bridge. Located between Coalcliff and Clifton, this bridge is 665 metres long and is one of the most beautiful features on the Grand Pacific Drive.
In 2005, the bridge replaced a traditional coastal road. To prevent rock falls, a walkway was installed on top of the bridge. There is also a new attraction: the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk.
Bald Hill is the best lookout on the Grand Pacific Drive. Located just by a roundabout where Lady Wakehurst Drive meets Lawrence Hargrave Drive, this is a must-see. At the lookout, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the ocean.
The Scarborough Hotel is another of the grand pacific’s attractions. It is a popular place to stay, combining panoramic ocean views with a large open beer garden and prime waterfront real estate. While the hotel may not be as luxurious as some, you can still get great food and service.
Royal National Park
Royal National Park is the oldest national park in Australia. It’s also home to over 100 km of bushwalking tracks and pretty picnic grounds. If you’re looking for an easy weekend trip from Sydney, consider a trip to this park.
The park is located in NSW and Victoria. The area offers camping and cabins. Specific campsites, however, require reservations.
While you’re in the area, take a hike on the Convict Trail, which was built in the 1800s. You can also take a dip at Mollymook Beach, which is a popular surfing spot.
Another popular day trip from Sydney is the Blue Mountains. This beautiful area boasts cliff walks, waterfalls, and magical lookouts. There are endless hiking trails and stunning views.
Wollemi is a World Heritage-listed region. The area is known for its Wollemi Pine, which was thought to have disappeared over 100 million years ago. In the park, you can also go canoeing, swim, or explore the dramatic landscape.
The area is also a great destination for whale watching. When the whales are migrating, you’ll likely see them at the Bathers Way, a 6-km-long scenic route.
Jervis Bay is one of Australia’s crown jewels. The bay features a beautiful, clear ocean. Visitors can also go dolphin watching.
There are many more beautiful spots along the New South Wales coast. Many of them are just a short drive away.
