Experience a Country NSW Road Trip

Winding roads, endless plains and epic playlists

The Australian countryside or 'outback' has much to explore, especially if you're used to sticking to the coast and the bigger cities of the country. From fruit farms to national parks to rocky mountains and rolling hills, you can find something to suit everyone when taking a road trip through country NSW.

One of the best ways to explore the area is by driving along one of the main highways and back roads that crisscross through the region. You'll get to enjoy sweeping views of farms, forests and rivers as you drive cross-country, depending on where you're headed. If you want to get a bit of culture during your travels, there are plenty of quaint towns along the way that offer something unique to each traveller.

Find out the best places to visit in Country NSW along an epic road trip route below. The itinerary below uses a northern route, going from Tumut in the Snowy Mountains region in the south to Copeton Waters in Northern NSW.

Outback roadtrip

Set out from Tumut

Total Drive: 14hr

Before you leave Tumut, an idyllic spot in the Snowy Mountains region, make sure to spend some time exploring this stunning part of the world, like a trip to Mount Kosciuszko National Park or Blowering Dam.

Heading to Wee Jasper - ultimate in off-grid star-gazing

Drive time: 2–2.5 hrs from Tumut

Gundagai is the perfect first road-trip pause, with great coffee at Niagara Café or The Coffee Pedaler and a chance to stretch your legs along the historic Prince Alfred Bridge. Don’t miss a quick photo at the Dog on the Tuckerbox before heading on to Wee Jasper.

Where to stay:

Peaceful, tucked away and nature with a shade of green you won't see anywhere else, Reflections Wee Jasper is a must! Tip: Stay a bit longer and take a step back in time on the historic Hume & Hovell Trail. Wee Jasper also touches the side of Burrinjuck Dam, perfect for boating and fishing.

Rolling farmland and classic country towns on the way to Wyangala Waters

Drive time: 2.5–3 hrs from Wee Jasper

Boorowa makes a relaxed country coffee stop, with the Marsden Street General Store serving good brews and light lunches in a heritage main street setting.

Where to stay:

From there, it's just over an hour to Reflections Wyangala Waters. Stop, take a deep breath, and just enjoy the big skies and big waters of the Lachlan River. Stay in cabins or unpowered camping on the water.

Meander through the Central West and Upper Hunter region on the way to Lake Glenbawn

Drive time: 5 hrs

We're taking the scenic route through Mudgee and Bathurst - great places to stop to grab a bite or coffee. Hill End is also a great little spot to stop - 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.

Where to stay:

Pulling into Reflections Lake Glenbawn on the edge of Glenbawn Dam, you’re greeted by wide-open water, grazing kangaroos and a deep sense of tranquillity along the shoreline. The park blends sweeping lake views with vineyard country, and the cabins set high on the hill deliver truly epic outlooks across the dam, especially at sunrise. Spend your days bushwalking by the water, exploring Scone (the Horse Capital of Australia) or enjoying a winery lunch in the Upper Hunter.

Lake Glenbawn to Lake Keepit

Drive time: 2 hrs 30 mins

On the drive from Lake Glenbawn to Lake Keepit, wind through Scone’s horse country before stopping in Tamworth for lunch and a quick photo at the Big Golden Guitar, then continue on to Gunnedah, where the towering painted grain silos add an unexpected splash of colour to the landscape. As the scenery opens into wide plains and big skies, you’ll feel the shift into classic northern NSW countryside before arriving lakeside.

Where to stay:

Cruising into Reflections Lake Keepit, you’ll feel that big-sky country calm settle in as soon as you glimpse the broad waters and gentle bushland that stretch to the horizon. Here, its all about switching off; cast a line for silver perch and Murray cod, glide across the water in a kayak or boat, or simply watch the sunset turn the lake gold. With a waterpark, BMX track, skate park and plenty of room to roam, Lake Keepit delivers that relaxed inland escape. Hint: Opt for a serious upgrade and stay in a Wilderluxe Glamping Tent - the ultimate in bush luxury.

Copeton Waters – Cast into country adventure

Leaving Lake Keepit behind, enjoy a relaxed country drive north with an easy coffee stop in Barraba or a longer pause in Bingara, where you can stretch your legs along the Gwydir River or grab a bite inside the beautifully restored Roxy Theatre café. From here, the road rolls gently through granite country and open farmland as you approach one of NSW’s largest inland waterways.

Arriving at Reflections Copeton Waters, the scale of Copeton Dam immediately impresses — expansive water framed by bushland and wide horizons. Whether you’re here to chase Murray cod and yellowbelly, launch the boat for a day on the water, paddle along quiet inlets or simply relax beside the shoreline, this park invites you to set your own pace. With lakeside cabins, powered sites and easy access to Inverell and Bingara, Copeton Waters is the kind of place where the road trip naturally slows, and the country adventure really begins.

Ready to hit the road?

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 safely and happy exploring!