Hit the road
NSW is one of Australia’s best road trip destinations, where coastal highways, vineyard regions, country towns and vast inland waterways are all within a day’s drive of each other. Whether you’re searching for coastal NSW road trip ideas, a family-friendly inland itinerary or a scenic country NSW driving route, you’ll find inspiration here.
Our curated NSW road trips highlight the best places to stop, eat and explore.
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How to plan your NSW road trip
Planning a NSW road trip starts with choosing the right route for your style of travel. Are you chasing ocean views and beachside towns, vineyard lunches and rolling hills, or wide-open country skies and lakeside adventures? Decide how many days you have, then map out realistic driving times so there’s space to explore along the way.
- Book your holiday park stays in advance, especially during school holidays and long weekends
- Consider mixing cabin accommodation with powered sites if you’re travelling with a caravan or camper.
- Check road conditions before you leave, particularly for inland routes after heavy rain
- Download offline maps in case of limited mobile reception.
- If you’re towing, ensure your vehicle and van are road-ready, with tyres, brakes and towing connections checked before departure.
- Pack plenty of water for longer country drives, and plan your fuel stops in larger regional centres.
- Most importantly, leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous stops — whether that’s a country bakery, a scenic lookout or a sunset by the water.
The best NSW road trips aren’t just about the destination; they’re about the moments you discover along the way.
Best time of year to road trip NSW
There’s no bad time for a NSW road trip — it simply depends on the experience you’re after. From coastal drives to inland country itineraries, each season offers something different.
Spring (September–November) brings mild weather, blooming landscapes and ideal conditions for exploring regional NSW without peak crowds.
Summer (December–February) is perfect for coastal road trips and lakeside stays, with long days suited to swimming, boating and beach time — though inland areas can be warm.
Autumn (March–May) delivers cooler days, golden scenery and harvest season in many country regions, making it great for relaxed scenic drives and food-focused stops.
Winter (June–August) offers crisp mornings, quieter roads and peaceful park stays, particularly appealing for travellers who enjoy slower-paced touring.
Whenever you travel, check local conditions ahead of busy periods to make the most of your NSW road trip.
Frequently asked questions
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Didn’t find what you were looking for? We’re here to help. Get in touch below.
Where should I go within 2 hours of Sydney?
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.
What is the best scenic route to drive?
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.
Country NSW road trips are definitely worth a look. Checkout our Outback road trip route here
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