Finally take that road trip that you’ve been craving with this travellers guide to the top scenic drives in New South Wales!
Did somebody say road trip?
New South Wales is known for many things. It’s home to the intriguing but delicious Big Banana, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, the rugged and magical Blue Mountains and, of course, a charismatic coastline packed with plenty of beautiful beaches. Made up of rainforests, outback towns and bustling cities, there’s plenty to see and do in New South Wales.
And, in our opinion, the best way to see and experience all that New South Wales is famed for is on a road trip.
So, to help you embrace the mesmerising beauty of this southeastern state, we’ve curated a guide to the best scenic drives in New South Wales. What are you waiting for? The road is calling you!
The Darling River Run: Bourke to Wentworth
For a taste of the outback’s rugged beauty and pioneering spirit, embark on The Darling River Run, tracing the course of Australia’s longest river. Begin your odyssey in Bourke, where the historic wharves and paddle steamers harken back to the golden age of river trade.
Journey through vast expanses of red earth and sprawling sheep stations, where the timeless rhythms of rural life unfold against a backdrop of endless skies. Explore the opal mining town of Lightning Ridge, where underground dwellings and eccentric characters await discovery. Conclude your voyage in Wentworth, where the Darling converges with the mighty Murray River, a fitting finale to an unforgettable journey through the heart of New South Wales.
The Darling River Run, New South Wales. Photographed by Jonathan Cami. Image via Destination NSW.
Grand Pacific Drive: Sydney to Jervis Bay
Kickstart your adventure from the bustling heart of Sydney and venture southward along the Grand Pacific Drive, where the road winds along coastal cliffs and sweeps through quaint seaside villages. As you traverse the Sea Cliff Bridge, be prepared to have your breath stolen by the panoramic views of the Tasman Sea stretching out before you.
Continue your odyssey to Jervis Bay, renowned for its crystalline waters and pristine beaches. Stop by the Booderee National Park, where native wildlife roams amidst towering eucalyptus forests, and marvel at the dazzling sands of Hyams Beach, boasting some of the whitest sand in the world.
Grand Pacific Drive, New South Wales. Photographed by Jeremy Shaw. Image via Destination NSW.
Snowy Mountains Highway: Canberra to Albury
For a journey through alpine landscapes and rolling hills, set forth from the nation’s capital, Canberra, and follow the Snowy Mountains Highway. Despite Canberra not technically being part of New South Wales, the undulating terrain of the Monaro Plains, where kangaroos graze against the backdrop of distant peaks, are still worth the mention.
Ascend into the Snowy Mountains, where glistening lakes and snow-capped summits await. Take a detour to Thredbo or Perisher during the winter months for a taste of Australia’s premier ski resorts. In the warmer seasons, hike through alpine meadows ablaze with wildflowers or cast a line into pristine mountain streams teeming with trout.
Snowy Mountains, New South Wales. Photographed by Taras Vyshnya. Image via Shutterstock.
Waterfall Way: Armidale to Coffs Harbour
Immerse yourself in the verdant splendour of the New England Tablelands as you embark on the Waterfall Way, a scenic route that winds its way through lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls. Begin your journey in Armidale where heritage architecture and sprawling gardens beckon exploration.
As you venture towards the coast, be prepared to be enchanted by the tumbling torrents of Ebor Falls and the mist-shrouded majesty of Dorrigo National Park. Conclude your expedition amidst the coastal charms of Coffs Harbour, where the iconic Big Banana stands as a whimsical sentinel overlooking the azure waters of the Pacific.
Ebor Falls, New South Wales. Photographed by Kate Nutt. Image via Destination NSW.
Along your scenic road trip be sure to add these 10 Best Waterfalls in New South Wales to your pit-stop list! Or walk your way through the 8 Most Spectacular Scenic Hikes in New South Wales.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
