NSW has some of the most picturesque landscapes in all of Australia. Rolling green hills, lush forests, dramatic coastlines, red outback plains and quaint rural towns. NSW truely has it all and is made for adventure! There’s nothing like hitting the open road so why not do it in NSW? I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Growing up in a regional NSW and VIC border town, i’ve had plenty of time to find some of the sweet spots.
These are my 3 road trips you have to take in NSW this year!
Read more: 3 Extraordinary NSW Road Trips You Have To Take In 2023!1. The Murray River Road trip
Start point: Sydney
Finish: Albury
Distance: 553km
Time: 5hr 56min
Highlight’s on route: Nattai National Park, Goulburn, Yass, Gundagia, Holbrook
Don’t want to be Bias but had to start off with my home turf.
Albury has certainly flourished over the past 5 or so years. It has become a hotspot for delicious dinning and outdoor adventure, making a perfect country escape!
The beautiful Murray River runs along side the town and separates it from it’s sister border town, Wodonga VIC. Make sure you jump over the river to check it out!
Head over to Noreuil park to explore the beauty of the river by Kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and cycling. Kayaks and canoes can be hired from Murray River Canoe Hire and you can even join a guided tour. Easily grab yourself a bike from Cycle Station (whilst you’re there, pop in next door for a delicious coffee from Cafe Musette). The Wagirra Trail is a 8km path along the banks of the Murray that takes you through the stunning bird haven, Wonga Wetlands and past the Yindyamarra sculptures. You can enjoy the sites by cycling and walking the trail.
If your wanting to do a bit more in the water and try your luck at some fishing, then make sure you pay the spectacular lake Hume a visit. Enjoy a stroll around the waters edge and a BBQ at one of the free to use sites. Dogs are also welcome here.
For more walking and bike riding, check out Nailcan Hill. The hill hosts some awesome mountain trails for all sorts of abilities. Enjoy the views from the top and some of the areas native flora and fauna. I recommend using the free AllTrails app to find the best trails.
Albury high street is littered with the best dining options. I personally recommend HAPI , Norma, 2640 Restaurant and Bar and Din Dins. These are some of Albury’s most popular spots (for good reason) so i’d suggest booking ahead.
The 6 hour drive can be easily be done in a day or can be broken up.
I’d suggest checking out Nattia National park for some walking and cycling. There’s some free camping spots available as well.
Have a quick stop in Goulburn to see the famous “Big Ram”.
Stop for a coffee and some lunch at Yass or Gundagia. Make sure you give the Dog On A Tucker Box sculpture a visit in Gundagia.
Holbrook’s Submarine is defiantly worth seeing. It’s located in the centre of town and is huge!
2. Coastal Road Trip to Byron Bay
Start point: Sydney
Finish: Byron Bay
Distance: 766km
Time: 7hrs 49min
Highlights on route: Newcastle, Anna Bay, Seal Rocks, Smiths Lake, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour
Probably the most popular costal holiday spot in all of NSW, Byron Bay needs no introduction.
I’d suggest doing this road trip outside the busy seasons, Mainly the July and August school holidays. Especially for Byron Bay. The towns vibe is a lot more relaxed and I find you can enjoy the area a lot more without the craziness.
The road trip is incredible with so much to see and do. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches to lay on and breaks to surf on. There’s also an abundance of spots to grab a bit to eat.
Make your way by starting with the vibrant costal town Newcastle. The enormous sand dunes of Anna Bay is only 50 mins a way. I’d recommend taking a sand boarding trip here for some afternoon fun! The dunes are also available for 4WD’s.
Seals rock is a good spot to check out if you enjoy surfing. We had a lovely afternoon enjoying the break in October.
Take a kayak out on Smiths Lake to enjoy the crystal clear waters and spot the marine life underneath.
Make sure you stop at Port Macquarie’s Koala Hospital to see some adorable koala’s and to support the incrediable work they do.
Coffs Harbour is home to the Big Banana Fun Park and is an awesome day out for the whole family!
Take a trip up to the Cape Byron lighthouse for some stunning views at Byron Bay. Best times are either sunrise and sunset. A short walk from the lighthouse is the most easterly point in Australia. Try spot some of the local dolphins in the water whilst your there.
Byron is home to some beautiful beaches that you can surf, swim and relax on. The Pass was probably my favourite for swimming and there is also an awesome surf break here.
Want to give Balcony Bar and Oyster Co a shout out for one of the best espresso martini i’ve ever had! Give them a try when in Byron.
3. Blue Mountains
Start point: Sydney
Finish: Hawkesbury
Distance: 296km
Time: 4 hrs 34min
Highlights on route: Katoomba, Lithgow, Mount Tomah, Bilpin, Hawkesbury
I don’t think there are truely words to describe the beauty of the blue mountains. It is home to some of the most extraordinary and majestic landscapes i’ve ever seen and one of the most picturesque road trips you can take. There are multiple view points that over look the incredible gorges carved out in the land and walks that take you straight through them.
This road trip can be done within four days.
Katoomba is where you’ll be able to see the stunning sandstone peaks; The Three Sisters, which overlooks the Jamison Valley.
You can check out the highest view point at Lithgow. You can also see the Jenolan Caves and get on a guided tour to explore the wonder.
The Botanical Gardens at Mount Tomah is defiantly worth a stop. See the native flora in all its glory in the beautiful gardens.
To score yourself some delicious local fruit, head to Bilpin. Apples and hard stone fruits orchards grow in abundance here.
The Hawkesbury river is an incredible spot for some kayaking and fishing.
